The Marauders

~%*******%~ Chapter Two ~%*******%~

Not much later that night Enna bolted awake.

"Shit, I forgot to finish my History of Magic essay!" she whispered to herself. Grabbing her bag she slipped down the stairs into the Common Room. There were still a couple of students awake, most doing homework.

Hours later, Enna sat at a table, trying to finish her essay for Professor Binns. She was beginning to regret leaving this until last minute. Everyone else had gone to bed, except the Marauders, who were huddled by the fire, whispering quite excitedly. James glanced up nervously at her every once in awhile. She, of course could not deal with this for very long. Pretty soon she got up and walked back to her dormitory, after giving up on finishing the essay.

Then Enna heard footsteps behind her. She turned around and came face to face with a very sickly looking Remus.

"Goodnight Enna," he said, smiling weakly.

"Goodnight," she stuttered, blushing a little. "Remus, are you sure you're ok?" she asked now, her voice filling with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Stop worrying about me," he replied before turning back and walking towards his friends.

Back by the fireplace, she could hear Sirius and James snickering, loudly. She began walking up the stairs, but stopped when she heard Sirius say, "James, I think it's safe. We better hurry, Moony's not looking so good."

Enna turned around quickly, wondering what they were talking about, but saw no one. All she could hear was the shuffling of feet by the portrait hole. Completely forgetting how tired she was, she followed the sound of three pairs of feet. She knew it was the Marauders, for they were famous for wandering around the school at night. She followed them out, listening intently so as not to lose them. Enna trailed them through the third, second, and finally the first floor corridor. She thought they were headed toward the hospital wing, because of Remus.

Instead, she heard the footsteps stop.

Sirius's voice came from somewhere by a gargoyle statue but he was nowhere to be seen. "Damnit. James what's the spell to open this?"

"Dissendium," James's voice replied.

If she had been a Muggle, Enna would have thought she was hearing things. She watched carefully, from an empty classroom across from the gargoyle, wondering what the boys were up to this time. As she stared, she saw the gargoyle leap to the side. Behind the gargoyle was just the wall. She was puzzled for a second, but then heard Sirius mutter "Alohomora" under his breath.

Enna watched in amazement. The wall opened to reveal a tiny passageway, where only one man could fit through at a time.

"Is it safe to go?" Sirius asked.

"I hope so- I've lost the Marauder's Map," James gasped, the sound of him frantically digging in his pockets rasped through the silent passageway.

Enna sneaked forward just as the three became abruptly visible. James tucked the invisibility cloak under his arm.

"Hang in there mate," Sirius said as Enna drew nearer the gargoyle.

"Yeah we're almost..." but James was cut off by a howl-- the most terrifying howl Enna had ever heard.

"No!" shouted Sirius.

Enna stepped out towards the open wall, astounded at the sight before her. Instead of the three young men she was expecting, she saw a golden-brown stag, with a short silvery white tail, and a large black dog. Before she had time to mull this over, she heard a vicious snarl behind her.

Enna had barely turned around when she felt strong paws on her shoulders, pushing her down and pinning her to the floor. She held her breath as she looked up into what she thought would be cold, grey eyes.

Instead the sight that met her left her totally flabbergasted.

As the wolf looked down on her, the angry growling and snarling was replaced by a low howl and whimpering. The wolf bent closer. Enna thought he would bite her for sure, until she felt its wet nose, sniffing her neck.

She looked into his eyes; there was a pained expression in those tawny orbs. Those eyes looked very familiar, but she couldn't quite place them.

The next thing she knew, she felt the weight of the wolf removed as a black blur intercepted her vision. The shaggy black canine she had seen just minutes before had launched himself onto the wolf. Enna got up quickly, still shaking. She couldn't help feel that she'd seen those eyes before...

Enna began walking backwards, not realizing what she was doing, for the two fighting canines mesmerized her. Suddenly she felt a warm breath on the back of her neck. She turned around, and was met by two hazel eyes, peering down at her from the face of the beautiful stag. She was afraid for a moment, wondering if the nature of a stag was violent. He nudged her arm, seemingly wanting her to pet him. She did as was "nudged."

Behind her there was a whimper, then silence. She looked over at the two canines. The dog had pinned the wolf, one paw firmly pressed against his muzzle. He let out a low growl and a quiet bark before slowly backing up.

