#I might brave the fire til the feeling hits until we both get lit || dorcas

[marlsxene]

bad nights causing teenage blues get down ladies, you’ve got nothin’ to lose

tags;

I covered the bruises but it seems to be leaking in my bones || muse

gasoline pumping through my veins dancing on top of the flames || music

she is so hard to please but she is a forest fire || fc

the truth is I am a toy that people enjoy til all of the tricks don't work anymore || interactions  

between the love and hate they can hardly wait to watch the heros fall || mckinnons  

friday night and I wont be long gotta do my hair put my make up on || wardrobe  

everyone keeps a darker place to lose control you're not alone || remus  

midnight you come and pick me up no headlights long drive could end in burning flames or paradise || sirius  

I might brave the fire til the feeling hits until we both get lit || dorcas  

says he made the big mistake of dancing in my storm says it was poison || nathair

cause if you think I was born yesterday you have got me wrong || james

I came in like a wrecking ball I never hit so hard in love ||  starter

we'll keep on fighting till the end || peter

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

who: @suchadorcas​

where: Ministry holding cells

"Next time ye see me I might be in stripes, wouldn't that be something?" Marlene uttered, sarcasm laced in her voice as she sat leaning back against the wall, eyes flickering over to look at one of her best friends on the other side of the barrier. "Please tell me you come bringing some kind of good news? Or atleast some gossip that isn't to do with the end of the night to keep me distracted?”

[love-killed-the-superstar]

tw for mentions of death and injury for this one lads!! but on the flip side of that, i finally wrote actual cassunzel interactions, yaay

CASSANDRA APPRECIATION WEEK DAY 6 - FIGHT/BATTLE

Cassandra tries not to worry Rapunzel too much.

If she had it her way, Rapunzel would never have to know about a single dangerous situation she ends up in, whether its by accident or diving in with both feet. Unfortunately scars are telling, and if Cass doesn't give her an honest play-by-play Rapunzel will be up til the early hours in agonies over the dangerous life she is living out on the road. So, like a good girlfriend should, Cass measures the kind of exploits she should tell Rapunzel about in her letters with whether or not she has sustained injury. Anything more serious than a scratch and she'll tactfully leave it a secret until the next time she's within the palace walls.

So when she runs into Vex on the road a few miles north of Vardaros, she figures this will just be another one of those events that she'll paraphrase in a strait-laced letter to Raps. Perhaps she will share some good-natured sparring with the townsfolk, pal around with Vex, taste-test some fresh honey from Quaid; all the fun, low-stakes stuff. She only intends on stopping over in Vardaros to stock up on supplies and take it from there – but upon her and Vex arriving back at the sheriff's office, she's met with the sight of three men hanging from the bridge overhead, being fished down by stricken townspeople simply wanting to remove the sight lest it scare away travelling patrons.

“Raiders,” Quaid says solemnly from behind her, as Cass watches on in muted horror. Vex strides ahead, avoiding looking at the sight altogether. “We chased a group of them out of town two weeks ago. Yesterday they struck again, so I sent a trio of our new town guard to scope out their base. And, well... it looks like they wanted to send a message home this time.”

Cass feels sick to her stomach. She's no stranger to how fucked up the world can be, especially since striking out on her own, but this is something she can't simply stand by and watch.

“What's your next move, Captain?” she asks quietly, following him towards the sheriff's office. From somewhere beyond her line of sight, she hears a man crying as his husband's body is lifted down.

“We fight, of course,” he says gravely. He takes a seat at his desk and mops his brow tiredly. “But with three of our men down, I'm not sure how well we'll fare in the fight. Our town guard is small as it is, and those raiders are ruthless. But the people of Vardaros don't back down. Not anymore.”

“I... I could write back to Corona,” Cass says quickly, grasping at straws for a way to aid the situation. “The guard there is huge, I'm sure Eugene wouldn't mind deploying a dozen or so soldiers to assist...”

“Wow. And here I was, thinking you were the only one of your friends that understood how things work here,” Vex snorts, as the front door slams shut behind her. She stalks past Cassandra, leaning back against the wall with a deep scowl.

Quaid shakes his head and smiles wanly at her suggestion. “I don't need to tell you of all people that Corona to Vardaros is at least a four day journey on horseback. We have no time to waste. The next time they come knocking, we have to be prepared to fight, no matter the cost.”

“Then I'll fight.” Owl hoots nervously on her shoulder, and Fidella, though resting just outside, looks equally perturbed by the notion of sticking around. “Captain, I have been training for my whole life. Whatever these raiders have planned, I can at least help even the score.”

He watches her with narrowed, haunted eyes. “Your life will be at risk. This is no game, Cassandra.”

“Of course it isn't! People are being killed, Captain, you can't seriously expect that I would sit back and watch this happen?”

“I only insist that you understand what you're getting yourself into, Cassandra.” He folds his arms, regarding her in silence for several dragging seconds, all while Vex mutters some choice expletives under her breath. “If you understand that and still wish to fight alongside us... I would be more grateful than you'll ever know.”

“I'll do it,” Cass promises. “You can count on me.”

…

Things move quickly after that. Vex gathers the townsfolk in the square to rally the locals into fighting for what's right. The people of Vardaros, beyond infuriated by the hangings that morning, are already fired up and ready to fight. For her part, Cass runs through basic drills – calling for everyone to bring forth their weaponry, teaching basic attack stances, offensive and defensive manoeuvres, everything she thinks she can squeeze into an afternoon. The idea that she is potentially sending these people to their deaths depending on how well she's taught them is nothing short of terrifying; but Quaid seems relieved at her assistance, and takes the valuable time to discuss strategy with his remaining guard.

They will defend Vardaros at any cost. They surrender to nobody. And Cass can't help thinking, despite her willingness to fight alongside them, that this mindset coupled with the minimal planning and inexperienced fighters is how entire civilisations get wiped off the map.

That night, while the townspeople grab a few precious hours of sleep, uncertain of when exactly the raiders are planning on striking next, Cass finds herself restless. Despite Vex and Quaid's dual pessimism, she finds herself reaching into her satchel for a pen and paper anyway.

Hey Raps,

It's funny that I should write to you now, when I never like to worry you on my journey. But Vardaros is in trouble, and I think that if you wake Eugene as soon as you get this, send out a dozen or so men as soon as you can, you might just be able to help. The town is being threatened by raiders, and it's bad. I'm going to fight with them, but I don't know that we'll prevail. Not to be an alarmist, but please, send some assistance. I really think we'll need it.

Captain Quaid believes that Vardaros is beyond outside help, but all I've been able to think about today is something my father once said to me: 'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.' Well, here I am, trying to do SOMETHING. I only hope that it's enough.

I love you, and I don't want these people to die. I'll write again soon.

Sincerely yours, Cassandra.

“Owl,”  she murmurs, so not to wake Vex, lightly snoring against her shoulder. Owl looks up, eyes blinking rapidly. “I need you to get this to Corona as fast as you can. You know how important this is.”

She binds the letter and hands it over, and Owl bows his head a little, meeting her gaze. There's an unspoken feeling there – be safe, don't you dare get yourself killed – and then with a quiet hoot he launches himself from her arm, making his exit through a window pane missing its glass. She watches him until he leaves her sight and then exhales.

Well, if she does end up dying tomorrow, at least she can do so knowing she tried her hardest to help this town. And, a thought equally as comforting, she can accept dying as long as Raps knows she loves her.

All that's left to do now is shut her eyes and wait for sleep to take hold.

…

A lot of things happen that day, in the battle that historical records will one day refer to as The Great Strike Back of Vardaros. Nearly three hundred people lose their lives. Most of them, in a twist of events, happen to be the raiders.

The landslide victory comes without the help of any outside soldiers, save for one brave drifter who, despite the dismissal of the the captain, sent out a pleading message to the nearby kingdom of Corona the night before, begging for reinforcements. It doesn't bring any soldiers in time to assist in the fight; however, they turn up in spades to help the clean-up operation and bury the dead, all in awe at how well a small, untrained town of people could hold its own just out of sheer spite towards the enemy.

In Cassandra's case, the majority of this information is learned days later – when she awakens, weak and confused, in a dimly lit room that she soon comes to realise is one of the town's makeshift hospitals for casualties of the battle.

It takes a few minutes for her eyes to adjust to her surroundings, but when she finally tilts her head to the left hand side of her Cassandra spots a petite figure slumped back in a chair beside her, chest rising and falling as she dreams.

Rapunzel.

Cass lies there in stunned silence, unable to peel her eyes away from the sight of her girlfriend dozing beside her. It's almost enough to distract from the pain she's in, but as she grows more and more alert it's glaringly clear to her that something bad happened.

“Cass, you're awake!” Vex bounds over to her bed and Rapunzel snorts a little at the noise, eyes blinking sleepily, opening and closing a few times before ultimately closing again, losing their battle with the tiredness plaguing her head. The relief on Vex's face only makes it more obvious to Cass that the injury must have been pretty damn awful. “God, I – shit, it's good to see you're awake. How's your wound?”

“I... hmm. It hurts,” she grits out. “I, uh, don't really remember anything.”

“Yeah, I bet. You, uh, got hit over the head pretty hard in the fight. And, er... got yourself impaled on the way down.”

“Well, fuck.” Cass doesn't really know what else she's supposed to say to that. Now that Vex mentions it, she does remember the searing pain from the blow to the head. She's just grateful she was too out of it from the blunt force trauma alone to feel the impalement. “God. How'd I make it out of that one alive?”

“Quaid said you're just someone who isn't ready to die yet,” Vex says with a shrug. “Sounds like a total cop-out to me, but you're alive, so who cares how?”

“Seriously, Vex, I should probably be dead right now.”

“Then shut up and just be thankful that you're not.” Vex's eyes narrow, her patience for Cassandra's bewilderment waning already. “We patched your abdomen wound up fine, and we gave you some stitches on the back of your head too. That was like two days ago, though.”

Cass blanches. “Shit. Two days?” She glances over to Rapunzel, who is only just starting to wake up properly. “And when did Raps get here?”

“Few hours after the battle was over. She came in this huge balloon thing, you wouldn't believe it. She said the captain had to stay back to watch over Corona but she still brought like, eight guards with her in the balloon to help us treat the injured. Rapunzel barely left your side once she found your bed, though.” A sly smile creeps up on her. “Must be nice, having your girlfriend come to watch over you.”

“Can it, you.” Cass can barely keep her eyes off of Rapunzel, though, as she yawns and stretches. “Raps?”

“Mhmm... Vex?”

“That wasn't me,” Vex says flatly. With that, Rapunzel's eyes snap open and she whirls around to see Cass.

“CASS!! Oh my gosh, Cassandra!”

Before Cass even has a chance to try to sit up Rapunzel leaps from her seat, tackling her with such a force that it sends a spike of pain through her stomach, in what she guesses is the sensation of her wound being jostled. Raps squeezes her tight, rocking a little. Next come the kisses, peppered all over her face as she laughs weakly in protest. Vex makes an exaggerated puking sound effect, and Cass waves her off with a roll of her eyes. But as Rapunzel goes back to hugging her, resting her head against the crook of Cassandra's neck, she feels her body begin to tremble.

“Hey,” murmurs Cass, reaching up to rub Rapunzel's back in a soothing motion. “Hey, come on, it's all right.”

Rapunzel shakes her head, and her voice is wet when she speaks. “It's not all right! Cass, you could have died! You've barely been conscious for two days, my god!”

“Raps...” Cass gently steers her back by the shoulders and Rapunzel watches her, large eyes brimming over with tears. Reaching up, Cass thumbs them away and tries to smile in a way that will convince Rapunzel that she really is okay. “I'm all right now, really. Sure, my head is a little sore and I'll need to take it easy until my wound heals up, but look. I'm here with you now.”

