Author's Note: Hi guys, I'm eekhoorntje. I love Harry Potter and the Marauders, you could even say I'm a real Potterhead. However, this is a story about the life of the Marauders from their first to their seventh year. I thought there isn't very much known about the Marauders, so here's a story about their life at Hogwarts. Enjoy! ( I will use different points of view.)
Chapter I
''Mom!'' James said annoyed. ''Don't touch my hair, please.''
''James, come on. Why can't your hair be flat, just one time?'' she said trying to flatten her son's messy hair. ''Mom! You know it won't, so please, stop trying!'' James said trying to make his mother stop. ''Alright, alright.'' his mother said defeated. She looked around and saw the train was ready to leave. ''I'll miss you.'' she said quickly pulling her son into a tight hug. ''Mom, please.'' James said embarrassed. ''Take care.'' she said softly when her son had managed to escape from her grip. ''I will.'' he said nodding curtly.
He turned around and walked towards the red steam engine. ''Bye!'' he called before he boarded the train. He stepped inside, and turned around to wave at his mother. He noticed she was on the edge of tears. ''Women.'' he said rolling his eyes. He turned around again and walked into the corridor of the Hogwarts Express.
He walked through the corridor, looking into the compartments, trying to find an empty one. At last after what felt like twenty minutes, he thought he found one, but was disappointed when he saw a red haired girl sitting next to the window. ''Don't have much choice.'' he said to himself. He slid the compartment door open and asked politely, ''Hi I'm James. Can I join you?''
The red haired girl turned around. She had bright green- and puffy eyes. ''Sure.'' she said hoarsely, she had obviously been crying. James entered the compartment and sat down on one of the soft couches. ''Are you alright?'' he asked worried. ''Yes.'' she said softly, turning to the window again. She didn't say it with much conviction, but James didn't want to be pushy, so he just looked out of the window and acted like nothing had happened.
After a few minutes the compartment door slid open again. James turned to look at the newcomer. It was a young boy from about eleven or twelve. He had waxy black hair and a handsome face. ''Mind if I join?'' he asked grinning broadly. James shook his head, he had a certain feeling he and this boy would become good friends.
The boy walked towards the couch opposite James. He sat down and watched the red haired girl. ''What's up with her?'' he asked turning to James. ''I don't know. She says she's alright.'' he said raising his shoulders. The boy stuck out his hand, ''I'm Sirius, Sirius Black.'' the boy said. ''James, James Potter.'' James replied shaking his hand. ''Nice to meet ya.'' Sirius said grinning. James returned the grin and let go of his hand. He turned to look out of the window again.
After several more minutes, the compartment door slid open once more. A boy with black hair stood in the doorway. He walked into the compartment, without saying anything, and sat down opposite the red haired girl. She glanced at him and then looked back out of the window.
''I don't want to talk to you,'' she said in a constricted voice.
''Why not?'' the boy replied.
James turned to Sirius and grinned.
''Tuney h- hates me. Because we saw that letter from Dumbledore.'' the red haired girl replied.
''So what?''
''So she's my sister!'' she yelled disgusted.
''She's only a…'' he was probably shushed by the look of deep dislike on her face. ''But we're going!' he said, unable to suppress the exhilaration in his voice. ''This is it! We're of to Hogwarts!''
She nodded, mopping her eyes, but in spite of herself, she half smiled.
''You'd better be in Slytherin,'' said the boy, encouraged she had brightened a little.
James looked at Sirius, who was grinning wickedly.
''Slytherin?'' James asked. ''Who wants to be in Slytherin? I think I'd leave, wouldn't you?'' he asked Sirius, whose grin faded.
''My whole family have been in Slytherin,'' he replied.
''Blimey,'' said James,''and I thought you seemed all right!''
Sirius's grin returned.
''Maybe I'll break the tradition. Where are you heading for if you've got the choice?'' he asked curiously.
James lifted an invisible sword.
''Gryffindor, where dwell the brave at heart! Like my dad.''
The boy who had been talking with the girl made a small, disparaging noise. James turned on him.
''Got a problem with that?'' asked James annoyed.
''No,'' said the boy, though his slight sneer said otherwise. ''If you'd rather be brawny than brainy…''
''Where're you hoping to go, seeing as you're neither?'' interjected Sirius.
James roared with laughter. The red haired girl stood up, rather flushed, and looked from James to Sirius in dislike.
''Come on, Severus, let's find another compartment.''
James tried to trip the boy as he passed. ''See ya, Snivellus!'' Sirius called before the compartment door slid shut.
