A/N: Hello all! Chapter 3 it is (sorry about the delay, family events were happening).
Let me just say straight up, that this chapter is not one of my favorites. In fact, this chapter is the one I don't particularly like. No actually, this chapter is the one that I might as well hate. It has basically got no plot (which was hinted at in the last one) and exists solely for the purpose of the introduction of some important characters, as you will find out. The conversations make me cringe too, even though while editing, I omitted the worst parts. Regardless, I wasn't feeling very enthused while writing this and it's just a transitional sort of chapter, acting as a bridge between the previous one and the next (Chapter 4 will feature a good amount of plot introduction).
Therefore, please don't be too disappointed.
Edit: I removed some more of the horrible stuff. Hopefully, it's not too bad anymore.
Disclaimer: I wonder if JKR has seen AVPM. Also, its songs were excellent companions while editing this chapter. May Starkid receive eternal happiness.
Chapter 3: The Third Day and More
The first two days of school passed with almost no occasion, and the most that was to be looked forward to on the third was the Defense Against the Dark class. The new Professor had been a subject of much speculation since the start of term—his apparently unique disposition was complimented by a sense of mingled liveliness and mystery—and therefore his lesson was being much anticipated.
Lily had certain pre-conceived ideas about him—a result of momentary observances of his behavior at meal times—and so far it seemed improbable that a man who put up a plausible show of reservation and shrewdness could possibly be considered as cheerful as was being said (she agreed with the mysterious bits). However, that was a matter to be discerned later and thus with these thoughts roaming about her head, Lily initiated her day.
Well actually, her day initiated with a shouting match with Nessa who was hogging the bathroom, but the following subject was indeed Professor Noctienn Nott.
(Morning)
"NESSA MYRCELLA ABOTT, WILL YOU GET OUT OF THERE BEFORE I BLAST THE DOOR?" Lily rapped at the door twice.
"Relax Ginge, I've only been about—an hour." The amused tone Nessa adopted was enough for Lily to proceed with her warning.
"Alright, that's it." The redhead began rapping the door so ferociously that a slight increase in effort would be enough to let if fall asunder from its hinges; Marlene and Mary observing her reaction, chose to behave like rational people and not get in Lily's way. Their fifth roommate had already left for breakfast—being the earliest riser—and had used the washroom before Nessa could enter.
"And I thought you considered Potter in the wrong for vandalizing the train." The smirking form of Nessa appeared at last, effectively rescuing their washroom door. Behind the pair, the fairly audible sighs of relief were also breathed by Marlene and Mary. "Really Lils, you can't just go around destroying things like that," drawled Nessa.
"I BLOODY WELL CAN, IF YOU SIT IN THERE FOR AN HOUR!" Lily shouted back. "And neither of you, even dare to get in before me. I've been up since Nessa was in, not you lot." This, she addressed to Marlene, who was trying to slink in during Lily's tirade.
"Terrible intestinal issues, love," supplied Nessa and with a cool demeanor, she went to her bedside table and grabbed her essentials for the day.
Lily meanwhile got the washroom to herself, at last, and shut the door, securing it firmly with a lock.
"Never, ever do this to us again, Nessa. Ever," Marlene almost pleaded.
"Yes, we don't like angry Lily, at all," acquiesced Mary.
"I CAN STILL HEAR YOU LOT, YOU KNOW!" All three girls chuckled (Mary not so enthusiastically) before Nessa assured them, "Sure thing, loves. I just had a little business in there today." She left with a smirk, leaving behind Mary to hint at suggestive 'business.'
Lily, in the solitude she found in the washroom, washed her face thoroughly and placated herself with a cold shower before returning. Her mood was significantly elevated as she left.
"So, who says the new one will leave when he sees the Marauders' capabilities, like poor Flooplen last year?" mused Nessa taking a bite of toast. They were all seated at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall for breakfast. "The charmed desks really did their magic—no pun intended."
"Horrible pun, Nes. And from all we've heard, he seems like a good chap, doesn't he?" said Marlene.
"Who's a good chap, Marls?" The inquisitor was the two-year long boyfriend of Marlene McKinnon.
Julian Josephs epitomized what every boyfriend should be of a sixteen year old. He was tall, and kind, had a wonderful smile complimented by amber eyes, a neatly shaven jaw, and a really soft, blond head of hair. He was fairly intelligent too, but most of all, he possessed the quality that every teenager strives to find in a boyfriend—he loved Marlene McKinnon dearly.
"The new defense teacher," answered Mary. Marlene meanwhile, planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Oh yeah, I've heard the same. I hope he lives up to the expectation. Although if I'm not wrong, so far only the Slytherins and Ravenclaws have had a class with him only and I wonder how much their opinion can be trusted." Julian was a devout Gryffindor.
"Positive?" the blonde questioned with a furrowed brow.
"Uh-huh."
"Oh well, I suppose we'll have to see for ourselves then," concluded Nessa. Continuing with her previous topic, she turned to Julian: "So Julia, what do you think? How long will it take the Marauders to drive this one out?"
"Julian," he corrected. "And the one time success of the Marauders, for a sodding coward is no reason for us to measure a teacher's success."
"We're not measuring the teacher's success, we're measuring the Marauders'," quipped Nessa.
"Fair point," supplied Lily, in between gulping the juice.
"Well, it's not like the Marauders success will be of much use to us, you forget it is our sixth year." He raised his eyebrows for emphasis. Oh yes, another final thing: Julian was not fond of the Marauders.
Nessa scoffed, "Believe me Julia, the only person who agrees with you on this is yourself."
"Hey, I think our sixth year is crucial too and I'm up for all the fun but let's not have a teacher actually driven away this time," interrupted Marlene defensively.
"Yeah Nes, let the poor bloke stay. I've heard he's handsome," mused Mary.
"Only you, Mary MacDonald can take a fancy even before properly meeting the person," said Nessa, half-exasperated, half amused.
"But I have heard wonderful things from the few sensible Ravenclaws, and he doesn't look too terrible on the breakfast table right now, does he. Plus, I will never get to meet him so I might as well ogle all I want at meal times. "
Upon her direction, all except Marlene looked up to verify her appraisal and despite the distance, Mary's point was made. The Professor had thick and slightly rough brown hair, an angular, young face, and a tanned complexion. The highlight however, was the unshaven stubble that appeared neat and unkempt simultaneously, and from the looks of it, it was quite intentional.
"I can't believe I didn't notice it until today," mused Lily with a cocked eyebrow. "Well, he's a teacher anyway so there goes your dream of snogging him, Mary."
"You could still try though," added Nessa amusedly.
"Not a terrible idea—" drawled Mary but got cut off by Marlene, "Oi, don't corrupt her further."
"Yes Nessa, it's better if you keep your salacious thoughts to yourself," acquiesced Julian.
"I'm not the one talking about his charmsJulia. Only giving Mary some friendly advice," quipped Nessa satirically.
"You're a terrible friend then," said Julian disappointingly.
All the people sitting around the pair broke into giggles upon his remark.
"Oh Julia, you have yet to learn the art, that is sarcasm," said Nessa, shaking her head with mock disappointment.
