Chapter Forty-Six
Firewhisky and Honey
Cause I may be bad
But I'm perfectly good at it
Sex in the air
I don't care, I love the smell of it
(S&M - Rihanna)March 13th, 1976The Room of Requirement was turned into a replica of the Gryffindor common
room, as Remus said it was one of the few places where he felt at home. Mia worked on
the room, while the other girls collected treats from the kitchen, and the Marauders sneaked
into Hogsmeade to acquire drinks. The only difference in the faux Gryffindor common
room was the distinct lack of other students. A large table was provided in the centre where
gifts—all from Honeydukes—drinks and food were set out like a feast.
It had taken a plethora of promises, pleadings, and many called in favours to get
Lily to look the other way when the Marauders brought in firewhisky for Remus's birthday
party. She finally relented after Remus pulled the "sad, lonely werewolf who only turns
sixteen once" card. The only things Lily insisted on were that the party happen on the
weekend—so that the preparations for upcoming O.W.L.s would not be disturbed—and
that it take place in the Room of Requirement—so that younger years would not walk in
on the older Gryffindors (prefects especially) setting a terrible example for the future of
the Wizarding world.
"A toast!" James announced with a grin, pouring the first of what was sure to be
many shots of firewhisky for the gathered fifth year Gryffindors. "To Remus. Happy
birthday, and many happy returns to you, Moony!"
The small crowd toasted to Remus and downed their firewhisky, though Lily, Alice,
and Frank were more than happy with the butterbeer that had also been brought into the
castle, courtesy of Madam Rosmerta.
Mary leant forward with a curious expression, setting her glass down on the table.
"I have a question. I've wanted to know for a while now. What's with the nicknames?"