A/N: Thanks for the good review....onto chapter 2! And I know it's a little
strange, I suppose, to have people from the 70's writing songs of today.
But I'm not creative enough to write original songs, and it works better
this way because the song is already known and you can sing along. If you
know it, of course, and I'm gonna try to use well known songs.
ANYWAY! Onto the story.
****
The story of Remus's performance spread quickly around the school. He suddenly found himself crowded by girls, giggling and asking him to play for them. He turned them down, of course. Most had never paid attention to him before, and he knew that the interest was purely because he was a 'rocker'.
Sirius and James encouraged all of this, however. On more than one occasion they had called "Rock star coming through" down the halls, then started clapping as Remus walked by, red-faced and angry.
One day, the night before the full moon, Remus stopped this. All he did was turn around and growl at them. It shot a look of fright into James and Sirius, and Peter almost wet himself. All of the hub-bub about him died down quickly after that.
The next Saturday, when Remus had out the guitar again, and was scribbling away on a bit of parchment, Sirius spoke up. "I know what we should do."
James raised an eyebrow and got up from the table, where he was beating the snot out of Peter in Wizard's Chess. "What should we do, Padfoot?"
Peter seemed interested. He broke his attention away from the chessboard, where he was trying to figure out why exactly he had lost so spectacularly. Remus, however, was still absorbed in his writing.
"We should start a band," he said, smiling wildly. James smiled back, and Peter looked worried. Remus, however, burst out laughing.
"Us? Start a band? You can't be serious!" he exclaimed, clutching his stomach.
Sirius looked hurt. "And why not, Moony? You can play guitar, and write songs. Prongs is always beating a rhythm on his knee."
Remus finally stopped laughing. "And what about you and Peter, Padfoot? What would you two do?"
"Well, I asked Lily," Both James and Remus perked up, "and she said in most bands there is a singer, a guitarist, a drummer, and a bassist. And a lot of them have two guitarists, a rhythm one and a lead."
Peter let out a sad laugh. "I would never be talented enough to be in a band. You guys are on your own with that one."
Sirius sighed. "Fine. But even without Peter, we have the makings of a band already! James can be the drummer, and I can learn to play bass!" He seemed very determined to get the guys to do this.
"Where are you going to get a bass, Sirius?" James asked.
"I'll ask Katie Barlow. You know, that Ravenclaw girl? She told me once that she was in a band. She'll know where I can get one." James snickered. Katie and Sirius had dated off and on during their 3rd year. He wasn't sure if Katie would even talk to Sirius, let alone help him.
Remus sighed. "Sure. Why not?" With that, he picked up the guitar again and continued where he left off. Sirius smiled and jumped up.
"Well, I'm off to find Katie. See you all later." He almost skipped out of the common room.
"Well, this should be interesting."
****
To everyone's surprise, Sirius entered the common room an hour later holding a 5 string bass. He was questioned quite a bit, but refused to say how he had gotten it so quickly.
"It's for me to know and you to find out." He pulled a large magazine cutout from his pocket. It showed a very large drum set. "Prongsie, this is what you're going to be playing."
James just raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "How are we going to get it?"
Sirius smirked. "Using these." He pulled a handful of rocks out of his pocket. "C'mon, I'll show you upstairs." He, James, and Peter ran up the steps and entered the room. Remus was already sitting on his bed, playing.
"What are you three up to now? How did you get a bass, Padfoot?" He set down the guitar and started examining the bass.
"Very carefully." That, of course, provided no useful information. Before Remus could point that out, Sirius continued. "Now we're going to transfigure these rocks into a drum set. Care to join us?"
Remus shrugged, then nodded. He took a few rocks, following James's lead, and pointed his wand at it. On the count of three, the boys transformed the stones into a full drum set. Sirius took a few sticks and turned them into drumsticks. They smiled at their work.
"Well, I think you two should start learning how to play, yeah?" Remus nodded at the guys, then headed downstairs. Peter decided to go to bed, as it was getting late. Before the racket of two boys learning to play instruments started, Remus put a silencing spell on their door so it didn't carry downstairs. He also suggested to Peter to do the same for his bed.
When he returned to the common room, he found it deserted again. Or so he thought. He sat down and rested his head against the back of the overstuffed crimson couch. He yawned, then looked around. He was surprised to see a tall redhead staring at him.
Remus had been avoiding Lily ever since that night when she kissed him. Luckily, he hadn't been alone with her, until now. He gulped, then stared into the fire.
"Remus?" she asked. He didn't respond. "Remus, you've been avoiding me." He reluctantly turned to her.