''Snivellus, he?'' James said grinning. ''One of my best works and quickest.'' replied Sirius triumphantly. James watched him for a moment, but when their eyes met, they burst out in laughter.
The compartment door slid open again. They turned to look at the newcomer. A skinny boy stood in the doorway. He had a scar across his face, and seemed to be exhausted. ''Can I sit here? All the other compartments are already full.'' he asked uncertain. ''Of course! Sit down.'' James said with a small smile.
When the boy sat down, James noticed he was rather uneasy. James stuck out his hand, ''I'm James, James Potter.'' he said.
The boy shook it, ''Remus, Remus Lupin.'' he replied softly. James looked at Sirius, who seemed to notice he was watched. ''Oh, yeah right. I'm Sirius, Sirius Black.'' he said quickly, also sticking out a hand. Remus shook it and nodded curtly.
''So, which house would you head for if you had the choice?'' Sirius asked the boy named Remus. ''I-I don't know.'' he replied looking at the floor. ''I didn't expect to go to Hogwarts, so I didn't really think about it yet.'' he said uneasy. ''Why wouldn't you go to Hogwarts?'' Sirius asked confused looking at James for support. ''I-I-I.'' the boy stammered. ''Never mind. If you don't want to tell us, you don't have to.'' James said looking at Remus, who nodded gratefully.
''I can't wait until we arrive.'' Remus said trying to change the subject. ''Yeah, me neither. I'm starving.'' Sirius said standing up. He walked to the compartment door and opened it. ''What are you going to do?'' James asked. ''I'm going to search for the food trolley. I heard a plump witch always walk past every compartment and sells candy.'' Sirius said stepping into the corridor. ''I'm going to look if I can find her.'' he said grinning.
''We haven't even arrived at Hogwarts yet and you're already up to mischief.'' James said grinning. ''I like that, I think I'll come with you.'' James said thoughtfully. He stood up and joined Sirius in the corridor. ''Are you coming too?'' he asked the skinny boy. ''I'll stay here and occupy the compartment.'' he said looking up at James. ''Thanks for the offer, though.'' he said smiling. It was the first time the boy had smiled, it matched him. ''No problem. We'll be right back.'' James said grinning at Sirius.
Remus's P.O.V
I smiled at him. I liked these boys. They're the first people who are nice to me. ''Thanks for the offer, though.'' I responded. James seemed to be convinced. ''No problem. We'll be right back.'' said James grinning at the boy called Sirius. They left the compartment and slit the door shut. ''I think Hogwarts isn't going to be as bad as I thought.'' I said to myself. Though, I was a bit afraid of what happened if my 'friends' found out about my secret. I didn't want to lose them, they're nice to me, and I think I can use some friends.
I turned to look out of the window and forget about my fears for a moment or two. ''I won't let it spoil this.'' I whispered to myself. ''And I don't have to worry until the next full moon. I will make up some stories.''
I came up with some pretty good excuses where I could be at full moon. Like, my mother was sick and I had to return home to help her, or, I forgot something at home which was too large to be sent by owl.
I heard the compartment door open again. I turned to look at Sirius and James who stood in the doorway with their arms full of candy. I dropped my jaw, ''Where did you get that?'' I asked astounded. ''The food trolley.'' replied Sirius grinning. ''Her candy is very cheap.'' said James walking toward the couch opposite Remus. He dropped all of his candy on the couch and sat down next to it. ''You want some?'' he asked watching Remus. ''I can't, it's yours.'' I replied, feeling my face reddening. ''So what do you want. I've got cauldron cakes, pumpkin pasties, every flavour beans, chocolate frogs and fizzing whizzbees.'' James said digging through his candy. ''Alright, can I have a chocolate frog?'' I asked unseasy. ''Here you go.'' James said. He handed me a small cardboard box. ''Thank you.'' I said taking the small box.
I opened it and quickly took the chocolate frog before it escaped and pushed it into my mouth. I chewed, the delicious flavour of melting chocolate filled my mouth. I examined the card I got. ''Another Dumbledore.'' I said disappointed. ''Do you collect them?'' Sirius asked through a mouthful of candy. ''Yes. I've got four hundred and sixty four, including this one.'' I said pointing at the small box. ''That's nice, I've only got four.'' Sirius said still with a mouthful of candy. I laughed. I liked these boys, I felt like I wasn't standing alone anymore. Though, I still was afraid of what they'd think about me if they found out.
My thoughts had probably shown on my face, because Sirius asked, ''What's the matter?'' when he finally swallowed his mouthful of candy. ''Nothing.'' I said quickly. ''I was just thinking about Hogwarts. What it will be like.''
