Don't Blame Me

Hogsmeade

James holds the map, keeping track of Filch's whereabouts. He suddenly stops, "Oh, bloody hell."

He stuffs the map into his sweater, and someone turns the corner, walking right to us. I freeze in fear, praying that it's not Filch or any of the professors. But as I look up at the person in front of us, my prayers change.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," I mutter.

"Your use of words is enthralling. You should consider being a poet," Regulus says sarcastically.

Sirius glares, "What are you doing out this late?"

"I could ask you five the same thing."

We're all silent, and the Slytherin scoffs. "Is this some form of initiation for your newest member?"

"It's none of your business," I reply.

Regulus holds his head higher as he looks down at me, "I could report you to the professors and get you a month's worth of detention."

"But that would get you detention as well," I say.

"Where are you going, Mrs. Norris?"

We all freeze at the voice. Footsteps echo near us, coming from the hall next to us. Regulus glares at me, his eyes narrowed in deep thought. I begin to panic as Mr. Filch gets closer. So, my instincts kick in, and I grab ahold of James's hand. "Run."

The five of us run, our footsteps echoing loudly. We turn a corner, and I can hear Regulus curse as Mr. Filch laughs.

"Regulus Black, why am I not surprised?"

James's hand is still in mine as we run outside. There's a smile on my face, and James lets out a loud laugh. We come to a stop near the Whomping Willow tree, and I let go of James's hand.

"Smart thinking," Peter says.

"I feel bad for Regulus," I say, frowning.

Sirius rests a hand on my shoulder, "Don't feel bad. He deserves it."

"Yes, but now he has a valid reason to hate me."

"We can discuss your issues with my idiot brother later. For now, let's go to Zonko's and get some supplies."

~~°°••°°~~

The walk to Hogsmeade was short, only about twenty minutes. The second we stepped foot into the small village, I smiled. James rests his arm on my shoulder and stares ahead of us with a proud smirk.

"Fascinating, isn't it?" he asks.

He ruffles my hair and starts walking. I quickly fix my hair and fall into step behind him. Remus is walking beside me while the other three boys are ahead of us.

"I've never seen anything like this," I say, looking at the small buildings around us.

"You should see it in the winter. The snow makes it even more magical," Remus says, wiggling his fingers like jazz hands.

The boys suddenly turn into a store, Remus and I follow them inside, and I look around in amazement. There are several brightly colored items around the store. I don't quite know what they are, so I ask Remus. "What is this stuff?"

"Supplies for pranks," he says, smiling.

Ah, this must be why James had asked me about my view on pranks. The Marauders are pranksters. Why am I not surprised?

"We'll need some of this," Sirius says, grabbing a purple box.

I watch in confusion as the four boys begin to grab random things. They seem to have forgotten I'm with them as they walk around the store, mumbling amongst themselves. I follow Remus, who looks back to give me a kind smile.