Another Cheesy Love Song

The Marauders, World famous band…or should I say world famous band of judges? 

The Daily Scoop

Article by Sybil Trewalney 

It’s confirmed, for fans of the world famous singers ‘The Marauders’ you are in for a real treat.

The four band members had posted a photo on their MaraudersOfficial Instagram account of four chairs each one clad with a name, with the caption ‘When in doubt, Turn up the music.’ 

Later in that same week Sirius Black, lead singer and guitarist had spoken about how excited he and his band mates were to be judging season 8 of The Voice. One of the biggest singing competitions in the Uk. 

In his interview on The Tonight Show the Prewit twins, Black commented;

“Gid, Fab you have no idea about how excited and grateful me and the guys are about judging season 8 of The Voice Uk.  It’s going to be one hell of a ride! So ladies, Gentlemen and People all in between please fasten your seatbelts and strap in for the auditions process to come. Can’t wait to see you all there!” 

Click here to see the rest of the article and interview: https://tghwayygKlMqSeaqU

Regulus shut the lid of his laptop with a sigh. He already knew that Sirius and his comrades were going to be the ones judging season 8 of The Voice. Most likely because Sirius had reposted the photo from their shared instagram to his personal one and well…Regulus is a stalker.

Not that he’d put it like that. He would simply consider it ‘Keeping up with his life’ as there sat a desperate yearning in the pit of his stomach. Yearning to be a part of Sirius’ life again.

“Reggie, come on. We’re leaving.” Sirius had whispered into the darkness of Regulus’ bedroom in Number 12 Grimmauld Place. His left hand clutching a bag of what Regulus could only assume was belongings.

“Wait, Siri—stay…please.” Regulus had grasped his brother’s wrist so tightly the latter was sure there’d be a bright purple bruise of Regulus’ hand in a few hours.

In a few hours he’d be gone.

For good.

“Reggie come on. Please.” Sirius had begged, so much emotion present in his voice as he gripped the wrist of Regulus’ hand, latched onto his own wrist as he attempted to tug him gently.

Regulus panicked. “Siri—no, no, please stay.” He ripped his wrist away from his brothers grasp instead grabbing onto his forearms, seeing as Regulus was the slightest bit shorter than him. Maybe he could root Sirius in place, then he wouldn’t leave him.

“Regulus, please, leave, leave, leave.” Sirius’ voice sounded calm, but Regulus could read him better than that. Even in the dark, he could see the way his shoulders slumped, his hair tossed into a careless bun atop his head, his eyes dimming of their light.

“Sirius, please, stay, stay, stay.” Regulus chanted like a mantra in his head, grip still firm on Sirius’ arms. Praying to a god he didn’t believe in, that maybe, just maybe, if he held on long enough he’d root him into place.

“Regulus I don’t know how many more times I can pick myself up.” It was scary how void of emotion Sirius sounded. Numb.

“Then…Then, I’ll pick you back up, drag you if I have too, just stay…” Regulus couldn’t breathe anymore.

Feeling as though he was drowning.

He tried to speak but felt the gush of water, crawling down his throat, swallowing all his words with one wave, his lungs burning as he choked on a message, now long lost at sea.

He felt his arms going slack by his sides.

He tried to scream.

But that too was engulfed in the tidal waves of his tears, cascading down his pale cheeks, the sheer force of them making his head hurt.

Regulus blinked through the ocean he’d surrounded himself in, seeing Sirius’ frame edge toward the black door, with the shiny brass knob.

Far too shiny.

Like a magpie leaving the nest in search of new shiny things.

One magpie for sorrow.

Two magpies for joy.

Except there was no joy, only sorrow, surrounded in shiny things.

One magpie standing with the Black family.

The other, standing with the white flag in his grasp.

Regulus did the only thing he’d ever known.

“You know…you were always so like mother. With her gaze filled with rage and fury, her explosive anger seeping in your veins-“ “Oh…so that’s what we’re talking about! What about you and Orion hm? Silent creatures, always ready to step back and let others take the fall.” Sirius heaved with quiet anger.

Regulus only smirked.

