DISCLAIMER: I do not own Harry Potter or any of its characters, plot, etc.

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The Marauders

Chapter One – The Cat and the Fiddle

Professor McGonagall peered from behind her spectacles at the four boys in front of her. Each had a guilty yet satisfied look on his face and an air of triumph hung over them. Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black and James Potter; Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs.

McGonagall looked down at the not that lay on her desk and smiled. She cleared her throat and a stern yet pleasant look appeared on her face.

'I suppose you thought it was rather funny to lock Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy in the potting shed, did you?'

'Well, actually, yes. We did.' Replied James, his eyes sparkling with glee. A grin spread across the faces of Peter, James and Sirius, and a small smile flickered across Remus' face. McGonagall noticed this and she narrowed her eyes.

'Did you mister Lupin?' Remus looked up, startled and his eyes quickly washed across the faces of his friends.

'I…I…well-'

'Of course not Professor. Remus is a prefect, he was quite appalled at the idea.' Sirius replied for his friend; false sincerity noticeably coating his words.

Remus shot a quick glare at Sirius before turning to McGonagall and raising his chin.

'Yes I did find it amusing. Highly amusing.' McGonagall blinked and sighed.

'Then you shall all be in detention tomorrow night.' James smiled.

'We can't professor. It's a full moon.' He said curtly. Professor McGonagall smiled brightly.

'In that case, you will all help to do all of Severus' and Lucius' homework – to the best of your ability. You may leave now.'

The four boys filed out of the classroom and glared after the door.

Lupin frowned and put his arm on James' shoulder

'Sorry guys. It's my fault we couldn't do tomorrow night.' He started to walk ahead of them but Sirius grabbed his arm.

'Don't be so bloody stupid. It's not your fault at all.' He flashed Remus one of his infamous smiles and patted him on the back.

Behind them Peter laughed.

'Hey,' he said, 'listen to this:

Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs,

Making up Ridiculous songs.

Hey diddle, diddle the cow goes bong

Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs!

He finished the song with a loud clap and waited for the others to say something. They just stared at him blankly for a few seconds. Then James grinned and clapped.

'Very good Peter. You're a real idiot you know.' He laughed and Sirius and Remus joined in.

Sirius jumped on Remus' back and grabbed his ears.

'Giddy up!' he yelled and dug his knees into Remus' side. James and Peter stood against the wall laughing. Sirius was also laughing; Remus, however, had a different opinion. He spun around violently causing Sirius to yelp and fall to the floor. Then Remus pounced on him and pinned him down, snarling.

Sirius faked terror and flailed his arms about.

'Don't hurt me! Please! Somebody save me from the big bad wolf!'

James pushed himself forward.

'Yeah! You can't hurt little red riding hood!' Sirius stopped moving and pouted. Remus smiled and got to his feet, extending a hand for his friend to take.

'Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again.' He warned. Sirius nodded and ran over to James with the intention of hitting him. Before he could do so, Remus grabbed the back of his cloak and pulled him towards him.

'Uh-uh. No hitting li'l ol' grandma.' Sirius smirked and nodded. James smiled and then realised what had been said.

'I'm gonna get you two!' he yelled. But the other two Marauders had already disappeared down the corridor, their laughter still audible.

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The Gryffindor common room was alive with cheering and chatter. They had just beaten Slytherin in their final round of Quidditch and now everybody was celebrating.

James was sat in a chair telling a huge crowd of first and second years the details of his catching the Golden Snitch.

They 'ooh'ed and 'ah'ed as he told them of how he had dived down and narrowly missed the ground.

Peter was entertaining some third years with his silly made up rhymes – even putting actions to them – and thoroughly enjoying the attention he received.

Remus and Sirius were sat in a corner away from the hustle and bustle. Both had mischievous grins on their faces that were covered half by shadow and half by firelight.

'Snape'll be heading down to the Great Hall now. He does it every day at the exact same time. Now remember, when we get there, give me a minute to talk to him and to get away, Then you let them go. OK?' Sirius smiled at Remus.

'Yeah.' Remus nodded back.

'Good. And what mustn't we do?' Sirius sighed.

'Unleash the bludgers until Remus is safely out of the way.'
Remus patted his friend on the back. 'Exactly. Now let's go.'

They sneaked out of the common room undetected and Sirius took out the map.

'I solemnly swear I am up to no good.' He said and the marks started to appear on the parchment. He grinned.

'Ever the predictable.' He said as a dot labelled 'Snape' made its way towards the Great Hall.

The two boys smiled at each other and nodded.

'Let's go.'

TBC- Prolly quite soon as I'm writing it during exam revision time.