the 5th marauder

4- The Party

Reaching the common room, I saw a small group of people gathered, putting out drinks and talking. Mary was hooking up a sound system in the corner. Turning away, I saw James walking around the room, waving his wand methodically. "What are you doing?" Turning to notice me, he grinned and replied "Silencing spells. Can't have anyone hear us, right?" I nodded, looking at the thin barrier that I could barely see, glinting in the light. "So, who woke you up? I was gonna ask someone to. Guys can't get into the girl's dorms. The stairs turn into a slide. Really weird.." I laughed, shrugging my shoulders. "Mary got me. You just can't be trusted, I guess." - "So is this a Gryffindor only party?" I asked, glancing over to him. "Nah, everyone's welcome. Except Slytherins. They're invite only. Can't have anyone like Snivellus sneaking in and ruining everything." I furrowed my brows. "Who?" He looked at me. "Severus. Snape? You really haven't met him? I thought he'd be messing with you already, since you're hanging with our lot. Slimy git." Pressing my lips together, I raised my eyebrows. "Woww, you must be the best of friends!" James made an odd sound, like a retch. "He's some greasy haired kid. Thinks he's better than everyone else. Dunno why Lily puts up with him." I nodded. "Hm. I'll be on the lookout, then." Walking away, I noticed Remus sitting on the couch, beer in hand. "You drink?" I asked, looking up at me as I sat opposite from him, leaning into the chair. "Sometimes. Not too much though. Stuff makes me kinda sick. He said, placing the bottle on the table. You?" I shook my head. "Not if I can help it. Sometimes just a little, though." I said, holding my thumb and my finger up, slightly apart. He grinned. "Want some?" He asked, grabbing the bottle and offering it to me. "Ask me again when the party starts. Then we'll see."

The music was loud, and lights flashed around the dark room. Students from all houses had flooded in, and even a few Slytherins were scattered around the room. Despite what I had said earlier, I had been drinking quite a bit. I was dancing my way around the room, talking to random guys and to Mary, who was working the music. Walking backwards, I bumped into something hard. Turning around, I looked to see a guy. The flashing lights and dizzy eyesight made it difficult to make out his face. "Oh sorry.. Didn't see you there.." I said, my words slurring together. "That's alright darling... Hey, I haven't seen you before..." The room seemed to be spinning, and suddenly the music sounded very weird and distant. I felt a hand grab my arm. "Why don't I take you somewhere private? So I can really hear you, you know.." Nodding drunkenly, I smiled and followed behind. "Hey. Hey, who are you?" I heard someone say. "Nobody, man, just shove off." "Let go of her, dude." "What? No- she wants to come with me. Mind your own shit." I heard a shove, and the hand holding my arm released, and a smaller pair of arms held me up, leading me up some stairs. I heard some arguing behind me, then a loud whack, and a heavy thud. "Hey, wha-.. what's happening down there? what's- wha..." I said, my eyes closed.

A bright light shone on my face, and I blinked, turning to the side. Putting my hand over my face to block the sun, I remembered last night. Turning over, I smushed my face into my pillow, groaning. "This is why I don't drink..." I said, muffled. "You can say that again. Ooof." I turned my head, My eyes narrowed. Mary was sitting by my bed, a glass of water and some toast in hand. "Here. Might make you feel better." Sitting up, I took the food, taking a small bite of toast. "How bad was it?" She shrugged. "The good thing is no one got hurt. -ish." I furrowed my brows. "-ish?" She nodded. "that one guy, that was trying to take you off with him? He got a nasty blow. His cheek is all bruised." "bruised? who-" "Remus. Punched that guy straight in the head." She smiled, looking at me. "He deserved it, though. Never seen Rem so mad, you know that? He's usually a quiet bloke." I nodded. He must think I'm stupid. Some helpless girl who can't hold her alcohol and goes off with strangers. They all think I'm stupid. What if he gets in trouble for protecting me? They'll all hate me. What if McGonagall finds out I was drunk? I'll be expelled for sure. My dad will be so disappointed.. Expelled on my third day here! Imagine how- "Cat? You good?" Mary tilted her head, looking at me. "Hm? Yeah. I'm good. Just zoned out for a second." She nodded. "Go get ready then, we're already late for breakfast."

After getting ready, I walked with Mary down to the great hall, where she departed to talk to professor Slughorn about a grade. Walking forward, I immediately noticed the boys sitting further down, towards the middle of the table. I wasn't sure whether to walk over, due to last night - but then Sirius looked up, grinning, and beckoned me over. Joining them at the table, I took a seat next to James. "So, you alright?" he asked. "Rem told us what happened." He said, nodding to Remus across the table. I nodded."Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, by the way." I looked at Remus. " yeah, 'course." "So, what's first?" James nodded to Peter. Looking to the schedules scattered across the table, he tapped one. "Charms for you. I've got McGonagall." "Same for us."Added Sirius, nudging Remus. "And you?" James looked at me. "Oh, right." Glancing at my schedule - "Charms also." James nodded. "We should get going. I was nearly late yesterday, I don't wanna be late today." Nodding, I got up, grabbing my bag and following him out. I noticed Remus watching me as I walked out. Strange.

"So, how are you liking Hogwarts so far? I mean, I know you feel blessed meeting me, but other than that." Rolling my eyes at him, I shrugged. "I mean, my first day didn't go as planned, but I can't really complain. This place is everything I dreamed of. I've never been too interested in my studies before, but it's like I want to learn everything I can here. Nothing bores me If it's magic." "You sure? Even Binns?" "Ehhh, history of magic was something. But still, interesting." He nodded. "Fair enough. I've always been pretty competitive at school. Mostly with Sirius." I grinned, imagining the two being academic rivals and best friends. Talking some more, we rounded the corner.

Widening my eyes, I stared at what was happening in front of me. Three boys were laughing their heads off, pointing their wands at a 1st year hufflepuff, up in the air and pinned against a wall. James stepped forward, eyes fiery, but I beat him to it. "Hey! What the hell are you doing?" I yelled, running forward as they lost focus, leaving the 1st year plundering to the ground. Using a soft landing charm, I helped him up, and he went running in the other direction. "Who are you?" One of them asked. James walked forward. "Doesn't matter. All you need to know is she's 10 times the person any of you are. Backing up, the boys walked away, muttering to each other." "That's who I told you about. Snivellus." He gestured to one of the boys standing behind. And that's Mulciber and Avery. The whole lot's a bunch of gits." "I can tell." I replied, folding my arms. "Who does that?" "Don't worry about them. Let's just get to class." I nodded, walking away.