Chapter 3
The pub was louder than usual, the crowd more animated, with a tangible buzz in the air. Remus found himself retreating further into the shadow of the bar, wiping down glasses with an almost meditative focus. The band had been setting up for the past twenty minutes, and judging by the way they carried themselves, they weren’t just here to play, they were here to be noticed.
The lead singer was unmistakable. His long black hair caught the dim pub lights, gleaming like he’d stepped off the cover of a glossy magazine. He had that unmistakable air of someone who had never known what it meant to feel out of place. His leather jacket was draped over the back of a stool near the stage, and the way he went back and forth, testing the mic, made it clear he thought this place wasn’t good enough for them. His smile came easily, a little too easily, as if he’d never known rejection.
Beside him was the guitarist, equally self-assured but in a less ostentatious way. James had an easy smile and a warmth to him that softened his otherwise polished demeanour. Still, his accent, clipped and refined, screamed "posh boy," the kind of kid who’d grown up with every opportunity handed to him on a silver platter.
The others were less flashy but still stood out. The other boy's dark, brooding presence was as much a part of the stage as the amps and wires.
Lily’s energy was magnetic; she moved with the kind of confidence that made people instinctively look at her.
And the drummer seemed to anchor them all with his quiet focus, setting up his kit with methodical precision.
Remus leaned against the bar, his eyes narrowing as he watched them tune their instruments and exchange inside jokes.
Remus pegged them all as posh kids almost immediately. Even the girl, though there was something about her that didn’t quite fit the mould.
They had an air of entitlement, the kind that came from never having to worry about anything. Even their clothes, ripped jeans and battered boots, looked deliberately disheveled, like some kind of performance.
Remus scowled and went back to cleaning glasses.
He worked quietly behind the bar, ignoring the murmurs of anticipation. The band, whoever they were, had already drawn a crowd before even playing a single note.
When they finally started, the first few notes filled the pub like a shockwave. The lead singer’s voice was rich and commanding, carrying over the chatter and clinking glasses. The guitarist matched him effortlessly, weaving intricate riffs that lifted the whole sound.
Remus didn’t want to like it. He wanted to dismiss them as overconfident, over-polished kids playing at being something they weren’t. But the music was good. Too good. It was raw and alive in a way that made the hairs on his arms stand up.
Remus couldn’t help it, he was impressed. The sound was electric, raw and full of life, but with a level of polish that spoke of long hours of practice. Sirius’s voice was deep and rich, filling the room like smoke, while James’s guitar riffs were sharp enough to cut through the haze of alcohol and chatter.
By the second song, Remus had grudgingly accepted why they carried themselves the way they did. They were good, better than good, really. Even the regulars were paying attention. The room was utterly captivated, and for once, the bar wasn’t the busiest part of the pub.
As the band launched into their next song, Remus recognised it as the riff of "All Right Now" filled the room, and the crowd erupted in recognition. James leaned into the opening guitar lick, his fingers gliding over the strings with ease, while Severus held the rhythm steady with a deep, thudding bassline. The drummer picked up the beat, driving the song forward with sharp, precise strikes.
Sirius stepped closer to the edge of the stage, his posture loose and self-assured as he gripped the mic stand with one hand and began to sing. His voice had a raw, smoky edge, perfectly suited to the song
.
There she stood in the street, smilin' from her head to her feet...
Remus glanced up from his drink, drawn by the sheer presence Sirius commanded. The man moved like he owned the place, his confidence almost palpable, radiating out to every corner of the room.
Sirius prowled the stage during the verse, casting fleeting glances at the crowd. But when the chorus hit, his gaze locked onto Remus, a flicker of something in his eyes.
All right now, baby, it's all right now...
Remus froze under the intensity of Sirius’s stare, his stomach twisting in a way he couldn’t quite name. Sirius’s expression wasn’t mocking or cruel, curious, like he was studying him, trying to figure out what made him tick.
As the song soared into the guitar solo, Sirius stepped back, giving James the spotlight, but his eyes lingered on Remus for just a second longer before he turned away, spinning toward the mic stand to finish the song.
The Marauders dived into their next song, a familiar riff ringing out through the pub. The crowd, already warmed up by the energy of the first few tracks, gets into the groove. Remus recognizes it instantly—Can't Get Enough of Your Love by Bad Company.
The guitar licks are slick and smooth, and Remus can’t help but be caught in the rhythm. The song is slower than the previous one, but it’s full of that familiar rock style, the kind of song that grabs you by the shoulders and doesn’t let go. The guitars swirl and hum with an electric tension, while the bass keeps it steady with a deep pulse beneath.
The vocalist, his voice low and gravelly, made the lyrics sing. Every note felt effortlessly cool, like they were born to play this in front of a crowd.
Remus watched as Sirius leaned into his mic, the crowd already responding to the infectious energy. He could swear Sirius was singing straight to him, that flicker of a glance coming his way just as he hit the high notes. Remus found it hard to tear his gaze away, even though he told himself to, the way Sirius moved so naturally on stage, like he belonged there. The music was louder, more infectious. Remus tapped his foot, almost unconsciously, as he felt the weight of his bruised knuckles.
The song built to a climax, with the guitars ringing out one last, powerful note before the final beat of the drums silences the room for a split second. The crowd cheered in appreciation.
But as that last note faded, so did the electric energy in the room, and the band wound down.
Lily, who’d been stationed at the back with her keyboard, started to move. She’d always been in the background, stepping in when the band needed that extra layer to fill out the sound, but now that the song’s ended, she starts to leave the stage, and gives the band a quick, almost imperceptible nod, like they’re on the same wavelength. With a small smile, she makes her way down the stairs.
