Chapter 25: Detention
The Marauders or their rivals?
The article had gone out that morning and the Great Hall was buzzing with interest. Everywhere James looked, students were reading the paper and those who already had were pointing at him and Sirius. Even Peter was being marveled at, (and he was enjoying the attention too by the looks of it. Peter had an uncontrollable habit of doubling up with giddy laughter when he was excited and today it was tenfold) and James grinned with delight as he searched for Remus and the image of him panicking when he found out that they had been found out.
"It seems we have been found out." James said finally looking at Sirius who had just looked up from reading the article and was noticing the many awed glances and nasty glares students were throwing at him. The Slytherins and Ravenclaws it seemed were not amused by their pranks at all. James thought it was maybe because one of the pranks involved the Slytherin's toilet paper chasing them while the other was much more personal. Remus had done the pranks on the Ravenclaws, a small concoction of babbling and elongation potion that left the Ravenclaws talking gibberish for a week.
"Does my hair really look like that?" Sirius asked squinting down at the picture posted below the article.
"Maybe it was the one time you didn't brush that black mane of yours." Peter smirked earning a large eye huff from Sirius.
"I told you- I don't brush my hair." Sirius added. "It was a gift for Remus."
"I wonder who took the picture?" Peter wondered staring hard at the picture as if it would tell him.
James had a sudden flashback of the armor falling down yesterday and how maybe it wasn't Ms. Norris after all. "Wait does it say not wrote the article?" James asked quickly. He hadn't thought to check.
"Anon." Sirius replied scratching his head. "Someone named Anon."
"Anon isn't a name," Micheal Duke added taking the vacant seat next to Sirius. "It just means the person who wrote the article doesn't want anyone to find out who they are."
"Michael I'm sorry but I need all the room here-" Remus was carrying a large stack of paper that towered over his head and dropped it in the middle of them. "Are you guys reading this? If McGonagall sees this she'll have our heads. I've already gone through the liberty of collecting the copies around the Great Hall, James and Peter can tackle the common rooms while Sirius and I-"
"That's you then isn't it?" Theresa Mendez ask pointing to the blurred silhouette of Remus in the picture as she passed by the Gryffindor table. "Wow. I didn't expect that."
If Remus looked offended he didn't show it. James grinned, glancing at Sirius. Sirius shrugged back- even Peter looked flattered.
"So you guys are the one who did the charms corridor too?" Micheal asked, impressed scanning the article from the pile Remus had brought over. "I knew it had to be someone smart."
"Hey!" Sirius protested. "We're plenty smart too!"
"You're the Marauders?" A fellow fourth year who James had never talked to until this moment asked quickly.
"That's them!" A girl was pointing them out to her pretty friends from the Hufflepuff table.
"But they're just second years!"
James automatically turned to Lily who was sitting next to Mary, laughing, and not looking towards them. Had she not read the article? Maybe she hadn't seen it yet. James grinned and jumped up on the table. She would now.
"Hold the applause." James yelled looking down at the fifty pairs of eyes that were staring back at him. "Yes, yes you heard it right. We are The Marauders. I'll be happy to sign anythi-"
He was suddenly pulled down by a girl and with a jolt he realized her was looking straight into piercing blue eyes of Marlene McKinnon. "Are you mad, James?"
"Mars-"
"What were you thinking?" Marlene continued dragging him away so they were away from all the noise in the Great Hall. "This isn't like you James. You were never this reckless or stupid before. It's all Sirius's fault isn't it? I told you to stay away from him, didn't I?"
"I didn't do this because of Sirius!" James protested. "I want to do pranks. You remember us doing pranks when were little-"
"That's not the point,James." Marlene looked frustrated. "You're hanging out with him- and one day he'll turn you into one of them and you'll-"
"Mars." James took her hand, gently. "Look at me. I'm not like him okay. And neither are you. And neither is he-I know you were scared when he left-"
"No." Marlene shook her head, and stepped back. "He didn't leave. He was taken James. He was taken- forced-"
"Mr. Potter!"
