Full summary: This is a tale of magic and adventure, love and hurt, friendship and betrayal, life and death. This is a tale of an earlier time, when a dark force was rising for the first time and leaving the world unsure of where to begin. This isn't just a story about growing up, it's the beginning of a legacy that will change the world.

Alana Tortelli and her sister Elizabeth are at their final year of Hogwarts and emotions are running high. Besides the inevitable coming of a war with someone who calls himself the Dark Lord, the sisters find themselves falling in love. With the help of their friends Lily Evans, Alice Lenns, Frank Longbottom, and the infamous Marauders, they must survive their last year together at the castle. But can they stick by each other in their time of need? Or will it all ultimately end in tragedy? Join these friends on the journey of a lifetime as they try to survive in a world that's slowly turning dark.

Author's Note: Everything you recognize I don't own. Everything you don't came from the inner workings of my mind. Frightening, I know. It's rated T for some language and what happens at the end. You'll see why...Enjoy!

Prologue

"How the bloody hell do we get to Platform 9 ¾?" said Alana Tortelli in frustration.

"Alana! Watch your language, young lady!" said her mother.

Alana, her twin sister Elizabeth, and their mother were trying to figure out how to get on the train. Luckily, they arrived a half an hour early but even still, the train left in ten minutes. Standing with them was another Hogwarts student, Lily Evans, with her mother. They had no idea how to get onto the Platform either.

"Excuse me? Do you need to know how to get to the Hogwarts Express?" said a girl. She had long auburn hair that was pulled up into a messy bun. She was with her father, who had the same color hair.

"Yes," said Mrs. Evans relieved, "Could you show us?"

"Sure, just walk straight at the wall between Platforms 9 and 10. Follow us," she said.

They followed the girl and her father, running at the wall. Alana gripped her sister's hand tightly but they didn't collide with anything solid. Once they all made it through, they saw the bright red train that read "Hogwarts Express". Mrs. Evans and her daughter shared a tearful good-bye and each promised to write at least once a week. The Tortelli farewell was not as warm.

"Bye Mum," said Alana coolly, "We'll see you over Christmas break then?"

"Your father and I will be away, don't you remember?" Mrs. Tortelli snapped impatiently, "We've told you a thousand times that we're spending Christmas in the Caribbean!"

"Of course," said Alana sarcastically as she rolled her eyes, "How could have I forgotten you'll be away yet again for the holidays?"

"Don't get fresh with me young lady!"

"Good-bye Mother," said Elizabeth quickly before her twin could retaliate, "We'll write to you as soon as we're settled."

"Ugh, don't use those disgusting owls," Mrs. Tortelli said with a shiver, "They'll ruin our new carpeting!"

"But that's the only way we can write."

"Then just don't write at all. You can tell us everything during the summer holiday."

"I thought you were going to Barcelona for the summer?" Alana asked in a mock sweet tone.

Mrs. Tortelli didn't answer and left without actually saying good-bye. Lily and the other girl pretended to be in deep conversation so as not to be rude but the twins knew they heard everything. The four girls walked into an available compartment and got settled.

"I'm Elizabeth Tortelli by the way, but you can call me Liz. This is my twin sister Alana."

"Call me Al," Alana said with a wave.

"And I'm Lily Evans, I don't have a cool nickname but feel free to give me one!"

"Thanks, I'm Alice Lenns but some people just call me Aly. Let me guess, you all are first years?" They all nodded and she smiled, "Same with me."

"But how did you know about the platform?" Liz asked with her head cocked to the side.

"My parents told me," said Alice, "They went to Hogwarts as well. In fact, my whole family has gone there."

"Wow, you're lucky!" said Lily.

"Yeah, the closest our parents get to magic is being able to make dinner without burning the house down," said Alana, "As you could tell, they don't stick around much. But come on, let's find a compartment before they all fill up!"

So they started to get to know each other as the minutes ticked by until they would be leaving the station.

…...

Remus Lupin was walking with his parents toward the train.

"Now Remus, you know how much Dumbledore went through to get you here, so be good," said Mr. Lupin.

"I know Dad, I'll be good," said Remus.

"Be sure to write a lot, especially after it's over," said Mrs. Lupin, looking around for eavesdroppers.

"I promise," he said, smiling at his mother's carefulness.

He hugged his parents, his mother hugging him for a few minutes, and went to find a compartment. He sat near the window, watched his parents go back through the barrier, and fell asleep before he realized he was tired.

…...

"Dad, Mum, come on!" called James Potter.

"Coming…James," huffed his mother.

James turned around and waited for his parents, who were on the elderly side and had a hard time keeping up with their eleven-year-old son. Then, together, they went through the barrier.

"Now James, be good and don't get into any trouble," said Mrs. Potter.

"Just be sure not to get caught," said Mr. Potter.

Mrs. Potter gave her husband a look and then turned to James. "I want you to write once you get settled in, understand?" said Mrs. Potter.

