Ahh here we are with chapter 4. I know I hoped to get it out last week but obviously that didn't happen. Just been busy. But here it is now! Hope you guys like it!
hannahbanana: Yes, life is indeed much funnier with the Marauders present. Don't worry, they're all around in this chapter!
Canadian Coco Chick: Haha, yeah I love Sirius but not everyone can love him all the time! He hasn't always been such a good boy.
Elladora: Haha well I've got quite a few things to respond to you about. I love the long reviews! About their religious affiliation, I guess that was just my own vocabulary shining through. Though when reading the books I've always wondered if they are religious. JKR seems to avoid the subject, but they do have Easter holidays and Sirius is Harry's Godfather… both of which are Christian things. But either way, I'll try to stick with "Merlin".
The same goes with the British lingo. I'm not British so I'm trying to keep out my own Canadian vocabulary but it's a tad difficult. I'll be sure to skim over it and make sure to British-ize the dialogue haha. And don't worry, Remus and Peter will make plenty of appearances in my story. I love Lupin as well and I also hate fics that conveniently leave out Peter. Hello… if they weren't close friends with him they never would've make him secret keeper and there'd be no Harry Potter story! So he'll be around :D Oh and I've barely been on the computer (hence the reason I'm only posting this now) but I'll be sure to check out your fics!
RedRaspberry: I'm so glad you're enjoying the story! Thanks so much for reviewing!
And thanks a lot to the rest of you as well. Now enough of all this. Let's get on to the story!
"Give it up Wormtail old friend! I'm the reigning champion and I am absolutely undefeatable!" Sirius exclaimed as he beat Peter at their 4th straight game of Exploding Snap. "And I'm not even sober! You really need to work on your game Pete." He continued, laughing.
"Undefeatable my arse", Remus interjected. "It's rather curious that you haven't challenged me yet." He said smugly. "I wonder why that is."
"Hmm," Sirius responded thoughtfully. "And what do you suppose the reason for that is Lupin? Because really, I just wouldn't want to embarrass you." He said, while trying to keep a straight face.
The boys (yes, when together they'd still be considered boys) often started mock confrontations with one another when drunk. Or sober. It was a little game they'd played ever since their very first day at Hogwarts when Sirius had told off Remus for sitting in 'his' spot on the common room sofa. Poor little Remus, being rather shy at the time, had been so afraid he'd lost his new friend that he almost cried, but when James and Sirius burst out laughing he'd quickly caught on and it had continued ever since.
"Ha!" Remus barked in a very Sirius-like way. "Embarrass me? That's a joke Black. Let's see what you've got you mangy mutt!
"Bring it on you.. you.. moon-howling werewolf!"
Peter's stifled laughter at Sirius's incredibly lame comeback was just too much for the two tipsy men to take and their fake glares were only held for about 5 seconds before all three of them just about died laughing.
"Moon-howling werewolf?!" Remus exclaimed through his laughter. That doesn't even make sense you prat!" Of course, a comment like this from anyone other than Sirius, Peter, James or Lily, no matter how stupid it sounded, would be extremely insulting. But years of friendship and the loyalty they had shown Remus after discovering his condition made it completely okay. None of them would ever use the word 'werewolf' as a derogatory term and Remus knew that perfectly well.
"Well Sirius, I believe Remus has challenged you to a game. Let's see how 'undefeatable' you really are," said Peter when their laughter finally died down.
"Yes I suppose he has," replied Sirius. "We might as well get a few more games in before Prongs gets back. What do you think could be keeping him?"
The three of them were currently sitting around James's living room in his London flat and were staying the night. Lily had called it a "cute little sleepover" but they much preferred the term man's night.
"He probably went and made the Muggles think he was crazy by asking for Firewhiskey or something," chuckled Peter.
"Heh, Pete's probably right. You'd think that after 6 months of living in Muggle London he'd figure everything out, especially with Lily helping. But he still brings up how marvelous it was discovering television every now and then when he strikes up conversations with the neighbors. I reckon they think he's a bit mad, said Remus, laughing along with Peter.
At that moment, as if by cue, the door flew open and in walked James carrying a bag which was surely filled with liquor. "Ahh, here we go boys. I come bearing gifts!" he announced as he shut the door and made his way into the living room.
