“Padfoot, can you put me down now, please?” asked James.
He was still being carried through the passageway on Sirius’s shoulder. James was sure that it looked quite interesting, so he was very glad no one beside Sam and Remus were watching. Remus was walking with his hand over his mouth as he laughed. Sam, who James felt had been constantly laughing since the whole Shutter-Upper scene, was continuing to laugh. James hoped he was getting enough air.
Almost obligingly, Sam started hiccupping.
Sirius stopped suddenly, and literally dumped James off of his shoulders. With a gasp and a groan, James landed on his back. As soon as he could breathe again, he glared up at Sirius. The black-headed wizard just walked over James and started whistling on his way to the Gryffindor common room. Remus reached down and pulled James to his feet. “One day, I swear he is just going to get it!” announced James, shaking his fist at Sirius’s back.
“Well, Prongs,” laughed Remus, “just make sure I’m there to see it.”
“Of course, Moony ol’ man!” James clapped Remus on the shoulder and started walking again. He got a few steps further down the passageway when Monica came rushing between James, Sam and Remus, carrying her bags from Edgar’s in her arms. “Oi! Monica!” called James to the retreating brunette. She turned around and started walking backwards. “What?”
“What are you wearing? I don’t think I saw it when you showed it to Lily!”
Monica smirked that Marauderette Smirk. “You’ll just have to wait and see. Just like with Lily, Alice, and Josey”Oh! Alice!” Monica stopped and retraced her steps past the three boys again.
James and Remus were finally coming out of the tunnel when Monica came running toward them again, with Alice (and her own bags) in tow. Remus managed to push James out of the way as they ran past.
“Crazy girls!” he muttered under his breath before stepping into the common room. They found that they didn’t have to look around for Sirius, because he had been stopped in the middle of the common room by a girl who, though she was rather plain, was pretty. Sirius shook his head and walked around her. She followed him with her eyes and frowned. When James walked over to the boys’ stairway, her frown fell away and she winked. James looked away quickly, for he was rather surprised.
“What was that all about?” he asked Sirius when he got back up to his old dorm. Sirius was unpacking his clothes and laying them out. “And why are you starting to get ready now? We have plenty of time.”
“That girl”I think her name is Laila”wanted to ask me to the Masquerade. I told her no, that I was going alone. I’m setting out my clothes now because I want to be prepared for once.” Sirius glared at James, before flopping backwards onto his bed and closing his eyes.
James shrugged but copied Sirius; he hung up his clothes and flopped onto his stomach on his bed, preparing to take a quick nap. Remus placed his own box on the bed and picked up a book. Samuel Donnelly shrugged as he ruffled his short brown hair and then mimicked Remus with the idea of reading. He picked up a tome from Remus’s bedside table, and sat down on the window seat. Still hiccupping.
“Sam… get rid of those hiccups before I throw a pillow at you,” threatened Sirius.
“Any ideas how? I can’t just snap my fingers and they’ll be gone,” said Sam, rather sarcastic.
“Drink a glass of water from the opposite end of the cup,” suggested James.
“Put a teaspoon of salt on a lemon, and then suck the juice out,” suggested Remus.
“Eat a spoonful of honey,” suggested Sirius.
“Peanut butter tastes better,” retorted James.
“Honey’s stickier.”
Sam looked from one man to the other. “So, which was should I use?” he asked. He hiccupped.
“Whichever one you want.”
“Thanks,” stated Sam sarcastically. He sighed, and hiccupped again.
Remus took pity on the poor first year, and stood up. “Come on, I’ll take you down to the kitchens.”
They left James and Sirius arguing over honey and peanut butter.
In Lily’s room, Josey and Alice were laying out the four gowns as Monica brushed out her curly brown hair.
“All right, Jo,” said Lily as she came in from the bathroom, dressed in her bathrobe. “What are you going to do with me now?” She threw her old clothes to the foot of the wardrobe and started towel drying her hair.
“Oh, you make it sound like I’m some sort of tyrant!” whined Josey, taking off her shoes and sweater and making her way over to the door. “You can do whatever you like! I just had to get you away from the boyfriend of yours.” She winked, and disappeared into the back hall.