"Julian. And I am quite aware of what sarcasm is, thank you very much."
"Whatever, Julia."
Lily who was busy snorting at the exchange till now uttered with faux sympathy, "Oh Nes, no one understands you."
"Especially Julia." Nessa's face broke into a smirk.
"Julian."
"Whatever, Julia."
With a final burst of laughter, the Gryffindors all rose for their respective classes.
Lily was on her way back to the Great Hall when she was intercepted by Nessa; the former returning from Ancient Runes and the latter from Divination.
They were suddenly halted in the middle of the corridor.
"Bloody hell, Peeves!" Nessa burst out laughing at the ensuing scene.
"Not funny," But Lily herself was trying to hold in her guffaws. "Oh dear."
Mrs. Norris—the caretaker Mr. Filch's cat—was suspended in mid-air, writhing furiously and visibly restrained from the posterior paws from where the resident poltergeist of Hogwarts had a steel hold, preventing it to do nothing more than screech. It was also unable to identify its assailant for Peeves could turn invisible.
"Brilliant, isn't it?" The voice of Sirius Black announced from behind.
"Your enigmatic expression tells me you had something to do with this," remarked Lily suspiciously.
"Still brilliant, Ginge," said Nessa.
"Hullo to you too Evans, and Moony and I might or might not have…pulled a little strings, in a manner of speaking," supplied Sirius.
The girls restarted their way towards the Great Hall, the Marauder falling into step with them.
"So, why isn't Remus with you then?" asked Lily.
"And tell us about the strings," added Nessa.
"Moony was summoned by Prongs, Evans. Lunch, ladies?" said Sirius. With an ever-present, enigmatic smirk he returned to Nessa who was eyeing him questioningly at the evasion: "Patience is virtue, Bob."
"And curiosity is a murderer Black," remonstrated Nessa. "Spill, or I'll prevent you from eating."
Sirius turned to Lily, "Evans, will you accompany me for lunch? I've clearly been rejected because of my talents."
"No, I will ask you the same question. This is one of your few stunts I am willing to forgive so I might as well know how you played your part. How did you manage to get Peeves involved?"
"Let's just say I am exceptionally convincing," rejoined the Marauder. "The word 'command' may have played a role too."
"Well, you're not permitted to sit with us at lunch, so you may as well leave," said Nessa. "Unless of course, you tell us."
"Patience, Bob, patience."
Nessa was evidently growing querulous at the lack of information and Sirius, due to the brunette's prohibition, soon departed to occupy another seat.
The pair approached Marlene who was already sitting at the Gryffindor table indulged in her meal.
"I bet he's just toying with us," said Nessa coolly as the girls settled down. After a pause, "Merlin, why do I have to be so curious?"
"Curiosity isn't too terrible, love. And you might actually be right," placated Lily. "Look there's Marlene."
"Hello Mar, how was logical prediction?" quipped Nessa by way of greeting.
"Drab as ever," replied Marlene.
Lily and Nessa sat beside her.
"I did warn you, ambiguous prediction is much more entertaining."
"Not everyone's goal in life is entertainment Nessa."
"Still your loss, love."
"Pass me the jug, will you?" requested Lily.
Nessa complied and after a moment added, "Damn it, Black."
Lily shook her head and Marlene inquired after the brunette's utterance which she was dutifully made aware of.
(Defense Against the Dark Arts Lesson)
Despite the constant appraisal, Lily had her qualms regarding Professor Nott. He seemed unnaturally quiet and Lily couldn't grasp how such a disposition could translate to animated lessons, as the students had put it. With that thought, she entered the designated classroom with Nessa and Marlene (Mary had dropped the subject after OWLs) and they seated themselves in the third row. Soon they were joined by Shawna. The Marauders followed and sat two rows behind the girls.
"I am very excited for this class." began Shawna as she retrieved her books from the backpack she had placed beside her. Nessa visibly rolled her eyes, while Lily and Marlene kept their reactions to themselves. "We all know he is an excellent teacher already, I mean everyone has been saying it since his first class. Adds to the excitement, doesn't it?"
"Well, his exceptional handsomeness adds to the excitement more," interjected Nessa sarcastically. Lily and Marlene began to snicker—to Shawna's dismay—clearly getting the reference to the conversation at breakfast.
"That's a very inappropriate thing to say about a teacher Nessa." Shawna looked positively shocked. "You should be ashamed of yourself."
"Merlin, I'm surrounded by idiots," said Nessa in an undertone. "No offense to Julia, Mar."
"Sorry, what did you say?" questioned Shawna with a bite in her voice.
"Nothing cerebral, Shawna," joked Lily.
"Well, it's not like I expect much more from Nessa," remarked Shawna taking out her quill and parchment.
Upon the jibe, Lily started, "Your expectations aren't particularly meritorious—"
But Nessa interposed with faux admiration, "Oh I live to please the Majesty!"
"As you may well know, I—"
However, Shawna was prevented from completing her statement because the awaited Professor entered the class, effectively silencing all students.
Now, a bit about the impression up-close: Noctienn Nott brought with him an air of authority yet approachability and his demeanor was kind, yet demanded uninterrupted attention. Despite his youthful features, his countenance edged towards wisdom, though mingled with a sharp look of cunning and shrewdness.
Lily suddenly felt her doubts weren't entirely ill founded.
However, his taciturn expression—that Lily had been noticing at meals—completely melted away at the initiation of his speech.
"Good afternoon to all of you. For those listening to the Headmaster's speech, you would be aware that my name is Noctienn Nott, yes, yes you may snicker openly. My parents weren't exactly kind when they bestowed it upon me."
Right, so the Professor had a cheerful bone in him—quite in accordance with the circulating news.
"Anyway, the focus of this class is obviously not the hilarity of my name, but a subject of dire importance and I hope we will all pay attention to it much more than these names. You all are, after all, in sixth year now.
"Now, books out, wands out, we'll be following a combined theoretical and practical methodology and in each class, all new spells will be implemented and previous ones revised. It is after all your sixth, and you cannot lax in either part of the course. Therefore, please turn to page 15 and begin reading."
Everyone obeyed and for the next few moments the only sound heard was the shuffling of pages or thumping of backpacks.
Nessa turned to her roommates and began, "So, not entirely false despite what your Julia said. What do you lot think?"
"Seems alright to me, I suppose," replied Marlene.
"Too soon Nes, he's barely started teaching," whispered Lily.
"Yes Ginge, but first impressions and all that bonkers too."
"He's frightfully young though," added Marlene.
"That, I assent to complet—"
"You please, Miss..?" The Professor gestured to Nessa.
"Abott."
"Yes, Miss Abott. Please get up from your seat and movie to the front row, I will not tolerate idle chatting in this class."
Nessa gaped for a moment.
"Quickly."
"Yes, sir," complied the brunette. Then, in an undertone, to Lily and Marlene, "Git." Shawna, who overheard that, shot her a filthy look.
She picked up her belongings and shifted to a seat in said row.
"You all may continue with the reading."
Soon enough, the entire class had finished up on the assigned pages and he began once again, "Now, I believe you have a general idea of non-verbal spells. For today, we'll be practicing shield charms and simple hexes non-verbally. Please partner up with the person beside you."
