There’s something there
Summer holidays were, in James's opinion, the best time of the year. He would often get into a row with Pads who argued Christmas, spent at the Potter's household, was the best holiday above all. Although, James enjoys the cosy feeling and the harmonious atmosphere, he enjoys far more getting tan under the sun. Eating popsicles with his friends (watching Sirius blush as Moony deep-throated his popsicle was utterly hilarious, although James had never understood why he blushed, sure Moony was handsome but eating a popsicle was so mundane…), spending most of the time without shoes and chasing the gnomes that went out for some fresh air. James thought nothing could top these. But they were still very far ahead. He deflated a little at the thought. Still two months to go. That was until he heard professor Dumbledore announcement.
“Can I have your attention please?” he said, standing up from the teacher's table. “As all of you are well aware, the slythering common room was flooded. The spell-work that cause these have been proven very difficult to handle. I must say I'm very impressed-“
“Albus!” interrupted professor McGonagall.
“This doesn't mean that however is behind this will go unpunished.”
The entire slythering table was sulking. They've had to sleep in the great hall for the past two days, and it showed. At the opposite side of the table, Sirius elbowed Moony.
“Shhh” scolded half-heartedly the sandy haired boy, trying to hide a smile.
Sirius just beamed at him. Remus had taught them all the charms they needed in order to break the barrier protecting the common room from the waters of the black lake. They, of course, had got everyone out by using some stinking bombs and a few self-timed spells. Everything had gone according to plan, and there was nothing more satisfying for the Marauders than a prank well executed.
“Nicely done gentlemen.” Said James, extending his fist.
Sirius fist bump him first. The Peter. And Moony joined reluctantly, still eyeing the teacher’s professor. However, something else caught James's attention. As soon as Moony’s fist touched Pad's, he snap his head at his friend, and gave him the biggest smile. A genuine smile. That made James shoot a funny look at Sirius. The bespectacled young man squinted at him as if analysing his face.
“What's up Prongsie? Fancy a picture? It will last longer.” Teased Sirius. But James was still looking at him in that funny way he used to look at the rune's blackboard in class. “What is it, James?” asked more seriously this time.
“Oh. Nothing Pads, just wondering if Snivellus might suspect it was us.”
“He doesn't suspect.” interjected Moony. And Sirius attention was instantly on him. “He knows it was us.”
“But he can't prove it.” Added Peter with a proud grin and a somewhat cocky attitude.
“Enjoying yourselves, are we, boys?” said professor McGonagall, appearing behind Sirius out of nowhere.
His friend gave a little jump and snatch his hand away from something under the table. Remus looked away, slightly blushing. James squinted at both of them. If McGonagall confiscated more Zonko´s products for them, he was going to blame it entirely on them. But the strangest thing of all happened. McGonagall looked to where Sirius's hand had been. And James could swear he saw a smile form on her lips for a fraction of a time. But as soon as it had form, it went away; and James was sure he had been the only one who saw it. He suspected, Sirius wasn't showing a Zonko product to Remus.
“Please stop speaking and pay attention to professor Dumbledore.” Continued with a firm tone.
“Sure thing Minnie.” Answered James and Sirius at the same time.
She left before smiling softly because these boys would never change.
“Since the turn of events, we will be sending the slytherings home early for the Easter holidays.” Continued Dumbledore. Three out of the four tables made disapproving noises.
“That's rubbish!” screamed James.
You don't know what you are doing!” followed Sirius.
They were both instantly silenced by a severe look from professor McGonagall.
“Don't laugh, Lupin.” Complained Sirius. “You were thinking that too.”
“Oh was I?” said Remus leaning close to Sirius. Both of their cheeks gained a faint colour, but neither backed away.
“Pretty sure you were.” Teased Sirius.
James couldn't quite tell what was about this bickering in specific that didn't felt like the previous one the pair of them used to make. He looked around to see if someone else had noticed too. To his surprise, and delight, Lily was squinting at them. “Finally!” James thought. He slides discretely to her side.
