Pretend.

chapter eight

James wrote to his parents that night, saying he'd stay at Hogwarts because all of his friends would. It started with just Sirius, but Remus was way too awkward to be at the Potter's house without Sirius, and Peter, Peter usually just followed the masses. His parents wrote back, saying it was a pity, but that they understood.

The Marauders did go to the platform, to wave Lily, Mary, and Marlene goodbye. Obviously, the first thing they did when the train left was run back to Hogwarts to brainstorm a 'welcome back' prank.  Regulus had the absolute genius idea to put a spell on the Great Hall so that as soon as you entered, you cannot leave, and your hair turns various colours. Regulus and Remus then left for the library to do the research. Peter was hungry, so he left for the kitchens. James and Sirius were left alone. James couldn't help but feel incredibly guilty. He had a crush on his best friend's little brother. Sirius was very protective of his little brother and was so going to hate James. So James chose to pretend to have a crush on Marlene.

"How many times have you asked her out yet?" Sirius asked.

"I haven't asked her out yet," James said. Sirius audibly gasped. Drama queen. James rolled his eyes.

"Who are you and what have you done to James Potter?" Sirius said jokingly. James just shrugged.

"I have been thinking-" Sirius started.

"That must've been the first time." James joked.

"Shut it. I was thinking we could throw a Christmas party."

"What? Just the five of us? Besides, Remus isn't religious."

"Not the religious Christmas. That's all bullshit if you ask me. No, just for fun, y'know. And we can invite people from other houses. Regulus can tell us what Slytherins are not racist."

(Just to clarify, I'm personally, not religious, but I'm fine with it if you are. This is Sirius hating his family and not him actually hating on Christianity.)

"Sounds good to me."

-

James and Sirius had been asleep already when Peter came back, and Peter had been asleep when Remus and Regulus came back. Somehow those last two managed to be the first ones to wake up. Bloody morning people. They had the audacity to wake James and Sirius at 8 o'clock. They didn't have school! Peter had woken up just in time. Asshole.

When Sirius told them the idea, Regulus wasn't exactly happy, but luckily he showed his cute smile again when Sirius said he wasn't inviting anyone who would hurt him. Regulus looked even prettier when he smiled. His eyes would light up, and he'd get little dimples. James blushed a little.

Five minutes later, James was done daydreaming (not about his and Regulus' future, just about Regulus.) Ais friends were in the middle of a conversation about how it was a pity all the non-racist Slytherins had gone home over break. No Slytherins (except for Regulus) then.

Regulus and Remus offered to write the invitations, but Remus only wrote one. He stopped when he saw how beautiful Regulus' handwriting was. It was practically calligraphy.

Hogwarts student,

On December 25th, 9 pm, you are expected on the seventh floor, left corridor, by the tapestry depicting the attempt of Barnabas the Barmy to teach trolls ballet. There we will have a party.

Everyone is expected to wear something nicer than everyday clothes. You can bring a date if you'd like.

Hoping for your presence,

The Marauders.

James 'accidentally' made Regulus write one extra, and that letter now had its place in James' bedside table, waiting for James to take it out and curse Sirius internally for being Regulus' brother.

A/n
Lol, I like this book a lot. I enjoy writing it more than most of my other books.