“See you still are like mother…a-“

“Fuck you Regulus, Fuck you. You are no brother of mine. Merely their little puppet, that they can force to do things because your entire being is made with cowardice. You are stone, stone cold down to your very core, lacking emotion, a numb little Kreacher. At least I hold some emotion, even if that may be rage or fiery anger straight from the pools of hell. Don’t come crying to me when your strings are cut.” Sirius finishes, his eyes completely void of any light. Regulus watched from his bedroom window, as the only light in the house left.

Gone with the blink of an eye.

Swallowed by darkness as he choked on water.

“Oh Sirius…see you still are like mother, a bleeding heart with no idea how to love because after all the blood is still on your hands.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Regulus blinked harshly, oh no you are not falling down that rabbit hole again. The thought of the audition plagued his mind like a disease, but a good one. If that was even possible. 

Ever since he was young he’d love singing as well as playing piano but he’d had to keep it under wraps, because according to his parents “Music is a career in which you partake if you want to set yourself up for failure.” His mother had uttered, disgustedly, yet Regulus couldn’t understand the light sadness lingering at the back of her throat. 

This would be his possibly last chance at doing something he enjoyed, doing something for himself. Not stuck up at some posh university, studying law and economics for the next two years, he’d already completed one year and even that had played a game with his sanity. 

Regulus’ mind weighed up the pros and cons of it in his head as he cleaned his dorm a little, placing textbooks on his desk that he’d thought about ripping then placing in the washing machine and then the shredder to finish it off, on multiple occasions. 

Tucking his journal that he frequently wrote in, into his desk drawer. Calloused fingertips grazing over the scorches and burn marks on the cover. His mother had tried to burn it in the fireplace after finding out it was not only a gift from Sirius but stuffed with letters from him as well as poetry and song lyrics. 

Sirius. 

His name tasted like ash in his brain, yet the fire that smelled like hunger in his stomach won the battle.  Regulus took a deep breath as he jumped from the dorm window on the second floor. Grimacing lightly as he landed on his hip. That was definitely going to bruise.

Well it was either this or slowly loose his mind in university doing a law degree, graduating and then taking over the Black family law firm. Regulus knew what he’d prefer, this was his last shot. With one last look at the open window his heart leapt into his throat, screaming at him to go back, but he quickly pushed it down with a shaky exhale of air.

Regulus then began to walk off campus towards the underground. 

He was going to audition for The Voice. 

He was going to see his brother. 

What the hell was he thinking? 

⭐️⭐️⭐️

”Evannnnn.” Pandora shouted up the stairs to her and her twin brothers shared apartment. 

“What Dora?” Evan came down the stairs, blonde curls dripping. Indicating he’d just gotten out of the shower. 

“Hurry up…we need to get moving we can’t be late for the audition! Have you got your song ready? I know you didn’t want me to hear it, I know you wanted it to be a surprise but I’m scared about mine—what if no one turns around, or I choose a team and then they end up thinking I’m terrible, or, or.. ” Pandora spiralled, beginning to pace in the kitchen. 

“Dora, Dora, you’re going to be amazing. I promise, and if no one turns around that’s their problem, they’ve just missed out on extraordinary talent. And when has anyone you’ve met not immediately liked you?” There was silence. “See! You’ll do fantastic, don’t stress. Let me doll myself up and make me look irresistible, then we’ll go okay?” He squeezed her shoulder with a wink before running up the stairs. 

Pandora only laughed, finishing her plait that she was halfway through doing whilst waiting for Evan. 

Not even five minutes later Evan came rushing down the stairs, hair dry, curls framing his face, in black cargo pants and a black T-shirt, whilst Pandora was in one of her floral dresses. It made her look absolutely ethereal. 

“You look Wonderful Dora, not let’s go crush this thing hm?” Evan gave her a light peck on the forehead and another smile before they were headed out the door.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

”Everyone we go live in six minutes” Amelia Bones, one of the crew members shouting over everyone. 

James turns to Sirius and grins after seeing Remus emerge from hair and makeup, he’s in a white vest with an oversized cream cardigan along with his signature brown trousers and boots, his loose sandy curls framing his face.

”I bet you a tener he leans over your chair to kiss you and you go as red as a tomato.” James smirks knowingly. 

