Title: You Learn Something New Every Day

Characters: Peter Pettigrew, Remus Lupin, James Potter and Sirius Black.

AN: So, I read somewhere that McGonagall is said to have been a bit hard on Peter. That can be interpreted as in her being mean but I don't like that version. In my mind McGonagall can be a bit pushy but never mean.

This can be seen as a part of I'm Afraid which I recently published.

Word Count: 739

The boys were walking slowly down a corridor. Sirius and James walked first, Remus and Peter were just behind them. They were on the receiving end of many confused and sometimes amused glances. Because the sound of chaos and mayhem followed them. James was slightly bent forward and he swung his arms back and forth other than when he ran his hand through his already messy hair. Sirius hands were pushed down his pockets and one side of his mouth kept pulling upwards as if his body disliked the idea of him not smiling. Remus faced every look they got given with the same patient smile and slight nod as if admitting that they were the cause of the shouting. Peter looked down on the ground. It was the only way to hide the brilliant smile that covered his chubby face.

The boys didn't mind getting into trouble. It was bound to happen every now and again considering everything they did. During the times when they got caught they often accepted their punishment because it was worth it. The prank had been pulled. The plan had been executed. This was the first time that they pulled a prank to test a theory. And being caught was a vital part of being able to test it.

Loud steps. One person was following them. One very angry woman they assumed. James nudged Sirius who's smile had grown. They all knew what was going to happen next.

"Boys," Minerva McGonagall sounded absolutely furious.

They stopped. But even if it hadn't been part of the plan they would have turned around at the sound of her voice. They could almost see fire coming from her ears and lightning bolts in her eyes. Her hat, arms and parts of her face was covered in chicken feathers.

"What happened to you professor?"

McGonagall glared at him. "Drop the act Mr. Lupin. I'm fully aware that this is your doing. It's far too advanced for your little minions."

"We have minions?" Sirius asked with curiosity but decided not to ask anything more when McGonagall gave him a look that he was sure could have put him six feet under. "Never mind."

"Good choice Mr. Black," she said and took a deep breath. "I guess I'll see you four in detention next week."

"Wait, professor McGonagall, we never said that we did it." James said and glanced at Sirius who nudged Remus. Both boys replied by saying no and I don't remember us admitting to anything.

"So, are you telling me that you're innocent?" McGonagall said in an amused tone of voice. "Are you really looking at me like that Mr. Potter while trying to convince me that you're innocent of this mayhem?"

James frowned for a moment and would have asked her what she meant by that if Sirius hadn't leaned his arm on James shoulder and gently patted his chest. Out of the corner of their eyes both boys saw how Remus nudged Peter and then the small boy looked up.

"I promise that we didn't do anything professor."

They could almost see the anger disappear from her face and her jaw went semi-slack as she looked at Peter. It felt like several hours had gone by when she mumbled something about cleaning up a mess and walked away. But they assumed that only a few minutes had gone by. When McGonagall disappeared around the corner James grabbed Peter's shoulder and turned the young boy around so that he was looking at him and Sirius.

"Do that look again." He ordered and watched as Peter's eyes appeared to become bigger, he tilted his head somewhat to the side and nervously fidgeted with his sleeves which James was sure hadn't been too long just second earlier.

"Well that's interesting," Sirius commented as he tilted his head to the side. "Is this really all you did?"

Peter nodded.

"In his defence," Remus started. "You do look really cute."

Sirius nodded before focusing on Peter's face again. "This is the expression that got us out of detention?"

Peter nodded again.

"That is interesting," Remus said in agreement with Sirius. "What are the odds of your face being just the thing we needed to get out of trouble?"

"I have no idea boys but I'm glad we decided to try our theory," James shrugged before putting one arm around Peter's shoulders. "You really do learn something new every day."

The end