The wolf turned, looking directly at Enna, before disappearing into the tunnel. She could've sworn he had winked at her. The dog trotted after him, nodding to the stag before he, too, disappeared into the passageway.

The stag backed away from Enna slightly. She looked bewildered, frightened. Her expression changed from bewilderment to shock faster than a speeding snitch.

The stag began to shift, his antlers shrinking, his snout shortening. The fur gave way to skin and hooves to fingers. James stood before her, a pleading look in his eyes.

"Enna, please," he said, stepping forward. Enna stepped back.

"Promise you won't tell, please. Not even Kira and Lily. No one can know about us, ok? No one, understand?" James pleaded, glancing up and down the corridor nervously.

Enna paused, thinking. Suddenly something clicked and she grinned.

"My god, James, you guys are geniuses! I can't believe you pulled this off! You've got to show me--" James cut her off.

"Listen, I promise to show you later, okay? Just go back to the Common Room. Cover for us if anyone is up, okay?" James urged anxiously.

"Okay- I promise. See you tomorrow," Enna said and turned to leave.

"Enna, thanks- I hope you'll still be understanding later," James said and transformed before Enna could ask what he meant by that.

It troubled her all the way back to the Common Room. That is, until she passed a window and caught a glance of the full moon. She stopped dead, remembering the wolf, his eyes- Remus's eyes, and Remus's sickly appearance.

"Oh god," she breathed, "He's a werewolf!"

~%*******%~

Enna spent much of her early morning struggling to get some sleep. The thought that her crush could be something so horrifying... it was heartbreaking. But she had to give the guy some credit- he did hide it awfully well.

But that's the problem, isn't it. Who knows what else he's hiding? Enna thought glumly. She considered waking up Kira or Lily and telling them all about it, but a promise was a promise. Frustration built up inside of her and she knew there was no chance of getting any sleep.

I just hope I can make it through classes tomorrow. She groaned. Her History of Magic essay lay forgotten in her bag. Maybe she could copy Kira's at breakfast...

Enna gave sleep one last shot before turning on the lamp by her bed. She fumbled with her bag, looking for the book she had been reading. The cover had been torn off and a few pages were missing from the front, so she never learned the actual title. She slipped her reading glasses on and opened the book to her page.

"Is there something wrong?" Edward asked, reaching forward with his good hand to touch Rebecca's arm. She jerked away, horrified of his touch.

"You lied to me," she whispered. It wasn't the first time she had lost a boyfriend over a silly lie. But then again, this wasn't exactly a silly lie. The fact that he was a... she couldn't bring herself to even think the term.

"Please, Rebecca, love..." Edward reached out again.

"STAY AWAY!" Rebecca cried, tears coursing freely down her cheeks, "Don't touch me." It was all she could do not to run.

Edward sighed, "Rebecca, I want you to know that I love you and have always loved you. It is up to you to decide whether you love me to. I hope you will follow your heart." It was a challenge, and a good time to leave. It would have been easy to vanish in a puff of smoke, or a flash of light. Instead he turned slowly, dragging his useless left leg behind him.

I do love him, don't I? It only took a moment for her to make up her mind.

Enna shut the book with a snap. I hate it when books relate so closely with your own life, she thought. She took off her glasses and set the book on the bedside table. She sat for a while, chewing on the arm of her glasses, just thinking. Finally she set them aside and settled down to try and sleep once again.

~%*******%~

"Are you gunna eat that?" Sirius said from behind Kira. She hid the note away, startled by his sudden appearance.

"No, no. You go ahead," she said, allowing a small smile. Sirius took the biscuit and sat down next to her to eat it.

"You look exhausted. Didn't you get any sleep?" Kira asked, noting the bags under his eyes and his ruffled hair. She could tell he got dressed in a hurry- his tie was draped around his neck and the top three buttons of his shirt were undone. She glimpsed his bare chest and a chill ran down her spine.

"No, not really," he answered.

Remus and James walked up and sat across from them. James didn't look much better than Sirius. There were bags under his eyes, too, but he seemed to have taken more time on dressing. His shirt was buttoned, at least.

Remus on the other hand looked as if he had been born a new man. He looked refreshed and awake, not at all sick as he had the day before.

