Marauding at Hogwarts Chapter 14: Purveyor of Aid to Magical Mischief Make, a harry potter fanfic

Happy reading. XO***

Chapter 14 Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief Makers

"I guess the Potter's and the Black's will finally meet," Sirius joked wryly. James chuckled but said nothing. James needed the silence to think his way out of the situation. For Sirius, the silence didn't aid him at all. He kept thinking about what his mother would say the minute she saw him, and in front of James too. He hoped, against his better instinct, that she didn't bring his father with her. The wooden seats lined against the wall outside of the Headmaster's office seemed to have more of an effect on the guilty subconscious than McGonagall's comfortable office chairs. He suddenly regretted everything -well almost everything- that they had done that year.

Sirius jumped to his feet having spotted a tall, thin man striding down the hall towards them. His hair, cropped short and shaved on the sides, had only flecks of black at the top. His sunken eyes seemed to have no colour, and there was an odd smell that seemed to fill the corridor. He had one of his hands deep in the pocket of his robes, the other swung a black cane that sparkled green whenever the light hit it. His bushy, grey eyebrows were permanently stuck in a frown over his eyes and his lips pursed as he looked down his hooked nose at the world. Every time the cane hit the floor Sirius's heart jumped, his mouth had gone dry, and his throat constricted but still he stood. James thought he looked as old as Dumbledore but said nothing.

"Hey, Dad," Sirius smiled, his voice an octave higher than usual.

"Mr Black," James said, rising to his feet to shake the man's hand. "It's good to meet you."

Mr Black starred James down, eyeing him from head to toe.

"I take it you're the Potter boy?" Mr Black answered in a dead voice.

"Dad, this is James Potter," Sirius said. Mr Black gave one last look at James before turning abruptly back to his son. James' hand dropped. He sucked in a deep breath making himself seem taller and tried, for his friend's sake, to keep his expression neutral.

"Dad, if I could just explain," Sirius began.

"Yes, boy, I think you should. And it better be a fine explanation. No Black has ever been expelled from Hogwarts and we're not going to start with you," Mr Black answered in a harsh whisper. Sirius gulped, staring wide-eyed at his father.

"M-maybe we should wait for Mum?" Sirius suggested, meekly. James stared at his friend in disbelief, it was a though he had never been in trouble before.

"Your mother's not coming. She had something scheduled with the Black Hat Society a month ago. I don't think it'd be fair for her to miss out on the fun because you can't behave," Mr Black answered finally taking a seat in one of the wooden chairs. "Start from the beginning, and be sure to explain to me who this Snape character is."

"Well, it started in first year - technically on the train to first year," Sirius started.

"Sirius," Mr Black barked, " I don't want one of your absurd stories. Just the facts."

"Yes sir, but if you want to know who Snape is, we've got to start with first year- on the train," Sirius told him. His father took a deep breath, nodded, and muttered, "make it quick," allowing Sirius to continue.

He started with the platform. They had left his brother at home so he stood alone with his parents for the first time since Regulus was born. He was actually excited about spending the entire day with just his parents. His father told him about secrets of the Slytherin common room when his mother wasn't looking. His mother reminded him three times to eat something off the trolley, "Dumbledore tends to make long speeches," before she hugged him goodbye. His father rested a heavy hand on his shoulder and looked him in the eye and said, "I know you'll do great," before sending him off. When finally they let him go, the platform had only one other child on it, and that was James Potter. They had literally ran into each other trying to get on the train before it left them behind. They thought nothing of it, barely apologise to each other before going their separate ways. But Sirius couldn't find an available seat until he saw James again. He had looked different then. His hair was styled with too much hair product, his shoelaces were tied tightly, his glasses were so clean you could see your own reflection in them, and there was not a speck of dirt or jam, on his clothes.

"Anyone sitting there?" Sirius asked James, pointing to the empty seat beside him. "Everywhere else is full."

James shook his head and moved his feet to the floor so Sirius could sit. James didn't seem to be able to contain his excitement and immediately whipped out a handful of dung bombs from his coat pocket.