“What do you want to do with your hair?” asked Monica, turning from the mirror above the short wardrobe to Lily
“I was wondering if you could braid my hair around my head?” Lily asked, miming the motion.
Monica looked as if she was thinking hard. “Well, your hair isn’t long enough to just wrap a braid around your head… I wonder if I could manage some sort of French braid…” She gestured Lily into the chair, and began brushing out Lily’s long red hair”which she described as being beautiful think and fine. She appeared to plan out her attack, then started braiding.
When she was nearly done, Josey walked back into the room. Alice, who had been waiting for her turn at the shower, walked out of the door, carrying the sleeveless shift that went under her gown. Josey winced at the look of pain on Lily’s face.
“She’s really good at making the braid really tight. Ow,” Lily said in response to Josey’s questioning glance.
“Oh, good heavens, Lily!” said Monica, exasperatedly. “It can’t be that tight. You just have a tender scalp.”
“Whatever the reason”Ouch!”
Josey rolled her eyes, then examined the braid. “That looks amazing Monica! How did you do that?”
Monica giggled. “I’m not sure, actually. This is the first time I’ve done anything like it.”
Josey stared at her in wide-eyed amazement.
“Hold still; I’m almost done.” Monica finished the braid with a few well placed bobby pins and a thin dark green ribbon, and then walked around to the front to examine her work. It did look very nice.
“You do have a tender scalp, Lily,” said Josey. Whenever she would do Lily’s hair, the latter always whimpered. Nikeia was the one who always had such a gentle touch with Lily’s hair. Thus, Lily usually did her own hair.
For such special occasions, however, she was glad to have someone work with her hair. She hugged Monica fiercely, loving her hairstyle. She was still thanking Monica when Josey pushed her out of the way and took her seat in front of the desk.
Lily glared at the blonde, and pinched her arm.
Monica laughed, and started brushing out Josey’s hair. She then started pulling the hair into a bun; Josey gasped at the tight tug.
Lily simply said, “Ha!” Then, she pulled on her own thin under-dress and sat on her bed, deciding to read rather than get into her gown immediately. Minutes later, Alice walked back into the room, Josey’s hair was done, and Monica went to take her shower.
By the time she returned, Lily had curled Alice’s hair using a handy charm and the three girls were trying to decide how to pin it up. Monica smiled and gently nudged Josey and Lily out of the way. She began gently styling the hair, forming a very loose bun of sorts, held in place by pearlescent pins. A blue ribbon around Alice’s head finished the look.
Josey sighed, seeing she was unneeded, and began getting into her costume. It proved a bit difficult, as it was made of a number of different pieces. Lily took pity on her, and went over to help. A thick petticoat went over the shift, followed by the skirt which was gathered in the back to allow for a full figure and slight train. The bodice laced up the back, but ribbon lacing adorned the front of the top. As Lily helped lace the bodice, she commented on the low cut and figure-enhancing quality.
Josey just chuckled and replied that if one had the body, it might as well be flaunted. She then instructed Lily to tighten it just a bit more. Lily pinched her again, and sighed; Josey had always been a bit vain, but Lily admitted that she was entitled to some of it.
Alice began applying a light layer of Witch Weekly’s favorite makeup, and watched as the younger girl deftly charmed her hair into a wildly frizzy but silky mane of hair. She shook her head in amazement, and asked: “So, is there any hairstyle you can’t do?”
Monica chuckled. “I’ve always enjoyed watching my mum do hair. She’s works at a Muggle salon. I’ve just picked up the certain tricks. And there’s actually a section in our library on beauty charms.”
“Really?” cried Josey, nearly elbowing Lily in the face as she straightened suddenly.
Alice and Monica rolled their eyes.
“Well, anyway, I’m utterly flabbergasted,” Alice muttered in awe.
Monica held out a thin, bright orange sash to Alice. “Will you tie this on for me? With this crazy hair, I can’t quite manage it.”
Alice smiled and helped the younger girl fix the band around her head.
