Nocturnal Nights ( Harry Potter ~ Marauders Era )

Chapter 30

"Ok, now remember. You can stop when you get there if you feel too tired or exhausted. I packed some extra coins if you do need to stay a night , so find an Inn. And Thisbe , if you get hungry-"

"Aunt McGonagall , please, I know. You tell me every time ,' Don't come back on an empty stomach, make sure you greet them nicely with respect, remember to tuck in your collar or -" At that, I was slapped on the back of the head and I couldn't help but laugh a little.

"With the way you speak to me, I'm going to remind you. Speak to the people like that and I'm going to whip your butt." And there goes the scary McGonagall everyone knows. I guess she really does take over as a mother.

We were climbing the long set of stairs up to the Astronomy tower, and it took quite the time. As we made it to the top, it was empty with only the starry night to see. Clearly there wasn't a class tonight, but it would have been a beautiful sky to study. My aunt leaded me to the edge and we both waited , going over a few things that's she can't help her self to. So I stood there and took it all in so I wouldn't be scolded again.

Out of no where, a loud pop sounded and standing on the roof with us was Headmaster Dumbledore. Oh , that's right, only the Headmaster can apparate through the Hogwarts school grounds. That's really cool. "Oh, you two made it here fast."He commented, adjusting his glasses," I must be running late." He hummed, walking over to us.

He dropped a package in my hand and told me to get my Golden compass out. I did so and he took it, pointing the tip of his wand to it and casting the name. Janice Brown, located in the state of Texas. Sounds like a nice place. I wonder what the wizarding community is like over there.

"You should be back by Tuesday, Wednesday no less. If there is an emergency, you locate the Ministry in America, since there is no way of apparating across oceans. They should find a way to help you and have a portkey made for me to arrive. Any more questions Thisbe?" Dumbledore finished up, and looked down to me. I gave him a small shake of the head, and ran a hand through my messy hair. "Good, now off you go." He patted my back, and without a second though I put all my energy into transforming.

Against the bright moonlight, the silhouette of an abnormal sized owl appeared, replacing the girl. Lily, who was hiding behind the stairs pillar, couldn't help but release a loud gasp and watched as the owls blue eyes opened. This was impossible, Thisbe Robinson, an actual animagus at age thirteen? The only time we learned of this was in Professors McGonagall's class, and not to mention that McGonagall was one herself. So many questions ran through the red haired girl's brain as she watched the creature shake it's feathers out.

"Oh my," She let out in a small whisper, peeking around the corner.

Suddenly, it seemed as if the owl was alerted, and its head rotated a few degrees towards the girl. She held her breath for as long as she could, but even she knew it was no use. She remembered learning about the nocturnal creatures back in primary school. They had a scary sense of hearing, to where they could listen to a mouses heartbeat almost a mile away.

She knew someone was up here watching them.

But for some reason, the brown owl remained calm. She let out a loud hoot, before taking the wrapped package in her talon and flying off into the moonlight. A golden compass spinning in the other. Lily quickly hid behind the corner again as the two professors walked passed her towards the stairs. " I'm sure she's going to be just fine Minerva. She's been on plenty of deliveries before."

"I know, but what happens if she passes out flying over the ocean. I've heard of plenty of owls doing so, and what's to stop her with her insomnia. Professor Sprout was telling me how she had fallen asleep in her class just yesterday." The lady had expressed her concerns, only to earn a small chuckle out of the Headmaster.

"You honestly worry to much over the girl McGonagall."

"Well who else is supposed to Albus? With her mum gone and her father having no clue of what to do with her, it's my duty as her aunt to step in."She fussed.

Her aunt? Thisbe was related to one of our own professors?

"Of course."

By then, the voices had faded into the sounds of footsteps climbing down the staircase until there was nothing but the silence of the night. Lily had let out the loudest breath she was holding, and was sweating even with the coolness of the air. She had sat there for a few minutes trying to collect her self before she stood back up, dusting the dirt off her robes. Out of no where though, a loud brisk howl cut through the air and scared her to pieces. Rushing down the steps in a hurry, she was scolded by many of the school paintings as she made her way back to the Gryffindor common room.

She had a lot to tell Severus about tomorrow.

~~~~~

"Package for Janice Brown," I had called out, knocking on the wooden door of a village house. Vines grew up the walls and flowers littered the lawn in various patterns.

"Oh, that's me dear." I had only then noticed the door opening to reveal a plump woman with a dirty blonde bob.

I gave her a polite smile, trying to remember the manners aunt McGonagall has gone over with me a billion times. " My name's -"

"Thisbe Robinson, of course sweet heart,"The lady interrupted me with a laugh and patted my shoulder. I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion, clearly confused on how she knew me. When I questioned her she scoffed. " Word's gotten around of animagus delivery owl at Hogwarts. I've always dreamed of meeting one, you know an animagus . I know all the names by the record book, and I must congratulate you," She paused, inviting me in. " Being able to have such an achievement at such a young age."

The woman kept on rambling on about it, and I was honestly surprised how much she knew. She had offered me a cup of tea as we sat down to chat about it all. As much as I loved the attention, I felt exhausted and almost fell alseep twice as we sat on her couch. " Uh, ma'am," I didn't catch her attention, " Pardon me, Miss. Brown. "

"Oh, yes?"

"I would love to stay and chat, but I must get back to England soon." I tried to explain in the nicest tone I could must. She gasped, looking up to her large grandfather clock in her lounge room, setting down her cup of tea.

"Oh my, I've been holding you back haven't I. Silly me, silly. "

"Oh, it's quite alright."I smiled, turning to my side and picking up the parchment paper and quill. "If you could just sign here, and I can be on my way." She did so and I slipped the two back into their places. I took the package in my hand, and reached over the table to hand it to the woman. She thanked me and led me towards the front door. "Oh and may I ask a question?"

"Of course dear."

" Do you know where I can find a local wizarding candy shop nearby?"