''I hope there is a lot of food.'' Sirius said pushing another pumpkin pasty in his mouth. I laughed again. I hadn't laughed in a very long time. To be precisely since I was bitten by Fenrir Greyback. It felt good to laugh, it felt as if I was free again, as if the chains of being a werewolf left me. I was being treated just like everyone else. And that's all because Dumbledore allowed me go to school.
''Are you sure everything is alright?'' Sirius asked concerned. ''Yeah, I'm just tired, I guess.'' I replied smiling. This was it, I was on my way to Hogwarts. I was going to learn magic and I was going to be normal, I felt a jolt of excitement.
I looked at the two boys opposite me. They were both digging into their pile of candy. ''Do you guys have any goals?'' I asked more confident. I felt better, I felt at ease when I was with these guys, they accepted me. ''Yeah, one, but that's something for my second year. I want to join the Quidditch team'' James said thoughtful. He turned to Sirius, ''You?''
''No, I don't have any.'' he said, again his mouth crammed with candy. ''Why?'' he asked turning to me. ''Just curious.'' I replied turning to look out of the window again. ''Here. Take a pumpkin pasty.'' James said handing me a cake with whipped cream on top of it. I turned again to look at him. ''Thank you.'' I said grateful, I took the cake.
''Does it taste good?'' I asked, examining the cake. ''Why? You never tasted a pumpkin pasty?'' James asked. ''To be fair, no, I've never tasted a pumpkin pasty.'' I replied feeling my face reddening again. ''Well, it's sweet, and well, you should just try it.'' he said encouraging me to take a bite.
I looked at the cake again and took a small bite. I chewed and focused on the different flavours. It was like a flavour explosion in my mouth. Sweet, savory, but also the faraway taste of salt.
''Well?'' Sirius asked expectantly. ''It's...It's…'' I stuttered through a mouthful. I swallowed the pasty and said, ''It's delicious.'' I said taking another bite, but bigger this time. James grinned at Sirius, who also took a pumpkin pasty from his own pile of candy.
''Thank you guys.'' I said when I had finished the pasty. ''No problem, we've got enough.'' James said grinning. ''It's not only that.'' I said looking at the floor again. ''You're the first friends I had in for over four years.'' I said raising my head to look out of the window. ''I was always alone, my parents didn't want me to play outside with the other children. They thought it was too dangerous.'' I said turning to the boys opposite me. ''And when I was allowed to play outside, no one wanted to play with me, because everyone thought I was weird, some even insane.''
Sirius and James looked at each other. ''Well, then we're a perfect match. Everyone used to think I was insane and weird too.'' said James.
''They even thought I was a girl sometimes.'' said Sirius seriously. I laughed, ''Thank you.'' I said again. ''Take another pasty.'' said James, handing me a second pumpkin pasty. I smiled and took it gleefully. I had told them a part of my story and they didn't even call me stupid, or weird. I was relieved, I found friends, real friends.
They joked, ate and told each other funny stories about embarrassing moments from their past. ''Once, when I was six or something, I forgot to put on my pants and went outside to play with other children.'' Sirius said laughing madly. ''Are you serious?'' James asked through hiccups. ''Yes, I'm Sirius, and you're James. But I'm serious, it has happened.'' he replied through mad laughs.
''Alright, your turn.'' Sirius said to James when they managed to stop laughing. ''Alright, there was this time when I tried a magic trick like a muggle, you know with the fake wands, top hats, capes, that kind of stuff. Anyway I tried to do a magic trick with my mother's underwear when she wasn't at home. I tried to make it vanish, but exactly when I was going to say the incantation, my mother arrived at home. So I did the first thing I could think of, which was, acting like I was dressing up, but I didn't had much time to think of something, so I threw the top hat on the ground, and placed the underwear on top of my head. When she entered the house and saw me, she laughed her head off, and said she would give the underwear to me because I was cute when I wore it on my head.'' he said seriously. ''It's still in my dresser at home.'' he said matter of factly. Sirius burst out in laughs. ''That's just, genius!'' he said through hiccups. ''Why on top of your head, couldn't you throw it under a closet or something?''
''I was six, I wasn't that smart when I was six.'' he replied trying to suppress his laughs.
''Alright, Remus, your turn.'' James said after several moments of laughter. ''Alright, but my life isn't as fascinating as yours.''
