Chapter Five
Wedding Bells and Fake Faces
The weeks went by easily for the Marauder's, who were now busy as ever. The interview with Harry went out and caused an uproar. Many people were talking about putting Fudge on trial for bribery and aiding known death eaters. This only helped strengthen Kingsley's campaign, as well as his views on equal rights for all beings that had rational thought, as he refused to use the words half-breeds or half humans.
Kingsley was also seen on many occasions at Hogwarts speaking with Dumbledore, Remus, and Harry about different plans of action towards death eaters, eagerly listening to Harry's ingenious plans as they came out. He took a term of no tolerance towards those practicing dark arts. This made Harry more than a little nervous at times, being most of his stronger spells would be called dark magic. Harry also discussed these things with Kingsley, who told him he would see whether he could have some spells changed from categories for the reasons Harry spoke of.
Harry and Serena were spending most of their free time planning the masquerade or planning movement for the trips that were taken to Hogsmeade for the students to get their costumes. This took most of their time as they would plan at least ten different escape plans before they would move on to how to defend their escape. This time was also cut short by Kingsley's visits.
Neville and Ginny were busy handling prank planning, using the Marauder Spellbook to help them out as well. This was a godsend to the other four, as they could all devote themselves to other important matters. They also decided that pranks should be done after all the students had their costumes, which left them with almost a hundred pranks by the end of the month just waiting for the perfect time to be used.
Hermione and Ron were planning and leading all DA meetings. They would give reports after each meeting to the other four as to who was progressing fastest. Kingsley had decided anyone who was recommended by the Marauders would be able to join the aurors after school if they wished. It seemed that the Order and the Marauders were moving as one, and with Kingsley developing more popularity in the wizarding community, it seemed soon the Ministry would be in tow with the other two groups as well.
Many probable motions that Kingsley wanted to make were always passed by Dumbledore, Harry, and when dealing with non wizards, Remus. They were now considered Kingsley's advisors which only led to more support. The election would be the Monday after Halloween, and Kingsley was called the clear winner when people were polled on who they were voting for.
With a month to go until Remus' wedding and the Marauder's Masquerade, the tension only built on the six. They began pulling pranks daily. One day, an unsuspecting Snape was dropped into a deep sleep, due to Ginny's deeply dreaming potion. He awoke to find himself treated as an ornament for the great hall, hanging much as a chandelier while he held candles in both hands and had his mouth filled with cigarettes. On the front and back of his robes read the words 'Got a light?'.
Malfoy found himself in a series of unusual events. He was found rooted to his chair in Potions, only able to scream obscenities when anyone spoke to him. He became cemented to the steps one day only to be used as target practice for anyone with dung bombs (which seemed to have been handed out by the dozens to any student who passed by him). The Marauders personal favorite was a spell that allowed the caster to use the person as a living doll for an hour. Malfoy broke up with Pansy, announced known death eaters to the school, and declared his undying love and devotion to Harry.
This is how the time passed for them. Schoolwork was boring to them, most of the time being the first six to cast a spell, finish a potion correctly or have the best marks on their papers (mostly due to what Harry had dubbed 'the Marauders Quills'). They were more enjoying their last year than studying for the deadly NEWTS. They had also received special permission from the school's board of governors to take the NEWT potion test the week before Halloween.
When the time came for the test, they smiled cheerfully at the administrator who told them they had two hours to brew a perfect draught of living death. Harry noticed Slytherin's ring glow blue and he smiled even more. He knew this test was already over. They finished with thirty minutes to spare. Even the administrator looked shocked that it did look to be perfect.
He gave them the written test yet didn't complain as the children all pulled black quills out of their pockets and tapped them with their wands. He trusted them when they said it saved them the trouble of writing as the quills wrote what they thought, which wasn't a complete lie, as Harry had placed spells on the quills to write whatever was in the mind of the six of them. They had the combined knowledge of all six in everything they wrote.
