Actions & Consequences Chapter 1, a harry potter fanfic

My very first fan fiction, so I'm very nervous but feel free to criticise my writing style, grammar, spelling; I really want to improve as much as I can so be as harsh as you like. The main thing I'm trying to do is keep the characterisation as close to the actual characters as I can and trying my hardest to comply with canon (apart from one obvious alteration I'm sure you will realise).

The story begins with the infamous scene known by many as "Snape's Worst Memory" from Ootp; in this prologue, however, it is retold four times by the points of view of James, Lily, Remus & Sirius and is the moment from which the rest of the story will unfold. I was always just curious as to what was going through all their minds during that particular scene and why they acted like they did, and more importantly how they became to be their future selves; this is my take on it. I hope you like it!

Warnings: *Insert bright flashing lights and sirens here* Ahem, this story will contain both Het (MxF) and Slash (MxM) romantic pairings, so if you have a problem with either it may not be for you. I will try to keep bad language to a minimum but there will be some infrequent swearing, if you don't like it just avoid Sirius' P.o.v. (for some reason he can't seem to mind his language). I can't say yet whether the story will contain much smut if any, but scenes of a sexual nature will be kept mild and classy, there will be nothing too explicit.

Disclaimer: The books, characters, scenes, settings, entire world of Harry Potter all belong to the beautiful, wonderful, marvellous, fantabulous J. K. Rowling. If it wasn't for her none of this wonderful literary world would exist and we wouldn't all be secretly hoping every year that this is the year we receive our Hogwarts letters. I'm sure mine just got lost in the post…

On with the story!

"When Anger Rises, Think Of The Consequences." ~ Confuncius

James

"Five more minutes!" Flitwick shouted as he trotted past James' desk.

'Thank Merlin!' Thought James pulling his parchment towards him to reread what he had written for what seemed the hundredth time. He had finished the exam paper at least twenty minutes ago and had resorted to correcting even the tiniest imperfections in his exam. Patience was not one of the many virtues of James Potter. So he thought, even though he knew it was an 'O', he may as well make it an 'O' with perfect spelling and punctuation. He fought the urge to laugh as he looked over question ten again; it had been so tempting to write a joke answer, he thought as he leaned back with a pleasurable yawn, but he knew it would be too suspicious. Still, Moony and Padfoot would get a laugh out of it; speaking of which…

With a quick glance at Flitwick James swivelled round in his chair and grinned at the boy four seats behind himself. Padfoot was lounging in his chair, leaning it back carelessly on two legs; he caught James' eye and gave him a thumbs up, Sirius, like him, probably finished ages ago. His hair was falling in his eyes with an easy elegance that James' own hair would never achieve (No matter how much Sleakeazy's might claim it!) and he had a strong desire to hex the legs off his friend's chair in his envy, though he didn't think Flitwick would appreciate that during an exam.

He turned back round in his chair, but as he did he caught sight of the sunlight streaming through the high windows and creating the most beautiful tones of copper and gold he had ever seen as the rays wove themselves in the familiar dark red hair of the object of his affections, Lily Evans. She was making little adjustments to her paper, he small hands moving her quill delicately, there was a little crease in her brow and he stared as it smoothed out as she corrected an answer. He quickly looked forward again guiltily, afraid he might be caught.

Unable to cope with the impending boredom of the last two minutes he began fidgeting with a scrap bit of parchment, he began to doodle a snitch and vaguely remembered the one in his pocket that he'd nicked from the Quidditch stores, he knew if Kingsley caught him he'd kill him, as strict as he was, but he'd nicked it nonetheless. Consequences weren't something he thought about often. He continued doodling mindlessly and before he knew it he realised he had drawn the initials of Lily Evans; he blinked down at the big bold letters of 'L.E.' and noted with embarrassment that he was behaving like one of Padfoot's fan club members and as Flitwick signalled the end of the exam he hastily scribbled out the offending letters.

As the papers zoomed off towards the front of the hall, knocking little Flitwick back off his feet, he stood up, slinging his bag over his shoulder and waited for Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail to join him, he was itching to get outside into the fresh air. The Marauders made their way out of the hall towards the grounds and sure enough the first question from Padfoot's mouth was…

"Did you like question ten, Moony?" He enquired with an innocent voice but a knowing grin that gave away an ulterior motive to the question.

"Loved it," said Moony briskly. "Give five signs that identify the werewolf. Excellent question."

"D'you think you managed to get all the signs?" Asked James with mock concern and a smile.

"Think I did," said Moony with the perfect amount of seriousness, they joined the eager crowd thronging around the front doors. "One: he's sitting on my chair. Two: he's wearing my clothes. Three: his name's Remus Lupin." Sirius barked out his familiar genuine laugh at this and James guffawed heartily. He was glad Padfoot seemed to have cheered up since this morning; he'd felt anxious ever since he'd seen the letter delivered with the familiar Black family emblem on the envelope during breakfast, never a good sign. Remus had seen it too of course and they had exchanged a look that they both understood: Sirius was going to be susceptible to mood swings all day, they'd have to try their best to keep him relaxed; they didn't want a repeat of the greenhouse incident, poor young Professor Sprout had been distraught! He now glanced towards Moony and smiled as they shared a look of mutual relief that there would be no chlorophyll-shed this time.