''Okay, so when I was about five, my dad took me to his work. He works at the Ministry of Magic at the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes. I was very fascinated by the Ministry of Magic, but I was five and I haven't been there since, so I don't remember it very well. Anyway, my dad told me he had to do some work at his office and took me there. I thought we were going to do magic in the streets to do something about the catastrophes in town, but we didn't. When we arrived at the office, my dad told me to stay in his cubicle and wait for him to come back. I did as my father said and didn't leave the cubicle, but I was bored and wanted to do something. So I looked around at everything in the cubicle, but there was only a desk with a chair with some pens and pencils on it. I thought about something I could do, I liked talking, but my dad always said I talk too much. So I pushed the chair against the back wall of the cubicle, and climbed on it. I reached my head over the edge of the cubicle, and looked into the cubicle next to my dad's. I saw a man who was drawing something, I tried to see what it was, but I couldn't see it. So I started talking, 'Hello.' I said.
The man looked around, confused because he didn't knew where the sound came from, when he finally looked up, he replied, 'Well, hello. You're probably Remus.' the man said warmly.
'Yep, what are you drawing?' I asked curiously.
'I'm sorry, I can't tell you.' the man said covering the drawing with his arms. 'Why not? Is it a secret, or are you up to mischief, what is your name, why are you working here, are you a friend of my dad's, where is the bathroom, can we have a conversation, why are you so old, why are there only cubicles here, why is the Ministry so big, have you been to Hogwarts, are there nice people there, are you an important person, why are you drawing, are you a muggle, why is…'
'Kid!' he said before I could ask more. 'I don't know! I don't know!' he said madly. 'Are you alright?' I asked concerned. 'I don't know! No more questions.' the man whispered. His pencil rolled from the desk on the ground. The man stood up from his chair, and bended to pick it up. I watched the man bend down and, 'KRRGH'
'Sir, your robes ripped.' I said looking down at the rip in his robes, which went all the way from his back, to his butt. 'Kid! Get away!' the man screamed. 'You're driving me mad.'
I did as I was told and stepped down from the chair. But I was still bored, so I did the same with two other people who surrounded my dad's cubicle. I placed the chair against the wall and had a conversation with a women who said her name was Emma Anderson. So, long story short, I drove three people at the ministry mad.'' Remus said looking at the two boys in the compartment.
''You drove three people mad, in a quarter of an hour?'' Sirius asked unbelievably. ''Yes, you can say that.'' Remus replied. ''That's genius!'' cried James out. The three of them burst into laughter once again.
''I've got an idea for something we can do at Hogwarts!'' said Sirius suddenly. ''What?'' asked James taking a Fizzing Whizzbee from the pile of candy. ''I heard Hogwarts has many secret entrances and exits. I thought, we could discover all secrets about Hogwarts and make something like a hidden notebook.'' he said excited.
''That actually sounds quite enjoyable.'' said James grinning at his two new friends. ''I guess that could be fun.'' Remus said thoughtful. ''Alright, our first goal.'' Sirius said when he ripped open a box of every flavour beans. He examined the contents, ''Who wants to do a challenge?'' he said shaking the box with every flavour beans. ''Alright, why not?'' James said confident. ''Every bean you eat, will give you a point, if you take it out of your mouth, two points will be taken from your current score.'' he said grinning. ''What will I get if I win?''
''Then I'll eat all leftovers in the box, at once.'' he said defiant. ''At how many points will I win?''
Sirius looked into the box, ''Let's say there are seventy five beans, hmm, twenty five and you win.''
''Let me see the box.'' James said grabbing the box with every flavour beans from Sirius. He turned it around and examined the backside to see which flavours there were. He read aloud, ''Toffee, liquorice, watermelon, lemon, chocolate, cherry, raspberry, strawberry, but also, dog food, rotten eggs, stinky socks, booger, earwax, spinach, pepper, and spoiled milk.'' he looked over the top of the box with a face of disgust.
''Still gonna do it?'' Sirius asked defiant. ''Yes.'' James replied, handing the box back to Sirius. ''Alright. Let's do this.'' Sirius said taking an every flavour bean out of the box, and handed it to James. It was black, which meant liquorice or pepper. He pushed it into his mouth, and chewed. ''Liquorice.'' he said relieved. ''Swallow it. Then you'll get a point.'' Sirius said demanding. ''Remus can you keep up with his score?'' Sirius asked, not taking his eyes off James. ''Sure.'' Remus replied watching James swallow. ''One.''
They did this for longer than half an hour and had the time of their lives, especially Remus. ''Seventeen.'' Remus exclaimed when James swallowed another bean. ''Eight to go.''