They all wondered the same thing. Was this really cheating as they knew all the material, but were too lazy to bother writing the answers? They agreed in their thoughts it probably was, but said only that it didn't matter because they would soon be rid of potions. This was easily the most relaxed test they had ever had.
The next week had Harry spending time creating something new to work with. He began writing the Marauders Spellbook second edition. He had every spell, potion, charm, curse, and prank mentioned in the book, as well as ways to undergo becoming animagi, some of the more advanced spells he had learned, some of the spells Dumbledore had taught them, and how to accomplish occlumency and legilimency easier than he had ever thought possible.
He also began working on 'The Marauder's Guide to Practical Defense'. This was something he planned to show to Kingsley as a way to help train aurors and help people with families protect their loved ones. He was quite pleased with both of his books by Thursday and resigned himself to a nice relaxing night before Remus got married. Remus decided that he was not quite up to a bachelor party, as the full moon had left him a little weaker than usual this month.
He spent his night talking with his friends, enjoying all the things they had been up to while Harry had been indisposed. None of them said he was slacking on his duties as a school prankster. They realized that to him pranks were a high priority, but he had to spread himself increasingly more thin with all the things that had been dropped on his plate. None of them thought it was fair for him to have to be an advisor to the future Minister, as they were now calling him, when he had so many other things that were left up to him to deal with.
They had noticed over the past two months that he seemed to look increasingly more worn, as he had little time to sleep with all he was thinking of. Planning the defense of Hogsmeade that would come in two days, helping a candidate for Minister with his proposals as well as battle strategies against death eaters, his continuous worry over Voldemort, and the things he was handling in school seemed to be too much for him. They never heard him complain, but they knew that this type of stress would only cause him to crack.
Harry slept peacefully the whole night next to Serena in what felt to her like years. She vowed she would talk to him about taking some of the things he was doing off his shoulders for a while. She knew how hard he was trying, but all this work seemed to be killing him. It broke her heart to feel him drift into bed after four in the morning, too tired to even drape his arm around her, often still wearing the clothes from the day before. No longer thinking of this as Harry tightened his grip on her waist, she moved closer, pressing her body against his and drifted off to sleep again quickly.
WAKE UP YOU GIT! IT'S EIGHT O'CLOCK! WEDDING IS IN LESS THAN AN HOUR!
Harry jumped awake quickly, causing Serena to fall out of the bed. "What the hell was that for!" She yelled.
"We have an hour to get ready and get to the church where Remus and Sam are getting married!" Harry shouted back.
Serena jumped up, completely naked. Harry figured a moment to enjoy this view wouldn't take too much time away from his dressing. Serena smiled wickedly at him, causing him to return the smile. Then she winked and snapped her fingers and was dressed in the bride's maid dress.
"Tonight. No work. Me and you." Serena said licking her lips. "You game?"
"Definitely." Harry said, his mouth watering at the thought. He snapped his fingers and was dressed as well. "Well, I suppose we should hurry up and marry our Godparents up proper, huh?"
"Guess so." Serena said smiling. They walked out of the room arm in arm and ran right into Hermione.
"What took you two so long?" Hermione said. "They left already! How are we getting there, Harry?"
Harry yawned casually and was handed a pepper up potion. He drank it and his eyes opened wide for a moment before returning to normal. "Just grab my arms, guys. Sam showed me where we're going." Quickly four hands gabbed his, while Serena, as usual, wrapped her arms around his neck.
Appearing in the lobby of the church, they uttered thanks that no one had seen them. They rushed off to their respective dressing rooms. Harry, Ron, and Neville walked into the room and laughed as a nervous Remus Lupin was fighting for his life to get cuff links and a tie to come together. his shoes not even on. Remus glared at them, only fueling their laughter.
"Moony, there is a trick to doing all that." Harry said, still laughing.
"Well, what the hell is it!" Remus yelled. Harry snapped his fingers and Remus was dressed perfectly.
"Magic." Harry said, biting back his laughter as much as possible. "Or at least stop your hands from shaking while doing it."
"Oh, sod off Harry." Remus grumbled. "Not everyone can snap their fingers like a damned genie and make things happen."