"Finally! What took you so damn long? Bloody hell, it got to the point where we were sick of the dirty movie channel and started playing children's games!" Sirius exclaimed as if the idea of getting sick of the dirty movie channel was preposterous.
"Sorry mate. I went and asked the guy for Firewhiskey again and spent 40 minutes trying to backtrack which really isn't all that easy when you're half drunk."
Remus glanced over at Sirius and Peter with an 'I-told-you-so' look upon his face, which was enough to have them cracking up once again and leave James looking dumbfounded.
"What's so funny?"
The four friends spent another few hours drinking, laughing and acting like they were back in their dormitory at Hogwarts before they finally began to sober up around 3am.
"So", Sirius began, "did I tell you guys that Lily rang me after work and said that it went pretty well with Melissa? She also scolded me for being a prat in school, but it sounded good for the most part."
"Yeah, you only mentioned it about 100 times Padfoot," Peter replied with a smirk on his face.
"Hmph." Sirius grumbled. "Well sorry if I'm a bit happy about it."
"What is it exactly that you like so much about her?" Remus inquired, though he was fairly sure of the answer he'd get.
"Well, there's her legs. And her hips, and chest and hair and eyes… I like her personality too!" he emphasized after seeing the look on Remus's face. "She happens to be a very confident, independent woman, which I find very attractive."
"Speaking of women," said James before Remus could respond. "I wanted to let you guys know that I'm planning a surprise party for Lily's 19th birthday coming up on the 21st of January. I want it to be big; really special, so I'm going to need some help from you guys with all of the arrangements. Is that alright?"
Sirius yawned tiredly before responding, "Yeah sure mate. Anything for Lilikins, but that's a whole month away. We still have Christmas to deal with. Why are you bringing it up now?"
"Because, Padfoot. James obviously wants it to be an awesome party for Lils that can't be thrown together in two days." Remus said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Anything I can do James, just let me know," he said, turning away from Sirius to face James.
"Yeah me too James," chimed in Peter. Oh I bet I could get you a discount on a caterer. I have contacts with most of the eateries in town!" he said excitedly.
James was about to make a joking comment towards Peter but was interrupted by an irritated Sirius. "What's that attitude for Moony? I was just asking a simple question and you make it seem like I don't think Lily's worth having a big party for. I'll have you know Lily's my best friend after you three and I think she's worth the biggest party in the world. So don't even go there." He said with frustration.
Remus sighed. He really hadn't meant to upset Sirius and he knew that if it wasn't for the after-effects of the alcohol, they wouldn't be having this mini-argument.
"I'm sorry Sirius. I know you care about Lils. We all do. I think we're just tired and the hangovers seem to be setting in early. I really didn't mean to sound rude."
"Yeah, don't worry about it Remus. I'm sorry I snapped at you too. I think you're right about the hangovers." He said with a snigger. "Oh bloody hell, would you look at us. Four young guys trying to have a man's night and we're falling asleep before sunrise and apologizing for snapping at each other over our female best friend and best mate's girlfriend."
All four of them laughed at their failure to have a very manly night before conjuring squishy mattresses across the living room floor for them to sleep on.
"Just so there's no hard feelings Padfoot," Remus said through a yawn before shutting his eyes. "I've come up with your first job for the party which I think you'll like."
"Oh yeah?" said Sirius who had already shut his eyes and was halfway to dreamland. "What's that Moony?"
"Invite Melissa."
"Well Moony, I do believe that is a rather brilliant idea" replied Sirius, which was the last thing heard before four distinct snores filled the room.
Morning came extraordinarily quickly, as it always seems to do when one is beyond tired. James awoke to the feeling of something hitting the back of his head repeatedly, which continued, to his confusion, for a good two minutes before he realized it was a pillow and the one holding onto it was Sirius.
"Prongs! For the love of Merlin, wake the hell up!" he yelled, exasperated.
"Go away," James groaned as he half-heartedly tried to hit Sirius's leg.
"James, mate, it's 7:40! We have work at 8:30 remember? Obviously we're the only idiots who would get drunk on a work night but Remus and Peter are already up and gone! And I want to meet up with Lily near St. Mungos before heading over to the Ministry. So come on. Come with me."
"Meet Lily? Why?" James asked, rolling over. "Why do you need to see Lily now?