“I bet you a tener I won’t.” Sirius says, folding his arms, looking indifferent at the accusation. 

Remus struts over, one hand in his pocket, Sirius feels his mouth go dry. 

He leans forward, hands placed on either side of Sirius’ red button. Sirius swears he stops breathing. “Good luck love, may the best man win.” Remus connects his lips with Sirius’ occasionally slipping his tongue in his mouth making the latter whine as he tastes chocolate and honey. His face turning beet red. Just as James said it would. 

Remus pulls away, smirking. Sirius almost whines again at the loss of Remus’ sweet lips on his but instead there’s a harsh shout. It’s Amelia again. 

“We are live in thirty seconds people! Thirty seconds!” 

Remus winks as he takes his seat in between Sirius and Peter. 

Sirius just watched him, definitely not staring at his lovers arse…well, maybe he was—just a tad. It was Remus for fucks sake what else was he supposed to do. 

Remus Lupin was like a drug and Sirius, well, he was hooked for life. 

James laughs, breaking Sirius out of a trance. “You owe me a tener, looked like you were about to swoon.” 

Sirius just guffaws at him, but it’s quickly replaced as a cheering crowd and audience come into view, and for that he puts on his best grin. 

He can just about hear Hestia announcing the start of the season but soon enough the lights have fully dimmed and music rings in his ears. 

we’re both throwing smoke into the night

It’s raining, I suppose, you need a ride

She said I’ve got nothing to do and neither do you

There’s a place down the road we can waste the whole afternoon

A girl starts singing, her beautiful voice gliding over the words effortlessly, he looks over to see James toying with everyone. Hand over the buzzer as everyone in the audience shouts at him to press it. 

Remus is smirking and Peter’s bopping his head. 

Then there’s a beat drop, the audience goes feral, as the girl starts belting. 

I overheard that she was nineteen

She’s got a fake ID and a nose ring

Those kind of girls tend to know things

Better than I do

And I’m dying

To figure out what she’s hiding

That’s it Sirius hand slams into his button, so does James’ followed by Remus’ and Peter’s. As the song finishes with a flourish the audience goes crazy and Sirius stands up clapping for the girl. 

“Hello love, What’s your name?” 

“Lily Evans.” The girl replies almost breathless at having all four chairs turned.

”Well I must say Lily, that was bloody incredible. I think you and I could do great things together?” 

“Oi shut up Sirius I want her too.” Remus says with an annoyingly hot murderous glint in his eyes. 

Sirius sends Remus a fierce glare and the latter only chuckles in return. 

“All’s fair in love and war honey.”

The audience squeal watching Sirius and Remus argue like an old married couple, they are honestly eating this shit up. 

“Lily, just know I think you’d be a real star on my team, I mean you’re already a star in the making…why not let me help you?”

Sirius glanced at Remus and smirked, Remus knew that smirk. Sirius was plotting. 

Members of the audience, including James and Peter gasped, as Sirius dropped to his knees in front of the stage craning his neck to look up at Lily. 

“Lily, darling, I have a fake ID and a nose ring, and I know a lot of things including how amazing you’d be on my team, and I’m positively dying to know what other fabulous talent you’re hiding from me now. So Lily, please, choose me.” His palms were pressed together, begging on his knees. 

She chuckled a bright laugh. “Well Sirius, I admire your commitment, so for that reason I’m choosing you. Sorry Remus.” 

Sirius got up and practically bolted up the stairs to hug lily, leaning over each side to press an imaginary kiss on her cheeks. 

“Thank you Lily, Thank you.” Bowing up and down to her as he walked backwards down the stairs. 

“Ha!” Sirius stuck his tongue out like a petulant child, pointing his finger at Remus. Remus sticking his tongue out just the same. 

Peter quite loudly mumbling “Petty Children, both of them.” Which made everyone in the audience laugh. 

The chairs spin around again and the music starts up. 

What’s wrong? You’ve been asking but I don’t have an answer

How come? I’m still thinking let’s pretend to fall asleep now

When we get old will we regret this?

Too young to think about all that shit

Peter slams his hand down on his buzzer. Remus follows, he looks intrigued. 