"Got it," said James.

Mr. Potter helped lift James' trunk onto the train and James set out for a compartment. The only compartment that was not completely full had a sleeping sandy-haired boy who was extremely pale. As James tried to put his trunk up silently, it crashed with deafeningly loud BANG against the metal bars and the boy woke up.

"Oh, er, hello. Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. Can I sit here?" asked James awkwardly.

"Of course," the boy said, stretching as he rubbed his tired eyes, "I'm Remus Lupin."

"James Potter."

…...

Sirius Black was walking next to his mother, ignoring her complaining of all the Muggles. Then he heard a girl shout.

"How the bloody hell do we get to Platform 9 ¾?"

"See what I mean Sirius!" said Mrs. Black. "These Mudbloods don't even know how to get on the train!"

"Mmhm," said Sirius distractedly. He was too busy looking for the girl who had just spoken. Unfortunately, the platforms were crowded that time of day, so he gave up and kept walking. After a hasty good-bye and a forced kiss, Sirius got on the train.

Urgh… I think I'm gonna be sick, he thought as he wiped his lips with a look of disgust. Suddenly, he saw his cousins, Bellatrix and Narcissa, and ran into the nearest compartment.

"Um, hi," said Sirius, closing the door behind him, "Can I sit here? I'm trying to hide from my family."

"Sure," said a jet-black haired boy, "I'm James Potter."

"And I'm Remus Lupin," said a pale, sandy haired boy.

"Thanks," he said with relief, "I'm Sirius Black."

"Why are you running from your family?" Remus asked with a frown.

"It's a very long and complicated story," said Sirius darkly and the other boys nodded. James quickly changed the subject and the boys talked animatedly.

…...

"Peter, hurry up. You're going to miss the train."

"Coming Mum," said Peter Pettigrew.

His mother stopped and gave her son a quick kiss on the forehead. "Peter, good luck and have fun," said Mrs. Pettigrew, smoothing her son's hair.

"I will Mum," said Peter.

Their good-byes were shortened by the whistle sounding. Peter got his trunk onto the train and went to find a compartment. He and a boy named Frank Longbottom joined the compartment with James, Remus, and Sirius in it. After introductions, the boys started playing a game of Exploding Snap as the train pulled out of the station.

After three games, in which Peter won all, James stood up and said, "We should change into our robes soon."

He stretched and as he was opening the door, the train lurched and Lily, Alana, Elizabeth, and Alice, who had just finished changing into their robes, fell in. James managed to keep his balance and caught Lily before she hit the floor; Alana fell into the seats and landed on Sirius, grabbing his neck to keep herself from falling; Elizabeth grabbed anything in reach, which happened to be Remus' shirt, and dragged him on top of her as she went down; Alice tripped over Peter, who was on the floor, and landed in the seat next to Frank.

"Hi, how are ya?" said James.

"Okay. Thank you," said Lily.

"No problem," said James, smiling, "I've always wanted to help a damsel in distress."

Lily looked highly affronted and quickly detached herself from James, fixing her robes huffily as James stared in wonder.

"Well, hello there," said Sirius.

"Hi," said Alana. She realized where she was and started to get up.

"You don't need to move," Sirius said with a wink. Alana just raised her eyebrows at him and continued to get up.

"Hello," said Remus.

"Hi," said Elizabeth, breathlessly.

They just stared at each other for a few seconds then, realizing she was still holding his shirt, Elizabeth let go and blushed. Remus helped her up.

"Hey," said Frank.

Alice smiled, not saying anything as she stared at her clasped hands.

"Well," Sirius said, "Now that we're all detached," At this he looked at Remus and Elizabeth, who both blushed, "I'm Sirius Black, that's James Potter, Frank Longbottom, the one on the floor is Peter Pettigrew, and lover boy over there is Remus Lupin."

"Nice to meet you all. I'm Alana Tortelli, that's Lily Evans, Alice Lenns, and that's my sister Elizabeth."

Alana watched with amusement as the boys did double takes. She was used to people doing that. She and Liz were identical in practically every physical way.

"Which of you is older?" Peter asked curiously.

"I am," said Alana proudly while Elizabeth snorted.

"Please, only by four minutes and thirty-seven seconds," Elizabeth said, "It's not that much older."

"It's enough that I've got to look out for you," said Alana, patting her sister on the head.

Alana and the other girls helped clean up the compartment. As Alana turned to leave, Sirius grabbed her hand.

"Good-bye," he said, kissing her hand.

The girls behind her giggled but Alana just smiled slightly and left. Sirius then turned to Remus.

"Well, well Mr. Lupin. It seems we didn't realize how much you attracted the ladies; you animal, you."

"Oh, shut up," said Remus jokingly, but inside, his stomach did a summersault and the mention of "animal".

"Just saying," said Sirius, shrugging his shoulders.

"Hey guys, is James okay?" asked Frank.