"I got the snout shape, the pupils of the eyes and the tufted tail," Wormtail squeaked anxiously breaking through James' thoughts, "but I couldn't think what else -"

"How thick are you, Wormtail?" said James impatiently, he'd regret his harsh words later but honestly Peter could be irritatingly oblivious sometimes. "You run around with a werewolf once a month -"

"Keep your voice down," implored Moony desperately and James spared him an apologetic smile, poor Moony still worried incessantly about others finding out and James knew he should've been more discreet for his friend. They strode purposefully down the lawn towards their favourite spot under the beech tree by the lake.

"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," he heard Sirius say. "I'll be surprised if I don't get 'Outstanding' on it at least."

"Me too," said James. He put his hand in his pocket and took out the stolen Snitch.

"Where'd you get that?"

With that thought in mind James cast his eyes around the grounds scanning for the familiar shock of colour and sure enough he spotted her by the lake with the other fifth year girls. She had taken off her shoes and socks and was dipping her feet in the sparkling water to cool off, her face tilted upwards towards the sky, eyes shut and a relaxed smile playing across her lips. She was beautiful. He ruffled his hair nervously, what was it about her that had such an effect on him?

"Put that away, will you," said Padfoot finally cutting into James thoughts, as he unconsciously caught the snitch again and Wormtail let out a cheer, "before Wormtail wets himself with excitement." He added harshly. Perhaps is mood had not improved after all.

"If it bothers you." Agreed James not wanting to rile Sirius today, he vaguely wondered what that letter had been about.

"I'm bored" said Sirius. "Wish it was full moon." James head snapped back from staring at Lily Evans to send a look of warning at Sirius who avoided his eyes guiltily, he never thought before he spoke.

"You might," said Moony darkly from behind his book, Sirius looked frustrated at himself and he picked angrily at blades of grass. "We've still got Transfiguration," Continued Moony, "If you're bored you could test me. Here…" and he held out his book towards Padfoot, but again Sirius bad mood overrode his brain.

"I don't need to look at that rubbish, I know it all." He snorted arrogantly. Hurt flashed across Moony's expressive eyes and James opened his mouth to reprimand Sirius and offer to test Moony himself but something distracted him. Lily's head turned towards them and with a sort of incomprehensible hope James thought she might be looking at him, but he realised, with a pang, she was in fact looking past him. He followed the direction of her eyes and discovered, with a strange feeling of undeniable jealousy, that she was looking at Snape. Snivellus he corrected himself angrily.

"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," said James quietly. "Look who it is…"

Sirius's head turned. He became very still, like a dog that has scented a rabbit.

"Excellent," he said softly. "Snivellus." He almost growled.

Snivellus stood from his seat near the bushes stowing the OWL paper in his bag and as he left the shadows set off across the grass, Sirius and James stood up in perfect unison.

'All right Snivellus?' said James loudly, a grin had already split across his face.

Snape's reaction was comical, he dropped his bag with panicked speed and he plunged his hand inside his robes, but his wand was already twelve feet into the air before he could even aim as James shouted, 'Expelliarmus!' and it landed with a satisfying little thud on the grass behind him. Sirius barked a laugh.

'Impedimenta!' he said, pointing his wand at Snape, who was knocked off his feet halfway through a dive towards his own fallen wand.

Suddenly they had an audience. Some students had got to their feet and were edging nearer looking entertained.

Snape lay panting on the ground and the duo wasted no time advancing on him, wands raised, James glancing over his shoulder at Lily, still by the lake, as he went.

"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" asked James sarcastically.

"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," said Sirius grinning. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."

"You - wait," Snape panted, trying to get up, staring up at James with an expression of purest loathing, "you - wait!" And James felt briefly that Snape really meant something by his words.

"Wait for what?" said Sirius coolly. "What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?"

Snape let out a scream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his wand ten feet away nothing happened. James noted the dangerous nature of some of the curses with slight shock.

"Wash out your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!"

Pink soap bubbles streamed from Snape's mouth at once; and James smiled with satisfaction as froth was covering his lips, making him gag, choking him -

"Leave him ALONE!" Her voice cut through him. So finally he had gotten her attention. James swivelled as quick as he could and one hand flew nervously to his hair.

"All right, Evans?" He asked changing the tone of his voice to sound more pleasant, deeper, mature.

"Leave him alone," Lily repeated. She was looking at him with such anger, her green eyes alight. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, with mock thought, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…" He quipped. He heard the surrounding students laugh including Padfoot and Wormtail, but noted neither Moony or Lily joined in.

"You think you're funny," she said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone." James burned and before he could stop himself the words came tumbling out of his mouth. "I will if you go out with me, Evans," he bargained. "Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again." And for a moment he thought she might say yes-

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," She shattered his fantasy without hesitation.

"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius impatiently turning back to Snape. "OI!" He shouted with shock.

But it was too late; Snape had directed his wand straight at James; there was a flash of light and James felt a sharp pain on his cheek as it was cut. He whirled about and a second later had Snape hanging upside-down in the air, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants. Could this get any better? Many people in the crowd cheered; James and Sirius roared with laughter. What was Snape thinking? Surely Lily must find this funny too, but as James glanced at her she looked just as furious as ever and demanded "Let him down!"

"Certainly," said James and Snape fell into a crumpled heap on the ground. Disentangling himself from his robes he got quickly to his feet, wand up, but Sirius said, "Petrificus Totalus!" and Snape kneeled over again, rigid as a board.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out now. James and Sirius eyed it warily. Too many times had they been on the wrong end of that particular wand. Merlin she looked furious.

"Ah, Evans, don't make me hex you," said James earnestly. In awe by how fierce she looked in her anger.