She reaches the edge of the bar now, looking around before her eyes settle on Remus. She smiles politely at him, but they both lapse into an awkward silence for a moment. Remus doesn’t know what to say, he’s not sure why she looks so familiar to him. He catches her looking at him again, but there’s nothing in her gaze that suggests recognition.
“Have you worked here long?” Lily asks, trying to make small talk.
Remus shakes his head slightly, shrugging. “I help out when they need me.”
Lily nods, looking thoughtful for a moment before she says, “this is our first gig here. The band, they’re a great right?. They’ve got a lot of potential.”
Remus nods absently, still trying to put together the pieces in his mind. “Yeah, they’re... they’re alright,” he replies, not fully engaged in the conversation.
Lily continues to chat, but Remus barely hears her. His thoughts are on the band, and on her. There’s something nagging at him, like a memory on the edge of his mind that he can’t quite catch.
From across the room, the band’s set wraps up with a final chord that echoes through the bar. The crowd cheers, loud and enthusiastic. The lead guitarist, that same one with the messy hair and the wide grin, steps up to the microphone, looking slightly out
of breath but beaming." We’re The Marauders! with Peter on drums, Snape on bass, and Sirius, our frontman! And I’d just like to thank my wonderful girl, Lily, for helping us out with the keyboard there!” His voice rings out clearly, and he raises a hand toward her, grinning wide.
Lily’s face softens at the mention of her name, but she rolls her eyes in a mock exasperation, giving him a playful shove from across the room.
Remus, however, freezes. The way he said her name, the affectionate tone, it clicks into place for Remus like a missing puzzle piece falling into place. His breath catches in his throat. He’s been circling it for a while now, that feeling of recognition, but now, with the mention of her name, it’s undeniable. Lily.
Remus feels a pang of something, nostalgia, maybe, or just the realization that his world is suddenly smaller than he thought.
The Marauders step off the stage, their energy still buzzing from the performance. The boy with messy hair and a wide grin, was the first to approach the bar. He’s followed by the rest, though the bassist seems slightly more detached, his expression unreadable as he walks towards the door.
James is all smiles as he reaches Lily, who’s still sitting at the bar. He pulls her into a tight hug, kissing her on the cheek, his voice full of gratitude. "Great job tonight, Lil. You were brilliant up there."
Lily returns the hug, her eyes softening as she beams at him. "You too, James. That was amazing," she replies, her smile lingering.
Severus, standing just beside them, watches the exchange with narrowed eyes. His gaze lingers for a moment before he mutters something under his breath and, without a word, picks up his bass and heads toward the exit. The door swung shut behind him, and the tension left in the air was palpable.
James didn’t seem to notice the change in atmosphere at all. He's already turned back to Lily, continuing their easy banter. Meanwhile, Sirius stepped up, giving who remus now knew was James, a friendly pat on the shoulder
"Alright, mate," he said , his voice light, "you lot go get us a table.."
James waves a hand dismissively. "Yeah, alright. You go ahead and order for us then yeah."
As the band gathered round their table,
Sirius leaned against the bar, his leather jacket creaking as he shifted. His gaze swept the room before landing on Remus, who was busy stacking clean glasses.
"Rough night?" Sirius asked, nodding toward the dark bruise on Remus’ face.
Remus paused, his hand tightening around the glass. "You could say that."
Sirius tilted his head, studying him. "You should see the other guy, right?" His grin widened, sharp and full of charm, but Remus didn’t bite.
"Something like that," Remus muttered,
Remus didn’t look up, his movements slowing slightly. "What do you want?"
Sirius smirked, unfazed. "Pint of bitter, vodka tonic, gin and tonic, and... two rum and cokes. For the band."
Remus grabbed a clean glass, pouring the first drink with practiced precision. "Anything else?"
Sirius didn’t miss a beat. "Yeah, what’d you think of the show?" he asked, his tone light but with a hint of challenge, as if daring Remus to give a real answer.
Remus finally looked up, his expression carefully neutral. "It was fine. People seemed to enjoy it."
Sirius smirked, tapping the bar with his fingers. "People did. But I was asking about you."
"I’m not people," Remus replied flatly, his eyes already moving back to the next glass.
Sirius chuckled, pulling the tray toward him. "Noticed that," Sirius said, his voice still warm, unfazed. "Well, if you change your mind about giving me a proper review, you know where to find me." He pushed off the bar and walked back to his table, a spring in his step.
As Sirius disappeared into the crowd, Ronnie came up beside Remus, wiping his hands on a grubby rag. "That one’s full of himself, ain’t he?" Ronnie remarked, jerking his head toward Sirius.
Remus gave a noncommittal grunt, busying himself with the bar.
Ronnie chuckled, leaning on the counter. "You’re not wrong to ignore him, but I’ll tell ya, he’s bloody good. That band of his brought the punters in tonight. Haven’t seen this place that lively in weeks."
Remus shrugged. "They’re alright."
Ronnie let out a short laugh. "Alright? Half the blokes in here were clappin’ like seals, and the girls couldn’t keep their eyes off ‘em. That’s more than alright, mate."
He squinted at Remus, his tone softening. "You alright, though? You’ve been quiet tonight."
Remus shook his head. "I’m fine."
"Yeah, well," Ronnie said, clapping a hand on Remus’ shoulder, "just remember—this place gets rough, but it’s got its moments. And that lot might just be worth keepin’ an eye on."
He wandered off, leaving Remus to finish stacking the glasses, Sirius’ grin still lingering in the back of his mind.