James was staring off where the girls left. He seemed to be lost in thought.

"James? James! Heloooo?" Remus tried snapping his fingers. It worked and James jumped slightly.

"What?" James asked distractedly.

"Where were you, Mars? We were talking to you," said Peter.

"I think someone's in love with a certain red-headed witch," said Sirius.

"Am not! Maybe…oh I don't know!" exclaimed James. "She's just so…so…"

"Perfect?" supplied Peter.

"Yeah…perfect," sighed James.

They boys nodded and gathered their robes to change into. Sirius grabbed James for him and had to practically drag the boy out of the compartment and towards the bathrooms at the back of the train. Each boy was thinking the same thing: Hogwarts was going to be one hell of a fun ride.

…...

"Did you see his eyes? Oh my Merlin they were gorgeous! I can't believe I didn't say anything when he said hi! He must think I'm such a weirdo. I bet he thought I was being cold. Do you think that's what he was thinking? I bet it was. Oh Merlin, I'm such a-"

"Alice, I know we haven't known each other very long so I'm going to put this as lightly as I can," said Alana, rubbing her forehead as a headache came on, "Please shut up!"

Alice blushed and stopped talking. Alana gave her an appreciative smile and Alice didn't seem upset. She knew she got rather annoying when she was excited. Just then, the compartment door opened and the girls looked up.

"Sev!" Lily said happily, "I was getting worried you wouldn't find us."

"I had to change into my robes," the boy said. He was a pale and sallow boy with long, greasy black hair and a hooked nose. Alana crossed her arms over her chest, feeling slightly uncomfortable around this boy.

"Everyone, this is Severus Snape. We met before started," introduced Lily, "Sev, this is Alana Tortelli and her sister Elizabeth, and Alice Lenns."

"It's nice to meet you all," he said politely and sat down next to Lily. They began talking animatedly about something they had read in their potions books. Alana turned to her sister and gave her a mischievous grin.

"So…that Remus Lupin seemed rather nice," she said.

"Come on Al, I know what you're thinking," Elizabeth said, shaking her head and blushing, "I don't want to be distracted by guys, I just want to survive my first year and do well in my classes."

"You know you will," her sister said, patting her on the shoulder, "You're a super human genius, remember? Promise to help me pass?"

"You know it. And you would do fine on your own, you're smart. You just need to try a little harder."

"But you explain everything so much better than teachers do," said Alana, "I guess it's the whole twin telepathy thing."

"Do twins really have that?" Lily asked with interest, stopping her conversation with the greasy-haired boy. He also seemed interested.

"Kind of, it's a little complicated," Elizabeth said thoughtfully, "Obviously we don't know exactly what the other is thinking, we're not mind readers. We just know each other so well that we can predict what the other will do."

"And that whole thing about feeling each other's pain is a load of bullshit," said Alana, "You stick me with a pin and Elizabeth isn't going to cry out in pain. Whatever twins made that myth up were either crazy or seriously stoned."

The girls laughed and even Severus cracked a smile. Elizabeth decided to cause her sister some embarrassment too.

"That guy, Sirius Black, seemed pretty smitten with you," she said and Alana just waved her hand.

"Please, he's totally the type that flatters women and uses his looks to his advantage. He just thinks I'm pretty and wants to try his charms on me."

"Little does he know that Alana Tortelli isn't the type of girl to be charmed easily," Liz said with a laugh.

"Exactly. Now James Potter on the other hand, he seemed rather nice," Alana said with a grin at Lily. No one seemed to notice Severus' face become dark and his small smile faded.

"Uh, no way!" exclaimed Lily, "He referred to me as a damsel in distress. How corny is that?"

"I think he was trying to make a joke," said Alice but Lily shook her head.

"No, the way he said was so arrogant! He thinks he's so awesome and that he can just woo any girl he wants with that line. I don't like him at all." Severus returned to normal and continued his conversation with Lily.

Elizabeth shrugged and watched the trees whiz by as the sun started to set. The other girls were talking about houses but Elizabeth wasn't paying any attention. Her thoughts were on her school books she had read, the hope that she and her sister would be in the same house, and the sandy-haired boy that she just couldn't get out of her head.

Author's Note: Welcome to the beginning of my Marauder story! This was actually the first story I ever decided to write down, which was about three years ago before I even knew fanfiction existed. Obviously I've made a lot of changes over the years but the plot line has remained mostly the same. Although I haven't written down everything just yet, I know pretty much what's going to happen.

This story is really a prequel to another story I've written that takes place during Harry's years at Hogwarts. Once this is completed, I'll post that if people seem interested.

That being said, please tell me what you think of this chapter as a first impression. I really want to hear your first reactions. Did I introduce the characters well enough? Is there anything you want to comment on? Feel free to PM me throughout the story if you have any questions or post them in your reviews. I love feedback and hearing what you all think. That being said, please hit that little review button and make me happy! :)