Mischief Managed Y2 Part 2: The Truth of the Tournament

Chapter Forty-Six: Taking Chances

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Sirius hung himself off his bed, throwing a crumpled-up paper at James who was trying to go over the list of ingredients they would need for their potions challenge, the next event in the YSCs. Sirius had refused to go to the first meeting which wasn't necessary since Regulus had declined to go as well. Neither of the Black boys were pleased with the team assignment. Sirius wondered if he should drop out or go next time and be so obnoxious that Regulus would drop out. The latter option was more favourable but less plausible.

"Jaaaames, where is he?" Sirius whined, trying not to think about how late it was getting. Peter looked up from his bed where his face had gotten all red and splotchy, meaning he was either struggling horribly to study for their History of Magic exam or was passing gas. It was a real toss-up. Sirius watched James, who appeared upside down to him, throw the crumpled ball of paper back. It hit him smack in the face before rolling onto the floor. Normally Elvis would have been all over it but he had been giving Sirius the cold shoulder lately.

"We don't get to know, Sirius. Remember we promised to not hound Remus over anything no matter what," James chided, though sounded a bit sore about the notion himself.

"Because we messed up on his birthday real bad, yeah I get it. But does he really have to be such a git about it? It's like he's begging us to drill him on where he's going. And you lads realize today is the 16th and in three more days it will be the 19th," Sirius groaned, lamenting the misfortune of his life.

"Yes, Sirius we can do simple addition," Peter pouted. Sirius wasn't sure if he was joking or not but James thought he was because he laughed and said 'good one Pettigrew' appreciatively which made little upside-down Peter smile. Sirius pulled himself upright, still bored but not wanting to pass out from all the blood going to his head, as he knew he would from experience.

"You dolts, you know what I mean. The 19th is the full moon which means Remus will be dealing with his furry little problem," Sirius explained impatiently. He had started off thinking 'furry little problem' was a ridiculous phrase, mostly because James came up with it instead of him. But now the four of them used it exclusively. Remus, against all odds, seemed amused by it and their friend had even come back laughing the other day when Gary had asked him if he had a rabid rabbit. At least Remus wasn't ticked off with them, Sirius supposed that his friend may have a slight reason to be cross with them after how badly they botched up his birthday. 

"So?" James asked slowly, making a crumpled pile of paper for ammo beside him. 

Sirius smirked. "So, I bet my left nut, his condition of us leaving him alone for two weeks will include not being with him before or after the full moon." He had become particularly cross once he realized this. They had returned from cleaning up the party, Peter filling them in that Remus didn't seem too thrilled, to find Lily and the birthday boy playing gobstones together. James had nearly passed out and Lily had very quickly excused herself from the boys' dorm room as if the thought of being in there with all four of them would be sheer torture. Remus had taken his time cleaning up the game before meeting their eyes. Sirius had asked Remus what had been wrong with the party, at the time really bitter with his friend who he felt was being unappreciative. 

Sirius was a bit annoyed and a bit proud Remus had actually called them out, reminding them he had told them he didn't want a big deal made for his birthday. It had taken a while for Remus to explain, with Peter's backup, that he wasn't just being a swot about parties but they actually caused him anxiety. They had all piled on Remus' bed and Elvis had come and curled up on the werewolf's lap, staring pointedly at Sirius as he did so. Elvis was really turning into a right little arse! Sirius had been upset at the time but they had all had one of their good deep Marauder talks and Remus came clean about what had happened with the party after the second trial.