"Take the curse off him, then!"

James sighed deeply, knowing his fun was over he turned to Snape and muttered the counter-curse.

"There you go," he said, as Snape struggled to his feet. "You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus -"

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!" James eyes widened in shock and he looked to Lily who wore a similar expression, hurt flashed across her eyes before she blinked it away and replaced it with fresh anger.

"Fine," she said coolly. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus." James wanted to feel glee at her comment, that she was finally seeing the real side of Snivellus but he was still reeling from the word he had used, 'Mudblood', he felt sick with anger.

"Apologise to Evans!" He roared at the greasy Slytherin, his wand pointed threateningly at him.

"I don't want you to make him apologise," Lily shouted, rounding on James. "You're as bad as he is." James could not believe what she was saying, he had none of the beliefs Snape had about blood status!

"What?" yelped James. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!" He couldn't even bring himself to say it. But Lily hadn't finished.

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK." James couldn't believe it, was that all she saw him as? Before he could protest she turned on her heel and hurried away.

"Evans!" He shouted after her. "Hey, EVANS!" But she didn't look back.

"What is it with her?" said James, trying to feign nonchalance.

"Reading between the lines, I'd say she thinks you're a bit conceited, mate," said Sirius unhelpfully.

"Right," said James, who looked furious now, "right -"

He flicked his wand and Snape was once again hanging upside-down in the air.

"Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?"

He cast a look around as people cheered but caught sight of Remus, who was still sitting but had finally looked up from his Transfiguration text and met James eyes. He looked disappointed and James sighed.

"You know, you're pathetic," He directed at Snape, "You're not even worth my time." And with that he dropped Snape on the ground once more to the discontent groans of the audience and began to stride towards the castle, the others following him, Padfoot and Wormtail protesting his decision and Moony silent.

Lily

Lily lazily moved her toes around in to cool water of the lake, letting herself relax after her Defence Against the Dark Arts exam, it had gone well but she was relieved it was over. She noted vaguely in the back of her mind that they still had Tranfiguration in a couple of days and they weren't out of the woods quite yet but Alice had persuaded her to come outside with the rest of the girls and at least enjoy the sunlight for a little while before they shut themselves in the library for another two days. Alice leaned close to her and murmured quietly, "He's looking over again." Lily knew who she was talking about, Potter, who else? " I swear he's obsessed." Giggled her friend. She smiled wryly towards the sky and leaned further back letting the sun play across her face before she felt something crumple in her pocket; that's right she remembered, she had received a letter from home this morning, from her parents, but yet again no reply from Tuney. She hadn't received one letter from her all year, not even a birthday card…Apparently she had a new boyfriend, Victor or Vernon or something or other…? Her mother had told her, but Petunia wouldn't reply to anything so she didn't know much about him or anything else in her sister's life at all. They used to tell each other everything, now she didn't even know the name of her sister's boyfriend. It wasn't the first time that Lily wondered whether she should've just ignored her Hogwarts letter and magic and gone to muggle school with Tuney. But how could she possibly have given up such a big part of herself…? Such a wonderful gift…

She yearned to talk about it to someone and wondered who it would be best to confide in, Alice was very sympathetic but had never really understood Lily's problems with her sister. Perhaps Remus would be a better option? He was considerate and always gave well thought out advice. She yearned to talk to Severus about it, he knew Petunia first hand, but lately they hadn't been very close, he'd begun to hang out with a few Slytherins she knew had a bad reputation and would not be welcoming to her type and so their time spent together had become awkward and strained and it was as though they had never been friends at all.

When had that happened? She wondered. They had been so close as children, was it her own doing? Had she cast him out herself?

She absently looked over her shoulder and saw him sitting near some bushes still poring over the exam paper. She smiled fondly; it was so like him, he always worked so hard to succeed. However, unbeknownst to her a certain pair of bespectacled hazel eyes had followed the path of her own. Before she knew it Severus had stood and so had Potter and Black and she watched with a thrill of anger and horror as the scene unfolded in front of her. Severus' wand went flying into the air and suddenly he was on the ground. Students began to gather around the three of them and Lily became unfrozen from her spot when she saw Potter glance at her as he taunted her friend. Furiously she stood and stormed over to them just as Potter shouted "Scourgify!"

Pink soap bubbles streamed from Severus' mouth at once; the froth was covering his lips, making him gag, choking him -

"Leave him ALONE!" She shouted in fury, she got Potter's attention immediately as he swivelled around to greet her, his hand infuriatingly ruffling his hair causing her to grind her teeth. Black acknowledged her as a nuisance, rolling his eyes at her interruption he looked towards Potter waiting for him to make the next move.

"All right, Evans?" Potter asked, his voice slick and arrogant.

"Leave him alone," Lily repeated coldly. She felt nothing but pure loathing for him. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said Potter with mock thought, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…" He quipped. He smiled as many of the surrounding students laughed. Lily took a moment to glare at them, gladly noting Remus had not joined in, but frustrated he was doing nothing to stop this.

"You think you're funny," she said coldly, narrowing her eyes. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone." She felt a vicious satisfaction as he winced at her words.

"I will if you go out with me, Evans," he retaliated. "Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again." And for a sick moment it looked like he actually believed she'd agree, why did so many girls like him? He had to be the most arrogant, conceited-

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," She whipped back at him.

"Bad luck, Prongs," said Black using that ridiculous nickname, he turned back to Severus. "OI!" He shouted with shock.