Rapunzel sniffles and moves back, nodding. She pulls her chair right up close to the bed before sitting down again, reaching over to take Cassandra's hand in her own and turning to Vex.

“Vex. Would you mind, um... giving us a moment?”

“Oh, no problem, I was feeling queasy anyway,” she drawls. Despite her tone, Vex flashes them a small smile and nod before leaving to check on a man four beds to Cassandra's right. Cass exhales and squeezes Rapunzel's hand, pushing herself upright into a semi-sitting position. It's painful on her torso, but she just feels dizzier trying to hold this conversation lying down.

“I'm sorry for worrying you. I... I didn't think you would come, though. I only meant that we needed back-up out here.”

“I didn't come on official business, Cass,” Rapunzel begins, reaching up to wipe at her eyes again. “I mean, I came to help, of course, but – but god, Cass, how could you send that to me and not expect me to freak out?!”

“Uh.” Cass chews her lip. “I don't know. I hoped you'd overlook the part about me being there and just, uh, focus on the part about rallying the troops.”

Rapunzel sighs loudly, eyes still shining with tears, and Cass feels her stomach drop. Geez, Raps is still mad.

“Cassandra,” Rapunzel says slowly, as if to spell it out for her, “you wrote that you desperately needed reinforcements. You wrote that you were going to fight, but you weren't confident that you would win. And you actually wrote the words 'I love you'. In ink. In a letter that you knew I would be showing other people.”

Cass nods just as slowly.

“...Cass, it sounded like a goodbye! Don't you think? How did you expect me to – to just stay put, in Corona, knowing you were here and you might be dying?!”

“I said I'd write again soon,” Cass protests, but it's a weak defence and she knows it. “That part was supposed to be reassuring. I didn't want you to worry, but-”

“But you don't get to decide for me if I should be worried, Cass! We are in love, and if you think for one moment that I wouldn't come to you if I had even an inkling that you could be hurt...!”

“I know,” croaks Cass. “I know, Raps, shit. I know. I'm – I'm sorry.”

Now it's her turn to well up. She looks away, reaching up to wipe at her eyes, trying to make it look like she's fiddling with her hair. Rapunzel lets her keep her pride.

“I didn't come all this way to yell,” Rapunzel promises. “...Well, all right, I did a tiny bit. Cass, I know I can't tell you to stop doing this, I just want you to be careful.”

“I am careful, Raps, but these people were in trouble. Do you think I should have stayed out of it?”

“No,” sighs Rapunzel, shoulders slumped in defeat. “Of course not. Even if I did it's not your way of doing things, I know that. I would have done the same. It doesn't stop me from wishing you would value your life a little more, though.”

“I swear to you, I don't plan on getting myself killed when I get into fights like this,” Cass emphasises, reaching up to cup Rapunzel's cheek. “I'm sorry for scaring you.”

She leans forward and, with Rapunzel's eyes flickering to her lips receptively, kisses her softly. Rapunzel returns the enthusiasm and Cass realises, in a real moment of panic, that she might never have kissed Rapunzel again.

“I'm so glad you're okay,” Rapunzel whispers, before kissing Cass again. “I love you so much.”

“I'm really sorry,” Cassandra utters, trembling as Rapunzel pulls her in close. “And I love you too, Raps.”

[bewitchmex]

001: PLAYLIST OF YOUR LIFE - (click for number info)

1.  O Children - Nick Cave & The Bad seeds ||  Forgive us now for what we've done, It started out as a bit of fun. Here, take these before we run away 2.  David Bowie - Heroes ||  Though nothing, nothing will keep us together, we can beat them, forever and ever. Oh, we can be heroes just for one day 3.  Emily King - Sleepwalker || Oooh I feel my body, without me again, ooh like a sleepwalker, gettin' closer to youI gotta hold ya, I gotta hold you 4. Sigma - Find Me ft. Birdy ||  We've lost our way that's what you told me last, tears, they come and go. This is us, I'll never get enough, it's taking losing you to know If you're ready, heart is open. I'll be waiting, Come find me. 5. Lorde - Green Light || All those rumors, they have big teeth. Oh, they bite you, thought you said that you would always be in love. But you're not in love no more, did it frighten you. How we kissed when we danced on the light up floor?  6. Halsey - Haunting || And I tried to wash you away, but you just won't leave. So won't you take a breath and dive in deep? 'Cause I came here so you'd come for me, I'm begging you to keep on haunting 7. Skeleton Song - Kate Nash ||  Skeleton, we have been friends for years, and you have seen me through some trials, and tribulations and some tears but everybody thinks I'm weird 8. Don’t save me - HAIM || All my life I wasn't trying to get on a highway, I was wondering which way to go. Spending all of my damn time, leaving all the weight behind you 9. Closure - vancouver sleep clinic ||  I might lose my mind in a place like this, I might take that risk. I might brave the fire til the feeling hits, until we both get lit 10. Insomnia - IAMX || Maybe the sex will help me to forget, a precious, transient schizophrenic bliss. Oh, my god, you're beautiful, why do you stay with this neurotic fool? I've lost control, please save me from myself 11. Spectrum - Florence + the machine ||  And when we come back we'll be dressed in black, and you'll scream our names aloud. And we won't eat and we won't sleep, we'll drag bodies from their graves 12. Billie Eilish - when the party's over ||  Don't you know I'm no good for you. I've learned to lose you, can't afford to. Tore my shirt to stop you bleedin' but nothin' ever stops you leavin' 13. Everything Everything - Cough Cough || And it's creeping its way through my windows, and it's slithering under my door and it's in my peripheral vision, and it's pourin' up under my floor  14. Do it to me - DaniLeigh||  Oh baby, babe, you love me right you hold me tight, Hold me hold me up against this music (Woo ooh) Oh you do it, you do it to me 15. Mogwai - Take Me Somewhere Nice || Ghosts in the photograph, never lied to me I'd be all of that. I'd be all of that. A false memory. Would be everything, A denial my eliminent 

CLICK FOR LINK TO THE PLAYLIST

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

REMUS & MARY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY PART 1

dates ooc rping: 13/03/2021 - 15/03/2021

date ic: Saturday 12/03/1983

discord group thread with: @luhpxns @macmary @padfoot-chaos @peterpxttigrew @suchadorcas @oh-evans @jamspctter @starryeyxdmckinnon

summary so far (to be continued)

location: Marauders apartment, fun chaos and drinking games. Awkward questions left lingering silences numbed by alcoholic beverages. Spin the bottle ensues with a Kiss, Question or Drink scenarios. Remus and Sirius kiss, Peter and Remus shot duel, Sirius and Marlene slip to the bathroom for an almost kiss, while Potter shamelessly flirts with Lily. Dorcas reminisces on favourite songs and Mary worries over their questions during spin the bottle.  

Marlene McKinnon 

Wine glass in one hand and wand in the other, Marlene absently sipping with gentle flicks of her wand as she strung up some bunting for more decorations. "How long has it been?" The witch called over her shoulder and light quirk of an eye brow, asking for a time check on Remus and Mary's location. "We should have confiscated their wands and keys so atleast we'd have some warning. Anyone fancy volunteering to run after them to give a loud warning of arrival? A howl, a screech, saying how beautiful we all look tonight?" A small smirk pulling onto her features before she added, catching one of her friends with a bottle of liquor in their hand. "Hey not so fast-" She asked with a charming warm smile pulling onto her features as she held out her wine glass for more alcohol.

Lily Evans 

"Don't worry, I'll take care of you," Lily crooned, topping up Marlene's glass. "We all know I can't go, I'm so shite with surprises." Lily's lack of a poker face unfortunately made her possibly the worst liar in the room. "They should be round any minute- what if we told them there's a fire so they've got to run up?" An awful idea, but she'd probably had a little too much to drink already. "If they don't hurry, I'm going to be absolutely sloshed by the time they get here," she groaned.

Sirius Black 

“Red, we’d all love to see you sloshed so don’t tempt me.” Sirius had a bottle of his own in his hand and used it to pour just a little bit extra into Lily’s drink. “Remus is a creature of habit. He’s never spent longer than half an hour at the shop so they’ll be back any minute now - just trust me.” He took a long swig of his own concoction, glancing between the two women. “Until then — shots? And just so you know that wasn’t really a question, it was more a warning that I’m about to pour you both shots regardless of what you say.”

James Potter

James quickly made his way over beside Lily and jokingly wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "A sloshed Lily at a surprise party sounds like the best surprise," laughing he looked over to Sirius. "We got this all planned down to a T! He won't expect a single thing, I would be surprised if it doesn't throw him off his rocker," he let go of Lily moving to his best friends side. "Don't have to tell me twice Padfoot, shots sound amazing, do you guys want any?" He looked over to Marlene and Lily set on this being an amazing time with good friends.

Dorcas Meadowes

Doe giggled as the last of her decorations went into place finishing her fire whiskey. "There's always a refill here." With a flick of her wand she raised her bottle and refilled her glass. "Just happy to vibe." She smiled to herself, propping herself up in the corner. Keeping this a secret had been hard but also worth it and she needed to turn off her brain every now and then.

Marlene McKinnon 

Marlene couldn't help but draw her eyes briefly away from James and Lily as he looped his arm around her. It shouldn't have bothered her, it was years ago it didn't matter. Still, how could she say it didn't sting even now when the person who'd supposed to love you for five years loved your best friend all along instead. She was definately going to need another drink to deal with that. An easy warm smile pulling onto her features the witch went back to stringing up last minute decorations with a light tilt of her head. "Do I want a shot? Do you even have to ask? I'll take two, maybe three. Unless you don't think you can keep up?" The witch smirked, a challenging quirk of an eye brow directed in Sirius' direction.

Sirius Black 

Sirius shared a grin with James because they both knew where this narrative led. It wasn’t an unusual occurrence to find the pair suggesting shots at a party, and that more often than not led to chaos. “I’ve got a selection for you beautiful people - wizard or muggle alcohol? Strong or extra strong? Are you weak enough to need a mixer?” He stood there amongst his various bottles as if he was some sort of bartender, but the grin was too mischievous to be professional. His eye caught Marlene’s as she looked in his direction. “And you’re getting doubles.”

Marlene McKinnon 

"Trying to get me drunk Black?" The witch questioned with a smirk and quirk of an eye brow before she finished stringing up the last of the decoration. "Now you-" Marlene spoke turning to point lightly at her room mate, pausing only momentarily to link her arms with Lily's. "-firewhiskey. You'll be dancing ontop of the tables tonight if I have anything to say about it."

Dorcas Meadowes 

"GUYS HOLD UP!!" She spoke loud enough for everyone to hear her jumping up quickly. She paused wrinkling her nose to make sure. Her voice dropped and she nodded. "They're coming. They're here." Now she perked up a little more excited knowing they were right outside.

James Potter 

James glanced at Sirius with a look of complete excitement. "Hide! Or you won't get shots," he mock threatened quickly swishing his wand so the lights began turning off.

Remus Lupin 

“Now I know that Sirius and James like a drink but this is a bit excessive.” Raising the two bags up toward Mary he laughed. “Who needs this much beer? Apparently it was just to stock up but they look like they’re stocking up for the apocalypse.” Juggling the bags in his hands, Remus attempted to dig a hand in his pocket to get the house key out of it. “Mary can you get the key out my pocket please? I can’t reach it with all the beers.” @Mary Macdonald

Mary Macdonald 

❛   i  think  time  has  proven  that  they  can  each  handle  their  drink  fairly  well,   sirius  more  so  but  perhaps  they're  just  planning  on  going  completely  balls  to  walls  for  the  occasion.   ❜    mary adds,   looking down at the two bags with playful dismay,   tutting quietly.   unable to keep the smile from their lips.   in truth,   they couldn't talk.   they'd always been one for taking things a step too far on occasion too.   ❛   no  problemo,   birthday  boy.   ❜   moving to reach into his jacket's pocket,   their fingers wriggle around a moment before taking it between their fingers.   going right ahead and unlocking the door for him too,   pushing it open for them both,   only to be met with an incredibly dark,   lonely looking flat...