“Oi! Ladies, let’s hurry up!” shouted Sirius as he stood in the head’s common room. All six boys were there, fidgeting slightly in their new clothing. It wasn’t that they were uncomfortable, they were just nervous... for some weird reason that they all somehow understood.
“What’s this?” drawled Remus. “Padfoot worried about being late?”
Sirius slugged Remus’s shoulder. Remus shot him a smirk that was answered by own of Sirius’s own. James rolled his eyes at his two best mates (mimicked by the ever-sarcastic Samuel), while Peter and Frank chuckled.
“He just wants to do the thing we planned,” put in James.
Remus’s brow furrowed. “What thing?”
“The thing we planned,” said Sirius, his smirk widening to a grin.
“Yes, I got that. What have you planned? And when did you have the time to plan anything? I’ve been with you all afternoon,” questioned Remus. “You’ll see; and earlier,” was all that Sirius gave before Frank gestured to the hallway.
Monica was the first to step into the common, with the other seventh years girls following.
Monica skipped in her yellow slippers over to Sam, her full skirt and petticoats flouncing around her knees. The vivid magenta was set off by the wide blue-green belt and multicolored shawl. Sam returned her welcoming smile.
Alice’s adorable white gown fit her well, and the dusky blue ribbon in her hair, matched by the wide band around her waist, complimented her rosy cheeks. She walked to Frank, and the others saw identical expressions in their eyes. Frank kissed Alice’s hand, before pulling her close to him for a light kiss on her lips.
Josey’s deep salmon dress accentuated her gorgeous figure”as any of the guys would admit”creating the perfect hourglass shape. She smirked, knowing she was being admired, and sashayed toward the other guys.
James only had eyes for Lily, though he faintly noticed the beauty of the other girls. The deep green of her velvet gown set of the bright red of her hair, and her eyes had never looked so stunning. He stepped forward to meet her, and loved the faint blush on her cheeks.
“You…” He sighed and decided a kiss better explained his emotions than any words. She whispered, “Thank you”, and was overwhelmed with affection for this tall man. She moved a piece of black hair off his forehead, then stepped back to look at his full outfit. The white shirt perfectly showed off his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and he had left the top laces undone. His tall boots ended at his knees and the dark green cape was fastened over one shoulder. His hat was set at a rakish angle. He looked utterly handsome.
“You keep staring at me like that, we’ll have to find some place private,” he muttered, his Marauder’s Smirk firmly in place. Lily blushed again and rubbed the back of her neck. James laughed, and kissed her cheek.
They turned to their other friends, all talking softly. Lily admired the collection of costumes. She felt that Sam looked adorably impish in his costume, and she realized that Monica and her girlfriends had planned to dress like gypsies, which Sam and his friends copied. She couldn’t wait to see the delightful group of first years all together. Sam’s deep purple pants clashed magnificently with his bright, embroidered vest of apple green and yellow, and his full-sleeved shirt of yellow ochre. He was wearing a scarlet cap atop his dark blonde hair. His typical smirk was in place as he lightly teased his friend, Monica.
Remus’s dark blue jacket was well-cut, the bright white cravat well tied, and his hair brushed back, and the general effect showcased his handsome features. Peter’s dark orange jacket looked good on him, and even helped make him seem a bit slimmer.
Sirius looked the perfect pirate or highwayman, with his black outfit and dashing hat. He gave Lily an enchanting smile and gently kissed her fingers. She giggled, playing the role of enchanted damsel. James frowned, and pulled Lily firmly against his side. Sirius just laughed, and turned to his other friends.
“Well, let’s get down to that party, eh?” He began to lead the way, but James stopped him.
“Padfoot, are you forgetting something?”
Sirius raised his eyebrow, freezing for a moment. Then understanding crossed his face and he smirked at James.
James left Lily’s side to stand at the main portrait hole opposite Sirius, where they both drew their swords and made an arch above their heads. Their friends chuckled, but filed out under the glinting swords.
“I’m assuming this is the thing you wanted to do,” drawled Remus. The two dark-haired boys smirked.
