chapter 1
September 1st 1976 - Mary
There was always something special about returning to Hogwarts. As much as Mary was sad about summer ending, she was going back to a world filled of witchcraft and wizardry. She was going home. Mary was also extremely happy about seeing her friends again. They’d met up over the break, but that was only during the first month. For the second half of her vacation, Mary’s family took a trip to her hometown, Nairobi. It was her first time staying in Magical Nairobi, and it was beautiful. Due to Mary’s family being muggles, they’d never visited the magical side of the city before, but they all found it incredible.
Mary had gotten back on August 30th, giving her just enough time to prepare for school. After getting ready, finishing packing her trunk, getting her brother and parents out of the house, and beginning a long car journey to London, she had finally managed to reach Kings Cross.
“Mare, you’re sure you packed everything? I don’t want to have to owl you a bag of mascara or send you some fluttery bird thing again,” Mary’s mum, Patricia, said.
Mary let out a small laugh. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“Alright, you take care then,” Patricia hugged Mary.
“I will,” Mary said, her voice mumbling under her mother’s shoulder.
“Bye-bye, Mare Bear,” Mary’s dad smiled, after she pulled away from the hug.
She hugged her dad, and then her brother, much to his disgust.
“Eurgh, get away from me. Girls have the cooties,” Tom shrieked, as Mary refused to let go.
“Alright that’s enough, leave him be,” Patricia said, shaking her head but chuckling all the same.
The train whistled, signaling that it was about to leave.
“That’s me. I’ll write, or try to,” Mary grinned.
Mary’s Dad, David, rolled his eyes. “Well, we’ll write every week, and this year, we’re expecting replies.”
“Uh-huh, okay Dad,” Mary lifted her trunk up the train, and exclaimed,“I’ll see you lot soon!”
“Love you!” Her family shouted back.
Once Mary was on the train, she headed to the compartment where she, Lily, and Marlene usually sat at.
She slid the door open, and in front of her was a girl sitting down, reading a book called “Tristan and Iseult”.
Mary felt her heart lurch slightly, seeing her bright red hair and her pale freckles.
“Mary!” Lily noticed her presence and got up to give her friend a hug.
The embrace was warm and welcoming and Mary hadn’t felt that relaxed in a while.
“How was Magic Nairobi?” Lily said, after pulling away from the hug.
Lily's cheeks were slightly pink as her emerald eyes shimmered up at Mary’s. She was stunning.
Mary blinked and escaped from her thoughts. “It was epic, Lils, I’m telling you. Can’t believe I haven’t been before. You and Marls need to see it.”
“I’m sure we do, the way you described it in your letters as well- it sounds phenomenal.”
“It really was,” Mary smiled. “How was your summer? Was Petunia an absolute slag?”
“Well- yeah. Basically. She’s got this new lump of a boyfriend, he’s actually so thick,” Lily shook her head.
“I can imagine, poor you. What’s his name?”
“Vernon Dursley,” Lily sighed.
Mary grimaced. “Sounds gross to me, and I haven’t even met the guy.”
Lily threw her head back and laughed, and Mary felt a slight tug at her stomach.
The train whistled, and the girls realized they were about to take off.
“Where in the world is Marls?” Lily asked.
Just then, Marlene ran in, panting.
“Hiya!” She said, breathlessly, her blonde hair was sticking up everywhere.
“What’s gotten you so late?” Mary furrowed her brows.
“We were out of floo powder and Mum and Dad couldn’t accio it for some reason, and then they were attempting to make a portkey when the Potters said they could take us. James is always bloody late, however, he spends fucking ages packing,” Marlene responded, her breathing slowly returning to normal.
“Well, at least you made it. Just in time, I might add,” Lily said, giving her a hug.
“Yeah, thank Euphemia Potter for that. She basically dragged James out of his room, beautiful woman,” Marlene said, dreamily.
Lily and Mary grinned at each other.
“Have you gotten a crush on James’s mum?” Mary chortled.