But it was too late; Severus had directed his wand straight at Potter; there was a flash of light a deep gash appeared on Potter's cheek, splattering his robes with blood. Lily blinked in shock, Severus could have really hurt him, that was too dangerous, even for Potter.

But a second later Potter had whirled about and a second later had Severus hanging upside-down in the air, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants. Lily felt her mask of fury almost crack at the sight but used all her self-control to stay composed hoping as the crowd cheered that no one had noticed, "Let him down!" She demanded.

"Certainly," said Potter and Severus fell into a crumpled heap on the ground. Disentangling himself from his robes he got quickly to his feet, wand up, but Black said, "Petrificus Totalus!" and Severus kneeled over again, rigid as a board.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out now and felt a powerful satisfaction when Potter and Black eyed it warily; she knew she had won.

"Ah, Evans, don't make me hex you," said Potter earnestly. He wouldn't dare.

"Take the curse off him, then!"

Potter sighed deeply and he turned to Severus and muttered the counter-curse.

"There you go," he said, as Severus struggled to his feet. "You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus -"

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!" Lily blinked in shock, not believing her ears, had he-? No one had ever- Quickly she covered her shock with a new wave of anger, anger fuelled by hurt she had never felt towards Severus before. He had betrayed her.

"Fine," she said coolly, using all her strength to control her voice and prevent it from shaking. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus."

"Apologise to Evans!" Potter roared his wand pointed threateningly at Severus. Lily was shocked at the passion in his voice, how angry Potter really was but she was more furious than anyone.

"I don't want you to make him apologise," Lily shouted, rounding on Potter. "You're as bad as he is." Potter looked like he could not believe what she was saying, he was oblivious.

"What?" he yelped. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!" But Lily had cracked, and she didn't even think about her response.

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK." She felt a strange pang as she saw genuine hurt pass over his face but quickly ignored it and before he could protest she turned on her heel and hurried away.

"Evans!" She heard him shout after her, "Hey, EVANS!" But she didn't look back. Tears had already begun to roll down her cheeks. Whatever was left of hers and Severus' friendship was now destroyed.

Remus

"Five more minutes!" Flitwick shouted from somewhere in the distance.

Remus wasn't really paying attention. He had finished the exam a little while ago in easy time and had to admit this particular paper had been a doddle. He had managed to breeze through it with an ease to rival James or Sirius and was now checking through his answers. Defence was probably his best subject and although he'd never boast about it Remus often found himself top of the year in the subject. The Marauders would always joke that he had an unfair natural advantage due to his "furry little problem" as James liked to put it. He smiled at the thought of Prongs and Padfoot's reaction to question ten, he was sure he'd heard Padfoot's distinctive snicker fifteen minutes into the exam. He'd bet five galleons that was why.

He scratched his chin with the end of his quill as he deliberated his answer on grindylows. He hoped poor Peter would remember the facts he'd taught him last night before Prongs had roped the smaller boy into a game of exploding snap. Wormtail really had tried hard to let Remus teach him but he had never been able to say no to Prongs; there was seldom a soul who could! Except perhaps Lily Evans, she had never given him a 'Yes', although poor James seemed in denial of this fact. He glimpsed James right now, swivelling in his chair to give Padfoot a grin and sure enough sparing Lily and adoring look on the way back, entranced by her vibrant shock of hair in the light. Remus followed his gaze; Lily was quite lovely, no one could disagree with that. But more importantly, when she wasn't hexing her stalker, James Potter, to next Tuesday and back she was intelligent, kind, funny and compassionate, a rare side to Lily that Remus had the fortune to see. He thought it strange he didn't see her the same way James did to be honest, but could never view her as anything other than a close friend. He sighed to himself as he wished she would give Prongs a chance, but James did himself no favours. His nervousness around the fiery witch led him to put on an air of overconfident arrogance which he couldn't seem to shake and yet was unable to fathom why the girl didn't find him irresistible. Remus knew better, he knew of James real nature, his insecurities, his unyielding loyalty, his bravery and believe it or not his deep compassion for those he cared about. No, he didn't share this with everyone, but to his friends, well, he was the best friend one could have. He had a maturity he wasn't even aware of yet, but Remus had faith it would shine through one day.

Finally Remus turned away from Lily and glanced around the hall and found himself caught in someone's silver gaze; three rows to the left of himself, Sirius looked at him, his eyes widening slightly before he winked roguishly and gave Remus his signature lopsided grin. Remus smiled back, noting Padfoot's admirer was watching the exchange with envy; everyone wished they could be on the receiving end of Sirius Orion Blacks gaze, but the dark haired boy seldom had time for anyone other than the Marauders. Suddenly Sirius huffed a quiet laugh and tapped his chin at Remus who in turn arched his eyebrow in question, cocking his head in confusion. Sirius laughed again and tapped his chin nodding at Remus. Remus caught on and rubbed his chin, finding ink on his fingers, he really should stop using his quill as a scratching device. He looked back at Sirius who gave him a thumbs up of approval before facing the front once again. Remus took this time to really study his friend. It wasn't the first time the young werewolf had noticed just how handsome Padfoot was. He leaned his chair back on two legs with ultimate ease. His hair was falling into his eyes with a casual elegance that only a Black could achieve; the one good thing Sirius had ever gotten from his family were his genetics, apart from perhaps the insanity part. He definitely had the mood swings of a Black.

