The Marauders and the Triwizard Tournament

Summary: In the 70's the Marauders and Lily Evans went to Hogwarts. During the sixth year James seems to give up on Lily, and his best friend finally confesses he's always had a soft spot for the redhead. The first love is beautiful, but sometimes it's just ephemeral. Sometimes, it only comes to point out the right direction, to tell you where true love lies. And on top of things, the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place this year. The famous pranksters want to participate, and so does Lily, Snape and so many known faces. Who's going to be the Hogwarts' champion for the competition? As the tasks come one after the other, Lily and Sirius live a torrid romance, the most dangerous task of them all, seeing that they are the most coveted bachelors of Hogwarts, and that James and Remus seem to be in the middle. Review please!

Summary for ff.net: First love is beautiful, but sometimes it's ephemeral. Sometimes, it only comes to point out the right direction, to where true love lies. On top of things, the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place. Follow the story of Lily's first love, Sirius, while enjoying this new adventure. AU. Review!

Disclaimer: We own nothing, only the idea and the cookies....Oh...we don't have cookies...Damn.

Rating: PG-13 and K+ because of swearing possibly.

Distribution: If you want this story on your site, c2, group, whatever, please contact us.

Feedback: Either click the review button or send an e-mail to: [email protected] or [email protected]

Author's Note: Please note that this is an Alternative Universe (AU), and it has to be for the Tournament to take place. Also, you'll forgive us for giving Sirius a personal touch with his poetic side. Hopefully it won't disappoint you.

Beta: Robyn

The Marauders Triwizard Tournament

By

Miracle Angel Summers (C. Lupin) and Naycit Malfoy

Chapter One: Green Eyes, Jewel and the Triwizard Tournament.

It had been around six in the afternoon when he'd seen her for the first time. It had happened on the Hogwarts Express, more specifically, outside compartment B. Sirius had lost to James drawing straws, so he had to go and buy chocolate for him and their new friends, Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. The Trolley was right outside the above mentioned compartment, which happened to be hers.

She was asking for some Chocolate Cauldrons, which astonished Sirius. First, because he could see, from her appearance, that she was a Muggle-born. Second, because all the girls he knew avoided those snacks because they said they made them go fat. He didn't give a damn; those Cauldrons were his favorite.

However, it hadn't been her liking for his favorite snacks that attracted this particularly mischievous man and Marauder to boot. As she was leaving, the girl had turned her gaze to him for a split of second, and he experienced the longest heartbeat of his life. She had a face full of kindness and joy. But the eyes were the best thing; he'd never seen such eyes. The women in his family had dark eyes, to honor the surname, but not only where they in color. Their eyes were obscure, just as those women's souls full of vanity and pure-blood pride, the only possible exception being his cousin Andromeda with her melancholic blue eyes. This girl's eyes were green, twinkling and kind. The brief moments during which their gazes met, Sirius experienced a foreign feeling of warmth that he'd never encountered in eleven years at home.

As he went back to the compartment where his friends were his mind kept pondering about the girl's eyes, and thoughts of home kept flooding his mind as he tried to remember if he'd ever felt something similar. It was then, as he thought about his family and home, that he remembered a pretty ring with a single emerald, owned by his mother. It was, of course, a magical ring, but there was no possible comparison. The power of those eyes was way beyond any human magic as long as Sirius was concerned.

Later on, at the Sorting, Sirius was overjoyed when he, James, and their new friends got all into Gryffindor. The smug look upon his radiant face contrasted with his cousin Bellatrix's, who was glaring angrily from Slytherin table. To top the most blissful of nights he'd ever had, the girl with the red hair got sorted into his house as well. That had been when he learned that her name was Lily Evans. He had never heard that surname, nor seen it in his family tree. She had to be Muggle-born. He smirked at the thought of his mother. The old woman would have a fit if he ever learned that her eldest son, the heir to the Black family's heritage, appeared to have developed certain affection for a pretty Muggle-born girl.

