All the Young Dudes ( Sirius' Perspective )

Third Year : Lions, Owls, and Wolves

Don’t let the sun blast your shadow

Don’t let the milk float ride your mind

They’re so natural – religiously unkind

Oh no, love! You’re not alone

You’re watching yourself but you’re too unfair

You got your head all tangled up

But if I could only make you care…

Friday 28th June , 1974

“You should be ashamed of yourself,” James said, shaking his head. “I mean, really, Black! Have you no decency? No humility? I don’t think I saw you open a textbook even once!”

The results of their finals had been posted.

Sirius yawned. “Natural genius, Potter,” he drawled, brushing his hair out of his eyes, “I can’t help it! Feel free to bask in my glory, though.”

James leaned dramatically onto Remus’s shoulder, groaning. “It’s up to you, Moony – you’re the only one who can keep his ego in check.” Remus had come first in History of Magic, narrowly beating Sirius—but Sirius had beat him in Arithmancy.

He shook James off, laughing, looking half embarrassed and half pleased by the attention. After three years of undeniably excellent marks, Remus seemed to have accepted the fact of his own academic ability, no longer looking as if he wanted to crawl under a rock anytime someone called him smart. In fact, at breakfast the next morning when his Care of Magical Creatures professor came over to congratulate Lupin on coming top in the class, Moony practically beamed with happiness.

“Teacher’s pet!” Sirius teased as the tall, long-haired professor walked away. Remus ignored him, smiling down at his porridge and looking incredibly pleased with himself.

“Can’t believe that’s it ‘til fourth year now,” James remarked, using his robes to clean off his glasses.

Sirius’s mood immediately fell. “Do you have to keep reminding me?” He moaned, petulant.

“Plenty to do over the summer,” James replied, “It’ll fly by.”

Unfortunately, Remus was listening again. “What are you doing over the summer?” He asked, eyes narrowed suspiciously. James blinked.

“Planning next year’s pranks, obviously,” Sirius jumped in, quickly, “Got to keep ahead of the curve, Remu my boy, we’ve a reputation to maintain.”

Remus studied him for a moment, then shrugged, seeming to accept this explanation. Sirius released a breath, catching James’s eye and giving him a meaningful look.

The marauders (sans Moony) had agreed that they would begin the animagus process over summer, communicating via letters to coordinate their efforts. Of course, with Sirius separated from the others they might run into some problems—but the first steps were safe enough, even if they made mistakes, and Sirius had convinced Peter and James that they should at least try to start.