𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐀 | 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬

✧ chapter 16 ✧

­­­1976

The first sign of a Marauder-fuelled disturbance came the Monday morning after the first Hogsmeade trip for the year. While everyone else was going about their usual business before classes, the Marauders were sat at the Gryffindor table in a huddle whispering secretly and giggling to themselves. Out of nowhere, James stood up and marched right up to the staff table.

"Professor McGonagall, Minnie, would you do me the great honour of attending the annual All Hallows Eve Ball as my date?" James asked, making sure to enunciate every syllable so everyone present heard what he said. McGonagall was so shocked by the sudden question that she hardly had time to process the request and reply in an appropriately stern manner before Sirius was on his feet and charging towards the table.

"How dare you!" He shrilled, pointing his wand at James' face.

"Well excuse me." James replied, snapping his fingers in a 'z' formation.

"You know the deep connection I have with Minnie. How could you do this to me? Draw your weapon!" Sirius continued, now prancing backwards and forwards on the spot and waving his wand about.

"Mr Black! Mr Potter! Stop this ridiculous behaviour at once." McGonagall snapped, although it was quite obvious that she was trying to conceal the hint of a smile.

"Anything for you, Minnie." James replied, both he and Sirius bowing deeply, before shooting each other exaggerated glares and proceeding to engage in a fight which was mainly poorly aimed slaps and girlish squealing.

"Enough!" Sirius declared with a dramatic swooping arm movement, accidentally smacking James in the face in the process. James fell to the ground and his glasses flew off his face, skidding a couple of feet away. "Professor Dumbledore, Dumbles my good friend, Albus, Alby my old mate, will you accompany me to the ball?" Dumbledore looked on with a familiar twinkle in his eye and allowed a small smile. His reply was cut off however by McGonagall, who had regained her bearings enough to reprimand the boys.

"Enough! Five points from Gryffindor each. Now return to your seats before I agree to accompany both of you on a date with detention!"

"Tempting." James whispered to Sirius as he stood up and slid his glasses back on.  Sirius nodded in agreement as McGonagall ushered them back to the Gryffindor table.

"On the bright side, Dumbledore didn't say no." Sirius stated once seated again as everyone else in the Great Hall looked on in disbelief.

"What are you lot playing at?" Marlene questioned in an accusing tone, narrowing her eyes as she spooned porridge into her mouth.

"Why, whatever do you mean, Marely? We were simply trying to score ourselves dates to the ball." James stated, pretending to be hurt by her accusations.

"Frankly I am wounded that you would think so little of us Marley. I truly feel a deep connection with both Minnie and Alby." Sirius added, flipping his hair for emphasis.

"So you're openly admitting that you're gay then?" Lily shot back, a small smirk tugging at her lips.

"Is that so surprising?" Sirius quipped without missing a beat.

"Actually, it would explain a lot." Aurora mused, sizing up both James and Sirius as if to confirm her suspicions.

"We're here, we're queer, we're-"