Four To The End (prev Shifting Lines) Book Three (Marauders Era)

Chapter Twenty-Two - A Whole Lotta Slytherin Trouble

Author's note: Due to a lot of things going on I am going to take a very short hiatus. First of all, my new puppy is more of a demon than my previous two dogs ever were and it takes a lot of time and energy to keep the little booger out of trouble. I've hardly had time to write or even edit! Second of all, even though I am not a Thanksgiving person... I know this week is going to be hard on me emotionally. I am sorry about this, but I am just really overwhelmed at the moment.

SO I will be taking a week off and coming back on December seventh with a new chapter.

CW: referred and implied child abuse

-x-

It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside. I'm not one of those who can easily hide. I don't have much money, but boy if I did... I'd buy a big house where we both could live. If I was a sculptor... hah... but then again, no. Or a man who makes potions in a traveling show... I know it's not much, but it's the best I can do. My gift is my song and this one's for you.

It was Saturday morning, and the Marauders were once again out in the sunshine. They were stretched out on a blanket, the others playing cards while Remus took notes on the music. He would have preferred to listen to his album by himself, but when James suggested they all go outside to listen to their Muggle albums, Remus couldn't figure out how to say no. They had listened to Sirius's first (he REALLY liked T-rex) and were now on Remus's.

When the song finished, Remus reached over to move the needle in order to play the song again. He'd have to listen to more of the album, but the very first song was really nice. Especially the line: how wonderful life is when you're in the world. He knew it was supposed to be romantic but he couldn't help thinking about the other Marauders, and how wonderful his own life had become because they were in his world.

Could he write his essay on that? Or would Professor Lewis think he was weird?

They listened to more of the album and while all of the songs were amazing (because Elton John was, in Remus's opinion, one of the best singers ever), it was that first song that spoke to him the most. Before that side of the album finished playing, Remus said they could switch to Peter's album. He had what he wanted. Hopefully.

After Peter played several Beatles songs, they switched to James's The Who album. It was the same album Lily had, so they had heard all the songs before. James purposely played My Generation since he liked that one so much. As the lyrics blasted out, a shadow fell across the blanket where the cards were.

"What the bloody hell do you want," James demanded angrily.

Remus shielded his eyes to look up at Snape. He was hovering a few steps away, with Wicket and Fox behind him. That explained why he had the courage to approach all four Marauders together.

"Turn that down," Snape hissed. "You're not the only people outside, it is unfair of you to force that... noise... on everyone else trying to enjoy the day."

James rolled his eyes but fiddled with the knob of his record player, turning it down slightly. "Sorrry!" he drew out. "I forgot you're half-bat and have super special hearing. Don't want to accidentally ruin your echolocation, you might wind up falling in the lake by mistake."

Snape narrowed his eyes. "You'll get what's coming to you, Potter," he muttered so quietly Remus knew the others couldn't hear him.

"What was that?" James asked.

"Nothing."

Why don't you all f-fade away. Don't try to d-dig what we all s-s-s-say. I'm not trying cause a big s-s-sensation. I'm just talking 'bout my g-g-g-generation!