My Marauders // J.P. , R.L. , S.B x OC

Ch. 15, The Pact

James turned abruptly at the sound of Cassandra's voice, his expression shifting from frustration to surprise. "Cassandra..." he began, but she cut him off, stepping forward, her shock giving way to a deep sense of shame.

"What the bloody fuck did I just hear you say?" she demanded, gritting her teeth, her eyebrows knitting together in a mix of emotions.

Sirius and Remus shared a look of fear that slowly shifted to shame. Sirius turned his back towards Calliope's best friend, his jaw clenching tightly.

A scornful laugh escaped Peter's lips. "If you haven't fucked everything up before, you certainly have now."

Remus's shoulders sagged, his face etched with regret. "Cassandra, please don't tell Calliope," he practically begged, his voice low.

"Shut the hell up, Lupin," Cassandra snapped, her nose scrunching up in disgust. "You are dreadfully dense if you believe I would ever keep this secret from my dearest friend. You lot disgust me. I thought you cared for her." She looked each of them in the eye, still not fully understanding what had caused this revelation but certain she didn't need to. "She would do anything for you four, and yet... you treat her like this? You are all wankers! Absolutely abominable."

"Cassandra, listen–" Sirius pleads, trying to get her understanding.

Their heated argument had inadvertently attracted a few onlookers. Lily and Alice watched in stunned silence, their eyes wide as they tried to process the bitter exchange between Cassandra and the others. Fabian and Gideon Prewitt were also observing, with Fabian tossing a few galleons toward the ladder, a look of bemusement on his face. Marlene, Dorcas, and Mary sat nearby, their attention riveted. Marlene leaned in and whispered something to Dorcas, who gasped, her eyes widening in shock.

James glanced down at the table, feeling the weight of numerous gazes on him. He met the eyes of the onlookers, only to find that none of them dared to look away. Their eyes remained fixed on the Marauders and Cassandra, who at this point, was visibly exasperated.

"You listen to me, you little bi—" Cassandra began, but James cut her off. "It looks like we've attracted quite an audience, mates."

Remus sighed heavily, his eyes sweeping over the spectators and hardening with frustration. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath.

Sirius bit his lip, "Cassandra," He begins, looking into her cold, green eyes, "We've drawn quite the crowd–"

Cassandra cut him off sharply, "Oh, so the great Sirius Black doesn't enjoy a crowd now, huh?"

Sirius exhaled roughly, frustration evident in his breath. Peter chuckled at Cassandra's comment but was met with a frigid look from James that swiftly quieted him down, his previous bravery seemingly melting off his person.

"If you'll cooperate cordially, we can take this somewhere else and explain," Sirius said, surprisingly mature. James turned to Remus, giving him a worried look. Remus closed his eyes slowly, holding them shut for a moment or two.

Cassandra's eyes flared with anger, but she took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay composed. Her gaze swept down the table, meeting the watchful eyes of those who had gathered to witness the confrontation. Luckily, it just seemed to be the Gryffindor table that was staring at them. They had not yet attracted the gaze of their other classmates, or any professors.

"Fine, but it better be the truth—nothing but the truth," Cassandra said, her eyes narrowing at Remus with a knowing look. His mouth fell slightly open, and his eyes widened in response. He quickly composed himself, hoping the fear in his eyes hadn't been too evident under her intense scrutiny.