Lily be default, shifted herself to Marlene.
"Alright, now before the practical applications commence, can anyone tell me why this part of magic is necessary?"
Shawna practically jumped in her seat as she raised her hand.
"Yes, you?" He gestured to the Gryffindor.
"Silent spells enable the caster to have an advantage over the opponent in matters of time. So if I cast a non-verbal spell for example, then I will get a millisecond leverage over the person I am hexing."
"Yes, very good. However, that is not the most crucial point. Can anyone elaborate on that?" He gazed around the room and his eyes landed on James who was lounging back in his chair. "Mr...?"
"Potter," piped up James.
"Yes, Mr. Potter. Will you tell us?"
Without missing a beat James answered, "The recipient of the spell is not aware of what's being hurled at them, so they are essentially ignorant."
"Very well," remarked the Professor. "Twenty points for you two Gryffindors."
She couldn't be sure but Lily thought she heard a bite in his voice as he uttered 'Gryffindors'. However, his welcoming smile was back in a moment and the surmise passed immediately.
"Now you all may start with the list of jinxes given in your book for initial practice. Please begin."
Complying, everyone shifted from their chairs and put them aside.
The Professor eyed James's casual demeanor with scrutiny for a moment and added, "Mr. Potter, you may come to the front. You'll be partnering with me."
"Whatever you say, Professor," said James and followed with the command.
A general commotion was being caused due to the chairs getting dragged everywhere.
"Right, sorry." With a flick of his wand, Noctienn Nott arranged all the furniture in a corner of the room, effectively emptying the space.
Lily retrieved her wand and it was decided that Marlene would cast the jinxes and Lily the shielding charms.
"Lily, is it me or Olly has been staring at you constantly for the past, er—ten seconds now?" Marlene nodded in the direction of one of their house-mates, Oliver Weasely.
Lily glanced in his direction to see for herself and was met with a smile from said house-mate, which Lily dutifully reciprocated.
"Oh, he's been asking me since yesterday to restart the tutoring sessions we used to have before OWLs. Must be because of that," clarified Lily while readying herself to cast a body-binding spell.
"Yeah, right. Tutoring," snorted the blonde.
"Marlene." Then, with as much force as she could muster, the redhead tried to create a shield between herself and her roommate, but her efforts were in vain anyway for Marlene herself couldn't produce a spell.
"Merlin, this is much harder than I expected," remarked the redhead.
"Yes Lily we are, after all, in sixth year," said Marlene in an imitation of the Professor's voice, but also resembling Julian.
"Quiet, you. Nes is already kicked away." Lily chuckled. "You know, you look a bit like your boyfriend when you say that."
"Oh come on, I had to defend him from Nessa," elucidated Marlene. "That girl butchers poor Julian."
"Oh well, I suppose. Now this please"
Once again they attempted the non-verbal spells and this time Lily accomplished a shred of a shield.
"Oi!" exclaimed Marlene. "You managed a tiny one."
"Yeah—"
But before Lily could articulate anything related to her success a sudden wave of laughter erupted from the front; the reason, a reaction to what was ensuing between James and the Professor.
There, before their eyes, the Marauder was restrained in a body-bind curse while the Professor was performing some form of tap dance looking simultaneously aghast and impressed. In a second he cast the counter curse and returned to a still form while James struggled for a moment before doing the same. Not a single word escaped their lips. Then, immediately, a tickling spell was hurled at the Professor, but this time he was quick and deflected it, reacting with an impeding jinx. However, James too was prepared and flicked his wand before the spell could have any effect.
Lily cocked an eyebrow and turned to Marlene to restart their silent duel. Marlene voiced the pair's thoughts, "He isn't too shabby."
After a while and a few successful attempts by both Marlene and Lily, the Professor uttered a praise synonymous to the blonde's and awarded Gryffindor another ten points. Once again, Lily thought she saw some restrain in his expression while uttering the house name but it passed as quickly as the previous one.
The class soon ended and Nessa caught up with Lily and Marlene a moment after the Professor left.
"Eventful," remarked the brunette, and exiting the room. Her voice was very restrained.
"Just a single word for the absolutely vile thing he did?" inquired a surprised Marlene.
"Nope, just eventful."
"Nessa, you may start now, he's half a corridor away," said Marlene, amused.
"No, I will—oh hell, he's an arse. I hope he gets some contagious disease and can't come to class for at least… a month, or better, the entire year."
"Now that's more like it," said Marlene, laughing.
"I can't believe it. I said two words, two sodding words and he told me to change my seat. Slughorn took at least a good twenty minutes of loud talking before telling me to just shut up and he just, gah."
Lily and Marlene were busy laughing at Nessa's diatribe and didn't notice the other Gryffindor who had been tailing them for a moment now, waiting for Nessa to finish. Once she stopped however, he began, "Uh, Lily."
The redhead turned around. "Oh Oliver, hello. How have you been?" she greeted.
"Yeah, I'm great," he replied.
Oliver, a Weasely and a redhead like Lily, although more towards the flaming shade than Lily's darker tone, was an average heighted, stout boy who was in their sixth year, and played Beater for Gryffindor. He had exceptionally blue eyes and these blue eyes were currently focused entirely on Lily.
"Nes, Mar, you two go ahead. I'll be a minute," directed Lily and they complied immediately. Then, to Oliver, "What's up?" despite knowing exactly why he might be there and feeling a bit guilty for she hadn't given the matter of restarting tutoring him a second thought since their last meeting.
"So, I'll just get straight to the point. Have you found some free time for the sessions?"
Lily hesitated a bit. "Right, er—well, to be honest I haven't found time to even think about thinking about your request. But, I will get back to you, I promise, just give me a few days."
"Oh, uh—"
"I mean, term's barely started… it's not like some delay would be problematic," covered Lily shifting the strap of her backpack.
Oliver meditated a moment before replying affably, "Sure, I suppose. Please tell me at the end of the week though, yeah?"
"Affirmative."
"Great, see you around then," he said, smiling.
"You too."
With that, the two went their separate ways.
(A caution)
"Padfoot, stop stomping on my foot," said Peter.
"I will if it stops getting in my way," replied Sirius.
"Will you two quit talking? It's quite nonsensical as it is," voiced Remus.
"Oi, don't insult my plans Moony," argued James.
"You're not the only one with the copyright, Prongs," stated Sirius.
The four Marauders were huddled under the invisibility cloak, trying to flawlessly execute a prank designed to render the Charms corridor useless before tomorrow's class. Currently, all suits of armors along with the statues were being charmed to block their paths by relocating themselves around the entire corridor (and performing a dance routine) in the morning when any of the boys utter the words, 'Flaky Flitwick.'
Since last year, James and Sirius had both grown two inches, Remus three and Peter one, and as a result the cloak had been particularly difficult to get under. Of course, James needed to be under it ever since indefinite detentions had been ascribed to him but the other three were there for their own particular reasons: Peter rarely ever did anything openly, Remus was a reluctant contributor and Sirius was under simply to bother Peter (sometimes Remus and James too).