Remus Lupin 

“You’re a good egg, birthday pal.” Remus watched as Mary reached their hand into his jacket pocket and opened up the front door, walking in ahead of him into complete darkness. “Have we had a black out or something?” Remus asked, standing in the dark front room with the bags in his hand. “Stick a light on will you Mary.”

Sirius Black

Mary didn’t have a chance to put a light on, because all of a sudden the flat was illuminated with bewitched lights and the smiling faces of their friends who all stood around with drinks in their hands. “Happy birthday, you old gits!” Sirius shouted, taking it upon himself to walk over and push pre-prepared, obnoxiously strong drinks into both of their hands. “Happy birthday.” He repeated. “Are you surprised? Down those. You’ve got some catching up to do.”

Remus Lupin 

Remus blinked twice, dropping the bags to the floor as the room became illuminated. The first thing he noticed was the faces of all the people he loved staring back at him and Mary, big smiles on their faces and drinks in their hand. Remus was deeply touched, more than any of them could ever really know but it wasn’t very Marauder to cry at your joint birthday party. “You fuckers.” Remus laughed as Sirius pushed a drink into their hands. “I have to say I didn’t suspect anything, I just thought you and James wanted to get plastered in the front room. This is amazing. Honestly, thank you.”(edited)

James Potter 

James let out a loud cheer alongside a surprise snatching a shot from the ones Sirius had made for himself. "Hey! Guys!" He took three shot glasses over to Doe, Marlene and Lily. "The promised shots, and Marlene yes I can count but right now I can only carry so many," he sassed before running over to Remus. "Happy birthday bud, yeah I definitely wouldn't want to get plastered with everyone else. Also Mary, happy birthday are you also surprised?"

Mary Macdonald 

mary was just as taken aback.   this was really the last thing they had been expecting to come from today and yet,   it wasn't unlike their friends at all.   so much so that they really should have been expecting this.   a bright smile spreading across mary's lips as they take in the sight...   all their friends together,   their found family gathered in the living room celebrating their birthdays.   ❛   well  shit!   ❜   they cried,   exchanging the keys in their hand for an unspecified drink from sirius,   ❛   you  lot  are  fucking  amazing,   and  i  love  each  and  every  one  of  you  so  much!   ❜   mary grinned,   eyeing the drink.   really,   it was all happening so fast,   that within an instant,   the drink was downed without another word said.   they had catching up to do,   didn't they?   ❛   yeah,   i'm  surprised!   i  was  surprised  way  back  when  you  guys  wanted  me  to  join  in  on  your  birthday drinks  for  remus...  but  this?   this  is...   kinda,   truly  incredible!   ❜

Lily Evans 

"Happy birthday, love," Lily ran for her best friend, throwing her arms around Mary and squeezed them about as tight as she could before moving on to hug Remus. "Love you both endlessly. Now drink that," she motioned to the drinks in their hands before grabbing her own shot from James. "Black is right, you're both massively behind."

Marlene McKinnon 

A wide warm smile pulled onto the corners of her lips at the sight of the pair. "Happy Birthday-" The witch called setting her drink down so she could go and loop her arms tightly around Mary first, planting a kiss on their cheek before doing exactly the same to Remus as she stepped back to look at the pair. Thumb moving up to rub a bit of lipstick off Mary's cheek with a small oops. "And as your best friends who love and adore you both, that it truly is our duty and really our honor to make sure you have a truly terrible hang over come tomorrow morning." Marlene spoke sarcastically a smirk pulling at the edge of her features. "So- drink up both of you-" The witch paused to nudge Remus lightly as she looked down at his drink before adding: "There will be shots in the kitchen when you've finished that."

Remus Lupin 

“Jesus of course there will be.” Remus laughed, watching Mary down their drink like a trooper. “You legend MacDonald, you’re showing me up now.” Exchanging a grin with Sirius, Remus downed the drink. It tasted like goblin’s piss and burned the back of his throat as it snaked it’s way down. “Black that’s actually vile, whatever you’ve mixed in there should be registered.” He replied with a laugh and a slight cough. “No but really guys. Thank you.” Grabbing two of the beers out of the box, he opened one with the other and passed one to Mary before signalling for James to throw him the bottle opener for his own one. “Happy Birthday Mary. Can’t wait to not remember it with you.” Raising his beer in the air toward them he clinked it against their’s.

James Potter 

James never downed beer as fast as he did shots of hard liquor. He sipped at it, letting the drink make him warm. With a soft sigh he smiled. "I'm happy to be of service for the two of you, so may this be one of the best parties we have," he winked at Remus finally downing half the beer. "I'm gonna annoy someone else -- birthday people, who should I annoy? Other than you two? I also have your gifts don't let me forget."

Sirius Black 

If looks could kill James would be six feet under, because Sirius’s expression could kill a man. “Acting like you’re moving elsewhere - finish the rest of that beer and stop acting like a wuss.” The grin on his face was the one he often wore during the parties he threw. Mischievous, ready to get everybody drunk, and ready to get drunk himself. “You’re all partying in my flat, so i dictate that you all need to be drunker, and that we have a lot of catching up to do because we’ve not all been in the same room since school.”

Remus Lupin 

“Christ that makes me feel old.” Remus remarked, taking a sip of his beer. “What are you drinking anyway Padfoot? You’re doing a lot of talking and not a lot of drinking for someone trying to get everyone drunk.” Remus teased with a smirk.

Sirius Black 

It was a challenge that Sirius had never been able to deny. He and Remus locked eyes, and he lifted his bottle of firewhiskey to his lips and took a very painful few sips. “I’ve drank more than you and Mary combined. Don’t give me that.” He pushed his bottle towards Remus. “Who do you take me for? I’m almost offended.”

Remus Lupin 

“I take you for a fool Padfoot.” Remus joked. “Also yeah of course you’ve had more to drink than me and Mary we’ve just turned up. As the birthday boy I think I order birthday shots because as everyone keeps saying I’ve got catching up to do and apparently you’re a man on a mission.”

James Potter 

James laughed. "Okay, okay, I will stay I have missed you lot an awful bunch," he pouted leaning up against Sirius. "If drunk is what you want -- drunk is what you get as long as my pants stay up unlike at the Yule Ball," James chugged the rest of his beer before moving to do what Remus said and take a shot.

Marlene McKinnon 

Quirking an eye brow as the boys started to get into a competitive spirit, Marlene found her eyes drawing to Lily with a pointed look one that was shared often and simply known as 'Boys'. "Well as delightful as it is to watch this- I think some more drinks are in order. I'm sure I spotted a bottle of giggle water in the kitchen. Lil, do you want to come?" Mar asked with a light quirk of an eye brow as she turned to her flat mate @Lily Evans

James Potter

James laughed. "Okay, okay, I will stay I have missed you lot an awful bunch," he pouted leaning up against Sirius. "If drunk is what you want -- drunk is what you get as long as my pants stay up unlike at the Yule Ball," James chugged the rest of his beer before moving to do what Remus said and take a shot.

Remus Lupin 

“Okay but honestly what happened with the pants situation because I never got any clarity on this?” Remus asked with a chuckle.

Lily Evans 

Lily hopped up and grabbed Marlene's hand. "Yes, let's leave them to their glory day reliving," she teased, pulling her to the kitchen. "Do you think we really got Mary? They looked surprised, but I can never tell with these things." She took a perch on the countertop. @Marlene McKinnon

Remus Lupin 

“Okay but honestly what happened with the pants situation because I never got any clarity on this?” Remus asked with a chuckle.

James Potter

James almost choked on his drink, mainly due to the horrid choice of alcohol Sirius decided to go with. "Snape give me a potion that he kind fo hexed to make my pants fall off. Anti climatic sorry mate."

Remus Lupin 

Remus laughed loudly. “That’s not anti-climactic in the slightest. That’s actually just hilarious.” His gaze flitted to Marlene and Lily for a moment as he watched them go into the kitchen leaving James and Remus in the living room. “The real question I have for you Prongs which can in no way be anti-climactic and an answer is demanded as it’s my birthday is - how was your date the other day? I know it was with Lily but I haven’t been able to catch you and find out how it all went.” @James Potter

James Potter 

James felt his cheeks burn red the minute Remus asked the question he knew he was sure to get anytime soon. Clearing his throat he searched his mind for a way to say how it went to the best of his tipsy ability. "Oh um -- about as well as you would expect? Thought it was decent at first but," James shrugged. "She's different, my charms don't work on her like it does on you guys," he dramatically pouted resorting to joking. "It was nice though." He kept repeating. @Remus Lupin

Lily Evans 

Lily hopped up and grabbed Marlene's hand. "Yes, let's leave them to their glory day reliving," she teased, pulling her to the kitchen. "Do you think we really got Mary? They looked surprised, but I can never tell with these things." She took a perch on the countertop. @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

A small scoff fell off the witch's lips at Lily's comment as she gave her best friend's hand a light squeeze. "Clearly they need to get out more." Mar teased as they left the boys to it and headed into the kitchen. "Didn't you see their face? I think we definitely did." Marlene assured with a soft smile as she went to looking in the boys cupboards. "Now what was that muggle drink you said again the other day? Bloody Mary's? What was in that again?" The witch asked with a pondering frown being huffing lightly and pulling out her wand from where she kept it attached to her thigh. "Or we could simply make a batch of punch or cocktails for each? And we can make it as deadly as we desire." Marlene spoke a mischievous grin pulling onto her features. "Mary's we could make sparkle and spell like roses? And Remus' of course, chocolate." @Lily Evans

Remus Lupin

“Well you know how I feel about you Prongs. You’re the love of my life and no dates will change that.” Nodding at James, he took a long sip of his beer and surveyed his friend. Talking about Lily in any way other than a joking one always prompted some kind of awkward response from James, but he didn’t want to make him squirm. “We don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to mate, I’m not in the business of making you sweat a puddle on the rug.” He chuckled. @James Potter

James Potter

James smiled hugging Remus tightly. "No, no you should be able to ask me these things," he nodded knowing whatever kind of awkwardness passed through him at the mention of Lily should be thrown out the window. "Listen mate, it was lovely though -- I found it lovely because she gave me a chance," he poked his chest taking another beer. "And for your second present I'll talk to her tonight." @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

Remus was surprised by the sudden display of affection but welcomed it warmly, smiling as he accepted the hug from his friend. “I’m glad you had a nice time mate, whatever happens with you and Lils, you get on so well it’s nice that you’re hanging out more outside of the group so if anything that’s the perfect gift for me.” Although his own love life was as empty as it always had been, Remus loved it when his friends were happy and having fun, living vicariously through them was more than enough for him. “Where did Griezl send you anyway?” @James Potter

James Potter 

James took a deep breath. "A muggle book store opening, it was quaint and so nice -- Remus you need a lover who isn't Sirius," James tapped his chest, the alcohol Sirius kept giving him clearly affecting him. "I think you have my love one hundred percent, I do love you," he smiled softly. "But I love Lily a different way don't tell Marlene," he whispered. @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

“I love a good book shop, that’s a perfect first date Prongs.” Remus couldn’t help but smile at James’ comments, being a big fan of both James and Lily, they going on a date had made his February but hearing James say that had possibly made his March as well. “I’ll keep my lips sealed.” He replied with a wink. “I’m shocked and appalled you’ve not asked me who I went on a date with. Thanks for the submit you cheeky sod.” Remus laughed @James Potter

James Potter 

"I wish I asked her and we weren't set up but," James shrugged blushing only slightly. "Who did you go on a date with? Liked my entry," he winked. "Well I had to deal with a weird entry too Remus, we seem to be twins in the sense." @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

“I actually told the girl I went on a date with that it screamed James Potter, I only wondered it the other two had a hand in it as well.” Remus replied with a laugh. “Well I actually went on a date with a goddess so I should probably thank you and whoever else had a hand in that because I could never land a girl like that unless someone had engineered it.”

