The Marauders: A Hogwarts Tale

"Aww, that's so sweet," Lily said, clasping her hands together and cupping her face, her green eyes glistening as she sighed dreamily. "Godric and Raine, the lion and the wolf, a slave and a student… a forbidden love. It's so romantic, isn't it? Like something straight out of a novel or one of those films." She let out a wistful sigh. "If I ever fall in love, it'd have to be with someone as brave and noble as Godric."

The sun had slipped beneath the horizon, painting the sky in shades of deep amber and dusky purple as autumn's twilight began to settle over the castle grounds. The leaves rustled softly around their loafers, their hues of gold and crimson catching the last traces of fading light.

As the shadows deepened, the enchanted street lamps flickered to life, their flames igniting with a soft, magical hum. The light inside their glass enclosures shimmered and danced, as though imbued with the lingering energy of the day. The lamps cast a warm, golden glow over the cobblestones, illuminating the paths ahead with pools of soft light that seemed to push back the growing darkness.

James flushed, his ears going a bit pink as he watched her smile. "Yeah, well, it's all very touching, I'll admit," he said, trying to sound casual. "But it's a bit worrying too, isn't it? The way Godric was willing to almost murder someone for what happened. It's a miracle he got away with it, to be honest."

"Oh, please," Lily said with a scoff, rolling her eyes dramatically. "That Rufus bloke deserved everything he got and more. I'd argue Godric didn't go far enough, if anything." Her gaze sharpened, her tone firm. "I've got no patience for bullies, especially someone as nasty as him."

James cleared his throat, suddenly looking rather sheepish. A bead of sweat forming as his thoughts drifted back to his own… escapades involving Snape. "Right… bullies. Terrible lot," he mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

Lily leaned back, her expression softening as she gazed skyward. Her voice grew quieter, more reflective. "Still, hearing this story… knowing this is about the Godric Gryffindor… it makes him seem so much more real, doesn't it? Not just the brave and larger-than-life hero we read about in the history books. Here, he feels human. Like one of us—a teenager with hopes, dreams, and even love."

"That's exactly what I've been saying!" James chimed in; his grin wide. But then he stopped, narrowing his eyes at her suspiciously. "Wait a second… are you actually saying you believe this book is real?"

Lily burst out laughing, her mirth lighting up her face. "Oh, James, don't be daft! Of course, it sounds completely barmy. I mean, really— think about it. A mythical land no one's ever heard of, filled with elves, orcs, and goblins? A magical school with heroes of legend?" She shook her head, her laughter trailing off into a thoughtful smile.

"But… I'd like to believe it's real. I want it to be true. There's so much I'd love to know—about Avalon, about the Clans, about the Congregation…" She hesitated. "And especially what happens to Godric and Raine."

Before anyone could say more, the clock tower chimed, its deep, resonant tones cutting through the evening air and signaling the start of supper. The sound drew them all back to reality.

"Well, I suppose that's that for now," James said, closing the book with a decisive snap. "We'd better get to the Great Hall before the food's all gone."

Just as he turned to leave, Lily reached out and grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. James froze, his cheeks burning as he looked down at her hand clasping his.

"Promise me you'll be here tomorrow!" she said earnestly, her emerald eyes sparkling with excitement. "I have to know what happens next!"

James swallowed hard, his voice cracking slightly. "Y-yeah, of course. Tomorrow. I promise."

Lily smiled, her fingers lingering just a moment longer before she let go. "Good," she said lightly, turning and heading toward the Great Hall with a bounce in her step.

James stood there for a moment, staring after her like a stunned deer, before shaking himself and hurrying to catch up. His grin was small and bashful, but it lingered all the way to supper.

****

"And so, I said, it's Levi-ooo-sa, not Levi-o-sar," Remus recounted, jabbing his fork into his pasta with exaggerated indignation. "And then she had the audacity to get all cross with me and told me to shove off!"

Sirius burst out laughing, nearly choking on his pumpkin juice. "By Merlin's beard, Moony, that brilliant charm of yours is going to have you dying sad and alone."

Peter, gnawing enthusiastically on a chicken leg, nodded so vigorously it was a wonder his head didn't fall off.

The Great Hall buzzed with life, its long, enchanted ceiling reflecting the velvety hues of twilight dotted with glimmering stars. Students from all houses filled the vast space, seated at their respective tables, their chatter blending into a lively symphony of voices.

The rich aroma of roasted meats, freshly baked bread, and hearty sides—creamy potatoes, buttered rice, and savory gravy—wafted through the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of desserts that waited to be served. Golden goblets shimmered under the warm glow of suspended candles, and the clink of utensils against plates punctuated the conversations.

