James, Sirius, Remus and Peter
Author's Note: Yes it's been long since I've last updated. Thanks to all the people who've reviewed my latest chapter: Lilykins and Amandinka. The reason I haven't updated lately is because I've been feeling down lately…feeling blue…probably due to all the exam stress. I was very close to abandoning this fic, very close, that's how down I was. But I know what it's like to read a really good fic and then to find the author has abandoned it, so I decided to read couple of fics to get my inspiration back to start writing. I came across really good fics, met a couple of crazy ones. I came across one where it said Moony was the last marauder, first I found this funny but I came across other fics that said Moony was the last marauder. And then I came across another fic that stated Moony was the last true marauder.
Some of you are not going to like me for what I am about to say but the truth has to be said. Moony and Wormtail are the last marauders alive, unless if I haven't read the OOTP properly or missed the invincible chapter where Peter dies. Marauder has nothing to do with good and evil, just a gang doing pranks. And I know you people hate him but that doesn't mean you have to make lies that his dead (you could kill him in you're fic) but at the end of the day, Pete is alive and kicking with a new dazzling hand; a gift from Lord Voldermort.
Gotta run now, before I leave I need a favour. I know I've sated James and Sirius are taller than Remus and Peter well the favour is: to imagine them all the same height; I will explain why in the next chapter. Adios!
Chapter 12- Midday duel
James woke up on a late Saturday morning to find the dormitory room sun-drenched. After a brief moment of rubbing his eyes, he sat up and retrieved his glasses from his bedside cabinet. Gazing around the room, he found it to be empty except for Sirius.
Sirius was sitting on his bed crossed-legged, in his hand he held a quill and resting on his legs was book and top of that was a parchment which he was writing on.
'Remus is off again' said Sirius who noticed James was awake. 'I wonder what excuse he's going to use this time. He can't say his mother is sick again, 'because he used that three times…I suppose this time it will be a funeral-' Sirius stopped only to stretch a bit- 'Pete should've been back by now…said he was going to send a letter off'
'What're you writing?' yawned James.
'I'm doing you're History essay' replied Sirius
'Why?'
'I've already done mine and I want to get yours over and done with, so we're free for tonight'
'What's happening tonight?'
'I was hoping we could go out tonight'
James eyes snapped open. He was fully awake now; he stared at his best friend hardly believing his last words. Sirius on the other hand continued scribbling on the parchment, hardly unaware he had said anything odd when suddenly he froze and his eyes widened-
'I didn't mean it in that way…' he said snapping his gaze at James. 'I-I meant exploring the castle under the invisibility cloak…stop looking at me like that!'
Ten minutes later James was fully dressed and Sirius had finally completed the History essay. Feeling quite peckish the two went down for a quick late breakfast at the kitchens and had decided to check the Owlery for Peter, for he had been missing for a quite a while.
They had gone past the second landing and were almost finished on the third landing when they heard laughter and the unmistakable sound of curses blasting away.
The two boys accelerated their walking but did not run; they were quite curious what all the commotion ahead was about, but not interested enough to run. By the time they had reached the third landing, their curiosity had vanished and had wished they had run; a sight laid before them that the filled them both with rage.
A group of Slytherins all stood, laughing at the top of their voices. On the floor thorough the gaps of many legs, James and Sirius could see Peter rolling on the floor, dodging the curses Severus Snape sent, who stood above him with his wand held in front of him looking quite pleased.
It was quite plain the reason no curse made contact with Peter was not due to his reflex but that Snape was missing him on purpose, although he did make close shaves when Peter had slowed down.
'Squeal piggy, squeal' laughed one of the Slyhterins
'You heard him' Snape said, his voice filled with malicious laughter when Peter didn't squeal.
A curse erupted from Snape's wand narrowly missing Peter's head. Peter's rolling began to speed up and he also made noises that were unmistakably pig squeals; it was evil.
The Slyhterins laughed even harder, some of them were finding it hard to stand while others were shaking uncontrollably. However they all stopped when they noticed James and Sirius.
