Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, but I do own Charlene Smithers and this story plot except for the references that go back to Harry Potter!

Author's Note: I hope you guys like this story. This is my first Marauder era story. The story will not consist of letters, just this one chapter. You might find notes in other chapters, but the rest of the story will be written regularly. The main characters (plus Elizabeth's family, which I don't know how big all of them will be, but thought I might as well add it in) will be found below. Just to give you some insight. I might not be too descriptive of the Marauders and Lily, but you all should know about them by now. By the way, I kind of got the letters and notes in the chapters of the story from shoeboxproject, which is a live journal community/story thing. I just thought you guys should know that so you don't come to me saying I stole the idea and took all credit.


Remus Lupin: Remus Lupin is in the mischivious group at Hogwarts called the Marauders. He is a very intelligent person, with exceptionally good looks. He is also very kind and sweet. He is in the Gryffindor house.. He enjoys reading and playing Wizard's Chess in his spare time. His favorite subject is Defense Against the Dark Arts. He is also very shy and the planner of the many pranks the Marauders pull.

Sirius Black: Sirius Black is the charmer of the school. He is also a Marauder. He is the best looking boy at school that every girl swoons for. He is also very funny and adventurous. He is in the Gryffindor house. He loves to plan pranks and spend time with his friends when he has the chance. His favorite subject is Care of Magical Creatures. He is also a beater on the Gryffindor Quidditch team.He is the master mind, along with James Potter, in the many pranks the Marauders pull.

James Potter: He is the Marauder's leader. He is also a very handsome man whom girls envy, but he has his eye on one girl, and one girl only. Lily Evans. Although she never gives in to his pleas for a date, he never gives up. He is exceptionally funny and very daring. He belongs in the Gryffindor house and is Head Boy. Along with Sirius Black, James is a beater on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. His favorite subject is Transfiguration. He is the other mastermind being the many pranks the Marauders pull.

Peter Pettigrew: Peter is the follower of the group of Marauders. He always goes along with the pranks and is always worried that he will be kicked out of the group. He always appears to be nervous and fidgety. He is in the Gryffindor House. He likes to draw watch Quidditch in his spare time, either close up front or from pictures. He also likes the many books about Quidditch, although he is not on the team for he can barely fly on a broom, let alone dodge a bludger. His favorite subject is Herbology. He is the trusty sidekick in the many pranks the Marauders pull.

Lily Evans: Lily Evans is in the Gryffindor House. She is usually the one who has the guys to go and stop the Marauders from pulling pranks and picking on poor Severus Snape. Lily is Head Girl and enjoys reading in her spare time. Her favorite subject in Hogwarts is Transfiguration. Lily is the one and only apple of James Potter's eye and she always refuses the many offers of a date he brings her way.

Elizabeth Johnson: Elizabeth Johnson is in the Gryffindor house. She is best friends with a Marauder, Remus Lupin, but finds the others intolerable. She is also best friends with Lily Evans. She is a top student and enjoys reading and playing Quidditch in her spare time. Although she enjoys Quidditch, she has never tried out for the team. Her best position of seeker. Elizabeth has a huge family and half of them are at Hogwarts and one has already graduate.

Her eldest brother, Jack, graduated two years before Elizabeth's seventh year. He is now training to be an Auror, which Elizabeth wants to do once she gets out of Hogwarts. Elizabeth's only other, younger, sister is Katelyn. She is a fifth year at Hogwarts and is in Gryffindor. She is a worshipper of the Marauders, most like every other girl in the school. Then there is Elizabeth's younger brother, John, who is in his second year at Hogwarts. He, as everyone else in Elizabeth's family, is in Gryffindor. Then there is Elizabeth's youngest sibling, Ben. He is two and will most likely be attending Hogwarts when he gets old enough. Then there are Elizabeth's mom, Evelyn, and her father, Michael. Evelyn has no job, but to watch over her many children and household. Michael works at the Ministry of Magic in the Auror headquarters. Before he had children he was a world class Auror, but once Jack was born he took an office desk job so he could watch his children grow up.


Dear Remus,

I'm glad to hear you're having a great summer. I guess meeting up with Sirius and James would be fun. Don't mind me, it's just my own feelings towards the two. I understand how Peter, Sirius, and James are part of the Marauders, but you completely surprise me. You have morals and smarts. But, oh well. It's not my choice, is it?

I am having quite a good summer as well. I've read many books and have gone to America with my family. It really is wonderful over there. New York City was just amazing. I wouldn't mind living there once I leave Hogwarts. It truly is wonderful. You must see it. Don't worry, I have many pictures to show you. I have also had a summer of pranks. Yes, my older brother seems to think he can outsmart me. But, of course, he is wrong. So it has been prank after prank. Mother is quite mad about it all, but the younger ones seem to love it.

By the by, Katelyn says hi. She really admires you. Not only because you're a Marauder, but because you're a great person. Don't let anyone tell you different, Remus. Also, John should be sending you a letter soon. He wants to know if you'd be willing to proofread his book. Isn't that amazing? He is only twelve and he's written a book. Sometimes it amazes me that I'm supposed to be in this family.

I can't wait until term starts. I can only count down the days, twelve to be exact. It will be so good to see you again. I'm sorry I couldn't visit this year. You know how it is with a family of seven. Mother and father have been incredibly busy. Father with work and mother with Ben. He is quite a handful for being two years old. Then there's John, the smart genius who also quite admires you. Of course we can't forget Katelyn, the very annoying younger sister. Then there's Jack. Did he really think he could outsmart me on pranks? I've been through enough of James and Sirius' pranks to last a lifetime.