Sirius handed James another bean. It was brown, which meant chocolate or dog food. He took the bean and pushed it into his mouth. He gagged. ''Dog food.'' he whispered. ''Come on James, just swallow it.'' Remus said excited. James chewed two more times and then swallowed it. ''Eighteen!''
The next three beans were, rotten eggs, stinky socks and lemon. ''twenty one!''
''Prepare yourself Sirius, you're going to eat the whole box.'' James said grinning at his new friend.
Sirius didn't respond, his expression wasn't very clear. He handed James another bean, who didn't even look at the colour, he just crammed it into his mouth. He chewed two times and immediately swallowed it. ''Twenty two!''
''Okay, hand me three beans. I'll eat them at the same time.'' James said defiant. ''If you don't swallow them, you'll lose instantly.'' Sirius said looking at James. ''Are you getting scared?'' James said grinning. ''Yeah, maybe I am.'' Sirius responded also grinning. ''Here you go. Three beans.''
He handed James three beans, a yellow one, a red one and a brownish one. ''At the same time.'' Sirius demanded. James looked at the beans in his hand and pushed them into his mouth. He chewed, ''Booger, strawberry and earwax.'' he said shuddering. ''Nice combination.'' said sirius grinning.
''Come on James. Almost there.'' said Remus. James chewed four times and gagged. ''I think I'm going to throw up.'' he said feverishly. He gagged again. He noticed Sirius's face lighted up. He managed to swallow them just in time before he would throw up. ''Done!'' exclaimed James. Remus cheered. James looked at Sirius who was still grinning. ''Well played my friend, well played.'' he said. Before James or Remus could respond had Sirius emptied the box with beans in his mouth. His face was full of disgust, ''This is disgusting.'' he said gagging. ''Am I allowed to spit them out?''
''Sure, whatever. Here you go.'' said James, handing Sirius a barf bag. ''Thank you.'' Sirius said taking the bag from James. He spitted every single one into the bag. When he was done, he wiped his mouth with his sleeve, and said, ''That was disgusting.'' he shuddered.
Remus looked out of the window and saw the sky had darkened. ''It's already almost dark. Which means we're almost there.'' he said.
''Finally. Does either of you have any water, or something to drink?'' asked Sirius. They shook their heads. ''What are you doing?'' asked Sirius when James stood up. ''We have to change into our school robes.'' said James, who took a bag from the luggage rack and pulled out his set of school robes. ''You're right.'' replied Remus, doing the same. They left the compartment and set off through the corridor to the bathroom.
When they'd changed into their school robes they returned to the compartment. James and Sirius pushed the leftover candy into their bags and pockets. And Remus sat down on the couch and looked out of the window. ''Guys, I can see Hogwarts!'' he said excited. ''Let me see.'' said James, who pressed his face against the glass. Sirius chuckled.
They watched the castle coming closer and closer and closer, until the train started to slow down. When it had stopped completely the boys decided to wait a few moments until the corridor would be less crowded.
''C'mon, let's go.'' said Sirius who slid the compartment door open. The other two stood up and followed him into the corridor. James looked at Remus who was trembling. ''What's the matter?''
''Nothing, just nervous.'' Remus replied, his voice shaking. ''No need to be.'' James said smiling. ''I think the Sorting Hat will go easy on us.'' he said reassuringly. Remus took a deep breath and nodded. ''You're right.''
They stepped outside, where Sirius gasped. ''Wow, look at that man.'' he said pointing at a man who was almost two times as big as a normal man. ''That's Hagrid.'' said Remus. ''How do you know that?'' asked Sirius turning around. ''I read it. He's the keeper of the keys here at Hogwarts. I guess he's very nice.''
''Let's see if that's true.'' said Sirius turning to Hagrid again. He walked towards the enormous man. ''Hi, are you Hagrid?'' he asked. The man turned around and looked at Sirius with beetle black eyes. ''Yes, I'm Hagrid.'' he replied. ''Are you the keeper of the keys here at Hogwarts?'' asked Sirius. ''Yes that's right. An' I'm supposed teh lead yeh firs'-years to the castle. So, firs'-years! firs'-years! Follow me!'' he roared.
Sirius looked around and saw many kids were turning to Hagrid. Sirius saw the red haired girl, ''James, look.'' he said softly, ticking his friend on the shoulder. James turned around and looked at the red haired girl. The black haired boy called, Severus, wasn't there. ''Where's Snivellus?'' asked James softly. ''I don't know, wait, there he is.'' replied Sirius, he pointed at the Hogwarts Express. James saw Severus walking next to the Hogwarts Express and heading towards the red haired girl.
