James Potter and the Madness Within
Summary: The Marauders are back for their second year of Hogwarts. The world is on the verge of war and James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew soon realize that it's going to take more than a few dungbombs and sheer luck to get by. And when a dark secret emerges, the four must come to terms with what it truly means to be a Marauder.
Disclaimer: Gryffindor is red. Ravenclaw is blue. I don't own Harry Potter but neither do you! Rather, Harry Potter owns me. I honestly cannot remember a time when it wasn't a massive part of my life. I close my eyes and see Hogwarts. I can see James, Remus, Sirius, and Peter as if they were causally sitting on my couch. I can taste Bertie Botts and Chocolate Frogs and pumpkin juice. I can hear the Quidditch games and smell the Dungbombs.
Author's Note: Two years ago—while I was struggling through surgeries, hospitalizations, and my senior year of high school—I posted James Potter and the Tomb of Slytherin. But the Marauders have always been a huge story in the back of my mind. And so, as I healthily make my way through my second year of college, I figured that it was time that I posted the second story. I would highly recommend reading Tomb of Slytherin for this story to make more sense. Some things might be a bit different than other Marauders-era stories. For example, the Aurors and the war are a huge part of the Marauders' lives. Then again, they're also a huge part of everyone's lives at the moment. The war hasn't quite begun but they are definitely lingering on the edges of the battle. Tensions are high and the danger is growing. Death Eaters are beginning their merciless attacks. Some families, such as the Potters, are doing whatever they can to help the Aurors. Others, such as the Blacks (Sirius excluded, of course) are doing whatever they can to aid the Death Eaters. Entire families are split by the war.
And speaking of families being split…a good section of this story focuses on one of my favorite topics regarding the Marauders: Lupin's lycanthropy. I've already written the majority of this story and I have loved diving into the possibilities of the Marauders dealing with the fact that he is a werewolf. It's not going to come until much later in the story, but there is plenty leading up to it. The psychology and power behind it is very emotional.
So, I truly hope that you enjoy this story because as I've said, the Marauders hold a huge part in my heart and I have already put so much into this story.
Without further ado…I solemnly swear that I am up to no good…
Chapter One
The corpulent king was about to fall. It could not be prevented, only postponed. His life was sacrosanct and yet was in the hands of his subjects. One courageous knight leapt across the battlefield, his moves erratic and fickle. The enemy merely sent forward a pawn, taunting the knight. The bluff worked, for the knight paused, aware that the battle was lost.
"It's your move, son."
James Potter stared down at the chessboard with the utmost contempt. His father smiled, patiently waiting. The seconds crawled by, and yet James refused to move a piece.
"There is no shame in laying down your king," Mr. Potter gently said, "You've fought a good battle."
Even so, a large amount of black pieces littered the board. Only James' white knight and king remained.
"Give me a minute," James muttered.
He reached forward, gently picking up the knight. It was a fruitless motion, for the pieces would normally move themselves.
James Potter wasn't a typical twelve-year old. James was a wizard, and grew up in a world of magic and wonder. In several weeks, James would return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to begin his second term.
James was reluctant to see the last weeks of summer leave, but was rather excited to get back to Hogwarts. With its massive towers, torch-lit corridors, moving portraits, and endless secret passageways, it was any prankster's dream. James' first year had been one filled with mischief, excitement, and perilous quests. He didn't need to face it alone, however.
As if on cue, Mrs. Potter entered the parlor, saying, "We have company."
The rest of her sentence was drowned out by several pairs of pounding footsteps. Three shrill voices penetrated James' concentration.
"JAMES!"
James' view was abruptly obstructed by three grinning boys. The chess game forgotten, James laughed and greeted the other Marauders.
Sirius Black was a tall mess of arms and legs. His raven black hair reached the center of his back, and fell into his silver eyes. The sun had gotten to him, as opposed to Remus Lupin, who looked quite pale. James briefly wondered if Lupin was ill, for he was thinner and frailer than usual. Dark circles sat beneath his amber eyes, blending in with the harsh scars that lined his face. Peter Pettigrew was a lumpy boy with watery eyes and rather large teeth. He always seemed as though he were on the verge of a mental breakdown, but he was loyal enough to be considered a Marauder.