“Yeah, I might just, actually. I’d let her do anything to me,” Marlene said matter-of-factly.
Mary snorted. “You need to get a girlfriend. One your age, preferably.”
“Why? Mums are hot,” Marlene shrugged.
“Whatever you say Marls,” Lily laughed.
“What book is that Lily?” Marlene asked, noticing it resting on Lily’s lap.
“It’s called Tristan and Iseult. It’s this tragic love story which apparently originated in the 12th century,” Lily explained.
Mary raised her eyebrows. “Ooh, I love a good tragic love story. What’s it about?”
“I just started it, but from what I know, it’s about a Cornish guy and an Irish girl that accidentally drink a love potion and fall madly in love. They have a secret affair, but they both tragically die somehow.”
“That’s a bit depressing,” Mary joked.
Lily smiled. “I know right?”
She gasped, suddenly. “Oh shit, I have a prefects meeting now. I’ll be back in a bit, hopefully?” Lily ran out, putting her prefects badge on.
Mary and Marlene shouted a bye, and continued chatting for a while. They bought handfuls of snacks from the Trolley Lady, while admiring the picturesque views outside the window. Once the sun started to set, they changed their robes and decided to visit the boys.
“They should be in their usual compartment,” Marlene said, adjusting her tie.
Mary nodded. “Compartment 24, right?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure.”
The girls walked to their compartment and slid the door open.
Remus, Sirius, and Peter were sitting inside, playing exploding snap.
“Hey,” Mary said, waving.
“Hey guys,” Sirius flashed them a smile.
“How was your summer break?” Mary asked.
“It was great. We were just hanging around Potter Manor, the four of us. Marlene came ‘round once or twice as well.”
“Yeah, thank God for you Remus, or I would have probably died,” Marlene grinned.
“Oi!” Sirius and Peter shot out in protest.
“Of course, Marls,” Remus said, smugly.
“Is James at the prefects meeting?” Marlene asked.
“Yeah, can you imagine? I still can’t believe it, even though it’s been a year. Our Jamie, a prefect,” Sirius said, with faux dramatics.
A bang went off, and the girls winced, covering their ears. Smoke went up, as a card from the deck began to shrivel up.
“Are you even allowed to play exploding snap on the train?” Mary asked.
“Er, we haven’t been told off?” Peter offered.
“Not the same, but whatever helps you sleep at night,” Mary shook her head.
Peter beamed. “Thanks.”
“Guess what?” Sirius said, excitedly.
“What?” The group chorused back.
“We’ve finished our OWLs! No more horrible textbooks.”
“Mate, you do know this our sixth year. It’s going to be worse than last year,” Remus rolled his eyes.
Sirius’s mouth dropped, “Oh.”
“You’re so stupid sometimes, Black,” Marlene snorted.
“Says you McKinnon. At least I didn’t hit a bludger at my own teammate,” Sirius teased back.
“Oi, that was one game! And at least I didn’t get kicked off the quidditch team,” Marlene folded her arms.
Sirius didn’t say anything to that, and instead looked down.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to-” Marlene started.
“It’s all good”, Sirius gave her a weak smile.
Mary noticed Remus look down as well. She remembered last year’s events, that was a time no-one would like to revisit.
*Flashback to September 18th 1975*
The sun filled the room with light as Mary woke up with a yawn. Another dull Monday, or so she thought.
“Morning, Mare,” Lily said, as Mary stepped out of her bed.
“Morning, Lils,” Mary smiled.
“Is Marlene at quidditch practice?” Mary asked.
“Yeah, I think so. She’s not here,” Lily replied.
Mary nodded and shuffled to the loo, as the door burst open.
“Guys, something’s happened. James cancelled quidditch practice,” Marlene exclaimed, entering the room.
“What?!” Mary and Lily said in surprise, at the same time.
Mary knew something wasn’t right, James would never cancel quidditch practice. Unless, something bad happened.
“I know, I don’t know what to do,” Marlene wailed.
