Amortentia ↠ James Potter

ONE

The Marauders surveyed their territory with devilish smirks upon their unusually handsome faces (besides Peter, he was happily feasting on the meals prepared by their elfish servants).  They made eye-contact with a few of their followers, of whom nodded and gave the thumbs up to gesture that no bad words had run amok about them.  Using his strength that was gifted to him by the arduous training for Quidditch, James threw them a few pieces of Chocolate Frogs, the boys' payment for being the eyes and ears of the foursome.  Their eyes lit up, as well as the smiles that graced their acned-covered faces.  For being acknowledged by the hierarchy of the wizarding school, even a simple little gesture given by them, created a feeling that couldn't be properly described in words.  That flutter in your stomach, the pounding in your ears, and the sweatiness in certain crevices couldn't be simplified to just an emotion. 

When the four best friends heard the mutter of strewn curses however, they quickly shifted their gaze to the door of the Great Hall.  The origin of these unpleasant noises was discovered, and Sirius and James, the more immature ones, could not stifle their chuckles.  If it was anyone else besides their mortal enemies that were attempting to shake off the slime that was set on top of the doorway like dogs, they probably wouldn't have reacted. But alas, it was Marcella Gaunt and Severus Snape who had fallen victims to the latest prank pulled.

Unfortunately though, their laughter was short-lived as Marcella had a quick wit, and recalled a spell to rid herself of the childish goo.

"Tergeo," she angrily swished her hand to fix her expensive robes, along with her best friend's.  Her hair flew as she suddenly craned her neck towards the four boys that were howling.  "And here I thought we were starting become friends, or have you forgotten what happened last time?"

Peter gulped while the other three struggled to maintain their composure.  The last time they had played a prank on Marcella (which was a complete accident because it was meant for her grease-ball of a friend Severus), they had ended up in the infirmary with extensive wounds caused by her.  Somehow, she had hurt them worse within five minutes than a whole night on the worst of full moons.

"Oh Godric, what did happen last time?" Sirius tapped a finger on his stubbled chin, pretending to give some actual thought.  "If I'm not mistaken, last time, we transfigured your skin to gold and red to match your favorite house!"

Seeing the professors out of the corner of his eye, Sirius hastily added, "Allegedly, of course.  Isn't that right, Jamesie-Poo?"

Everyone now looked at James Potter, who was practically undressing Lily Evans behind his glasses.  He realized all of the commotion had ceased and quickly retorted, "That's right, Siri-Poo.   And supposedly, we charmed it so the professors were unable to fix it for you."

Severus then snorted unattractively (though James doubted that Snivellus could do anything remotely attractive), garnering many looks of both disgust and intrigue.  "The professors didn't have to try to undo the spell because Marcella figured out the counter in three minutes."

"Best three minutes of my life," Peter whispered dreamily.  Marcella, who was undoubtedly the cleverest and brightest witch in their year, often belittled and bullied the slightly chubby Marauder.  She knew he was the weakest link, and appreciated the fury she earned within their friend group.  Starting up drama and defeating cocky Gryffindors in duels they challenged her to were her favorite pastimes.

"I meant afterwards, where I sent all of you to the hospital wing crying and vomiting slugs that reminded me of your slobbery snog sessions, Black," Marcella knew she hit a nerve when she jabbed at Sirius' relationships.  She was fully aware that Sirius only dated and broke hearts to prove to himself (and probably to his screwed up family) that other people could love him, did love him.  Instead of using her observations to help, she used them as her most powerful weapons.