Nevertheless, the plan wasn't turning out too stellar. The Hogwarts statues were very adamant structures.
"Sirius, if you step on my foot again, I'm transfiguring your feet into bricks," warned Remus.
"Empty threats Moony you can't even hurt Mrs. Norris who you loathe, and you actually like me," said Sirius.
"Believe me I'm rethinking that at the moment." Remus flicked his wand and James uttered an incantation to make sure the statue moved only when they spoke the particular words.
"It's impossible to rethink that, I'm too likeable. In fact, I'm un-dislikeable. Only the utterly daft will resolve to the idiocy that is disliking me.
"Merlin," said Remus.
The sound of footsteps suddenly cut through and James gestured for them to halt. "Do you lot hear something?"
"You mean the sound of my fabulous feet crushing Pete's?"
"Shut up for a second, Prongs is right," acquiesced Remus.
The four of them shifted beside the suit of armor lest someone entered the corridor and bumped into the invisible Marauders. Voices were emanating from the adjoining corridor and footsteps were growing closer.
"…you say? I think last year was pretty fun."
"Oh yes, indeed. It was very satisfying."
"I think we should do it again."
"I'll call McGonagall this second. Or Flitwick, his class is right beside us." The voice of the speaker was trembling.
"Ooooh you'll call McGonagall." A cackle followed. "Let's see how she hears you from here."
"Ex-Expelliarmus."
"Whoops, my wand is still here."
"EXPELLIARMUS."
"Mary…?" said Remus.
"Sounds like it. Padfoot check the map." James sounded urgent. Sirius complied immediately.
It was indeed Mary MacDonald and huddled around her were unsurprisingly Nicolai Mulciber and Samuel Avery.
"Shit."
James took off the cloak in a flash and stuck it behind the suit of armor. The four of them stormed to the corridor where Mary currently was. Mulciber and Avery were standing a few feet from Mary who was on the verge of sobs as they entered.
"You know, it must be really fulfilling picking on someone half your size. Pity it still takes two of you," announced Sirius and without missing a beat, added, "Densaugeo."
The hex hit its mark for Nicolai Mulciber wasn't particularly perceptive and his teeth began to grow alarmingly. Mary visibly relaxed and through whimpers tried to articulate words of gratitude.
Remus turned to the brunette. "Go straight to the common room. We'll be back in a moment. It's not gonna take long to put them in their place. In fact, Pete, you go with her."
"Th-than-k you s-so mu-much you l-lot," managed Mary and complied immediately, rushing in said direction with Peter.
Meanwhile, James cast a skull-reducing spell towards Avery: "Redactum Skullus."
"Good idea Prongs, now it'll actually be in accordance with what's inside," quipped Sirius, smirking.
However, Avery was a little quicker than Mulciber and he conjured a shield before the spell could hit him.
"Whant the hell ro you sink you're doing Porrer?" interjected Mulciber, unable to articulate anything properly due to his growing teeth. "Srupefy." The spell didn't work at all and James stood there unscathed and wearing the same careless expression as Sirius.
"Effectively disfiguring you. Not that I need to," replied James. "What say you Moony?"
Remus, however, was already acting and he sent a body-bind curse Avery's way before the Slytherin could react.
"Bat-bogeys and petrification would make an excellent sight, don't you think?" said Sirius and immediately, cast the jinx.
This time, Avery was unable to block the spell hurled his way and bats began to erupt from his nostrils.
"Excellent Padfoot," remarked James, causing Sirius to flash a grin.
"Srupefy." Once again Mulciber failed to produce anything.
"Say Padfoot, how about we leave them upside down?"
"How about we leave, period? We've defended Mary that's all that was needed," interposed Remus, returning his wand to his robes.
"Yes but what's the fun in just leaving?" argued James petulantly.
However Sirius didn't wait for the debate to end and cast a Levicorpus Mulciber's way. James followed imitated the gesture with Avery immediately.
"There really was no need—" began Remus but Sirius cut him off, "Oh and Expelliarmus, Expelliarmus."
The wands of both the Slytherins flew out of their hands and landed at the other end of the corridor. Avery was still petrified and Mulciber's teeth were almost touching the ceiling due to his upside down position.
"Nice work," said James proudly to his fellow Marauders and ran a hand through his hair.
In an undertone Remus added, "Better go to Mary first than those statues."
"Yeah, you're right," acquiesced Sirius. "You lot go ahead, I'll get the cloak and come along."
Sirius redirected himself to the Charms corridor while the other two turned towards the staircase that lead to Gryffindor Tower.
The exact moment Mary came into Lily's view—the redhead was sitting by the fire in the common room when it happened—was when she stormed upstairs and Peter, who was tailing her, unavailingly tried to console his fellow Gryffindor. For a moment, he pursued her further but due to lack of any response, he settled down on of the couches instead. Lily however, immediately left her seat upon witnessing her friend's restrained hysteria and followed her.
"Mary!" she called. "Mary, what happened?"
But Mary paid her no heed and ascended the stairs as quickly as her short legs would allow.
"Mary dear!" called Lily one more.
This time Mary stopped for a moment, drew a breath and turned around to tell Lily that she had already come up halfway, a few more steps couldn't hurt. Lily obeyed without remonstrance and soon they arrived at the door of the sixth year dorms. Mary pushed open the door and audibly thanked all higher powers that Shawna wasn't inside at this time of the day. In fact, the only person who was present inside was Marlene, who was lying on her bed eyes closed, listening to a record when the pair entered. She shot up when she heard the sobbing. Turning off the record player, Marlene hopped to Mary's bed where the Gryffindor was headed and asked with utmost concern, "What happened? Why are you crying?"
The inquisition only provoked Mary further, and the brunette who was previously stifling all her tears broke down fully and allowed herself a full minute of unbridled weeping. Lily and Marlene on the sudden paroxysm remained quiet for its entirety and at last Mary breathed a few times and began, "It was Mulciber."
Marlene clapped a hand over mouth and Lily's chest grew unnaturally tight with fury.
"Did he—did he try to do something again Mary?" asked Marlene sliding a hand on Mary's shoulder.
Mary who was finally regaining composure and she drew another breath before replying, "No, no he didn't, well almost. But I don't think he had the nerve this time."
Lily shut her eyes and let herself a sigh of relief and Marlene subsequently exclaimed, "THANK MERLIN!"
The redhead hesitated, then: "Mary, what do you mean by almost?" She tried to sound less curious and more concerned but it did disconcert her that Mary barely escaped and Peter, who was escorting her, could not possibly take on two Slytherins himself.
Mary receded into the stack of pillows on her four-poster and Marlene went to sit beside her while Lily remained where she was, leaning a bit forward. Hugging a pillow, Mary replied at length, "I tried to disarm them, Avery was with him too. I just—I couldn't do it. So I tried again, but the Marauders arrived and began to hex those two. And then Remus told me to go back to the common room and sent Peter with me."
"I'm giving them my favorite chocolates for this," stated Marlene and wrapped an arm around Mary's shoulder. "To think, after what happened last year—"
"Please don't remind me Mar. I love you for being here but stop mentioning that wretched day."