'That's right,' thought Remus, remembering the sight of the letter dropped at their breakfast table this morning, Padfoot had received a letter from his family, something that was rarely a good sign in terms of Sirius' mood. With relief Remus noted the handsome teen seemed like his usual happy self despite this event but decided to keep a cautious eye on him for the rest of the day, just in case…He wished Sirius would just talk to him about it, he didn't like to think of him worrying about things on his own.

Finally Professor Flitwick signalled the end of the exam and the papers were summoned to the front of the hall knocking the small Professor off his feet. Remus watched concerned as a couple of students helped him up and they were finally dismissed. Remus neatly packed his things away and joined the others as they made their way out of the hall to join the eager crowd of students that would surely be thronging around the front doors, itching to get outside into the sunlight.

"Did you like question ten, Moony?" Asked Sirius innocently, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

"Loved it," replied Remus briskly. "Give five signs that identify the werewolf. Excellent question."

"D'you think you managed to get all the signs?" Asked Prongs with mock concern and a smile.

"Think I did," said Remus with mock seriousness, "One: he's sitting on my chair. Two: he's wearing my clothes. Three: his name's Remus Lupin." Remus smiled as Sirius barked out his familiar warm laugh at this and James guffawed heartily. Padfoot definitely seemed to have cheered up since this morning; and it seemed James shared this thought as they exchanged a look of mutual relief.

"I got the snout shape, the pupils of the eyes and the tufted tail," Wormtail squeaked anxiously, "but I couldn't think what else -"

"How thick are you, Wormtail?" said James with unnecessary harshness, Remus understood his impatience with Peter sometimes, but he didn't approve of that attitude; yes, Pete was a bit slow sometimes, but he was always very encouraging and supportive of the other three, and he was undoubtedly loyal, all of them were- "You run around with a werewolf once a month -"

"Keep your voice down," implored Remus with instinctive panic and James spared him an apologetic smile, Remus quickly glanced around making sure no one had heard before relaxing once again. The group strode purposefully down the lawn towards their favourite spot under the beech tree by the lake.

"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," he heard Sirius say. "I'll be surprised if I don't get 'Outstanding' on it at least." Remus didn't doubt this either.

"Me too," said James. He put his hand in his pocket and took out the stolen Snitch.

"Where'd you get that?" Asked Remus suspiciously, he had an inkling of where James had indeed gotten the little gold trinket and his Prefect senses did not approve…

"Nicked it," James said with as much of a casual air as he could muster. He started playing with it, allowing it to fly as much as a foot away before seizing it again; his reflexes were excellent. Wormtail was watching him with awe, clapping his impressive catches. Remus rolled his eyes and endeavoured to ignore him, instead taking out his Transfiguration text to study for the final examination in two days time. Out of the corner of his eye he noted Sirius looking bored and James casting frequent glances at the fifth year girls, including Lily, down by the lake.

"Put that away, will you," said Sirius finally as James made a particularly fine catch causing Pete to cheer, "before Wormtail wets himself with excitement." He added harshly. Remus sent him a glare. Too harsh. Perhaps his mood had not improved after all.

"If it bothers you." Replied James agreeably, obviously thinking the same as Remus.

"I'm bored" said Sirius, as though trying to excuse his mood. "Wish it was full moon." Remus froze at the insensitive comment and willed himself to stay calm. Sirius wasn't usually like this, it was a one off.

"You might," he said, unable to contain his retort, feeling instantly bad about it as Sirius looked frustrated at himself and he picked angrily at blades of grass. "We've still got Transfiguration," Remus continued, "If you're bored you could test me. Here…" and he held out his book towards Padfoot, but again Sirius bad mood answered.

"I don't need to look at that rubbish, I know it all." He snorted honestly. Remus knew he must've looked hurt but covered it quickly as he reminded himself how kind Sirius had been just the night before; as Wormtail had given up any thought of studying in favour of playing exploding snap with James, Sirius had stayed up late into the night helping Remus study despite the knowledge that they were already well prepared for the exam. But Remus had been nervous, and Sirius had patiently calmed him with reassuring words that Remus would ace the exam no problem. That was the real Padfoot. Suddenly, however, James voice cut into his thoughts.

"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," said James quietly. "Look who it is…"

Sirius's head turned. He became very still, like a dog that has scented a rabbit.

"Excellent," he said softly. "Snivellus." He almost growled.

Severus stood from his seat near the bushes stowing the OWL paper in his bag and as he left the shadows set off across the grass, Sirius and James stood up in perfect unison. Remus body froze and he glued his eyes to the pages of his book, pretending what was about to happen wasn't happening at all. He tried to focus on Vivrum's theory of transformation but again James voice distracted him.

"All right Snivellus?" said James loudly, it was a cold imitation of friendliness.

Snape's reacted quickly dropping his bag with panicked speed and plunging his hand inside his robes but his wand was already twelve feet into the air before he could even aim as James shouted, 'Expelliarmus!' and it landed with a little thud on the grass behind him. Sirius barked his laugh.

'Impedimenta!' he said, pointing his wand at Snape, who was knocked off his feet halfway through a dive towards his own fallen wand.

Suddenly they had an crowd. Some students had gotten to their feet and were edging nearer looking entertained, some anxious.

Snape lay panting on the ground and the duo wasted no time advancing on him, wands raised.

"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" asked James sarcastically.

"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," said Sirius viciously. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."

"You - wait," Snape panted with pure loathing, "you - wait!"

"Wait for what?" said Sirius coolly. "What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?"

Snape let out a scream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his wand ten feet away nothing happened. Remus eyebrows shot up at the sound of some of the curses, seriously dark spells.

