The Marauders Rise (II)

Detention

March 13, 1974

In the Hogwarts library, JAMES and SIRIUS, along with a few other students serving detention, are busy organizing the old school files of past students.

SIRIUS: (sneezing loudly) God, this is nauseating.

MINERVA: (from the librarian's desk) It's supposed to be nauseating, Mr. Black. But I'm sure Madame Pince is more than grateful for the hard work you're providing her with.

JAMES: Why does the school even keep these old files?

SIRIUS: Just think. Twenty years from now, our kids will be doing the same thing, only with files depicting the great adventures of Black and Potter, the inseparable duo-

JAMES: God help us if you ever have children, Sirius.

SIRIUS: Yeah, yeah- hey, did you get to these Quidditch files yet?

JAMES: No.

SIRIUS: Wait a minute- Professor, were you on the Gryffindor Quidditch team?

MINERVA: Excuse me?

SIRIUS: (incredulously) In 1954- you were Keeper?

MINERVA: (taking the file and smiling) Ah, yes. Back in the day.

JAMES: You never told us you played Quidditch!

MINERVA: Indeed I did. Back then, the team was quite amazing. Wondrous to behold. But I'm afraid I took a nasty fall in one of my final matches. I dove for the Quaffle after Slytherin had shot it, and fell off my broom. I sustained several injuries, but I never played again.

JAMES: That's awful!

MINERVA: (closing the file and handing it back to them) It was a long time ago. Gryffindor has a stronger team now.

JAMES: (smiling) Thanks, Professor.

MINERVA: (checking her timepiece) Anyway, that seems to be enough for tonight. Off to bed, everyone. Detention is over.

SIRIUS: Want to grab something to eat real quick?

JAMES: Naw, you go ahead without me. I'm pretty tired.

SIRIUS: Okay. See you back at the common room.

SIRIUS sprints out of the library. JAMES collects the files and puts them back in their respective cabinets. He turns to the exit, and sees REMUS leaning against the doorway.

JAMES: Hey, mate.

REMUS: Hey.

JAMES: What's up?

REMUS: Nothing. Just thought I'd catch you walking home from detention.

JAMES: Ah, and what a thrilling night it was. (He slings his bag over his shoulder). So, what's new with you?

REMUS: Not a lot. I, uh- I just-

JAMES: What?

REMUS: I just wanted to let you know that- that Lily and I broke up. For good.

JAMES: Oh- okay.

REMUS: And I- I'm really sorry for everything that happened.

JAMES: It's not on you, Remus. I was out of line, too.

REMUS: Anyway- let's agree not to let anything come between our friendship again. Including girls.

JAMES: (smiling) Especially girls. (He holds out his forearm, and REMUS grasps it, smiling).

JAMES: Come on, I'll race you back.

The two boys quickly sprint down the corridor towards Gryffindor Tower. From behind, MINERVA watches them, and smiles slightly as she walks back to her office.