Sorry it's been a while. I had to go back and re-read the initial chapters and made some changes rewriting the initial chapters because I didn't like the way they were written and also since my writing had improved, I figured the best thing would be to edit it all at once. If you're new-please enjoy and leave me a review! If you've been following you are welcome to re-read the edits, not much has changed except the last few chapters but it's probably a good refresher!
Recap: James, Peter, and Sirius sneak into the restricted section of the library at night to find something on how to help Remus during his transformation. Emma and Colton discuss their dangerous choice last year, that caused Maya Angus Hillibard to commit suicide and Lily's feelings for Lucas are growing stronger by the day.
Chapter 39: He said, she said
Dorcas had never felt more alive than she did at Hogwarts. Back home she didn't have many friends but here at Hogwarts she had Marlene and Mary and Lily and now Annie who had somehow talked her into joining chorus full time this year. She had been panicking last year when she tried out but Professor Flitwick has assured her that with a bit of training she could very well sing professionally. Like Myriad!
"Dorcas?" Annie snapped causing Dorcas to blink out of her daydream at once. "What are you doing?"
Dorcas gasped, realizing she had stood in the middle of the crowd, causing a steady group of students to wait behind her. "Sorry!" she muttered stepping out of the way with a small squeak as the passersby huffed in response.
A few passersby's rolled their eyes and Annie's eyes blazed after them, one in particular whom she called out loudly. "Yeah like you've never stopped in the middle of the hallway, Redkins!"
"It's fine," Dorcas assured her, struggling to pull the second-year back. "I should have been paying attention."
Annie shook her head, eyes narrowed. "Yeah but still..." The 2nd year was feisty and Dorcas admired the way she stood up for everyone with a trace of fear. Sometimes she wished she could take just a small piece of Annie's confidence for herself. They passed the charms corridor and Mary waved to them as she walked past with Lily, who was smiling as if in a trance.
"What's with her?" Dorcas asked curiously.
"Dunno." Mary shrugged noticing her friend's vacant expression. "I'll see you in the common room then?"
Dorcas nodded and looked at the time. She turned to Annie, bewildered. "We have a minute to get there!"
Annie rolled her eyes and stomped her foot, imitating a temper tantrum Dorcas was often accustomed too in young children. "It's all Redkins fault!"
"I think it's mine," Dorcas told her as their feet hurriedly made their way towards the Chorus room which wasn't too far. "I was the one who stopped-" she stopped suddenly, her legs aching and body suddenly erupting in pain.
"Are you okay?" Annie asked, falling next to her.
"Uh-leg cramp," Dorcas told her evenly trying to breathe. "Go on, I'll catch up. Tell Flitwick so he doesn't lock the doors." Annie looked unsure but nodded at Dorcas's insistence. Dorcas watched as she disappeared from view and lowered her head ashamed. She had lied to Annie. She didn't have a cramp. She didn't even have a real excuse for not being able to run except that she was...fat.
Curvy.
That's what Marlene had told her. You're not fat Dork, you're curvy and trust me everyone loves a little curvy.
Was it true? Dorcas faced the window where raindrops streaked down the window, making her look like she was almost crying. Did curvy mean extra rolls under your arms and back? Did curvy mean thick legs that gave way after a few minutes? Was that something that people loved as Marlene claimed they did?
No.
She's only saying that to make you feel better.
And she wasn't the only one.
Dorcas had once asked Mary what she thought of Dorcas being fat and the dark-haired girl had gasped and began to explain that Dorcas wasn't fat but fun-sized...Dorcas didn't know what to make of that and the conversation abruptly ended with Mary claiming that she had to show Lily something. To her credit when Lily had been asked the same question she simply shook her head and put a hand on Dorcas's shoulder before asking if someone had said something.
But what would they know? Mary could eat a million things and still not gain any weight. Marlene and Lily already were slim, with long legs that Dorcas envied on a daily.