"I- I'm sorry, Lily. But I don't know what to do about us."
"What do you mean? What's so wrong with it?" She seemed hurt, which pained Remus.
"Well....It's just..."
She suddenly looked angry. "This is about James, isn't it?" Slowly he nodded. "You're willing to give up your own happiness for a friend? And don't try to deny this makes you happy. You enjoyed that kiss as much as I did."
Remus felt his face burn. "I feel like I'm backstabbing James. He's helped me through so much."
Lily sighed. "Like what, Remus? I want to help you. But you won't give me the chance." He gulped. Could he tell her? No. She would just be scared.
"I can't, Lily." He turned away, feeling his face turn red again.
"Remus, please talk to me." She sounded close to tears. "At least look at me!" She grabbed his chin and pulled his face around. The tears in her eyes hurt his heart.
"Lily, please-" For the second time, Lily cut him off by sealing her lips against his. For the second time, he was surprised. And, for the second time, he returned the pressure. But this time the kiss grew so much in intensity that Lily ended up on her back, Remus on top of her. When he pulled away, she smiled again.
"I knew you liked it. Why do you deny it?" She said, sitting up. They were both breathing hard.
"I don't know. Lily, we can't tell anyone about this. If it got back to James..." he trailed off, not wanting to think about what would happen then.
She sighed. "Fine. But will you please just tell me what's going on?"
"I can't. Not now." He pecked her lips again. "Goodnight, Lily." And then he ran up the steps to his dorm, finding the drum set and bass left out, and the three boys fast asleep.
****
The next day was a Sunday. The boys decided to go outside, as it was a beautiful day. Remus brought the guitar, Sirius brought his bass, and James brought the drumsticks.
Taking out a roll of parchment and self-inking quill, Remus started to write again. When he was done, and the songs sounded like he wanted, he played it for his friends. They thought it was great, but Remus waved off their comments.
"I want you guys to play this with me." After explaining the song, and how he wanted it to sound, they started practicing. They muffled the sounds so that only the four of them (Peter was sitting there, in awe of the three men) could hear.
****
The next Saturday, after many practices in their dormitory, the three were ready to perform the new song, and "Wonderwall". Feeling very nervous, Remus made his way down to the common room holding his guitar, followed by Sirius holding his bass, and James, who was carrying a shrunken version of his drum set.
The entire Gryffindor house was spread around the common room, and a few people from other houses had come too. For the past week, the news that Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and James Potter were in a band and were going to give a performance had spread like wildfire around the school.
The three boys set up in the center of the common room, and enchanted their instruments to play as loud as they would with amps. Right before Remus was about to speak and introduce them, Professor Dumbledore burst into the common room. He felt his stomach drop to his knees.
"Professor, we-" He was cut off by a hand.
"No need for explainations, boys. In fact, I have a request," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. Remus gulped, but Sirius and James's eyes lit up.
"Yes, Professor?" Sirius asked, stepping forward. His bass hung loosly on his neck.
"I would like it very much if the three of you were to come down to the Great Hall to perform. So the entire school can see your talents." Remus felt all of the color drain from his face. Before he could refuse, James stood up.
"We would love to!" The other two nodded, and, after a moment of pleading, Remus did too. Everyone in the common room cheered.
"Excellent." Dumbledore motioned for them to follow him out of the room, and they did. Remus felt like he was a criminal, being led to the gallows. Especailly with a cheering crowd behind him.
James and Sirius, of course, were lapping up the attention happily. Peter was following close behind, in complete wonder.
As they walked toward the great hall, they could hear an annoucement being made by Professor Flitwick, the tiny charms teacher. "Ladies and Gentlemen! There will be a special musical performance in the Great Hall in 5 minutes! Anyone that wishes to see it make their way to the Great Hall at this time."
As the three set up, they could see practically the entire school filling in. Remus put a hand over his eyes and shook his head.
Sirius clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, mate! You'll do fine." He could only nod and help Sirius was right.
When everyone that was coming was in, Dumbledore nodded to the boys. Remus looked across the crowd, seeing every face staring up at him, and felt like he was going to be sick. Sirius noticed, and stepped forward.
"Sonorus." He pointed his wand at his throat, and his voice was magnified. "Welcome, everyone, to the first ever performance of," he looked from James to a sick looking Remus, "The Marauders! We would like to introduce ourselves to you. I am Sirius Black, playing bass!" The crowd cheered, mostly the girls.
"On drums, we have the talented Mr. James Potter!" The crowd cheered again, though some boos could be heard from Slytherins.
