A/N: okay, there is a reason for the rating. But it's not this chapter. Please let me know what you think.

Serindraxx

Warning: um… no warning this chapter, but keep an eye on this.

Disclaimer: Nope don't own. Sigh. Wish I did though…

Once in a Lifetime

Chapter One: The Bet

"So James," Sirius Black asked, "What are you planning on doing with Ms. Evans this year? Put a frog in her hair?"

Everyone except James burst into laughter. He just sat there and took it, a surly look on his face. "Oh like you could do better," he snapped, staring out of the window.

"You're right, I could," Sirius snorted. Remus Lupin, one of the boys' friends, laughed at the conversational turn.

"And how would you go about it? Flowers and chocolate?" James asked sarcastically. Sirius hummed contentedly to himself, going through the pile of candy he had just bought. He threw a chocolate frog to Remus, who deftly caught it.

The fourth boy in the compartment, heretofore silent, gave a loud snicker at James' plight.

All four boys, who called themselves the Marauders, were in their last year at Hogwarts, a school of magic. They delighted in causing mayhem at said school and were really well-known.

Sirius Black was known as a 'Ladies Man,' and went through more women at school than any other guy. He had black hair and grey eyes. He was also living with James Potter through till the last summer.

With that said, let's move on to James Potter. As the unofficial leader of the Marauders, he came up with most of the pranks. He also chased after Lily Evans, for most of their time at the school. He was a captain of the Quidditch team starting from fifth year on and also had black hair, which stubbornly refused to stay put. His eyes, framed by glasses, were a shocking shade of hazel and showed off his emotions more than his voice.

Remus Lupin, by contrast, was more of the quiet sort, refusing to go out more than he had to. It could also have more to do with what the boys call his 'furry little problem' and less to do with no interest. He blushed frequently when one of the boys made a torrid comment, causing them to laugh.

And now, with the less liked boy in the group: Peter Pettigrew was more of one to stick with the Marauders because of protection than because of a brotherly bond. Nobody could figure out what he did for the group. He was eternally shy and skittish, and jumped at the oddest things.

"But seriously, how would you go about seducing someone?" James asked, genuinely curious, and just waiting to put his proposal forth (minds out of the gutter).

"Well, for one thing, not the same way you go about it," Sirius said, chuckling. He leaned against the compartment door. Just as he got comfortable, the person three of them least wanted to see came in.

"So, lazing on the job huh Black?" a very stunning redhead smirked, her green eyes laughing at his less than decent position.

He glared up at her. "Oi, I'll have you know, school hasn't started yet. We still have a couple more hours."

She nodded, still laughing. "Oh, Remus, you do know that we are required to go the Prefects' meeting in a few minutes," she said, then looked over at James who was staring moodily out of the window. "Hey, Potter, why are you wearing the badge that Remus got? You should give it back," she said, and he looked at her.

"I'm not wearing Remus's badge," he said, his voice indifferent, but his heart beating a fast tattoo within his chest.

She shook her head in confusion. "No, I'm quite sure that's Remus's badge," she said, annoyance starting to color her tone.

"Actually, Lily, he's right, that's his badge, not mine," Remus answered. Lily stepped back.

"Dumbledore made… Potter Head Boy?" she whispered. She looked from one boy to another, shuddering suddenly.

She stumbled out of the compartment, looking a little punch drunk.

James watched her with interest in his eyes, and then turned back to Sirius. "You were saying?"

"I guess it would be moonlit walks and candlelit dinners," Sirius responded.

"What, that's it?" James asked his voice incredulous. Remus looked up from his book in interest.

Sirius thought for a second. "Yup, that's pretty much it," he answered at last, his brow furrowed. "Why?"

"Nothing, I just thought there would be more to it," James said, shaking his head in surprise.

"Again, I ask 'Why?'" Sirius said. His expression was so confused, it would have been comical.

"Because dear Padfoot, I have come up with an astronomical idea," James responded.

Sirius's expression cleared a little, but he still looked confused.

"So what is this idea, Prongs?" Remus asked, his expression just a little more than eager.

James waited for a heartbeat, and then said dramatically, "We could have a little bet. I want to see if Padfoot can do what he says he can. I would bet about fifteen galleons that he can't."

"I noticed he didn't say anything about himself," Sirius muttered to Remus, his eyes still on James.

Remus nodded. "What about you?" he asked with a strange glint in his eyes. James paused. "What about me?" he asked suspiciously.

"You didn't mention yourself in this bet," Remus clarified, laughing at the horror in James' eyes.

"I declare a bet," Sirius said, coming up with one on the spot. "How about seeing if James can get Lily by the end of the year?"

Remus started saying, "I don't think that's such a good idea," but stopped as James and Sirius shook on it.

"You my friend are going to be fifteen galleons less," Sirius snorted.

James shook his head. "I haven't finished the rules yet. You aren't going to get a girl to fall for you," he said, "it's going to be a guy."

"No way! I'm straight," Sirius protested.

"Then hand over the galleons, man."

"I meant, I guess I'll try it," Sirius said quickly, refusing to part with the few galleons he had.

James nodded. "Then you agree to the terms?" he asked.

Sirius rolled his eyes but agreed. "When do I find out who I'm supposed to seduce?" he asked.

"Tonight," was the reply, "Tonight, right after dinner."

A/N: this goes out to all of my reviewers, who, even though they never made a request, love this sort of thing. And it goes to Remuslives23, who I also know loves this sort of thing.

Please review!

Serindraxx