And Dorcas?
She turned to look at her reflection in the window once more, she was nothing but a box of HoneyDukes finest in the largest size they had.
She sped into the chorus room just as the band had finished a soft ballad. Annie waved her over hurriedly but Flitwick wasn't one to miss a student coming in late.
"Ms. Meadowes, a word please."He ordered lowering his baton and beckoning her over to him. The rest of the group continued playing the soft melody they had been working on as she walked in.
Dorcas sighed and gave a shrug to Annie, as she made her way towards him. Of course, he had seen her, she wasn't exactly tiny now was she? "Professor."
"It's come to my notice that you've been arriving late for the last few practices." He peered down at her from his stack of books. "Is there something keeping you?"
"No!" Dorcas said rather quickly. "It's-it's nothing professor." She finished. "I promise I'll be on time from now on."
Professor Flitwick didn't press her further and she retired to her seat next to Annie at last. "What took you so long?" The second-year asked. "Did you break a leg?"
Dorcas shook her head. "I might have gotten a little lost my way here." She lied. Better the girl thought she was a little dumb than slow.
"Whew. And here I thought you were in trouble." Annie handed her the music sheet Flitwick had passed around. "I was even going to ask Benjy to let out a dung-bomb so I could go and find you."
Dorcas smiled at the girl, for someone who has introduced her to the wonderful music of Myriad, Annie had also become one of her closest friends.
"We're doing Christmas Lights by Ghouls," Annie informed her just as Benjy made his way to his seat behind them. "Have you guys heard?"
"Heard what?" Dorcas asked peering towards the music notes. It was nothing complicated, but she wondered if her voice had the ability to changes tones as fast as the music demanded.
"Myriad gave a statement to Witch Weekly that he's not releasing an album this year because he's lost his voice."
"WHAT?" Annie and Dorcas twisted their torsos towards the 4th year Ravenclaw, eyes wide.
"Is he okay?"
"What do you mean he's "lost" his voice?" Dorcas asked. "Is it gone gone or will it be back later?"
"Uh-" Benjy shrugged. "I'm not sure, the article didn't clarify, really. I'm sure he'll get his voice back. Anyways..." he trailed off as both girls began talking to each other worriedly at once.
"I hope he's fine."
"Maybe it's Harrenn," Annie concluded. "I got it once as a little kid-" Dorcas gave the second year a look "Oh you know what I mean- I was like seven. Anyways if that's it his voice should be back in a few weeks or months at the latest."
"Weeks? Months?" Dorcas cried. "I wonder if It could be laryngitis too."
"What's that?" Annie asked looking puzzled.
"It's a muggle thing," Dorcas tried to think of the best way to explain. "Like a sore throat but worse so you can't talk for a few days at least, and you have to take a bunch of nasty medicine." she frowned remembering when her brother had gotten it, the sudden stench of cherry medicine filled her nostrils.
"Better days than weeks." Annie nodded. "Oh, we should send him a care package!"
"With tonics and those heating drops they sell at Honeydukes!" Dorcas added eagerly. "Yes...that would make him feel better right?"
"Oh my gosh, that's right! You get to go to Hogsmeade this year!" Annie sighed. "You'll get me a few things right?"
"But Myriad first." Dorcas nodded. "We can make a list today..."
Benjy looked between the two girls incredulously before shaking his head and moving to sit by Leo Ortega and Harley Spunkmeyer way in the back.
Dorcas made another excuse after choir ended about how she had to find some plants for her Herbology assignment so Annie wouldn't follow her.
"You take Herbology?" Annie asked, bewildered.
James hadn't planned to find the room, somehow it had just appeared. He had been deep in thought thinking about something that he could do to help Remus. Remus who was a werewolf. Remus who had shied away from talking about what he did every full moon but James, Sirius And Peter had pieced it all together that one evening.
"What do we know so far?" James asked looking towards the other two marauders.