"Not my fault I'm gifted." Harry responded.
You're not going to believe this, love! Sam forgot how to put a dress on! Its backwards, inside out, unzipped, and from the looks of it she is going to be blind as she put what looks like a curtain over her face!
Harry fell to the floor in hysterics while the others just looked at him like he was crazy. He stood slowly, regaining his composure. "You'll be happy to know, Moony, Sam is just as nervous as you are."
"What? She cant zip up a dress?" Remus asked, shocked at the thought.
"Probably could, if it wasn't inside out and backwards and she removed the curtain from her face!" Harry said, laughing heavily again. "God if I'm this bad when I get married, one of you just shoot me and put me out of my misery!"
"Can we hold you to that?" Remus asked, a smile pulling at his lips.
"Of course, because I will snap my fingers, look perfect and steal the show from Serena completely." Harry said with a smile.
Shit! Harry she ripped the dress! How do you fix it?
I don't know, I just wave my hand and it fixes things.
I tried that it doesn't work.
Is she at least covered up?
Yeah the tear is at her leg. We need to pull out all the stops, we only have about thirty minutes. No time for muggle fixing.
On my way.
"Women!" Harry said, appalled. Walking out of the room frustrated, he stomped to the women's changing room. Walking in without knocking, he stopped. Starring wide eyed, he quickly turned and walked out of the room.
Damnit! You could have said Hermione and Ginny weren't dressed!
I didn't notice! Sorry!
Tell them to snap Damnit!
Ok, they are dressed now. Hurry up!
Harry walked back in and saw Sam. After a brief laugh he snapped his fingers and she was dressed perfectly, the rip in her dress now repaired as if it had never been torn. "Can you ladies survive while I try to calm Remus down?" He said.
"What's wrong with you?" Serena asked.
"Sorry, I'm just too damned tired today." Harry said. "I'm sorry about that. Sam, are you okay now?"
"Yeah Harry, thanks. Sorry to cause you all the trouble." Sam said, blushing. "I'm just so nervous."
"Don't worry. Moony's a wreck. I had to dress him. Literally." Harry said laughing again. "I'm going to leave now. I assume you guys have to do the make up and hair thing. Remus needs a nice strong shot of firewhiskey, so I'm off!"
"That boy is going to kill himself working so hard." Sam said, shaking her head.
"If he doesn't, I will. Yesterday was the first time I've seen him in a week!" Serena said. "He's always working on helping the Ministry, helping Kingsley, helping Dumbledore. He helps everyone and he suffers miserably for it. What's worse is he's making me suffer for it too!"
"You need to talk to him then, Serena." Sam said. "I'm sure he doesn't realize how bad it is for you. I've only know him a few months and even I know he'll run himself into the ground to help people."
"He has so much on his mind, and all they do is give him more to worry about. Do you know with everything he's doing he might as well be the damned Minister, and not a damned advisor!" Serena said angrily. "I just hate that they are using him so easily and he's not even complaining."
"But what he's doing is important, Ser." Hermione said. "The things I've seen him work on sound more important than most of the things that are in the paper."
"Exactly, Mione." Serena said. "Should a seventeen year old guy be handling business like that? That's the Minister's job, and he is taking the whole damned thing on his shoulders while Kingsley looks like a fucking hero for coming up with plans and propositions that are so wonderful! At least he should give Harry the credit!"
"I'll get Remus to talk to him, Serena. He listens to him, you know he does. Maybe Harry just doesn't realize how bad it is for him." Sam said, smiling warmly. "He told me before he was used to being miserable till he met you. Maybe he just thinks his life is supposed to be horrid."
"I hope that's all it is." Serena said sadly. "At least then there'd be an excuse."
"Harry, what the hell is wrong with you?" Remus asked.
"I'm tired, Moony. I feel like I never get a chance to stop anymore." Harry said. "Every time I find a free minute, Kingsley pops up and starts asking my ideas about things. I'd be willing to bet he wouldn't take a piss without asking me what bathroom to use!"
"That bad?" Remus asked.
