A Final Flight ([livejournal.com profile] scarvesnhats Days 30 & 31)

Nov. 3rd, 2005 09:33 pm
rosie_rues: (Default)
[personal profile] rosie_rues
Title: A Final Flight
Rating: Gen/PG
Disclaimer: They're not mine. I'm just borrowing them because I like them.
Wordcount: 882
Prompt: For the last two prompts:
toffee apples

and...

This is the story of the boys who loved you
Who love you now and loved you then
And some were sweet, some were cold and snuffed you
And some just laid around in bed.

Some had crumbled you straight to your knees
Did it cruel, did it tenderly
Some had crawled their way into your heart
To rend your ventricles apart
This is the story of the boys who loved you.

--the Decemberists, Red Right Ankle

Notes: Sixth year. I've finished!! Here, as an epilogue, let Peter Pettigrew have the last word. This has been a fantastic month and after 29 fics and 46889 words it must come to an end.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 & 31



“So,” James said through a mouthful of toast, “it’s up to you. Halloween party?”

Peter thought about it. He didn’t really know how he was meant to be feeling right now. There was an emptiness within him where his family should have been. Already he was thinking of them in the past tense, as part of a blurred and merry time when the war was someone else’s pain. He couldn’t help wondering if he could become an empty space that easily.

A party, full of life and laughter, might make it worse. Or it might help.

James was watching him, patient and thoughtful. James wasn’t meant to look at him solemnly. James was meant to be laughing. It was his job to keep them all laughing when James despaired and Sirius raged and Remus brooded.

“Party,” he said.

“That’s my man,” James said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Let’s plan. Oy, Padfoot, stop being a girl.”

Sirius swung round indignantly. “I am not a girl!”

“He definitely isn’t,” Remus added thoughtfully and buttered another slice of toast.

James spluttered at that and Peter sniggered and gave Remus a quick thumbs-up.

“What do you want?” Sirius demanded, his cheeks slightly pink.

“You are a girl. You’re blushing.”

“Potter,” Lily said threateningly.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with being a girl. Splendid things, girls. Pretty.”

“Keep digging that hole,” Remus murmured. “What’s up, Pete?”

“Halloween party,” Peter said. “Gryffindor piss-up.”

“You okay with that?” Sirius said sharply. “You can tell Prongs to piss off, y’know.”

“I think it would be good,” Peter said. “Tell Remus to take his prefect face off.”

“He wouldn’t be such a spoilsport,” Sirius said and flung his arm around Remus’ shoulders. “Besides we’re all prefects, now, aren’t we, Moony?”

Remus was failing miserably to look disapproving. James pretended to throw up his pumpkin juice.

Peter left them to bicker and looked out over the Great Hall. It was strange to be back. It had been so quiet at home, with his mother too shocked to cry and his father suddenly old. It seemed that the train had not carried him from home but out of a nightmare. Perhaps if he could find enough noise and laughter Paul and Jenny would not be dead and his nieces would not be sleeping in the cold earth, in too small coffins. If he could surround himself with life and mischief the war would go away and no one else would die.

But as he looked around he knew it could never be that easy. The faces around him would be soldiers soon.

Narcissa and Regulus Black sat at the Slytherin table, surrounded by the rest of the Quidditch team, heads close together. Would one of them hold the wand that killed James or Sirius? Would they think of Quidditch as they spoke the killing curse?

One of the Ravenclaw prefects had turned round to flirt with the Head Girl where she sat at the Hufflepuff table. Lorelei was blushing and laughing. Would they both survive? Would their children sit in this hall one day, talking about the war their parents had seen? Or would there only be one table, only Slytherin to eat in cowed silence?

“Oy! Pete!” James said. “You’re on food duty. Can you nick toffee apples from the kitchen so we can use the ones my mum sent for apple-bobbing? I’ll write you a list of the other stuff we need.”

“Righto,” Peter said and turned back to his own table. Lily was laughing with her friends and occasionally glancing at James. He wasn’t even sure she realised she was doing it. There was no way she would survive the war. She was too clever, too poweful and too Muggleborn.

James was grinning madly, as he always did when gripped by inspiration. His hair was on end again and his eyes were gleaming behind his glasses. He would die to defend Lily, Peter knew, and if he couldn’t save her he would avenge her.

Sirius was whispering in Remus’ ear, something Peter was almost certain was lewd, by the expression on Remus’ face. Would they make it? Or had they decided to grasp happiness while they could?

Was he the only one who knew enough to be afraid?

Then there was the flutter and beat of wings as the owls swooped into the Great Hall. Peter looked up briefly and then noticed that Sirius was staring up as well, his face fierce. His fingers were clenched around the table’s edge and Remus quietly covered his hand with his own. Sirius turned his hand so their fingers entwined, knuckles white, but did not look down.

Letters and parcels came thumping down around them. Someone at the Ravenclaw table shrieked as something exploded.

Then the owls were swooping away again.