"Remus is a Werewolf." Peter was the first to respond.
"SHHH!" Sirius hushed the boy rather loudly even though the common room was almost entirely empty. "Someone could hear you!"
Peter looked around. "But Sirius there's no one he-"
"SHHH!"
"Okay," James our a hand on Sirius's mouth and turned to Peter. "besides that what else do we know?"
"He transforms on the night of the full moon," Peter said this time lowering his voice.
"Right," James rubbed his hair nervously. "But we still don't know where."
"Back home?" Sirius suggested. "His parents probably know how to deal with it so maybe that's why."
"Maybe.." James gave it some thought. It would make sense for Remus to go home and transform as the boy left the day before the new moon.
"What about the forbidden forest?" Peter suggested suddenly remembering something from his last Care of Magical Creatures class.
"You know what Pete," James looked at the boy in awe "you could be onto something."
The boy grinned happily and began explaining what Professor Kuren had been telling them about the unknown creatures that lay in the forest and thus why it was forbidden.
"That actually makes sense," Sirius pumped a fist in the air. "The forest is forbidden because they don't want anyone to follow Remus there!"
James nodded. "That must be it. Remember when we got sorted first-year Dumbledorr made sure to tell us that the forbidden forest was off-limits to everyone twice!"
"I don't think he said it that many times..." Peter began before taking a look at James' face. "Actually now that you mention it he did. Yeah, he did." He finished nodding.
"So now that we know he's still on Hogwarts grounds it'll be easier for us to help him!" James concluded.
"How?" Peter asked.
"We can follow him when he goes and help him," Sirius answered. "I imagine it's quite boring to wait for the moon to die down."
"Er-" Peter looked slightly nervous. "It's just that-" he rubbed his hands together. "aren't werewolves dangerous?"
James looked at the boy and noticed how he wasn't wrong, but Sirius wasn't listening. "No no he's a werewolf so he's half-human right?" James and Peter nodded. "So even though he's all in werewolf mode he's still Remus inside. And we're not just any bodies, were his friends." Sirius concluded. "He wouldn't hurt us."
"I guess." Peter looked unsure "But are we super sure that he wouldn't hurt us?"
"Of course," Sirius laud back casually. "Have you met Remus? He folds his socks and color coordinates his trousers."
"You've been through his trousers?" James asked cracking a smile at his long-haired friend.
"Trousers, socks, all the works." Sirius winked back as the boys shared another laugh. "But," James said quickly sobering up. "how are we going to follow Remus without him seeing us?"
"Invisibility cloak?" Sirius said like it was obvious. James blinked, feeling stupid. "Right. And what if Remus gets mad at us, what are we going to do?"
"He won't," Sirius said. "It's Remus we're talking about."
"I don't know about this..." Peter told them looking nervous. "Maybe we should wait a while and see how...Remus is."
James stares at his friend for a minute before asking. "Are you afraid of Remus, Peter?"
Peter's eyes widened and the boy shook his head. "No! I'm not afraid- I'm a Marauder!"
"I kno-"
"That's the spirit, Pete!" Sirius interrupted throwing his arms around the boy. "Alright it's settled then, then next time Remus gets "sick" we're gonna follow him."
James didn't get much say after that. The trio spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the room. Other than several books on Werewolves, a potions area and a plethora of couches nothing of interest seemed to catch the boys eyes. Peter did come across a box full of sterling silver teacups though that made James laugh. They reminded him of his mum's tea set that she'd spend hours laying out whenever they had guests over.
At half-past five Sirius Black made an announcement.
"Again?" James asked. They had just finished their series of detentions with McGonagall.
Sirius shrugged. "It's Heathen, actually. And I won't be alone this time." He grabbed Peter by the collar. "Pete here is joining me."
"Peter too?" James shook his head bewildered. "What did you guys do?"
Sirius winked. "We'll tell you when we get back-come on Pete."
