parents after all

chapter 18

Chapter 17 - Harry's Story

The next day was a Saturday. After yesterday's incident, the Marauders got up pretty late and were only quick enough for breakfast in the last minute. Most students and teachers had finished breakfast and gone back to their respective dorms, only very few remained in the Hall. Sirius practically rushed in to sit beside Lily, Harry, Ron and Hermione. He was so eager to tell them about their midnight adventure.

'Is it just me or is everyone really looking funny at us?' Remus said under his breath as his gaze rested ominously at the incoming owls carrying rolls of the Daily Prophet. Following Remus's eyes, Sirius spat out his juice when he saw the headline on Hermione's subscription of the Daily Prophet. 'What the hell is that?'

Half of the first page was occupied by a picture of Remus and Sirius walking shoulder by shoulder. Although their faces couldn't be clearly seen due to them covering their faces in shock, it was obvious that Remus's robes were badly arranged; half of it was threatening to slide down his shoulder, while Sirius's hair was in a mess. Both of them looked flustered and shocked.

'Oooh, our lovely couple is finally here,' a cold sneer sounded above their heads. Sirius whipped around to see Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle standing behind them, Malfoy spreading out the front page in front of his chest like he was holding a trophy. 'Did you break up? Did you make up already?'

'Sod off, Malfoy,' Harry snarled.

'You're not completely innocent either, Potter,' Malfoy drawled. He waved the newspaper gloatingly and started reading:

'LOVE OR HATE: HOGWARTS CHAMPION STEPPED IN BETWEEN COUPLE

Since the arrival of five mysterious transfer students, Harry Potter, the youngest champion competing in the Triwizard Tournament, have been involving in the tangled relationship. It was spotted that Messrs Black and Lupin, said couple, were fighting with Potter for a girl, Shirley Smyth, at the Yule Ball.

"As far as I know, Potter has been lusting after multiple people in the past,' said a handsome Hogwarts model student, Mr Malfoy. 'He's so thirsty that he chases after both boys and girls. It's no surprise that he's first flirted with Black and Lupin, then trying to get off with the poor girl."

It was reported that Black is from a muggleborn family, and he has been smitten by Potter since he first arrived at Hogwarts, abandoning his longtime flame Lupin, who, to be honest, is no close rival to Potter, being the Boy Who Lived and the charming school champion. Incidentally, Lupin was also hooked up with the Smyth whom Potter was after. It was Smyth's letter, which was addressed to Lupin and was asking him for a date that had initiated the fight between the three boys at the Ball, according to trusted sources.

"I wanted so much to see you but the fight held me back," sobbed Lupin, who was seen lying on the floor and refusing to get up after the fight. "I need you desperately. Please let me talk to you. You said if there's anything I could go to you, and if we never talk again I'll die of grief!"

Lupin made his final pledge saying that he'd be waiting under the yew tree near the Lake until she's willing to see him again.'

Crabbe and Goyle guffawed stupidly. Remus turned sickly green, while Sirius flushed a brilliant shade of crimson. Ron banged the table with his fist, saying furiously, 'anyone has half a brain will know that's not true! Happy that Skeeter buys your shit now, Malfoy?'

Malfoy wanted to say more, but he fled at the sight of Moody approaching, who looked livid and ready to kill. A Hufflepuff girl with brown eyes was trailing behind, and within seconds Sirius had recognised her as the girl who was drunk and had led him and Remus into a fight on the night of the Yule Ball.