'Potter' hissed Snape looking at James with pure loathsome.
'I think you're little game is over Snivellus' said James returning the same look Snape was giving him.
'Oh' Snape said softly, his lip curling. 'I'm afraid not, my potty friend. You see it's just begun'
Sirius who was shaking with rage spoke, however he spoke not to Snape but to Peter.
'Get up Pete' he said
'Stay where you are' hissed a Slytherin known as Rebastan Lestrange.
'Tell him what to do again, Lestrange and I'll…' Sirius began but Rebastan cut him off.
'You'll what…fight us!'
'Ha!' laughed Snape, when neither Sirius nor James made a reply. 'Do you actually think you stand a chance against us? You're out numbered if you haven't spotted it Potter, two to five…this one' he gave Peter a kick, 'don't count, his is as good as a squib'
James and Sirius could see Snape was right, they were outnumbered not to mention these Slytherins were known to be lovers of the dark arts especially Snape; they also doubted if Peter could make a difference even if he had his wand in his hand, but nevertheless they weren't going to back down.
'I'm afraid you'll have to count again Snape' said a voice that sounded quite familiar to James and Sirius.
James and Sirius looked over the heads of the Slytherins and could see Remus. He was looking more peaky and tired than ever while his shabby robes held loosely on to his thin body but nevertheless he held his wand quite steady and his eyes were more alert and tense than ever.
James and Sirius spirits were raised by Remus appearance and James was even impressed how Remus held his wand quite steady in a situation like this, where the atmosphere was so tensed you could've cut it with a knife.
The Slytherins however found Remus appearance amusing. They looked at it each other with huge grins on their faces while Snape even chuckled loud than was necessary.
'Bet you're feeling quite confident Potter' shot Snape. 'Now that his turned up…'
'What's that supposed to mean?' growled James
Snape sighed before shaking his head slowly and answering James' question. 'Do you really think he'll make difference…I mean look at him…his half-dead!'
Snape's cronies laughed while he shook his head slowly in a shameful way when suddenly he stopped and shot up, looking at Remus as though noticing him for the first time.
'You're Remus Lupin aren't you?' questioned Snape
'Maybe' said Remus. 'Why?'
Snape turned to look at Sirius, shaking his head even more. 'Sometimes I really don't know…'
'Maybe it's because you're stupid' snarled Sirius
'I mean, did you fallen on you're head when you were born or something?' said Snape ignoring Sirius lat words. 'Or were you just adopted?'
'Either say what you mean Snape or shut up' growled James
Snape however ignored James but kept his eyes locked with Sirius' eyes.
'You turn up in one of the best families but not once have you shown any pride. You're family has been known commonly to end up in Slytherin and then you go getting you're self in Gryffindor. All you're life you've been taught the meaning of coming from pureblood family and then you hang around with squibs and half-bloods.
'But that's not even the worst of it, is it? No, it's something more poorly than squibs and half-bloods put together. Hanging around with a Potty'
James and Sirius reached for their wand ready to curse but-
'Watch it Potter' hissed Snape pointing his wand down at Peter, who lay motionless on the floor. 'Or piggy here gets it'
James and Sirius glared at Snape he was holding Peter captive and both of them wanting Peter not to get hurt could do nothing. They both felt vulnerable and even a little bit annoyed with Peter for not even trying to fight back.
Remus on the other hand could not attack Snape from behind, mostly due to having two Slytherins pointing at him with their wands.
'Where was I' said Snape as though he had been in a good conversation with Sirius but had been suddenly interrupted. 'Oh yes. I was saying you hang around with him, when you perfectly know, his family are a disgrace to the wizard world, filthily traitors that…'
'I thought something like this would be happening' interrupted James trying to sound calm nevertheless his voice shook every now and then.
'What's do you mean' sneered Snape.
'Oh come of it' replied James. 'Do I have to tell you?'
'Why don't you tell us, Potter?' shot Rebastian Lestrange.