As she approached Gryffindor's table, she spared a glance in his direction. Not only that! Sirius thought. The mischievous little thing even dared to flash a pearly smile. From that day on, he decided to call Jewel, even if it was only to himself, of course. Whenever he felt inspired and wrote a rhyme, he would always dedicate it to Jewel. James, Remus and Peter always tried to get him to tell them the identity of the girl. Sirius only laughed and told them to mind their own business. It was a beautiful secret, and he didn't want his noisy and prankster friends to ruin it. But he knew the secret wouldn't last forever. He wasn't strong enough to bear that.

One day, he would tell her... He had to! Not only was she pretty, but she was also smart and social. His greatest fear was somebody else asking her out before he summoned enough courage. Ironic for a Gryffindor... he used to say. During the first years he had no reason to worry. Although plenty of people did ask her out, including, to his amusement, Snivellus, she turned them all down. Why, even James had tried and so hard and long, but Lily terminated all his hopes when she told him that she wouldn't go out with him "even if it was a choice between him and the Giant Squid!"

Sixth years had passed and he hadn't toughened up yet. Maybe it was because of James, or maybe he was simply a bloody coward. This was the sixth journey to Hogwarts for him, and for the sixth time he had lost to the straws.

"All right, I'll go."

"I want a couple of Chocolate Frogs!" said Peter at once.

"Add another, and I also want two Licorice Wands, a Fizzing Whizbee, and..."

"James!" exclaimed Remus. "Don't be so abusive! If I didn't know you better, I'd say you have those straws bewitched so that he always has to lose."

"Why, Moony... Your distrust pains me," said James, acting as if he was in unbearable pain. Remus scowled and James turned to Sirius, back to his normal expression. "As I was saying, add a Chocolate Frog, two Licorice Wands, a Fizzing Whizbee, and a Chocolate Cauldron."

"All right," said Sirius sighing. "What about you, Moony?"

"Oh... Well, I would like a Chocolate Frog too, if you don't mind."

"Of course not, Moony. I'll be back in a minute."

Sirius left the compartment, but he was sure that James had shouted something about Bertie Bott's. He looked to both sides and spotted the trolley to his left, and he directed his steps towards it. As he walked briskly across the corridor, several girls stared at him. He winked at them, making several of them blush before going back to their whispering. About two compartments after his, he spotted a very pretty girl with gray eyes, just like his, though icy. His less loved cousin, Bellatrix Black, was chatting animatedly (for a Black) with a tall seventh year Slytherin. Sirius knew that this was Rabastan Lestrange, the brother of Rodolphus Lestrange, who had asked for Bellatrix's hand in marriage. That guy had to be nuts. She glared at him for a split of second, like if she could read his thoughts, and he gave her a mocking smile in return. He sniggered at the Slytherins' indignant expression but just then...

"Ouch!"

"My! I'm so sorry!"

His flustered apologies were lost into nothingness when he realized who was standing in front of him. A pair of twinkling, emerald-green eyes looked up at him. His heart sank to his feet.

"You want to be more careful," the girl said, smiling, "and watch your step."

"I...I'm so sorry...err...Evans. Did I hurt you?"

Damn...you moron! You stepped on her foot!

"No, don't worry. Black? Is that it?"

Sirius shook his head, faking a shameful expression. "Don't call me Black, if you please. Everyone is going to believe I'm related to that horrible Slytherin woman."

Lily grinned. Sirius stomach missed not only a few steps, but the entire staircase.

"So you aren't?"

"Err...well..."

He didn't respond immediately, pondering his answer. Lily looked at him expectantly. Sirius had to give in.

"Oh, all right," he said resignedly. "She's my cousin, but nobody needs to know that."

Her lips curved into a serene smile. He had no choice but to smile back. How could he not smile at her?

"Don't worry. I'll keep your secret," she said. "Now, excuse me. I'm on my way to the Trolley."

It was his turn to smile widely.

"I'm going with you," he blurted out.

"Sorry?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

"I lost drawing straws," he added, "so I have to buy my friends some candies."

To his astonishment, Lily's expression darkened.

"Did James draw straws with you by any chance?"

"Yes," he said. "Why?"

Lily shook her head. "That irksome boy!" she said annoyed. "Don't you see? It's a simple Shifting Spell! I thought that being the second of the class, you would have figured it out by now."

Sirius began to laugh. "Of course I know, but why do you make such a fuss? It's not like he would go buy the candies if he actually lost."