Peter waved half-heartedly and James made it a point to follow them out until they turned left and he turned right heading towards the Gryffindor towers. It was a Saturday evening without his friends, what was he going to do?
Perhaps he could find Remus and convince him to do something other than reading by the fire. He was just heading back to the common room when he heard a familiar echoing in the hallway.
"Really Sev I think they look nice- oh stop fidgeting with the collar you're ruining it."
James' ears perked up at the voice and he immediately hid behind the nearest pillar raising a single finger to his lip, this was directed towards the portrait that was eyeing him suspiciously.
The pretty redhead walked by unaware wearing the nicest green dress James had ever seen. Unfortunately, she was also accompanied by Severus Snape who had donned a pair of dark dress robes.
"Lily, you're suffocating me." Severus frowned looking at his shoes, that Lily had now directed her attention towards. "Severus, why didn't you polish them like I told you to do earlier?" She demanded.
"Is that really necessary?" Severus rolled his eyes.
"Yes!" The redhead answered pointing her wand towards them to add a bit of lustre to them. "There."
"This better be good." Severus was saying as they rounded the corner. James waved a quick goodbye to the portrait, that shook his head but had otherwise deemed James unworthy to investigate after all, and sped after the duo.
Now, this was certainly going to make his evening interesting.
Mary was going to get into Slughorns party one way or another. She had thought to ask Fabian or Gideon to take her as plus ones but then again she had already set them up with their prospective dates.
Way to go, she chided to herself watching them fix their dress robes as they waited for their dates to arrive.
"You alright, MacDonald?" Fabian asked looking towards her once his bow had been fixed to his liking.
"Yeah, why?"
"I didn't hear you tell me I looked exceptionally handsome tonight."
"I suspect she didn't want to inflate your high esteem ego." Gideon joined in spinning to show Mary his own set of dress robes, identical to his twins.
Mary laughed, any jealously or regrets of not being able to score a date to the ball gone. It was Fabian and Gideon's last year, after all, she supposed they should be allowed to go with girls they actually liked. She liked them well enough but it was more of a platonic sister bother relationship than anything.
"You both look very..slim." She decided, grinning. "Oh look they're finally ready."
Fabian and Gideon both smiled as their respective dates took their hand and they exchanged compliments. Armonia gave Mary a quick wave before she headed out with Fabian to meet Gideon's date, a shy Hufflepuff prefect by the name of Hestia Jones.
After a good five minutes of then exiting the common room, Mary liberally applied the red gloss she had taken from Marlene and headed out behind them.
She was going to get into that party whether it was the last thing she did. Fixing the crimson bow on her head, that matched the dress she had picked out- she walked towards Slughorns office- where Lily had told her the party would be held.
Of course, Lily had no idea about this and Mary was never going to tell her on her own.
She would have only told Mary that she was being materialistic, that she didn't need to get an invite to Slughorns party, and that it meant nothing.
But to Mary it did.
And it was only easy for Lily to say it didn't mean anything after she herself had gotten an invitation. And not to mention Severus too had gotten one.
Other than that only Liam Carter from their year had been given an invite and by the time Mary had found out he had already decided to take his fellow Ravenclaw, Theresa Mendez.
Mary halted on her steps and squinted at the two prefects standing guard outside of Slughorns office. She couldn't make out their faces from this far without her glasses and put them on. She recognized one of them as Anthony Dale but it didn't help her. No matter, she had after all anticipated this. Reaching for her wand she sent a redcutus charm towards one of the suits of armour. They toppled slightly, and she thought for a moment that she hadn't done it right before the pieces fell with a clang knocking on the stone floor. It echoed in the empty corridor just like she needed for her distraction to work. She, however, didn't anticipate a boy to scramble from behind the ruins and run towards her- knocking to the ground.
"Mary?"
"James?" She asked looking at the bespectacled boy, bewildered.