Lily was the last to pass through, and she smiled at both of her dear friends. They sheathed their swords, and bowed. They took Lily’s hands and placed them on their arms, escorting her from the room. She preened just a bit, thoroughly enjoying the attention of the two men beside her. She took a moment as they walked through the hallway towards the Gryffindor common room to reflect on the irony of being escorted to the ball by the two men she would have loved to escort to their own cells in Askaban at one point in the past. They had given her so much trouble”which in reality had just been her overreacting to their exaggeration and flair”and now, she considered them dear friends. One of them was, of course, closer.
She looked at the man on her left, smiling happily up at him. He returned the smile, not seeing Josey turn around and look at them.
“You know, Lily… I like the sound of ‘Lily Potter’,” she threw over her shoulder, the teasing evident in her voice.
“It does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Lily muttered, still watching James watch her.
The other walking before them all stopped and turned to her. It was a few seconds before she realized what she said and blushed furiously. James’s own cheeks were tinted pink under his dashing black hat. He took a deep breath and smiled as he put his hand under Lily’s chin and tilted it up towards his face. He smiled.
“I’ve been trying to tell you that for ages. You just never listened.” James leaned forward, a laugh evident on his lips, and gently kissed Lily, despite her gently smacking his arm.
Sirius brought his arm out of Lily’s loose grasp and shook his head as he walked up to Josey.
“You are a trouble-maker, my dear friend,” he said, using a finger to tap the underside of her chin affectionately. “You are also very worthy of the name ‘Marauderette.’”
Josey curtseyed”rather sloppily, as it was not something she was used to doing”and smirked at him.
“In fact,” Sirius said, turning to the others. “I think Lily and Monica should be inducted into the newly founded Order of the Marauderettes.”
“Padfoot, you can’t just create a branch of our group without asking us first,” objected Remus.
Sirius frowned. “Well, you agree, don’t you?”
Remus rolled his eyes. “Of course I agree. Any woman who can shut you up with a piece of candy like Monica, keep up with your teasing and sarcasm like Lily, or mimic your trickster ways like Josey simply must be honored.”
Sirius smiled broadly, then just as suddenly frowned. “Alice, would you care to join the group?”
Alice laughed. “No, Sirius. I’m not as troublesome as these other ragtag girls.”
“These other ragtag girls”, or at least two of them, stuck their tongues out at Alice, who laughed again.
“Then,” began Sirius. “Josey, Monica, Lily, will you kneel before us and prepare-” He glanced over at Lily and James, who were still sharing a kiss. “Evans!” Sirius shouted. The two broke apart and threw angry glances at Sirius.
“I’m about to induct Josey, Monica and Lily into the Order of the Marauderettes, and I can’t do that if Lily is snogging you, Prongs.”
“The Order of the what?” asked James.
“Marauderettes. Strong young women who aren’t afraid to keep the Marauders on their toes. Women who can keep up with our teasing and quick wit.” (He pointedly ignored the snorts of laughter.) “We, the Marauders are willing to accept these women as honored members.” Sirius looked at Remus, Peter and James, assuming they’d agree.
They rolled their eyes, but their pleasure and agreement was easily found on their faces.
“But,” said Peter, holding up a warning hand. “Can they all smirk the Marauderette Smirk?”
Sirius guffawed, and slapped Peter on the back. “Good thinking, Wormtail.” He turned to the girls. “Can you, my dear girls, do the incredibly important Smirk?” As one, the girls glanced at each other, then Smirked at the four guys. They all smiled back, content.
Sirius then directed the three women to stand before him and the other Maruaders. He Transfigured his handkerchief into a cushion on which Josey could kneel, then gestured to Remus and James to do the same. A replica was made of Sirius’s sword, which was handed to Remus.
Sam pulled from inside his vest a small camera that he then expanded. He took up position beside them, ready to shoot the ceremony. Frank and Alice stood by, smiling fondly at their friends, all of whom she thought were delightfully batty.
The Marauders conferred for a moment on what they would say, then Remus, Sirius and James took up position in front of the three kneeling girls. With flowery language, Sirius “knighted” Josey, tapping her shoulders with his sword. Remus inducted Monica (who was blushing and biting her tongue from the suppressed amusement), and James did the honors for his dear Lily.