Sirius Black

"We most certainly did." Sirius seemed to appear out of thin air, having been in the kitchen creating all sorts of concoctions he planned to donate to some blissfully unaware souls later on. "We figured you needed a swift kick up the arse before you became a born-again virgin. Who was the lucky lady?" Sirius grinned at his two best friends. "And I'll be grilling you about your date afterwards too so don't think you've gotten off easy, Prongs."

James Potter 

James jumped slightly at Sirius' arrival and let out a hearty laugh. "Yeah Remus! Who did you land, who was this goddess?" He nudged him playfully. "Sirius mate I'll give you the run down now -- it went well but not enough to land the elusive Lily Evans," he pouted drinking more of his beer. "But sh I care more about Remus right now."

Remus Lupin 

His gaze flitted between Sirius to James and then grinned. “Dahlia Blackwood?” He said questioningly. “I don’t know if you guys know her or not but she’s absolutely stunning, older woman, vampire. Massively out of my league by a long shot. So thanks I guess, date was fun.” Remus didn’t have any confidence when it came to women, but having a pleasant date with someone as beau as Dahlia had definitely helped.

Peter Pettigrew 

Peter managed to turn the key in the door, the keg that he had brought from the Leaky Cauldron firmly at his feet.  He had been on the evening shift at the pub, meaning that he had missed the initial fun of surprising Remus and Mary.  Still though, a keg was sure to make a great addition to their evening.  Pushing open the door, Peter looked around at the sight in front of him. "Oi, you fucking grannies." He called out to his friends in front of him, pushing the keg into the flat with his feet.  "Have you all forgot how to  party without me or something?"

Remus Lupin 

“Ay up here comes trouble.” Remus laughed, looking over at Peter rolling a large silver cylinder into the room. “Wormtail... what the fuck is that?” @Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew 

Glancing down at the keg at his feet, Peter laughed. “Just a little something something I picked up from work.” He grinned wickedly , stepping into the flat and closing the door behind him.

Sirius Black 

“And this is why you’re my favourite. Life and soul of the party, you are.” Sirius matched Peter’s grin as he clapped his best mate on the shoulder, and then turned his attention on the group as a whole. “What do the rest of you fuckers say to a little drinking game of some sort?”

Lily Evans 

"That sounds like trouble," Lily reappeared from the kitchen, fresh glass in hand, to give Peter a quick side hug. "Would be very seventh year of us. Let's do it."

James Potter 

James looked over to Lily with a bright smile. "You heard the lady, game time!" He took the keg from Peter and brought it over to an area he could easily set it up and have people take drinks easier. "Okay, sit in a circle in the living room?"

Mary Macdonald 

❛   oh  because  this  could  only  end  well...   ❜   mary teased,   quirking a brow in sirius' direction though a bright smile played at the corner of their lips.   particularly upon seeing the closeness of james & lily this evening.   ❛   what  we  playing  then,   lovers?     ❜   mary asks,  moving to sit on one of the marauders' sofas,   taking a sip of their drink as they awaited the game to begin.

Dorcas Meadowes 

With everyone gathering up, Doe sat down, cross legged on the floor, refilling her glass again just in case a soft smirk on her face. "Maybe I should keep a count on the number of bad decisions made tonight."

Marlene McKinnon 

"Life and soul of the party umm and we're not here?" Marlene hummed with a light quirk of an eye brow as she came out from the kitchen. "-I feel personally offended. You deserve atleast two shots for that-" The witch spoke sarcastically, before taking a sip of the new drink in her hand only to then notice Peter and the keg. "Well Merlin alive- I stand corrected. It's a hero himself baring gifts-" The witch spoke with a smirk as she raised her glass briefly to Peter before joining Mary on the couch. "Doe darling I wouldn't waste your ink, I don't think even your quill could write fast enough to keep that tally." Marlene commented before taking another sip of her drink. "What about spin the bottle? That was always a seventh year favourite wasn't it?"

Lily Evans 

Lily settled on the floor next to Doe, leaning her head on her friend's shoulder. "More like a fourth year favorite, Marley." She would normally be  apprehensive- but she'd already drank enough that this seemed like a phenomenal idea. "Your call, birthday friends!" she motioned towards Remus and Mary.

James Potter 

James nodded in agreement. "The birthday twins should go first, in turn and in choice of game," James looked over to both Remus and Mary, smiling like a fool.

Dorcas Meadowes 

"I'll drink to that, 'Lene." She laughed  before taking a sip for fun. It was veryctrue there would far too many shenanigans to document and most of them were likely to happen to the girl sat next to her. "Just let me know if I need to give you some space Lil', okay?" She teased.

Remus Lupin 

Narrowing his eyes Remus looked at Mary, trying to gage their reaction. A small grin played upon his lips. This was only going to end badly but maybe after all of the pressure they’d been under recently, all the drama, all the death this was that they needed. “I’m down if you are Mary.” Remus didn’t feel like wearing his sensible hat today. @Mary Macdonald

Mary Macdonald 

looking to remus,   they shrug playfully.  feigning indifference.   quite sure that no matter the game it would end in just as much chaos.   fun chaos.   fun birthday chaos.   ❛   of  course  i  fucking  am!   ❜   cheers mary in response,   raising their glass to in fact,   their smile only growing,   ❛   bring on the fourth year nostalgia then...   as lily so beautifully pointed out.   ❜

Sirius Black 

“Now it’s a fuckin’ party.” Sirius took his place on the arm of the sofa next to where Marlene sat. The night was about to get messy and he was very okay with that. After all, what’s a party without a bit of chaos? Being the selfless man he was, Sirius silently nominated himself to provide the bottle the game would need so he raised it to his lips, chugged the seven or so mouthfuls it had left, and then dropped it onto the wooden floor. “Go on then you two, who’s up first?”

James Potter 

James smirked at his friend and without a doubt -- and in true James fashion inserting himself in a conversation that he wasn't in truly at the moment. A good bit of fun and chaos was the best look for him. "I vote Mary, since they seems the most confident," he smirked. @Mary Macdonald

Mary Macdonald 

hearing james' words,   mary puts their hands under their chin,   elbows out, showing off proudly as if the drink hadn't already gone straight to their head.   obliging,   they reach forward for the bottle sirius had put down,   flicking it with the tip of their finger,   causing it to jump to life,   spinning wildly for a few,   tense moments before finally landing on @James Potter.   the very man who'd just put them forward no less!   ❛   well,   well,   well...   what  will  it  be,   prongs?   kiss,   drink  or  question?   ❜   they ask,   wiggling their dark brows deviously.

James Potter 

James looked a bit shocked and surprised, just his luck it would be him who got chosen after throwing them under the bus. He hid the shock with a dramatic thinking session. "I'm going to be daring and choose question," he smiled knowing full well it would bite him in the ass. @Mary Macdonald

Mary Macdonald 

daring was one word for it.   stupid might have been another.   particularly when there was already one,   rather big question mary had regarding him.   feigning similar consideration over what it was they'd say next,   despite knowing very well what it was they were going to ask,   mary attempted their best,   well-meaning smile in spite of the drink veiling what might have been better judgement.   hoping whatever tumbled from their lips next wouldn't be damaging,   instead...   rather motivating?

❛   okay,   so...    how  are  your  feelings  for  lily  doing?   ❜ @James Potter

James Potter

James felt his heart skip a beat, he knew that question was coming he couldn't-- and shouldn't have been surprised. And he was sure his blank stare towards Mary's direction didn't help. He was tipsy but it wasn't enough for a question like this, he knew he didn't choose drink but he downed a cup hoping it would be easier to answer. It didn't help that Marlene was right there and so was Lily -- the person in question. "They're good," he forced a smile. "Friends -- and good ones -- and yeah, good." He knew his face was red and he knew that was going to be painful. @Mary Macdonald

Sirius Black 

Sirius felt the tension as soon as the question was asked - everyone did. It seemed the only two people unaware of Lily and James’ feelings for each other were themselves. He felt for his best mate, he really did - he knew how uncomfortable he must be, so Sirius barked a loud laugh. “Well it’s definitely a step up from being on the scary end of Red’s hexes, isn’t it?” He joked. Laugh the situation off, always a good method. “Lily can be pretty fuckin’ scary when she wants to be. Quite fit, really.”

Mary Macdonald 

mary could see plainly in his face that he had....  not been expecting that.   perhaps it'd been too much for the very first round of this game and yet,   they'd hoped,   in all their hopeless romantic glory,   that he'd take the opportunity to confess his love or...   something at least,   resembling that.   but perhaps,   just perhaps...   being sat around a bottle,   in his joint flat's living room,   in front of his ex was not a prime love confession setting.   ❛  i'm  glad  to  hear  it!    ❜   they agree,   as if that had been the answer they'd been waiting to hear.   it wasn't.   playing it off cooly,   they offer up a smile,   shaky...   if not from the drink than from the tension you could now cut with a knife.   ❛   who's  next  then...   birthday boy,   remus?   ❜

Marlene McKinnon 

With her walls already a little down from the several shots of tequila, Marlene wasn't expecting the question to sting and without her usually built sober walls barricading any kind of emotional tells slipping on the topic; it hit more of a sour note than she's ever admit. Marlene felt her jaw tightening ever so slightly as she took a large gulp of fire whiskey from her glass. Figuring if anything, she'd need atleast another round of drinks to sit happily through listening to those kind of questions. "Yeh really good friends." The witch muttered utter her breathe before shaking her head dismissively. "Remus- You're up-" Marlene spoke with the nod towards her friend hoping the quick change of topic could divert attention from Mary's question.

Remus Lupin 

Remus fell quiet as he watched the awkward scene play out in front of him. James and Lily were two of his closest friends, but over the past few weeks after what had happened in October, he and Marlene had become very close as well. Having been with her when they brewed love potions that one night drunk in the kitchen he had a feeling her deeper feelings lied elsewhere but he had no doubt that Mary’s question had stung, although Mary was so kind they won’t have done it on purpose. Taking a long sip of his beer before spinning, Remus reached out to the bottle in the middle and spun it hard. It went round the circle a few times and finally landed on... SIRIUS. “Well well Padfoot.” Remus began, grinning at Sirius wickedly. “Kiss, question or a downing my brother? Sips are for chumps.” @Sirius Black(edited)

Sirius Black 

Sirius was already grinning when the bottle slowed and came to a stop in his direction, and he waggled his eyebrows at Remus. “Is ‘all of the above’ an option?” He asked. There was only one option, really - one clear way to rid the room of any lingering awkwardness, and considering himself as somewhat of a hero, Sirius had no choice. “C’mon then, you sexy piece of meat. Give us a kiss and try not to fall in love with me.” @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

He couldn’t contain an eye roll. Classic bloody Sirius. “This is only gonna fuel all those rumours, you do know that right?” Remus questioned before standing up and walking over to Sirius. “Do it quickly, I don’t want Peter and James getting jealous.” @Sirius Black

James Potter 

James saw this as an opportunity to jump back into the groove of things after that question. He could clearly tell Marlene was pained but this was a different conversation for a different time. "Hey Remus, that's my man!" He smirked waiting to see what his friends had done multiple times before in different parties.