“Let’s talk to him at breakfast,” Mary suggested, and the other girls agreed.
They got ready and headed down to The Great Hall, except James wasn’t there. None of the Marauders were.
“Where could they be?” Lily bit her lip.
Marlene heaved a sigh as she sat down, reaching for a piece of toast. “I have no clue.”
“Do you think one of them got hurt? They could be down at the infirmary.” Lily wondered.
Mary clicked her tongue. “Those boys, always getting in trouble. Yeah, let’s head down there after breakfast. Doubt Pomfrey’ll let us in though.”
“She likes me, I’m a prefect,” Lily said, faux boasting.
“And me! I do healer classes with her, remember?” Marlene added.
“That’s actually perfect,” Mary said, impressed.
“What would you do without us Mare?” Lily grinned.
Mary smirked right back. “Well, I’d probably be friends with people that aren’t nerds, for starters.”
“Hey, take that back! I’m one of the coolest people I know,” Marlene said, her mouth stuffed with toast.
“Never,” Mary stuck out her tongue.
Once the girls were done with breakfast, they quickly made a stop at the infirmary, before lessons started. They were greeted by a very busy-looking Madam Pomfrey.
“Hi, Poppy,” Marlene smiled.
They were on a first-name basis, much to Mary’s surprise.
“Oh, hello Marlene, dear. Is everything alright?” Madam Pomfrey said, bustling around the room.
“Uh- well, we were wondering if you know where Remus or James or-” Marlene was cut off by Madam Pomfrey.
“Unfortunately, you’re going to have to wait to see them.”
“What? Why?” Marlene asked.
Mary and Lily looked at each other, sharing the same look. Something was wrong.
“I can’t say, dear, sorry. You’ll see them soon, but for now, I need to get back,” Madam Pomfrey gave the three Gryffindors a small smile.
“Oh, alright,” Marlene looked very confused.
The kind healer waved, and disappeared behind the door, into the room where the patients are treated.
“What was that about?” Lily questioned.
“I have no bloody idea,” Mary said.
“D’you reckon it was a prank gone wrong or something?” Marlene asked, as they decided to go to class.
Lily had a flicker of something on her face that Mary couldn’t pinpoint. It went away as quickly as it arrived, and she couldn’t help but wonder if she had just imagined it.
“Must have been something like that. It seemed serious,” Mary thought.
“You mean Sirius?” Marlene grinned.
“Oh God, not you too!” Mary pulled a face.
Marlene winked at her. “What can I say? I’ve been corrupted.”
Mary was about to open her mouth and say something when Lily beat her to it.
“Guys! Shut up and listen,” Lily pulled both of the girls back and they witnessed a conversation between Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick.
“It was most unfortunate,” Professor McGonagall said in a hushed voice, not realizing she was being overheard.
“Will he be expelled?” Professor Flitwick whispered loudly.
The girls’ eyes widened. Will who be expelled?
“I’m afraid I don’t know. Albus is still in the process of making that decision.”
“What do you think should happen?” Professor Flitwick asked.
Professor McGonagall sighed. “I think what he did was terrible, but I don’t think it should result in his expulsion. It was a mistake and I’m more than 100% sure he regrets it with his everything. His friends need him. And more than that, he needs them. The poor boy was raised in an environment with zero to little love, and at Hogwarts, he’s been opened up to what everyone deserves.”
The teachers began to walk towards the girls, and so they sped off, making sure to not be seen.
“Holy shit,” Marlene said, when they were far enough.
“She was talking about Sirius, wasn’t she?” Mary looked at her friends.
Lily nodded slowly. “Yeah, I think so.”
“What did he do? It must have been something awful! They’re considering expulsion,” Marlene’s face looked panic-stricken.
“And it was related to his friends,” Mary said quietly.
“The marauders,” Lily breathed.