And stallin’ only goes so far

when you’ve got a head start

We could stay up and watch the sunset

But I can’t help from asking are you bored yet? 

James turns around near the end of the song, Sirius joining him. 

“Hey mate, what’s your name?” Peter asks, grinning. 

“I’m Evan Rosier.” The boy replied with a charming grin, people were going to love him. 

“Well Evan, you’ve got options, who are you picking?” 

“I’m picking Peter, I’ve always admired his work” Peter grinned and walked up the steps to hug Evan, whispering a faint “Wise Choice.” In his ear, making the latter grin once more. 

James smiled looking around, he was here judging the voice with his band mates and best friends, listening to incredible performers sing. Born stars in the making. Truly. 

He glanced over to see Remus and Sirius looking quite enthralled with the other, the same lovesick gaze present in their eyes, soft smiles on their faces, as Sirius quietly giggled at something Remus had leaned over and whispered in his ear. 

They really were the pinnacle of love. 

Then of course you had Peter pretending to gag behind, at the pair being mushy. 

James cheeks hurt from smiling, he was here judging the voice with his band mates and best friends, could life get any better than this? 

Have you got colour in your cheeks?

Do you ever get that fear that you can’t shift the tide

Sticks around like a summit in your teeth?

Are there some aces up your sleeve?

Have you no idea that you’re in deep?

I’ve dreamt about you nearly every night this week

How many secrets can you keep?

Remus glanced around, Sirius looked like he was having an internal battle with himself on whether to press his button or to wait for more of the song, Peter was humming thoughtfully to the tune and James looked deep in thought. Remus liked the singing but his strong suit was not electric guitar, bass more so, even dabbling in acoustic.

He decided not to turn around, figuring one of the others would be a much better fit, it still didn’t stop his growing curiosity though.

(Do I wanna know?) if this feeling flows both ways?

(Sad to see you go) was sorta hoping that you’d stay

(Baby we both know) That the nights were mainly made

For sayin’ things you can’t say tomorrow day

Crawlin’ back to you

Ever thought of callin’ when you’ve had a few?

‘Cause I always do

Sirius pressed his buzzer the minute the pre-chorus started, he had to see who this guy was.

The boy on stage commanded it like he owned it, messing brown hair with streaks of Persian green flowing through it, his face littered with sliver piercings, a septum ring, vertical eyebrow piercing, pierced ears, tongue piercing and a plethora of silver jewellery.

Sirius watched in wonder as the boy played the guitar, plucking the strings like he’d done this thousands of times before, an exuberant confidence Sirius only saw in himself or Regulus. 

Regulus. 

The name burning on his tongue, a burning sense of familiarity yet a sense of complete ignorance for his brother’s life. 

Sirius was more loudly confident, dressing boldly, assertive in himself and his views, speaking his mind. Whereas, Regulus was more quietly confident, chin held high, poised, observing others. But it was quite easy for the two brothers to be both. 

Sirius was broken out of his gloomy daydream with loud cheers, Peter had also turned around when the song was nearing its end. 

The guy finishing the song one last strum of his guitar. 

“Hello, what’s your name?” Sirius had asked, quite intrigued to know more about this guy. 

“Barty Crouch, Jr.” He replied a cool confidence still radiating from him even after he’d stopped performing. 

“So Barty, Whose it gonna be? Me or Pete-boy?” Sirius silently hoping he was picked. This kid seemed like chaos. Sirius liked chaos. 

“Sirius, from one electric guitarist to another I think you’ll be the best option.” Barty winked and Sirius pulled him into a hug. 

He already liked this kid. 

Sirius went to sit back down, the next performer coming onto the stage. James proceeding to shout to Remus something along the lines of “The next one’s mine!” 

Remus in return giving him a sassy eye roll “You wish.” 

The music started up again, James immediately recognising it as Dark Red by Steve Lacy. A very strong start he’d say, he’d looked to Remus, already seeing the sly bastards chair spinning. 

James quickly followed as the girl began singing, her shaggy blonde bob and eyeliner coming into view. 