'Very well' sighed James turning to face Snape. 'You know you're knowledge of curses you keep banging on about…well I think they are nothing but bull'
'What!' raged Snape
'I mean look at you! Here we are ready for a fight but all you want to do is chit-chat and point you're wand at my friend so I can't attack'
'You know James; I think you're absolutely right' agreed Sirius. 'In fact, I don't think he even knows any curses…probably as good as a muggle'
Snape looked outrage that he had been told he was as capable as a muggle when it came to curses.
'What did you think was coming out of my wand before you two came' Snape spat.
'Probably wand sparks' said James turning to Sirius.
'Yeah' agreed Sirius nodding seriously. 'You know, Snivellus it's not that hard to do'
James and Sirius began to shoot out green and red sparks whilst putting retarded expression's across their face.
'I'm - Snivellus' said James speaking in a very slow way as thought it requested all of his intelligence to string the words into a sentence. 'Look - at - me- I - can - do magic'
James and Sirius laughed, their plan was working. Snape was glaring at them and even glared more as James mocked him.
'Very well Potter' he said quietly. 'You want a fight do you? Ooooh, you will be very sorry. I'll show y…'
Snape had stopped speaking and looked at the staircase descending from the third floor. None of the Gryffindor or Slytherins were surprised he had stopped, partly because someone was walking down the stairs, humming at the top of their voice. Of course they would have carried on if it had been any other student but the sound of humming, sounded as though it belonged to an adult, probably a man, but still an adult meant it was bound to be a teacher or Filch. They all doubted Filch would ever hum which meant it had to be a Professor. So wands were hastily put away and Peter scrambled to his feet.
Soon the humming man's feet appeared, followed by a magnificent deep-blue robe and finally appeared half-moon spectacles resting on a crooked nose.
Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Witchcraft and Wizardry had appeard at the bottom of the stairs. He had stopped humming once he had caught sight of the first-years.
'Hello' he said politely looking from one face to the other. When the first-years all replied 'hello' indifferently he carried on- 'What are you all doing here? It's quite a beautiful day outside and it would be a shame boys to waste it staying indoors'
Without a reply or a nod the Slytherins stalked away in the opposite direction meanwhile James, Sirius, Remus and Peter began to make their way to the Gryffindor common room; just before they turned the corner, James looked back at his Headmaster to see him looking back with those blue eyes. James turned away, he could not help it but he had a feeling that Dumbledore knew exactly what was happening before he came into sight.
Dinner was quite enjoyable at the Gryffindor table in the great hall and it was quite remarkable that hours ago the four had almost got into a fight. They laughed and joked but soon all had come to an end as Severus Snape approached their table.
'Potter' he said reaching their table. 'Today you've insulted me…'
'Well done' James said, sarcastically whilst clapping. Sirius and Remus sniggered while Peter watched Snape apprehensively. Snape however kept his black-eyes locked with James' hazel ones.
'Therefore I cannot let you walk away' continued Snape. 'I want to show you Potter what I am capable of…'
'What are you saying?' growled James standing up and facing Snape.
'Isn't it obvious, Potter' sneered Snape. 'I'm challenging you to a wizards duel'
'Accepted' James retorted. 'Sirius is my second, who's yours?'
'Oh no' Snape said, his lip curling. 'This is just a one on one duel, I'm afraid. You see I want to show the whole school you are nothing but a nasty little boy who seeks attention every now and then'
'Why don't we do it right here, right now' James said, while slyly reaching for his wand.
'What and have the teachers come to your rescue?' snorted Snape
'You're the one who will need rescuing, Snivellus not me'
The expression on Snape's face turned from mocking to loathing, however when he spoke, he spoke in his usual cold voice.
'I would love to stay here and insult you and you're boyfriends, Potter' he said, while straightening the creases on his robes. 'But frankly I have better things to do' then in a business like tone, he said 'So, Potter I will see you tomorrow at noon. The location of our showdown will be at the Quidditch pitch and don't chicken out Potter because I do really want this to happen not to mention I have a hungry crowd waiting for tomorrow's events. So do turn up Potter, it would be quite a shame if you don't, not to mention a disgrace to your House, for Gryffindor are know for their bravery'
Without a backwards glance, Snape strode away looking quite pleased with himself. Leaving an angry James glaring after him, who was breathing heavily, mustering every ounce of energy he had, not go and knock the wind out of Snape.
