As October is Marauders Appreciation Month, this month we bring you the Marauders, hosted in the Marauders own forum!

We know we all love Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs (yes, even Wormtail!), but why did these four become friends? What kept them together? Why did James and Sirius hang out with Remus (the secretive boffin, or brainy, one)? Why did Peter get to be in the Marauders? Did Remus resent Sirius and/or James for being good at everything, whereas he had to work at it? Was there jealousy among the Marauders because of James and Sirius' closeness? What happened to make James grow up? What made Remus the prime suspect for the spy? Why didn't the others suspect Peter?

That should be enough to get you started, and please feel free to introduce your own questions about the Marauders and their friendship into the discussion. Happy marauding!!

Pen wrote:

As October is [color=blue] We know we all love Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs (yes, even Wormtail!), but why did these four become friends?

These guys remind me so much of Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville when they are kids. Although everyone says that Harry is so much like his father, I also see him as being a lot like Sirius from some pretty obvious reasons... and Harry has provided examples of where Ron acts like James. Then there is brainy Hermione who always has her head in a book (Lupin) and bumbling Neville who starts out with no talent but learns from his friends and becomes fairly powerful in his own right (Pettigrew). Although they grow into very different people... it seems like a similar situation during their first years of school.

Perhaps the Mauraders had a great adventure like the mountain troll that brought them all together. Or perhaps it's something entirely different... but in my mind, that's how they became friends.

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What kept them together? Why did James and Sirius hang out with Remus (the secretive boffin, or brainy, one)?

Brainy people are dead useful when you're having trouble with homework. Plus, once they got to know him and found out he was a warewolf, that would just be icing on the cake for them. That gave them a reason to break every school rule (and the law) to embark on new and more dangerous adventures. Oh... and uh... Remus is WONDERFUL!!!

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Why didn't the others suspect Peter?

This happens in real life all the time. It's always the quiet kid that was either a genious or had REALLY low grades that turn into murderers. I know that's a pretty bold generalization and I do apologize for it... but seriously. That's all you ever see on the news about murderers.

More specifically to Peter... of course the mauraders wouldn't expect him! He was a talentless fool in their minds. I bet the other three had no idea Peter was good enough with a wand to perform the unforgiveables.


Now here's my question: What background do you think Peter has? I can't recall anything in the books about him being a pure blood or otherwise. We know that Voldemort will accept half bloods if they hate muggles and mudbloods enough. I'm wondering if Peter grew up in a family that taught him that pure bloods are better... or if that's something he picked up later on in life.

I agree with Lupinsangel - the Marauders are very similar to the friendship between Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville (Although I'm pretty damn sure Neville won't betray the others!)

I imagine they became friends because of the close proximity of the Gryffindor Dorms. It's hard not to get to know one another when you live so closely together. I think James and Sirius would've hit it off straight away - they are so alike, there would have been that instant connection between them. I imagine Remus trying to stay under the radar, and keeping to himself, but James and Sirius continuously trying to get him to join in - or perhaps he was present at one of their pranks, but kept it to himself - thereby proving respect and loyalty, and gaining friends. I agree that being a werewolf definately sealed the deal! As for Peter - I see him as the 'audience' for Sirius and James. After all, what's the point of being funny and brilliant if there's no one there to appreciate it? Perhaps the others felt proud in their protection of Peter - knowing if it wasn't for them, he'd get picked on a lot. Oh, I'm sure Peter had skills, but hey - I'm biased

I don't think Remus resented Sirius or James at all - totally not possible! I think he would've gotten a little annoyed with them (It is very annoying when you work so hard to get good marks, and others just click with it, after no effort at all) but never in an unfriendly way. Remus himself was great student, and he's far too gracious to ever let anything stand in the way of his friendship. I'm not sure if I explained that properly, but I hope you understand.

I do think Peter would've been a little jealous - I think he knew he could never be as close to either of them as they were to each other. He knew he was protected, he knew he was supported by them... I think it would've annoyed him, and I think he wanted to be their equals.

I have to say it was love that was the main reason James grew up. Yes, he would've done so anyway, but I think it was Lily who was the catalyst to make James more mature. I say this simply because of the evidence I see in my brother - before he had a girlfriend, he was totally immature - now, I hardly recognise him! Funny that...

Peter's background...I've often wondered that myself... I don't see him as being pure-blood, I don't know why, I just never have. I've never thought of him having a particularly close family either - I see him trying to please his parents, and knows that while they are pleased, they wish he could be better - be more like his friends...something like that. He's obviously an only child, but I don't imagine him growing up thinking pure-bloods are best - he simply learning very quickly to find someone strong, and hide in their shadow.

