This is for all the wizards and witches who read Harry Potter, became obsessed with the marauders and would like to know more about their history. Even though Harry Potter has 7 books, it was not possible to develop all the secondary characters, and the “Marauders Era” was summarized in a few pages in Prisoner of Azkaban.
If J.K Rowling did not do it, the fans decided to do it for her and give the space Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs deserve. “All the Young Dudes” it’s a fanfiction with 500.000 words, 188 chapters and 24 years of marauders history, all by Remus Lupin point of view. Published in 2017, by a username MsKingBean89, it became a sensation recently. It’s almost all canon-compliant, get to know more about it!
1. It’s not written by J.K Rowling
Do you love Harry Potter, but lost the connection with the story after getting to know the author’s prejudiced views? Don’t worry, here is your new gateway to the fandom!
By reading “All the Young Dudes” you can still enjoy the wizarding world but not give money to J.K Rowling.
2. Marauders friendship
There are two quotes who defined the marauders friendship:
“Anything for our Moony” and “It was James who had an ego the size of a lake but a heart to match it. Peter – who yes, granted was a bit weird and clueless – actually had a wicked sense of humor and could be unfailingly generous. And, of course, Sirius. Sirius could keep secrets, had a mean streak, but never directed it at his friends, was the most gifted student in the year, but spent all his time coming up with pranks instead”.
Nothing like the found family trope, right?
3. Queer representation
“All the Young Dudes” it’s also a slow-burn wolfstar fanfiction. It shows Remus and Sirius slowly falling in love with each other.
Except Dumbledore, there is not a single LGBTQIA+ character in the original saga. And, even he, was not confirmed until years later, and there are only few hints in the book that point to the Hogwarts principal’s sexuality, it is not made obvious to readers.
MsKingBean89 does it differently in All the Young Dudes. The narrative does not hide the process of discovering Remus and Sirius’ sexuality, it gives details, and inserts many other secondary LGBTQIA+ characters as well. We already know that representativeness is essential and how much it matters.
4. Explains the missing points of the original
Since the background of the marauders was not developed in the original story, the conflicts presented were not explained as well.
For example, Sirius’ prank on Snape – when he tells him how to get past the Whomping Willow and finds out that Lupin is a werewolf – is the main reason for the intense rivalry between the potions teacher and Harry’s godfather. Even if they didn’t get along well before this, things got worse.
In All The Young Dudes we understand Sirius’ motivations, and also the consequences of his actions on the wolfstar relationship. It makes things more interesting and takes on layers more than just a pickup line between boys.
Also, one thing in Prisoner Of Askaban that catches the reader it’s the fact that James and Sirius spend three years studying how to become animagus just to keep company and help Remus during his transformations. So how were they sure that Remus was a spy?
It’s like they suspect of Remus just because he was a werewolf, so less trustable. Something that James and Sirius would never do in “All The Young Dudes”. MsKingBean89 gives another reason on how Remus could be the spy, and makes sense to the canon.
5. New amazing characters
Remus, James, Sirius and Peter are not the only important characters in “All The Young Dudes”. Lily Evans is also developed, and we get to know in depth the bright and gentle green-eyed witch who sacrificed herself for her son. Her friendship with Remus, it’s one of the best points in the narrative.
Do you remember Marlene McKinnon and Mary McDonald? They both exist in the original history. Marlene was part of the original Order of the Phoenix, she and her entire family were murdered by death eaters. And Mary is quoted in a memoir of Snape. In All The Young Dudes, Marlene is a quidditch player, shy, but a great friend. Mary is outgoing and full of confidence. They have their highlights here.
But other characters have also been created for the story. It will be impossible for you not to fall in love with Grant Chapman, Chris Barley and Professor Ferox.
6. It’s class-conscious
That werewolves suffer great prejudice in the witch community, J.K Rowling makes clear, but what would the story of one of them be like? What is it like to be seen as less trustworthy and have to hide? Remus Lupin tells you all this, and more, in All The Young Dudes.
These witchy questions mingle with social questions of reality. James and Sirius are crazy rich, while Remus is not, and class struggle is part of the narrative. It’s an easy read, but super political, as in a quote from the story itself, “We’re British. It’s always about class”.
7. Music
The name of the fanfic is a reference to a David Bowie song, so you can see where we’re going from here. Music it’s a very important part of the narrative, the similar music taste it’s what brings Remus and Sirius close.
Almost every chapter begins with a piece of music, especially rock classics from the 70s. Besides David Bowie, expect a lot of T Rex. A fan collected all the songs quoted in the fanfic in a playlist, which you can check here.
Found it interesting? You can read “All the Young Dudes” in AO3 (Archive of Our Own) in English, or translate to Portuguese in Wattpad.
Mischief managed.
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The article above was edited by Marina Ponchio.
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