There were enough magical artefacts inside Dumbledore's office to keep Sirius busy for years. Tiny silver trinkets, huge machines making whirring noises, delicately carved boxes hiding innumerable secrets, brightly colours eggs resting on tiny tables with spindly legs and so much more.
But Sirius's eyes swept right over these without a second glance, and came to rest on the figure which stood near Dumbledore's table, right next to the Phoenix's perch. The figure turned around to face Sirius and James, and Sirius could swear he heard a loud boom as something inside him cracked, for the figure bore the familiar face of his friend Remus Lupin.
To say Lupin looked uncomfortable would be an understatement, with his pupils wide, his eyes teary, his face red and forehead sweaty, Lupin gave out a huge sigh after looking at both their faces in turn. Did he sigh from relief, despair, heartache, betrayal or pure agony? Sirius couldn't tell. All he could tell was that Remus Lupin was no longer his friend.
Sirius bit his tongue hard and turned his head away. He glanced at James who couldn't stop from looking at Lupin to Dumbledore and then back to Lupin in a vicious cycle as his mind tried to deduce what was happening and what had happened. But Sirius knew, it wasn't that difficult to figure out.
Remus Lupin had told on them, and to no one less than the Headmaster himself.
"Good morning, sir." Sirius said, sounding as unfazed as he could muster himself to. This brought James back to reality and he too wished the Headmaster.
"A very good morning Mr. Black and Mr. Potter," said Dumbledore, peering curiously at them through the top of his glasses. He then proceeded to clear his throat to catch Lupin's attention, who was still gawking at the duo standing in front of Dumbledore's table.
"That will be all, Mr. Lupin," he said and then waved his left hand towards the oak double doors. Lupin nodded his reply, mumbled a barely audible thank you and exited the room, but not before casting one last meaningful glance towards the man who now stood before Sirius and James in fancy green robes studded with twinkling silver stars. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows minutely and Remus Lupin was gone.
"Humph, let's see," said Dumbledore, looking at Sirius and James. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, how did you spend your day on the 29th of December this year?"
James and Sirius paled visibly, so this was what Remus had told him. But was it only this? Or had he regurgitated all the details of their every little prank.
"Exploring the grounds," said Sirius timidly.
"Which part of the grounds specifically?" asked Dumbledore, calmly.
James started fidgeting with the sleeves of his robes and Sirius busied himself looking at his shoelaces. But Dumbledore didn't stir from his position or utter a single word until Sirius finally replied in the tiniest voice possible- "The Whomping Willow."
"The Whomping Willow," repeated Dumbledore. "Do you, perhaps, remember what I said about the Willow after the start of term feast?"
They both nodded, still not looking Dumbledore in the eyes. Dumbledore sighed quietly and sat there until James looked at him through his lashes and at last said- "You asked to stay away from it."
Dumbledore nodded gravely. "So clearly you do remember. And yet, on the previous Wednesday you decided to explore the tree. May I know for what purpose?"
They both stood their quietly, each visibly struggling to find an answer.
"I should ask you both to pack up your bags right now," said Dumbledore, resetting the glasses on his nose, "but some of us won't have it." He looked pointedly at one of the portraits on the wall with an elderly sleeping wizard. Sirius knew that the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts was adorned with portraits of all the earlier dead Headmasters. He also knew the Headmaster Dumbledore had looked at- Phineas Nigellus Black- Sirius's great-great-grandfather and also the most hated Headmaster Hogwarts had ever seen.
"I'd say a total of hundred points will be deducted from the Gryffindor House along with detention." Sirius and James both let out a sigh of relief. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows. "Oh I'm not done yet. Right after your classes end to your bedtime- you'll be spending your detention with Professor McGonagall or in the Library- for the rest of the year."
Sirius choked on dry air, their lives at Hogwarts might as well be destroyed. How were they ever supposed to have any fun?
But he didn't dare say a single word. Detention with McGonagall sounded so much better than going back home. He looked at James standing beside him, looking quite shaken, yet nodding resolutely none the less.
"Alright then, off you go," Dumbledore said and just like that their meeting was over.
"Oh and Mr. Potter, Black," said Dumbledore just as James's hands clasped the handle of the oak door. "Do not punish your friend for the deeds which you so clearly did. You may not know it, but he might as well have saved your life from something far beyond your understanding."
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A/N: I'm taking a short break from Wattpad for a week (I've got exams). But don't worry, I'll be back with the last chapter of The Shrieking Shack on the next Friday.
Thank you so much for reading. I'd love to get your feedback. Also, if you liked his chapter please consider voting. :)

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The Shrieking Shack || The Marauders (Book 1)
Fanfiction[Completed on 31st March, 2017] Remus Lupin is a sad little eleven year old with no hope of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Though everything changes when Dumbledore comes knocking at his door. Remus is told he can attend Hogwa...