''Who's Snivellus?'' asked Remus. ''He.'' said Sirius pointing at the boy again. ''What would her name be?'' asked James out of the blue. ''Whose?'' asked Sirius looking around. ''That red haired girl. What should her name be?'' he asked again. ''I don't know. Maybe you could ask.'' he suggested. ''After what we did in the train? I think she'd slap me right in the face.'' he said turning to Sirius. ''You're right. Maybe Remus can ask when we're sorted.'' suggested Sirius. They turned to Remus, who didn't want to lose his new friends, ''Yeah, sure whatever.'' he said before they could ask anything. ''Thanks.'' said James gratefully.
''Firs'-years! Follow me!'' roared Hagrid again. He set off onto the path which lead through the forest. ''Where're we going?'' asked James. ''Ter the Boats.'' replied Hagrid. ''Boats?'' asked Remus.
''Yeah, it's a tradition. Firs'-years always go with the boats.'' explained Hagrid. The trio looked at each other and grinned. When they arrived at the edge of the Black Lake, Hagrid explained only four kids per boat were allowed. The trio stepped into one of the wooden boats. They sat down and waited for Hagrid to tell them what to do next. ''Maybe we have to say some incantation to make the boats move.'' Sirius whispered. ''Or maybe it's the Giant Squid who's going to drag us across the lake.'' suggested Remus.
''Hi,'' a boy on the shore said. ''can I join you. All the other boats are already full.'' he squeaked. ''Sure.'' said Sirius. It was a plump boy with sandy hair. He placed one feet in the boat and heaved his body into it, he sat down next to Sirius.
''Hi, I'm James.'' James said, sticking out a hand to the boy. He shook it, ''Peter, Peter Pettigrew.'' he replied. When he loosened James's hand he watched the other boys. ''Hi, I'm Remus. And that's Sirius.'' said Remus, also shaking hands with the boy called Peter. Sirius nodded curtly at the boy and smiled.
The boats started to move, which made Peter squeal. ''I guess you're nervous?'' asked Remus smiling at the boy. ''Yeah. A bit.'' he said nervously. ''We all are.'' said Remus. ''It's good to know I'm not the only one.'' said Peter forcing a smile. ''What house are you hoping to be sorted into?'' Sirius asked curiously. ''I don't know, Gryffindor, I guess.'' the boy said his voice shaking. ''Welcome to the club.'' James said grinning. ''Thank you, I guess.'' replied Peter.
They were closing in on the castle and heard 'Oohs and aahs' all around them. Peter was trembling as if he could explode right on the spot. ''Peter, calm down.'' said James. ''I'll try.'' replied Peter his voice shaking madly. ''Almost' there!'' roared Hagrid from the front boat. ''Peter, just tell yourself, I'm going to be in Gryffindor, I'm going to be in Gryffindor.'' said Sirius. Peter nodded and closed his eyes. He muttered something the trio couldn't hear.
The boat bumped against the shore and came to a halt. James stepped out of the boat. ''This is it. We're almost at Hogwarts.'' he said grinning at his new friends. ''Right and our adventure of mischief is almost going to start.'' said Sirius also grinning. ''And a friendship we'll never forget.'' said Remus also joining them on the shore.
''Can I get a little help?'' asked Peter who stood alone in the boat. They walked toward him and pulled him on the shore. ''Are you alright?'' asked Remus concerned. ''You're chalk white.''
''Yeah, I'm fine'' Peter replied through heavy breaths. ''Alrigh' let's get going.'' roared Hagrid. The trio helped Peter back on his feet and then followed the group of first-years and Hagrid.
Hagrid led them to the castle entrance. ''Alrigh', wait here for Professor McGonagall, she'll take you from here.'' said Hagrid looking down at the kids. He turned around and walked into the Entrance Hall and entered, what must be the, Great Hall.
They waited for several moments. Everyone chatted nervously, about what was going to happen and why Hagrid left them. ''Everyone please pay attention!'' a stern voice in front of them said. Everyone turned to look at the woman who had spoken. A witch with emerald green robes and her hair tightly knotted into a bun.
''If you'll follow me.'' she said turning around. She walked towards the huge doors which probably led to the Great Hall. She pulled the doors open, everyone wanted to get a good look of what lay behind it, but the only ones who could get a good look were, Sirius, James, Peter, Remus, a girl called Emma, a boy called Daniel and another boy called Rupert. The stone walls were lit with flaming torches, the ceiling was too high to make out, and a magnificent marble staircase facing them led to the upper floors.