James sighed and turned to face his professor. Minerva McGonagall didn't look mad but James knew underneath her calm demeanor she was livid. Sirius, Remus and Peter each poked their heads from behind her tall frame and waved at James who squared his shoulders and nodded, assuring them it would be alright. McGonagall smiled at Marlene who had composed herself and stepped back. "Ms. McKinnon if you would allow me to take Mr. Potter for a bit."
Marlene blinked. "Of course, professor."
She gave James a last look before walking back swiftly into the Great Hall her curls billowing behind her.
"Mr. Potter if you would follow me please." McGonagall led the way, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter following him.
"I told you she would find out." Remus whispered. "We're all going to be expelled. I should have known better than to agree to this..."
"She just swooped in and demanded that we follow her." Peter explained. "Everyone thinks we're goners and to be honest I'm beginning to think they're right."
"Because she found out-" Remus started.
"Shut up, Remus." Sirius whispered harshly. "Don't pretend you didn't enjoy it while it lasted."
Remus huffed and shuffled behind Sirius with a irritated look on his face.
"Mate if we go to Azkaban I just want to know that I kept the Grindelwald card this whole time." Sirius said. "It's in the back-"
"I knew it!" James and Remus shouted at the same time. If McGonagall heard them she didn't look back and continued with her wickedly fast pace.
"We're going to be sent to Azkaban?" Peter whimpered looking up at James. "Oh my god. My dad said it was a terrible place..."
"All of you, quiet." McGonagall hushed them as she paused in front of a large door. James too halted, Sirius, Remus and Peter all hitting him in the back having heard McGonagall too late.
"Oh no oh no oh no!" Remus breathed realizing where they were and James looked back to see his friend turn pale.
"Follow me." McGonagall told them leading them inside. Sirius looked around in awe and Peter nearly tripped over the shock, for they were in the Headmasters office!
"Have you been in here before?" Sirius asked Remus suspiciously.
James turned to ask Professor McGonagall if she was really going to get them expelled or sent to Azkaban when he realized she was gone. He searched around for her wildly for she was here just a second ago. He only found a small cat scampering around-
"Well have you Remus?" Sirius asked prodding Remus once more. Peter was spinning in circles looking at the many portraits of headmasters that had all begun muttering at once, threatening almost to fall.
"Please." James, Peter, Remus and Sirius turned around startled to see Headmaster Dumbeldore watching them from his seat. James could have sworn he wasn't there moments ago but he had also lost his own Transfiguration professor in a matter of seconds so who was to say he was seeing things right.
"Thank you." the Headmaster said pleased now that he had their undivided attention. "If you would take your seats."
He beckoned the four seats in front of the desk that Peter, Remus, Sirius and James gingerly took.
"Please don't send us to Azkaban!" Peter blurted out at once, causing James,Sirius and Remus to stare.
"My child- why would I send you there? It's just awful."
Peter blinked. "I thought because-"
"Because you all were very curious young adventurous who decided to have sone fun while absolutely breaking no rules?"
"Yes and we completely understand the consequences-what?" Remus asked looking confused for a moment.
"No rules?" James asked, confused.
The Headmaster nodded sharing a smile with Remus who spoke. "But we were out after hours..."
The Headmaster paused. "Oh right. Then one rule I suppose."
James and Sirius proceeded to glare at Remus who remained oblivious as he was staring dead at the Headmaster.
"As I was saying, I told Minerva you four broke no rules." The Headmaster continued. "I don't recall there being anything in the rule book about playing fun pranks on students. In fact I commend you."
The cat in the corner purred indignantly. James scowled at it and it seemed to have scowled back. The Headmaster looked at it sharply, and to James's surprise it purred once more before scampering out the room, swinging the door shut with it's tail.
"Now," The headmaster looked at them seriously. "that being said I was told to give you four some serious punishments for your actions. Minerva might be a bit strict but nonetheless she is a very respected mature witch and I take her orders very seriously."