"You wear glasses?" He asked fixing his own that had nearly been knocked off from their encounter.
Mary's eyes widened and she pulled them off, stuffing them into her robes. "What are you doing here?" She demanded instead.
"Who's there I ask?" A urgent voice came from the right. "Humano Revilio!" A blue jet of light shot towards the fallen armor.
Oh no.
She and James looked at each other, eyes wide. She had completely forgotten about the prefects standing guard outside the doors!
Mary scrambled to think of what to do. They could run back and gamble for their chance to not be seen or pretend they were just walking by and happened to be there-
"Here." James pulled her close and threw something over the both of them. Mary felt her vision distort as a pale silver sheen slid over her vision and she looked towards James confused. He simply held a finger over his lips.
Anthony Dale walked past them, the other perfect joining him to inspect the damage. He looked directly at Mary and James. "There's no one here."
Mary blinked. Was he pretending not to see them? Next to her James gave her a wink. She frowned and turned her attention back to the prefects.
"It couldn't have fallen by itself." Anthony scratched his head, confused.
"It's an ancient castle," the other prefect said airily. "I'm surprised it's still standing."
"Oh like Beauxbatons is any better-"
"I can't believe you're about to start this again."
"You're the one that's brought it up with that comment of yours! Hey, you think maybe Filch's cat did this?"
"Who?"
"The new caretaker." The prefect told him. "He's a bit weird but he beats Pringle any day..."
Their voices drifted away and Mary let out an easy sigh. James waited a moment before looking at her and grinning. "That was close."
"You're very lucky I didn't hit you." Mary folded her arms and told James seriously. "Why were you hiding behind it anyway?"
"Why did you try to destroy it?" James asked, folding his own arms. "You almost killed me!"
"I didn't know you were standing behind it!" Mary defended quietly not wanting to attract the prefects attention. "And besides you're the reason I'm not in Slughorns party!"
"Slughorns having a party?" James asked. "Why wasn't I invited?" He looked confused for a moment. "Wait, why was Snape invited?"
"Your guess is as good as mine." Mary sighed. "Wait...were you trying to get in?" She pointed towards the doors the prefects were guarding.
James took a moment to answer. "Yeah...but I guess I can go with you now."
Mary scoffed. As if she would ever go with James. "No!"
"Shh!" James clamped a hand over her mouth. "Are you trying to get us caught?" He looked back to make sure the prefect's hadn't hears. " And, what's wrong with taking me? My mom says anyone would be lucky to have me."
Mary resisted the urge to roll her eyes. She pulled off his hand. "I don't want to take you."
"And why not?"
Mary sighed, looking at the boy. He had already ruined the plan as it was. "Look I wasn't invited either. I was trying to create a distraction for the prefects so I could sneak in."
James states at her for a moment before replying."That actually might have worked, if I hadn't been there huh?"
Mary sighed. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. She recalled Gideon telling her they had gotten in during 5th year so she still had time to work her way into Slughorns good graces. And she had to thank James for helping hide her from the prefects- "Hey what is this?" She asked marvelling at the shimmery silver fabric that James has thrown over them.
James' eyes shined. "It's an invisibility cloak."
"Woah." Mary stared at it fascinated. "I want one."
James shrugged. "Well, it's one of a kind."
"No way." Mary shook her head. This cloak in James' hand had saved her from losing house points today- and she reminded herself to ask to borrow it one day as an afterthought.
"We should get back though." James said looking towards the prefects. "I don't think they're moving anytime soon."
Mary glanced at them. Both prefects had slid to the floor and were playing an intense game of wizard chess, not planning to move for a while.
Mary nodded and followed James who decided since he was the owner of the cloak he would get to lead them back to the common rooms.
"So why aren't you with your other buddies?" Mary wondered trying to mark conversation. She did hate long silences.
