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

Chapter One Hundred-Nine - Lily's Lament

Author's note: CW references to James being drugged, also a bit of being outed against one's will but only to one person who isn't hateful about it.

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The next couple of days went without much issue, just general life-with-the-Marauders sorts of things. Remus tried to help Sirius's Potions paper, though Sirius always wanted to goof off instead of actually doing work. Also Remus finished his birthday present for James and got Sirius to help him make it better; Remus wasn't sure if James would like it, but Sirius swore he would.

After James's practice on Thursday they were all quite wet from the cold rain, but in good spirits as Remus did his best to do drying spells on their clothes without shrinking anything. Then a cheerful voice stopped them, and Remus glanced up to see Greta Catchlove. She was a plump Hufflepuff with twinkling blue eyes and a bright smile.

"Hi!" She stood in front of them with a large box in her hands. "I was wondering if you wanted to try something." She flipped the lid open to reveal rows of orange globs. "I know they don't look very appetizing, but they're delicious—I promise. I made them myself. I'm... thinking about calling them Pumpkin Bursts."

James folded his arms, eyes narrowing. Sirius also seemed to be rather suspicious. Peter, on the other hand, suddenly looked a bit awkward and pink.

"Why d'you want us to try them?" James demanded.

Catchlove looked a little confused. "I'm asking everyone to try them."

"I'm sure. What's in them, then?"

"I—" She glanced at the others, eyes puzzled. "I really don't want to say because—"

Suddenly James flicked his wrist, shooting a spell that sent the box—and the pasties—flying. Catchlove gasped, hands on her cheeks, watching in horror as her treats scattered everywhere. Sirius snorted, Peter looked aghast, and Remus felt angry. What in Merlin's name? Why had James done that?!

"Because of the game, eh? That's what it is!" James was furious. "Drugging me too? What'll happen, stomach cramps for days? Diarrhea? Something to stop me from playing this game?!"

Still angry, but a little less so; Remus understood James's actions now, even if he didn't agree with them.

"I worked hard on those!" she cried.

"Worked hard on getting me out of the game! Incendio, incendio!" James shot fire out, burning up all the globs. Catchlove was on the verge of tears.

"Who put you up to this?" Sirius asked, obviously agreeing with James's assessment of the situation. His wand was still in his pocket, however his hand was ready to grab it.

Now Catchlove was crying. "You're so mean! I hate you!" She grabbed the empty box and took off, sobbing and calling them all nasty names as she went.

Remus turned to James. "Was that really necessary?"

James tucked his wand away. "Please, it's obvious she was waiting for us. Waiting for me. Probably some awful potion in there, like last time." He eyed the burnt up food then began walking again, Sirius at his side, the two of them discussing the next possible trap.

Peter coughed. "Do you think...?"

"No," Remus grumbled, stepping over what remained of Catchlove's hard work. "I think James is being paranoid."

"I think Catchlove hates us now."

"Probably." He began jogging to catch up to the others. "Gryffindors don't even have Quidditch practice on Thursday evenings anyway, how could she have planned this? If anything, she would have approached us tomorrow."