What I have always wondered is why did Sirius suspect Remus! I just can't think of any proper reason, unless it was Peter himself who placed the seeds of doubt in his mind. It would have been a very stressful time - never knowing where to turn to find truth, knowing there was someone among you who was doing their best to see you fail... and then there's Peter "I saw Remus...Where was Remus?...Did Remus tell you..."
That's the only reason I can think of...
They probably didn't suspect Peter because they thought he was so attached to them - and they thought he knew they would carry on protecting and helping him, like they did in school. They never suspected that such a yellow-bellied loser (sorry - I'm biased!) could actually join Lord Voldemort.

I've always wondered when it was exactly that the war between Snape and the Marauders started. When did James decide he hated Snape - was it straight away, or after some event? Did Sirius hate Snape straight away, or did something happen to purify their hatred?

Hooray for Marauder Month!!!

I'm not sure the Marauders had a 'bonding' adventure like for example Harry, Ron and Hermione had, but I'm not sure if 'just' the proximity of the dorms was enought to become such close friends. Being so close to other people doesn't mean you have to become such close friends (for example, Harry and Ron don't become that close to Seamus and Dean and Hermione doesn't really bond with the girls in her dorm).
Perhaps it's a combination of the proximity and matching characters. To me, and tell me if you feel otherwise, James and Sirius are and always have been the heart of the Marauders. They are where it started. I most definitely agree with cazzadragon: James and Sirius would've hit it off straight away, being indeed so very much alike in character (although I always wonder just what Sirius thought of the blood-issue before he came to Hogwarts... and what James thought).

I think the friendship with Remus took a bit longer to develop. Sure, they were nice and friendly to eachother and would perhaps walk to class together, but I imagine Remus to be a little distant (insecure?) and on his guard, adjusting to the schoolwork and focusing on that. He would have been helpful to have around while doing your homework and while planning a prank. I can easily imagine James and Sirius huddled together, planning a prank, really needing a good spell for some effect and asking Remus: 'Hey Remus, do you know a spell that has this-or-that effect?' Or, a scenario I like even better; James and Sirius huddled toghether, planning a prank and Remus passing by, saying with a glint in his eyes, because he could most definitely appreciate a good prank: 'If you use this-or-that spell, the effect will last longer.'
Remus probably would have gotten a little irritated about James and Sirius being wonderful at everything without really trying, but I think Remus was too happy to have friends (and friends who, as it turned out, accepted him despite his 'furry little problem') to have ever made an issue out of it, realizing himself that it would be rather childish to sulk over such a thing. And indeed, the discovery of the furry little problem was great bonding material. The Marauders wanted to help their friends by becoming Animagi, but I think that the danger and the adventure and the breaking the rules probably played a part in it as well.

And Peter. I basically agree with cazzadragon, seeing Peter as the 'audience' for James and Sirius. I wish we (or maybe it's just me missing something) knew more about Peter, because after all that we have seen of him, I have a hard time figuring out why Peter was in Gryffindor. There must be someting to it (I mean, you wouldn't call Neville a Gryffindor at first sight, but we got to see his courage, right?). It's hard to think the other Marauders merely kept him around to use him for their own benefit (getting food from the kitchens, just 'helping' them with the (dirty) work). I do believe they were all very fond of Peter, so I guess he was fierce in his loyalty towards his friends and he was fun to be around, although Snape's Worst Memory makes me doubt it all a bit.

I'm not sure Lily 'made' James grow up. I'm sure it helped, but perhaps not in the way cazzadragon mentioned. I think it was the way things were developing in the Wizarding world that made James realize there was more to life than fooling around with his friends. That there were sides and that he really had to choose. Being a pureblood and not paying attention to any blood-issues would have automatically made him a disgrace to the 'real wizards' in the eyes of Voldemort and his followers. Loving a Muggle born witch with skills above average... I guess in that way it was Lily who made him realize that if he didn't grow up, didn't fight for what he believed in, there would be no being with a girl he loved, there maybe wouldn't be friends to hang out with. So my guess is it would have basically been the growing threats outside Hogwarts (and within?).

Er...not sure if I'll have much to add here as some excellent points have already been made! I posted somewhere else (my essay entry, perhaps?) that I think one of the reasons these four became friends was because they were all in Gryffindor together. Yes, yes, I know we don't definitively know that Peter was a Gryffindor, but I think we'd all drop dead if JKR came out one day and said, "Oh yes, by the way, Peter was a Ravenclaw!" I think it is apparent that the people in your house, in your year, are the people you are bound to pretty much throughout school. These four boys became friends that way. I agree with everyone else here, that James and Sirius were just meant to be friends, anyway. They mesh so well together.

Lupinsangel brought up that perhaps they took to Remus because of the risk and adventure that came along with him. I agree with that to some extent. However, I think in a group of friends like that, you need the one who will act like the rock. Remus automatically became that person; he was the one with the booksmarts and the discipline.