Clusters of students leaned toward one another, sharing stories, laughter, and the occasional groan over particularly challenging assignments. At the Gryffindor table, Sirius, Remus, and Peter were huddled together, engrossed in their own animated discussion. The group had forged a tradition of gathering at mealtimes since the start of their friendship, and tonight was no different.

"Oh, shove it, you two," Remus shot back, scowling. "As if either of you are better. You've got the charm of a blasted fire slug."

It was then James appeared, spotting his friends at their usual spot. He dropped his bag to the stone floor with a thud and slid into the seat beside Sirius.

"Well, well, look who's decided to grace us with his illustrious presence," Sirius said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. "What's the matter, Prongs, get lost on your way here? Maybe you should've taken McGonagall's offer and have you turned into a map."

"Sorry I'm late," James said, ruffling his hair out of habit. "I was… catching up on some reading."

Remus froze mid-bite, his eyes going wide. "Reading? By the Gods, are you actually dying?"

"That's exactly what I said!" Sirius cried, slapping the table and nearly knocking over Peter's goblet. "We'd better get Madam Pomfrey to shove a thermometer up his arse, just to be sure!"

James rolled his eyes, his tone dry. "Oh, har har, you two. Real comedians, aren't you?" He leaned forward, glaring at Peter, who was nodding along enthusiastically with Sirius. "And you, Wormy, maybe it wouldn't kill you to pick up a book yourself once in a while."

"Prongs…" Remus interjected, his brow furrowing. "Please don't tell me you're still stuck on that ridiculous storybook you nicked from the restricted section."

"Well…I…" James said, his hand reaching up to scratch the back of his neck. "Maybe just a bit."

Remus threw his arms up in mock exasperation, his fork clattering to the plate. "Unbelievable. Of all the things for you to obsess over…"

"Hah, told you, didn't I?" Sirius said, his grin wicked as he leaned closer to James, his grey eyes gleaming with mischief. "So, what's the latest, eh? Did Godric finally snog that Ignis monitor girl?" He snapped his fingers theatrically, feigning deep thought. "Hera? No, wait… Hannah, wasn't it?"

James flushed, the tips of his ears turning red as he grabbed a piece of bread from the table and hurled it at Sirius with unerring precision. "Oh, shut it, Paddy," he snapped, scowling fiercely. "And for the record, her name is Helena, you absolute dolt. And no, he did not snog her."

As Sirius laughed and dodged the bread, Remus shook his head, muttering under his breath. "We're doomed… absolutely doomed…"

Peter just grinned and reached for another chicken leg, content to watch the chaos unfold.

"Well, who did he snog, then?" Sirius drawled, leaning forward with a devilish glint in his eye. "What with the Samhain Ball on the horizon and all that. Was it Rowena? Helga? Or—wait, I've got it!" He snapped his fingers theatrically, his grin widening. "That posh bird from Aecor! You know, the one who swans about like she's royalty? The prissy princess type who couldn't hold her tongue if her life depended on it!"

James' face deepened to a shade of scarlet, his silence betraying far more than he intended. Sirius' grin faltered, his eyes widening in sheer disbelief as he leaned back slightly.

"Merlin's beard, Prongs, I was joking!" Sirius exclaimed. "You're not telling me Godric actually snogged someone? Like, proper snogging? With lips and all?"

Remus let out a frustrated groan and leaned across the table to hush him. "Paddy, for the love of all that is holy and true, keep your bloody voice down!" he hissed. "Do you want the whole Hall to think we're sitting here writing some… some sordid fanfiction about the Founders?"

Peter swallowed his mouthful of chicken, raising his hand like a schoolboy eager to contribute. "Oh, funny you should mention that! I was actually working on a little something myself. It begins with—"

"Shut it, Pettigrew!" the other three chorused in perfect unison, their voices drawing a few curious glances from nearby students.

Peter huffed indignantly, crossing his arms and slumping back in his seat. "Nobody's ever interested in my writing," he muttered, pouting like a scolded child.

Sirius, still wearing that signature mischievous grin, grabbed a piece of bread and lobbed it with perfect precision at Peter, hitting him squarely on the forehead. "That's because your writing always starts with something like," he began, adopting a dramatic, overly amorous tone, "'Oh, help me, dearest stepbrother! I'm stuck!'"

He leaned back, laughing as Peter scowled, brushing the crumbs off his hair. "Honestly, Wormtail, if I had a Knut for every time you penned some sad, wish fulfilling nonsense like that, I'd be richer than dear ole' Lucius!"

Remus shot James a sharp glare, his tone laced with suspicion. "Prongs, I know you. You'd sooner be hacking up fur brushing kneazles with Professor Kettleburn than cracking open any book for a bit of light reading," he said, narrowing his eyes. "So, spill it—what's truly got you so obsessed with that bloody—" 

He stopped mid-sentence, his words catching in his throat as he followed James' not-so-subtle gaze down the Gryffindor table. There, just a few seats away, Lily Evans was smiling brightly, her emerald eyes twinkling as she offered James a small wave.

