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CHAPTER NINE - 🍂 ୧ where is . . .
autumn? ও🦌

AS THE GROUP GREW CLOSER OVER THE WEEKS, James noticed a change in his behavior. He realized that he was no longer as fixated on Lily as he once was, and she no longer seemed to consume his thoughts as intensely as before. He found himself reflecting on the changes he had experienced and the dynamics within the group, questioning whether his shift in focus was due to the presence of Autumn.

James took notice of the ease and comfort that Autumn brought into his life. Unlike most girls he had encountered, Autumn didn't dismiss his jokes or quirks, instead showing acceptance and tolerance towards him. He couldn't help but reflect on the realization that he had never had a female friend in his life who understood and accepted his true self quite like she did. He felt a sense of gratitude for her presence in his life and, perhaps, an attraction towards her growing.

As James observed Autumn, his thoughts about her grew more prominent and intricate. He began to think of her with renewed significance, taking note of her mannerisms and the effect she had on him. Despite his efforts to maintain a balanced perspective, he discovered that he was increasingly drawn to her. A mixture of attraction and fascination began to take hold, making it more challenging to ignore his growing feelings towards her.

James observed and paid closer attention to Autumn, taking his time to understand her better. This approach allowed him to develop a deeper insight into her character, which far surpassed his knowledge of Lily.

James was mindful of Autumn's curiosity and noted instances when she appeared to be lost in thought. His concern for her welfare prompted him to keep a watchful eye on her, ensuring he could guide and protect her if needed.

As James paid close attention to Autumn for an extended period, he discovered that she had a strong inclination to defend her two best friends, Raven and Elliot. He had also directly witnessed her standing up for her friends during a confrontation with individuals who had criticized them.

Despite the individuals also speaking negatively about her, Autumn didn't seem to mind, as she staunchly defended her best friends with unwavering passion and determination.

James came to appreciate one of Autumn's most notable traits: her artistic skills. This was evident when she crafted a drawing and presented it to him, featuring him in his Quidditch uniform and showcasing his goal-scoring moment. He cherished the image, carrying it with him everywhere he went. Whenever the paper became wrinkled or torn, he gently mended it using a restoration spell to preserve it.

Once James learned of her artistic prowess, she even revealed the drawing that had earned her a detention from Professor McGonagall. The piece featured her cat-animagus with a comical appearance in a pink, frilly outfit.

James found the drawing utterly hilarious, and it proved to be a constant distraction for him during his Transfiguration classes. Each time he spotted Professor McGonagall, he struggled to maintain composure, as the urge to laugh threatened to overtake him.

He found himself eagerly anticipating each new piece of art that Autumn would unveil. Given her previous revelation that she typically had no idea how the final result would turn out, each unveiling carried an element of surprise and excitement, creating a joyous atmosphere for both him and her.

As James gained insight into Autumn, he found himself considering his feelings for her. Despite the short time they had known each other—only a few weeks—he recognized that he had acquired more knowledge about her character than he had ever learned about Lily in all the years they had interacted.

The awareness dawned on James that he hadn't put in the effort to truly know and understand Lily. He had been more focused on courting her than getting to know her better.

The Gryffindor male found himself habitually looking for the Ravenclaw female amongst the crowd of students, using her vibrant hair as a guide. He also found himself more inclined to seek her out whenever he noticed her with her best mates or when she was quietly sketching in her leather-covered book.

Something about that day was amiss, as the person he was intent on finding was nowhere to be seen. James approached her two close friends, Raven and Elliot, and discovered they too were on the hunt for the missing Ravenclaw.

James called out to Raven and Elliot, drawing their attention. Raven's expression changed as she saw him, her tone filled with concern. She urged him, "Please, please tell us you've seen Autumn."

James was taken aback by Raven's distress, wondering what could have transpired. He asked, "Is everything alright? Did something happen?"

Elliot disclosed the cause behind everyone's distress, mentioning that the circumstances within the Slytherin house, had escalated significantly, " Lately, things at my house have been getting out of hand. Especially Mulciber and Avery...and Snape." He specifically highlighted the presence of the males from his house, which seemed to prompt a change in Elliot's demeanour, as he displayed a more threatening expression when referencing the final name.