Something bad is ‘bout to happen to me 

I don’t know, but I feel it coming

Might be so sad, might leave my nose running

I just hope she don’t wanna leave me

Don’t you give me up, please don’t give up

Honey, I belong with you, and only you, baby

Only you, my girl, only you, babe, (you)

Only you, darling, only you, babe, (you) 

Only you, my girl, only you, babe, (you)

Only you, darling, only you

By the end of the song all four marauders are turned around. 

“Hiya love what’s your name?” 

“Marlene McKinnon, at your service.” She gave a little dramatic bow, pretending to tip an imaginary hat. 

“Well Marlene you sounded incredible, I must say I think you’d be a wonderful first edition to team James, what’d ya say?” Marlene looked to be pondering it for a moment before there was a shout. 

“Marlene, Marlene, ignore him. I am the one you want, I know I was the last to turn around but damn girl you made regret that because you can sing! I can help you reach your full potential, pick me!” Sirius shouts across at her. 

“Thank you both, that means a lot.” 

“No Marlene, love, the moment I started watching you I knew you were like dynamite, a real force to be reckoned with. Let me help you tweak your stage presence and mark my words you’ll be unstoppable.” Peter smiled and she generally seemed taken aback. 

“Umm…I—“ 

“Christ, let the poor girl breathe, Marlene honey, you truly are amazing and I’d be honoured to have you join team Remus, but go with whoever you’d like. Don’t let these idiots pressure you. We’d all be grateful to have you on our teams.” 

She let out a nervous chuckle. “Wow, okay, thank you, thank you so much. Umm—I think I’m going to have to go with James.” 

James hollered, making the room echo with laughs. 

He reached Marlene on stage and hugged her tightly, twirling her around, a shocked gasp escaping from the back of her throat. 

“Marlene, I promise you will not regret this.” 

“Don’t worry Moons, you’ll get the next one.” James drawled with a smirk. 

“Fuck off, Potter!” Remus snarled half-heartedly, quickly being told to shut up by the producers, Amelia resembling on what James could assume was the desire to tape Remus’ mouth shut in that moment. 

The next song had already started, this time someone was playing piano. 

And nothing hurts anymore I feel kinda free

We’re still the kids we used to be

I put my hand on the stove, to see if I still bleed

And nothing hurts anymore, I feel kinda free

And nothing hurts anymore I feel kinda free

We’re still the kids we used to be

I put my hand on the stove, to see if I still bleed

And nothing hurts anymore, I feel kinda free

I feel tired to make you love me (Yeah)

Remus turned the moment he heard the piano, his ears being blessed with gorgeous vocals filled with raw emotion. He honestly really feels for this girl, her struggling to hold back tears. 

Remus would know, he’s been in a plethora of relationships with emotionally unavailable arseholes. 

In his reminiscing he’d failed to notice Peter had turned around, as well as Sirius. Both deeply lost in the music. 

She played the final chord before standing from the piano bench, a standing ovation awaiting her. 

“Bravo, Bravo, what’s your name love?” Remus smiled softly as he stood from his chair. 

“Hi, Mary Macdonald.” 

“Mary, I’ve got to say that was absolutely bloody gorgeous, you’re voice is so captivating, full of raw emotion and intensity, you’re piano playing was beautiful too, tell me…is piano your go to instrument?” 

“Thank you, but no. I play bass and a little acoustic guitar with piano and flute thrown somewhere in the mix.” She smiled, brushing a dark curl behind her ear. 

“Impressive a multi-talented performer with a hidden rock n’ roll persona. I love it. You’re my type of girl Mary, it would be wonderful to have you on my team.” 

The others didn’t even bother arguing, knowing Mary was practically made for Remus’ team. 

“Yeah! I’d love that. I was hoping that you’d turn around if I’m honest. 

Remus pulls her into a tight embrace, her returning just the same. 

She walked off backstage and Remus couldn’t help but be excited for what was to come as he sat back down in his chair. 

Peter smiled to himself as his chair spun, once again facing the audience. 

Today was in the makings of being a great day. 

“Hiya love, why don’t you tell us your name?” James gave her a sunny smile, which she returned. 

“Dorcas, Dorcas Meadowes” Her hands still hadn’t left the guitar, James needed this girl. She’d fit perfectly into the mix. 