"Wha ook oo gies sho lun?" Sirius asked around a mouthful of biscuit.

"If I knew what you said I would answer you," James remarked sleepily, ending the statement in a yawn.

Sirius swallowed. "What took you guys so long?" he repeated.

"I had a wonderful time getting Remus to leave the mirror. He kept checking to make sure his hair looked okay," James said, steeling a sly smile as he piled food on his plate.

"Enna said she's not coming down to breakfast. I gave up fighting with her, but Lily's still up there. I hope she can get her to come down," Kira remarked, pulling out the note again.

Remus's face fell visibly and Sirius stopped eating. James gave them both a pointed look and dove into his breakfast.

Kira finished reading the note just as Lily and Enna entered into the Hall. Sirius watched curiously as Kira again shoved the note into her bag, her cheeks flushed.

"Morning. Kira, look at this- they've gotten into an argument now," Lily said, grabbing the seat on the other side of Kira. She handed her the parchment as Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs began a subtle argument over the three girls. Enna, refusing to look at Remus, smiled vaguely and forced a few giggles.

~%*******%~

Messr. Prongs is most overwhelmed with glee that the wonderful, not to mention stunning, Ms. Lily Evans continues to pester him so.

Messr. Padfoot cannot see why Messr. Prongs would waste his time fawning over Ms. Evans. As fair as she may be, no witch, or woman, for that matter, can even compare with Ms. Kira Lenya, for she is the most charming and mind-boggling woman to ever to grace this great planet we call earth.

Messr. Moony would like to say that to his great surprise, Messr. Padfoot is correct for once. Ms. Kira is the most gorgeous woman on earth, for Ms. Enna Cabarell's beauty far surpasses that of any mortal woman. Ms. Enna's beauty is that of an immortal goddess and only Aphrodite can dare to compare.

Messr. Wormtail would like to excuse himself as he regurgitates his dinner and goes to read a book. Friggin' lovesick prats.

Messr. Prongs apologizes for the rude comments made by Messrs. Moony, Padfoot, and Wormtail. They know nothing of what beauty is for they have obviously not seen Ms. Lily properly. Their eyes see as well as their minds think and knowing them, that isn't saying much.

Messr. Padfoot is absolutely confounded with fury and has only five words to say to both Messr. Moony and Messr. Prongs: Go Get Your Eyes Checked! They are so immensely stupid that they wouldn't be able to recognize beauty if it came up and snogged them senseless!

Messr. Moony only expresses his deepest concern for the poor Messr. Padfoot who has clearly lost his ability to count. Those five words have magically multiplied into twenty-eight! Stupid git.

Messr. Prongs would just like to set Messr. Padfoot's mind straight. He is absolutely 100% correct- in his own case. Messr. Padfoot would not be able to recognize beauty if it snogged him senseless because he would be too senseless to realize it. Messr. Prongs kindly urges Messr. Padfoot to think sometimes.

Messr. Padfoot is rendered speechless at his companions' remarks. He prays that Ms. Lenya kindly disregards these absurd comments, which are all very untrue. He hopes she will see Messr. Padfoot for the charming and clever lad he truly is, not the stupid muttonhead his "friends" believe him to be.

Messr. Moony would like to mention that Messr. Padfoot and Messr. Prongs have gone completely berserk. They have no sense when it comes to beautiful women such as the lovely Ms. Enna. Also Messr. Moony would like to state his pure pity for Ms. Kira as she is most unfortunately being chased by a crazed lunatic.

Messr. Prongs would also like to express his concern for Ms. Lenya, even though as hard as he tries he cannot see the beauty Messr. Padfoot claims her to have. Ms. Evans is the only jewel in his eye.

Messr. Padfoot is rather depressed at the moment. He does not understand how he came to be the victim of the conversation. He would like to voice his concern for the poor dears known as Ms. Evans and Ms. Cabarell. Messr. Prongs, for one, has his head too far up his ass to care for anyone else and Messr. Moony is so kind and considerate that to him even Snivellus is beautiful. Messr. Padfoot would like to add that Messr. Moony has no room to talk of moon-induced insanity, as he is the only one affected by the moon.

Messr. Prongs would like to stress the importance of WATCHING WHAT ONE SAYS and also that he resents that last comment made about him by Messr. Padfoot.