Marlene suddenly grew regretful. "Yes of course, I'm sorry—I wasn't thinking."
"Well Mary dear, do you need some of the chocolates Marlene wants to give the Marauders? I think I have a couple too," said the redhead, wondering she would probably give some to Remus herself.
Without waiting for a response Lily rose and started for her bed, but Mary stopped her when she had barely gone five steps, "Lily no, I don't really need chocolate. Just will you two please stay here for a while?"
Lily acquiesced immediately and returned to her former position.
Mary's face was heavily flushed, eyes swollen and bloodshot but the sobbing had concluded entirely and at length when the three girls were sitting in silence for a few minutes, she began, "You know what I could think of the entire time he was there taunting me?" Her voice was cold and unfeeling. "I—all I could feel in that moment was how helpless I was, you know? That he could do whatever—he—wanted with me, and I wouldn't be able to stop it, or even defend myself… so I tried to disarm him, because I suddenly felt that the only person who could defend me was me." Her eyes began to glaze again and as she uttered the next few words her voice broke. "And I couldn't do it."
She closed her eyes tightly and tears trailed down her cheeks.
"Oh Mary—"
"No, no Marlene, just let me finish first," said the brunette, quivering. "I couldn't do it, just like I couldn't do it last year. I couldn't…. and had it not been for the Marauders, I—"
Once again, she began to cry unrestrainedly; this time Marlene strengthened her hold on her and Mary practically melted into the blonde whose shirt was getting visibly soaked from the tears.
They let her calm down like before and when she did, Lily began, loathing and repugnance dripping from each word she spoke, "Those two, Mulciber and Avery—they are vile, alright? And you—look, the last time, it wasn't you who was incapable of doing anything; they rendered you as such. No, listen to me. I know you think that you could've managed something but it was near impossible under the circumstances. And this time, you were scared. Believe me, fear can shake even the strongest people, and yet you tried to disarm them."
Mary smiled a little. "Twice."
"There, twice. Spells often betray you. So I know you must be thinking that you were weak or cowardly but it was really your wand's fault," joke Lily. The shabby attempt at humor caused Mary to crack another half-hearted smile.
"She's not wrong, you know," agreed Marlene.
Mary withdrew from Marlene and leaned back in the pillows. "I suppose."
"Need some sleep?" asked Lily intuitively.
"Yeah, maybe."
"Well, I'll leave you to it then and go back to the common room," said Lily.
"I'll stay in though, that okay?" inquired Marlene, returning to her bed. "Play you some good ol' sleeping tunes. Actually, I'll just put on Broken Strings, it always puts you to sleep."
"Oh dear, please not that. I think I'll fall asleep as it is." Lily and Marlene both chuckled at her reaction and Mary too smiled a bit. "Thanks, you two."
"Sleep," ordered the redhead and left the dormitory.
(A first)
Lily returned to the common room and spotted Remus sitting in her previously occupied seat playing chess with Sirius. James and Peter were seated on a nearby couch. James looked up when she approached, but she'd go to him later. First, she walked up to Remus and tapped his shoulder. He moved a piece before turning to her.
Without a moment's hesitation, Lily pronounced, "Thank you."
He furrowed his brows and as realization dawned, he inquired concernedly, "How's Mary?"
"Better now. She cried a while upon coming back," replied Lily.
Turning to Sirius next, though he was facing Lily already due to his seat being opposite Remus's, Lily reiterated, "Black, you too. Thank you."
"You're finally grateful for my existence then?"
"Only partly," quipped the redhead.
"Denial Evans, I tell you."
"Seriously though, you lot basically saved her."
Then, going to the couch seating James and Peter: "Thank you Pete, she was in a right state. I don't think she could've come back by herself."
Peter nodded and replied, "Anytime Lily."
Right, Potter next. Thanking him would definitely be a first.
James eyed Lily for a moment before commenting on her hesitance, "You're welcome Evans. I know I am quite brave and heroic and generally perfe—"
"Really? What on earth makes you say that?" She folded her arms, amused by his actions.
"Your inability to articulate anything. You clearly needed some help devising an appropriate note of thanks."
"But I think a simple thank you should suffice, no?" asked Lily raising her eyebrows.
The Marauder ran a hand through his hair. "Hmm, how about some acceptance of my heroism?"
"Not even close." After a moment: "Thank you." It actually came out quite naturally.
James shrugged. "Again, you're welcome, Evans. Hexing Slytherins is always a pleasure."
Great. Of course.
She scoffed, "And helping Mary was what, a bonus?"
"You're being cordial, so shouldn't it be?" The Marauder smirked.
"Excuse me, I happen to be very cordial."
Alright, not entirely true regarding Potter.
"Yeah, to the general population," he retorted. Smirking: "I, of course, transcend that mediocrity."
The redhead narrowed her eyes. "I knew thanking you was a terrible idea."
"Pity."
Without prolonging the bickering, Lily shook her head and returned to Remus sitting on the arm of his chair, providing suggestions for the ongoing game which ended soon enough. The victor was Sirius, so he gloated for a few minutes (he had defeated Remus for the second time in a row) before announcing that he was going to the Kitchens. He rose from his seat and Peter followed him out of the common room. James too, decided to leave, though for an entirely different purpose. "Going out for some air. See you lot later."
Remus nodded and Lily muttered, "You too."
Both Marauders raised their eyebrows.
"What? It's social conduct," countered Lily.
James snorted and left while Remus argued, "Social conduct that you exclude James from."
Lily occupied Sirius's armchair before answering plainly, "I'm being generous because of Mary."
"Speaking of Mary, she was pretty shaken and unnecessarily grateful when we arrived," Remus leaned forward and began wringing his hands. "Don't mind me asking, but she doesn't seem particularly cowardly otherwise. And we did hear something about last year and you know, it's a bit concerning if it made her so fearful. I mean, she tried to disarm them even but sobbing like that and you know, it's sort of—"
"Take a breath, will you?" Lily smiled at his blabbering.
Remus chuckled. "Well, I suppose you get the gist of what I'm trying to ask."
Solemnly and at length, Lily replied: "Yes, and I am not the person to divulge anything—"
"That's fair."
"—But I can tell you this much that whatever happened was utterly abysmal."
"Right," said Remus. After a moment: "Where is she now?"
"Upstairs. Marlene is with her, serenading her to sleep now." Lily paused and stated plainly, "She was hysterical when she came back."
"Yeah, I remember."
"No, she was quiet first—that must've been what you lot saw. The prolonged sobbing began when she finally entered the dorms. I was afraid something much terrible had happened," said Lily seriously, toying with a thread on the armchair she was seated on. "I whole-heartedly meant it when I thanked each of you, it wasn't some friendly duty or—y'know, social conduct." Remus smiled slightly. "I don't know what would've happened if it were otherwise."
"We would've done it for anyone Lily." Smiling more fully, he added, "It was actually a little funny after she left."
"Whatever do you mean by that, Remus Lupin?" asked Lily interestedly. It wasn't terribly surprising that the Marauders could add hilarity to something, but in the circumstances of Mary it also seemed improbable.