Sirius was still looking up. No letter had come for him. As he brought his head down he began to smile. Remus was grinning beside him, a wide, heedless smirk of delight. James was whooping with laughter, his hands in fists. Peter felt their joy touch him and began to smile, clapping his hands together.

The war wasn’t over but they’d won a battle.

These were his friends and he was with them.

For now, these were the best of times.
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Date: 2005-11-03 09:59 pm (UTC)
busaikko: Something Wicked This Way Comes (Default)
From: [personal profile] busaikko
Oh, my, a lovely Peter chapter! Very nice! I love the feeling of the war coming down, of Peter's fear, and then the owl post.... Oh, I don't want to say goodbye to the boys (but neither do I want to see what happens to them, oh dear).

Thanks for a great story!

Date: 2005-11-03 10:34 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] sam-can-do-it.livejournal.com
This whole series was absolutely fantastic! I'm really sad that this fic is over. Are you writing for [livejournal.com profile] blanketforts? Please say yes!!!

Date: 2005-11-03 11:01 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nassima.livejournal.com
I'm really glad you ended this with a Peter chapter. Especially since you gave a little more strength and hope and time to him...

Also, I just read your answers to the above comments, and well... I hope I'll still read some fanfics by you, because this series was definitely a wondeful read! And I hope that this really helped you overcome this writer's block, and that one day, I'll read about your original story as well. Your characters feel like you understand each of them so completely! And you have a great sense of plot, and pacing, and a such a perfect way to make the scenes visual and detailed that I'm sure I'll enjoy any story from you :)

Date: 2005-11-03 11:35 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] liadlaith.livejournal.com
You write such an excellent Peter.

I've reallly enjoyed this whole series, thank you so much for writing it. And I'm sorry you're not going to be as productive in fandom anymore, but good luck with your original writing!

Date: 2005-11-04 12:31 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] javajunkie13.livejournal.com
Eeee! I loved this series. You've got all of their voices down so well and you have a real sense of pacing and plot. Each chapter was very enjoyable. I look forward to reading some more of your work (fanfic or otherwise). :)

Date: 2005-11-04 01:05 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] summersalts.livejournal.com
What a poignant ending. Peter's a bit neglected in fic, isn't he, and the perspective you gave him was generous. Really lovely.

Thanks so much for writing this series; it's been a wonderful read! All the best with your original fic.

Date: 2005-11-04 01:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nekare.livejournal.com
The ending line was so powerful, full of closure and the only way possible to end this amazing fic we're all gonna miss dearly.

He would die to defend Lily, Peter knew, and if he couldn’t save her he would avenge her.

That part broke me, so true and yet framed with all of this happiness around, fated to perish. Peter's voice was marvellouse, the only one who has seen death from up close, and the only one really aware of what the end of the war would bring.

Date: 2005-11-04 01:47 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] oldgreystone.livejournal.com
Thank you so much for this series -- I absolutely loved it.

G.

Date: 2005-11-04 05:10 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] venilia.livejournal.com
Well, I'm about to cry. It's been a wonderful fic. Closing with Peter is just so... It's sad, because we know that from here on out there's not much left of the happy, and we know how it ends, and Peter.

Didn't have time to comment on the last two, but I really enjoyed them as well. Remus and Sirius getting together was perfect, and the bookshops. I so feel for Remus with the books and the old books and the museums. Poor lad.

Date: 2005-11-04 05:44 am (UTC)
stellastars: (Default)
From: [personal profile] stellastars
Oh, gosh. *sniffles* A perfect ending.


I just want to say how much I've enjoyed reading your story this month. It was outstanding!

Date: 2005-11-04 06:08 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] fate-envies-us.livejournal.com
You are such an amazing writer. This series has undoubtedly been my absolute favorite during the entire month. You're great and this series was just so perfect and lovely.

Date: 2005-11-04 05:15 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] moonix.livejournal.com
Aww, Peter, my lad, what happened to your good intentions? *sigh* A beautiful end to a great story! ...Wait, end? This is the END? *looks heartbroken* Noooo.... *sniffles*

Anyways, I really loved reading it. Your characterization is incredibly good and your ideas were so authentic and lovely and funny and sweet. :3 Ah, well. I knew it would be over sometime, right? ;)

Date: 2005-11-04 05:58 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nellie-darlin.livejournal.com
Yay! That was so wonderful, me lovely. Am rather sad it's over, though. And Sirius's declaration was just fab. This has been one of my favourite of the [livejournal.com profile] scarvesnhats stuff. Just gorgey, the whole series.

Date: 2005-11-05 05:14 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] aopt.livejournal.com
This was an excellent series, and I love how you ended it with Peter contemplating his friends' future. Maybe he joined the Dark Side in hopes of somehow saving them? This little insight on his viewpoint is excellently done, and it finishes well. (Although I'm sad to see it end!)

Date: 2005-11-06 05:55 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] aliaself.livejournal.com
I’ve really enjoyed this! I love the characterizations, the blossoming relationship, and the plot was very interesting. I’m just sorry to see it end.