"Wash out your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!"

Remus squeezed his eyes shut tightly as he heard the awful frothing gagging sound as Snape choked -

"Leave him ALONE!" Came Lily's voice all of a sudden. Thank Merlin someone had intervened.

"All right, Evans?" James asked his voice suddenly affected.

"Leave him alone," Lily repeated. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, with mock thought, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…" He quipped. Remus felt a pang as the students laughed and Sirius threw his head back, joining in, but with a cold imitation of his usual laugh. Neither Remus nor Lily laughed along with them.

"You think you're funny," Lily said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone." James fliched and stupidly retorted, "I will if you go out with me, Evans," he bargained. "Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again." What an idiot.

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," Good comeback Lily.

"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius impatiently turning back to Snape. "OI!" He shouted but not soon enough; Snape had directed his wand straight at James; there was a flash of light and suddenly there was gash on James' cheek and blood splattered his robes and the grass, Remus was suddenly scared, Snape had actually tried to seriously hurt James, he would have, with better aim. But then James was whirling about and a second later he had Snape hanging upside-down in the air by an invisible rope on his ankle, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants. Many people in the crowd cheered; James and Sirius roared with laughter, callous cold laughter. Even Lily's mask of pure fury seemed to twitch at this but thankfully she quickly composed herself once again looking as furious as ever "Let him down!"

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out now. James and Sirius eyed it warily. Obviously remembering the many times they had been on the wrong end of that particular wand.

"Ah, Evans, don't make me hex you," said James earnestly. In awe by how fierce she looked in her anger.

"Take the curse off him, then!"

James sighed deeply, knowing his fun was over he turned to Snape and muttered the counter-curse.

"There you go," he said, as Snape struggled to his feet. "You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus -"

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!" Remus eyes widened in shock, Severus was supposed to be Lily's friend, how did she deserve that? He looked to Lily who wore a similar expression, hurt flashed across her eyes before she blinked it away and replaced it with fresh anger.

"Fine," she said coolly. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus."

"Apologise to Evans!" Roared James with real, deep anger, his wand pointed threateningly at Snape.

"I don't want you to make him apologise," Lily shouted incredulously, rounding on James. "You're as bad as he is." James looked disbelieving.

"What?" He yelped. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!" But Lily seemed to have cracked and broke into a built up rant.

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK." Before he could protest she turned on her heel and hurried away.

"Evans!" He shouted after her. "Hey, EVANS!" Lily ignored him as she headed towards the castle.

"What is it with her?" said James, trying to feign nonchalance and failing, hurt and confusion clear in his eyes.

"Reading between the lines, I'd say she thinks you're a bit conceited, mate," said Sirius, unhelpfully but truthfully. He had no tact.

"Right," said James, who looked furious now, "right -"

He flicked his wand and Snape was once again hanging upside-down in the air.

"Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?"

He cast a look around as people cheered but Remus had looked up finally and he caught his eyes and couldn't hide the disappointment in them. James face softened and he sighed. "You know, you're pathetic," He directed at Snape, "You're not even worth my time." And with that he dropped Snape on the ground once more to the discontent groans of the audience and began to stride towards the castle, the others following him, Sirius and Peter protesting his decision. Remus stayed silent, relieved and grateful James had stopped. The same thought ran though his head, Remus could have very easily ended up in Snape's position and he could not stand the thought, the idea that he wouldn't have these three friends at his side, supporting him. And this was the exact thought that constantly stopped him from joining in their bullying of Severus but also from preventing it. He'd cut them as much slack as he needed to, because he refused to lose them, for anything.

Sirius

"Five more minutes!" Flitwick called as he walked down the aisle.

Sirius had finished half an hour ago and had leaned his chair back on two legs with well practiced ease. That exam was a piece of cake, just like the others. He hoped Moony had calmed down about it, he'd been stressing all night. Sirius smiled at the thought, Moony was the best at Defence in the year, he was the last person who had to worry. But Sirius knew it went deeper than that. Remus had some sort of complex, like if he didn't achieve the best he's let down Dumbledore and his parents, Moony was like that, always thinking of others rather than himself. He almost laughed thinking about question ten, Moony would find it hilarious. Sirius had even written a bit extra in his answer about the prejudices against werewolves in modern society, Moony would be proud of his extra input he was sure. He looked over at the boy now; the bright sunlight of the day was streaming through the high windows of the hall creating the most beautiful mixture of copper, gold and chestnut and it seemed to encapsulate Remus in an unearthly glow, reflecting in his hair and glinting off his amber eyes as the scanned his exam paper thoughtfully. Sirius' Remus watching activities however were interrupted when he glimpsed movement from his partner in crime James Potter. Prongs swivelled in his chair and gave Sirius a confident grin, Sirius couldn't help but grin back, giving a thumbs up. 'Just one more left!' He thought with glee. Prongs seemed pleased with his response and made to turn back to the front before being distracted by the sight of Lily Evans. Sirius sighed, he didn't get it. What was so great about Evans? She had a right stick up her arse; why Prongs would want someone as boring and serious as her he had no idea. Yeah, she was intelligent, he supposed but so was Moony and he still managed to be a laugh and pull the most brilliant pranks ever despite being a bloody prefect and doing his homework two weeks in advance. Evans was constantly pmsing. At least Moony had a bloody good reason for his monthly mood swings, girls had nothing to complain about in comparison.