The marauders. What happened to them? The question remained unanswered as the day continued. The girls attended class like everything was normal, but it was really the opposite. Two teachers had brought up the fact that their classes were so quiet without the four mischief-makers and right before lunch, a shaken Regulus Black came up to them.
“What did he do?” Regulus demanded.
“What the fuck are you talking about, Black?” Mary rolled her eyes.
“Don’t act like you don’t fucking know. My broth- Sirius did something,” Regulus hissed.
Lily raised a hand to stop Mary from being rude and responded to him.
“Something did happen, yes. We think it involves his friends but we know as much as you do.”
“Something- his friends? Ja- Potter?” Regulus exhaled.
“Yes, his friend group does contain James,” Lily said, a hint of amusement in her tone.
“Merde,” Regulus said under his breath.
Mary didn’t know what it meant and assumed it was something in French.
Regulus let out an exasperated sigh. “You don’t know anything else? Are you sure?”
“Unfortunately, yes. I wish we knew more too, but Sirius is in trouble. We don’t know what he did, but it’s something bad, Regulus,” Lily told him.
Fear flashed across Regulus’s face, before he returned it to his normal hard-stricken face.
“You care about him,” Mary said, words spilling out before she could stop them.
The fear returned to Regulus’s face but was quickly replaced with anger. “What did you just say to me?”
“You care about him, about Sirius. Why do you try so hard to hide it?” Mary continued, unsure of what she was doing.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” Regulus seethed.
“He’s your brother, he lives in the same house as you for Merlin’s sake,” Mary said in a loud voice.
For some reason, she felt incredibly protective of Sirius.
“He’s the one who- it does not matter. This conversation never happened. Please don’t tell anyone that it did. I don’t give two fucks about him or any of his dumb friends.”
“So you’re asking us to lie to Sirius, for you?” Marlene spoke up.
“Yes, I am. I’ll take your word for it,” Regulus said.
“We did not give you our word, you numskull,” Mary called out, but Regulus was already gone.
“What was that all about?” Marlene asked.
They were having a really weird day.
“Merlin knows,” Mary shook her head.
Suddenly, Mary caught a glimpse of a dark-brown curly head, glasses and gryffindor robes.
“Holy shit! James,” Mary ran to catch up with him.
Her friends followed her.
James stopped and turned, outside the great hall, and looked at the girls. His face was missing the usual excitement, the cheer that always there. The goofy smile was replaced with a unfamiliar frown. Underneath his eyes were dark circles and he looked exhausted. It was so unlike James, it was scary.
“Oh James,” Mary said, taking everything in. “What happened?”
“I- er- um-” His voice quavered, like he was on the verge of tears.
“Fuck, its okay,” Marlene stepped forward, and brought James into a hug.
He looked like he melted into the touch, his body clinging to Marlene’s like he needed the support.
Mary glanced at Lily, she looked as worried as Mary felt.
“I’m alright, er- sorry,” James said, smiling weakly after pulling away.
“You are not fucking okay. You are in no state to be down here. Mary, Lily, grab lunch for James. James, I’ll take you upstairs, alright?” Marlene said, firmly.
“I’m fi-” James’s voice was interrupted by Marlene’s.
“Don’t even try that. Come on up with me, it’s going to be okay. I promise you,” Marlene said, leading James up to his dorm.
Mary and Lily collected lunch for James, and started to walk to their dorm.
“Poor James,” Mary shook her head.
Lily just nodded.
“Oh come on Lils, you can’t still be hung up over him and Snape,” Mary retorted.
“He’s a bully, Mary. Just because something has happened won’t make me forget it.”
“That’s unfair and you know it. He’s not a bully, he plays harmless jokes on someone that called you a slur. There’s a big difference,” Mary eyed Lily.
Lily looked away. “It wasn’t harmless to him.”
Mary felt herself growing impatient. “Are you seriously defending that greasy muggle-hating person right now?”
“I’m not defending anyone. They’re both in the wrong, starting petty feuds like that.”
“Okay, what’s worse? Starting a petty feud or calling someone a slur? Snape did both, just so you know,” Mary fought back.