"I'm going to set them off right before we leave," he explained with a smirk. Sirius was about to suggest they do it closer to the conductor but a sniffle attracted both of their attention. It came from a small, red hair girl, about their age, they later found out to be Lily Evans. She was resting her head against the window, so it was hard to see her face, but they could tell from her red nose and quivering lip that she was crying.

"What's the matter?" James asked. Evans looked up at them, startled, and quickly wiped her face.

"Nothing," she sniffled. "You should set those off closer to the cab. It'll be more effective that way." Sirius was surprised, that was exactly what he was about to suggest.

"What?" James asked, sounding confused.

"Those are stink bombs, aren't they?" she asked, gently.

"No, they're dung bombs," James corrected now understanding where she was trying to direct her attention.

"You a muggle born?" Sirius asked. Evans nodded. James let out a long "ohhh."

"So is that what it is? You don't wanna be a witch?" James asked.

"No!" She said, looking angry.

"Well, then what?" James asked, ignoring her anger.

"I just… oh, nevermind. I'm fine, just want to be left alone," she said, turning back to the window.

"Alright then," James shrugged and turned back to Sirius. They were so engaged in their own conversation that they hadn't noticed the time passing. James seemed to know just as much, if not more, about quidditch as Sirius, which was a nice surprise. No one in his family like quidditch as much as he, except Regulus but he was too young to really talk about it. Even better was that James supported his rival team, but instead of taking offence, he discussed it civilly with him. They had noticed when another person, Snape, entered their compartment but gave no acknowledgement. He seemed to only care for the girl, anyway. James, however, slowed their conversation so he could listen. The girl seemed much more talkative with Snape.

"I don't want to talk to you," Evans said in a constricted voice.

"Why not?" Snape asked.

"Tuney h-hates me. Because we saw that letter from Dumbledore."

"So what?"

She threw a shrewd look at him.

"So, she's my sister!"

"She's only a-" He caught himself quickly; Evans, too busy trying to wipe her eyes without being noticed, did not hear him.

James had jumped to the edge of his seat and seemed keen on beating Snape for his almost insult. It was evident to him that the girl had cared for this 'Tuney.'

"But we're going!" he said, unable to suppress the exhilaration in his voice. "This is it! We're off to Hogwarts!"

She nodded, mopping her eyes, but in spite of herself, she half smiled.

Sirius stopped where he was, knowing what was coming next. Snape had made a remark about the greatness of the Slytherin house, and James had taken this as his opportunity to say something against Snape. Sirius decided, at that moment, that he would least like to be in Slytherin, and had said as much. That was something he could not tell his father. The only thing that kept him from being a complete disappointment to his family was the belief that he had no control over the Sorting Hat's decision. So instead he told him something his father would be expecting.

"Then James said something about muggle-borns being all over Hogwarts, and that Snape should stop his muggle hating if he expected to survive the next seven years. Then Snape said something back, something about us being idiots. Then we said something, and so on until the girl took her friend and left, to avoid a fight I guess," Sirius shrugged ending his tale. His father glanced at James and Sirius, seeming to be in deep thought.

"You pick on this boy, only because he doesn't like muggles?" Mr Black said finally, the accusation was clear to his son though James didn't quite catch on. James made a move to say something but Sirius cut him off quickly.

"No! He's been an idiot ever since. Can't even ride a broom. And he attacked one of my friends in first year. Most of it's because of house rivalry. You know how it is between the Slytherins and the Gryffindors. Just good fun, that's all," Sirius told him. His panic had widened his eyes and cracked his voice, but his father didn't seem to notice. Mr Black sat back in his chair, looking thoughtfully out the window in front of them. Sirius bit his lip, his fingers writhing in his lap as he waited for his father to respond. It didn't help that he could feel James growing angrier by the second.

"And what about your cousins? Why attack them?" Mr Black asked, his voice -though was still angry- seemed gentler than before.

"They're always mean to me because I'm in Gryffindor," Sirius shrugged. "And it's not one sided, they do it too. James and I have been hit by some pretty nasty spells."