James had almost flinched in a similar manner when Elliot delivered the name of the final Slytherin male, as it seemed to be said with ill-intent. He then shifted his focus to the Raven, who displayed an appearance that expressed anger in response to the name-drop. "So, it seems like that the Snivellus is no longer your friend," The Gryffindor pointed out, and Raven and Elliot subsequently nodded in confirmation, with the former failing to provide a rebuttal to his assertion.

The male's demeanor shifted, and he rubbed his forehead in mild agitation, a subtle growl escaping his throat. Frustrated, he revealed that Snape was involved with Mulciber and Avery in tormenting Raven and Autumn. "Snape crossed a line when the two verbally assaulted Raven and Autumn when I wasn't there. He didn't even try to step in and merely chuckled," he explained, his disgust apparent in his words.

Upon learning about Mulciber and Avery's verbal abuse towards the females and Snape's lack of intervention, even though the girls considered him a friend, James's fury intensified, his blood feeling like it was boiling.

Given the information he had received, he concluded that the Slytherin boys likely used the derogatory term for Muggle-born individuals whenever they encountered them.

Elliot seemingly noticed James' anger and smiled slightly, sighing. Despite the exhaustion in his tone, he continued, "We've been attempting to ensure the girls don't travel alone. We'll fill you in as soon as we find Autumn."

James nodded in comprehension, and the trio continued their search for information about Autumn's whereabouts.

During their search, the trio encountered the rest of the Marauders, and they grasped the opportunity to enlist them in the search team. Taking advantage of the situation, Elliot filled them in on the current events, sharing information about the problematic circumstances involving Snape and the Slytherin boys.

Sirius was visibly irate when he learned about the incident involving a fellow Gryffindor, a venomous tone in his voice as he discussed it. He informed them that he had also received news about Autumn being targeted by the Slytherin duo. "I've heard the two of them also attacked Mary Macdonald," he added. "Now that greasy git is constantly seen with them?" His irritation was evident, especially when he said, "Good to see you aren't pals with that Snivellus bastard anymore."

Raven sighed, a mix of regret and disgust in her voice as she explained their former belief in Snape's good nature. "We gave him too many chances and attempted to ignore the rumors about him using that cursed slur," she began. "We assumed they were merely rumors since we perceived him as respectable, albeit a strict individual. However, seeing him chuckling at us while the Slytherin boys verbally aggressed me and Autumn proved his real colors, validating the accusations."

When the term "slimy bastard" was used to describe Snape, Remus chimed in with agitation in his tone, causing Raven's surprise. However, the male's kind gesture in the form of a reassuring look made her smile subtly. Raven continued, "It's apparent that you and your crew made a concerted effort to give people the benefit of the doubt, even with the rumors you'd heard about them, showing a genuine desire to believe the best in people rather than making hasty assumptions."

Elliot's face showed a hint of sorrow, having been disappointed by his attempt to put faith in someone who had betrayed him and his friends. He spoke with a note of bitterness, expressing his thoughts, "We've definitely learnt our lesson here. From now on, we'll be more cautious with people and stop trying to make excuses and justifications for them."

The Marauders appeared hopeful, as they nodded in agreement. The fact that their friends were determined to change in response to the lesson they had learned was a positive sign. It showed that they were able to acknowledge their past misjudgments and mistakes, as well as the necessity for improvement, and were taking steps to make the necessary modifications.

As the group continued their search for Autumn, they came across Professor Flitwick, who appeared harried. Raven approached their head of house and addressed him, "Professor Flitwick?"

Hearing her words, he expressed relief, his face lighting up. He then acknowledged the rest of the group, focusing on the Slytherin male, Elliot, saying, "Ms. Summers, and Mr. Winters. I've been searching for both of you."

The female, concerned by the head of house's distraught state, inquired, "Sir? What's wrong?"

Despite her attempts to obtain additional information, Professor Flitwick refused to provide further clarification, stating, "Ms. Rivers is currently in the hospital wing." He simply watched as the group of friends swiftly dashed past him, remaining where he stood.

The Professor tried to enforce the school's rule against running, but he eventually yielded upon seeing the group's urgent manner. Exhorting them, he said, "No running in the--"

However, the Professor paused, letting out a sigh as he gave up trying to enforce the rule. He then instructed, "Never mind, just be careful where you're running!"