Peter. *grumble* I sincerely believe Peter was only their friend out of circumstance (hence, the Peter must've been in Gryffindor comment, earlier). We are led to believe it was only these 4 boys in Gryffindor in their year. Therefore, of course, they're not going to out one of them. And Peter worshipped them! Who wouldn't want someone like that hanging around when you're a cocky, testosterone-filled young lad, like James and Sirius were?

I don't think Remus was the type to resent people, especially his friends. I don't think its fair to say that he had to work harder at everything either. I think he chose to work as hard as he did because of being a werewolf. I think Remus was a lot like Hermione where top marks were absolutely most important above all else. Remus probably would've done just fine in school, but he chose to work his tail off (pun intended) to ensure his future as best he could.

On the other hand, I have to imagine there was a little jealousy from Remus's end. Granted, I imagine he was nearly as close to James and Sirius were to eachother, but I'm also sure he was used to being an outsider, so it mightn't have bothered him as much as it would to someone else.

Peter however, I imagine was ragingly jealous of all three of them most of the time which is why he acted like a hanger-on and seeking any sort of attention he could get from the other three. I also believe this is what eventually turned him to Voldemort; he went somewhere that he thought he would be more important and given respect. And then he stuck it to them all right good, didn't he? *screams*

The only thing I can imagine, like others, is that Lily made James grow up. He realized the only way he was going to last with her was if he became a little more responsible and mature. Then when she got pregnant with Harry, well I can just imagine James acting like a giddy little boy and realizing he needs to be a super dad to his kid.

Quiet little Remus. Why wouldn't he be suspected as a spy? So unimposing. Already seen as an outcast (not to his friends of course, but to the rest of the wizarding world), he's the easy one to implicate. I mean, really now. Sirius was James's best friend. NO ONE would've suspected him. Peter was the wimpy little hanger-on, lord knows no one thought he was capable of doing much of anything, let alone being in cahoots with Voldy on killing and framing his friends.

Peter's background? A matter of contention for me. My gut tells me he must've been pureblood. Voldemort might have taken him even if he wasn't, because of his connection to the Potters, but somehow I just think he skated through life pretty easily, and must be a pureblood.

I got the impression that James and Sirius (at least) hated Snape from the getgo. Think back to highschool (or, if you're still in highschool, think about yesterday) and the 'cool kids' who have no other reason to pick on the uncool kids than the fact that they are different from them. Society teaches us to fear that which is different. I think this was the case. The boys saw Snape as a freak, and decided it was their lot in life to make his life living hell.

Mmm...I could discuss the Marauders all day. There is so much supposition involved with them that we will never know their complete stories. My biggest question involving them is what would've happened if the war wasn't happening and they were in the thick of it? Would they have remained friends? I myself reckon they would've. Peter would've probably always hung around.

It was always my belief that our dear Marauders shared a dorm room...

They were all the same year and it explains how what seems like a mismatched group would really come together. Think about how tight Harry and Ron are...while I'm sure they would still be the best of friends if they didn't room together, there is something about living with someone for 6 years that makes them more like a brother...shades of James and Sirius, no?

Now, add Remus into the room and you have Hermione's part-the leveler, the reality checker, the thinker...

And Peter...*sighs* He's a tag-a-long...he comes with the package...THAT'S what makes me think they roomed together more than anything...Peter is there by default not by the others choosing him...

More thoughts, but I'm up way too early to get them all to come out straight...

I want to focus on one particular question, for now: Did Remus resent Sirius and/or James for being good at everything, whereas he had to work at it?

It's funny, I've never really seen this question asked before, and it had never entered my head at all, and trust me, I've given Remus some though. And, I think it's because the idea seems so far-fetched to me. Remus didn't work at stuff only because he had to, he didn't do his homework because he was striving to be the best student, or at least, that's not the only reason he did it. Remus did his schoolwork and studied hard, because, Remus, in the end, has a lot of Ravenclaw in him, and it's just part of his nature. He likes it. That's who he is. Knowledge interests him, and he's inclined to think that you need to do your homework and actually study to really *know*. And, when can't forget that he almost misses more classes than he'd like, so he has to study to catch up, half the time.

I don't think he resented them at all, he just saw them as being different. He liked his way of doing things, they liked theirs. Whatever works. If anything, at first, he might have been annoyed at them for not doing anything, but once he realized they didn't really need to, well ...he didn't care much.

Remus is not the type to even think badly of his friends, let's remember. He's too grateful to even have them.