"Well Sirius and Peter both had detentions today-" Mary grimaced. She wasn't a huge fan of Peter at the moment. "And Remus doesn't do much on the weekend but read by the fireplace so I decided to follow Evans and Snape to see where they were going- maybe play a prank-"
"That's my best friend you're talking about." Mary reminded him.
"Right but I didn't do anything did I?" James answered. "What about you? Why didn't you go with Lily?"
"She thinks I'm being superficial for wanting to go."
"That sounds like her."
"But it's okay, I can get in next year for sure."
"You really want to go that much?" James asked, curious.
"Well yeah." Mary nodded. "Apparently only the best of the best get in and the only reason I didn't is that I suck at potions."
"Well, in that case, I'm mad too." James told her thinking hard. "I have an O in potions. And Remus too."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." The stopped in front of the common room where the pretty pink lady was snoring lightly. "Dandelion roots," James whispered and the door swung open to reveal Remus who blinked at the pair of them. "Hi."
"Hi."
"Hi."
"Where are you two coming from?"
"The library." James answered for both of them. Mary raised her brow but nodded anyway.
"The library?" Remus repeated.
"Yes Remus, I understand you might find it hard to believe that MacDonald here would ever venture into a library-"
Mary smacked him. "I actually am always in the library- you know researching...stuff."
"Uh-huh." Remus nodded before adding. "Anything I can help with?"
"As a matter of fact, you can." She grinned at James. "both of you actually. I heard you both have O's in potions and I need this paper finished before Monday."
James sighed. "I have nothing better to do anyway."
Remus nodded. "Well it's settled then, but Mary do you maybe want to change?"
Mary sighed. "No why would you.." she shook her head impatiently, "look I just wanted to wear this dress, okay?"
"Okay." Remus said quickly glancing at James.
"Okay." James answered as if he would get in trouble if he didn't acknowledge her.
"Good," Mary grinned satisfied, "now which one of you wonderful boys is going to teach me?"
Sirius was just about to pull back Peter's chair when the girl of his dreams stepped into the classroom. He let go out the chair immediately and stood rooted into place. Her dark hair fell into light waves past her shoulders and her large hazel were brighter than anything he'd seen before.
"Alright uh," the girl was looking down at a pice of parchment as she walked in and then towards them to confirm. "Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew?"
Sirius stood up atop the desk and fell into a deep mock bow. "Indeed. And who have I just had the pleasure of meeting?"
"Sit down, Black." the girl said despite laughing at his attempt. "I'm Ayesha Shafiq, and I'll be heading today's detention for Professor Heathen."
"Lucky us." Sirius sent a wink her way and she let out a small smile as she shuffled through the tall stack of papers on Professor Heathen's desk. "Where is it?" She muttered frowning, "I guess I'lll have to fill one out since professor Heathen didn't make one yet. What are you two in detention for again? she asked picking up a quill.
"We tried to sneak into Professor Heathens office." Peter supplied and Sirius shot him a look of annoyance. "Successfully snuck into- we're very good at that."
"Ah," Ayesha nodded, understanding, "That's why had made that announcement this morning." She chuckled lightly. "We were wondering what had caused him to suddenly lock his office door. "Oh!" She cried out excitedly suddenly realizing. "You're part of that Marauders group, aren't you?"
"Yes!" Peter told her. "We've got two more but they weren't part of the sneaking into Heathen's office prank bit of course you know that since they're not here-" Peter began rambling on and Sirius sighed. He wasn't going to let Peter embarrass himself in front of Ayesha Shafiq, after all she was going to to be the future Ms. Black.
"You know you two could really give Ed and Al a run for their money, from what I've heard and seen of you guys." she told them nodding.
"Ed and Al?" Peter asked curiously.
"Edmund Parkinson and Alcoste Rosier, 4th years-notorious for playing pranks in our house though Lucius usually keeps them in check." She explained laughing. "Actually with Lucius graduating this year who knows why next year will look like. Looks like you guys will have competition and that's the last thing Ed and Al and Slytherin needs." she sighed.