James, Sirius, Remus and Peter exchanged uneasy looks.
"I'll be taking 50 points from Gryffindor, and you four are to serve detention with Minerva for the rest of the month." He stood up, pointing to the door with his wand. The door opened with a small creak. "You will not however be going to Azkaban on my watch."
And with the he dismissed them with a smile. As the door shut behind them James turned to Sirius and grinned, who turned to Remus and did the same to Peter.
Their little moment was interrupted by the door throwing itself open once more and the headmaster peering down to look at them. "Did I forget to mention that I absolutely love the name the Marauders. Which one of you came up with it?"
The detention took place on the 10th floor in the spare room next to Ancient Runes. James couldn't help but feel excited. The headmaster was so cool. How had he not met him before?
"Oh come on Remus- you knew what the room was before either of us could figure it out. Are you sure you'v never been there before?" Sirius was bothering Remus again and James nodded to Remus, curious too.
"I'm sure Remus got a reward for being so smart or something, that's how he knows. Right Remus?" Peter asked Remus who promptly put down his book.
"Actually I got a special assignment from Dumbledore to keep you three out of trouble."
The other three boys immediately burst into protest.
"You." Sirius laughed throwing his head back. "Keep us out of trouble? As if!"
"Mainly because you're the one who comes up with the ideas." Peter added. "And Sirius is the muscle..."
"You take that back Peter!" Sirius cried jumping onto Peter. "I'm definitely the face."
"I thought we agreed I was the face!" James inserted tackling Sirius. Remus sighed and went back to calmly reading his book. James grinned sharing a knowing glance with Sirius and Peter, and with a nod he knocked the book out of Remus's hand. Peter then pulled Remus's chair back and before Remus could protest Sirius pulled Remus into their fight.
"Aaaand we meet once again" Emma Vanity sighed leaning against the doorway. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter stopped immediately and stood up embarrassed as the 6th year Quidditch captain walked in. "I'm beginning to think I'm never going to get rid of you four ."
Sirius cleared his throat. "I thought McGonagall was supposed to be heading our detention."
Emma turned a sparkling grey eye to him. "Would you rather she be here? I'll be more than glad to go-"
"No!" James, Sirius, Peter and Remus shouted at the same time.
Emma smiled satisfied and set her books down. "McGonagall was busy and asked me to assist her- I would rather be in my free period right now but somethings can't be undone." She took a seat and eyed them. "What are you here for this time, Marauders?"
James grinned. She knew about them!
"Well-" Sirius started importantly.
"If it's about the prank you played on Colton." Emma grinned looking at her hands. "I must say I'm impressed. Not a lot of people can scare a captain- although if you ever pretend to be the ghost of the Forbidden Forest to scare me, you'll be facing something far worse than detention." She looked up at them. "At least now Gryffindor has a legit reason for not wining the cup this year." She smiled. "I can see the headlines already. Gryffindor captain frightened of ghost, fails to lead team to victory, continuing the 17 year losing streak..."
Emma stood up, and shook her head. "Anyways I'm supposed to be making you do lines but I'll offer you a deal. If you shut up and don't bother me much I'll let you talk."
"Accepted your majesty." James bowed.
"I like this one." Emma said to no one in particular. "Say James how did the tryouts go?"
Once James had gotten over the shock that she had said hid name he realized he couldn't bring himself to say that he hadn't gotten on the team.
"You're a sixth year right?" Remus interrupted raising his hand. James looked towards him, grateful for the intrusion.
"I am." Emma answered skeptically. "You're not going to ask me about N.E.W.T.S are you?" She looked pitifully towards her books. "I get sick just thinking about them."
Remus put his hand down. "Um..."
He looked towards James for help. James was more than ready to rise at the occasion. But it was Sirius who spoke smoothly "I think what my dear friend Remus was trying to say was that you look too young to be a sixth year."