Sirius got to his feet and placed his hands on James shoulders, whispering to him assurances like 'let it go' and 'save it for tomorrow' whilst slowly pushing James back into his seat.
James hardly ate anything through the rest of his dinner, but kept quite and glared at his food as though it was Snape's face. His mood stayed like this not only through dinner but all the way to the Gryffindor tower.
His friends acted as though the conversation between James and Snape didn't happen but they could not ignore it any longer when James glared at the fire not listening to a word they were saying.
'Hello! James Hello'
'JAMES!'
James jumped as though he received an electric shock and then looked around at his sniggering friends, and looking quite annoyed he said 'What?'
'We truly are sorry to disturb you' said Sirius in a false apologetic voice. 'I mean, I know the fire is one of the most fascinating things to watch, but Remus here wants to ask you something'
'Well' said Remus as James turned to look at him. 'I wanted to ask you if you were going to do it, tomorrow?'
James did not need to ask Remus what he meant but gazed at him. How he could ask such a question James thought angrily whilst glaring at Remus.
'Of course he is' Sirius said looking at Remus as though he were mad. 'What did you think he was going to do…run to McGonagall?'
'No' replied Remus. 'It's just that, don't you think you should look over some spells or prepare yourself for tomorrow'
'Why?' said James raising his eyebrows. 'Do you think I'll lose?'
'No' said Remus apprehensively. 'It's just that…don't get mad…but Snape is very interested in the dark arts and I'm pretty sure the rumours about him knowing more curses than the sixth years put together, are true'
'So?' said James his voice and temper rising a little.
'Well' said Remus sounding nervous but determined. 'You hardly know any curses…er…and…er…and I have to say this to you James or else you will lose tomorrow'
'So you think I am no match for Snape' said James half-rising from seat as though readying himself for a fight.
'Relax James' said Sirius. 'I don't think Remus meant it and he was just concerned about you tomorrow'
'No Sirius' said Remus talking to Sirius but looking at James. 'I meant exactly what I said…'
'What!' interrupted Sirius. 'How could you think James will l-'
'I didn't say James will lose to Snape, I said if, he doesn't practise and looks up a few curses'
'It's the same thing' spat James
'Not it isn't' said Remus shaking his head. 'I…wh…fine, look at this way, apart from that electric shock curse you use all the time what other curse do you know?'
James did not answer, it was true he hardly knew any curses that might aid him tomorrow's duel with Snape but he wasn't going to admit it to Remus.
'For example' continued Remus. 'It's like sending a team who don't know how to play Quidditch against a professional team'
'Fine!' said James slumping back into his seat.
'There are many curses you could use' continued Remus in a dignified tone. 'But you have only tonight so I guess by you're talent at magic I think we could cover five curses'
'Where do you want to practise?' asked James finally calming down.
'I suppose we could use an empty classroom' answered Remus
'Can't' grunted James almost smiling. 'Its night and the noise will attract Filch'
'Don't worry about that' Remus smiled. 'Just go and get you're cloak'
'Where coming too, you know' said Sirius.
'Of course you are' Remus said raising his eyebrows.
Ten minutes later James, Sirius and Peter descended the spiral staircase hidden under the invisibility cloak. They walked silently to the exit of the Gryffindor common room and waited. No sooner than three minutes the portrait of the fat lady was opened by Remus who was clutching a few books in his hand, flattened him self so that three under the cloak could pass.
Once inside the common room, Remus strode over to a table in the corner and sat down pretending to read. It would've looked suspicious if he had walked back out so he waited a little.
Finally believing it was okay to go back out and meet the others, Remus walked out of the common room without anyone noticing. He walked a further up the corridor and turned on his first left so that he was blocked from view of the fat lady.
'Where are you?' he said
Suddenly the three appeared as they made space for Remus to join them. Once under the cloak the four set off making their way to the empty classroom on the fourth floor.