Lily sighed, deeply. “You’re right. I feel like I’ve always known it but I can’t believe it. Because if I believe it, then it’s real. Then he’s really gone.”
Mary understood. She understood more than anything. “I get that, Lils. But it needs to become real, you’re smart enough to know that.”
Lily blushed slightly. Or did she? Was Mary just imagining it?
“You guys don’t know him like I do. Or, sorry- I did.”
“I get that, as well. But what we do know is that he’s obsessed with the dark arts and the creepy side of it. He wants to join the wrong side of the war, he hates all muggle-borns. He called you a slur over something you can’t control. James is right for putting him in his place,” Mary said.
“No but that’s the thing. Just because Sev- Snape acts like that doesn’t mean James should too.”
“But he’s not! He’s not going around calling people slurs, or actually bullying people. Look, James is many things. He’s arrogant, he’s quite full of himself, he’s obsessed with you- but he’s not mean. He’s not a bad the way Snape is,” Mary knew Lily had to hear it, even if it’d hurt.
Lily inhaled sharply and Mary held her breath, waiting to be yelled at.
Instead, Lily asked her a question. “How is that relevant?”
“How is what relevant?” Mary was a bit lost.
“James being ‘obsessed’ with me?”
“Oh-” Mary did not realize she said that. She didn’t know why she said that, either. “I’m not sure.”
“Right,” Lily said.
They had reached The Fat Lady portrait.
“Password?” The Fat Lady raised her eyebrows.
“Bat spleen,” Mary said, walking into the common room with Lily behind her.
Before they entered James’s dorm, Lily reached out to touch Mary’s shoulder.
Mary spun around to see Lily looking hesitantly at her.
“Er- thank you. For helping me understand,” Lily gave Mary a small smile.
Mary returned it. “Of course, Lils. Anytime.”
They walked in to find Marlene hugging James, whose face was tear-stained. James quickly pulled away, wiping away at his eyes.
Marlene exhaled.
“We got you your favorite, Shepherd’s pie!” Mary smiled.
“Thanks Mare,” James looked gracious.
“No worries,” Mary smiled.
Mary and Lily brought up food for themselves and Marlene too, so all ate together. There was a massive silence for a while, until Mary broke it to ask James about quidditch. Mary had always enjoyed watching the sport but never felt interested enough to play it. James, on the other hand, was the most enthusiastic person when it came to quidditch. He went on to talk about his favorite players on each international team until they finally finished eating. Lily looked so relieved, she didn’t particularly like quidditch.
“Thank you guys for this. I really appreciate it, truly,” James expressed his gratitude.
“We’re always here for you, James,” Marlene said.
James nodded, scratching the back of his neck “Er- Lily. Do you mind if I talk to you for a second?”
Lily faltered but agreed.
They stepped outside the dorm to talk. They didn’t realize the fact that Mary and Marlene could hear their conversation.
“I-er- I just wanted to apologize. I haven’t been the best person to you, and you shouldn’t have had to go through that. I don’t really know why I kept asking you out. I think in some twisted way- I wanted to feel eno- sorry that’s not the point. I- I’m just really sorry. And the entire thing with Sni- sorry Snape. You guys are friends. I’m sorry I made you feel bad, but I’m not sorry I made him feel bad. I need you to know that,” James rambled. His voice was muffled from outside the door.
“We aren’t friends anymore, me and Snape. And thank you for your apology. I think I may need a little bit of time to feel fully comfortable around you but I do think we could be friends. You are an excellent friend, James,” Lily spoke.
“Yeah?” James’s voice trembled.
“Yeah.”
“I’d love to be friends, Lily. Thank you.”
“Great. And whatever’s going on now, just know it’ll pass, alright?”
“Yeah, thank you. Thank you so much.”
Mary and Marlene listened to their conversation from inside the dorm and quickly pretended like they were busy when Lily entered the room.
“Were you guys listening to our whole conversation?” Lily asked.