Messr. Moony wishes to say that, of course, Messr. Prongs meant to say that he resembles that last comment. Messr. Moony would also like to apologize to Messr. Padfoot. He had forgotten how much the truth could hurt. Messr. Moony would like to excuse himself as he is currently pounding Messr. Padfoot's face in.

~%*******%~

James nudged Remus, who was staring at Enna with a sad, puppy dog look in his eyes, and nodded to the parchment. He raised an appraising eyebrow and sat up to get a better look at it. When he saw the writing his eyes grew wide and he leaned towards Sirius.

"How'd they get the map?" he whispered.

"Hm, the wha-- they got the map?!" Sirius whispered back, startled from his breakfast, "No wonder we couldn't find it last night. Wonder how they got it..." He shot an accusing glare at James before returning to his breakfast.

Enna slowly began to become truly interested in the parchment and was giggling at Padfoot's misfortune. Suddenly, something Padfoot said caught her attention. She glanced from the messages to the Marauders and back again. She understood now- Moony was Remus, Padfoot had to be Sirius, and Prongs was obviously James. Wormtail, she guessed, was Peter. She decided to wait until later to tell Kira and Lily who their admirers were.

She chanced another glance at the Marauders, and for a second she met Remus's gaze.

Those eyes... an image from the previous night popped into her head. She was staring into the wolf's eyes... but he's a werewolf. Enna shook her head to clear it, once again losing interest in the parchment that Lily and Kira still giggled over.

~%*******%~

After breakfast, James beckoned his mates out of the Great Hall to a passageway to the left. Remus's cheerful mood had evaporated and a brooding atmosphere clung to him.

"Remus, mate, it'll be okay. She'll come around," Sirius reassured him, but his expression was one of sympathy.

"No, she won't. She wouldn't even look at me, and the one time she did, she looked both revolted and scared," Remus said angrily. He slumped against the wall, tossing his bag aside. He ran his fingers through his lite brown hair and stared at the premature grey ones that came loose. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

"I guess it doesn't help that we can't completely trust her to keep this a secret. I've been friends with Kira for long enough to know that she can weedle an explanation out of a deaf and mute dwarf. Plus she, Lily and Enna are about as close as we are," Sirius commented as he took a seat next to Remus.

"He's right. Women cannot keep secrets. They always have to tell someone," James huffed, also sitting on the floor.

"You just have no confidence in girls," Sirius teased.

"Yea? And since when do you?" James asked skeptically.

Sirius smiled a false sweet smile.

"Why, what on earth do you mean? I've always trusted women..." he said sarcastically.

"Yea- I guess it helps that they've been fawning over you since before you could walk," James retorted.

Sirius adopted a mock look of innocence.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

James made as if to say something more, but Remus cut him off.

"Mates, you're not helping."

Just then the doors to Great Hall opened and Kira and Lily walked out.

"C'mon, lemme see it! I just wanna see!" Lily pleaded, grabbing at the crumpled piece of parchment clutched in Kira's hand.

"No, Lily... cut it... c'mon Lily, cut it out!" Kira pleaded, dodging Lily's lunges, "Lily, honestly! Let go, Lily let--go!" The parchment slipped from Kira's grasp and Lily skipped nimbly aside to read it.

James and Sirius stood and watched as Lily danced just out of reach of Kira.

"At least tell me who it's from," Lily said as she jerked the note out of Kira's reach.

"NO!" Kira said and made one final lunge at it. She missed and tripped over Remus's bag. Sirius instinctively jumped forward to catch her.
"Thanks..." she mumbled. She felt her cheeks flush when Sirius helped her upright again.

I've known him for years, and now I get embarrassed when he touches me-- What is the matter with me? She thought, momentarily forgetting about the note. It wasn't for long, though, for Lily had begun to read it.

"Let's see- it's from Se--" Lily stopped short, glancing from the note to Kira in disbelief.

Kira snatched it away and glared at her.

"C'mon, or we'll be late for Astronomy," she stressed and stalked off, Lily close behind her.

"You think it was from Snivellus?" James asked Sirius.

"Probably. It's a shame we promised no trouble. I'd just love to try a couple of curses out on him right about now," Sirius smiled, but his voice was ice cold.

XI