How To Scare The Marauders

Way Six - Make Sure James Potter Gets a Howler

   Somewhat exhausted from ranting about Rose Watson all night, the Marauders trudge down to the Great Hall to breakfast the next morning, muttering to each other how annoying she was. They couldn't get over what she was like - Merlin, they had been unfortunate in meeting her.

   "Potter!" Called Fabian Prewett as the Marauders entered the hall, a gleeful smile on his face.

   "What?" Called James tiredly, walking up to where Fabian sat at the Gryffindor table. He didn't even notice that Lily was at the table!

   "We have a little something for you." Grinned Gideon Prewett, his brown eyes twinkling with joy and mischief.

   "I think you'll like it." Said Fabian.

   "Or maybe you won't." Said Gideon.

   "But we certainly will." They synchronized.

   "What have you got to give me?" Asked a curious James, raising his eyebrows as he outstretched his hands expectantly.

   "Are you sure you want it?" Mused Fabian.

   "Yes." Said James.

   "Are you sure you're sure?" Chimed Gideon.

   "Are you sure you're sure you're sure?" Sang Fabian.

   "Just give it to me." Commanded James, wiggling his fingers.

   "As you wish." They grinned together, and from behind his back, Fabian pulled out a steaming letter, the colour of blood and placed it in the palm of James' hand.

   "Oh, fuck." Muttered Sirius, his eyes widening as they landed on the envelope. "Mate, why have you got a howler?"

   "I don't know." Said James, shaking his head. "Bloody hell, Remus, get rid of it for me!"

   "I wish I could, but I can't!" Said Remus, his face a little pale. "You'll have to -"

   Remus was cut off by the sound of Dorea Potter's voice exploding from the horrifying envelope as it jumped out of James' hand, floating in front of him.

   "James Fleamont Potter!" She - or it - shouted, the voice echoing through the hall and bringing everyone's attention to the Marauders. "How dare you bully younger students just to boost your little ego? Scratch that, enormous ego! Your father and I expected you to be in trouble for a few pranks, but when I'm sent a letter from a victim of your bullying saying how you've ruined her first few day at Hogwarts, I'm less than impressed! I'm disgusted in your behaviour and we will be talking to you about this seriously at Christmas! You better not put another toe out of line or I'll have you -"

   "Now, now, Dorea! I don't think the rest of Hogwarts should hear that!" Came Fleamont Potter's voice.

   "Well then! James, you better watch your behaviour! Oh, Sirius, Remus, and Peter! I hope you're all doing well! Fleamont and I wish you come over for Christmas if you like! Good day, everyone!" Farewelled Dorea's voice.

   James was exceptionally pale in the face as he watched the howler blow a raspberry at him, tearing itself up into pieces which fell to the floor as he stood in place, rooted to the spot. His eyes were wide beneath his glasses and his ears were still ringing from his mother's voice.

   "Who told your mum that you're a bully?" Sirius asked.

   "That's ridiculous, nobody would do that, it had to have been a joke." said Peter, though his face was red and he looked somewhat traumatised as he half-hid behind Sirius.

   "I know somebody who'd do it." Stated Remus darkly, glancing up the table to where Rose laughing with her friends, glancing at the Mauraders with a proud grin flashing across her face.

   "We need to get her back." Muttered James, his eyes focused on Rose. "She has too much power, being able to send my mother a letter to get her to send me a howler."

   In all honestly, the thought alone of Rose's power was enough to chill the Marauders to the bone, but there was something else in Sirius' mind of thought.

   Short chapter again, sorry! But, I did two updates this week, which is an accomplishment in my book ;p