"They can't compare to the Marauders though." Sirius protested. "Fours heads are always better than two."
"Anyways, there's your detention form done," she scribbled something on the parchment quickly and passed it down for them to sign. "As for your detention you two are to set up the room for tomorrow's lesson," she searched through a few papers and set it in front of Peter "making sure it looks just like this. Professor Heathen was very specific about it so make sure you do it just right. I don't mind you two talking as long as the work gets done." she told them with another smile flashing pearly white teeth.
"Give me that," Sirius huffed partially annoyed that he had to move for his detention. He had thought he and Peter would brainstorm further of project Fluffy, the name they'd given to finding out where Remus transformed on the night of the full moon.
"I wonder what we're doing." Peter wondered looking down at the new arrangement that Professor Heathen wanted his classroom arranged for tomorrow.
"Who cares?" Sirius lowered his voice. "We need to continue operation fluffy, there's only two weeks left until the full moon."
"I know." Peter said. "I really think it's the forbidden forest- you know with Dumbledore saying it's off limits."
"Yeah but we need to be sure of what's in the forest before we go in- what if we run into a fire-crab or something."
"Frank said professor Heathen has a list of all the curses and counter curses-"
"But his office is locked now- what do we do know?"
"I don't know."
They pondered over the situation for a while before Sirius had an idea. "Peter what if we ask Professor Kettleburn- she should know something!"
"Maybe- but how do we ask?"
"We can get Remus to do it, he seems like the perfect harmless choice to ask so many questions."
"And how do we get Remus to ask her?"
Another silence again but it was Ayesha who broke it this time by asking. "How's Regulus doing by the way?"
Sirius looked towards her confused unsure of what she was asking first. "He's okay- but clearly I'm the better Black."
Emma rolled her eyes. "I'm being serious, Black."
"I am Sirius Black."
"Hilarious you are." She told him. "Never mind I'll check on him myself- I just figured you'd know how he was since you're his brother."
Sirius didn't know what to make of this statement but it was little inquiring Peter who frowned. "Did something happen to Regulus?"
Sirius's ears perked up and he looked at Ayesha Shafiq suddenly feeling nauseous. When she didn't answer and paled a little mumbling "Wait I thought you knew-"
"What's happened to Regulus?" he demanded staring at the 6th year girl who was surprised by his sudden change in tone.
"He's in the Hospital Wing- since yesterday night." She told him quickly. "I'm sorry I thought you knew."
Sirius didn't waste a second. He shook his head and muttered "No, not Reg." His little brother had been the hospital wing and he had no idea until now. What type of brother did that make him?
"Sirius!" He could hear Peter but Sirius had to reach Regulus first. He had to see if he was alright. He threw open the heavy doors eyes searching for a brown haired pale boy resting on a bed, perfectly fine.
"Please be fine, Reg," he whispered to himself searching the beds across the room "please Reg, please."
That's when he noticed he wasn't alone. Someone in dark dress robes was seated next to a patient. Someone with greasy dark hair that fell past his face. Someone by the name of Severus Snape.
"Snivellus!"
Severus Snape turned and that was his first mistake for the student lying on the bed was Regulus Black.
"Regulus?!" Sirius resolve crumbled and he pushed past Severus staring hard at his brother. "Reg, Reg wake up please- what would I do with you? Reg-"
"Spare me- he can't hear you." Severus told him hands over his ears.
Sirius turned to the boy. "And why's that?"
"Madam Pomfrey gave him a sleep draught-he'll awake sometime tomorrow."
"Why are you here, Snape?" Sirius growled. "Did you have something to do with this? Tried to take out your frustration on my brother to get back at me-because that's low even for you-"
"You know Black, not everyone feels the need to hex somebody because they can't use their words properly."
"At least I don't have greasy hair."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Your lines are getting a little rusty, come up with new ones or pick up your wand because that's all you know how to do."