"Yeah. You know the new defense booklet that he said he was going to hand out?" Harry asked. Remus nodded. "I just finished writing it last night. By myself. No aurors, no defense specialist, just plain old Harry Potter. I write every one of his speeches, all but the giant and goblin equality proposals, and he is asking me about taxes, exchange rates, government policies, and anything else that comes to his mind!"
"Why? Kingsley is a very talented man, Harry. He doesn't need you to do everything." Remus said.
"I don't know, Moony. I honestly think he's trying to kill me." Harry said while stifling a yawn. "Last night was the first time I had more than three hours of sleep in the past month, maybe more. I just need a break. I actually thought of getting suspended just so I could hide out for a while."
"Harry, don't try that. I will talk to Kingsley myself. You take the time you need, and let me deal with that problem." Remus said, patting Harry on the shoulder. "But for now, come on and lets get your Godfather a wife." He added smiling.
Harry smiled back and nodded. "I walked you through this step by step so far. Might as well take the last leap with you too!" He said laughing.
The wedding was beautiful, even to Harry's tired eyes. Sam was a beautiful bride, dressed in a long flowing dress. Harry smiled as she walked up the aisle, thinking happily of what this meant to Remus, who was still shaking though he seemed more in control. Harry almost laughed as Remus glanced nervously at Harry with a look that said 'what the hell am I supposed to do?'. Harry just smiled and nodded.
The wedding was longer than Remus had explained. There were quotes from the bible, kneeling and rising, and a lot of words that meant absolutely nothing to Harry. it was then Harry remembered that Remus had explained to him a wizards ceremony. Harry almost drifted off during the vows, when Remus nudged his arm.
"Ring, Harry." He whispered. Harry waved his hand and then handed Remus the ring, which had been bought a few days before the return to Hogwarts.
Harry almost drifted off again immediately after handing over the ring. Before he could fall asleep completely he heard the words 'you may kiss the bride'. Harry opened his eyes again and smiled at Sam and Remus, who were locked in an embrace that seemed to promise a long wait. Harry almost spoke about this, but remained silent as Remus and Sam shared their first kiss as husband and wife.
They walked out of the church as Sam had taught them, entering the limo gracefully. Harry sat on the seat furthest from the open door and leaned his head back on the seat, his eyes closed. Serena took his hand and smiled at him sadly. Had he seen this he probably would have asked what was wrong. Unfortunately he was asleep long before the limo moved from its spot.
"Moony, you've gotta talk to him about what he's doing to himself." Serena said.
"What he's doing to himself?" Remus asked.
"Yeah, all the work. Look at him, he's passed out already and its only been two minutes!" Serena said, shocked that Remus hadn't noticed.
"He's not doing it to himself." Remus said, his voice holding a tone of anger to it. "Kingsley is doing it to him. He told me before the wedding."
"Why is he letting him do this?" Serena asked, now angry at Kingsley.
"I don't know, Serena, but he wants it to stop and so help me god I'm going to see to it that it does." Remus said, his voice grim. "Let him sleep till we get there. Do you have any pepper up potion on you?"
"Of course I do. He damn near lives on the stuff now. Do you think I wouldn't make sure he had a supply of it available?" Serena asked.
"Okay, when we get to the Reception Hall, give him at least three doses of it. Hopefully that will keep him up for a while." Remus said. "If Kingsley comes near him at any time, make sure I know about it."
"Alright, Moony." Serena said, then looked at Harry. "Why do you let them use you like this, Hun? Why don't you just deal with what you already worry about and leave the rest alone? Don't you have enough to worry about?"
Harry opened his eyes a bit after hearing her voice. Looking at her he smiled lovingly. "I love you, Serena."
"I love you too, Harry." Serena said smiling despite her anger. "How do you always know when I am talking to you?"
"I feel it." Harry said. "I feel the love in your words and I have to know what you said." He smiled. "I need some more pepper up potion, love. A lot more. We have a long day ahead of us. Still have the masquerade to set up as well as living through this reception."