“Dorcas, what a lovely name, but what an even lovelier voice. Tell me Dorcas where are you from? Heaven?” James laughed at himself, Dorcas grinning again, her figure illuminated by the stage lights. 

“No, no, I’m from Camden.” 

“Ah, Right, Dorcas I think I could really help you here, I specialise in acoustic guitar and with a few changes here and there you’d be a shining star. Consider joining team James? You’d fit right in.” 

“You know what, I think I’ll take you up on that offer. Show me the way guitar master.” He laughed again as he wrapped his arms around her. She was funny too. This is definitely one of the reasons James liked her. 

“Only a few more contestants to go everyone, are we ready?!” Hestia shouts. Making the crowd scream. 

“I’ll take that as a yes!” She states, airy tone to her voice. 

The music starts up again and there’s quiet footsteps onto the stage. 

“Blimming hell Moons.” James swears as Remus has already turned around, he’s quick. The girl performing sounds otherworldly, almost ethereal. With her dark skin and bright blonde hair, in plaits. 

The words fall off of the tip of her tongue, like caramel. Smooth and silky. 

Sirius pressed his buzzer too, now watching the last part of the song. 

“Hello, can I just say wow, wow wow. I’m quite speechless, what’s your name love?” Remus rests his chin on top of his hands. 

“I’m Pandora Rosier.” She answered with confidence and a sweet smile. 

“You wouldn’t happen to be related to Evan Rosier? Would you?” James questioned, politely, realising the two looked oddly similar. 

“Yes! He’s my twin, he auditioned earlier.” James nodded, loving her enthusiasm. 

“Pandora a name for a goddess, very fitting, wouldn’t you say everyone?” There was an eruption of agreement, making Pandora flush. 

“Thank you, you’re too kind.” 

“Pandora, what’s it going to take for you to choose team Remus, I mean…your performance was otherworldly. I’d be in your debt to have you on my team.” 

“That’d be amazing! You were the judge I was hoping for Remus, sorry everyone to disappoint.” 

Remus tackled her into a hug, swaying side to side a little. 

“See you soon Pandora.” 

“Guys I’m having too much fun with this. Never want it to end.” Sirius threw his arms up dramatically. 

“Me too mate, Me too.” James agreed, placing a hand on Sirius’ shoulder. 

Peter is unsure of whether it’s a male or female voice, he’s leaning towards female, either way there’s a beautiful rasp to their voice and he is living for it! 

He tries to wait a little longer, because you know, the saying ‘Curiosity killed the dinosaurs’ but honestly fuck that, the dinosaurs were extinct and Peter was going to die anyway if he didn’t find out who was singing. 

As he turns he meets the eyes of a woman, long black hair cascading down her back, fringe slightly covering her dark brown eyes. 

Peter has never heard anything quite like it and by the looks of things…neither has Sirius. 

Peter needs her on his team. No questions asked. 

“Hi, What’s your name?” The girl blinks a few times, seemingly nervous. 

“Sorry, nerves. I’m Emmeline Vance.” 

Peter brushes her off. “No need for an apology. Emmeline you have a voice like I have never heard before, ugh those rasps. I think with a little bit of coaching you’d be an absolute bombshell.” 

Sirius mostly stayed quiet, he was more so confused about the singer’s identity, that’s why he’d turned around. As Peter said he’d never heard a voice quite like Emmeline’s. Of course he’d heard women with raspy voices sing, but nothing like this. 

“I’d like that Peter, thank you.” 

“No need to be thanking me, I should be thanking you for your talent.” Peter hooking her into a hug before she exited stage right.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Regulus let out a deep breath, shaking his hands rather vigorously, trying to stop the tremors. 

He’s here, defying his parents under their noses, auditioning for the voice. Sirius always used to say he was the sneakier one. Probably because he could remain silent for more than three seconds. 

Sirius. 

He was going to be there, judging, what was he thinking he was going to see his estranged brother that he hadn’t seen in over five years and his friends, well technically Remus was his boyfriend. Thankfully before he could start spiralling a member of the stage crew was in front of him. 

“You’re up.” She handed him the mic, before ushering to the stage. 

The lights shone bright in Regulus’ eyes but he ignored it, taking one last deep breath before letting the music take over. Opening his mouth to sing…