Hello Potterheads! This is a story about the Marauders' fifth year and is canon. What lead to the events and what happened after? I might deviate a tiny bit from the actual canon, but I'll try to stick to it as much as possible. This is a multi-chaptered story with long chapters, so enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: All rights to J.K Rowling.

I looked out the window of the scarlet Hogwarts Express, where my parents were tearfully waving to me. Petunia had yet again, decided to sleep in rather than bid her only sister a farewell, to which I had simply rolled my eyes, but I was extremely hurt on the inside. I reminisced the good times, when we used to braid each other's hair, but those days were long over, ever since I met Severus Snape and learned that I was a witch. Not that I regretted it, but I was getting worried about Sev, he seemed to be with the wrong sorts…

I was shaken out of my musings by my dear friend Mary Macdonald calling to me. Mary was petite and looked like a Muggle fairy, with long blonde hair and dark eyes and was just as dreamy as one, with her head in clouds for most lessons.

"Alright mate?" she asked with concern.

"Oh, just fine Mary. Just thinking 'bout Sev and Petunia."

"Lils, I know he's your best mate, but he's not the nicest or goodest person around to be friends with. There's a rumour going around that he practises Dark magic."

I winced at her disregard for grammar, but argued, "You lot are just prejudiced against him because he's a Slytherin and hangs around with Avery and that gang. He's very sweet one you get to know him."

"Whatever Lily, just know that I warned you," she said with a sigh.

Just as the train started moving forward, in came the self-proclaimed Marauders. They were the mischief makers of the school, and were considered the most popular. Remus was the only one I could stand, because of his kind, level-headed demeanour and never-ending supply of chocolate. James Potter and Sirius Black, on the other hand were slightly conceited and loved taking the mickey out of Severus. Potter and I had a strange relationship, in which Potter annoyed me and I indulged him for a while before shooing him off. Peter Pettigrew was just their faithful follower and occasionally the voice of reason in their over-the-top pranks. Unfortunately, Mary was close friends with Black and I could never say no to Remus, so we let them sit in our compartment.

"What's been going on in your life Evans? Spending some time with good ol' Snivellus?" came Potter's infuriating voice.

"Yes actually. Let me know if you want to join in, we'll give you an invitation next time," I replied, my voice sugary-sweet with sarcasm.

"I might take you up on that Evans, send me an owl," he winked.

I almost puked at his tone, "Belt up and bugger off Potter."

I went on to join in on a conversation between Black and Mary, while the newly-appointed Remus left to join the Prefects' meeting.

A few minutes later, Pettigrew removed a pack of Exploding Snap cards and timidly asked us if we wanted to play. Black, Potter and I agreed, while Mary declined and stared writing a letter to her friend in Beauxbatons. We then began the game.

"Evans, watch out! That card's going to-"

And that's how our tournament ended, with my eyebrows almost getting singed off and Black gloating at his victory.

The snack trolley came in, along with Remus, and soon our compartment was overflowing with the smells of Pumpkin Pastries and chocolate fudge, with Chocolate Frogs bouncing off the walls. It was filled with the sounds of our laughter and chuckles, and I found myself not minding the Marauders company. Much.

About halfway into our journey, Pettigrew started snoring against the window and the sun began to set, making the atmosphere comfortable and sleepy. Mary was speaking quietly to Remus, their heads bent together and Black and Potter were whispering over a piece of parchment. I pulled out a book to read as the lamp above me was switched on, casting a soft glow in our compartment. Sometime later, Clarissa Fitch, a fellow Muggle-born Gryffindor in our year, whose shiny Prefect badge stood proudly on her chest, entered our compartment with Eliza Keddle in her tow.

"Hi Lily, Mary! Remus, here's the book I borrowed over the summer. You were right, it was blinding! I really loved the twist when he found out she was dead. I feel like this was bespoke for me, you know me so well!"

At that instant, Mary turned a bright red and looked slightly put-off. Before Remus could speak, she said, "Oh, I'm sure it was absolutely wonderful! In fact, since you both are such great chums and au fait with each other, you could find a cosy compartment to sit together too! Go on Remus, I'm sure you'd find it blinding!"

Poor Remus looked confused, and diplomatically said, "It was no problem really, Clarissa. Mary, I need to speak to James and Sirius right now, who are in dire need of my help right now, so if you'd excuse me…"

I turned to look at Potter and Black, and found that Remus was right. The parchment was sparking and smoking, and before I could Aguamenti it, Potter quickly told me to keep my wand away as Remus muttered a spell and wipe his dirty blond hair away in relief. I raised my eyebrows suspiciously at the blank parchment but said nothing.

Clarissa bade us farewell but Eliza, who was uncharacteristically quiet was stopped by Black, whose lean physique blocked the door, his grey eyes glittering.

"Say Eliza, you're quiet this journey, what's on your mind?" he smirked and brushed her brown hair away from her eyes.

"That's none of your concern, Sirius," she replied and was about to make her way to the door until he stopped her again.

"Well I was wondering if you might go on a date with me, first Hogsmeade trip? Then I might figure out what's going on in that head of yours"

Eliza stammered, a far cry from her confident self, "Uh… um… sure,"

"Excellent! See you at Hogwarts!" Black finally let her go and was making his way to his seat until he met my questioning gaze.

"You and Liza? When did that happen?" I asked, honestly curious, both about her odd behaviour and Sirius' motive.

"Oh, you're so blinkered Lilypad! She's pretty and one of the few girls I can hold a decent conversation with. Relax," Black answered easily, propping his legs up on James.

"Don't call me Lilypad, Black,"

"Sure thing, Lily Billy,"

I groaned and then smiled sweetly, "Be that way, Sirsi-pie."

Potter roared with laughter, his hazel eyes twinkling, "She's got you there, mate."

Sirius grumbled as Potter tried to strike a conversation with me, pestering me with useless questions.

"Evans, why is the sky blue?"

"Because blue photons are scattered through the air,"

"What are photons?"

"Tiny particles that make up light."

"What is light?"

"Something I wish I didn't have so I wouldn't have to look at your face."

"You wound me! How can one resist these devilishly good looks? Especially a fire haired damsel such as yourself," he said as he struck a ridiculous pose.

I fingered my dark red hair self-consciously and resisted a laugh, "Well this fire haired damsel feels the need to speak to Mary now, so sorry to disappoint you,"

I scooted past him and was about to ask Mary about her strange behaviour with Clarissa and why she largely been ignoring me this trip, when she noticed the time and proclaimed she needed to change into her robes. I followed suit and soon, we pulled up at Hogsmeade station.

Liked it? Hated it? Leave it in the comments! Constructive criticism only please :). Until next time, StardustandSniches.