Tales of the Black Lion

the prank-part 3

Regulus

Potter and Lupin ended up cornering me in the library over the course of the next few days.
As they had their heads down close to the table, designing something for their prank, my thoughts started to wonder to the past.

Sirius and I had been the best of friends. We did everything together, he was my role model.
Since he started Hogwarts and became a Gryffindor, our parents started disliking him even more, But I couldn't do that.. he was my brother.
The year after, when I joined Slytherin, I could read the disappointment etched on his face, but he understood. At least one of us had to appease our parents.
After the dinner, he had dragged me to a deserted hallway and had made sure that I was alright. I knew he would be there for me if I never needed him.

But now, a few years later. We had drifted apart. We were not as close as we used to be, he had his friends- the Marauders. It was for the better, as my cousin Cissa had been keeping an eye on me to report back to mother.
Sirius and I don't hate each other, but other than the casual acknowledgement of each other in the halls, we weren't able to actually talk due to nosy Slytherin spies set by our parents.
I knew he still cared, he made sure none of his groups pranks affected me and I made sure he knew I cared, by making sure none of the Slytherins attack him in any dangerous way.

I was brought back to reality with Potter waving his hand rapidly in front of my face.
"Ulus-Regulus... huloo, You there?"
"What is it Potter?"
"Well have a look."
I looked to where his hand was pointing to see the elaborate plan they had come up with. Today was probably the only reason I'd say this, but now I know there's a reason why I like my cousin Bella.
"Well.. what do you think?"
"This is it . It's perfect, Potter."
"Brilliant."

***

James

Moony and I walked casually to breakfast the next morning. We knew for a fact that Padfoot hadn't planned anything for us today, as we made sure to spy on him talking to Wormtail under the cloack.
Today is going to be in the history books if everything goes as planned.
I turned to the other side of the hall, to see Regulus smirking discretely at me.
I gave him a small thumbs up to show our plan would commence with perfection today.

 I sat next to Moony and opposite to Pads,
"What up Prongs. gonna admit defeat yet?"
"I might as well.What can I do Pads, you're just too tough of a nut to crack"
I tried my best to sound as hope-deprived as I could. He looked smug and put on a face of fake-concern,
"Oh poor prongsie, I wish I could help, but it's not my fault I'm not scared of anything."

I made sure to look defeated making it seem like I was out of idea. Pads seemed gullible enough to believe it. I sure was a good actor hehe.
Five minutes later ,
A high pitched squeal came from infront of me. 
it had come from Sirius and he seemed to be looking at one spot on his left with an expression of pure fear in eyes.

Moony had cast a spell to make sure only we and Pads could see it, and it was working.
Sirius jumped up and moved away.
"What happened Padfoot..?" Moony asked in the most innocent tone he could manage.
"Shut up moony. You know exactly whats wrong, Get t-that t-thing away from me."
"What are you talking about Pads, there's nothing there?"
"B-But it's right there.." he pointed shakily.

at this point I could actually hear snickers from the Slytherin table, one student in particular. With hair as black as his name who looked like he was trying really hard to muffle his laughter.
"What is there pads?" I prodded hoping he would reveal it himself.
"It's really not funny Prongs. get t-that thing away from me."
"What are you talking about Pads. I really don't understand."

"ALrigHt finee. The duck, get it away! please. " 
The great hall went silent for a second.
"Do you mean THIS duck..?" Moony asked revealing the spell.
Sirius rushed back. " y-Yes t-that abomination. Now get it away."

Everyone burst into laughter. Sirius had actually been scared.
"Oh Pads, it's only a rubber duck." At this Moony couldn't stop it , he broke into laughter and actually fell down. I couldn't hold it in either.

Sirius POV
It took Sirius a few minutes to realize he had been pranked by his friends.
He thought for a moment. how would they know about his weakness..
Then it hit him.
REGULUS!

--

"Regulus Arcturus Black!"
Everyone sobered a bit at the loud growl Sirius let out. Regulus cowered a bit but still couldn't stop laughing.
"Yes dear brother" he leered out.
"I'm going to kill you."

Suddenly a huge bucket of glue and feathers fell on Sirius. Now it really happened , everyone in the great hall including the staff were chuckling. The marauders were howling and Sirius stood there speechless unbelieving of being pranked by someone.
In his blank thoughts, he never noticed his brother slip out of the room and neither did he notice James taking a picture.
after all it was a sight to see
The great Sirius Black,
Out pranked by his fellow marauders
with mere ducks.

***********