Traitor

Disclaimer: I do not, and never will, own Harry Potter.

Lightening crackled against the walls of Hogwarts and echoed in the corridors as the four infamous Marauders rushed to class.

"Bloody Merlin, Moony, hurry up!" Sirius panted as he brushed back a sweaty strand of hair from his face. "We're already-" he checked his watch- "eight minutes late to Transfiguration. McGonagall's gonna slaughter us…"

"Sorry," Remus gasped, his already pale face losing whatever color it had left. "The full moon's tonight, in case you've forgotten!" the tawny-haired boy added snappishly.

Sirius muttered a quick apology. "Prongs, Wormy. We're already late, why even try to make it?" The boys nodded in agreement and slowed their pace. James' glasses were knocked askew. Another bolt of lightning shook the pictures lining the walls. The Marauders walked to class, Remus still trailing behind the others. Sirius rolled his eyes.

"God, Moony. I'll just carry you," A mischievous grin lit up his angular features, identical to the one already forming on James' face.

"Wormtail, carry Moony's books," the messy-haired boy ordered as he took Sirius' own. The porky Marauder quickly complied. Remus looked at Sirius skeptically.

"Padfoot, this'll be humiliating…" he started weakly, but his protests were futile. Sirius picked him up bridal-style with what looked like no effort. Remus snorted as the taller Marauder winked at him, but was secretly grateful he didn't have to walk the rest of the way.

Two minutes later, the group of four arrived in front of the Charms classroom. Thunder rumbled, adding a convenient theatrical effect as the Marauders entered the room, Remus still in Sirius' arms.

"Oh, Minnie, my beloved!" James called loudly. "Pleasure to see you, darling." He added in a cocky wink for good measure.

"Shame I can't say the same for you, Potter! Pettigrew! Lu….should I even ask?" the Professor asked tartly, glancing at the boy in Sirius' muscular arms.

"I wouldn't recommend it," responded Remus. "Sirius just couldn't resist my charms-"

"Mister Lupin! You and your friends will serve detention with me Saturday night. Since you're," she checked her own watch, "eleven minutes late, you will have each have eleven inches of parchment, due Monday, on why it is important to be punctual."

"But Minnie!" James whined. The stern woman pursed her lips stolidly.

"Sit, Mr. Potter. You too," McGonagall added, nodding at the other troublemakers. "In your own seats!" she hissed as Sirius sat in his seat with Remus in his lap. By now, the entire classroom was in hysterics. All except for one Severus Snape, who sneered at them the entire time. Remus looked at Sirius appreciatively and walked to his own seat.

The class dragged on monotonously as Sirius, James and Remus mastered spell after spell. They really were naturals, followed closely by Lily Evans and Snape. After what seemed like an eternity, the Marauders rushed off to the next class- all but Sirius. The handsome boy stayed behind for a stern lecturing from McGonagall on appropriate classroom etiquette. Which, as usual, he ignored. Surprisingly, Snape was waiting after class for him.

"Having fun in there?" he asked snidely. Sirius looked down at the shorter boy with contempt.

"Having fun washing your hair?" Sirius said viciously. "Oh wait- that never happens!"

Snape just rolled his eyes. "Well, Padfoot," he drawled, placing heavy emphasis on the nickname, "what are you doing tonight? Sneaking out with Lupin again? Yes, I know what he is."

"You know nothing!" Sirius spat. Snape raised an oily eyebrow. "Well, fine! You want to know so badly? Just get past the whomping willow by pressing the knot, you'll be satisfied, I hope," Sirius whispered dangerously.

Snape looked smug. "See you there," he said ominously, just as another bolt of lightening crackled in the sky.