Golden TRageDY-A Marauder Headcanon

Scarlet Express

Marlene panted as she dragged her trunk up the train steps and along the corridor⁠—popping her head in and out of compartments in an attempt to find her friends. She was starting to consider settling with a group of fourth-year Raveclaws and searching for them later when a familiar high-pitched giggling caught her ear. 

"And what are we so amused by?" the blonde leaned on the door, taking a deep breath.

"Marls! Took you a while, didn't it?" Alice exclaimed, as she and Lily left their seats to embrace the blonde into a suffocating group hug.

Once comfortably seated it didn't take long for Marlene to spill all the details about Sirius's unexpected visit.

"And you didn't even talk to him?" Alice asked Marlene astoundedly.

"Maybe you should just tell him how you really feel, Marls," Lily suggested meekly.

"There's nothing to tell," Marlene shrugged, looking away.

The words had barely left her lips when the compartment door swung open and in came none other than Sirius Black with his overgrown silky hair and overused leather jacket on.

"We thought to keep you company!" Remus grinned over his shoulder.

They entered, not waiting for a response. Remus Indicated Lily to move toward the window so he could sit next to Alice, Peter squeezed in beside him. James crawled toward the window, sitting across from Lily- jamming Marlene between him and Sirius.

"Marls, we've got to have a serious talk," James turned to face Marlene with a furrowed face.

"Please," Marlene rolled her eyes.

"And a Sirius one, too," Sirius whispered on her other side.

Marlene threw an indignant look at the latter proceeding to act as though she hadn't heard his statement.

"You do realize you haven't visited us all summer. Mom missed you," James continued ranting.

"Well you aren't the only one Marlene ignored," Lily added, crossing her arms interrogatively.

"So it isn't just me getting the cold treatment?" Sirius narrowed his eyes at her.

Marlene threw yet another annoyed look in the long-haired boy's direction but Sirius seemed untroubled, as he slid his arm around her shoulders casually.

"I'm sorry about not answering your letters, and staying so out of touch this year. But things were quite hectic at home," was all Marlene said. 

This excuse satisfied neither James nor Lily but they didn't press the subject assuming that their friend had a good reason to hide the true cause and would confide in them in private.

"This summer vacation was a nightmare! I had to endure my five-year-old brother who wouldn't stop inflating my aunt. I'm not sure if he still can't control the magic or is just enjoying himself at this point," Mary complained.

"Tell me about siblings being a pain in the butt. I was stuck with Petunia, and cut off from the rest of the magical world for the entire summer!" Lily joined in grumpily.

"But you did hear good news over the same," Marlene hinted.

"What?" Peter asked sheepishly.

"Well, it's nothing, really," Lily flustered.

"Oh, stop it.It's a huge deal!" Alice cut in, "Lily is a head girl!"

All looked impressed and after a round of congratulations and some hugs Lily spoke again.

"I wonder who the head boy is?"

Sirius smirked at James.

"Well, we won't keep you waiting for too long," James said,fumbling in his bag and removing a shining badge with the words "Head Boy" engraved on it.

"Very amusing. Who did you bully into lending you the Head boy badge, Potter?" Lily demanded.

"Didn't have to bully anyone, Lilyflower. it's my very own, believe it or not."

"Remus!" Lily said abruptly. "It's Remus, isn't it?" 

But as Remus shook his head slowly, her faith started quivering.

"Are you telling me that you-James Potter, the infamous trouble-maker, irresponsible and careless; the James Potter who can't go as far as a month without multiple detentions, have been made Head Boy of Hogwarts?!"

"Well, I'd put it somewhat differently but-"

"Merlin's Beard. But how could this be?!" Lily continued astoundedly, her mouth opening slightly. "There has probably been a mistake. A terrible misunderstanding. There must be. We should go to Dumbledore!"

"Evans, stop burbling. There's nothing Prongs can't handle. Plus, I think he's the perfect man for the job except that it's a pity we can't break as many rules anymore since he needs to uphold a reputation and all ."

"And he'll help you with the duties, you'll see, " Remus added comfortingly.

Lily fell silent but remained grouchy for a little while.

"I think what we all need to lighten up the mood is... Exploding Snaps!" James announced triumphantly.

"C'mon, Evans, I know you want to. Now stop with the face," James attempted to convince Lily to play the game as she looked at the cards distastefully.

They played until the lady with the trolley arrived, leaving the compartment considerably lighter than when she had entered.

Lily was sitting back with her book loosely held in her hands watching the messy-haired boy over it. She laughed at his jokes a little too loudly and imitated his body language unconsciously.

The train arrived at Hogsmeade station and passengers of Hogwarts Express poured out of the train abandoning their luggage, knowing that those would be taken care of. Massive droplets of water were falling from the overcast sky, soon gaining momentum to pour as if from buckets.

"James, I think that one's free," Lily cried over the sound of thunder, pointing at a carriage nearby.

"James now, is it?" Marlene half-whispered so that only the redhead could hear, "Lil, take your own advice and tell him."

Lily blushed at this but didn't say a word as they proceeded to the carriage.

As they sat under the shelter of the carriage Sirius shook his head, drying himself while spilling droplets of water over everybody in the vicinity.

"Sirius! Bloody hell, I'm wet all over!" Marlene groaned.

He raised his eyebrows at her.

"You're like a dog!" a third-year Hufflepuff giggled amusedly.

"You have no idea," he answered nonchalantly.