Serena nodded sadly. She handed him a large vial of potion. He drank it quickly and sat up, now wide awake. "Sorry about the nodding off, Moony. You know how it is."
"Harry, why didn't you tell me Kingsley was practically forcing you to help him?" Serena asked quickly.
"I didn't want you to hex him into the next election." Harry said with a smile.
"He deserves it!" Serena said. "Throwing the work of an entire Ministry on a Seventeen year old!"
"We need a new Minister. Fudge will only help to get us killed. So many against us. If we can only turn half of them, then we stand a much better chance." Harry said. "I'm trying to make sure I win this war, love. I have to win this war."
"No Harry, you don't have to win this war! We have to win this war. We are training an army, we have the Order to help us. We all have to win this war, Harry. Not you." Serena said, her face inches from his. "I love you, Harry. We all love you. We are all going to be fighting beside you, and we are going to win this war! Then we are going to go off to see the world, have sex in, on, or near every tourist attraction in the world, have as much fun as we missed because of this war, and make up for everything we had to give up thinking about because of Voldemort's obsessive need to destroy you!" She hugged him and started crying. Harry held her tightly and kissed her head lightly.
"You're right love. We are going to win." Harry said. "I'm was willing to go this far because I wanted to make myself more sure than I was before. I want to watch Voldemort crumble, realizing that he has no one to defend him. Then he will just wait to be destroyed." Harry said sadly. "I just want this nightmare to end. For me, you, and everyone else in the world."
"No more, Harry." Serena said, still sobbing. "No more taking on so much. Take what you have to deal with and don't worry about anything else. Smile again, damn it! I miss that mischievous grin that lets me know a plan is forming, and it is going to make everyone laugh. I miss you!"
Everyone stayed quiet in the limo, none wanting to interrupt this in spite of how uncomfortable they were. Harry slowly leaned her head up to face him and he grinned at her. "I promise. No more dealing with things that don't concern me. The last thing I will do is this battle at Hogsmeade and then I will only deal with the things that are already in my life." Harry said sincerely. "I love you too much to see you hurt like this." He grinned again. "Now we have a reception to attend, and it wont do to have my fiancé crying. People will talk." He added cheerfully, making her laugh as she dried her eyes.
"Someone else's wedding, and still you are worried about your own rep! God, Potter! You and your big head, I swear!" Serena said laughing.
The reception turned out to be amazing. Dobby and Winky had prepared an excellent meal. Everything was according to Sam's directions. The DJ was an expert it seemed, causing Harry to spend a lot of time dancing with Serena, smiling and laughing as if he hadn't a care in the world when he heard someone speak behind him.
"Harry, my boy! Just the person I wanted to see." Kingsley said. Harry sighed and turned to face him. "I was wondering if I could speak to you a moment."
"Kingsley, I'm at my Godfathers wedding, with my fiancé." Harry said exasperatedly. Serena left his side, causing Harry to drop his head and sigh. "Why did you have to pick this place to want to talk?"
"Well, I was wondering what your opinions were on werewolves marrying and having children." Kingsley said. "I'm for it, of course, but I was wondering what you thought."
"I believe, Kingsley that this is not a place to talk politics." Harry heard Dumbledore speak and lifted his head. Standing next to Dumbledore was Serena and Remus. Harry smiled at them happily.
"I agree, Professor." Harry said cheerfully.
"I believe that you should just accept your own opinions and leave Harry alone, Kingsley. You have nearly killed the boy already." Remus said angrily.
"I have done no such thing, Remus. I merely want the boys advice on things. Surely he is not above helping me a little?" Kingsley said still cheerful.
"Kingsley, he is taking about ten vials of pepper up potion a day now. You are asking to much of him." Serena said.
"Kingsley, I understand you value Harry's opinion, but he is still in school as you well know." Dumbledore said calmly. "He does not have the time of a normal advisors. He is working on many things for the school as well. This is taking it's toll on Harry, who I've been informed has been sleeping only three hours a day since you were nominated a candidate. A little help is fine, and Harry is willing. However, he does not have time to be a constant advisor. Myself and Remus have much more time and would be willing to help you as much as Harry. Please, let the boy get his rest before you start asking his advice again."
