The Marauders: Year One (female)

43. Pooped

McGonagall surveyed them all over her glasses. Her mouth was thinner than it had ever been. She rested her chin on her interlaced fingers, as she sat down behind her desk.

Jamie swallowed nervously, although her hands were shoved deep inside her pockets, and she still had a defiant expression on her face.

McGonagall's gaze finally moved away from her, to Sirius, then Petra, Severa, and finally Lillian.

Lillian looked like he wanted the earth to swallow him up, as McGonagall's scrutinising stare moved away from him.

It was several minutes before she spoke. 'The behaviour I have seen of all of you today,' she said, 'was absolutely appalling, and I wish to never see such idiocy ever again.'

Her nostrils flared. 'You four are Gryffindors. I expected better of my house.' She pointed to Severa. 'And I will also be speaking to Professor Slughorn about this.'

Lillian's jaw dropped with the injustice of it all. 'But Professor! Severa and I were just talking, and this lot came around and started --'

Professor McGonagall stopped him with a raised palm. 'I do not wish to hear excuses,' she said curtly. 'Twenty points from Gryffindor and Slytherin each.'

Lillian's eyes bugged out of his head. 'But Professor--'

'Don't make me change it to twenty-five.'

'Nice one, Evans,' Sirius said bitterly.

McGonagall looked at her sharply. 'The same goes for you too, Black.'

Sirius ground her teeth as Severa looked triumphant.

McGonagall pushed her glasses up her nose. 'Another pressing matter which I am compelled to speak to you about, is this absurd rivalry going on between Slytherin and Gryffindor. These are dark times we live in; surely if we are to fight against-' she paused, wondering what to say, 'certain undesirable influences inside and outside of these walls, then we must have at least some semblance of unity.'

All of them nodded seriously. Even Jamie had sobered up, although she looked disgusted at the idea of unity with Severa.

McGonagall sighed heavily. 'This divide between the houses has gone much too far. It will take time for the split to heal, but in order for this to happen, bonds must be formed. It is for this reason that I am assigning you all detention together, helping Professor Kettleburn clear out the Care of Magical Creatures enclosures, in hopes that the shared labour will create some trust between you all.'

'Work with Sniv --' Sirius interjected.

'Another five points from Gryffindor,' said McGonagall severely.

All four Gryffindors groaned, and Jamie stepped on Sirius's foot. It was Lillian's turn to glare at Sirius.

Jamie cast a hate filled look at Severa, who was quietly gloating at her mini victory.

'Professor Kettleburn will be expecting you directly after lunch. If there any delays, make no mistake in thinking I won't hear about it.'

She paused, her eyes lingering disappointedly on Lillian again. 'You are all dismissed.'

Severa and Lillian darted out first.

The three girls were left to leave last, heads hanging sulkily.

'Fat lot of good that was,' Sirius said gloomily, slouching with her hands in her pockets.

'Couldn't even hex a ruddy Slytherin,' Jamie agreed. 'And the old cat just sent an owl to my parents a few days ago. At this rate, we'll never be able to see Remus.'