2. Dumbledore's Appearance

"If you're wondering why the train has stopped it is because I, Professor Dumbledore, have an announcement to make before we get to school." Professor Dumbledore's voice sounded throughout the train. "As many may already know, there is a new evil in the wizarding community. Lord Voldemort, as he likes to call himself, is roaming the lands. I have come here to announce this on the train because I want everyone to know this information before the feast so that there is time for it to sink in. I know this information is overwhelming to some and old news to others, but I would like you all to be cautious especially those of muggle relations. Thank you and good bye."

"Huh, um…" Lily started with a look of sheer terror on her face.

"Its okay Lily. Nothings going to happen to you at Hogwarts." James said trying to comfort her.

"I know," Lily answered, but she wasn't worried for herself. She was worried for her parents an sister, even though she and her sister never got along well since Lily was accepted to Hogwarts. She cared for them and she has heard of Voldemort. She knows that he attacks muggles as well.

"Lily, I know what you're thinking about. Don't worry, they'll be fine." Shaina said though she wasn't convincing even herself that they would be fine.

The marauders, Shaina, and Massie gave Lily a sympathetic look and sat in silence. After about five minutes someone entered the compartment. Everyone looked to see who it was and saw Dumbledore standing in the doorway. "Miss Evans, I would like to have a word with you."

"Okay," Lily answered wondering what he could possibly want with her.

Dumbledore and Lily walked out of the compartment and shut the door behind them. The rest stared out the compartment window at them. They watched as Dumbledore told Lily something that made her lose her balance. When she came back in she sat in her seat looking out the window, and tears started pouring out of her eyes.

"Lils, what's wrong?" James asked.

"Nothing."

"You can't tell us its nothing Lily. Tears are falling from your eyes faster that the train is moving," Shaina pointed out.

"When my pa-parents went home, my-my sister's boy-boyfriend called and asked for her to co-come over. Wh-while my dad drove Petunia there my mo-mom wa-was attacked by Vo-Voldemort," Lily sobbed. "And when my dad came ba-back, her found her on the kitchen floor…de-dead." Lily burst into a fit of tears and sobs. James went over to her and pat her on the shoulder to help comfort her, but it wasn't working.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"Just stop, please. I don't want anyone to feel sorry for me." Lily shook James away.

They all sat in silence for the rest of the train ride back. Lily looked out the window with her tear-stained face.

They stepped onto the platform one at a time and heard a familiar voice. "Firs' years this way!" Hagrid was calling the first years towards him to board them onto the boats that would take them up to the castle. The marauders, Lily, Shaina, and Massie waved to Hagrid, who in turn waved back. They weren't the best of friends with him, but they genuinely liked him and went down to his hut for an occasional visit every now and then.

The marauders went to get a carriage together, while Lily, Shaina, and Massie found their own. Once in a carriage Lily started up a conversation wanting to get her mind off her mother, and Shaina and Massie understood.

"So are you excited for the sorting?" Lily asked. She knew it was a stupid question, but she couldn't think of anything else to say at the time.

"Not really. It's kinda boring, besides I'm hungry. I just want to eat." Shaina answered.

"Well I am. I'm interested in what the hat's going to say this year," Massie said.

"Me too." Lily agreed. "Now that there is a new evil about, it's bound to say something interesting."

"Well I realize that, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm hungry."

"Honestly sometimes I think there's not much going on up there," Lily joked and tapped her head. Shaina gave Lily an oh-very-funny sort of look. Lily just smiled, but immediately disappeared.

"Are you sure your ok?" Massie broke the unspoken agreement not to bring up Lily's mom when she saw Lily's face.

"Of course I'm not. Do you think I'm going to be ok when I found out my mother was murdered less than an hour ago?"

"No I didn't. Lily…we're here for you, just remember that. If you ever need someone to cry on or to comfort you, we're here for you."

"I know its just I loved her so much and I just saw her seven hours ago. I can't believe." Lily started to cry. Shaina and Massie went over to her and hugged her in a comforting way.

Marauders Carriage

James sat in the carriage looking at his feet with an upset look on his face. Sirius noticed this and said, "Hey Prongs, lighten up a bit. It's all right to feel sorry for Lily, but you don't need to be this upset over it. I mean its not like you actually knew her mom and plus Lily doesn't exactly…well…like you that much."

"I know, but I still feel horrible for her. I know that type of fear she has for the rest of her family. I mean Voldemort's after the aurors too. And my parents are on the top in the business. I'm scared for them. I don't know how she feels about losing her mom, but the pain I imagine is…unbearable."

"James…your parents are practically my only family. I love them almost as much as you do. I'm scared for them too, but they can handle themselves, and you know that. You cant live your life in fear for them."

"I know and I don't. I just…I don't know."

Hey well cheer up because we have our welcome back Slytherins prank to set up. Do you have the supplies Moony?

"Yup."

"Good, now how are we going to do this one?"