Lupin, Peter, Sirius, and James—four friends who might as well have been brothers. The Marauders were both famous and infamous throughout Hogwarts. Aside from being notorious pranksters, they were cunning, decisive, and on their way to becoming Aurors. For, much like the chessboard, a battle was brewing in the Wizarding World. An evil wizard, known simply as Lord Voldemort, was rising to power with fatal consequences. His followers, Death Eaters, were known for holding no mercy, as they attacked both wizards and nonwizards alike.
James' father was an Auror. For a while, he had been suspended from the front line, due to an argument between James and Admiral Cornelius Fudge—Mr. Potter's supervisor. Along with Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and Alastor Moody, one of the greatest Aurors in the world, Mr. Potter recognized the potential that the Marauders had. He had lent the Marauders an assortment of equipment from the Auror Office. After all, the world definitely needed more fighters. Then again, the Marauders had used most of the equipment to aide their pranks and schemes. Mr. Potter was now back on the line though James still managed to nick a few supplies. You never know when a grenade could be useful at Hogwarts.
With the excessive injuries that the world was facing, Mrs. Potter had come out of retirement, resuming her position as a Healer in Saint Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. She went unpaid, for the Potters certainly didn't need any more money.
Mrs. Potter now bustled about, saying, "Can I get you boys a cuppa? Perhaps some biscuits? I could fry up some eggs, if you'd like."
"That all sounds great, Mrs. Potter," Sirius said, enthusiastically.
Mrs. Potter's smile faded ever so slightly and she exasperatedly repeated, "All?"
"Yes, ma'am," Sirius said.
Then, in a small voice that was just enough to pass for helplessness, he added, "I can't remember the last time my own mother cooked something for me."
"We don't want to be any trouble," Lupin hastily cut in. James grimaced, knowing that Lupin could probably use a good meal. Although James had never been to his house, it didn't take much to know that Lupin and his mother were poor. His robes were tattered and patched, his school supplies were used, and he didn't have a knut to spare.
Mrs. Potter seemed to sense this too for she said, "Of course, it's no trouble. I'll add some sausage for good measure. Why don't you four go up to James' room, and wait?"
James realized that he was still holding the knight. He went to return it, but his father held up his hand, "Keep it. It suits you."
James shrugged, pocketing it, and following the others through the manor. By the time they reached his room, they could all smell the delectable food.
"Nice one, mate," Peter complimented Sirius' bluff.
"I wasn't joking," Sirius gloomily admitted, "I really can't remember the last time my mum cooked for me."
Sirius' parents were huge supporters of Lord Voldemort, causing him to grow up in a house that worshipped evil. He had run into several spots of trouble last year, as his parents didn't approve of Gryffindor nor did they like the Marauders.
The subject was quickly changed as they noticed the state of James' room.
"Blimey, mate," Lupin wrinkled his nose at the mess.
"I'm surprised that you remembered to get dressed without us," Sirius snorted.
"I wasn't expecting company," James said, defensively.
Lupin instinctively bent down and began to tidy up. He picked up several books, staring at them with interest. The one was written by a Muggle author, and was all about a decisive detective, who solved many different mysteries with his partner. The other was an informative book on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. James quickly strode forward and grabbed this one, shelving it before Lupin could ask.
"Not to be rude, but why are you here?" James shortly asked.
"The carnival, remember?" Peter cried, ecstatic at the thought.
James tilted his head, not understanding.
"You have no idea what day it is, do you?" Peter asked, his smile fading. When James didn't answer, Peter exasperatedly continued, "It's my birthday. Well, tomorrow is. Today was the last day of the Regional Carnival. You promised that we could go, to celebrate."
James internally groaned. He had completely forgotten!
"Are you alright, mate?" Lupin asked, as if reading his mind, "That's not something that you'd usually miss."
"Yeah," James said, forcing a grin, "I'm fine. 'Course I remember, Peter. I was just joking."