James started to say something but was distracted but the appearance of two people; one witch and one wizard, walking towards them. The Potter's were vastly different in appearance. Mr Potter was very tall and slender. He had a thick head of white hair that he kept slicked back with his own Sleek Easy Potion. He looked like James in feature, but he had blue eyes and if he was not conscious of his facial expression, his mouth would turn down into the deepest frown giving him the appearance of a sad turtle, but the moment he grinned his whole face would light up like a Christmas tree. James got his constant smirking lips and hazel eyes from his mother. Mrs Potter was a very short and stout woman who seemed to skip as she walked. She had red thinning hair that she kept wrapped in a bun.

"Alright, Mum? Dad?" James said, rising to his feet and walking to meet his parents in the middle of the corridor.

"We are very disappointed in you," Mr Potter started.

"Oh, Fleamont give the boy a break. We just got here," Mrs Potter interrupted. "Look at him. He's clearly upset." Mrs Potter patted her son's cheek and took him by the hand, back to the wooden chairs.

"Dad, this is Fleamont and Euphemia Potter," Sirius introduced as they approached. Mr Black nodded curtly in their direction then returned his attention to the window.

"Sirius," Mr Potter grinned, "good to see you. We were hoping to see you on the platform,Mr. Black "

Mr Black gave a disdained look to Mr Potter and seemed to be disgusted by being addressed by him. If Mr Potter had been bothered by this he didn't show it. James, however, let out a deep sigh, that was almost a growl, and straighten his stance, making himself look taller.

"We must have just missed each other," Sirius laughed awkwardly as if the Mr Black he had been referring to was himself.

"Too bad, too bad," Mr Potter smiled, kindly at him. "Have you broken in your chess set yet?"

"Oh, yeah! Nearly beat Remus with it the other day," Sirius said, his nerves calming slightly. "Thanks again."

"Don't mention it. It was our pleasure," Mr Potter winked. With that the group fell silent, waiting for the headmaster to call them in. Their wait wasn't much longer, however. Professor McGonagall was walking briskly towards them, her emerald green robes billowed behind her. James and Sirius jumped to their feet and stood in front of their parents so they would be the first to greet their professor. They exchanged a nervous look at the last moment and Sirius calmed completely taking this as a sign that James was only angry at his father for his rudeness.

"Morning, Professor," James and Sirius said together, with identical grins on their faces. McGonagall shot them a look that told them this was not a time to be smiling.

"It's about time!" Mr Black started to complain.

"Yes, I'm sorry. Another student was in need of my attention," McGonagall explained, apologetically.

"That's not an excuse! I've been waiting here for thirty minutes. If I had known the incompit-" Mr Black had stopped quickly at the look on McGonagall's face. Sirius stared in awe at his professor and James stifled a laugh.

"Mr Black, I assure you, if you hadn't have come so early, you wouldn't have had to wait so long," McGonagall answered. "Shall we go? The headmaster's expecting us. Sirius - James, wait out here until we're ready for you." With that she muttered a nonsensical password that caused the giant gargoyle to spin upward, revealing a staircase. She and their parents disappeared behind the first spiral and James turned to Sirius.

"What was that about?" James shot.

"Sorry 'bout that mate. That's how they always are. They think they're better than everyone else just 'cause they're Blacks," Sirius said, he rolled his eyes and sat back down. James, however, stayed standing.

"Not that! I was expecting that - sort of. But I meant you!" James yelled, his voice echoing down the corridor, startling a wandering first year.

"What did I do? I couldn't tell him what we said about Slytherin! He'd have taken it personally," Sirius defended.

"Not that either. You acted like - like." James failed to get the words. He groaned in frustration and started to pace.

"Like what, James?" Sirius asked, trying to remember if he had said or done anything that would cause an offence.

"Like you agreed with Snape! You made it sound like you didn't care how he felt about muggles, only that he attacked Peter and couldn't ride a broom properly," James finished, raking a hand through his hair and massaging his neck. "I mean, do you? Given your father, it's not like it would be unexpected."

It was Sirius's turn to be angry now. The look that crossed Sirius's face caused guilt to stir in the pit of James's stomach. Of course, Sirius wasn't like that, it was obvious now. But it was too late the words were already out and Sirius was fuming.