"I'm sorry, Harry. Is this true?" Kingsley asked. Harry nodded firmly. "I'll leave you be then. If I do such in the future, do not be afraid to tell me so. I do not mean to cause you harm, I only wanted your help."
"It's ok, Kingsley. Just let me be a while. Trust your instincts. I agree with almost every opinion you have. I'm willing to help you from time to time, but I cannot constantly be at your side to help you." Harry said.
"I understand." Kingsley said smiling. "Have a good day, Harry." He added walking away from him.
"Thanks, guys." Harry said cheerfully. "And beautiful fiancé." He added as Serena pouted, causing her to smile happily.
"That's my Snuffles!" Serena said, jumping into his arms almost knocking him over.
"I see you are doing better already Harry." Dumbledore said.
"Pepper up potion, sir." Harry said sadly. "I'll be up till midnight, and then I'll probably drop into a coma."
"Make sure you rest well tonight, Harry. Tomorrow is an important day." Dumbledore said pleasantly. "I am eager to watch how masterfully your plan works."
"Thank you, sir. I just want to get through today for now though." Harry said smiling at Dumbledore.
"I see. I shall take my leave, as I am needed at Hogwarts. I will see you all in a few hours." Dumbledore said cheerfully. "I am most excited to see what you have in store for us tonight." He added as he left.
"Oh, Harry a note from the kitchens says that Dobby requests a word with you." Remus said smiling. "Is it something I should put off?"
"No, I'll go talk to him. He has been doing some important work for me, and I have to make sure it is all right." Harry said. He quickly kissed Serena. "I'll be right back. This won't take long, I promise." Harry said walking to the kitchens.
"Why is he being so secretive about talking to Dobby?" Serena asked.
"I don't know. I assume it is a surprise for us all." Remus said. "You know how Harry is about his surprises."
"He knows I hate surprises though!" Serena said.
"Didn't hate the ring." Remus said. "Didn't hate getting proposed to. Face it, you love surprises from him."
"Only because he has such wonderful surprises." Serena said. "What more can he do? He is with me, marrying me, and planning an entire life around me. There is no better surprise than the first time he told me he loves me. That is all I need."
"Yes, but he never had someone he cared enough about that he could lavish with gifts. Sirius wouldn't have it. You know that. I don't like to accept gifts often. Actually the first gift he gave me that I accepted was the day he reintroduced me to Sam." Remus said. "You don't force him to take the things back, and he likes being able to give them. Just look at the things he gets for his friends. When people don't force him to return things, he is willing to go to the ends of the Earth to give them things they will love. He is even worse with you."
"That doesn't make me feel any better about it, Remus." Serena said.
"Just take it as something he hasn't been able to do. He has waited his entire life to be able to give people presents. Let him do it if it makes him happy. You know he doesn't need to worry about money." Remus said smiling.
"I guess you're right. I just wish it didn't feel like he was hiding something from me." Serena said.
"Have you asked him about it?" Remus asked.
"No." Serena said simply.
Remus laughed. "He is not hiding things if you do not ask about it." He said.
"Fine, I'll ask." Serena said.
"Ask what?" Harry asked. "Who's hiding something from you?"
"Oh, Harry! Hi." Serena said, blushing. "Why do you keep talking to Dobby in private?"
"Oh, is that all?" Harry asked. Serena nodded. Harry whispered in Serena's ear. Her eyes brightened and she looked at Harry.
"Really?" Serena said.
Harry nodded, putting a finger to his lips. "Shh, its a secret."
"Gotcha." Serena said.
"See, no secrets from you." Remus said. "Its a secret from me."
"No its a secret from everyone. I was going to surprise Serena, but she sounded so upset about it, I figured I'd tell her." Harry said, grinning.
"You heard me?" Serena asked.
"I told you, love. I feel when you are talking about something to do with me." Harry said. "I knew you were upset about me keeping something from you. I just couldn't figure out what it was."
