Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all its characters are not mine...
I Solemnly Swear...
It was a warm, dry day. Occasional cool breaths of wind sent ripples across the lake. The stone castle loomed over the body of water, grey in the late morning light. Laughter rang through the building, accompanied by shouts and many voices talking loudly. Suddenly, a faint explosion shook the walls.
A large group of students were gathered at the ends of a corridor, laughing and talking among themselves. Some were pointing at a round object that lay in the middle of the corridor. A greasy looking man pushed through the throng, face twisted unpleasantly. He carried a bucket and mop, trying to find the source of commotion. His hawk-like gaze immediately singled out two almost identical red-headed second years, and he made for them. Fred and George Weasley were watching the crowd and looking very pleased with themselves. One of them suddenly looked up, noticing the caretaker's furious expression. He grinned cheekily and turned to whisper to his companion. The second boy shifted his gaze from the scene of chaos and glanced at the fuming caretaker…
.:I:.
The two boys stood in Argus Filch's tiny office, waiting for him to find the right document. Something caught the eye of one of the twins. He nudged his brother and pointed at the drawer marked 'Confiscated and Highly Dangerous'. A grin spread over the second twin's face. He put his hand in his bulging pocket and pulled out another Dungbomb, similar to the one in the corridor. The first boy smiled.
"Great idea, George."
George drew his wand and pointed it at the object. His twin Fred moved to get a clear shot at the drawer. George held up three fingers.
"Three… two… one."
George ignited the bomb with his wand and threw it in the direction of the caretaker, where it promptly exploded, letting off a strong smell. Fred darted toward the drawer in the confusion and emerged triumphantly with a battered piece of parchment clutched tightly in his hand…
.:I:.
A tall girl strode towards the lake, trying to ignore the red-headed boy in front of her. Fred Weasley was walking backwards and trying to cut her off. The girl frowned irritably.
"What is it, Fred?" her voice had a hint of exasperation in it. Fred's eyes darted around, as if trying to find inspiration.
"We- uh, have Quidditch practice, Angelina!"
Angelina continued walking.
"We don't, it was cancelled. Honestly, what's the matter with you? I'm just going to get my quill. I left it beside the lake yesterday."
"I'll get it for you, just wait here…" Fred's voice trailed off as they came into plain sight of the lake. George was sitting in a grassy corner, with the old piece of parchment spread out before him. He glanced up and noticed them. Eyes widening, he pushed the parchment out of sight behind his back. Luckily, Angelina didn't notice.
"Angelina, we're not up to anything!" Fred protested, backing swiftly to try to cover George.
"I solemnly swear," added George.
Angelina rolled her eyes. She picked up her quill and left.
"That we are up to no good," finished George, under his breath. He pulled out the parchment again. Fred's eyes widened, and he stared at the parchment. George frowned. He followed Fred's gaze and looked at the blank parchment. Except that it wasn't blank anymore.
Green ink was blossoming over the parchment, slowly forming words.
'Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs
Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers
Are proud to present
THE MARAUDER'S MAP'
Beneath it, green ink was forming a map showing every detail of the school grounds, secret passages and locations. There were even tiny labelled ink figures showing exactly where the person or animal was. The twins exchanged glances, identical mischievous grins spreading over their faces…
(A/N: Hope you liked that...)