***
On Saturday, Sandy slept all morning, and halfway through the day. Lily Evans had tried waking her, letting her know that those from third year and above were allowed trips to Hogsmade on the weekends. She had tried to encourage her to come with the girls (Marlene, Mary and herself), but Sandy politely declined. Firstly, she was still putting a lot of energy on staying away from Harry's parents (which was proving to be difficult, being the roommate of one, and the other designating her his friend). Secondly, she still had some sleep to catch up from, since time-travelling. After sleeping for many, many months on a sleeping bag in the forest, under the stress of the (Second Wizarding) war, Sandy needed to catch up on some Zs.
She woke up around lunch time, went to the Great Hall to eat, and returned to the Gryffindor tower, unsure of what to do next. That's when she came across Peter Pettigrew, alone in the common room, playing chess. Realizing that she really had not started her mission to start changing Peter's fate, Sandy decided to approach him. She couldn't keep putting it back any longer, no matter how much she wanted. "Hey, Peter... Are you playing against yourself?"
He rose his head up in surprise before nodding. "Its fun. Also, Sirius kind of gave up after three games. He's kind of a sore looser- and crappy at chess. Uses the same moves every time. Its kind of embarrassing."
Taking a seat on the opposite chair of the table, Sandy continued to try to make conversation. "And the others? You're here by yourself?"
With a shrug, Peter responded. "James dragged Sirius away to try to ask Lily out. Basically, Sirius is the wingman and moral support, not that his efforts seem to get James any close to Lily, like, ever. As for Remus, he's studying with Dorcas- a Hufflepuff girl. They often meet in the library twice a week, with one of the says in the weekend, so, now." Glancing between the chess board and Sandy, he hesitantly asked. "Hey, I've never played against you. Want to show me what you're made of? You know how to play?"
"Yeah, sure. I'm decent, I guess. But, I could never beat my friend, Ron. He was the best at chess." And so, they began placing the pieces in their respective places, to start a new game.
"After you," He offered, gesturing at her to begin with the first move. Sandy did as told, not so much interested in the game itself. However, it gave her an excuse to try to get close to him, and learn how he was during his younger years. From her understanding, Peter's betrayal had hurt tremendously; not just due to the deaths he indirectly caused, but because apparently he was very close to them. He had been trusted as the Secret Keeper for a reason. If this was the case, then he must not have been that bad before switching sides. So, Sandy had proposed to herself to keep him on the good side. As she thought of this, Peter's voice interrupted her. "Check mate."
Baffled, she blinked away, trying to remove the illusion before her eyes. However, after a second or two, Sandy realized that it was no mere hallucination. He had beat her in less then ten moves. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Check mate? It means you lost."
"I know what it means. Just- how?" She shook her head quite harshly, wanting another chance to prove her worth. "You know what? Lets try again. I clearly wasn't paying enough attention."
A small grin escaped him, as he proceeded to position the chess pieces again. "Happy to, as many times as you want."
"I only need one more."
"If you say so." And, in fact, Sandy's words were just that; words. Time and time again, they restarted the game, and never got beyond twenty-three moves. Every single game, Peter came out victorious. Currently, they were playing their thirty-seventh game. Just as fast as it started, it ended again. "Check mate... Want to go again?"
She leaned back on her chair, and pressed her closed fist against her pursed lips. "I can't tell if you're a bloody chess prodigy, or really good at cheating. If its the second, I still can't see you cheating, so, there's a lot of talent with either option."
"I'm not cheating." He grinned widely, feeling prideful with the compliments he was receiving. "If it helps, I wouldn't beat you in a duel?"
A familiar, almost obnoxious voice then echoed through the common room. "Who's cheating?" It was James, who entered from the other side of the portrait, followed by Sirius. "Sandy, is he cheating? He totally cheats."
Ignoring the spectacled boy, Peter turned back to the girl. "Did I mention he's nearly as sore of a looser at Sirius at chess too?"
Rushing to Sandy's right, Sirius turned the empty chair around, and sat beside her. "Okay, okay. What lies you telling my cuteness, Wormy? Huh?"
"'Lies' that I can see myself believing." Sandy regrettably announced honestly. She could really see him being a sore looser.
Beside him, James stroked his chin as he stared at the group, and nodded to himself. "I told you, Pads, she'd start liking Wormtail first. We're cracking her already."
"Okay, I'm out." Yeah, she couldn't have them figuring out her secrets, nor could she interfere in anyway (accidental or otherwise) with Harry's birth. Why was it so hard to avoid his parents?