Sirius immediately pulled out his wand pointing it at the other boy.
Severus smirked. "See?"
Sirius pushed wand harder. "Don't make me do it Snivellus-"
"Sirius!"
"Severus?"
Both boys turned to see Peter Pettigrew and Lily Evans staring at them bewildered. Peter was breathing hard looking like he had ran a marathon and Lily's eyes were wide as she took them in.
"Put the wand down, Black." Lily told him abruptly marching up to them. "And you," she turned to Severus "This is what you needed to do? This is what you left for? To come and fight him in the hospital wing?"
"Lily-"
"I don't want to hear anything. I'm just disappointed that you had to lie to me, Sev."
"Lily listen it's not what it looks like-"
"Save it for tomorrow, Sev. I'm tired." She wordlessly handed him a plate and walked away, hair swinging behind her.
Sirius stared at the thin slice of vanilla cake on the plate Lily had handed Severus who looked at it quietly. He set it to the side and gave Peter an antagonizing glare before storming out the hospital wing.
Peter rushed forward and looked at Regulus with a solemn face. "How is he?"
"He's sleeping." Sirius told him
Peter nodded. "Do you know what-"
"I can't believe I didn't know Pete!" Sirius said suddenly falling into a chair nearby. "How did I not know? My little brother was in the hospital wing and I had no idea-what, what type of brother does that make me Pete?"
"There was no way you could have known unless someone informed you-"
"Exactly- I should have checked up on him and made sure he was okay- I just didn't even think to and I can't-Peter this is my fault," his lip trembled slightly "I don't even know what happened." He looked down at the badges wrapped around Regulus's abdomen.
"I asked Ayesha." Peter said grabbing Sirius's shoulders forcing him to look at him "about what happened."
"What did she say?" Sirius said standing up again. "Who did this? Just give me a name and we'll go after them. You me James and Remus-
"She just some 4th years found him passed out on the 5th floor corridor and brought him here."
"Did she say who? And what about his wounds- who gave him those?" he asked quickly inspecting them. There was a small bump on Regulus's forehead where Madam Pomfrey had wrapped it neatly with gauze. The biggest one was around his abdomen, though whatever Madam Pomfrey had done was working as it was nearly healed.
"She didn't say- but we can ask Madam Pomfrey-" Peter began thinking hard.
"Ask me what?" Madam Pomfrey asked making her way toward them hands on her hips. "How many times do I have to ban you all from the hospital wing before you understand that I mean it."
"We're sorry, Peter began explaining quickly "It's because of Regulus-"
"Oh- of course," she sent Sirius an apologetic look "I sent word this morning but I believe the student got it all mixed up and informed someone else. I've had two panicked sisters come up and ask me for Reginald Cattermole instead."
"What happened?"
"I'm afraid I don't know Mr. Black- he came to me unconscious. I healed most of his wounds which," she noted peering down at the bandages. "are healing well. Excellent. Though he's yet to wake up long enough for me to administer some medicine."
"I thought you gave him a sleeping draught?" Sirius asked, suddenly.
"Sleeping draught, before he's even waken up? I don't believe so Mr. Black." She tsked noticing one of the bandages had been messed up. "I've got to change Mr. Black's dressings-out now. Curfew's in about an hour- I suggest you two gentleman make your way back to the common room," she shut them out effectively by pulling the curtains across Regulus's bed and bid them good night.
"We can come back and check on Regulus tomorrow with the cloak," Peter was saying as they headed back towards the common room.
"He said," Sirius shook his head "And then she said- but what did that mean?"
Peter cocked his head. "Sirius?"
"We need to find Snivellus!"
"Snape-why?"
"He did this to Reg!"
"Is that why he was there? I was wondering why Lily was so mad."
"'He said Madam Pomfrey had given Reg a sleeping draught but she said she-"
"Didn't." Peter finished.