Sirius turned back to look at Remus and found to his surprise that the boy was looking in the same direction as James, a thoughtful look on his face as he too watched Lily Evans. Sirius felt a strange pang in his stomach and felt with stronger resolve that Lily Evans was a no good know-it-all busybody and should stay out of the Marauder's lives. His eyes widened slightly as he saw Remus sigh, why was he sighing while looking at Evans? Maybe Prongs Evans obsession was contagious, he'd have a thorough shower that night to make sure he had no James germs.

Finally Remus turned away from Evans and suddenly Sirius found he had been caught staring, he cover his shock with his usual charm winking roguishly and giving Moony a grin. Remus smiled back warmly, that slightly crooked smile that was full of natural charm and kindness, Sirius loved that smile. He suddenly saw something on Remus' chin, a blot of ink, probably because he had been using his quill to scratch his chin, it was such a Remusy habit thought Sirius and he huffed a quiet laugh and tapped his chin at Remus who in turn arched his eyebrow in question, cocking his head in much too much of a doggy fashion. Sirius laughed again and tapped his chin nodding at Remus. Finally the boy caught on and rubbed his chin with a look of realisation as he saw ink on his fingers. He looked back at Sirius gratefully, who gave him a thumbs up of approval before he faced the front once again.

Finally Flitwick signalled the end of the exam and the papers zoomed to the front of the hall knocking Flitwick off his feet. Sirius chuckled and lazily stood up as they were dismissed, stretching like a cat before going to join the others as the headed out into the freedome of the grounds with the rest of the fifth years.

"Did you like question ten, Moony?" He asked immediately, trying to keep his voice innocent.

"Loved it," replied Moony briskly. "Give five signs that identify the werewolf. Excellent question."

"D'you think you managed to get all the signs?" Asked Prongs with mock concern and a smile.

"Think I did," said Remus with mock seriousness, "One: he's sitting on my chair. Two: he's wearing my clothes. Three: his name's Remus Lupin." Sirius laughed loudly at this and James guffawed heartily along with him.

"I got the snout shape, the pupils of the eyes and the tufted tail," Wormtail squeaked anxiously, "but I couldn't think what else -" What a dufus.

"How thick are you, Wormtail?" said James, he was right, "You run around with a werewolf once a month -" Very good point. Totally agree Jamesie boy.

"Keep your voice down," implored Remus and Sirius rolled his eyes fondly as the boy glanced around with unnecessary panic. No one had heard. Sirius glanced around as if to prove his point but something caught his eye. There was Narcissa, his cousin and also the most vapid girl in existence, snogging the face off of Malfoy, it was disgusting. But what infuriated Sirius more was the fact that she seemed completely careless of the letter all the members of the Black family had received that morning. Andromeda had eloped with a muggleborn, and had, consequentially been disowned and burned from the family tree last night. Sirius cousin, Narcissa's elder sister. And she didn't give a damn. Sirius was upset to say the least, Andromeda was one of the only family members he could stand and now she was gone. How was she feeling now? Was she sad? Relieved? Would she try to contact her sisters or cousins? And suddenly Sirius felt jealousy. Why would Andromeda bother with Sirius now, surley if he had been able to get free of that awful family he wouldn't look back for anyone, would he even spare a second thought for his little brother? He yearned to be an adult, then he could get out of that house once and for all. His mood had darkened by the time they reached they sunlit grounds and strode purposefully down the lawn towards their favourite spot under the beech tree by the lake.

"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," Said Sirius trying to distract himself from his thoughts, "I'll be surprised if I don't get 'Outstanding' on it at least."

"Me too," said James. He put his hand in his pocket and took out the stolen Snitch.

"Where'd you get that?" Asked Remus suspiciously.

"Nicked it," James said coolly. He started playing with it, allowing it to fly as much as a foot away before seizing it again; his reflexes were excellent. Wormtail was watching him with awe, he looked ridiculous and Sirius found himself getting wound up by his lack of self-awareness. Remus took out his Transfiguration text presumably to study for the final examination in two days time and Sirius felt the urge to throw the blasted book in the lake to let it be devoured by the giant squid. He looked around bored, knowing Remus would now be practically unreachable and Sirius would be getting no attention for the next hour at least and James was casting frequent glances at the fifth year girls, including Lily, down by the lake. Sirius wanted attention, he wanted someone to distract him from feeling like this. This helpless frustration.

"Put that away, will you," He snapped at James as his friend made a particularly fine catch causing Pete to cheer, "before Wormtail wets himself with excitement." He added harshly. Remus sent him a glare and he avoided his gaze not wanting to feel the guilt that was sure to follow.

"If it bothers you." Replied James agreeably, Sirius would have preferred it if James had argued with him.

"I'm bored" He stated trying to explain away his mood. "Wish it was full moon." Immediately he wished he hadn't said it, he felt sick. He glanced at Moony who had frozen at the insensitive comment and he caught James eye as he sent him warning glare. Sirius immediately regretted saying anything at all.

"You might," Remus said, Sirius avoided looking at any of them and instead picked angrily at blades of grass, murdering them one by one. "We've still got Transfiguration," Remus continued, "If you're bored you could test me. Here…" Sirius spared a glance at the book held out towards him and before he even thought about what he was saying-

"I don't need to look at that rubbish, I know it all." He snorted honestly. Well, he did. But he didn't miss the look of hurt in Moony'd expressive eyes and he immediately wished he could apologize, but the words wouldn't come. He clamped his mouth shut, determined not to put his foot in it again before James voice cut into his thoughts.