They followed Professor McGonagall across the flagged stone floor. She led the first-years into a small empty chamber off the hall. They crowded in standing rather closer together than they would usually have done, peering about nervously.
''Welcome to Hogwarts,'' said Professor McGonagall. ''The start-of-term banquet will begin shortly,''
''I think I'm going to throw up if I see food again after those every flavour beans.'' Sirius whispered to James, who chuckled in response.
''But before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The sorting is a very important ceremony because, while you are here, your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room. '' said Professor McGonagall.
''The four houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Each house has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your house points, while any rule-breaking will lose house points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours.''
''The Sorting Ceremony will take place in a few minutes in front of the rest of the school. I suggest you all smarten yourselves up as much as you can while you are waiting.'' Professor McGonagall said. ''I shall return when we're ready for you.''
''Please wait quietly.''
She left the chamber. Everyone burst into murmuring. James nervously tried to flatten his hair. Peter was trembling ten times worse than before. Remus looked very nervously around. And Sirius didn't do anything at all, he just grinned his usual grin.
''Move along now,'' said a sharp voice. ''The Sorting Ceremony is about to start.''
Professor McGonagall had returned. ''Now, form a line,'' Professor McGonagall told the first-years, ''and follow me.''
Everyone did as Professor McGonagall said and formed a line. In front was Professor McGonagall, behind her was Sirius, behind him was Remus, then James and then Peter.
Professor McGonagall led them out of the chamber, back across the hall and through a pair of double doors into the Great Hall.
The boys all gaped at the sight of the Hall, it was lit by thousands and thousands of candles which were floating in mid-air over four long tables, where the rest of the students were sitting. These tables were laid with glittering golden plates and goblets. At the top of the Hall was another long table where the teachers were sitting. Professor McGonagall led the first-years up here, so that they came to a halt in a line facing the other students, with the teachers behind them. The hundreds of faces staring at them looked like pale lanterns in the flickering candle light.
Professor McGonagall placed a four-legged stool in front of the first-years. On top of the stool she put a pointed wizard's hat. This hat was patched and frayed and extremely dirty. Professor McGonagall stepped forward holding a long roll of parchment.
''When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted.'' she said.
''Black, Sirius!''
Sirius stepped out of line and sat down on the stool. He put on the hat which slided down his eyes. ''Hmm, interesting. A whole Slytherin family. I know them, I have sorted them. But you're different. So I think I'll sort you into, GRYFFINDOR!''
He took off the hat and walked towards the Gryffindor table. He sat down on the bench and turned to watch the Sorting.
''Doyle, Louis!'' exclaimed professor McGonagall. A boy with white hair walked towards the stool and sat down. He put the hat on his head and waited.
''HUFFLEPUFF!'' shouted the Hat after several seconds.
''Evans, Lily!'' Professor McGonagall exclaimed. The red haired girl walked towards the stool, sat down and placed the hat on her head. Barely a second when it had touched her head it shouted,
''GRYFFINDOR!''
''Felton, Tom!''
A boy with sleek blonde hair walked towards the stool and sat down. The hat had barely touched his head when it shouted,
''RAVENCLAW!''
''Fiennes, Ralph!''
Another boy walked toward the chair. He was trembling, but not as bad as Peter. He sat down and placed the hat upon his head.
''SLYTHERIN!'' shouted the Hat.
''Grint, Rupert!''
A boy with orange hair stumbled out of line and sat down on the stool. He placed the hat on his head, and was sorted into Gryffindor.
''Isaac, Jason!''
''SLYTHERIN!"
''Jones, Toby!''
''GRYFFINDOR!"
''Lupin, Remus!'' exclaimed Professor McGonagall.
Remus walked to the stool and sat down. He placed the hat on his head and waited. ''Interesting, you fear your friends might leave you if they find out about your secret, I see courage and a thirst to prove yourself. I think it'll be, GRYFFINDOR!'' the Hat shouted.
Remus quickly took off the Hat, and walked towards the Gryffindor table and sat down next to Sirius.
''Pettigrew, Peter!''
Peter stumbled on his way to the stool. When he managed to get up again, he was as red as a tomato. He quickly sat down on the stool and rammed the Hat on his head.
''GRYFFINDOR!'' the Hat shouted after several long moments.
''Potter, James!''
James walked toward the chair, sat down and placed the Hat on his head.
''GRYFFINDOR!'' the Hat shouted at once. He took off the Hat and walked towards the Gryffindor table to join his friends.
''Radcliffe, Daniel!''
