Too Many Puzzles to Count

The Map

"You call her that again, I'll curse the greasy hair right off your thick head!"

The only thing Sirius Black hated more than his parents was Severus Snape. Unlucky for him, he saw Snape every day of the year that he wasn't with his parents. 

"Christ, Sirius, pipe down. Slughorn'll give you detention until you're thirty if he hears that shit from you again."

Peter Pettigrew, who was disliked by some, tolerated by many, and loved by very few, tended to take a different approach to conflict than his friend: avoid it at all costs.

"I'll pipe down when Snivellus stops calling her that," Sirius hissed. "And he wonders why she doesn't like him anymore, the git."

"I know, I know. Let's just get back to the tower, okay? James is probably waiting."

The two hurried through the corridors until they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. Peter gave the password and the boys all but sprinted up the stairs to the sixth year boys' dormitory. Inside, they found Remus Lupin and James Potter sitting cross-legged on James' bed, leaning over a piece of parchment.

"Blimey, is it done?" Peter asked, rushing to their sides.

Remus grinned. "Pete, all it needs is one last touch..." He pointed his wand at the center of the paper. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Suddenly, dark maroon ink began to swirl across the previously blank parchment. Lines, shapes, and words began to form on the page, and at the top, a title read:

Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs

Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers

are proud to present

THE MARAUDER'S MAP

"Brilliant!" Sirius shouted. "It's bloody brilliant!"

"Be quiet, Padfoot, the whole house can probably hear you," Remus laughed, pushing his friend gently.

"We'll be the ruddy kings of the school with this," Peter exclaimed. "Right James?"

James was staring at the map, a soft smile on his face. "Yeah." He looked up suddenly, blushing. "Sorry, Pete, didn't catch that?"

Sirius howled with laughter. "Bloody hell, mate, you just finished the damn thing and you're already watching Evans' every move?"

James shook his head, smiling and blushing even harder. "Sod off, Sirius."

Everyone laughed, but as Remus glanced down at the map, he didn't see Lily Evans' name and little dot anywhere. No matter, he thought to himself. Must've just missed her.

Sirius snatched the map from between James and Remus' knees and plopped down on his own bed, gesturing Peter to his side.

"Look 'ere, Wormy, it's your girlfriend!" Sirius said with a grin, pointing at a spot on the map.

Peter flushed bright pink at the name: Mary Macdonald.

"Not funny, Padfoot," Peter said under his breath, rushing back to his own bed.

Sirius gaped at him. "What? I thought you liked her!"

Peter glared at him. "I do."

"Then what's the bloody-"

"Shut up, Padfoot," James sighed. "Pete, don't listen to him, he's being a git."

"Thanks, Prongs," Peter said, with a small smile.