The Marauders Rise (II)

The Afterparty

February 5, 1974

In the Gryffindor common room, the victory afterparty continues to grow well into the evening. The room is very crowded, with many students standing in their pajamas, holding drinks and laughing with friends.

FRANK: And then, out of nowhere, this Bludger comes straight for me and hits me right here- I thought I lost my arm, for a moment-

ALICE: (rolling her eyes) My boyfriend, the hero.

Across the room, the Marauders are gathered with LILY, MARLENE, and MARY.

JAMES: (ruffling his hair) Yeah, it wasn't a pretty difficult match.

PETER: (in awe) Did you ever think you would miss one of those shots when you went for it?

JAMES: Not a chance, Peter.

MARY: (smiling mischievously) Oh, really? So who was it that was scared senseless down here last night? Or was I just imagining that?

MARLENE: Is that true, Potter? Were you scared?

JAMES: No way!

MARY: I think even the great James Potter gets a little nervous before Quidditch matches. Just a little.

SIRIUS: Who cares if he's nervous? No one scored as much as he did today.

JAMES: Yeah, Mary.

MARY: But even the invincible have weaknesses-

JAMES: Oh, yeah? Well, who was it that led us to the first Gryffindor victory of the year! (He raises his voice at the end, while the entire common room lets out a massive cheer).

SIRIUS high-fives JAMES, who smiles and leans back against the wall.

LILY: (rolling her eyes) Whatever. Can we go somewhere quieter? (She takes REMUS' hand, and together the two exit the common room).

REMUS: It's pretty intense in there.

LILY: Potter is such a conceited airhead-

REMUS: Come on, this is good for him. He's an excellent flier, he deserves this-

LILY: It's just the way he acts, always messing up his hair and everything-

REMUS: Lily, stop. James is my friend.

LILY: So?

REMUS: So I don't appreciate it when you talk about him like this. He has flaws, just like all of us, but he's a good guy deep down.

LILY: Okay. I'm sorry. (She goes to kiss him, but he turns his head).

LILY: What?

REMUS: I don't know, I just- I don't think we should be dating.

LILY: What? Where is this coming from?

REMUS: (taking her hands) I care about you a lot, Lily. And you'll always be my best friend. But I don't think we were meant to be together that way. I think it's best that our relationship is platonic.

LILY: (her voice quivering) I like you, Remus! I thought you liked me, too.

REMUS: Of course I do, Lily. But I don't want to hurt you by continuing this relationship. I think it's for the best. 

LILY: (wiping tears from her eyes) Well, whatever you think is best, then. (She walks past him).

REMUS: Lily, wait-

LILY returns to the common room and goes upstairs to the the girls' dorm. REMUS watches her go, and returns to the party as well.