Remus Lupin 

“Well apparently he’s mine now.” Remus called behind to his friend. “Kept trying to throw him off but apparently the heart wants what it wants.” He added in a sarcastic tone.

Sirius Black 

“Are they rumours, or are we really in love?” He smirked as he got to his feet. The rumours in question had began years ago but instead of trying to quash them the two boys had their fun with it. Sirius vaguely remembered getting up on the Gryffindor table one breakfast and professing his undying love for Remus in front of the whole school. “Don’t worry lads, there’s plenty to go around.” Sirius grinned, before grabbing Remus’ face between his hands and planting a loud kiss onto his lips. @Remus Lupin

Peter Pettigrew 

Leaning his back against the couch, Peter laughed loudly  "Don't worry, James darling. We'll get back at them."  He acknowledged by sending a wink in James' direction.  Thoroughly amused by this game, Peter took a swig from his drink.

Remus Lupin 

Allowing his face to be pulled forward and pressed against Sirius’ he felt the kiss be planted on his lips before recoiling in comedic horror. “God you really should use mouthwash Padfoot, would get rid of the dog breath.” He joked before turning back around and sitting down cross legged next to Peter with a laugh. “Think it’s your turn now Wormtail, try beat that display of affection if you can.” @Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew 

At the mention of dog breath,  Peter snorted.  Times like this reminded him of Hogwarts, when they all could just hang out for the night and have a laugh.  It felt like home.  "If that's what you call a display of affection, I fear for your lovers." He teased, leaning forward to spin the bottle.  "Now, if you don't get your turn now, don't fear. There's enough Peter to go around everyone." Peter reassured with a laugh whilst watching the bottle spin until it landed on @Dorcas Meadowes "Alright, my dear Meadow... What's it gonna be? A kiss, drink or question?"

Dorcas Meadowes 

She laughed at Peter's comment about Sirius, before taking a swig of her drink. It wasn't exactly the best timing as she nearly chocked after the spin landed right on her. Doe pretended to think on the matter although being appalled by one choice and another being a cop out there was only really one option. "Question, please."

Peter Pettigrew 

"Question," Peter repeated to himself as he thought, it definitely wasn't going to be as hard hitting or quite as exciting as Mary's was.  "If you could choose one song to listen to for the rest of your life, what would it be?" @Dorcas Meadowes

Dorcas Meadowes 

At least it was a question she could answer without feeling like the room dropped severaldegrees. "Probably Mr. Blue Sky. Its track one on my most played mixtape. Its one of those thats just great for a mood boost for when you need to dance around the house without caring. So yeah, we'll go with that one."(edited)

Peter Pettigrew 

"That's a class song, Dorcas." Peter nodded, "So, who's next to spin?" Glancing around the circle wiggling his eyebrows. His gaze landing on Marlene, Peter chuckled, "Right, go on Mar, fling that bottle." @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

"Well clearly after this game that's the first song we need to play. If we don't end the night with you and Lily dancing on tables, we'll have done you a disservice as your best friends." The witch grinned warmly in Does directly. "Alright alright-" She spoke, shifting from where she was sat on the couch to give the bottle a spin with the tip of her red finger nail. Eyes watching as it spin in a blur only to grind to a slow halt, eyes following the bottles guide to look up none other than Sirius Black himself ( @Sirius Black ). A mischievous smirk pulling onto her lips as she leaned back on the couch, the witch quirked an almost challenging eye brow at the other as she asked: "Well Black,  kiss, question or drink? The drink being atleast three shots of firewhiskey, seems only fair as clearly the forfeit option. So-" The witch paused only momentarily before adding: "What'll it be?"

Sirius Black 

“Is that supposed to be intimidating, three shots of firewhiskey? That’s easy. I’m insulted you think that would deter me.” He snorted. It was a cop out though; there were only 2 real options, and Sirius knew bloody damn well which one he truly wanted to choose. A question would be easy. It was the safer choice. But he was several drinks deep and his better judgment was somewhat lacking, and it was all too easy to give into his innermost desires which, when sober, he pretended didn’t exist. “I don’t trust you not to think up some awful question that makes me regret everything. So...” Sirius felt a smirk tug at his lips as their eyes met. “C’mon then. Come over here.” @Marlene McKinnon

James Potter 

James raised a brow at his friends option, but a part of him was happy that this was the option chosen. He wanted Marlene to be happy, and if it meant snogging his best friend for a bit then it would make him happy.

Marlene McKinnon 

"And how many have you alright had? Three just adds to what you'll inevitably drink later; making you reckless enough for trouble but not so drunk I'm holding your pretty little hair back by the end of the night. Not a pretty sight Black, even for you." The witch spoke with a light smirk and shrug of her shoulders. The questions where already running through Marlene's mind of what chaotic thing she could ask him, because really did she expect him to pick the former? No, not even close. Maybe a part of her didn't want to think he'd pick it, the lingering sober part of her mind which knew it would only lead to some kind of heartache pleaded that he wouldn't. Too hopeful for stolen moments and lingerings glances, was this seriously how she'd pictured their first kiss? No because as much as much as she wanted, Merlin knew she did, the lingering hidden butterflies and tightness of her jaw whenever they accidentally brushed hands left her with a lingering feeling of dread. Feelings she dared not speak out loud or even let herself feel from fear.* It's just a kiss, it doesn't mean a thing*. She had a right mind to tell him if he wanted it to come get it, but she doubted Mary would appreciate them snogging on the couch by them. "Fine- but you're using mouth wash first. I'm not kissing you when you've got dog breath." The witch spoke a smirk pulling onto her lips and matching his as she pushed herself up off the couch and downed the rest of her drink. "Come on Black, bathroom." @Sirius Black

Marlene McKinnon 

Moving over and grabbing Sirius' hand to tug him to the bathroom before he could object, Marlene turned to glance over her shoulder at Lily as she added: "Lily- Your turn to spin, don't have too much fun without us." The witch spoke with a light wink before the pair disappeared @Lily Evans

Lily Evans 

Lily blinked as they walked out, still a little caught up from the bizarre energy in the room, especially from Marlene, after Mary's question to James. Filing away a mental note to grab her roommate later and figure out whatever that had been, she finished off her drink. "Er, guess we'll leave them to that," she giggled, leaning in to spin the bottle that landed on the birthday boy ( @Remus Lupin ). "Come on then, you know the rules. Which one?"

Remus Lupin 

He had predicted chaos from playing their, as Lily had quite rightly said, fourth year favourite- but Marlene and Sirius in the bathroom chugging mouthwash and getting off wasn’t something he’d considered when Peter had rolled in with a keg that evening. Brown eyes watched Marlene drag his former kissing partner out of the room, a small smirk spreading over his face before his gaze flittered to Lily who had spun him in the game. “Give me your best question Lily, but I’m prepared to do a birthday shot in the event you can’t think of anything.” He replied, taking a long sip of his beer. @Lily Evans

Marlene McKinnon 

"And how many have you alright had? Three just adds to what you'll inevitably drink later; making you reckless enough for trouble but not so drunk I'm holding your pretty little hair back by the end of the night. Not a pretty sight Black, even for you." The witch spoke with a light smirk and shrug of her shoulders. The questions where already running through Marlene's mind of what chaotic thing she could ask him, because really did she expect him to pick the former? No, not even close. Maybe a part of her didn't want to think he'd pick it, the lingering sober part of her mind which knew it would only lead to some kind of heartache pleaded that he wouldn't. Too hopeful for stolen moments and lingerings glances, was this seriously how she'd pictured their first kiss? No because as much as much as she wanted, Merlin knew she did, the lingering hidden butterflies and tightness of her jaw whenever they accidentally brushed hands left her with a lingering feeling of dread. Feelings she dared not speak out loud or even let herself feel from fear.* It's just a kiss, it doesn't mean a thing*. She had a right mind to tell him if he wanted it to come get it, but she doubted Mary would appreciate them snogging on the couch by them. "Fine- but you're using mouth wash first. I'm not kissing you when you've got dog breath." The witch spoke a smirk pulling onto her lips and matching his as she pushed herself up off the couch and downed the rest of her drink. "Come on Black, bathroom." @Sirius Black

Sirius Black 

If he'd had any less than a stupid amount of alcohol Sirius would have known it was a bad idea and almost certainly wouldn't have chosen to go down that route. This sort of behaviour with friends had gotten him into trouble more than once in the past, and not only that, whatever small part of his brain that remained sensible knew that his own feelings would suffer the consequences of waking up tomorrow remembering everything that happened and having to laugh it off as if it was nothing. Not to mention the fact that Marlene, as much as he considered her to be his own best mate, was still his brother's ex-girlfriend. Messy didn't begin to cover it. But he was drunk, and none of those things seemed to matter as he got up, waggled his eyebrows at Remus over his shoulder, and followed Marlene from the living room. "What is all this bollocks about dog breath? My breath is just fine. A little tequila-y, sure, but I've never had any complaints before tonight." He mirrored her smirk. "We both know this is just your little tactic to get me alone. Cute, McKinnon."  @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

Snorting lightly with a light roll of her eyes, the witch quirked an eye brow lightly up in his direction as she asked: "You really think I'm going to trust your word over Remus when he's got the lingering Black lips to prove it? I think I trust his judgement more than yours." Marlene stately simply a small smirk gracing her lips. "Please, in your wet dreams Black. Besides if it was a tactic, I can think of alot better ways than that."  Granted maybe internally a part of her didn't exactly want to kiss him in front of everyone else. Particularly Potter. Even if James had never loved her at all when they were together and was doe eyed for Lily the whole time, seeing an ex kiss your best friend wasn't exactly on the top of her fun things to see and Marlene highly doubted it was on his either. "They were all probably too distracted by the hair to notice the breath." Marlene spoke sarcastically with a grin as she pushed open the bathroom door with her hip and holding it open for him. "Ladies first-" @Sirius Black

James Potter 

James had expected a kiss, and then it was over. But now that it essentially was Marlene leading him into the bathroom, he had a rock in the pit of his stomach. A part of him that did love her didn't like the idea of her dragging his best friend off into the bathroom. But he knew the slight jealousy he felt was the product of something that wouldn't have been fair to Marlene. He chose instead to sip at his drink and be very interested in what Lily was going to ask Remus.

