Mischief Managed Y2 Part 2: The Truth of the Tournament

Chapter Thirteen: The Face of a Troll

.................................................

The Marauders partied the whole of the third, bellies full of sweets and pumpkin juice, quite elated with themselves and their spectacular camaraderie. The next day they faked that they had all caught the stomach bug to their unamused professors. James hadn't expected it to work but they managed to pull it off, they were just that impressive. Truthfully they had only gotten away with it because Peter was becoming an expert at faking sick and it didn't take much for Remus to look like he might pass out. After classes the next day, James, who had picked up on Sirius' signals in the lesson, followed him to the owlery where there was the fortunate position of being able to hear if anyone was climbing the steps, long before anyone could hear your conversation.

"I should have ruddy thought of this yesterday," Sirius muttered, though James wasn't sure what he was talking about. The chaser had been dying to know what Sirius had talked to Remus about; what he had found out. Only based on how Lupin had cheered up considerably during their celebrations Potter imagined it wasn't much.

"So what did Remus say? Did he reveal all the secrets to you?" James asked eagerly as they climbed the stairs.

"Oi, pipe down! Someone could hear." Sirius shushed. James rolled his eyes, finding it slightly bemusing that the moron was now so protective of Remus' secret when before the 'self-proclaimed detective' would have done just about anything to figure it out.

"It's fine, no one is snogging or mailing letters this time of day. Besides it's not like I'm talking about Remus' secret," James explained, receiving an elbow from Sirius in response.

"Hurry up already, slowpoke," James added after a few impatient moments. He was caught behind Sirius who had slowed down in response to his urging and was now walking in dramatic ease up the steps. Sirius laughed as James gave him a playful shove and started walking at a normal speed again until they reached the top where he stopped quite suddenly. Potter was sure Black was just being a git but then a thoroughly unpleasant voice called down to them.

"Black," came the cool nasally tone that James knew all too well, and hated.

"Snivellus," Sirius shot back with his on-guard haughty tone. James paled, realizing Severus might have overheard what he had been saying to Sirius. If Snivellus ever found out Remus' secret James was quite certain that he'd kill the grease ball to protect his friend. "I'm surprised you have anyone to write, Snivellus. Haven't your mummy and daddy told you they don't actually like you and that you're adopted yet? What with that large nose I think you may be half-troll...you certainly have the face of a troll," Sirius sneered. James laughed in response. He elbowed his way up past Sirius so that he could see the intruder who was in the middle of selecting an owl to tie his rolled-up letter onto.

James' eyes gleamed, finding great fun in outnumbering Severus and blocking his way down. This was a fact that the ugly little boy seemed too aware of and the tension in the air grew suffocating as Black and Snape stared each other down.

"It's me that should be surprised that you have anyone to write to, what with you being the disgrace of your family, Black. Have you even gotten an invitation to your own cousin's wedding yet? By the surprise on your face, I guess not. Although I would be careful if I were you, I hear she has big plans," Severus replied coolly. It was as if the vile Slytherin believed he would somehow get past both Gryffindors unscathed. What a joke! Snively wasn't escaping, especially not after saying something like that!

James expected Sirius to say something cruel back and perhaps cast a hex at Severus before he could get the chance to attempt to do so to them. Instead, the insulted boy didn't respond, seemingly taken aback by the comment.