Lily gave him a stern look. "Really, Sirius, you shouldn't let him get away with it. That's why he has such a fat head."

If it hadn't been Lily who called his best friend a fat head, he would have protested. However, there was only one part that seemed to have registered with his brain.

Sirius...

She called me Sirius...

Don't be stupid, you know what your name is!

But she called me Sirius!

There was an awkward pause and Lily began to giggle nervously. Sirius scratched his head absentmindedly.

"Weren't we going to get the snacks?" she said suddenly. Sirius jumped out of his reverie and felt his lips curve into a wide grin.

"Indeed, we were, Evans."

"You can call me Lily, you know?"

--------

"What took you so long?" asked James.

"Sorry, guys."

Sirius handed each of his friends their snacks and sat. He gazed through the window and sighed without even realizing. However, this didn't go unnoticed to the other Marauders.

"Padfoot? Are you feeling alright?" asked Remus.

"Where's my Fizzing Whizbee?" asked James.

"Padfoot?"

Sirius did not respond. He continued to gaze to the outer world, lost in his own.

"I bet he met Jewel somewhere in the train," said James, suddenly.

Sirius felt a jolt in his stomach. He turned to his friends, trying to dissimulate, but his wide grin gave it away.

"Yes, you have," said Remus, smirking.

"What makes you think such a thing?"

"You're sighing and looking out of the window like an idiot," said James amusedly. "Oh, hang on. You always look like an idiot."

"Oh, alright," Sirius conceded, ignoring James' slight remark. "Yes, I saw her."

The three of them wolf-whistled and Sirius blushed furiously. Did they always have to do that?

---------

The Marauders, except the most handsome of them, concentrated in their respective snacks and conversation turned to Quidditch instead to his relief. About two hours later, the train was entering Hogsmeade Station. The four boys changed hastily into their school robes and proceeded to the carriages. It was a rainy day, so they were very relieved when they finally made it into the Great Hall.

"Merlin!" said James. "Hope they get over with the Sorting quickly. I'm starving."

Soon enough, the first years entered the Great Hall tailing Professor McGonagall, having sailed across the lake and lived to tell the tale. Professor McGonagall proceeded to the Sorting, which passed painfully slowly for James. Remus and Peter were also gazing at their plates anxiously. Sirius, on the other hand, was gazing a few feet to his left. A red-haired girl was chatting animatedly with her friends. Finally, when Zenelton, Patrick was sorted into Ravenclaw, James, Remus and Peter took their forks, ready to tuck in. But then, Dumbledore rose to his feet and addressed the Great Hall, earning a light groan from the hungry Marauders.

"Welcome! Welcome to all of you, to another year at Hogwarts! I have a few announcements to make. For instance, the first years must know that the forest around the castle is forbidden, and no student should enter. Second, please note that we have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, who wasn't able to make it to this feast for some personal reasons. Just so you know and don't think for a moment to miss your first class." He made a short pause and smiled pleasantly at the students. "Now, the really important news concern mostly our older students --which doesn't mean the younger ones should be less excited about it. This year, our school will be hosting a legendary event." Another pause followed to increase the effect. "An event that may bring glory, richness, and the chance to put him or herself into danger voluntarily." Gasps and excited muttering ensued. "This year, Hogwarts will host a competition called the Triwizard Tournament."

The Great Hall was silent. Nobody seemed to have registered with the whole Tournament thing.

"Of course, as this is a major event, there will be no Quidditch Cup."

This sent it shooting into the air. At once, the entire audience began to shout and babble protests. James in particular stood up and shouted "Rubbish!" just to be pulled back to his seat by Remus and hit with his heavy Transfiguration book.

"How can they do that?!" asked James, with the face of a man who has lost everything he loves of life.

"There will be a prize, of course," continued Dumbledore. "A thousand galleons to the winner, plus a brand new Silver Arrow."

"What? Oh well, I want to participate!"

"Prongs, you really amaze me," said Remus. "A minute or so ago you were cursing Dumbledore into an eternity of painful suffering."

"What do you think about it, Padfoot?" asked James, ignoring Remus.