Ginger exactly my thoughts m'dear! I feel like I've rehashed that so many times this month LOL

Gally! *gasp* You've given Remus some thought? I'd never believe it!
But I think you are right about Remus enjoying studying too. I think I forgot to mention that in my earlier post. He's obviously the academic type; we know he reads ALL the time as he always has books with him (I always took that to mean not necessarily school books). So maybe you're right and there wasn't any resentment because it came naturally to James and Sirius. However, I have to think it would at the very least be a little irksome to Remus that James and Sirius could shluff off basically whenever they wanted and still be brilliant wizards, while he worked very hard to attain good marks. On the other hand, like you said, he did miss a fair amount of school as well, I suppose with his problem every month.

*continues playing Devil's Advocate with herself in her own head*

<------Insane.

taralrobertson wrote:

Ginger exactly my thoughts m'dear! I feel like I've rehashed that so many times this month LOL Gally! *gasp* You've given Remus some thought? I'd never believe it! But I think you are right about Remus enjoying studying too. I think I forgot to mention that in my earlier post. He's obviously the academic type; we know he reads ALL the time as he always has books with him (I always took that to mean not necessarily school books). So maybe you're right and there wasn't any resentment because it came naturally to James and Sirius. However, I have to think it would at the very least be a little irksome to Remus that James and Sirius could shluff off basically whenever they wanted and still be brilliant wizards, while he worked very hard to attain good marks. On the other hand, like you said, he did miss a fair amount of school as well, I suppose with his problem every month. *continues playing Devil's Advocate with herself in her own head* <------Insane.

Yes, imagine! *laughs*

Irked him, maybe, though I still don't think it was something that he carried along with him. Sometimes it must have bothered him to have to study for a test when they didn't, but mostly, I think he just enjoys studying, so that wasn't a problem. And, the fact that they didn't have to study has a good side too, they weren't there to distract him from his studies, and Remus does seem to me like he'd get easily annoyed if they didn't let him study in peace. And, do you imagine them letting him?

*giggles* No, I reckon not. They would probably hound him until he relented. Closing the book on him and being general nuisances.

By the way, I love that you have so much to say about Remus all the time.

So I'm not a total Spam Queen here...James has been on my mind a lot lately. I always imagined him as having a nearly utoptic upbringing. His parents must've been swell, letting Sirius stay with them as one example. He really is the quintessential boy-next-door type, don't y'all think? He's got the looks, the personality, the intelligence, the athleticism, most likely the family and background. I think Lily always liked him too, she just was too serious and/or studious to admit it.

taralrobertson wrote:

By the way, I love that you have so much to say about Remus all the time.

Funny part is, it comes out without much real thought in the moment. I think sometimes, during all the debates, maybe, I thought about this so much that most of the comments I make now are about something I've considered before.

But, to prove I can talk about something else, I'll take the bait and go with James. Not to say he was a spoiled brat, but he always struck me as someone who's always had it all, and is therefore used to having things, and getting what he wants. Also, because he's never had a really bad problem, and he's been brought up in a kind hearted family, he cannot understand why someone would turn from a friend because of a little thing like lycantrophy (and, I go back to Remus ...*laughs*). It's part of the James charm, I think, that around him, everything is possible.

Gally wrote:

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It's part of the James charm, I think, that around him, everything is possible.

Well said. Really James does just exude charm, doesn't he? But I don't think there is arrogance behind it. He just has that charming personality that people flock to, which perhaps like you said, Gally, comes from his background.

taralrobertson wrote:

Gally wrote: Quote:: It's part of the James charm, I think, that around him, everything is possible. Well said. Really James does just exude charm, doesn't he? But I don't think there is arrogance behind it. He just has that charming personality that people flock to, which perhaps like you said, Gally, comes from his background.

I see it, as part of what made them friends. Sirius, as extravagant as he was, Remus as reserved, and Peter, well I just think of Peter as a rather quiet, unasuming boy, at least at the beginning ...and James, to me, seems like the glue that could bring three personalities so different together, and not only that, hold them together long enough for them to become inseparable.

Without him, maybe Remus would have hexed Sirius, as soon as he learned how to, or Sirius would have played and awful prank on Remus that ...(WAIT, HE DID!!! :P). The point is, James was probably the reason they became the Marauders, in the first place.

Yes, you see Gally I feel the same way. James was the center of the group. Sirius's best friend. Remus's very good friend. Peter's idol. I think Sirius and Remus would've still been friends without James in the picture, only because I think that Sirius liked the dangerous element that went along with Remus. And while Peter idolized the trio, I do think it was James he worshipped the most, as seen in the Pensieve scene in OotP when he watches James playing with the snitch with awe. *is shameful and doesn't have book at hand and so can't quote* I don't think Sirius would've put up with Peter at all.

*laughs* We agree! But, interestingly enough, we're forgetting something, that Sirius came into Gryffindor a Black, a name that carries a long Slytherin tradition. Part of his family was actually in Slytherin while he was at school, which might have provided some entertainment, later on, but probably a bit of caution, at first. What do you think James first reaction to Sirius would have been, taking all that into account? Do we really think James is that trusting?