“You are staring, Lils.” He called in her ear. Lily gave a slight jump and punch James in his arm playfully.
“Potter, is something there?” she asked, still staring. Both boys had returned their attention to Dumbledore, who was talking something about fairness or otherwise.
“First, we've been dating for quite a few months, I think we can be on first name basis-“
“Sorry. Old habits die hard.” Laugh awkwardly, the girl, looking genuinely embarrassed.
James pressed a kiss on the side of her forehead.
“Just teasing, love. But something there… meaning what?”
“Just… you know… something more?”
“More than what?”
“Oh, forget it, Potter.” She said. This time fully aware of the surname use. “You are truly blind”
James hugged her from the waits, making her slide a bit. A big bear hug on the great hall. This was all James had ever wished to be able to do. So he planted a kiss on Lily check, making her laugh.
“Love makes us blind Lils, what can I say?”
Turns out. While the Marauders were in their own world, Professor Dumbledore had announced that the slytherings and anyone who wished so, would be sent home for a long weekend. It seems it would take professor Flitwick and Professor Sinistra, three days to fix the slythering common room and dorms. That, added with the weekend, gave the marauders, almost a full week-off to look forward.
“Let's all go to the Potter's” said Sirius excitedly as soon as they had caught up with the news. “I'll write mom and dad to let them know. They won't mind, will they?”
“Nah.” Answered James as they reach the common room. “You know what dad says: the more, the merrier.”
“I'll write home immediately, then.” Said Peter, hurrying up to their dorms.
“I…”
“No! Absolutely not! Moony please, you have to come too” pouted Sirius looking up to their friend.
“I haven't even said anything.” Laughed Remus pushing with his hand Sirius's face away.
“But I know you.” Replied, Sirius grabbing Remus wrist to impede the taller boy pushing him away again, and he stood in his tippy-toes to stare at him with was seemed to be a serious look on his face. However, the two of them busted out laughing.
“Yeah Moony, come. It won't be the same without you.” Said James, putting his arm around Remus's shoulders and pulling him to get him into a headlock.
“Get him, James!” screamed Sirius while jumping at Remus's back.
“Get off, you tossers!”
Remus was, of course, far much stronger than two quidditch players. So he freed himself from the headlock a dropped James to the floor, pinning him there. And Sirius was still on his back, as if it was just a little extra weight on him. Still James insisted.
“So is that a “yes I'll come you tosser” or do I have to use the mortal weapon?”
“I'll come.” Whispered Remus.
“Yes! That's the spirit, Moony.” Celebrated Sirius giving Remus a kiss on the cheek.
James was directly under Remus, and he could see the exact moment Remus's face changed colour. James tilted his head and Moony stood up abruptly and Sirius felt from his back.
“Besides, it's my birthday, Moony. The foursome has to be there.” Declared James.
“Please don't call us “foursome”, some people already started rumours about that. Just say us or marauders is you feel the need to call us something.” Remus passed a hand through his curls.
“Fine, we all have to be there.” Said James.
“There be so much planning to do!” said Sirius excitedly.
Even if he was a mess, he and James were pretty good damn event organizers. And James's birthday falling on their almost week off was a miracle and unprepared outcome from their prank.
James thought, "this could be even better than summer holidays”. Almost a full week with his friends celebrating his birthday. He'll of course invite Lily and the gang. And maybe other Gryffindor’s. The manor is big enough, James tough. And if he was lucky he could get Lily and Peter on board with the Lupin-Black mystery, because there was definitely something going on, that James was being left out.
“Could it be a birthday surprise?” he thought, on the night before they were all leaving, as he laid awake on his bed. “Nah, it has been going on too long for it to be just about my birthday.”
He rolled over and kiss Lily's shoulders. He'll have time to think what was all that about. Besides, Sirius could never keep anything from James.