Prongs {Book One}

Chapter Eighteen - A Whole Lot of History

JAMES.

"I propose an all-nighter before our first exam," Sirius announced, slamming One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi closed, and looking around at us.

Remus was writing notes so fast that his hand was a blur across the page. Peter was sweating nervously, mouthing incantations and theory to try remember them.

"Sounds like a plan," I grinned, closing my own book. "I'm in."

Remus looked up at us from his notes, a steely glint in his eye. "Only if you two promise to study. Properly. All night. Then I'll help by giving you energy charms tomorrow."

Sirius clamped a hand to his heart, offended. "How could you accuse us of such vile acts when obviously it's Wormtail who's going to be causing the real trouble?"

I snorted. Peter laughed. Even Remus' expression softened.

"C'mon, Moony. You need a break. A break from that bloody badge. Let's break some rules tonight. Not too many," I said quickly, as Remus' eyes turned steely again and Peter began to sweat, "just a couple. We'll sneak some butterbeer out of Hogsmeade, go to the Prefects' bathroom..."

"Alright. But not the bathroom. I don't have any intentions of running into..." he gestured.

I sighed, resigned. "I have to actually agree with you there. If I saw Snivellous, I don't know if I could refrain myself, him being such a prat and all. But then he'd go running to Evans, and I'd have even less of a chance of dating her."

"So we'll just study in the common room?" Peter asked, eyes wide.

"Well, maybe something a little more exciting than just studying," Sirius mused.

"I suppose a little bit wouldn't hurt," Remus said with a slight smile.

"It's settled then," Sirius said, triumphantly, "who wants to come get butterbeer with me? The house elves will probably have some in the kitchen."

I stood up immediately, shutting my book and shoving it in my bag. "I think if I look at one more potions recipe, I'll turn into a cauldron." I glanced at Peter and Remus. "Would you two nerds care to join us?"

"I'm not even halfway through my notes," Peter moaned fretfully.

"You two go," Remus said. "The cloak probably can't fit us all anymore, anyway."

"Yeah, you're right," I said, and we went to the dormitory to get the cloak, then exited the common room and put it on in an empty classroom.

It was a tight fit even for two of us - there were a couple of times the cloak flapped dangerously around our ankles, but the castle was mostly deserted.

Only a dozen elves were in the kitchen, seemingly preparing for breakfast already. One of them jumped when she saw us and then squealed in a whisper, "young masters should not be out of bed this late!" Then she clapped her hand over her mouth, and added, "meaning no offense, masters! No offense! But will you not get into trouble?"

"Thanks for the concern, but we won't get caught," Sirius grinned.

"We were just getting thirsty, night before exams and everything. I don't suppose you have any butterbeers?"

Four more house elves rushed to attention, and one of them squeaked, "of course, young masters!" And then hurried off again.

"And could you do us a favour and not tell anyone we were here?"

"Yes, young masters! Anything we can do for you! Could we also offer you food, sirs?"

"That sounds great," Sirius grinned even wider, and two house elves came carrying a box of butterbeers, closely followed by four more carrying a platter of biscuits and muffins.