"No," He blocked her by standing in front of her, arms spread wide. "You can't keep pulling that card. We take a seat, and talk like adults." Sirius nodded from his chair, agreeing with the idea too.
Nevertheless, the time-traveller could help but snort at Potter's words. "Like adults? I don't see no adults." You won't be one until a few years time. Being older than me (sort of) doesn't give you authority over me. I know things you don't. Knowledge before age, mate.
Just that moment, the girls (Lily, Marlene and Mary) walked in. The redhead was the first to protest against his actions. "Hey, toe rag, if you're bothering Sandy, I swear..."
Oh, great. Both of Harry's parents are here, Sandy thought to herself sarcastically. I apologize in advance for causing you to be unborn, dear old chosen one.
Upon hearing her voice, James turned his body around so quick, he should have gotten whiplashed. Placing his hands over his heart, the boy merely grinned at her. "Oh, my sweet Lilyflower. How I love it when you give me pet names. That's the first step to a relationship, you know?"
The redhead was all but amused. She simply glared with her arms crossed. "You are the most insufferable person I have ever met." Honestly, this exchange was beginning to entertain Sandy. It was the actual first time she saw them talking together. According to the things she had learnt from Harry (who himself had heard all of this mostly from future Remus Lupin, and Sirius Black), Sandy already knew his parents didn't always love each other. That James had been after Lily for years, while she hated his guts, until he was made Head boy, or something. Sandy actually wasn't sure of the details.
"Its pronounced 'irresistible', actually." He ruffled his hair and ushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, grin still intact.
Her glare only intensified. If looks could kill, James wouldn't just be 6 feet under. He'd be downing in the lava lakes of the Underground. Sandy felt herself shivering under the girl's evil eye, even when it wasn't directed to her. "See me resisting without breaking a sweat." Really, the redhead looked ready to take on Voldemort and his entire army, coming out victorious without a struggle.
However, the spectacled boy seemed unfazed. Perhaps he was already used to it. That, or he was hiding his feelings of intimidation extremely well- unlike Peter, right behind him. "Yeah, well, I've never even seen you sweat. You do everything effortlessly. I honestly think you're not capable of sweating at all."
"Someday, I'm going to kill you, and not feel guilty about it. The world would be a better place without your dumbass self."
"You're too nice to do that. Absolutely perfect, actually." He shook his head, knowing well that the girl was full of empty threats. They had gone through this many times. He genuinely believed she should have been a Hatstall for Hufflepuff, with that attitude. Then again, her fire shined too bright and too hot for a sweet old badger. "Come on, admit it. You like me. You really like me. Otherwise you wouldn't give me the time of the day. Go out with me, Evans. Tomorrow, in Hogsmade, at the Three Broomsticks Inn for a couple of butterbeers. Just me and you."
"No." Her stern voice was enough to make Sandy want to sink into her chair. This was Harry's mother? Damm, she was terrifying. The room felt like it was getting darker, and the air thicker with each glare she sent Potter's way.
James didn't even flinch, considering that, maybe she just didn't like the place. Surely, he couldn't be the problem. He was perfect, right? The boy certainly thought so. He'd treat her right, and he was a total catch. Why couldn't he get her to say yes? "Madam Puttifoot's Tea Shop there? Its not my vibe, but, I'd be down for it for you."
"No means no."
"Then, next weekend? I know you want to." It was safe to say that Sandy was starting to see why the redhead wasn't all that into him. Clearly James was too full of himself.
As for Lily, she was about done with the boy. The lovey-lovey feelings were, truly, not mutual. "Fuck you, Potter."
Without missing a beat, James shot a cheeky reply. "I'm still working on it. I do prefer the term 'make love' though."
Seeing the redhead pull out her wand in response, Sandy decided to stand up and get between the pair. "Wow, wow. Okay. How about we end this conversation before anyone gets hurt, yeah?"
"But, this is always my favourite part." Marlene whined, wanting to see Lily use the Bat-Bogey Hex on the spectacled boy.
Mary, on the other hand, shook her head disapprovingly at the girl. "Marlene. No."
"Marlene yes." She challenged back with a large smile and eyes wide, nodding vigorously.
Damm, if this is really how it is here, Harry is never going to be born. I definitely need to do something, right? I mean, how do these two even end up getting married in the first place? Taking Lily's hand, Sandy began dragging her upstairs. "Nope. This is over." The redhead didn't fight against it, despite hearing James' complaints in the background. Partly because she too wanted out, while the other part of her was gleeful over the chance of getting to hang out with her new roommate. The other two girls followed. "You know, he wasn't bothering me that badly. You went a little overboard. Also, you're scarier than a bloody dragon."