"I didn't mean-" James began, trying to apologise.

"Yes, you did. Everyone expects it of me, why shouldn't you. That's probably why we're getting expelled, they think we're doing it because he's half-blood." Sirius said. The truth of his words bringing tears to his eyes. He shot to his feet, trying to hide the fact that he was crying from James. His mind had gone blank, he barely saw the window in front of him. "I'm quite sure that they would kill me if they found out I'm a blood traitor, that's why I didn't tell him. Bit of a coward but," Sirius sighed and gave a weak shrug, "there's no excuse for it."

"Literally kill you?" James asked after he took a moment to process what he said. He walked over and leant against the window sill next to his friend.

"No, probably not," Sirius laughed. "They would lock me in the basement. That's what happened to Andy when they found out. Tonks, her husband, had to go and rescue her."

"Well, if you ever decide to tell them, let me know so I can rescue you from their basement." James smiled. "You can stay at my place. Mum adores you. Just ask Lupin, she wouldn't shut up about you after you left," Sirius grinned back at him, touched at his friends offer.

"Think I'll wait 'till I'm 17 then just disappear. Move to South America or something, that'll really irk 'em."

"And marry a muggle latina!" James laughed. They talked of the many adventures they could have in South America after they graduated - or if they got expelled. It had started to rain, water splattering the windows, coming down in bigger droplets by the minute. The longer they waited the worse the storm got. By the time McGonagall came for them thunder had sounded in the distant mountains. They climbed the stone step up to Dumbledore's office their worries returning to them.

Dumbledore sat behind his desk, with his blue pointed hat atop his head, his half-moon spectacles sat on his crooked nose, his white beard covering his belly, his thin fingers pressed together under his chin as he looked thoughtfully at the boys who had entered the room. James and Sirius took a seat in the two chairs that separated the Potters from the Blacks. McGonagall stood behind Dumbledore with her hands clasped together resting at her waist. James and Sirius had never seen Professor Dumbledore outside of the Great Hall. It was odd, almost as odd as when they ran into Professor Flitwick in Diagon Alley last year.

"H-have you come to a decision yet?" James asked, being the first to break the silence.

"Not quite, we'd like to hear from you two first, if you don't mind," Dumbledore said, a slight smile playing on his thin lips.

"Yes, Professor. What exactly would you like to hear?" Sirius asked.

"You're explanation of course," Dumbledore said. "Many of your teachers have reported that you are uncontrollable in class. And then, of course, there's the matter of Severus Snape."

"Yes, sir," James said. "See Snape has made a few comments about muggles and muggle borns that were-"

"-less than friendly," Sirius finished.

"So, I took it upon myself to -"

"-correct him."

"It was only a few verbal arguments at first, then he used magic against one of our friends and, well it may have gotten out of hand I suppose," James admitted.

"And we don't mean anything against our teachers," Sirius said.

"Not at all," James agreed. "If we had known we were causing so much trouble in class, we would have tried to solve the issue."

"Minerva," Dumbledore said, turning to face McGonagall, "how are they in your class?"

"They're manageable. They get a little off topic every so often, but that's usually when they finish early," McGonagall told him.

"Thank you," Dumbledore said, turning back to the boys. "Back to the topic of young Severus."

"I know what you're going to say, Professor," James started. "And believe me I totally agree with you. We were idiotic, immature, completely reckless, and we're really sorry. I'm just hoping against hope that you'll give us another chance, which I admit we may not deserve but if you find it in your heart to forgive us, I know we can earn your trust back."

Sirius looked shocked by James's speech but nodded in agreement nonetheless. Dumbledore seemed to mull over James's words. Their parents sat on the edge of their seats waiting for his verdict.

"Minerva, what are their best classes?" Dumbledore asked, breaking the heavy silence.

"Sirius is best at charms and James, transfigurations," McGonagall said. James grinned proudly at his professor who shot him a look of warning. They weren't in the clear yet.

"And Mr Snape's, do you know his?" Dumbledore asked.

"I can't be certain, but I believe it's potions," McGonagall admitted. James and Sirius stared confused at their Headmaster, who gave them a short smile before continuing.