Peter sighed with relief, "For a second, I thought that you truly forgot."
"As did I," Lupin said, suspiciously.
James' hasty response was drowned out as Mrs. Potter called them back down. The food that littered the table was enough to make them salivate. In the center of the table was a large cake with the worlds: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PETER written in icing.
James shot his mother a very thankful glance and the four dug in.
When they were about to burst, Sirius finally pulled James aside and repeated Lupin's earlier statement, "Are you alright, mate?"
"Fine," James said, avoiding his gaze.
"The Tomb of Slytherin getting to you, again?" Sirius asked, understandingly.
"The Healer said that it would be easier as time passes," James said, "But…"
"So, we nearly drowned," Sirius shrugged, "I still don't see how that's traumatizing."
"What exactly is traumatizing?" Lupin asked, coming up behind them.
"Nothing," Sirius and James simultaneously answered.
Ignoring Lupin's suspicious look, Sirius asked, "So, how are we getting to the Carnival?"
"How else?" James grinned, "We fly, of course!"
He promptly led the way outside towards the broom-shed, but was dismayed to find Mr. Potter leaning against it, shaking his head.
"We walk, of course," James said, already knowing what his father was going to say.
"The Carnival will be comprised of mostly Muggles," Mr. Potter explained, "We can't risk you being seen. Besides, it's only a few miles away."
"Fine," James sighed, "We could use the exercise anyway."
"Yeah," Sirius agreed, "These last few weeks off have made me rather flabby. I've gained an entire pound."
"What a nightmare," Peter and Lupin sarcastically chorused, for very different reasons.
"Right," James said, rubbing his hands together, "I suppose we need a challenge. The first one to get to the carnival wins."
"Isn't that a little childish?" Lupin asked.
And yet, he still joined the Marauders as they shouted, "Three…two…one…GO!"
They raced off.
James knew the countryside like the back of his hand, and was able to cut through the woods and down a dirt path. He reached the carnival first, with Sirius close behind.
The two high-fived, before catching their breath. James then looked up and spotted a booth, which sold candy floss.
James grinned, "Up for a bit more running?"
"Ready when you are," Sirius smirked.
He slipped a small firecracker out of his pocket, along with a match. He lit the firecracker and deviously threw it into the candy floss machine. The two raced away, cackling.
They didn't stop until they were on the other side of the carnival.
"Want to go to the popcorn stand, next?" Sirius asked, rubbing his hands together.
At that moment, however, two pink blobs strolled towards them. James tensed before realizing that it was merely Lupin and Peter.
"Candy floss?" Lupin lightly asked.
The four threw their heads back and laughed.
"Come on," James cried, "Let's go onto the rollercoaster. It's supposed to be wicked fast and damn near impossible to come off not vomiting."
The others gleefully agreed.
They clambered into the carts, and the Carney pulled the harnesses over them. James swallowed as the restraints tightened around him.
The Carney pulled the lever and they shot off. James' anxiety dissolved, and he allowed himself to relax. He even laughed, as they zoomed up into a loop. His euphoria was short-lived, however, as the cart came to a screeching halt, leaving them upside-down.
"What's happening?" Sirius grunted.
"Have we broken down?" Peter yelped, from behind James.
"I dunno," James replied. He was aware that the other members on the cart were beginning to speculate, their voices growing higher and louder.
"Relax," James called, "Everyone, just relax!"
It was easier said than done. Even James was beginning to breathe unevenly, the harness crushing against him. They were completely trapped. There was nowhere to go. James closed his eyes, breaking out into a sweat. A scream penetrated the still air. It came from Peter, who was straining against his harness to stare up into the sky.
"What is it, Peter?" James roared, "What's wrong?"
He quieted, as he saw exactly what it was. The clouds were darkening. As James watched, they transformed into a colossal skull, with a snake protruding from its mouth.
The carnival was being attacked by Death Eaters!
Author's Note: - Cue the dramatic chord on the organ –
Like I said, it's slightly different than the other Marauders-era stories but I've had some of these headcanons for years. I appreciate every single review that I get!