Sirius Black 

"You bring up my hair a lot, have you ever noticed that?" Sirius asked casually. Marlene opened the door and as he passed he nodded his head. "Why thank you, kind sir." He beelined for the mirrored cupboard above the sink and pulled it open; one side was perfectly tidy and organised, and the chaotic mess that was the bottom shelf, belonged to him. He plucked out Peter's mouthwash (which he'd been using for weeks rather than buy his own), turned around, and gave it a little shake in Marlene's direction. "Happy now?" Sirius twisted off its cap, taking a swig into his mouth and swishing it around for a moment. When he spat it out his nose wrinkled. "Mouthwash and whisky is not a good combo, I'll tell you that for fuckin' free. The things I do for you, McKinnon. I treat you better than I've treated any other woman."  @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon

"Umhm?" The witch hummed, brows furrowing slightly. "What can I say, must be jealous of it." Marlene spoke simply, dismissing it with a light shake of her head putting it simply down to her being drunk. "Who said chivalry is dead-" Marlene spoke with an amused grin and let the door swing ajar as she moved to sit on the edge of the bathtub. "Not too late to back out Black- those three shots of whiskey are still on the table. And truly, I feel honored- maybe you should use mouthwash and whisky more often I'm sure they'd appreciate it. You might even get more knocking on your door than you do already." Shrugging one shoulder, her eyes flickered briefly around the boys bathroom for a moment just so her eyes didn't have to meet his. Though as the lingering reality started to dawn on the Scottish born witch, despite how much she'd already had to drink even she'd couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that this wasn't a good idea. "Sirius-" Marlene spoke voicing going a  little quieter, features dimming ever so slightly as she looked over at him. There was a part of her that just wanted to throw caution to the wind. To kiss him and pretend that nothing else mattered and pretend that it wouldn't cause a turmoil in her chest come morning. No matter how drunk she was it was, still him and not just another stranger she could easily forget.  But the very person she'd been actively trying to pretend didn't she didn't care for in anything but a romantic sense. She wanted to, she really did, to reach her hand for his and close the distance but instead she found herself giving a small shake of her head as her shoulders sunk. "You know we shouldn't.. right?"  @Sirius Black

Remus Lupin 

He had predicted chaos from playing their, as Lily had quite rightly said, fourth year favourite- but Marlene and Sirius in the bathroom chugging mouthwash and getting off wasn’t something he’d considered when Peter had rolled in with a keg that evening. Brown eyes watched Marlene drag his former kissing partner out of the room, a small smirk spreading over his face before his gaze flittered to Lily who had spun him in the game. “Give me your best question Lily, but I’m prepared to do a birthday shot in the event you can’t think of anything.” He replied, taking a long sip of his beer. @Lily Evans

Lily Evans

"Oh, don't you worry love. I'm sure I can dig something out," Lily grabbed a handle of Merlin-knows-what and refilled her glass, running through her available options. "Alright. If you could swap lives with anyone in the room- or anyone in the bathroom," she snorted, "who would it be? And why, you have to say why or it's a cop out," she insisted. @Remus Lupin

Marlene McKinnon 

"Umhm?" The witch hummed, brows furrowing slightly. "What can I say, must be jealous of it." Marlene spoke simply, dismissing it with a light shake of her head putting it simply down to her being drunk. "Who said chivalry is dead-" Marlene spoke with an amused grin and let the door swing ajar as she moved to sit on the edge of the bathtub. "Not too late to back out Black- those three shots of whiskey are still on the table. And truly, I feel honored- maybe you should use mouthwash and whisky more often I'm sure they'd appreciate it. You might even get more knocking on your door than you do already." Shrugging one shoulder, her eyes flickered briefly around the boys bathroom for a moment just so her eyes didn't have to meet his. Though as the lingering reality started to dawn on the Scottish born witch, despite how much she'd already had to drink even she'd couldn't ignore the nagging feeling that this wasn't a good idea. "Sirius-" Marlene spoke voicing going a  little quieter, features dimming ever so slightly as she looked over at him. There was a part of her that just wanted to throw caution to the wind. To kiss him and pretend that nothing else mattered and pretend that it wouldn't cause a turmoil in her chest come morning. No matter how drunk she was it was, still him and not just another stranger she could easily forget.  But the very person she'd been actively trying to pretend didn't she didn't care for in anything but a romantic sense. She wanted to, she really did, to reach her hand for his and close the distance but instead she found herself giving a small shake of her head as her shoulders sunk. "You know we shouldn't.. right?"  @Sirius Black

Sirius Black 

The second she uttered his name in that softer voice, he knew all pretence was over and they couldn’t ignore their reason for being alone in the bathroom anymore. With no more jokes to hide behind the tension seemed to double and he turned, leaning against the sink and crossing both arms across his chest. “I know we shouldn’t.” He sighed. It was hard not to sound ever so slightly disappointed, as hard as he tried. “It’s messy. I don’t think James would have a problem but...” he drifted off slowly, not quite sure why it was a bad idea. Or, at least, not having an answer that he could say to her face. “It’s a game and it doesn’t mean anything, but... yeah, you’re right.” He glanced around the room for a silent moment until their eyes met again. “I don’t know about you though, but I don’t want any more shots. And if I have to do them then you’re doing them with me.”  @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

"I know.." Marlene sighed lightly as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. The words shouldn't have stung, but the simple 'it doesn't mean anything' struck a small nerve. And maybe that was one of her problems; she knew it wouldn't have been as simple to process. If it was Mary, Lily, Peter, Remus, Doe- any would have been simpler in Marlene's mind. It would simply be a game and something they could laugh about come dawn because it wouldn't have meant anything. But even she could admit to herself that it wouldn't have been that simple her end with him. The last thing Marlene wanted was to add Sirius and this moment to the list of things she had to lase a fake smile to. "Yeh.. just a game." The witch repeated quietly as she pushed herself up off the bathtub edge, eyes pulling away from his knowing if they lingered too long he very well could just see right through her. "If you don't want anymore, we'll just say I forfeited. You already have minty whiskey breath, seems only fair doesn't it that i take the shots?" Words trying but failing to lighten the situation even if they fell a little flat. She wanted to say for the record she would have, something or anything that could change the situation but her mouth only shut that little bit tighter. "I'll see you back out there okay?" @Sirius Black(edited)

Lily Evans

"Oh, don't you worry love. I'm sure I can dig something out," Lily grabbed a handle of Merlin-knows-what and refilled her glass, running through her available options. "Alright. If you could swap lives with anyone in the room- or anyone in the bathroom," she snorted, "who would it be? And why, you have to say why or it's a cop out," she insisted. @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

Looking around the room, Remus debated his options. James- charming, loving family, handsome and wealthy, Lily- beautiful, smart, kind parents, Peter- funny, loyal, could down a pint quicker than anyone he knew, Mary- the kindest person he knew, pure of heart and sweet, Dorcas- brave, fearless, a great friend... He could list amazing qualities for everyone he was friends with, but there was one thing they all had in common, one thing he wanted more than anything else in the world. Normality. Looking down at his beer, he cradled it between two hands, one thumb running over the glass bottle as he tried to find something to see in the brown glass bottle. “I’d trade lives with any of you.” He finally said. “But I wouldn’t let any of you have my life.” He paused, catching sight of his face in the darkness of the television set which sat in the corner of the room. His eyes lingered on the three scars that cut through his face, his trademark. “Think that means I take the shots.” Smiling weakly, he stood up and walked to the kitchen, searching for the bottle of firewhiskey Marlene had left on the counter. Grabbing one of the plastic glasses he and Mary had brought home, he poured a hefty shot re-entered the room and downed it in one just as he heard Sirius and Marlene heading back in. “Who’s next?”(edited)

Sirius Black 

It was a difficult situation, that much was evident, and yet Sirius found himself not minding the heaviness of the air between them. He was normally one to avoid situations where he had to actually had to present as vulnerable in any way, shape or form. But here they were in the silence of the bathroom and the smart idea was to leave it where it currently stood, but he didn’t want to. “I didn’t say I didn’t want to anymore.” He replied. But it was too difficult, and as much as he wanted it, they just couldn’t. “Ladies first.” He said instead as he opened the door and allowed Marlene to leave ahead of him, choosing to divert away from the living room and go outside for a smoke.

James Potter

James frowned slightly as his friends answer. "Remus Lupin I will gladly be you for a week, day or even a whole year," he took a deep breath and held his cup up to Remus. "I love you too much and I get to really see what's beneath those clothes," he winked joking as he downed his drink. "I'll happily spin next?"

Peter Pettigrew

At Lily's question, Peter's eyes scanned around the room. There certainly was a lot going on. First, there was the bombshell question that Mary had thrown James' way and then there was Sirius and Marlene sneaking off into the bathroom.  The introduction of the drinking game had really spiced things up, but Peter wasn't too sure if it was going in the direction that many of them wished. Instead of a buzzing atmosphere, it seemed to be somewhat solemn. And at Remus's next words, Peter's heart dropped into his stomach. This was not meant to be how someone felt on their birthday. He was unable to stop himself from patting Remus on the shoulder, "I don't know what you mean mate, I'd kill to have those silky locks of yours." He tried to lighten the mood, catching a glimpse of how Remus looked at himself in the reflection of their tv.  Peter admired Remus, and hearing his friend's defeat wasn't nice. "You're the best of us, Moony." He reassured before taking another sip of his drink.  His eyes going between Marlene who had just entered and Remus who was standing in the doorway.(edited)

Marlene McKinnon 

His words lingered on Marlene's shoulders and left a ache in her chest. "Sirius-" Marlene tried wanting to touch his shoulder, offer a wamr smile like she normally did something, anything to make the situation seem lighter but nothing came. Instead a simple: "I'll see you later." But she slipped out of the bathroom and back into the living room. But the atmosphere there was equally if not more heavy than the one she'd just left. Having missed the conversation completely, she looked around baffled at everyone's expressions before saying: "Who died?" The witch asked with a quirk of an eye brow only to pause and really look at everyone's expressions with concern. "..What happened?" Before moving to go and find a bottle of fire whiskey, evidently it seemed they all could use some. "And if Golden Boy over there hasn't spun yet he's spinning twice."

Remus Lupin 

A small smile crept upon Remus’ face. “Thanks guys you’re too good to me.” He replied solemnly. Marlene’s voice echoed from behind him as her small figure appeared in the doorway. With a smirk, he held up the bottle of firewhiskey in his hand and flashed it towards Marlene. “It’s hairspray Peter.” He remarked, taking a shot of it out of the bottle before passing the bottle back to Marlene and entering into the room and settling down on the sofa. “I think it’s definitely James or Peter’s turn.” No more sad Remus tonight, he thought to himself as he settled in for an evening of fun with his friends.

James Potter

James took the bottle in hand after chugging his cup and spun it watching as it landed on -- Lily Evans.  After Mary's question he just knew this night was going to be something. "Oh okay Evans, what would it be for you? Kiss, question or drink?" He hoped she said kiss. The alcohol making him a lot more confident when it came  to her. @Lily Evans

Marlene McKinnon 

Clearly she'd missed something with Remus, evident with the look in his eyes as she took the bottle of firewhiskey from him. Raising her free hand to squeeze his shoulder lightly and offer a gentle warm smile before he slipped back to the couch. Quirking an eye brow in the general direction of the spin the bottle game, Marlene instead diverted her attention to pouring three shots worth of fire whiskey into her cup with a grimace on her lips at the amount; some forfeit. Though figured it was better to focus on that than whatever answer was about to leave her best friends lips.(edited)

Lily Evans

Lily had never wanted to feel invisible more in her life. She couldn't believe she'd been so thoughtless- what kind of friend was she to make her best friend feel that way on his own birthday? If the energy was off before, she couldn't even describe what it was now. She was tempted to kiss him, and she would have if she thought it would make the room laugh, but she couldn't get Marlene's face from earlier out of her head and her gut said no, that wouldn't make the situation better at all. "Guess I'll take a question." It felt like that was her only option left, as it would seem particularly unfair to dodge a question after her own spin. @James Potter

James Potter 

James knew she wouldn't have taken the kiss, but still it made his heart hurt just a bit. Now he had to think of a question, some small part of him sure she would have chosen either drink or kiss. That part being the stupid part -- at least it wouldn't have to be in front of Marlene. At least he wouldn't have to deal with that again. But also it was James Potter and he never thought through things. "What would it take for you to kiss me?" He smirked like if he had just cracked a code. @Lily Evans

Remus Lupin 

If anything might have improved his birthday that ought to have done it. Leaning back in his seat, Remus exchanged a look with Peter before his eyes began to flit between James to Lily as though he were watching a Wimbledon match. “Wonder what’s gonna go on here.” He whispered quietly to Peter before folding his arms to watch the show. @Peter Pettigrew(edited)

Peter Pettigrew

Peter was not at all expecting that question, especially with the atmosphere that was previously in the room. But at James question, Peter could help but snort.  Listening to Remus as he spoke, Peter chuckled quietly. “I suspect James is gonna get a kick up the arse or his feelings hurt. One or the other.” He replied, taking a sip of his drink. “Either way, we’ll be nursing the wounds.” Amused. @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin

“You’ve got that right.” Remus replied quietly. Reaching into his pocket Remus pulled out his wand and flicked it once, causing two bottles of beer to rise from the box and float towards him and Peter. Doing his bottle top trick, her took the tops off and handed one to Peter. “Let’s see what happens then.” He added, clinking his beer against Peter’s new one. @Peter Pettigrew(edited)

Lily Evans 

She was entirely unsurprised by the vein of the question- it wasn't the first time he'd asked something like that, that seemed designed to make her stutter and blush during a game like this. But maybe he hadn't counted on how much she had to drink, and maybe she didn't know how much she'd had to drink, because if she hadn't been absolutely piss drunk, she probably wouldn't have grinned dangerously, raised a brow, and said "For starters, you could try asking very nicely." @James Potter

Peter Pettigrew 

Taking the cold beer off of Remus, “cheers mate.” Setting the empty bottle on the ground beside him, Peter couldn’t help but let out a joking, “uh-oh” at Lily’s response before leaning back to Remus. “James did always say he liked a dominant lady.” Peter whispered, unable to stop himself from laughing.  @Remus Lupin

Marlene McKinnon 

Both her eye brows raised at Lily's reply, the answer enough for Marlene to finally draw her eyes up from the fire whiskey in her hand to that expression that dancing over her room mates features only to then flicker over to James. Seriously? Was the only thing ringing through her mind as she pushed herself up to go and moved over to Mary. Offering them the bottle of fire whiskey with a small eye brow wiggle  as she settled by their side. Uttering a quiet: "You having fun babe?" As to not disturb from the game. @Mary Macdonald(edited)

Remus Lupin 

“Now where have I heard that before.” Remus replied, his whisper breaking into a laugh as he and Peter began snickering on the sofa. “Firey redheads and dominant ladies are his speciality I’ve heard somewhere.” Remus joked. @Peter Pettigrew(edited)

James Potter 

James shot a glare towards Remus at his comment before clearing his throat and squirming as he stood up straighter. "Okay well, Evans may I please have a kiss?" He used his best posh voice for the first time actually being confident, which wasn't hard for him unless it was towards Lily. He knew it was best not look Marlene’s direction either. @Lily Evans

Mary Macdonald

mary was still planted on the corner of the sofa,   nursing a bottle of prosecco all to themselves and watching the scenes unfold before them with a light grin.   despite james having...   evidently grown in confidence between their question and his own to lily,   mary couldn't deny that they felt bad about calling him out like that.   and putting marlene in that position too.   so much so that turning to answer her question,   mary sighs heavily,   trying desperately not to let it get them down,   particularly in their drunken state.    the mix of emotions would do nothing for them.   ❛   i  feel...   like  i  was  too  harsh  asking  james  about  lily..    ❜   they whisper,   frowning ever so slightly as their words slur,   ❛   i  mean,   they  look  great  now  so,   maybe  it  was  for  the  greater  good  but  no  one  enjoyed  it.   i  can  tell...   ❜  @Marlene McKinnon

Lily Evans 

"Sorry, rules say you only get one question per round. Better try again later," Lily grinned playfully, feeling she already might have pushed it a bit too far with her last answer. She'd always thought the incessant flirting was a joke at her expense, but over the last couple years it'd had started to feel like an in-joke between them. Actually kissing him would ruin it, right? "Besides, I said you could try, not that it would work. Who's up next then?"

James Potter 

James pouted and resorted to sipping his drink. "You bring a fair point, I'll go again?" He joked only to laugh and point at Peter. "I think Wormtail should go next!" @Peter Pettigrew

Remus Lupin 

“Yes come on wormtail liven up the party!” Remus chorused, patting Peter on the back and grinning at him. @Peter Pettigrew

Marlene McKinnon 

"I'm sure it's fine Mar-" The witch assured, offering the wix her perfected faked smile; even if it didn't reach her eyes. Maybe it was for the better that Marlene never told Doe, Mary or Lily the full story of what happened between her and James a few years ago. Of course they'd seen pieces, they were her best friends they were bound to, but only a shaded version. Never enough to allude to everything that had unfolded, if anything right now Marlene was more glad of that, even if in the end it hurt her more.  "They seem fine don't they?" The witch spoke looking from the red head to the raven haired. "I wouldn't worry-" Marlene spoke, squeezing Mary's arm gently hoping it would offer them comfort. "Not on your birthday party atleast- especially when there isn't anything to worry about. If anyone can take it's Potter- trust me okay?" @Mary Macdonald

Remus Lupin 

As the room watched Peter, Remus’ gaze fell on Marlene and Mary who were both settled in on the second sofa facing the game. Marlene’s smile looked like the one she’d offered people recently when they asked her about Halloween, painted on her face like a clown and didn’t match the expression in her eyes. “Mary and Marlene you’re awful quiet!” Remus shouted joyfully, bouncing up from his seat next to Peter and joining them both on their sofa. “Shot race with my two favourite Gryffindors?” He asked. “Loser has to do a dare.” He wasn’t sure if more chaos would ease the situation, but it was always worth a try. @Mary Macdonald @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

When Remus inserted himself in the conversation, Marlene couldn't have been more than thankful for the side track away from whatever was happening with Lily and James. "Alright- but you two need to catch up. I'm three shots deeper from not kissing Black and as the two birthday humans here I'm not being drunker than either of you." The witch spoke pointing at both of her friends before pushing herself up and offering them her hands. "Come on then kitchen or we'll be scrubbing alcohol out the furniture again. How abouttt-" The witch hummed a mischievous grin pulling onto her features before she turned to look back at them both. "Flaming shots for you two, then jäger bomb train?" Marly suggested with a wiggle of her fingers, eyebrows and then whole body. @Remus Lupin  @Mary Macdonald

Remus Lupin

“I have another idea.” He replied, narrowing his eyes at Marlene. “If you’re three shots deeper than myself and the lovely Mary, why don’t Mary and I do a shot duel and you can be the judge?” His cousin had taught him the game at his aunt’s wedding in Cardiff over Christmas. “So basically Mary and I stand back to back and take a step forward and then Marlene you have a word you say and then when Mary and I here it we turn around and shot. You call the slowest and you make up a dare.” Leaning forward in his seat, Remus took a long sip of his beer and shrugged. “Or we do the flaming jäger train, drunkest member’s choice Marlene.” @Marlene McKinnon @Mary Macdonald(edited)

James Potter 

James turned his attention to the three -- Marlene, Mary and Remus -- after smiling at Lily like an idiot. He was interested in whatever they were going on about. "A drinking game with Marlene? You're clearly asking to lose."

Remus Lupin 

“Well that remains to be seen if she’s playing or not.” Remus replied, pressing on his knees and standing up. “Marlene’s been drinking a lot longer than myself and Mary so maybe a duel between birthday friends might be the best way to even things up.” @James Potter @Mary Macdonald @Marlene McKinnon. “Are you spinning some time today Wormtail?” Remus teased. @Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew

“A drinking game? I’d pay to see this.” He leaned forward before waving his hand up to Remus, “alright, alright. keep your knickers on.” Leaning forward to spin the bottle, an even louder laugh falling from his lips as it landed on @Remus Lupin, “Alright, Remus. Smooch, Drink or Question.”

Remus Lupin

“Hmmmmm. I don’t know if I can smooch you so closely after Sirius so Peter I choose drink, and whilst Mary and Marlene decide what they’re doing I challenge you do a shot duel!” As he announced his decision, Remus aimed his hand at Peter and flexed his thumb mimicking him shooting a gun. “Unless you’re chicken.” @Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew 

Peter raised an eyebrow, “picking Sirius over me? I’ll remember this the next time we run out of milk.” He winked before standing up, “Chicken? Not a fucking chance.” Placing his remaining beer on the table. “Let’s get the shots going.”@Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin 

“Is that a threat Wormtail? Or a promise not to get any more milk?” Remus wasn’t exactly bothered by whatever it was, he’d been the only on buying the toilet roll for about 3 years now. “Marlene! Pour the firewhiskey!” @Marlene McKinnon “Wormtail back to back we stand!” @Peter Pettigrew(edited)

Marlene McKinnon 

“I would like all the records to state that for once in his life James Potter is right and I could drink any of you under a table.” Marlene boasted with a proud smirk lacing on her features despite the alcohol already talking for her. “Right you heard the birthday boy move it-“ The witch spoke, pulling out her wand to give and easy flick and move a table back to give the boys room before two shots laces came gently towards her through the air, firewhiskey poured into both of them before floating in front of the lads. “Right laddie-“ The witch spoke, an ever so slightly Scottish twang coming into her voice like it always did when she was hammered. “I want a fair match, no cheating or you’re answering to Lily. And she’s extra fiery tonight so don’t even try it.” Marlene smirked lightly. “Right boys shots at the ready-“ @Remus Lupin @Peter Pettigrew 

Remus Lupin 

A bright smile flashed over his face as the shots floated into their hands. Grasping his with his right hand, Remus held his left behind his back and prepared to step forward. “What’s the word Marlene? You’re going to have to call out words, each word we step forward then on the buzz word we’ll turn and shot. You call the loser.” @Marlene McKinnon

James Potter 

"No this is for the both of them," James pointed at the two of them knowing Remus had challenged Peter. "You give them hell Marls."

Remus Lupin 

“For impartiality, Prongs why don’t you give Marlene the buzzword.” @James Potter

Marlene McKinnon 

“How about a phrase instead?” The witch questioned with a smirk lacing her features. “And come on Potter you heard the man, buzzword if you please.” @James Potter

Remus Lupin 

“A phrase works fine as well. Bonus points if it’s a funny one.” Remus chuckled

James Potter 

James took a deep breath. "I got one -- Moony is sexy. I gotchu you friend," he winked at Remus. @Marlene McKinnon @Remus Lupin

Peter Pettigrew 

“Remus is sexy?” Peter exclaimed dramatically, “this game is already rigged.”

Remus Lupin

“It’s my birthday!” Remus retorted elbowing his friend and winking over at James.

Peter Pettigrew 

“I’m not going any easier on you, just cause you’re old” He laughed, elbowing Remus back. “It’s a cruel world.”

Remus Lupin 

“There’s no need to resort to age jokes Peter, that’s just cheesy. Are you a man or a mouse?” He smiled to himself at his ridiculous joke before tilting his head toward Marlene. “H’away Marls!” He shouted over to her, the Welsh coming out in his accent as he allowed himself to settle into the evening. “We ‘aven’t got all bloody day.” @Marlene McKinnon

Peter Pettigrew 

“I’ve already considered myself more of a rat, if I’m honest?” Peter laughed at Remus’ joke, “But I don’t want to get too cheesy.”

Remus Lupin 

“Not even Wensleydale?” @Peter Pettigrew

Peter Pettigrew 

“I’ve always preferred Stilton, myself.” @Remus Lupin

Marlene McKinnon 

"You boys are so needy-" The witch whined sarcastically before a grin pulled onto her features, having momentarily gotten distracted by Lily. Moving a space with a flick of her wand to stand on the coffee table simply because she always had a flair for the dramatics as she turned to face the pair. "Peter that was a terrible and I mean truly terrible joke even for you squeakers. Have you boys had enough of debating superior cheeses? Or do I have to wait till after Mozzarella and Parmesan?"

Remus Lupin 

“You seem pretty cheesed off if I say so myself Marlene.” Remus snickered, elbowing Peter slightly. @Marlene McKinnon

Peter Pettigrew 

“Needy but you need me,” Peter joked, winking at Marlene as he stood back to back with Remus. Laughing as Remus teased Marlene, “Yeah, Marlene. You’re really not gouda at this game.” Snickering as he tried to get the sentence out. @Marlene McKinnon

Remus Lupin

“That’s a good one!” Remus exclaimed, laughing loudly. “Couldn’t brie any better!”