"You are going to get on my nerves reading my mind like that." Serena said, though she was smiling happily.
"I only feel when its about me. The other twenty minutes of the day, your mind is your own." Harry said jokingly.
"Look, I married him, don't I get a few minutes with him?" Sam asked coming up behind Remus. "You two just kidnap him away and he forgets about me."
"I didn't forget you. I was merely sharing the wisdom of age." Remus said in a dignified manner.
"That reminds me!" Harry said. "I have something for you both." He continued smiling.
"We have something for you." Serena corrected.
"Of course, I just meant I had it." Harry said.
"Just give it to them already, stop arguing over petty differences." Serena said hitting him playfully.
"Fine, here." Harry said quickly. "Talk about anticlimactic." Serena laughed at him.
Sam and Remus opened the envelop. Looking inside their eyes widened and they looked back at Harry.
"Harry, you can't do this. It belongs to you." Remus said.
"You can't be serious about this." Sam said.
"He said it was fine as long as his room remains the same." Harry said. "But my surprise is I'm inviting you to our home for Christmas."
"Harry, what are you talking about? I thought that was your home." Sam said.
"No, Sam. Grimmauld Place was Sirius' house. You will see my home for the first time on the night before Christmas." Harry said. "That's what I was talking to Dobby about. They are coming with me after Christmas though."
"That's fine, Harry. I don't see how we'll have much need for them." Remus said.
"Well then, say thank you, Remus!" Sam said, hitting him playfully in the arm.
"Thank you, Remus." Remus said smiling at Harry.
"You're most welcome, Harry." Harry said jokingly.
"Oh, you two!" Serena said. "You're welcome Sam."
"Thank you, Ser." Sam said smiling. "We have a lot of work to do with these two, huh?"
"You're lucky. He's already grown. I have to train this lazy lump of flesh from scratch." Serena said laughing.
"Well, that only means I can only get more perfect than I already am." Harry said cheerfully.
"You are so full of yourself." Serena said.
"So are you." Harry retorted.
"I know." Serena said merrily. "We were meant to be together!" She cried hugging him tightly.
They laughed some more, and they all began dancing again. The Marauders were dancing happily, switching partners, eating the food happily, and standing for hundreds of pictures beside Remus and Sam. Finally, when it was almost time for dinner they returned to the castle. They all felt lighter. They spent some time relaxing in their common room, none willing to change out of their clothes yet.
When the time came for dinner, they quickly changed clothes and hurried to the great hall. They looked around, already seeing how their plans would work. They smiled at each other and sat down to at the Gryffindor table. They ate in silence, all of them thinking of the job ahead. When dinner was done they went to the staff table and spoke to Remus for a few minutes while students began filtering out of the great hall. Remus nodded and they set off to work.
At eight o'clock that night the Marauder's opened the doors and smiled at the mass of students standing before them.
"Welcome, one and all to the Marauders Masquerade!" They yelled in unison.
Students cheered and ran into the great hall as the six of them moved out of the way. They greeted everyone cheerfully as they entered the now transformed room. Orange and black streamers hung from the ceiling. All of the house and school flags had been replaced by the Marauders flags done in orange and black. Two long tables were at either side of the room, one holding every kind of drink imaginable, the other holding every kind of candy they could find.
The children were all in amazing costumes, many causing Harry to look amazed. People looking like centaurs, elven warriors, a few portraying Dumbledore, and, most shocking to Harry, some even dressed as him. Harry laughed as he saw these costumes, feeling rather bland himself. He was dressed like someone he saw in a muggle movie. He didn't care really, he was just trying to relax for once.
He started hearing someone scream angrily and looked at the door. What seemed to be a group of twelve nineteenth century noblemen and a few ladies, were standing at the door unable to enter. Harry laughed as he saw the person in the lead of this group. Draco Malfoy. Harry nodded to Remus and Dumbledore who only smiled as Harry walked to the door.
"Problems, Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"Why can't we get in Potter! Not allowing Slytherins into your party?" Malfoy asked angrily.