"And in other subjects, are they doing well?"

"Yes, of course. They're excellent students in that area," McGonagall answered.

"Professor McGonagall and I have been discussing adding an extra period for study, particularly for the first years, but really for anyone who was in need of some extra help," Dumbledore began. "The only problem was finding time in our teacher's already busy schedules for this period, but now I think we've found a solution. Mr Potter and Mr Black I will not be expelling you."

The Potters erupted in relief and Sirius grinned. Mr Black continued to stare, blank-faced, at the Headmaster.

"Instead you will, until further notice, spend an hour after classes tutoring those in need with Severus Snape. Hopefully, this will gain you a new friend and a better appreciation for your professors." Dumbledore finished, he looked bemused by the boys slacked mouths and astonished expressions. "Does this seem fair?" he asked, turning to the parents.

"More than fair. Good day, Albus," Mr Black said, rising to his feet. He shook the headmaster's hand, gave a warning to his son, then turned to leave all before Dumbledore could give his answer.

"Mr and Mrs Potter, do you have any objections?" Dumbledore asked them, kindly.

"Couldn't think of anything more fitting, Professor," Mr Potter complimented, Mrs Potter gave her agreement.

"I'm glad," Dumbledore smiled. "James, would you walk your parents out? Professor McGonagall and I would like a moment alone with Sirius."

"Yes sir," James said, quietly. The Potter's disappeared behind the tall, oak door that separated the office from the giant gargoyle in the hall. Dumbledore held up a hand stopping the questions Sirius was about to ask, waiting for their footsteps to fade into silence. McGonagall took the seat Mrs Potter was using and summoned three cups of tea with a wave of her wand.

"You already knew you weren't going to expel us, didn't you?" Sirius asked. Dumbledore gave a half smile over his tea cup.

"We had to give the impression that it might have happened. A certain teacher believes you to be insubordinate," Dumbledore explained, looking apologetic. "I rather like having you at this school. You add humour in these dark times."

"If it weren't for Severus," McGonagall said, seeming to be reminding Dumbledore of something.

"Yes, that as your friend said, seems to have gotten out of hand. I'm sure you'll try your best to fix that," Dumbledore said. Sirius nodded in response, taking a sip of his tea. "Sirius, I have to ask you something that I need you to respond with the utmost honesty. Can you do that?"

"Yes sir," Sirius said, setting his tea cup down on the desk so Dumbledore could have his full attention.

"Your father, when he explained what he believed to have happened, made it seemed that you were targeting Severus because of his blood status," Dumbledore said. Sirius had already been rubbed raw by this issue, a million times before now. The question had been posed against him since first year, despite most of his targets being pure blooded. He sat up straighter, swallowed, and waited to his headmaster to continue. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but given your chosen friends, your obvious disregard for most of your family, your protective behaviour towards muggle borns and other such people, I do not believe this to be true."

"You're not wrong," Sirius answered, relief filling his body for the first time in a week. Dumbledore gave him a proud sort of smile that set a twinkle in his eye.

"I am very glad to hear it."

"Professor, I am glad you believed it of me," Sirius admitted, sheepishly, but found he couldn't contain himself.

Dumbledore gave Sirius a moment to collect himself.

"This leads me to the point of our conversation. This is where I need you to be honest with me, no matter how hard it may be." Sirius nodded indicating that he was ready for his question. "Should I have any reason to believe that you are in danger at home?"

Sirius's throat thickened. There was no way he could have heard what he had told James, but Dumbledore seemed to have already known the answer. He was conflicted. His need to lie about his fears, his ancient need to protect his family, but he had made a promise. That was something Sirius could never go back on.

"They don't know," Sirius answered, hoping that would be enough.

"Do they suspect?" McGonagall asked.

"They think it might happen, 'cause I'm in Gryffindor. But with James, I think it's a little better. He's not in the sacred 28, but he's still pure," Sirius explained. Sirius found that he couldn't look either of them in the eye. He had not exactly lied, but he still felt guilty, he had promised the absolute truth and he failed to give it.

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it, Sirius," Dumbledore said, simply.

