The Marauder's Map

Part 7

Four years later...

"You know the Map we gave you, Harry?" George had come up to Harry a day after the battle.

"Yeah." Harry sighs, looking pained.

"Well, Ron explained to us- me about Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs. If you introduce yourself and ask a question or make a comment, they'll respond. Introduce yourself as Messrs. Potter, it's how they know you." George's voice cracks on the word us, still used to being with his twin.

Harry doesn't hesitate, he turns around and sprints to Gryffindor tower.

"LET ME IN!" He demands to the Fat Lady, who looks up wide eyed and obeys.

He sprints up the steps and throws himself into the 7th year boys' dorm. Nearly tearing open the mokeskin pouch in his haste to pull out the Map.

"Hello. It's Messrs. Potter, Dad? Sirius? Remus?" Screw Peter.

Nothing appears on the parchment, Harry curses.

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He sighs, hoping to maybe get a response.

Nothing.

That isn't supposed to happen, the Map should still work. No matter for him or anyone so long as they have the password.

Harry turns over the parchment, wondering what's wrong with the Map. On the backside lie two words. Two words that tear Harry's heart in half. Two words that had probably been there for over a day. Two words that are the only ones that make sense. Two words that will lie on the parchment forever.

Mischief Managed