"Not at all. In fact I've seen many Slytherins enter, and having a wonderful time." Harry said.
"They why can't we get in!" Pansy Parkinson asked shrilly.
"Pansy, enter on your own." Harry said easily. She walked into the door with no problem. "I see."
"What do you see, Potter?" Malfoy asked, now enraged.
"I see your girlfriend has the good sense not to bear the dark mark." Harry said. "You can only enter here tonight without that mark. Marauders are allowed to run any event we hold in the way we see fit. All events sponsored by the Marauder's do not permit death eaters to attend. So, any of you who do not bear the dark mark, walk in alone and you will be able to enter."
Upon this, the ladies of the group entered, along with Blaise Zabini. Harry raised an eyebrow as he entered. "I would have thought you would have the mark by now, what with all your loyal service to Tom." He said to Zabini. "I suppose he doesn't approve much of your methods then." Harry turned and walked from the door.
"Potter! You cannot do this!" Malfoy shouted.
Harry turned easily. "I can do whatever I wish while I am paying for all this. Do you wish to give me the galleons it costs to make a party like this available?" Harry said, waiting silently for a moment. "I thought so. Daddy's bank account isn't that large is it? You cannot enter here with that mark, so you may as well leave." then he turned to the hall and shouted loudly. "Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the newest death eaters! Standing at the doors, unable to enter are our dear friends Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Nott! Lets show them what we think of such stupidity!"
curses flew through the air hitting the four. No one could quite make out what spells had hit them. They now looked remarkably like monsters you would see in old horror films. Three eyes, teeth hanging to their chests, legs in positions Harry had never seen, faces green, blue, red, and orange, covered in warts or some weird looking boils that continuously drained pus, and none had any hair. Harry laughed at the sight as they ran from the doors to avoid the next set of curses as he noticed they all had pig tails.
With no more wild incidents, everyone surrendered themselves to the fun of the party. Games as mundane as bobbing for apples next to games of wizard darts, things like ring toss next to a wizards chessboard on the floor, reminiscent of the board Harry saw at the end of his first year. People were dancing in the center of the room quickly for this moment, although slower songs would appear from time to time. Some were standing by the snack or drink tables talking excitedly about all forms of things.
Harry walked back to his group standing near the wizard chess board and began talking cheerfully with Serena again. They decided they danced enough that day, and Harry was starting to loose his energy from the pepper up potion. They decided to enjoy their time playing the games they had there through the night. They were disappointed at midnight, when everyone was leaving, that no one wanted it to last longer. Harry and Serena stood by Sam and Remus while the students left.
"What did you think, Moony?" Harry asked.
"I think that Hogwarts has never seen anything like this before." Remus said. "And no matter how much they try, they will never see it again."
"You sure? They didn't even seem upset that the party was over." Harry said sadly.
"Harry, they are exhausted!" Remus said. "Look at some of them. They seem to be dragging themselves to bed. You gave them a party that was not only a smashing success, but was so wonderful they stayed far longer than they normally would have."
"Never thought of it that way." Harry said.
"It was a great party, Harry." Sam said. "I heard a lot of students saying it was one of the best parties ever. You should be really proud of yourself, and your friends."
"Damn, Potter." Serena said. "Are you that tired? We not only had a hit on our hands, we threw a party that even we couldn't top. For years to come this will be known as the greatest bloody party ever!"
"Miss Black, I understand your happiness at a successful party, but please remember that this is still a school." Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Language."
"Sorry sir." Serena said.
"Congratulations, Harry." Dumbledore said. "I believe the students are already eagerly awaiting your Christmas celebration."
"Thank you sir." Harry said, smiling wickedly now. "Unfortunately I'm only eagerly awaiting a nice trip to my bed." Looking at Serena he winked. "Serena, care to join me?"
"Of course, Mr. Potter. There is no place I would rather be." Serena said, her own smile mischievous. As they walked from the great hall she added. "So long as sleep isn't what's on your mind."
"The furthest thing from it."