I have to go now because I have to help mother cook dinner then we're all going to get ready for bed. Tomorrow we're all going to Diagon Alley to get books. Maybe I'll see you there, but I'm sure fate won't be that kind to me.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Johnson


Dear Elizabeth,

You must give more credit to James and Sirius. They really are great people once you get to know them. Don't judge too quickly, give them a chance. I know you aren't one to judge people and it's hard when we're talking about Potter and Black, but try with all your might. As for me not belonging in the Marauders, I'm not sure if I should take that as a compliment or insult. But I agree, sometimes it feels I shouldn't be apart, but I am quite glad I am.

Your summer seems to be wonderful so far. I can't wait either until it ends, though. It will be amazing to see you again. Maybe once we graduate you and I can take a trip to America and go to New York City. I can't wait until you show me pictures. Don't worry, I can manage the pictures not moving. I know you probably used a muggle camera, being as you mostly live muggle style during the summer holidays.

I'd have to say it must be hard for you with your big family. But I love your family. When I came over the few days right after school ended I couldn't help but love the way your family is. You all are so loving and caring of each other, although your siblings don't always show it. But it's great to be around a big family. I am also shocked that Jack thinks he can outsmart you in pranks. You are a quiet, reserved person, but your mind works mischief. I am surprised you are not a Marauder yourself.

Tell John I would be delighted to proof read his book. I am amazed, in a good way, that he has written a book. I quite adore your siblings as well. You can even tell them that. I know you think Katelyn is annoying, but she really is quite nice. I had a conversation with her last year about Defense Against the Dark Arts, my best subject. She needed help and I volunteered to help her. It was quite fun.

I think fate likes you today. You will probably see me before you get this letter, but I will be going to Hogsmade tomorrow as well. I will be with the Marauders, of course, but I will sneak away so we can have a nice butterbeer and talk. It will be so good to see you again. Spending the summer away from one of your best friends is tragic.

Until Tomorrow,

Remus Lupin


Dear Remus,

I am so excited about tomorrow. I got your owl just as I was going to sleep and had to answer immediately. I will be quite glad to be able to see you again, as well. I just hope I don't run into the rest of the group while shopping with my family. Jack is taking John to get his books and Katelyn is going to go with Ben and mother. That leaves me to myself and if I run into the others without you around I might just be tempted to give them a piece of my mind. I hope it doesn't come to that.

I might consider giving the rest of the Marauders a chance this summer. MIGHT. I have to say I did blush with your compliment you gave me, but then I remembered how hard it will be to give a chance to the people you want me to. But I promise I will give it my all and try very, very hard. Please don't be mad if I just can't, but I'll try. For your sake.

I'm glad you love my big family. Do you want to trade? I love them as well, but at times it can be hectic. Like tonight, for instance. I was helping mother cook spaghetti when Ben started crying so I had to stir the pasta and get him to stop wailing while mother was talking to Katelyn about how she couldn't take this one top to school because it was too inappropriate. Then John came in begging one us to listen while he read what he had for a synopsis of the book he is writing while Jack came in all happy because he claimed he was in love. Then father came in, mad as ever, about something at work. So, as you can see, my family is not all big and loving. It is most of the time, hectic. But you're right, I do love it when we're all together getting along. Christmas is just wonderful around the house. You should stop by during Christmas holidays.

Speaking of Christmas, I found the perfect gift for you already. I know I shouldn't have bought it since it's so long from holidays. But when I saw it I knew I had to get it for you. It's perfect. And no, I won't tell you about it or give any clues. You'll just have to wait until December 25th when you can open it. I'm sure you can manage.

I have to go now because I'm sure I need rest for tomorrow's hectic morning. Goodnight, Remus.

A Very Tired,

Elizabeth Johnson


Dear Elizabeth,

I am excited about today as well. I really can't wait. It will be so good to see you again. I know I have said that many times, but it's true. To your shock, which I can sense already, Sirius and James are happy that they're going to see you as well. James is really hoping you'll put in a good word for him with Lily. We all know the reasons behind that. But don't worry, he says you're a great person too and he can't wait to hear what you have to say about the last Chudley Cannons quidditch game.

Sirius is quite fond of you as well. I know, shocking. But I think he quite fancy's you. You are the only girl in Hogwarts, except Lily, who doesn't worship him. But, of course, Lily is James' so Sirius wouldn't try anything. But you, my dear, are quite single. So I suspect you will need to make an imaginary boyfriend quickly, and make it realistic. Sirius will be able to tell if it's a fake or not, he's really good at that. I don't know how, but he can tell, most of the time, when someone is lying.

I'm so glad that you will give the rest of the Marauders a chance this year. It will be quite good to know my four best friends are at least on speaking terms. I can't tell you how happy I am that you're going to do this. But please, for my sake, don't make the rest look like total idiots as much as we both know they are.

Yes, a big family is hectic. But like you said it's the time together that really matters. I would be delighted to spend a few days of Christmas holiday with you. I can't hardly wait, and why the no telling of the present? Oh, the dread I must endure. It better be worth it in the end.

I hope to see you later today. I just finished eating breakfast and mother is getting ready. I hope we don't miss each other. Such a tragedy it would be.

Until I (hopefully) see you later today,

Remus Lupin


Dear Remus,

Sorry this is so short, but we're getting ready to leave in an hour. I hope I see you today, too. I'll keep a lookout and if you see any of my family ask them where I am. They might know. I can't wait. I am excited in a way you'll never know.

Until then,

Elizabeth Johnson