The werewolf leaned back and folded his arms before beginning, "Well, it was really Prongs and Padfoot who caused the funny bits. We were in the Charms corridor when we heard their voices—"
"Why in Merlin's name were you four there?"
"—and—oh you know, this and that—"
"Elaboration please."
"Do you really wanna know what the most renowned troublemakers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry were doing in a corridor at an unreasonable hour? Strictly speaking of James and Sirius of course. I'm utterly innocent and Pete's, well, not the most renowned one."
"See now you're just piquing my interest rather than diminishing it. What were you lot up to?"
Remus hesitated for a second before saying enigmatically, "Just go to class tomorrow, yeah?"
"If you say so." Lily sighed. "Although I don't see the reason to hide it from me—"
"Not gonna work Lily."
"Damn it. Well, tell me the rest of it then."
Remus restarted, "Yes, so we heard voices and recognized Mary's. Naturally, we rushed to her and Mulciber and Avery were mocking her about, about—last year." The last two words, he uttered a little quietly.
Lily, suddenly concerned, interjected, "What about it?"
"Something about it being very, er—satisfying," said Remus slowly.
"Oh dear, no wonder she was like that on coming back. She never told us that bit."
"It was really that terrible?"
"Yes, quite," assented Lily trying to shun from her mind, her friend's traumatized face when she had returned the last time. "Sorry I keep interrupting you, carry on."
"Yeah uh, so then Sirius sent a teeth enlarging spell Mulciber's way and because Mulciber's such a dolt, he couldn't conjure a shield in time and it hit him."
"Oh that would've been such a wonderful sight."
Remus chuckled. "Indeed it was. Then I told Mary to return with Peter while Prongs hit Avery with a skull reducing spell—that one he blocked. But then I petrified him the next second and he fell over. Sirius cast a bat-bogey hex next and that was a much more wonderful sight."
"Bloody hell, now I wish I was there to see it." The redhead was incredulous.
"That's not it—"
Lily raised her eyebrows in amusement. "There's more?"
"Oh yes. Mulciber was trying to stun us, not being petrified and all, but his teeth were disrupting the incantations, so James thought it would be an excellent idea to hang them upside down—Sirius heartily agreed of course. I tried to make them leave, but they did it anyway and before we actually left, Padfoot disarmed them."
"Merlin." Lily had been chortling for a moment now. "Do tell me the next time you lot plan on doing something of the sort, I'll gladly thrown in my own spells."
"Noted." Remus too had begun laughing halfway along the recollection of the last part.
"I think should thank you again now," said Lily taking a breath.
"Anytime, Lily."
Lily rose from her seat and admitted that she'd love to have a hearty laugh with Nessa over the story who she had to find anyway (she had been missing for quite some time now) and left the common room.
She thought to start the search from the great Hall; it was very probable that Nessa would be somewhere around food (it was dinner time). Halfway through, she ran into Sirius and Peter.
"Hullo Evans, where are you headed? Did Moony bore you too much?" asked Sirius.
Lily stopped. "To Nessa. And no, most certainly not. He actually told me in what condition you three left the Slytherins. It was quite a tale."
"Did he tell you about the house elf I saved?" asked Sirius with utmost concentration. Peter rolled his eyes.
"There was a house elf?" inquired Lily incredulously.
"Very dramatic. Moony didn't tell you because I did the saving," the Marauder drawled. "Envious, he is."
Peter shook his head causing realization to dawn on Lily. "Oh shove it, Black."
Sirius started, but Lily interposed, "Seen Nessa anywhere?"
"In the grounds," said Peter before Sirius could rejoin.
"Thank you."
Lily headed to said direction and soon found Nessa strolling by the lake. She walked up to the brunette and announced by way of greeting, "Mary had a run in with Mulciber."
"What?" Nessa stopped and started for the castle. "Is she alright?"
"Yeah, yeah. It's all fine now."
This made Nessa muster a 'oh, alright' and she postponed her return to the castle.
"What, nothing witty to say?" asked Lily. She eyed her for a moment and realized that Nessa had a crestfallen look about her face.
"Nah, Mary's fine now, isn't she?"
Yes, Nessa most certainly lacked her usual jocularity.
Lily sat down on the grass despite the darkness beginning to envelop them and Nessa followed suit.
The redhead began, "Anyway, I came to tell you about how she was saved—and partly to find you—but mostly that."
"Oh is it eventful?" The brunette peaked up a bit.
"Yes, dear. But first you need to tell me why you're acting like a mournful walrus."
"That obvious?" admitted Nessa.
"Yes, dear."
Nessa blatantly stated, "I had a run in with George and the new consort."
"Ah, I see," drawled Lily. "You know you're quite chipper and George really seems to put you out. Are you sure you'd like to have him someday?"
Nessa, at last, cracked a smile. "I don't think I have the option of having him Ginge. And he looked pretty chipper himself so I couldn't even properly hate that wretched Glenda."
Lily's mouth opened in surprise. "Glenda Greengrass?"
"That's the one."
"You could be slightly angry though, she's an awfully good chaser and she scored three goals in against you last year."
"Fair point," acquiesced Nessa. "Anyway that awfully good chaser was casually strolling with George by the lake, when I came out to the grounds. Now I wanted to walk by the lake—wonderful weather you know—and if it were only George I'd have very gladly joined him and blush like a complete arse but of course, the new consort was there, and George was just giggling at every single thing that bint was saying and my poor heart was getting wrenched—"
"You're really not that ridiculous as to get a wrenched heart, Nes."
"Oh Lily, you've never been able to understand the concept of a dramatic flair, have you?"
"Right, of course."
"So anyway, where was I before you insulted my methods of story-telling? Yes, wrenched heart. My poor heart was getting wrenched and screaming at me to throw a few rocks—in a manner of speaking—"
"You did not," said Lily half laughing, half attempting to rebuke her friend.
"In a manner of speaking, Ginger. My wand really did it. It was glorious—I only sent the absolutely muddy ones, she squealed a bit. Really glorious. So upon this, they left and my way to the lake was cleared—no pun intended."
"You're terrible at puns, darling."
"Oh because that will hinder me from using them," said Nessa obviously. "So that is the story of how I ended up like a mournful walrus despite the satisfaction of hitting the new consort with a few rocks. Although it sounds horribly for me now that I think about it."
"No, you're allowed a little mourning here and there. You have like the boy for two years now."
"Pathetic."
"It is, but who'll explain that to your heart?"
"Could you do it, please?"
Lily chuckled. "Because I haven' been doing I already? Your heart's quite stubborn like yourself."
"Hmm, pity," quipped Nessa. "Perhaps, Glenda can do the explaining now."
"At least she'll get a good dosage of rocks then. Although that was very imprudent of you, I must say."
Nessa laughed and got up, "That's the plan preacher Lily. Come on, I've mourned too long. Mary's the one with real issues right now."
"Speaking of which, I have a glorious tale to tell you too."
With that they set off for the castle, and Lily recounted the events of the evening to the brunette. She laughed, showed concern and supplied witty comments at the right times and at last they arrived at the portrait of the Fat Lady who admitted them inside as Lily gave the password. Once inside the dormitory, after Nessa dutifully asked after Mary and execrated the brunette's assailants, it was decided that going to the Great Hall for dinner would be prudent. Of course, Nessa complained about the wasted exertion up to the Gryffindor Tower but quickly acceded and the four girls set off for said destination.