"And, as our lead singer, guitarist extrodanaire, and songwriter, Mr. Remus Lupin!" The crowd cheered again, a bit quieter than it did for James and Sirius. But no boos were heard.
"The first song we will be playing for you today is called Wonderwall." Sirius looked over at Remus. Some of the color had returned to his face after hearing the cheers for him. "Quietus," Sirius said, making his voice normal again. Remus nodded at them, then pointed his wand towards his throat and cast the same spell Sirius had. James counted off the beat with his drumsticks.
The songs started, and as it continued, Remus felt more confident. As the final note rang through the hall, everyone burst into applause. Remus smiled, then got ready for the next song. He felt good enough to introduce the next one.
"This song I call 'Who I Am'," and James counted off the beat again.
Remus looked around the crowd for Lily. He spotted her, eyes glowing. He smiled and began the song.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you 'cause I know that you feel me somehow You're the closest to heaven that i'll Ever be And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment And all I can breathe is your life 'cause sooner or later it's over I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't Coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am,"
They had enchanted a few things to play the orchestral part, and it really added to the song. Plus, Remus had belted out the lyrics, surprising even James and Sirius with his intensity.
When the song ended, the hall exploded into wild applause. James stood up and joined his friends in the front, and they all took a bow. When Remus looked into the crowd again, Lily had tears in her eyes.
Dumbledore walked onto the stage and shook their hands. "Fabulous, boys, that was wonderful." Turning to the crowd, he spoke. "Well, I'm sure you would all like to stay, but we must prepare the hall for dinner. Please return to your common rooms." The hall slowly emptied.
James, Sirius and Remus slapped hands and made their way back to Gryffindor tower. "Wow, Moony," James said. "You really rocked."
Remus blushed. "Thanks man. You guys played awesome. Just how I pictured it in my head."
Sirius answered. "Thanks. Well, I think this settles it- we're rock stars now!"
****
There ya go! The second chapter up the day after I start! I've never done that before, I'll have you know, so be happy.
The song is "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Yeah, I changed the name. I always thought Iris was a stupid name. MY STORY, MY RULES!! I suggest that you really look at the lyrics of the song. Remus is singing it to Lily....I thought it was perfect for the situation, besides being a great song. I also kind of imagined Remus's singing voice as Johnny Rzeznik's. :-D
Hope you liked it, because I do. Thank you, good night!
ANYWAY! Onto the story.
****
The story of Remus's performance spread quickly around the school. He suddenly found himself crowded by girls, giggling and asking him to play for them. He turned them down, of course. Most had never paid attention to him before, and he knew that the interest was purely because he was a 'rocker'.
Sirius and James encouraged all of this, however. On more than one occasion they had called "Rock star coming through" down the halls, then started clapping as Remus walked by, red-faced and angry.
One day, the night before the full moon, Remus stopped this. All he did was turn around and growl at them. It shot a look of fright into James and Sirius, and Peter almost wet himself. All of the hub-bub about him died down quickly after that.
The next Saturday, when Remus had out the guitar again, and was scribbling away on a bit of parchment, Sirius spoke up. "I know what we should do."
James raised an eyebrow and got up from the table, where he was beating the snot out of Peter in Wizard's Chess. "What should we do, Padfoot?"
Peter seemed interested. He broke his attention away from the chessboard, where he was trying to figure out why exactly he had lost so spectacularly. Remus, however, was still absorbed in his writing.
"We should start a band," he said, smiling wildly. James smiled back, and Peter looked worried. Remus, however, burst out laughing.
"Us? Start a band? You can't be serious!" he exclaimed, clutching his stomach.
Sirius looked hurt. "And why not, Moony? You can play guitar, and write songs. Prongs is always beating a rhythm on his knee."
Remus finally stopped laughing. "And what about you and Peter, Padfoot? What would you two do?"
"Well, I asked Lily," Both James and Remus perked up, "and she said in most bands there is a singer, a guitarist, a drummer, and a bassist. And a lot of them have two guitarists, a rhythm one and a lead."
Peter let out a sad laugh. "I would never be talented enough to be in a band. You guys are on your own with that one."
Sirius sighed. "Fine. But even without Peter, we have the makings of a band already! James can be the drummer, and I can learn to play bass!" He seemed very determined to get the guys to do this.
"Where are you going to get a bass, Sirius?" James asked.
"I'll ask Katie Barlow. You know, that Ravenclaw girl? She told me once that she was in a band. She'll know where I can get one." James snickered. Katie and Sirius had dated off and on during their 3rd year. He wasn't sure if Katie would even talk to Sirius, let alone help him.