Not only did they cover five curses but had time to do others such as the Stunning curse, the Shield charm, and the disarming spell.
When finally the hands in the small clock in the rooms reached midnight, and Sirius and Peter were complaining about being put through the jelly legged curse, Remus decided it was time for bed.
As they climbed the spiral staircase to their dormitory, James tapped Remus on the shoulder and understanding the look on James face he hung back. Sirius and Peter rubbing their injuries continued climbing the stairs and did not notice.
'I just wanted to say sorry' said James looking a bit ashamed of him self.
'Nah it's alright' replied Remus. 'You were angry about Snape so it's totally acceptable but you shouldn't let him get you angry so easily'
'Er…ok' said James folding up the invisibility cloak.
Shoulder to shoulder the two ascended the rest of the spiral staircase, got changed into their pyjamas and collapsed on to their beds falling fast asleep.
James once again woke up to find the room once again sun-drenched. Like the previous day he sat up and rubbed his eyes before retrieving his glasses from his bedside cabinet.
Gazing around the room he saw his friends sleeping peacefully. Remus had his mouth slightly open, while drool came splashing down onto his pillow. Sirius was grinning broadly in his sleep, James wondered what he was dreaming about; while Peter was completely covered except for his plump arm that was sticking out of the bed sheet and almost touching the floor.
James was just about to go back to sleep, when he noticed the silver watch wrapped around Peter's wrist. The time read eleven thirty, which meant he only had thirty minutes to get down to the pitch.
Jumping out of bed with a yelp, James began furiously getting dressed while shouting at the top of his voice for the others to wake up. But it was no use as the others just groaned and moaned before going back to sleep.
James changed into blue baggy jeans and was just about wear his white T-shirt when he noticed the others still asleep. Buckling his belt, he strode over to Sirius bed, grabbed his feet and pulled him out of his bed making him land on the floor with a loud thump.
'Ow!' said Sirius angrily, rubbing the spot on his head where it hit the floor. 'Why did you do that for? I was really having a nice dream!'
'Its eleven thirty' replied James before pulling out his wand. 'Perculsus! Perculsus!'
Remus and Peter jumped out of their beds the moment they received the shock.
'Its eleven thirty' said James before any of them could say anything.
'You didn't have to do that, you know' said Remus irritably.
Ten minutes later, the four were racing down the spiral staircase outside their dormitory, pelting through the nearly deserted common room, diving out of the portrait of the fat lady and hurtling down a flight of stairs and into the wonderful glorious day.
They dashed towards the Quidditch pitch and only stopping when the moment came where James and his friends had to part. They all bent over their hands resting on their knees as they gasped for breath.
'Ok…James' panted Remus. 'We're here…I was hoping…we could do some practise before…but I guess…good luck'
'Yeah…thanks' panted James, he watched Remus walk away in the direction of the stands.
'Four minutes' puffed Peter. 'Good luck'
'All the best' said Sirius breathing heavily whilst slapping James in the back.
James watched their retreating backs before walking to the duel that was about to commence in four minutes. As he turned the corner, he found Snape standing in the middle of the pitch. Hundred upon hundred eyes that were upon him had turned to look at James, some cheering while others booing.
'I was beginning to think you weren't going to turn up' sneered Snape once James was within the earshot. 'Which would've been a disgrace to you're house and let's face it Potter, you and you're family are already a disgrace to the wizard community'
'Quite a crowd you got here' said James ignoring Snape's insults and looking around at the crowd. James had decided to take Remus advice, and not let Snape get to him.
'Yes, I want the whole school to see our little duel' Snape said whilst also looking at the crowd. 'Don't worry, I made sure none of the prefects, head boy or girl, are here to stop us'
'And where are they?'
'In a broom cupboard…I wonder if any of them had gained conscience'
'Well, let's get it on'
'Of course, but just one thing…there are no rules'
The two stood back-to-back, before walking ten steps apart, they then both turned around to face each other. They held their wands just above their heads, while both their eyes were locked together.