And so, the Marauders expanded their group to include three young women of impeccable character by an impromptu ceremony in a hallway of Hogwarts. Sam chuckled wryly before commenting, “I’m glad I brought my camera along.”
Alice gasped. “We should take a group photo!”
The other girls gushed, thrilled at the idea. Remus and James shared a pained expression as they turned the cushions back into handkerchiefs. “What about Nikeia?” asked Sirius quietly, pocketing his piece of cloth.
Everyone’s smiles fell.
“We could head up to the hospital wing. Maybe she’ll be awake,” murmured Josey. “Madam Pomfrey said she was getting better. And if she’s not awake, it’ll still be better to have her in the picture. If anything it’ll show us ten years from now that we could think.” Josey gave a shaky laugh, and Remus hugged her with one arm around her shoulders.
“It’s a good idea. We’re actually not in danger of being late”Sirius was just excited to do his sword salute thing so he rushed us.” Remus ducked Sirius’s rather feeble punch. “Let’s head up to the Hospital Wing.”
He, Josey and Sirius led the way.
It was a sign that miracles really did happen, for their fallen comrade was sitting up in her bed, with her eyes closed. Madam Pomfrey, beaming from ear-to-ear, bustled over and hugged Josey.
“She’s awake. She just woke up a few minutes ago, so she’s still very weak. But she’s awake.” The elderly matron started to cry, and Sirius hugged her. He smiled through his tears of joy and ran over to Nikeia’s bed. Josey and Madam Pomfrey started to walk over, but James and Remus stopped them.
“Wait a mo’,” urged James.
Sirius leaned forward and kissed Nikeia’s forehead, his hands holding the sides of her head. She slowly opened her eyes. They soon started to water as she saw who was sitting in front of her.
“Oh, come on, I look better than that,” he muttered, smirking. “I know you’ve never looked more beautiful.”
Nikeia’s blush stood out sharply on her pale skin, but her next statement held a great deal of her usual personality: “Ever the charmer.”
The tears in his eyes and the expression on his face preceded him wrapping his arms around her tightly.
By the time he finally pulled away, everyone else had tears in their eyes. Nikeia looked around Sirius and smiled brightly. Everyone rushed forward at once to greet and hug Nikeia.
Madam Pomfrey hovered behind their circle, carefully watching Nikeia. Soon enough, her patient’s eyelids began to droop and she yawned. Before Madam Pomfrey was able to begin bustling, Sam pushed his camera into her hands.
“Will you take a picture for us?”
She sighed, but smiled and held up the camera. She got a few seconds of smiles on film before Nikeia actually fell asleep on Sirius’s shoulder.
Then, her usual strict hospital matron demeanor came back. She handed Sam his camera, then started ushering the students from the room with whispers and soft “shoos”.
Madam Pomfrey turned from the costumed students, noticing that Sirius was not with them.
Instead, Sirius remained on the bed, slouching a bit to accommodate Nikeia’s head on his chest. Madam Pomfrey placed her hands on her hips, and sighed. “We’ll see you downstairs later, eh mate?” asked James, making Madam Pomfrey’s mind up for her. She seemed to understand what he did, but just smiled and nodded.
“Oh, very well. Sirius, you can stay. The rest of you, enjoy the ball.” Suddenly, she lip began to quiver, and she began flapping her hands at them.
The chuckling students waved over their shoulders as they left the hospital.
Outside the doors, James attempted to wipe a tear from his cheek. He used the palm of his hands, brushing it roughly across his face, perhaps attempting to cry in a masculine manner. Unfortunately, Lily noticed.
“You’re not crying, are you James?”
Instead of denying it, he brusquely said, “I couldn’t let you take all the tears.”
Lily smiled, and wrapped her arms around him. He lightly kissed her hair, then stretched his other arm out to Josey. Arm-in-arm, they walked through the empty hallways towards the Gryffindor common room.
“Well, I do believe that is the best Christmas present I have ever seen,” admitted Lily, leaning her head against James’s shoulder.
“I will most certainly agree with you, oh Marauderette.”