The Great Hall

Students started to fill the great hall. It was noisy with chatter throughout. The marauders took seats next to Lily and her friends. Lily had seemed to be a bit more cheerful probably not wanting to ruin the welcome back feast for everyone else.

"Hey ladies." Sirius said with a charming smile on his face. "Are you ready for a wild year? How did you do on your owls? James, Remus, and I all got straight O's, except for Divination in which James and I got A's, but who cares about that subject. And Peter got all A's and E's, with a P here and there."

"I got all O's," Shaina answered as if it was obvious, which in fact it was. Her, Lily, and Massie were top in all there classes along with Sirius, James, and Remus.

"Me, too." Lily said nonchalantly.

"Me three, except for Divination, which I also got an A in. But like you said who cares." Massie added.

"Well done! I knew you guys would do well," Remus said.

"Thanks." The three girls answered simultaneously.

"When is the sorting going to begin, I want it to hurry up, I'm soo hungry." Sirius said absentmindedly.

"Padfoot, you just ate soo much on the train already." Peter said.

"So, I'm hungry again. I need food constantly, you should know that."

"Ugh, disgusting." Massie muttered under her breath while shaking her head.

Professor McGonagall entered followed closely by many nervous looking first years. "Wow, they get smaller by the years, not to mention more nervous and fidgety. What's so scary about Hogwarts?" James stated.

"Nothing Prongs, they're just stupid to believe anything any of the older students tell them about the sorting. Remember last year when we told a group of them that they had to sing in front of the whole school by themselves to be sorted?" Sirius said with an evil grin.

"Ah, fun times."

"A package of dungbombs-4 sickles. A ticket to the Quidditch World Cup-75 galleons (a/n: I don't know how much any of these things would really cost, its just an estimate). The look on the face of a first year when you tell them that they have to sing in front of the whole school by themselves to get sorted-priceless." At this everyone started laughing hysterically except for Lily.

"That was a really mean thing to do."

"Ah, come on Evans, it was just a harmless joke. Besides that was last year." James said.

"So, its still not nice."

Everyone turned to face the sorting hat that was about to sing his new song.

The four founders of this school

Found and enchanted me

And placed me on this stool

To sort you into your houses;

Slytherin took those whose blood is pure

Ravenclaw wanted those of intelligence

Gryffindor took those whose bravery is sure

Good Hufflepuff wanted those who were loyal;

That is what decides where you go

But before I sort there

Is something you all should know

For there is a new about;

Known as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named

Everyone must stay alert

For if not the school would be shamed

With things not to be said;

Now stick close to your friends

And unite with your enemies

For all grudges must have ends

Now think about this;

So take some time to think it over

And come together in this needy time

For some things will occur

And with that lets be sorted!

With that note the sorting hat finished, and whispers began. They were immediately silenced though by Professor McGonagall. She cleared her throat and started the sorting. "When I call your name, come up, put the sorting hat on your head, and go to the house that is called out…Shara Albary!" A girl with long black hair, dark skin, and chocolate brown eyes walked over to the stool timidly. McGonagall placed the sorting hat on the girl's head and waited about a minute while the hat mulled things over and it shouted "RAVENCLAW!" There were cheers from all the houses except for Slytherin.

The sorting went on for 25 more minutes (with grumbles and groans from Sirius here and there) until Pandora Zocaris was sorted into Gryffindor. Then Sirius yelled "FINALLY!" as loud as he possibly could. "I'M STARVING!" There were muffled snorts throughout the hall.

"Thank you for that Mr. Black." Dumbledore stood up. "Now since you can't seem to survive without your food much longer I will save my speech for after dinner. So without further ado, tuck in!"

Food magically appeared in front of them. There were some gasps from the first years. Sirius had started to eat before anyone had gotten any food on his or her plates.

"Whoa slow down there mate, the foods not going anywhere." James stated.

"Iknabobabutabiabamsabohabungabry."

"Eww, that's disgusting. Don't talk with your mouth full. Besides the fact that it's gross, we couldn't understand a word you just said." Massie exclaimed.

Sirius swallowed his food and said, "I said that I know but I'm just so hungry."

"Aren't you always?" Lily asked jokingly, in a way.

"Ouch Lils, that hurts me deeply. I'm not hungry when I'm sleeping." Sirius clutched his chest pretending to be hurt by Lily's words.

"Sorry my mistake. I thought you dreamed about food too."

"Oh well you caught me there." Lily rolled her eyes and joined the conversation between Shaina and Remus.

"The hat's right, we do need to put aside our differences and befriend our enemies." Shaina said. "And that should start between you and James, Lily," she added when she noticed Lily join the conversation.

"Yea, she's right. You should at least try to be nice to each other. Well you should be to him anyway. He's already head over heels for you." Remus agreed.

"Ugh, no. Not until he deflates his head a little…scratch that a lot."

"Ill have to keep that in mind." James entered the conversation. Lily rolled her eyes. "Like you could pull that off."

"Fine, how about a bet?"

"Whatever."