"Yes, sir," Sirius said. Dumbledore waited for a moment to give Sirius another opportunity to say something but Sirius's courage failed him.

"That is all then," Dumbledore said. "You may go and enjoy the rest of your day."

"I do expect to see you in my class, Mr Black," McGonagall added before Sirius disappeared behind the door.

Sirius ran down the empty corridors until his lungs burned to be filled with air and his legs threatened to give out underneath him. He sank against the wall to catch his breath. He was in an unfamiliar part of the castle, but it didn't matter where he was, he just needed to be alone so he could go over the things that just happened in the last hour and a half. It wasn't until the bell rang, signalling the end of the period, did Sirius begin to worry that he really didn't know where he was. He had been in such a distressed state that he hadn't taken note which way he had turned, or if he had gone up or down the stairs. He found a statue of a witch with one eye that he thought looked familiar but it only led him to a dark, musty corridor that looked as if it hadn't been used since his grandfather attended the school.

"Sirius," a voice whispered, echoing down the hall sending a chill through his bones. "Sirius!" it said again.

"Who's there?" Sirius yelled back, harshly.

"'Sme, Peter," Peter whispered. Sirius lurched toward the sound of his voice, glad to be found. "What are you doing here? This part of the castle is off limits."

Just as he said this, Sirius tripped over a heavy, wooden object, causing a cascade of metal things to fall to the ground. Loud clangs and bangs danced down the hall, ringing in their ears giving both Sirius and Peter a small headache. They heard Filch cursing Peeves the poltergeist, his voice growing nearer. Sirius grabbed Peter's clammy hand and ran down the hall and into the nearest unlocked room. They listened, pressing their ears to the door until Filch's crude insults faded into silence.

"I take it you didn't get expelled?" Peter asked. Sirius shook his head and started to look around. He had been in plenty of empty classrooms, but never in this one. "What about James?"

"Him neither. Last I saw him, he was walking his parents out," Sirius said, opening the cabinets. The only things they held were cobwebs and moths. "Did you see him?"

"No," Peter answered, "but it's lunch. He's probably visiting Remus."

"Do you know where we are?" Sirius asked, deciding that the classroom had nothing worth finding, except perhaps a new breed of spider.

"Hold on," Peter said. He started emptying out his pockets, pulling out a yo-yo, crumpled up parchment, and a dozen old wrappers. When his pockets seemed to be empty he started on his bag, pulling out books, ink-stained parchment with illegible writing, two sandwiches, an apple, then finally a neatly folded square parchment. "I've been mapping out our classes since first year. Kept getting lost 'cause the moving staircase and what not."

"You mapped out the entire castle?" Sirius said, his disbelief clearly in his voice. Peter's cheeks flushed.

"Well no, just our classes," Peter said, sounding embarrassed. He had mistaken Sirius's tone for criticism but Sirius was truly impressed. Sirius took the parchment from Peter's hand and opened it completely. Peter had clearly put some thought into the map. The classrooms and staircases were clearly marked. The moving staircase moved on the parchment and Sirius guessed the real one had done the same.

"There's that statue," Sirius said, pointing to the landmark.

"Right that puts us on the third floor," Peter said, looking over Sirius's shoulder. "I think we turned left so that puts us somewhere close to Charms."

"Brilliant," Sirius whispered, looking over the map once more. He watched as the staircase moved again, a window vanished from sight, and another statue next to the Great Hall moved three inches to the left. "Pete, what else can this map do?"

"Errr…. Well, if you tap the fat lady's portrait with your wand, it'll tell you the password. I'm always forgetting. I was working on putting the Hufflepuff's password, but we never go in there except that one time with Wilkes." Peter answered.

"Peter, what if the Slytherins get this!" Sirius yelled, refolding the map and putting it, protectively, into his breast pocket.

"I-I keep it safe. And nobody knows about it 'cept me… and now you," Peter stuttered.

"We'll have to put some protective charms on it. And maybe add the rest of the castle. This could be really useful, Peter. Best keep it safe." Sirius said, leading his friend out of the classroom and confidently down the hall. His mind whirled with the possibilities the map had provided.