Fate, of course is wickedly conniving.
Lily ran into Severus.
However, the abrupt appearance enabled her to grow indignant and formulate a verdict for the Slytherin; his responses only made it concrete.
"I'll be a minute," she told her roommates and faced Severus.
"Hello, Lily." He was alone (Mulciber and Avery were naturally in the hospital wing and Lestrange only appeared when he deemed it appropriate).
She chose to begin directly with the event concerning Mary. "So, I head your mates needed to go to the infirmary."
"That Potter did it with his friends."
Lily felt a sudden inclination to defend James. "That Potter helped Mary. You remember Mary, right?"
"Mary MacDonald, yes."
"And do you know why Potter had to help her?" spat Lily.
Severus grew a little pale. "So you're going to defend him now?"
"Yes I bloody well will, when he practically rescues my friend."
"Mulciber and Avery, they weren't doing anything," he said quietly.
Lily's anger flared. "They weren't doing anything? Just like they weren't doing anything last year?"
"Lily that was a bit of fun, I told you before. And now too, they didn't do anything again." Severus's mumbling was getting more and more inaudible.
"Because the Marauders arrived," she emphasized. Lily tried to stop herself from shaking with fury and gained a bit composure before stating, "Severus, I made a mistake. I—"
"What—"
"Let me finish. I made a mistake, and that mistake was becoming friends with you again." Severus stared. "I can't pretend like I've been doing for the past month. Our friendship is over and this time I don't think I have it in my heart to resume it."
For once, Severus had nothing for justification, so he only said or tried to say, "But Lily—you—we—"
"No Severus. What happened with Mary today and your blatant defense for your so-called mates is only making me sure of this. We're over."
Before Severus could debate Lily turned on her heel and left in a rage, flushed and decided. She arrived by her roommates and this time, she told Marlene and Mary the details of the summer as well before concluding with what had just transpired. It's safe to say they were delighted (Mary, of course, more than anyone else).
Later, when she lay for sleep and for many days after, she would wish for delight to come to her as easily as it did for her mates.
(Chocolates and Butterbeer)
"There ought to be a Mr. Norris, Padfoot. How do you explain the missus then?" mused Peter curiously, as he made his way through to the Gryffindor Tower, with the rest of the Marauders. They arrived at the juncture from where the corridor that led to their common room began.
"How do you explain Madam Pince's lustful eyes then?" quipped Sirius.
"Mr. Norris doesn't have to be Filch himself though," countered Remus.
"Moony, you could be right, but his relationship with that feline is very questionable," said James, his stomach full after the dinner he had given full justice to. The Feast was exceptionally delicious today, or so he thought.
The four halted at the portrait of the Fat Lady and Remus supplied the password ('Alihosty') and they stepped inside.
Sirius began, "Not entirely wrong Prongs, but I do sense something salacious between the librarian and him."
"What's salacious?" asked Peter, headed towards one of the couches.
"Inappropriate in a certain…way, Wormtail," answered Remus seating himself on one of the couches.
"You know, Padfoot, I think I agree with you," said James following his mates. "Besides who said Filch is monogamous."
This earned a laugh from Peter. "Oi Bob!" Sirius called out to Nessa who was playing Exploding Snap with Mary and Lily beside one of the windows. James thought Lily looked a little put out.
"What now, Black?" called out Nessa over the general chatter of the common room.
"Got a question for you," replied Sirius. "Madam Pince or Mrs. Norris. Who do you think is the mistress of our wretched caretaker?"
Nessa snorted and raised her eyebrows while Lily shook her head and Mary dissolved into a hearty laugh. Suddenly a card held by Nessa exploded and singed her eyebrows.
"You cost me my eyebrows Black!" she pronounced petulantly. "And seeing how sinister Filch can be, I'd rather go with Mrs. Norris. More fitting, you know."
"Aha!" exclaimed James and Peter in unison.
"Personally, I think the monogamy theory is most fitting," interjected Remus.
"Have I ever told you how sensible I think you are, Moony?" said Sirius earnestly. "And how insensible YOU are, Bob?"
Nessa made a rude hand gesture at the mention and said, "Whatever Black, you're the one interested in the sordid details of Filch's life."
"And it was my theory," countered James at Remus's acknowledgement only.
"Whatever Prongs, Moony is my favorite," claimed Sirius and rose from his seat to approach the girls. "Give me some cards, you lot."
James followed suit immediately and in a moment Remus and Peter joined in as well—the former sat with Lily and the latter in the space next to Remus. James seated himself by Mary. Nessa was squashed between James and Sirius. However, before the game inclusive of the boys could initiate, Marlene's voice issued from the entrance to the girl's dormitories. Evidently, she had spotted the Marauders, for she addressed them solely.
"There you all are! Wait, now I need to go back upstairs." On this unfinished note she disappeared into the staircase, where she had just emerged from.
"That was informative," said Sirius while Nessa started handing out the cards.
During the distribution Mary turned to the boys and began earnestly, "All of you, Peter, Remus, Sirius, James. I haven't thanked you all properly yet. But please know that I am extremely grateful—even more than I am towards Marlene when she lets me borrow every single thing she owns, and that is A LOT. So thank you, I am not sure I would be here so comfortably if you lot hadn't arrived when you did."
"We'd have done it for anyone Mary," said Remus with an expression of embarrassment. "Really, we've received too much gratitude for a day."
"It was a pleasure Micro," announced Sirius sincerely. "And don't listen to Moony, he is unnecessarily modest."
"And Padfoot has just the right amount of modesty," retorted Remus sarcastically while James told Mary, "Really wasn't a problem Micro. Those tossers had it coming anyway."
"Yeah, Mary," acquiesced Peter coyly.
"If we're done with the modesty talk, can the game begin?" interposed Nessa petulantly.
"Whatever you say, Bob." With this they started. James eyed Lily for a moment; she looked pale and her eyes were focused on the cards the entire time. She'd also been quiet the entire time. He couldn't stop himself from wondering why.
Marlene returned a second later; something was piled in her hands as she walked towards all of them.
Before she could begin, Remus exclaimed, "Oi, chocolate!" He snatched one from the blonde as she laid down the rest on the table they were surrounding. Peter too, eyed them covetously but didn't imitate the werewolf.
"Marlene, have I ever told you that you're an excellent human being?" said Remus taking a bite from the chocolate bar.
"Thank you Remus," she said cheerfully. "You all may grab whatever you like. Honeydukes's finest. Take it as a token of gratitude."
"Again with the thanks." Remus was embarrassed. "Although I don't mind the chocolate."
"Macro," voiced Sirius in an obvious manner. "What makes you think chocolate will sway the likes of me?"
"Especially since we happen to know, a certain Bob likes to hoard butterbeer," supplied James.
"Really, Potter? Do you have to be so demanding?" rebuked Lily, finally uttering something.
"Evans, everyone with a shred of sanity in them would choose butterbeer over chocolate." James allowed himself an infinitesimal victory on provoking a few words from her. "And what happened to social conduct?"