"If I 'deflate' my head a bit or in your words, a lot until Christmas, then you have to go on a date with me."

"No way."

"Aww, come on Evans. It would be fun!"

"No," and with that Lily turned to talk to Massie.

"Nice try Prongs." Remus said.

"Well it was worth a shot."

Once everyone was done with their dinner and dessert, Dumbledore stood up and said, "I would like to a few start of term notices before you all go to sleep. First of all the Forbidden Forest is off limits to ALL students," Dumbledore looked directly at the marauders. They acted dumb, scratching their heads and shrugging, then smiled mischievously at each other and then to Dumbledore as if saying 'what can we say?'. "And you are all to be in your common rooms by eight o'clock every evening this year (there were mumbles and grumbles) due to the state of the wizarding world. Also, you are never, under any circumstances to wander around alone morning, day, or night. You should never be without someone else with you. Oh, and one more thing you are not to leave the castle after dinner, ever. Thank you and good night."

When Dumbledore finished everyone stood up and headed out of the Great Hall and up to their common rooms.

Gryffindor Common Room

The marauders were huddled together discussing their welcome back prank on the Slytherins that is to go down in the morning. "…Okay so tonight we're gunna go down to the kitchens and give them to the house elves telling them to put it in the Slytherins food and drinks at breakfast." Remus concluded.

"Yea, then we'll come back here, go to sleep, get up early tomorrow morning, go down to breakfast, and at exactly 7:45 am the charms will kick in." Sirius grinned maliciously.

"Correct. I can't wait to see the look on Snivellus' face." James said chuckling a bit.

"Oh, yes. I can't wait. I want to see all their faces!" Peter said excitedly.

"YES!" James and Sirius yelled simultaneously.

"Okay, so lets go up to the dormitory and wait until its time to leave." Remus said. The marauders got up and went to their dorm. James winked and smiled at Lily as they walked by the girls.

Gryffindor CR (Lily and friends)

Lily rolled her eyes when James winked and smiled at her. How immature she thought. "So what do you think they're going to do to the Slytherins this year?"

"I don't know, but I bet it's going to be hilarious!" Shaina said.

"Oh my god Shai. It's never funny!"

"You have to admit that it's always something clever Lily. And I have to say it's usually funny and you know how much I dislike Sirius," Massie said.

"Ugh, they got you too. We already knew that Shai was gone, liking Remus and all, but you too!"

"Liking? You mean loving!"

"No I don't!"

"Yes you do, and Lily I'm not gone, but the only one I resent is Sirius. James, Remus, and Peter are okay."

"Whoa, wait how can you think that Sirius is bad, but not James? I mean they're practically one person!" Lily said.

"Because Sirius is soo annoying, and a pig, and rude, and inconsiderate, and…" Lily cut her off, "Okay, I get it, but James is the exact same way."

"No he's really not, he's just persistent and doesn't give up."

"Yeah, sure."

"Well if your going to be like that you'll never notice it Lily." Shaina exclaimed.

"Whatever, I'm tired. I'm gunna go to sleep." Lily got up and left Shaina and Massie.

"They're perfect for each other, Lily's just to stubborn to see it." Massie said once Lily was out of earshot.

"I know Massie, but I have a feeling that it's going to be a roller coaster of emotions for Lily before she truly realizes that they're meant for each other." They sat there for a little while until they decided to go up to bed.

Girls Dormitory

Lily walked over to her bed after getting into her pajamas and lay down. She turned over on her side and the tears started to fall. Why did he have to take her? Why couldn't he have taken Petunia? That wouldn't have been a huge loss. It's not like we get along. But why of all people did he have to murder my mom? Lily thought. She rested her head on her pillow and closed the hangings with a flick of her wand, then fell asleep still contemplating about why her mom had to die. She didn't understand.

Boys Dormitory

The marauders were getting ready to go to the kitchens to set up for the prank. Remus got out the supplies with Peter, Sirius got out the marauder's map, and James got out his invisibility cloak.

"Padfoot, do you think Lily really hates me that much?" James asked.

"Whoa, where did this come from?"

"I was just thinking and when I look at it, I've never really had a decent conversation with her."

"I told you last year, I think she thinks you're a bit conceited. But I don't think that she hates you."

"Shaina thinks that Lily likes you but is too…stubborn to see it and that she doesn't like to feel the need to need somebody in her life. She's in denial." Remus said.

"You reckon?" James asked.

"Truthfully I don't know Prongs. I don't know her well enough, but I do trust Shaina and her opinion."

"That's because you looove her," Sirius said mockingly.

"No I don't! I just like her…a lot," Sirius eyed Remus suspiciously. "All right! I LOVE her!"

"Ha, I knew it!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Anyways, back to James. I trust Shai, she's rarely wrong when it comes to her friends."

"Yeah, I guess your right." James said. "At least I hope so," he muttered under his breath.

"Huh?" Peter asked.

"Nothing," James lied and then grinned. "Time to go set up