"Sorry," How Lily was able to turn pink and shy after being red from anger, Sandy did not know. "But, I know how he is. Trust me." The four girls made it to their dorm, and closed the door behind them.
Mary skipped to her bed, sat down, and began making her inquiries. "What was Potter bothering you about, anyway? He wasn't asking you out too, was he? I've only seen him flirt with Lily."
The redhead shook her head, also going to her own bed. In fact, each girl had immediately decided, without a word, to all sit or lay on their respective beds, and begin a conversation. It had actually been the first time this happened, since Sandy had tried to avoid the trio (mostly Lily). While Mary's was furthest from the door, Marlene's was to her right. Then, it was Lily's, followed by Sandy's being closest to the door. The time-traveller had chosen that arrangement for herself on the day before everyone arrived to Hogwarts. Although unaware of what companions she'd have, Sandy still wanted to be closest to the door, to be ready to defend anyone against an intruder of any kind. Call it paranoia, or prudence, she didn't care. "I think you mean harass. The guy doesn't take a hint. Clearly he's not just blind, but deaf too. I'd argue he's also brainless."
"Amen, sistah!" Marlene placed her hands over her mouth, and hollered. "Lupin is kind of cute though."
"I think you mean Peter." The sunshine girl corrected, staring up at the ceiling dreamily. "Don't you agree, Sandy?"
"You lot are not roping me into a girl talk right now."
"Oh, come on! Why not? You never want to talk to us." Mary whined and pouted. After sitting up from her bed, she whispered (quite loudly), as if trying not to offend her. "Are you, like, depressed 'cause your parents died?"
Lily immediately threw a pillow her way. "Mary! You can't just ask people if they're depressed for being orphaned!"
The third girl shrugged, deciding to take Mary's side on this topic. "I see no problem with it."
That made the redhead scoff in return. "You guys have no filter, I swear." Then she turned to Sandy apologetically. "We're not usually this bad. We can make great friends. Today is a fluke... sort of." She tried to show her a honest, confronting smile, but it simply came out awkward.
Sincerely, it made Sandy wonder if she was bipolar. Only two minutes ago, Lily Po- Evans looked about ready to rip James' head off his shoulders, and throw it on a bonfire as an offering to a demon. Now, that girl was gone, and in its place was a cute little bunny of a person. "The boys are saying the same thing." Sandy began, trying to come up with a way to let them down easily. "Look, I'm going to tell you what I told them. I prefer solitude. I have nothing against you. I just really, really don't do small talk, or other kind of talk. Any socializing."
At that moment, Marlene leaned towards Mary, and spoke softly. "You may be right. She does seem depressed."
"Girls! She can still hear you! Also, you can't do that!"
McKinnon rolled her eyes and plopped back onto her bed. "Yes, mother. Sorry, mother." Beside her, Mary sniggered with a teasing smile.
That made the redhead let out a sarcastic laugh while glaring at the girl. She then proceeded to shoot Sandy an apologetic look. Before she could say anything, however, Sandy shook her head. "Its fine. I'll have to get used to it anyways. Besides, they're probably right."
That made the three girls exchange a few looks, seemingly speaking with their minds, despite the lack of legilimency used. Once they returned to normal, Lily spoke with a tone of determination. "We'll fix that. You're one of us now, and don't bloody fight me against this. Besides, if you were able to cast a Patronus, you can't be as bad as you think. You'll get better in no time."
"Trust me. Mother Lily gets her way." There was a certainty in her voice, as Mary agreed with Marlene's statement.
"Always." She smirked, although despite the situation, one could easily see the warmth and kindness that radiated through Lily's eyes. Honestly, it didn't take much to realize why they referred to her as the mother of the group. Knowing what her future would have been without Sandy's interference in this timeline only accentuated that. Oh, boy... Just my luck. Both groups from Harry's parents being bloody stubborn. Sorry in advance, Boy Who Lived. At this rate, you might not live to begin with after all.
***
N/A: For those who were wondering why there wasn't enough interactions with the girls' group, here they are. Of course they're part of the story. A big part. However, I do want to emphasize how much Sandy tries to avoid both groups, due to not wanting Harry to be unborn. How she tries to avoid everybody, for that matter, not wanting to screw up time. Its one of the main conflicts of the story.