Silence ran around the whole stadium as a soft breeze rustled the lawn's of the Hogwarts ground. Bright beams of sunlight fell onto right side of James face as the soft breeze swept up to give James hair a rustle in turn.
James could hear the crowd beginning to count down to noon, each second he tighten the grip on his wand whilst his eye never leaving Snape's ones.
'5…4…3…2…1…'
'Stupefy!' roared James
'Affligo!' shouted Snape
Jets of fiery red erupted from James wand while striking silver blasted from Snape's wand. The two curses met in midair, they barged each other in the air, so that both curses went off course. James fiery red curse missed Snape by going to the left while Snape's striking silver missed James by going to the right.
But the two didn't stop their, they continued blasting curses at each other, their arms going back and forth whilst shouting out the incantations at the top of their voices.
Some curses barged each other when they met in midair while others resulted in loud explosions but not loud enough to overcome the noise the crowd were making.
'Perculus!' bellowed James
'Strangilus' screamed Snape
Electric blue flared out of James' warm, sweaty wand while a curse as black as night, gusted out of Snape's wand. When the curses met in midair, they did not behave like the previous curses; James electric blue passed through Snape's curse as though Snape's one was a ghost.
Snape dodged James curse while James, shocked at just what had taken place, was not fast enough and the curse got him full in the chest.
James knees fell to soft grass, his hands clasped around his neck, it was as though two invincible hands had grasped his thin neck and were trying to strangle him. James made snatches at the place where the hands would've been if someone was strangling him but it was no use as he grasped and pinched thin air.
His face was beginning to flush rapidly as he desperately gasped for air but it was no use. His hands released his neck and fell on to the soft green grass. Through the noise the crowd was making he could here Snape laughing evilly.
James lifted his eyes from the grass to look at Snape who had triumph written all over his face.
Suddenly James noticed Snape's wand, even though James was on the floor he held his wand steady pointing at James. With a pang James realised Snape was strangling him with the wand; all he had to do was break bond he held by pointing at him. But how thought James, he couldn't say a single spell without air…unless…he could make contact…Snape had said there were no rules.
Hope blossomed inside James. He leapt to his feet and set off at run towards Snape, whose smirk was beginning to fade.
As James got closer, he felt the strangling intensified as Snape gripped his wand; but James kept running, mustering every ounce of energy left. Within feets away from Snape, James shot red and green wizard sparks at Snape.
No sooner had Snape stumbled the curse was lifted immediately, yelling hoarsely James shouted-
'Expelliarmus!'
Snape was knocked off his feet as his wand flew out of his hand. Without pausing James dived on top of Snape and began punching every part of Snape's face he could reach. Snape began to recover and began punching James back as hard as he could, getting James in the nose causing it bleed freely; but James being on top had the advantage and his victory was near at hand.
Finally James had stopped punching Snape, he lay there, his eyes unfocused gazing up at James who was holding him up by his collar and ready to give Snape another blow with his right hand, but instead he released him and got to his feet.
Stepping over Snape, he strode over to face the crowd, his arms opened wide while nodding his head vigorously, silently stating: who's-the-man.
The crowd screamed and jeered while the Slytherins who were supporting Snape looked gloomily at each other. Suddenly the noise began to die down and people were looking at something behind James.
At the corner of his eye James could see a dark figure, assuming Snape he whirled around and yelled-
'Impedimenta!'
James grinned as his curse had made contact but the grin had vanished as quickly as it had appeared. The curse didn't make contact with Severus Snape but with Professor McGonagall. She was knocked off her feet, her pointed hat falling off her head while her square spectacles became askew.
As the blood coming from James nose splashed on to the green grass, Professor McGonagall slowly got to her feet. She was shaking all over with utmost rage while her thin mouth was as thin as ever which apparently had opened to say…
Author's Note: Are James and Snape going to be in trouble? Or will Professor McGonagall beat the crap out of James? Or perhaps Stubby Boardman will make an appearance and sing for us while Professor McGonagall and James dance. Find out next week on James, Sirius, Remus and Peter.