"Because Prongs." He began, as if the answer was completely obvious and James was a total plonker for not realizing it. "I can meet up with Lily, we can grab a quick bite and then I can walk her over to work… where I can see Melissa. I'm supposed to invite her to the party remember?!
"Oh. Right. Well you go on without me. I'll send Moody an owl later and tell him I'm sick. And don't you say a word otherwise."
"Yeah, yeah fine. Bye mate," Sirius replied before quickly calling Lily to make arrangements and apparating.
"So Sirius, why exactly did you want to meet up for breakfast again? It's usually only Mondays. Not that I mind of course, I'm just curious."
"Does there have to be a reason for me to want to see my favourite girl?" Sirius said, putting on the charm.
Of course, Lily knew him too well for his smooth words to have any effect so she just stared back at him, eyebrows raised, until he finally had to laugh.
"Oh Lils, you just know me so well don't you," he said as he poked her. "Not that it's not a joy having breakfast with you. I just figured after we're done I could walk you over to work and talk to Melissa about…..er.. well whatever comes up." He finished, taking a big gulp of his tea.
'Great, first time I see her and I almost spoil the surprise.'
"Oh, um, okay. That should be fine." Lily replied. Sirius seemed to be hiding something, but she didn't know what it could possibly be so she decided to put it out of her mind for the time being.
"Well look at the time," she said as she glanced at her watch. We should be going."
The two of them put on their coats as it was rather nippy outside, Sirius took care of the bill and they made their way out into the cold and down the street to Purge and Dowse, Ltd, the department store which Muggles knew to be closed for refurbishment, and the secret front entrance of St. Mungos.
Upon entering, they noticed through the crowd Melissa, looking very pretty (Sirius noted) in a pair of tight, strechy black dress pants and white blouse. She seemed to be in quite a hurry towards the lifts, but Lily decided to be nice to Sirius and get a hold of her attention.
"Mel! Hey Mel! Wait up a second!" she yelled as they caught up to her. "Where are you off to in such a hurry? We've still got another 10 minutes or so."
"Oh I know. I just wanted to grab a tea and maybe a muffin or something. I didn't have breakfast and I'm famished." She replied before the doors opened and the three of them entered. "Oh, hi Si-er..Black. What are you doing here?"
"Well, um, I just thought I'd walk Lily here over to work this morning and when you mentioned being famished I realized just how hungry I am myself. So I think I'll head up to the tearoom as well and pick something up before heading over to the Ministry."
Lily could barely keep her giggles in at the thought of the huge plate Sirius had just eaten at the diner down the street, but she stayed quiet after Sirius gave her a look. Just then, the doors opened to the second floor and Lily stepped off.
"I forgot one of my notebooks over in my office, so I'm just going to go grab that. I'll see you in class Melissa, and thanks so much for walking me over Sirius," she said with a smirk as the doors closed behind her.
The two of them stood in silence for the rest of the elevator ride. He wanted desperately to strike up a conversation but being under pressure, he forgot the main reason he had for speaking with her. 'Merlin, I never have trouble talking to women. What's happening to me?'
The doors opened to the fifth floor where the tearoom was located and the pair stepped out and into the short line.
"So, you and Lily seem pretty close. I was joking with her yesterday that she might have chosen the wrong Marauder." Melissa said, glancing at Sirius.
He had to laugh at this. "Lily? And Me? Oh no no no Melissa. That would never happen. First of all, her and James are practically attached at the hips. Metaphorically and literally, if you catch my drift." He said with a wink, which made her laugh. "Plus," he continued, "everyone knows they're perfect for each other. No one would ever get in the way of that. And either way, the thought of Lily and I is just laughable. She's a great girl, don't get me wrong. I love her like a sister but that's all it is. Remus and Peter too. We've all just known her so long and so well that she's one of our best friends."
'Oh, well that sounds really nice," Melissa replied. 'Wow, he actually sounds like a pretty nice guy…' she thought to herself.
Finally it hit Sirius and he couldn't believe he was just remembering the party now.
"Hey, speaking of Lily, I'm glad we got a moment alone because I wanted to mention that we're throwing her a surprise party for her birthday next month. Well, James is throwing it but we're helping. And um, I'm sort of in charge of invitations. We all agreed that Lils would love it if you made it.
"Aw, well that was really sweet of you guys to think of me. Her birthday is on the… 21st right? Is that going to be the day of the party as well?" He nodded and she continued. "Well sure, it sounds great. I'll definitely be –"
"NEXT! What would you like ma'am?" yelled the grumpy looking cafeteria woman, interrupting her.