Remus's jaw dropped. "Prongs… James… you didn't. Please tell me you bloody didn't…"

"Um…" James shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

Sirius's smirk widened into a full-blown grin. "Oooh, and here I thought I was supposed to be the sly dog in this group," he said, leaning back with a look of exaggerated pride. "Getting the prettiest girl in Gryffindor to notice you? You've got moves, Prongs. Proper impressive."

"James Fleamont Potter, you're going to get us all killed—or worse, expelled!" Remus snapped, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "It's bad enough you nicked a book from the Restricted Section, but by all means, go ahead and tell the entire bloody school you still have it in your possession!"

"Geez, calm down, Moony," Sirius said, waving a hand lazily. "You're going to give yourself a stroke if you keep throwing a hissy fit like that."

"I will not calm down!" Remus hissed, though he remembered to lower his voice. "I will not be told to calm down because, unlike you wretched scamps, I'd very much like to graduate without having my sorry arse thrown out of Hogwarts along with you lot! A prank is one thing, but this—this is a completely different level of madness."

"Alright, alright," James interjected, holding up his hands in surrender. "Fine, Moony, I'll admit it's crazy. Completely mental, even. But…" He leaned forward, leveling a steady gaze at Remus. "Look me in the eye and tell me you're not even the least bit curious about what happens next."

"I… I…" Remus opened his mouth, lifting a finger to retort, but the words caught in his throat. After a moment of hesitation, he let out a sigh and dropped his hand. "Alright, you got me there," he admitted grudgingly. "It's stupid as hell, but… fine. Sirius is right—it is bloody entertaining."

Sirius beamed triumphantly, clapping James on the shoulder. "See? Told you he'd come around. The boy can't resist a good bit of mischief."

Remus groaned, shaking his head. "This is going to end in disaster. Mark my words."

"Maybe," James said with a sly grin, "but it'll be one hell of a ride getting there."

Sirius raised an invisible goblet. "To chaos and bad decisions, gentlemen."

Peter, mid-chew, raised his chicken leg in agreement. "Hear, hear!"

****

Later that night, the boys' dormitory was quiet save for the faint crackling of the enchanted lantern that cast a warm, flickering glow across the room. The four of them had gathered on the plush, textured carpet in the center of the space, their usual spots claimed like an unspoken ritual. The heavy drapes were drawn, muffling the outside world, while the air carried a faint scent of parchment and the lingering traces of evening cocoa.

Each of them had dressed for comfort, their pajamas rumpled and mismatched, as if chosen in haste. James sat cross-legged, the book balanced on his lap, its aged leather cover glinting faintly in the lamplight. As he thumbed through the pages, his brow furrowed with thought.

Sirius lay sprawled out on his stomach, propped up on his elbows with a devil-may-care grin tugging at his lips. His hair, as unruly as ever, flopped over his forehead, and he idly twirled a loose thread from the sleeve of his worn-out pajama top.

Remus, ever the practical one, leaned against the side of his bed, a throw blanket draped over his shoulders. He held a steaming mug in one hand, his other hand absently pushing back a stray strand of hair as he watched James with a raised eyebrow, equal parts skeptical and intrigued.

Peter had claimed the coziest corner of the carpet, encircled by what could only be described as a mountain of snacks—crisps, sweets, and bottles of butterbeer and pumpkin juice. He was already halfway through his first bag of crisps before James had even turned the first page, his cheeks puffed out like a contented hamster.

"I can't wait to hear what happens next," Peter mumbled, crumbs falling onto his pajama top as he shoved another handful of crisps into his mouth. "Oh, these are so good. I have to visit Hogsmeade again for more."

"Bloody hell, Wormtail," Sirius said, shaking his head in mock disgust. "You're going to eat yourself into an early grave, you know."

Peter shrugged, licking salt off his fingers. "At least I'd die happy," he retorted smugly. "You could only wish for such a glorious end."

Remus rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Alright, Prongs," he said, turning to James, "let's get this over with. The sooner we finish this blasted thing, the sooner you can sneak it back to where it belongs."

"I don't know, Moony," Sirius chimed in with a smirk. "That thing's thick as a troll's skull. I reckon it'll be ages before we're done, if we don't all drop dead of boredom first."

Remus pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a long-suffering sigh. "For the love of Merlin, just read the bloody thing, alright?"

James grinned, clearly enjoying the banter. "Alright, alright. But before we dive into the next bit, let's get you lot caught up, yeah? No point jumping ahead if you've already forgotten half of it."

He flipped the page with a dramatic flourish, the parchment crackling faintly in the quiet room. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture and began to read, his voice low and measured as the story once again transported them to the magical world of Avalon.