Date: 2005-11-06 10:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] futurestarlette.livejournal.com
The whole thing was amazing and fabulous and now it's over I think I may cry. :( This was a perfect last chapter.

You won't be writing for [livejournal.com profile] blanketforts? Not for a single prompt? Nooooooooooo. Just write a few one-shots, nothing nearly so big as this was. Please? Pleasepleasepleasepleaseplease? No? Aw.

Good luck with your original writing!

Date: 2006-01-15 12:18 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] jadis31.livejournal.com
it's 7:15 in the morning. I've been awake for close to a full day.. but still I stayed up to finish this. I don't think I've ever been this tired and still inspired to use my "happy" icon, but this whole thing was brilliant. If I could type at this point, or think, I would say something meaningful... instead, you just need to know that, "Postpone the orgy! We need to plan revenge.” is my new favorite line in fan fiction. <3

Date: 2006-01-17 01:48 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kasche.livejournal.com
Hmm. All right. I'm quite possibly considering you one of my heroes right now. I think it's rather a case of, as a friend of mine has phrased it, "Um, hi, you're cool, can I be your friend please?"

Oh, and, er. You should be warned. I get really embarrassing when I'm fangirling someone. Since I know and I couldn't care less, all the drawbacks are going to be for you.



Oh, and no matter how loud I squealed - internally - when Sirius and Remus got to talk (and my heart went a little badump when Sirius said "I fancy you". Really, it just felt so real, like I was there (and I really would not have minded that, you understand), and keeping from saying very aloud "YES! Things do go this way!!", in real life, I mean, and making my gran have kittens, while we already have enough cats around as it is. You know, living in the country and all that. Although only one of them is actually ours. And I don't think you're actually giving a damn.), I love that Peter gets to finish. I love your Peter, period. (And I love that I managed to remember what my point was before that loooong bracket, but nevermind.) It's just- well, it's part of why I'm fangirling you like this. I don't want to start off on a rant, now, but really, I appreciate your work all the more for how you've written him. ever since “Oh, come on,” James says, incredulous. “Even you can’t get innuendo out of that.”

“Make it a bet,” Peter replies, eyes gleaming.


Actually, there are many things I'd like to comment on. Hints, here and there, that I've noticed and liked and - oh, god, I can't believe I didn't even think of the letters before Remus' scene in the hospital, back in day 27! But well, the rush of understanding was a wonderful feeling. :D (Oh, hi. I'm Italics'new best friend.) (best italics than caps, I think, at least...) And, well, I'm going to cut it here. But if I'll happen to reread all this, you might be getting a very, very long and probably boring email. :D



I love love love this series, I'm gonna frame it and hang it on the wall and look at it when I feel bad.

Date: 2006-01-25 03:49 am (UTC)
semielliptical: woman in casual pose, wearing jeans (mwpp)
From: [personal profile] semielliptical
I'm not good at reading WIPs while they're in progress, but I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this over the last few days. It is so fabulous to read a MWPP story that pays attention to all of the characters (and Lily too!) and makes them all interesting and believeable. I particularly like that Lily and James's relationship is developing in a different way than in most fanfiction. There is so much that I loved about Remus and Sirius in this story, I can't list everything, but I adored the moment when Sirius realized he loved Remus - the 'beautiful bedsprings!' What a fantastic story!

Date: 2006-03-23 09:05 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] amberlynne.livejournal.com
I got so far behind on this community, I never got the chance to finish this but I made sure to come back and I am so glad I did. I love that you made Peter a real Maurauder and had Lily and James be friends first. And the Remus and Sirius bits were too wonderful to even try to compliment properly. Even the mystery of the letters and the flu was wonderful. Amazing stuff, this. :)

Date: 2006-03-24 04:21 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] nogah.livejournal.com
*sniff* this is so sad! I feel so...I don't know. it's just real. it's not all sad and not all happy with the right amount of pain and humor.
okay, so I realize this is a little early in our relationship (considering the fact that we don't know each other) but will you marry me? I won't take no for an answer! I've been reading the whole series in one day and I'm in love.
going to stalk your journal now looking for more fics. IN LOVE I TELL YOU!

Date: 2006-03-25 12:21 am (UTC)
ext_54755: (Default)
From: [identity profile] thedeathchamber.livejournal.com
Oh, gosh. So amazing. I just read the whole series in one go. Marvelous. It's perfectly in character and I especially like the way you've characterized Peter. Absolutely and completely fabulous. Really. Love. It.

Date: 2006-03-25 12:22 am (UTC)
ext_54755: (Default)
From: [identity profile] thedeathchamber.livejournal.com
"Sweetdevotion" is actually my sister, I accidentally posted it without noticing she was logged in. x\

Date: 2006-03-25 10:22 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] kurasuperson.livejournal.com
This was an amazing and touching series. I'm so glad you reposted it. Thank-you. xoxo
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