"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," said James quietly. "Look who it is…"

Sirius's head turned. He became very still, like a dog that has scented a rabbit.

"Excellent," he said softly. "Snivellus."

Snivellus stood from his seat near the bushes stowing the OWL paper in his bag and as he left the shadows set off across the grass, completely unaware as to what was in store for him. Sirius and James stood up in perfect unison. Finally some action, thought Sirius with manic glee.

"All right Snivellus?" said James loudly.

Snape's reaction was comical, quickly dropping his bag with panicked speed and plunging his hand inside his robes but his wand was already twelve feet into the air before he could even aim as James shouted, 'Expelliarmus!' and it landed with a little thud on the grass behind him. Sirius laughed with satisfaction.

'Impedimenta!' he said, pointing his wand at Snape, who was knocked off his feet halfway through a dive towards his own fallen wand. Merlin this was hilarious.

Suddenly he noticed they had acquired an audience. Some students had gotten to their feet and were edging nearer looking entertained. He was vaguely aware, however, that Remus remained seated beneath the beech tree, eyes trained religiously on that blasted book of his. What was his problem?

Snape lay panting on the ground and the pair wasted no time advancing on him, wands raised.

"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" asked James sarcastically.

"I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," said Sirius viciously. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word."

"You - wait," Snape panted with pure loathing, "you - wait!"

"Wait for what?" said Sirius coolly. "What're you going to do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?"

Snape let out a scream of mixed swear words and hexes, but with his wand ten feet away nothing happened. Sirius eyes narrowed at the sound of a particularly dark spell.

"Wash out your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!" Sirius laughed as pink soap bubbles frothed out over Snape's greasy lips, gagging him, choking him, Sirius grinned as he watched-

"Leave him ALONE!" For Merlin's sake why was Evan's such a bloody busybody, Sirius wished she'd just butt out.

"All right, Evans?" James asked his voice suddenly smooth. Sirius snickered.

"Leave him alone," Evan's repeated like a broken record. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, with mock thought, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean…" He quipped. Sirius threw his head back, joining in, but felt a pang when he realised Remus hadn't joined in, he wouldn't even look at them.

"You think you're funny," Lily said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone." James flinched and retorted, "I will if you go out with me, Evans," he bargained. "Go on… go out with me and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again." Pffft, what an idiot.

"I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," How catty Evans.

"Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius impatiently , he wished James would grown some balls and ignore the witch. "OI!" He shouted as he turned back to Snape, but it wasn't quick enough; Snape had directed his wand straight at Prongs; there was a flash of light and suddenly there was gash on James' cheek and blood splattered his robes and the grass, Sirius was almost blind with rage. But then James was whirling about and a second later he had Snape hanging upside-down in the air by an invisible rope on his ankle, his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of greying underpants. Sweet Merlin, did Snivellus live with the sole purpose to make Sirius life this good? The crowd cheered and James and Sirius couldn't help but roar with laughter. Even Lily's mask of pure fury seemed to slip at this but she quickly covered it once again looking as furious as ever "Let him down!"

"Certainly," said James and Snape fell into a crumpled heap on the ground. Disentangling himself from his robes he got quickly to his feet, wand up, but Sirius wouldn't give the greasy Slytherin another go an Prongs, "Petrificus Totalus!" and Snape kneeled over again, rigid as a board.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out now. James and Sirius eyed it warily. Remembering the many times they had been on the wrong end of that particular wand. And boy did she seem angry today.

"Ah, Evans, don't make me hex you," said James earnestly. As if he ever would.

"Take the curse off him, then!"

James sighed deeply, and Sirius knew their fun was over, Prongs turned to Snape and muttered the counter-curse.

"There you go," he said, as Snape struggled to his feet. "You're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus -"

"I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!" Sirius eyes widened in shock and fury, why that disgusting prejudiced slime ball! Not even Evans deserved that sort of talk.

"Fine," Evans said coolly. "I won't bother in the future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus." Sirius laughed at her insult, he couldn't believe Evans just said that!

"Apologise to Evans!" Roared James with real, deep anger, his wand pointed threateningly at Snape.

"I don't want you to make him apologise," Evans shouted incredulously, rounding on James. "You're as bad as he is." James looked disbelieving.

"What?" He yelped. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!" But Evans began to rant.

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK." Before he could protest she turned on her heel and hurried away.

"Evans!" He shouted after her. "Hey, EVANS!" Evans ignored him as she headed towards the castle.

"What is it with her?" said poor Prongs, trying and failing to feign nonchalance, hurt and confusion clear in his eyes.

"Reading between the lines, I'd say she thinks you're a bit conceited, mate," said Sirius, unhelpfully but truthfully. This lovers spat was getting boring. Remus was still sitting down he noted.

"Right," said James, who looked furious for some reason now, "right -"

He flicked his wand and Snape was once again hanging upside-down in the air.

"Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?" Thank Merlin! Cheered Sirius internally.

But suddenly as he cast a look around James sighed. "You know, you're pathetic," He directed at Snape, "You're not even worth my time." And with that he dropped Snape on the ground once more to the discontent groans of the audience and began to stride towards the castle, Sirius chased after him whining.

"But James, that would have gone down in School history! It would've been so good! What's up with you?" He asked incredulously. James glanced at Remus and shook his head sighing.

"Sorry Pads." Sirius was confused, he looked at Moony who was silent, what was happening? Why did he feel so guilty all of a sudden? His bad mood returned.