Tuesday 9th March 1976
It was a miracle of epic proportions that none of them were caught – and even more miraculous that their prank went off without a hitch the next day, resulting in a morning off lessons while Filch dealt with the terrible stench. The rest of the classes took place outside on the grounds in the early spring sunshine, which, as far as the marauders were concerned, was a win.
Additionally, Sirius could barely contain his glee when they all returned to their common rooms that evening to find a notice pinned to the corkboard reminding students that dogs were not on the approved list for pets at Hogwarts. This caused a huge amount of confusion among the rest of the student populace of course,
“I’ve never seen a dog! Who’s got a dog?”
“If one of the Slytherins got a dog in, then I want to bring my rabbit from home!”
“I think I have seen one in the grounds, actually – maybe it’s a stray?”
Needless to say, Sirius and James were in their element.
“I’ll sniff him out!” Sirius announced,
“I bet he’s right under our noses!” James laughed.
“Could be closer than we think!”
Remus laughed too, trying to mask his unease. Sirius had so far said nothing about the half an hour in that broom cupboard. Remus could only assume that either:
a) Sirius had not found anything out of the ordinary, and in fact Remus was once again overthinking things (likely), or;
b) Sirius now knew everything about Remus, his darkest desires and deepest secrets – and preferred not to address it because the whole thing was just too embarrassing (less likely, but more frightening).
At any rate, Remus threw himself into his schoolwork, his prefect duties and generally being a model student. This at least ensured that he was out of Sirius’s way – Sirius had evidently decided to do the complete opposite.
He had never exactly been the best at following rules, of course. But even James admitted that this year Sirius appeared to be attempting some kind of record. He was in detention almost every night, rarely completed his homework (even though he could do it with one arm tied behind his back, if he wanted to) and split the rest of his time between making mischief and seeing how far he could get his tongue down Mary MacDonald’s throat. Not that Mary seemed to mind, much.
That was fine. That was just as it should be.
It wasn’t easy, though. As much of a relief it was to be away from the one person that he couldn’t be sensible around – Remus also found it very distressing to be away from the one person he couldn’t be sensible around. Marlene and Lily were lovely – they were kind and funny and clever and generous. But they were a poor substitute for the marauders.
He even tried spending a bit more time talking to Christopher – asking him questions about home, or the music he liked. It was worse than he’d expected. Christopher was a pureblood wizard, who didn’t know any muggle music, and didn’t appear to be that interested in hearing any. On top of that, he had realised his error in spoiling Remus’s birthday surprise, and wouldn’t stop apologising, which was incredibly annoying.
Remus had already promised James that he would act surprised when the party was unveiled in his honour. He’d tried to talk them all out of it, of course – but he’d been pleading for moderation since first year, and knew he wasn’t likely to get it.
“Don’t make a fuss on my account!” He said, at dinner the morning before, “Lily will go mental…”
“Wrong,” James said, smugly, “Lily sent out half the invitations!”