A boy with messy black hair and blue eyes stumbled out of line, put on the hat which fell right over his eyes.
''GRYFFINDOR!''
''Rickman, Alan!''
''RAVENCLAW!''
''Spall, Timothy!''
''HUFFLEPUFF!''
''Snape, Severus!''
The boy with black hair walked towards the stool and sat down.
''SLYTHERIN!'' shouted the Hat.
''Watson, Emma!''
A girl with brown hair sat down on the stool and placed the Hat on her head, which slid in front of her eyes.
''GRYFFINDOR!''
She stood up, took off the Hat and walked towards the Gryffindor table.
Albus Dumbledore got to his feet. He was beaming at the students, his arms opened wide, as if nothing could have pleased him more than to see them all there.
''Welcome!'' he said. ''Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Niwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
''Thank you!''
He sat back down. Everybody clapped and cheered, the first-years didn't know what do do, so they just did as everybody else.
''Wow!'' breathed Sirius. ''Look at all those different foods!'' he said unbelievably. ''I thought you'd throw up if you saw food again.'' replied James grinning. ''That was a long time ago.'' Sirius said looking at all different foods. ''You mean ten minutes?'' asked Remus laughing. ''Yeah, yeah whatever.'' Sirius said absentmindedly. He started filling his plate with everything he could reach.
They all did. Every single person in the Great Hall was eating and chatting merrily. ''Do you think they serve apple pie as dessert?'' asked Sirius. ''Probably.'' replied James through a mouthful of mashed potato.
''Feeling better Peter?'' James asked. ''Much!'' Peter replied through a mouthful of chicken. ''This is great.'' he said when he swallowed.
After half an hour the food vanished and were replaced by desserts. ''Sirius, look. Your apple pie!'' said Remus pointing at a huge apple pie. ''And vanilla ice cream?'' Sirius asked unbelievably. ''I'm in heaven!'' he said dreamy.
He quickly took a rather large piece of apple pie, and put two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of it. He took a bite and felt the soft vanilla ice cream melt on his tongue. ''Hmm.''
''You guys should try this!'' he said excited. Remus, James and Peter took a piece of apple pie, and put two scoops of vanilla ice cream on top of it. They took a bite.
''You're right. This is delicious.'' said Remus swallowing a mouthful. ''Wow, this is a perfect combination.'' said James through a mouthful. ''How did you discover this?'' he asked. ''Old Family recipe. At my home when we had apple pie we always put vanilla ice cream on top of it.'' he said triumphantly. ''Well, remember to thank them when you'll see them again.'' James said pushing another spoonful into his mouth.
When the desserts had also vanished, Dumbledore stood up again. The Hall fell silent.
''Ahem, just a few more words now we are all fed and watered. I have a few start-of-term notices to give you.''
''First years should note that the forest in the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well.''
''Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term. Anyone interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch.''
''And finally I must tell you that this year a tree is planted near the Forbidden Forest. This tree is dangerous and mustn't be approached by anyone, who does not wish to die a very painful death.''
''And now bedtime. Off you trot!''
The Gryffindor first-years followed their prefect Matthew Lewis, through the chattering crowds, out off the Great Hall and up the marble staircase. They climbed more staircases, yawning and dragging their feet. At the very end of the corridor hung a portrait of a very fat woman in a pink silk dress.
''Password?'' she said.
''Qhib.'' said Matthew, and the portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole in the wall. They all scrambled through it, and found themselves in the Gryffindor common room, a cosy round room full of squashy armchairs. ''Fancy.'' said Sirius looking around.
Matthew directed the girls through one door to their dormitory and the boys through another. At the top of a spiral staircase, they found their beds. Five four-posters hung with deep red velvet curtains. Their trunks had already been brought up. They pulled on their pyjamas and fell into bed. Remus, Peter, James and Sirius had a dormitory to themselves.
''Weird day.'' said Sirius.
''Yes, you can say that.'' replied Remus.
''I've still got the disgusting flavour from the every flavour beans in my mouth.'' Sirius said disgusted. They laughed all of them, except Peter. ''Peter?'' James asked concerned. The only respond he got was a soft snore.
Author's note: Hi guys! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of 'The Marauders origins'. It was a pretty long chapter but I didn't feel like ending it earlier. Some of you might've noticed I used some of the actors and actresses names as first-year students. I did this to show them I love what they did for us and I want to thank them by using their names in the story. love the Marauders, not just because my favourite character is one of them, but probably just because you can compare me and three of my classmates with the Marauders.
( I do not own Harry Potter)
Mischief Managed.