There is an entire unexplored back story involving the friendship of Severus Snape and his four friends from Hogwarts who created the Maurader’s Map: Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black and Harry Potter’s father James (“Messrs Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief-Makers, are proud to present THE MARAUDER’S MAP!”). It’s a back story which, so far, J.K. Rowling has opted not to pursue. The idea is so enticing, though, that it inspired the creation of a fully realized, high budget fan film called Severus Snape and the Marauders.

Set in 1978, the film sets Severus Snape against  the Mauraders. All have just graduated from Hogwarts. As James and his friends, known only to each other as the Marauders, drink at a bar, Snape enters as well, hoping to find Lily. Knowing their dark future, and the part Snape might play in the First Wizarding War, James decides to do something about his long-time rival once and for all.

Be sure you pause the SCIFI.radio stream using the handy controller at the upper right when you watch it.

The film is 25 minutes long, and masterfully done. It’s worth seeing the whole thing. Severus Snape and the Marauders stars Mick Ignis as Severus Snape, filling big shoes left behind by Alan Rickman, but playing the character as the divided younger man Snape was. Garrett Schweighhauser plays James Potter, and we get to see James as a fully realized character, and the leader of the Marauders.  Kevin Allen plays Sirius Black, a role with which he deeply identifies. Paul Stanko plays the curse-burdened Remus Lupin, and balances Lupin’s personal pain against the love for his friends. Zachary David portrays the oftimes rather innocent and unready Peter Pedigrew, and gives the character dimension and foundation unseen in the official feature films.

This fan film is brilliantly written, brilliantly executed, and looks like a genuine piece of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. You are really going to enjoy this.

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