Remus sighed. "Sure. Why not?" With that, he picked up the guitar again and continued where he left off. Sirius smiled and jumped up.
"Well, I'm off to find Katie. See you all later." He almost skipped out of the common room.
"Well, this should be interesting."
****
To everyone's surprise, Sirius entered the common room an hour later holding a 5 string bass. He was questioned quite a bit, but refused to say how he had gotten it so quickly.
"It's for me to know and you to find out." He pulled a large magazine cutout from his pocket. It showed a very large drum set. "Prongsie, this is what you're going to be playing."
James just raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. "How are we going to get it?"
Sirius smirked. "Using these." He pulled a handful of rocks out of his pocket. "C'mon, I'll show you upstairs." He, James, and Peter ran up the steps and entered the room. Remus was already sitting on his bed, playing.
"What are you three up to now? How did you get a bass, Padfoot?" He set down the guitar and started examining the bass.
"Very carefully." That, of course, provided no useful information. Before Remus could point that out, Sirius continued. "Now we're going to transfigure these rocks into a drum set. Care to join us?"
Remus shrugged, then nodded. He took a few rocks, following James's lead, and pointed his wand at it. On the count of three, the boys transformed the stones into a full drum set. Sirius took a few sticks and turned them into drumsticks. They smiled at their work.
"Well, I think you two should start learning how to play, yeah?" Remus nodded at the guys, then headed downstairs. Peter decided to go to bed, as it was getting late. Before the racket of two boys learning to play instruments started, Remus put a silencing spell on their door so it didn't carry downstairs. He also suggested to Peter to do the same for his bed.
When he returned to the common room, he found it deserted again. Or so he thought. He sat down and rested his head against the back of the overstuffed crimson couch. He yawned, then looked around. He was surprised to see a tall redhead staring at him.
Remus had been avoiding Lily ever since that night when she kissed him. Luckily, he hadn't been alone with her, until now. He gulped, then stared into the fire.
"Remus?" she asked. He didn't respond. "Remus, you've been avoiding me." He reluctantly turned to her.
"I- I'm sorry, Lily. But I don't know what to do about us."
"What do you mean? What's so wrong with it?" She seemed hurt, which pained Remus.
"Well....It's just..."
She suddenly looked angry. "This is about James, isn't it?" Slowly he nodded. "You're willing to give up your own happiness for a friend? And don't try to deny this makes you happy. You enjoyed that kiss as much as I did."
Remus felt his face burn. "I feel like I'm backstabbing James. He's helped me through so much."
Lily sighed. "Like what, Remus? I want to help you. But you won't give me the chance." He gulped. Could he tell her? No. She would just be scared.
"I can't, Lily." He turned away, feeling his face turn red again.
"Remus, please talk to me." She sounded close to tears. "At least look at me!" She grabbed his chin and pulled his face around. The tears in her eyes hurt his heart.
"Lily, please-" For the second time, Lily cut him off by sealing her lips against his. For the second time, he was surprised. And, for the second time, he returned the pressure. But this time the kiss grew so much in intensity that Lily ended up on her back, Remus on top of her. When he pulled away, she smiled again.
"I knew you liked it. Why do you deny it?" She said, sitting up. They were both breathing hard.
"I don't know. Lily, we can't tell anyone about this. If it got back to James..." he trailed off, not wanting to think about what would happen then.
She sighed. "Fine. But will you please just tell me what's going on?"
"I can't. Not now." He pecked her lips again. "Goodnight, Lily." And then he ran up the steps to his dorm, finding the drum set and bass left out, and the three boys fast asleep.
****
The next day was a Sunday. The boys decided to go outside, as it was a beautiful day. Remus brought the guitar, Sirius brought his bass, and James brought the drumsticks.
Taking out a roll of parchment and self-inking quill, Remus started to write again. When he was done, and the songs sounded like he wanted, he played it for his friends. They thought it was great, but Remus waved off their comments.
"I want you guys to play this with me." After explaining the song, and how he wanted it to sound, they started practicing. They muffled the sounds so that only the four of them (Peter was sitting there, in awe of the three men) could hear.
****
The next Saturday, after many practices in their dormitory, the three were ready to perform the new song, and "Wonderwall". Feeling very nervous, Remus made his way down to the common room holding his guitar, followed by Sirius holding his bass, and James, who was carrying a shrunken version of his drum set.
The entire Gryffindor house was spread around the common room, and a few people from other houses had come too. For the past week, the news that Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and James Potter were in a band and were going to give a performance had spread like wildfire around the school.
The three boys set up in the center of the common room, and enchanted their instruments to play as loud as they would with amps. Right before Remus was about to speak and introduce them, Professor Dumbledore burst into the common room. He felt his stomach drop to his knees.