"Your ego happened."
"Prongs's right Evans," confessed Sirius. "Moony lacks sanity."
"Oi, don't insult my taste," retorted Remus at the same time Lily huffed, "Really? Because he seems like the only sensible one to me."
"'S'alright Lils," interjected Marlene. She paused and turned to Sirius. "Black, normally, this would be offensive, but you lot did sort of do a noble act so I'm not entirely offended just this once—and because I don't have to give up my chocolates, but let's ignore that part." Then, to Nessa with an impish smile: "Lucky for you, Nessa might even possess some firewhisky."
Nessa opened her mouth in shock, simultaneously narrowing her eyes. "You traitor!"
Mary and Lily snorted at the reaction and some color returned to the redhead's face (James wasn't noticing, of course).
"Chop chop!" said Marlene to Nessa, gathering the chocolates.
"You can't make me."
"Yes but I know exactly where it is, and I'm taking these—" She gestured to the pile pf chocolates, "—upstairs so the circumstances aren't particularly safe for you."
"I can't believe I call you my friend."
Remus who had now finished the first bar, looked at Marlene a little sheepishly, "Uh, Marlene… just give them to me, yeah?"
"The ones for who they were intended have rejected therefore you don't get them either," said Marlene possessively.
"But I haven't rejected anything." Remus smiled innocently. "The more, the merrier y'know."
"I second that," said Peter. "Although firewshisky is pretty stellar too."
"Blame Sirius, I am taking these back." And with that, the blonde made her way to the staircase.
"You sod." Remus and Peter mocked Sirius in unison as Nessa threatened him, "I'm getting back at you for this."
Sirius shrugged and returned to the game. The card in Mary's hand exploded but she reacted in time to dodge the flames. Nessa reluctantly put down her cards and trudged to the dormitories claiming that Marlene wasn't too trustworthy with her belongings and she'd much rather select the bottle to be 'so unnecessarily disposed' herself.
Both Marlene and Nessa returned a minute later; the game was nearing conclusion. The latter only had a single bottle in her hand, and even that of butterbeer.
"Oi, this is entirely unfair," complained Sirius.
"Yes Bob, false advertisement," acquiesced James petulantly.
"Nope, James. It's actually generosity," remarked Mary.
The last cards were put down, and Lily came out as the winner. She smirked victoriously and turned to Nessa, "Give it to me, I'm taking a victory swig."
Nessa complied and the butterbeer was opened by Lily fiercely. Her attitude had most certainly elevated due to the win.
"Give that to me, Evans," said Sirius.
James: "And me."
Lily took a large gulp but kept a hold on the drink.
Sirius eyed the bottle before exclaiming, "You drank the best parts!"
"So now even butterbeer is supposed to have a better part?" questioned Lily.
"Yes, Evans, the froth," drawled James for emphasis.
"Good." The redhead smiled innocently. Oh hell with the butterbeer, at least she was being herself again.
"Forgiven this once," said James while Sirius snatched it from Lily and kept it to himself for much longer than necessary.
"Alright Black stop making out with the bottle!" exclaimed Nessa after a moment and grabbed it from the Marauder. "Now, I'm being very kind, but Remus, Peter?" She offered it to both.
"Oh no, not after that." Remus pointed at Sirius.
"Agreed," said Peter.
"Brilliant." With that Nessa took a good swig herself (cleaning the opening with her robes thoroughly beforehand).
Meanwhile Marlene was chewing on a single bar of chocolate she had brought back with herself and Mary was eyeing all of them with amusement.
"Nes, dear," said Mary eyeing the scanty quantity left of the butterbeer. "Can I have some now?"
"Oh bugger, I was hoping you won't notice."
"Yeah, you failed terribly."
Nessa kept the bottle to herself for a moment before complying. "I suppose you need it more than me."
"Technically, I am the one who needs it most," interrupted Sirius.
"Sod off," said Nessa and handed what was left of the butterbeer to Mary.
Lily's expression was falling again.
James walked up to where she was sitting and began, "You look pathetic."
"Not as much as you."
"I think charming is the word you're looking for if we're talking about me."
"Believe me I'm quite sure of my vocabulary," stated Lily.
"What's wrong Evans?"
"You."
"Classic. Now, what's actually wrong?"
"I am not obliged to answer," she said curtly.
"Suit yourself, though I must tell you, you look even more unpleasant than usual," remarked James and turned away (she was bound to retort to that).
"You still beat me to it, Potter."
He spun to face her and reiterated, "You're getting nastier, Evans—you could compete with Snivellus very soon."
Her eyes suddenly grew steely and she scoffed, "Sod off, yeah?"
Right, of course it had to do with Snape.
James shrugged and focused his attention (tried to) towards the others—Sirius and Nessa were debating something about Peeves the poltergeist, Mary and Marlene were indulged in some conversation and Remus and Peter were eyeing Nessa and Sirius with amusement—but his mind was really wandering in the direction of throttling said Slytherin. Lily had assumed a cold expression.
"…strings have to do with it?" bemused Nessa.
"Well, you see," deliberated Sirius. "Cats are quite fond of strings… and Moony and I just used some of those…and lured her to Peeves. And the rest, as you know, is history."
"That's it? Of course you did next to nothing, of course," huffed Nessa. "Merlin, Lily could've done it and it would've worked. I can't believe I was curious about this half the day." After a pause, she added, "Oh dear, I spent so much time pondering this?"
Sirius snorted at her utterance and commented, "You need a distraction Bob. Say, another butterbeer?"
"Nuh-uh, not for you."
Sirius smirked obnoxiously. "Oh well, you contemplated our stunt for such a long time, I still win."
"Which is why you better leave." Nessa was partly irritated, partly amused.
James shook his head at their exchange. He was starting to feel sleepy.
"Now that you say it, I think I long for a bed. G'night Bob, Evans—" Sirius turned to Marlene and Mary. "—Micro, Macro, good night!"
Then, facing his mates: "You three coming?"
James replied in the affirmative and so did Remus and Peter. They all headed towards the staircase to the boys' dormitories after saying their goodbyes to the girls; Mary thanked them once again, Nessa uttered a cheerful goodbye and Lily kindly smiled at all of them (sans James).
James glanced once more at the redhead before ascending—she was staring blankly into space and occasionally smiling at something Nessa would quip.
He wondered if there was a way to make her less despondent, and then turned away.
A/N: Alright, here it is. Again, if you don't like it, believe me, neither do I. I might actually dislike it more than you. But I promise to throw in a lot more plot in the next chapter and there is a mini Jily cliffhanger too, I suppose. The attack on Mary, I think you can all guess what 'last year' might be, and originally I planned to resolve it and be clear about it in this chapter, but then she has her own storyline and it will be involved in that later, so I didn't fully elaborate on it just now.
Other than that, my newest followers/favourite-rs: terachan, Vayala and alwaysforjily. Please know, that you motivate me to write and I love you, basically.
Everyone else who stumbles upon this story, reviews are eternal kindness, world peace and all that's right on this planet. Hence, please review? (Like it, hate it, review!)
For now I give you my love.