Mischief Managed

Pre-Hogwarts era. Story of how James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter have adventures at Hogwarts.

CHAPTER 1

"Potter! Black! Pay attention, please!"

James and Sirius' heads whipped up. It was a slowly going Tuesday, their books were packed in their bags, and the raccoons they were supposed to be Transfiguring were safely barred inside the cages. With five minutes left until the bell rang, James and Sirius were quietly but furiously sword-fighting each other with their wands at the back of the classroom, making sparks come out from the tip of their wands. Peter was watching them with the corners of his eyes, applauding silently whenever one managed to successfully poke the other. Remus was listening attentively to Professor McGonagall's words.

"If you please," fumed Professor McGonagall, "after dinner today, there will be a Dueling Club to be held at the Great Hall, open to all participants. Students interested in learning how to fight with magic in a proper way may come to learn a few pointers from Professor Prewett."

"Dueling club, eh? Should be interesting," murmured James under his breath.

"I bet I can take you down easily," muttered Sirius, eyeing Professor McGonagall warily. "But after dinner? That might make us late for the event."

"It's the full moon already? Blimey, I forgot…You know what, I really want to learn how to duel, though. Snivellus is probably going to come and I might get a chance to hex him officially," said James with an evil glint in his eye.

"Yeah, but what about Remus? Peter can't accompany him by himself, you know that. Before you know it, there's going to be a full werewolf prowling the grounds at midnight," replied Sirius.

James sniggered, and Remus whispered, "If you want to go to the club, I'm fine with that. I can manage on my own, I just need the Wolfsbane Potion."

James yawned. The bell had rang. "You and Peter go on a bit. Sirius and I will catch up later on, after we deal with Snivellus," He ruffled his already messy hair, shoved his quill into his bag, and got up, stretching. "Or we could always just drag Snivellus along with us to the Shack and duel over there."

"To think of the possibilities…." muttered Sirius dreamily, also getting up.

Peter snickered. "Maybe you should lead him to the Shack, Sirius. I know he's always curious about what we do during the night. He knows about our Cloak anyways."

"You know that's insane," said Remus flatly. "If you're going to come, finish the Dueling Club as fast as you can. We'll be waiting at the Main Entrance with James's Cloak."

"Alright, alright. Hold your broomsticks," said James. He added hastily, "Do you reckon Evans is coming as well?"

"Evans? Definitely," laughed Sirius. "She could Stun you in a heartbeat, Prongs."

James frowned but didn't say anything. The four of them sauntered along the hallway, shoving aside first-years. James drawled, "I'm excited for today. Stunning Snivellus isn't enough, though. Maybe I'll try a harder spell."

"Speaking of which," interrupted Remus. "Are you guys still doing your research in being an Animagus? I'm worried that I might hurt you in my…form. What if today's the day that goes all wrong?"

"Shut up, Remus. You're always the worrier. What's the harm in a risk?" said Sirius. "I can't wait to be a big, black dog, though. People are going to think they've seen the Grim, ha!"

James grinned. "You dork. You know what I'm going to be? I'm going to be a stag. How majestic is that?"

Peter frowned. "I thought you wanted to be a lion, just like Gryffindor."

James didn't say anything. He glanced at an approaching figure and just at the last second, pushed him to the side.

"Watch it, Potter," warned Avery darkly, keeping his balance. He glared at the four of them and continued on. "See you at the Dueling Club, boys. My gang will deal with you soon."

"In your dreams," yelled Sirius over his shoulder. James pulled him along. "Avery! I'm going to get him tonight."

"You still didn't answer our question, James," mentioned Remus. "I am a bit curious. Why the sudden change?"

James didn't answer, staring at something to the side. Sirius followed his gaze and saw Lily. Understanding dawned on him and he said quietly, "It's Evans, isn't it?"

James jerked from his reverie. "What? What are you talking about?"

"I heard MacDonald asking Evans how she managed to conjure a Patronus. Apparently it was a doe. How in the world did you manage to see Evans producing a Patronus?" asked Sirius in a wonder.

"Wait, so you're saying James changed his mind because of Lily? Because Lily's Patronus form is a doe?" said Lupin incredulously. "You like Lily? After all this time?"

James clenched his teeth and said angrily, "It's not like that. Lay off, all of you."

The four of them went out the Entrance, heading to the greenhouses. They noticed Severus running to catch up with Lily. Lily greeted him jovially and soon seemed to be immersed in their conversation. James pretended not to notice, and Sirius grinned nastily, breathing in the cool air. "I have a feeling tonight's full moon is going to be loads of fun."