Mary gasped in faux shock. “No way! We would never do that, would we Marls?”
“No, never. I can’t believe you’d accuse us of something like that!” Marlene grinned.
“Wankers,” Lily muttered but smiled.
“Did he tell you what happened Marls? Is he okay?” Mary asked, remembering the previous events.
“Not entirely, no. He just told me that something happened between Remus and Sirius, and I think Snape was involved somehow-” Marlene was interrupted by Mary.
“What do you mean you think Snape is involved somehow?” Lily’s face turned to confusion.
“He was kind of like crying? And just saying random words, and ‘Snape’ was one of them,” Marlene responded.
“Oh,” Lily said.
“Yeah. Sirius fucked up somehow, really badly. He caused Remus a lot of pain,” Marlene sighed.
Mary felt incredibly crestfallen. What did Sirius do? He would never have wanted to hurt Remus intentionally. Those two were close in a way no-one would be able to explain. Right?
“Poor Remus,” Lily looked miserable.
Mary knew Lily was really close to Remus, and she stepped forward to give Lily a hug.
“It’s alright, Lils. He’ll be okay. Everything’ll be okay. They’re the marauders, for Merlin’s sake. They’re meant to be together,” Mary said, arms wrapped around Lily’s neck.
“Yeah, I know,” Came Lily’s faint voice from Mary’s shoulder.
“Oi, I feel a bit left out,” Marlene furrowed.
“Come here you idiot,” Mary said, extending her arms to hug Marlene as well.
And as Marlene, Mary, and Lily were embracing, Mary felt so much comfort. She always did around them. Despite everything crazy happening around them, they were together. And when they were together, they were okay.
*End Flashback*
The train ride continued as the surroundings grew dark. They were getting closer to Hogwarts.
“Remus, you haven’t got a fag on you, have you?” Mary asks.
“Lucky day for you, I have a couple left on me,” Remus smiled, passing Mary a cigarette.
“Exploding snap and fags? How much smoke will this compartment contain?” Marlene laughed.
“Merlin knows,” Peter grinned.
Just then the compartment door slid open, and James strutted in.
“Long time, no see,” Sirius raised his eyebrows.
“Yeah, had to tell off these third-years for playing exploding snap,” James rolled his eyes and noticed the girls. “Hey guys! How was everyone’s summer!”
“We were playing exploding snap?” Remus questioned.
“We’re alright, them third-years aren’t, they’re actually- Hey! Mary, is that a death stick?” James creased his brows.
“A what now?” Mary snorted.
“A dea- a fag, whatever you guys call it. They’re dangerous! I know some muggle things, okay? And as prefect, I-” James stopped, looking at Mary’s glare.
“Are you actually going to finish that sentence?” Mary asked.
“I-” James huffed. “Just this once- Not you too, Moony!”
Remus ignored him. “Where’s Lily?”
“She’s doing patrol, she should be here in a minute or so. We have to go back in five minutes anyway, to help the first-years,” James replied.
“Merlin, being a prefect sounds exhausting,” Mary exhaled, smoke exiting her mouth.
James nodded. “It’s torture, but there are several benefits.”
“Like wha-” Peter started as Lily walked in.
“There she is!” Sirius exclaimed.
“Hey Sirius,” Lily chuckled.
“Hi Lils,” Remus smiled at her.
“Hey Rem, how was your summer?” Lily asked.
“Not bad, you?”
“Not bad,” Lily said.
The train whistled and Lily and James looked at each other in panic.
“Shit! We have to go, see you guys in the carriages,” Lily waved bye.
“I thought you said 5 minutes!” Sirius folded his arms.
“Sorry!” James called, as he ran out.
“Always chaos, that boy,” Mary said, shaking her head.
“Chaos is his middle name,” Sirius smirked.
***
After a while, the group of friends returned to the castle they called home. With stomachs full and minds happy, they fell asleep in their four-poster beds. Worry was non-existent and everything was alright. They'd be alright.