The New Marauders

First Hogsmeade trip in the new year

It was a crisp, cold day as the New Marauders made their way through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade. The winter chill was biting, but the excitement of their first trip to the village in the new year kept them warm. James, Edward, Nate, Sam, and Luke walked together, chatting and laughing as they made their way to their first stop—Honeydukes.

The shop was bustling with students, the shelves lined with every sweet imaginable. The Marauders’ eyes widened as they scanned the brightly colored jars of Fizzing Whizzbees, Chocolate Frogs, and Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans.

Nate, who had been eyeing a large jar of Peppermint Toads, grabbed a handful and tossed a few into his mouth. “I swear these are addictive,” he said, his voice muffled by the candy.

Sam was already filling a bag with Sugar Quills, while Luke hunted for his favorite—Jelly Slugs. Edward stood near the counter, glancing at the variety of sweets but distracted by something on his mind.

James picked out a few Chocolate Frogs, but his usual enthusiasm was dimmed. Edward noticed immediately, knowing exactly what was on his best friend's mind. Ever since the Yule Ball, James had been quieter whenever Mia Longbottom came up. He’d never admitted it out loud, but it was clear that seeing her with someone else bothered him more than he let on.

“Oi, James,” Edward said, nudging him as they left Honeydukes, bags of sweets in hand. “You all right, mate?”

James shrugged, his expression unreadable. “Yeah, I’m good. Just thinking about what we’re going to get up to in Zonko’s.”

Edward wasn’t convinced, but he let it slide for now. They made their way to Zonko’s Joke Shop next, where they were greeted by shelves packed with trick wands, dungbombs, and all sorts of prank gear.

The Marauders wasted no time, grabbing handfuls of tricks they could use on their next unsuspecting victim. Sam held up a Nose-Biting Teacup, grinning mischievously. “This would be perfect for Luke.”

“Oi!” Luke protested, swiping it out of Sam’s hand. “You’ll regret it when it’s you on the receiving end of one of these,” he said, holding up a Puking Pastille.

They laughed and messed about in the joke shop, stuffing their bags with as many pranks as they could afford, already planning their next big trick. But as they left Zonko’s and made their way to the Three Broomsticks, James still seemed off, his laughter a little too forced.

The pub was packed, students and teachers alike gathered around with mugs of Butterbeer steaming in the cold air. The Marauders found a table near the back, huddling together as they sipped their drinks. The warmth of the Butterbeer spread through them, but Edward noticed James stiffen slightly when his eyes landed on something—or rather, someone—across the room.

Mia Longbottom sat at a table with the Ravenclaw boy she’d gone to the Yule Ball with. They were laughing, talking quietly, and completely absorbed in each other.

Edward followed James’s gaze and sighed. He turned to his friend, concern etched on his face. “Mate, are you okay with this?” he asked quietly, nodding towards Mia and her date.

James tore his gaze away from them and looked at Edward, forcing a small smile. “Yeah,” he said, but his voice lacked conviction. “I mean, she’s happy, right? I’ve got no right to be upset.”

Edward studied him for a moment, knowing James was trying to play it cool but was clearly bothered. “It’s okay to feel weird about it,” Ed said gently. “You’ve liked her for a while.”

James gave a slight shrug, taking another sip of Butterbeer. “Yeah, but it’s not like I ever told her or anything. Besides, I don’t want to mess things up with Mia as a friend. She’s been... well, she’s important.”

Luke, overhearing the conversation, leaned in. “Listen, mate, if it’s meant to be, it’ll happen. No need to rush things. Besides, you’re James Potter. You’ll be fine.”

Nate chuckled, nudging James. “Yeah, and if you want, we could always prank that Ravenclaw git.”

James laughed at that, though it still didn’t reach his eyes. “Nah, no need for that. I’ll figure it out.”

The others left it there, not wanting to push the issue any further. They spent the rest of the time in the Three Broomsticks talking about Quidditch and classes, laughing and planning their next adventures as they always did. But every now and then, Edward would catch James glancing over at Mia, his expression slipping into something more vulnerable for just a moment before he masked it again.

As the afternoon wore on and they finished their Butterbeers, they bundled up and headed back out into the cold, the snow crunching under their feet as they made their way back to the castle. James walked beside Edward, quieter than usual, but grateful for his friend’s concern.

And as they made their way back to Hogwarts, the New Marauders knew that whatever challenges came their way—whether it was pranks, crushes, or something else entirely—they would face them together, like they always had.