"Professor, we-" He was cut off by a hand.
"No need for explainations, boys. In fact, I have a request," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. Remus gulped, but Sirius and James's eyes lit up.
"Yes, Professor?" Sirius asked, stepping forward. His bass hung loosly on his neck.
"I would like it very much if the three of you were to come down to the Great Hall to perform. So the entire school can see your talents." Remus felt all of the color drain from his face. Before he could refuse, James stood up.
"We would love to!" The other two nodded, and, after a moment of pleading, Remus did too. Everyone in the common room cheered.
"Excellent." Dumbledore motioned for them to follow him out of the room, and they did. Remus felt like he was a criminal, being led to the gallows. Especailly with a cheering crowd behind him.
James and Sirius, of course, were lapping up the attention happily. Peter was following close behind, in complete wonder.
As they walked toward the great hall, they could hear an annoucement being made by Professor Flitwick, the tiny charms teacher. "Ladies and Gentlemen! There will be a special musical performance in the Great Hall in 5 minutes! Anyone that wishes to see it make their way to the Great Hall at this time."
As the three set up, they could see practically the entire school filling in. Remus put a hand over his eyes and shook his head.
Sirius clapped him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, mate! You'll do fine." He could only nod and help Sirius was right.
When everyone that was coming was in, Dumbledore nodded to the boys. Remus looked across the crowd, seeing every face staring up at him, and felt like he was going to be sick. Sirius noticed, and stepped forward.
"Sonorus." He pointed his wand at his throat, and his voice was magnified. "Welcome, everyone, to the first ever performance of," he looked from James to a sick looking Remus, "The Marauders! We would like to introduce ourselves to you. I am Sirius Black, playing bass!" The crowd cheered, mostly the girls.
"On drums, we have the talented Mr. James Potter!" The crowd cheered again, though some boos could be heard from Slytherins.
"And, as our lead singer, guitarist extrodanaire, and songwriter, Mr. Remus Lupin!" The crowd cheered again, a bit quieter than it did for James and Sirius. But no boos were heard.
"The first song we will be playing for you today is called Wonderwall." Sirius looked over at Remus. Some of the color had returned to his face after hearing the cheers for him. "Quietus," Sirius said, making his voice normal again. Remus nodded at them, then pointed his wand towards his throat and cast the same spell Sirius had. James counted off the beat with his drumsticks.
The songs started, and as it continued, Remus felt more confident. As the final note rang through the hall, everyone burst into applause. Remus smiled, then got ready for the next song. He felt good enough to introduce the next one.
"This song I call 'Who I Am'," and James counted off the beat again.
Remus looked around the crowd for Lily. He spotted her, eyes glowing. He smiled and began the song.
"And I'd give up forever to touch you 'cause I know that you feel me somehow You're the closest to heaven that i'll Ever be And I don't want to go home right now
And all I can taste is this moment And all I can breathe is your life 'cause sooner or later it's over I just don't want to miss you tonight
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And you can't fight the tears that ain't Coming Or the moment of truth in your lies When everything feels like the movies Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
And I don't want the world to see me 'cause I don't think that they'd Understand When everything's made to be broken I just want you to know who I am
I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am,"
They had enchanted a few things to play the orchestral part, and it really added to the song. Plus, Remus had belted out the lyrics, surprising even James and Sirius with his intensity.
When the song ended, the hall exploded into wild applause. James stood up and joined his friends in the front, and they all took a bow. When Remus looked into the crowd again, Lily had tears in her eyes.
Dumbledore walked onto the stage and shook their hands. "Fabulous, boys, that was wonderful." Turning to the crowd, he spoke. "Well, I'm sure you would all like to stay, but we must prepare the hall for dinner. Please return to your common rooms." The hall slowly emptied.
James, Sirius and Remus slapped hands and made their way back to Gryffindor tower. "Wow, Moony," James said. "You really rocked."
Remus blushed. "Thanks man. You guys played awesome. Just how I pictured it in my head."
Sirius answered. "Thanks. Well, I think this settles it- we're rock stars now!"
****
There ya go! The second chapter up the day after I start! I've never done that before, I'll have you know, so be happy.
The song is "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Yeah, I changed the name. I always thought Iris was a stupid name. MY STORY, MY RULES!! I suggest that you really look at the lyrics of the song. Remus is singing it to Lily....I thought it was perfect for the situation, besides being a great song. I also kind of imagined Remus's singing voice as Johnny Rzeznik's. :-D
Hope you liked it, because I do. Thank you, good night!