Peter Pettigrew 

“We better watch, otherwise Marlene might get really Swissed off.”

James Potter 

James watched Marlene with fascination, and then laughed at the boys after the continuous puns about cheese. He moved so he was sitting beside Lily mainly to see this happening better.

Remus Lupin 

“For fuck sake.” Remus was almost in bits now, all it took was a few stupid jokes and a beer or two and he was back to his old happy self. “Right come on then Marls.” He said finally. “I think Peter and I could go all night otherwise.” @Marlene McKinnon

Peter Pettigrew 

Peter was glad that things seemed to have lightened up since earlier in the night. There was nothing a few drinks and laughs couldn’t fix. “Is that whiskey coming straight from the fire or something?” Peter asked, almost doubling over in laughter. @Marlene McKinnon

Remus Lupin 

“Honestly I’m done!” He laughed again loudly. “Wormtail, you truly are on fire tonight, much like the whiskey, which, as you so rightly said, is cooking away nicely whilst Marlene makes us wait.”

Peter Pettigrew 

“Anything for my birthday boy,” peter chuckled, finally able to stand up after his laughing fit. “I’ve got to keep em coming,”

Marlene McKinnon 

"Merlin alive-" Marlene spoke, shaking her head in dismay as she rolled heavily at their comments. "Are you both done? okay good-" The witch spoke, despite an amused grin pulling onto the edge of her lips. With a small twist of her wrist and the utter of 'incendio' the shots of whiskey now had a blue flame dancing on top of them. "Okay shots at the ready- Whether we be old-" The witch paused pointing at Remus and Mary with a cheeky wink.The witch paused for them to step forward before pointing at Potter: "Or bold- ing-”

Remus Lupin

The sudden heat of the flame made Remus’ face feel hot and a small bit of excitement rose in his stomach. Putting one foot forward he stepped out, still facing away from Peter and looking ahead at the kitchen in front of him.

Peter Pettigrew 

Peter stepped forward to get ready, trying to not laugh at the jokes. Still though his lips were twitching at the thought of the cheese puns.

Marlene McKinnon 

Pausing again for them to step forward the witch pointed at the rat boy himself 'young with scabby knees'..'heads could do with filling' The witch added, turning to glance briefly at Lily to give her a cheeky wink.

Remus Lupin 

Hearing Peter start to snicker, Remus did also. Stepping forward again and letting out a little laugh as he tried to keep his shot steady.

Marlene McKinnon 

'Hoggy warty Hogwarts-" The witch sang last of all before shouting as loud as she could...'Moony is sexy-!" Eyes peeled on the fasted to take their shot.

Peter Pettigrew

Trying to keep the shot steady, Peter laughed before necking the shot at Marlene’s next few words

Remus Lupin 

“Ahh! FUCK” Remus yelled necking the shot and turning around.“Marls! Who won?”

Marlene McKinnon 

"Anddddd we have a winner-" The witch chimed hopping down off the table. "Sorry darling, you're getting slow in your old age." Marlene teased nudging Remus lightly. Raising her wand to decorate Peter's head in a small twisted floral crown. "Maybe next time Moony-"

Remus Lupin 

“Damn! Guess you’re the big cheese Wormtail. Well done.” Walking toward Peter, he shook his hand once and grinned at Marlene. “Right Marls, what’s the dare then?” @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon 

"Grab your coat come on-" The witch spoke a smirk pulling wider onto her features as she grabbed a fresh bottle of fire whiskey heading for the door. "Who else is coming?"

Remus Lupin

“Oh no what is this gonna be. I thought it was gonna be like tell James he’s a sexy beast.” Groaning slightly, Remus pulled on his jacket and signalled for Peter to get him another beer for the journey before following Marlene outside.

Lily Evans 

Lily pulled on her own jacket and trailed behind. "Oh, I'm sure I wouldn't want to miss whatever this is going to be."

Peter Pettigrew 

Peter grimaced at the shot, satisfied that he had won. He grabbed another beer for him and Remus before following them out into the cold. “You tell James he’s a sexy beast everyday, Moony. That’s hardly a dare mate.”

Marlene McKinnon 

"Lupin- you put me in charge darling. What exactly did you expect was going to happen?" The witch questioned with a wider smirk pulling onto her features as she shrugged her coat turning around to look at the rest of those following her.

James Potter 

James quickly stood up grabbing his coat and rushing behind everyone. "I would love to know what kind of adventure you're bringing us on Marlene, and if you expect to be sharing that fire whiskey."

Remus Lupin

“When you live with someone that sexy you have to let them know!” Remus shouted back, waiting for Peter and taking the beer from him before taking a swig. As James filed in behind them into the garden, Remus caught his eye. “I truly mean that Prongs, you really are a sexy beast.” @James Potter  He offered as they stood out on the small little patch of lawn.

Peter Pettigrew 

“Oh tell me something I don’t know, Remy.” Peter sighed, clutching his heart. “I have to share my space with three handsome hunks.” He winked before taking a swig of beer.

James Potter 

James rolled his eyes. "You guys are sexy too, I'd die to be with any of you -- especially Peter -- in a heartbeat," he placed a hand on his chest about his heart. "You guys are the best." He drank the rest of his drink.(edited)

Peter Pettigrew 

“Oh baby, get in line.” Peter joked, winking at James. “Best Mates, til the end I say.” The outside air making him feel even tipsier that he was in the apartment.

Marlene McKinnon 

"When you're done complementing each other's arses- which all lovely and ten out of ten by the way- hold onto each others hand tight. And who's had the least amount of alcohol so far?" Marlene called as she looked down the line of her friends.

Remus Lupin 

“No but seriously, Peter you’re a babe. You both are.” Standing between his mates he gave them both a hug before turning his attention to Marlene. “Marlene I hope you know they’ll be no funny business on this lawn.” @Marlene McKinnon Dropping his hands, he offered one to James and then linked arms with Peter to enable them to keep drinking their beers. “Think that shot pushed me over the edge.” He replied, taking a swig of his beer

James Potter

James happily took his friends hand helping him out. "Listen mate-- I am absolutely plastered as well, I'll try to help you as best as I can," he squeezed his hand softly. "Marlene what are we doing out here?"

Peter Pettigrew

Grabbing his friends hand, holding the bottle of beer in between his lips. Peter tried to speak but was muffled, obviously. “I’m not that drunk, sober as a judge.” He tried to speak clearly around the bottle. Before leaning his head back slightly to take a drink. Where ever he was going, his beer was going too.

Remus Lupin

Wising up to what Marlene was doing, Remus raised an eyebrow at Peter and looked between him and James. “This might sound like a ridiculous question but can you travel with beer? Have we tried that?” He asked with a laugh. “If we have I’ve been too drunk to notice.” @Peter Pettigrew @James Potter

Marlene McKinnon

Putting the bottle of fire whiskey in her pocket she rolled her eyes lightly with amusement at the boys while offering her hand to Lily to take. "Considering I didn't trust any of you to fly a broom while plastered nor did fancy fishing any of you out of Thames; not to mention no fireplace-" The witch shrugging lightly. "Pass it here Remus-" Marlene offered putting her wand between her red lips as she offered her extension charmed purse in his direction. @Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin — Today at 12:36 AM

Dutifully, Remus passed Marlene his beer and stepped back into the circle, holding hands with Peter and James. “You might want to take Wormtail’s as well. I don’t fancy that hitting me in the eye on the trip.” @Marlene McKinnon

Marlene McKinnon — Today at 12:38 AM

"Alcohol give it here-" The witch ordered putting her own bottle in the bag before holding it out to the middle of the circle for any last ones. "Lily make sure you're grabbing onto one of the boys will you-" @Lily Evans

Peter Pettigrew — Today at 12:39 AM

Letting go of James hand for one moment, he took the bottle out of his mouth and passed it to Marlene before taking James’ hand again. “Don’t worry, babe. I’m not going nowhere.”

James Potter — Today at 12:39 AM

James took Peter's bottle and made sure he wasn't going to grab it again. At the mention of Lily taking one of their hand's he almost instantly volunteered holding his free hand out to Lily. "I got you and Peter don't worry," he smiled softly.

Lily Evans — Today at 12:40 AM

Lily took James's hand. "Aye aye, captain. Come on then Marley, where are we headed?"

Marlene McKinnon — Today at 12:43 AM

Holding onto Lily's hand tight, the witch took one last look at her friends with a light smirk tugging onto her features. Eyes closed focusing clearly on their destination before apparating

- scene change  to be continued - 

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

where: Marlene & Lily’s apartment

who: @oh-evans​, @macmary​, @suchadorcas​

It had felt like a life time since the four had been able to just spend an evening all together without the company of the boys. Normally it was caught moments after work and drinking too much at the bars, it was almost nice to slow down and just have a night all together. It made Marlene reminiscent of their days at Hogwarts. Talking to wee hours of the morning, Mary gushing over the school gossip as the others listening intrigued, sneaking down to the kitchens to get a late night snack under the cover of darkness hoping they wouldn’t get caught. There was little things made Marlene happier than having her three best friends by her side and after everything that was happening with the order and the uncertainty lingering in the air; it felt more needed than ever before. “Soooo-” Marlene hummed, a teasing grin pulling onto her features as she quirked an eye brow at her three friends before taking a last drag from the cigarette perched between her fingers. “How was everyone’s Valentines? And don’t even think of pulling the ‘I don’t kiss and tell crap’, that’s not playing fair.” She smirked putting the cigarette out on her ash tray before closing the window. “Did everyone get a Grizel date? I know one of you should have atleast and you’re welcome. And you-” Mar spoke turning and pointing at Lily with a grin pulling onto her features. “I know you certainly had one sooo who were they?” The witch asked with a warm smile as she plopped herself down next to her flatmate. 

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

Location: Marlene and Lily’s apartment

Closed: @suchadorcas​

Mar appreciated that her friends were trying to make her feel better. She really did. But she was in no position to make any note worthy company right now. As much as she typically would put on a smile for the crowds, play the part and act like she was fine; dismissing any concerned with a faked softness to her features. But the warmth that always radiated from her like a star had faded. There was a time that she was able to hold such a facade. She’d had to too many times for the sake of others and to save guard her own heart from revealing more than she cared to share. But now? The walls had crumbled around her leaving her feeling defenseless and powerless. 

As unpleasant as she knew she probably was to be around right now, Marly for once didn’t care. She was too exhausted to give a shit. Solemn and grey, the witch laid on the floor features sunk staring up at the ceiling. Tracing over the patterns in her mind as if painting them with her eyes could aid in her distractions. It didn’t. Though the sight of one of her best friends coming back into view pulled her mind from her thoughts for a moment. “I appreciate this Doe-.. but you really don’t have to play baby sitter; no matter what Lily has said. If you need to be somewhere it’s fine.. I can take care of myself.” The brunette spoke as pulled her jumper sleeves over her hands to wipe over her with a sigh. 

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

“Doe-” Marlene spoke as she moved forward to grab hold of her friend’s arm to stop her from slipping from her grasp. The witch had been slowly doing the rounds to check on all of her friends. Eyes scanning the room as she tried to catch glimpse’s of them among the interviews and the sadness that had taken over the ministry. After the traumatic end to her evening, it was almost for her peace of mind. As if checking on all of them, even just catching moments among her disassociation could be enough to settle the growing dread brewing in the pit of her stomach. Arms enveloping the other and wrapping tightly around Doe, Marlene clung tightly onto one of her best friends as a shaky breathe fell off her lips. “Are you okay? Have you seen Lily and Mary? @suchadorcas​

[starryeyxdmckinnon]

- tag dump (part 1) -