The rest of the ride was completely silent. Rain had begun to hammer at the train, and when it came to a squealing stop, the four Marauders gathered up their things without looking at each other.
The walk from Hogsmeade to Hogwarts was not a fun one in any of their books. The rain continued to pelt them, and Sirius slipped swearing loudly. Lily Evans laughed and he told her to do something that made Professor McGonagall threaten Sirius with detention for the week.
They were all extremely grateful to get into the warm great hall. Hundreds of students piled into chairs around the tables and they all sat talking loudly.
Frank Longbottom, head boy for Gryffindor, sat next to the four marauders and Lily.
"We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year.' He pointed out to James. "He looks as old as Dumbledore, doesn't he?" James laughed slightly. The new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was certainly ancient looking. He was stooped over and wrinkled and wore enormous glasses that magnified his eyes to huge sizes. He seemed to be in his own little world staring off into space.
In the center of the table was Professor Dumbledore himself wearing shiny robes of royal purple and gold. His long hair and beard were neatly combed so that they shone in the light of the thousands of floating candles hovering above the table.
The other teachers sat at their usual places.
In the next hour and a half, the first years had been sorted into their houses. To Sirius' deep displeasure, his brother Regulus had been sorted into Slytherin. Though they were built very much alike, Regulus had by no means inherited his brother's good looks. On the contrary, he looked sullen and creepy. He went off to the Slytherin table to sit next to Snape and the rest. Sirius just scowled.
The feast began and mountains of food filled the long tables. They all ate heartily until they could not manage any more, and Dumbledore stood up to make a speech. Silence fell over the students immediately.
"Welcome, first of all." Dumbledore began. "Welcome back to yet another year at Hogwarts. I know this year has much adventure and educational value in store for all of you…or at least most of you, I would hope." He added glancing over his spectacles at Sirius and James who grinned and looked down.
"Also, as usual, Mr. Filch would like me to remind you that all products of Zonko's or Gambol and Japes joke shop should be checked with him or they will be confiscated. There is no magic in the corridors for those of you who have trouble staying out of duels. Detention will be the only reward you will get." Dumbledore sounded serious, but he smiled as he spoke. "The Forbidden Forest is…er…forbidden to all students as there is a whole host of dangerous creatures that may cause you harm. The Whomping Willow is not to be approached under any circumstances." The four Marauders looked at each other smiling.
"And lastly, I wish you all a pleasant year and to do your best to soak up all the knowledge you can. Good luck to you all. Prefects! Escort the first years to their common rooms if you would please."
Lily sprang to her feet looking eager. Remus got up slowly, looking very embarrassed. He was wincing as he got up. James remembered the wounds covering his chest.
"We'd better go too." Muttered Sirius and they all headed up towards the portrait of the Fat Lady. It was interesting to see how tall Remus and Lily were compared to the first years as they ushered them along the corridors.
Only one first year got lost on the Grand Staircase and ended up on the second floor. Lily had to travel thirteen staircases before she found him where he was being harassed by a suit of armor. Finally, they reached the seventh floor.
"Password?" asked the Fat Lady.
"Hobbling Plimpies" said Lily clearly and the portrait swung open. The first years were really a small crowd and they ooohed and ahhhhed at the giant magical fire that burned in the common room. Lily showed them up to their end of the dormitories and James heard even more cheering and gasping. He remembered his first year at Hogwarts. He had been just as amazed as these first years, though he doubted they themselves had ever been that small.
Sirius threw himself into a squashy armchair and closed his eyes.
"I'm home." He whispered. "Nine whole months of Hogwarts. I can't wait." James smiled.
"Where's Remus?" asked Peter from the sofa.
"Oh he's over there.' said James waving a hand towards near the bulletin board. Remus was knelt down next to a small first year girl who appeared to be crying. She had long brown curls and large blue eyes. James listened to what Remus was saying.
"You really don't have to worry about him." He said. "Peeves always does stupid things. You just have to ignore him. The less reaction you give him, the less he'll bother you. Just stay out of open corridors and if worst comes to worst, hex him. All right?" The girl wiped her eyes on her sleeve and nodded.
"Good." Said Remus straightening up and patting her on the shoulder. "Lily will take you to the dormitory and show you where you'll be sleeping." The girl got up and walked upstairs. Remus went over to the fire and slumped into the chair opposite Sirius.
"Very motherly, Moony." Smirked James.
"Shut up."
"No I mean it. You'd make a great mommy."
"She's only a first year. And Peeves is an idiot. He drove me nearly crazy when I was in first year."
"If I recall, everything drove you crazy in first year." Laughed James.
"Well…yeah." Said Remus grinning.
The night went by quickly and the four marauders spent their first night of their fifth year where they truly felt at home.