"Oh, er, could I get a medium sized tea and a blueberry- wait no, a raspberry muffin."
The woman turned to fix Melissa's order, giving her and Sirius a chance to finish their conversation.
"So, you were saying you'll come?" he asked while trying to hide his excitement.
"Yeah, for sure. I'll be there." She replied as she took her tea and muffin from the woman's outstretched hands.
At that moment, the middle-aged man next in line, who looked very impatient indeed, quickly moved up to the counter, practically shoving Melissa out of the way in the process. It was as if the world was moving in slow motion as the tea flew from her hand in splashes, towards her pure white blouse.
Sirius, always the rescuer, quickly took his hand out of the pocket in which it was resting, along with his wand. "Immobulus!" he yelled, stopping the liquid in mid-air and sparing Melissa from the hot shower.
The whole room had stopped and everyone was watching
them as Sirius turned from Melissa to the man who had pushed her.
"Excuse me sir. I think you owe her an apology.
First off, you
don't push a lady. And secondly, she was holding a steaming hot tea
and could've been burned. Merlin, have some consideration!"
The man clearly hadn't really meant to cause any trouble especially as he was much shorter and skinnier than Sirius and had no intention of starting something with him. He turned to Melissa and said, "Sorry ma'am. Didn't mean any harm. I'll be sure to watch what I'm doing next time," before he turned and left quickly without placing an order.
Melissa stepped back from the tea frozen in air, before letting it fall. "Scourify." She said quietly, cleaning it up so that the woman working wouldn't have to, before turning to Sirius with a smile on her face.
"Thanks Black. The last thing I need this morning is to have hot tea splashed all over me. That was really nice of you to stand up for me too."
"It was nothing. But hey, if you wanted to repay me I have an idea of how you could do that." He said with a smile.
'Oh great. Here it comes. He seems like a nice guy for 5 minutes and now he's going to come up with some line he finds charming to try and get in my pants.' She thought to herself, angry that she had actually almost changed her opinion of him.
"Oh yeah? And what's that Black?" she asked dully, expecting the worst.
"Well ever since 5th year I've just been getting Lily funny gifts. You know, gag gifts like how me and the guys give each other. She seems to like them because she gets a kick out of them, but she always gives all of us really nice stuff. Peter and Remus are usually pretty good at choosing gifts out for her, but for once I'd, I don't know, I'd like to get her a really awesome gift. And well, I figure the best way to get a good present for a girl is to go shopping with a girl, right? I'm really not trying anything funny," he said as he noticed her suspicious look. "I just figured you'd be a good person to help, especially since you know her. If you don't want to that's totally okay though."
Melissa thought about it for a second. 'He seems honest enough. It's just shopping, how bad could that be?'
"Um, sure Black. That should be alright, and I can get my gift for her as well. I probably won't see you the rest of this week so we'll just plan now to meet at the Leaky Cauldron this Saturday at, let's say noon. Is that okay with you?"
Sirius's stomach was doing back flips. 'Calm down, it's not a date. She didn't agree to go out with you, only to shop for a gift. Hmm but it is a start.' He thought to himself excitedly before replying, as calmly as he could, "Yeah sure. That works for me. Well anyways, I really need to work or Moody will have my head. I guess I'll see you Saturday then."
"I guess you will. See you then Black."
"See you," he said, unable to hold back his signature grin before dissaparating before her eyes.
'Me, going shopping with Black. He better not make me regret this.' She thought to herself as if the mere thought of the two of them shopping together was ridiculous. However she couldn't hold back the tiniest of smirks when she pictured the grin he flashed her before he disapparated.
'Shows it to all the girls, but I have to give him some credit. It is an effective tool. Gosh, why is it that all the jerks are so damn good looking?'
Author's Note: And there you have it, chapter 4! It's quite a bit longer than the other chapters, is that okay? Let me know if you guys want them to be shorter, or even longer. I was going to end it with the guys going to sleep and have chapter 5 be Sirius and Melissa at St. Mungos and shopping, but I just felt like adding a bit more in. So next chapter will be them searching for presents.
Thanks again to everyone who reviewed as well as anyone who read but didn't review! I love to hear from you guys though so keep the reviews coming :D