"I'll enter. I don't want the money, but I like the idea of putting myself into danger!"

"Don't we all?"

Peter applauded, amazed at his friends' bravery. Remus frowned and shook his head.

"Your Head of House shall inform you in due time what the contest is about. Tomorrow night we will proceed to the selection process. Right now it just appears to me that you are all wet and hungry."

The entire Great Hall was filled with excited conversations.

"You can eat now!"

Apparently, everybody had forgotten that they still had dinner, but as soon as the exquisite feast appeared, the four friends began to eat savagely. Later on, full and sleepy, they prepared themselves for bed. Sirius was distant, which was unusual, but he had his mind on the other side of the Gryffindor Tower, particularly in the girls' dormitories.

"Hey, Padfoot! What's up with you?" asked James.

"Let me guess," said Remus smirking evilly. "You're thinking about Jewel, are you not?"

"Of course not!" retorted Sirius.

"Are you ever going to tell us who she is?" asked Remus.

"Someday I may, if you're worthy of such sacred knowledge," he said.

"I think I know who she is!" burst out Peter.

Sirius arched an eyebrow. "And how on earth would you know that, Peter?" he asked, mockingly.

"I found this!" He took out a piece of parchment. Sirius' heart sank. He recognized the poem he'd made up on the train, while the others talked about Quidditch. He had almost forgotten about it.

"Where did you get that?" he demanded. "Give it back!"

He jumped to try and catch Peter, but James was faster and petrified poor Sirius in midair.

"Well, well, well," he said, smirking, "what do we have here?"

"Really, Padfoot. You should be more careful, especially if Wormtail is around," said Remus, unable to conceal a grin.

James cleared his throat solemnly and began to read:

I don't want to take it

I don't want to see

Why is it that your eyes

Are so precious to me

Lost into your gaze,

The one that has me amazed

Lost into my heart

It was cold, now it is warm

Such thing I'd never seen

Like the emerald, so green

My precious Jewel of my heart

Come to me and please be mine

Sirius felt his face burn with embarrassment. His friends burst out laughing. By the time when they managed to breathe, the spell was wearing off Sirius.

"Stop laughing!" he managed to yell. They, however, redoubled their guffaws.

"Why, Padfoot!" choked out James, "I never thought that such a proud pure-blood would like a Muggle-born!"

"Shut up, Prongs," he said, blushing.

"I have to admit it. You have good taste. She's really pretty," said James, "but I must warn you: her temperament is quite a challenge."

"Only for fat heads," retorted Sirius. James scowled.

"Are you going to tell her?" asked Peter. "I don't think you should. Look what happened to James."

"Why, I think I am above his standards, Wormtail."

James elbowed his stomach. "You wish... Hey, Moony! Don't you have any comments on this?" asked James. Remus was stony-faced.

"Moony?" asked Wormtail.

Remus blinked before articulating an answer.

"If you like her...it's okay. I mean, you've liked her for five years, right?"

"Well...yes, but what do you think?" asked Sirius.

"Do whatever you want, Padfoot. But I must warn you too. Lily Evans is a very pretty woman, smart and talented. You're not the only one who's after her."

"I know," said Sirius scratching his head, "half of Hogwarts likes her. Do you have any names, Remus?"

But Remus did not answer. When Sirius turned to see where his friend had gone, he found that the curtains where closed.

Sirius frowned slightly and looked at James, whom just shrugged and looked to Peter, who looked at Sirius, and all three of them shrugged at the same time. They were too tired to try to discuss Remus' behavior just then. James and Peter climbed on their beds and long after their colossal snores could be heard, Sirius got changed for bed. It wasn't like Moony to be that jumpy, unless the full-moon was approaching. But then, it was already midnight, and he really needed some sleep. He'd deal with it in the morning. His primary concern had been James, but apparently he had, indeed gotten over it at last.

"Which is a relief..." he thought. Having his best friend to compete for a woman wasn't his idea of fun.

He turned and cuddled. It felt so good to be here, at Hogwarts, rather than home. Tomorrow was their very first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, his favorite subject. I wonder who the new professor is, Sirius wondered as he finally fell asleep. His dreams were heavy with red hair, green eyes, and a warm feeling in his heart.