Emma looked towards Sirius, a light twinkle in her eyes. "Sirius Black is it? The Black heir that went rogue. You're quite the celebrity in Slytherin - as is your brother."
Sirius's grin disappeared as quickly as it came.
Emma continued quite unaware. "I think Nikki's taken a liking to him- though I can't say if that's good or bad for him right now."
"What were you talking about at the Quidditch Pitch?" James asked suddenly. Sirius fist was clenched, a tell tale sign that James had to act now. Remus looked between Peter and James with growing concern.
"What ever do you mean?" Emma asked looking surprised.
"You know what I'm talking about." James said. "What happened to the Hufflepuff captain-?"
"Some questions," Emma Vanity said looking him dead in the eye. "are best remained unanswered." She turned away from them, arms folded. "I've changed my mind. You're going to do those lines. As many parchments as you can- I. Will. Not. Play. Pranks."
Remus was the first one to grab his parchment and ink, Peter following his lead. Sirius was sitting down, not having heard anything. Peter nudged him, handing him a parchment. Sirius took it without a word and handed James a blank parchment wordlessly.
Emma had buried herself in her books and James gave up on getting any more questions answered. He reluctantly turned to his parchment and started writing. Somewhere between writing and falling asleep James eyes begun to wander. He noticed the small burn stains on the wall, the faint smell of singed and - something sparkling by Remus's chair.
"Psshh Remus." James whispered. Emma looked up and James pretended to look like he was writing until she turned back to her notes.
Sirius who had returned back to normal once again looked towards James and mouthed 'what?"
Remus pointed to Peter and to Remus. Understanding at once Sirius got Peter's attention who got Remus, who looked annoyed at being disturbed. He had already finished 7 pieces of parchment and was moving onto his eight.
"Get the-" James started. There was loud sound as Emma Vanity shut her book and stood up. "Parchments now."
James gathered the parchments and handed them to her.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't see you guys talking to each other while you thought I wasn't looking." James was more impressed that she had caught them than amused that she had.
"Anyways your detention is over. I'm to let you know that you've to come back here tomorrow night as well."
With that she swiftly walked out the room, leaving the four boys to themselves.
"8 pages Remus!" Sirius remarked. "What are you made of?"
"I'm surprised you three even got one page combined." Remus replied sarcastically.
"What's that?" Peter asked curiously pointing to the silver thing sparkling next to Remus's chair.
Remus looked down confused and peered at it. "It looks like a necklace."
"Lovely." Sirius grinned. "Well let's get back. James and I are in a mood for another prank. I think you'll like this idea Peter..." Sirius, James and Peter had all started walking towards the door deep in conversation about the prank. Remus, however, had not moved with them.
"Remus." James called. "We're going."
Remus looked down. "That's Mary's necklace."
James had recalled Mary boasting about a necklace ay beginning of the school year. He peered at it closely, it was small silver thing with a tiny heart charm. "Well get it. We can give it to her when we see her."
Remus stood rooted in place, like he wasn't sure. "Maybe we should leave it here-so Mary can come get it herself. Maybe it's not her necklace at all- we can't just pick up someone's necklace..."
"Its hers, I remember her bragging about it to blondie." Sirius said "As if a necklace is something to brag about- now the Black family heirloom, that's something to brag about."
Remus was shaking now and both Sirius and Peter had noticed too. They all looked at him expectantly. Remus looked at them, his eyes wide, and bent down to grab the necklace. He picked it up and dropped it in an instant- stepping back.
"S-s- sorry." Remus said looking up at them. James didn't know what was wrong but he was beginning to feel like he was missing something. Remus bent down and grabbed the necklace once more, his eyes closed. He stuffed it into his robes and looked at them his eyes watery.
"Rem-" Sirius started.
And Remus Lupin just shook his head and with a shaky breathe told them that he was cold and wanted to get back to the common room before he froze to death. If any of the Marauders thought this was odd, none of them pointed this out and huddled their friend all the way until he reached the common room.