CHAPTER 6: 7TH YEAR OCTOBER
The final week of September quickly faded and before they knew it, October had arrived. The new month brought a change to the grounds. The trees were starting to change colors and the weather was beginning to be cool down, especially in the evenings.
The biggest change in the castle came with the announcement of the relationship between James Potter and Lily Evans. A date was one thing, but no one had expected the pair to announce themselves as boyfriend and girlfriend.
The news came as a happy shock to the majority of the castle, or well, to everyone except Severus Snape. Sitting at the Slytherin table Severus glared into the backs of James and Lily, he couldn't believe them, flaunting their relationship all over the castle, it was disgusting. What had happened to Lily, his Lily? She hated the cocky, self-serving git, she had said that she would rather die before dating him; well apparently that wasn't really the case.
Lily quickly leaned in, kissing Potter before standing to make her way out of the Great Hall. Quietly, a moment later Severus followed, noticing her making her way back to Gryffindor Tower.
"So you finally gave in to the ruddy git." Snape spoke snidely, catching Lily off guard.
"Excuse me?" Lily answered, turning angrily.
"What happened to, I wouldn't date that git if he were the last man on earth, the, arrogant, messy haired, bastard, who you would never like? Kissing him in the middle of the Great Hall, just like the rest of them." he fired back.
James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Marlene came around the corner to witness Lily being verbally attacked by Snape. Quickly drawing his wand James walked toward them only to be held back by Marlene.
"Let her handle this." She mouthed, as James gave a stiff nod.
"What's it matter to you, Snape? I'm just a mudblood. Remember?" Lily said, glaring at the person who used to be her friend.
"You're better than him, you always have been better than him. And you're lowering yourself to scum, just like every other girl in this castle who has always thrown themselves at his feet."
"Lowering myself? There you go again, speaking of things you know nothing about." She spoke incredulously. "I'm sorry that you think I'm lowering myself dating James Potter, but if you ever actually got to know him you would find that he is a much better person than he used to be, and how much he was there for me when I couldn't even go to my family this summer. I'm not going to lie and say that I didn't use to hate him, I did, but people change Severus. That much I think you know."
Snape stood there, staring into the emerald eyes of Lily. "You let me down more than any person I have ever known." She spoke with a combination of anger and sadness. "I could guess that Petunia would say something rude to me, I even expected it. But you, you were my best friend, we told each other everything, and then, because you lost your temper, you lost me too, and I lost the last comfort I had. The one friend I had at home and at school who I truly never had to hide anything from." she said crying now. "James has been there for me, as have Sirius and Remus, they're my friends now, you, well you are now a reflection of a person I no longer know."
Stepping forward James wrapped his arms around his girlfriend, saying nothing to Snape as he comforted her, walking her in the direction of Gryffindor Tower.
Sirius, Peter, and Marlene followed behind, and Remus stopped next to Snape. "It's not too late, you can still fix things with her, if you truly want to." he said kindly as Snape turned to glare.
"Who asked your opinion wolf." Snape spat, turning and stalking off in the opposite direction.
Remus felt oddly protective of Lily. He realized that his wolf had accepted her as part of his pack, the same way he had with James and Sirius. He knew he would do his best to protect Lily, the same way he would for his other friends. However it had come to his attention, and he found it particularly odd, how his wolf no longer consider Peter as part of the pack. Maybe it was because Peter hadn't been around as much lately, and that their friendship, their relationship seemed to be held in a stagnant place recently.
Running to catch up with Peter and the group, Remus smiled, he really need to spend some time with his friend.
~ ATAF ~
With classes now in full swing, it seemed as if the large group was always busy. Out of the group of 8 (Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Alice, Marlene, and Frank) James and Lily seemed to be the busiest. With projects in their elective NEWT classes, on top of their normal class work, they had their Head duties as well, and James had the added stress of being Quidditch Captain.
Although the two were probably the busiest students in the school, they seemed to be flourishing. They worked through their classes with ease, studying together and with their friends. Sharing a common room seemed to be beneficial to the group, making it so they always had a place to work together, among other things. Lily and James had become a fixture within the school. The pair who had once been the talk of the school for always being at one another's throats, were now the talk of the school, but for a different reason. The more time the two spent together, the more the entire school realized that they were a force to be reckoned with, the two together made each other better at everything they tried to do.
~ATAF~
The first Quidditch game of the season was quickly approaching for Gryffindor and Slytherin. Which meant more and longer practices for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Despite the added stress, James was excited for the season to start, and in the days leading up to the game his conversations with everyone will filled with talk of quidditch, play, statistics and strategy. Until one morning, when in a grand gesture James got down on one knee if front of Lily, causing several people to gasp.
"Lily Evans, I know we have only been dating a short while, but, you are a very lovely girl, and I can't imagine what, or who, should be wearing my extra Quidditch sweater other than you. So, I must ask, Lily Jane Evans, would you please wear my number to the game tomorrow?" He asked.
Standing up angrily Sirius started to cry. "How dare you!" He exclaimed, "Evans, wear your number, but I thought that was exclusively my job? Whosoever shall I love now?" He said throwing himself onto the shoulder of an exasperated Remus. Standing straight Sirius conjured his jersey, running up to the heads table, getting down on one knee.
"Minnie, I know this is very short notice, but seeing as James is a big-headed betraying bastard, I would like to know if you will wear my jersey tomorrow?" He said, complete with puppy dog eyes.
Minerva McGonagall didn't know whether to laugh and join in at the antics of Sirius Black, or to stop their fun, but she decided the former was more fun. Clutching her heart she stood up, "While I appreciate your offer Mister Black, I must say this is much too inappropriate, however maybe Mr. Lupin or Mr. Pettigrew would appease you."
Jumping up Sirius ran toward Remus, who was unprepared for what was about to come, and leaped into his arms, sending him toppling onto the group. "Moony, falling for me already! Now I know you'll wear my jersey!" He exclaimed, forcibly pulling the jersey over Remus' head, over his robes.
"Get off." Remus said, pushing Sirius off him as he stood, dusting off his robes. Trying to pull Sirius' jersey over his head, but was unable to do so. In that moment Remus realized that Sirius must have affixed a timed sticking charm to the jersey, which wouldn't come off until after the game tomorrow.
The other occupants of the Great Hall realized that Sirius was done with his proposals as the attention shifted back to James and Lily, as James hadn't moved from the ground in front of his girlfriend.
Lily who had been given a moment to think at James' proposal decided to play along, "Oh Merlin's beard, James! I thought you would never ask!" Lily exclaimed, jumping into James' arms scattering kisses all over his face. "I couldn't imagine ever wearing a quidditch jersey other than yours."
Suddenly, James swept Lily off her feet, picking her up bridal style and carrying her out the door in a grand gesture. The pair left the Great Hall accompanied by the sounds of the student body cheering as they made their way out of the hall.
Across the hall, no-one had noticed that one Slytherin in particular had gotten up and walked out of the Great Hall. Severus Snape had gotten up and walked out the moment he witnessed James Potter get down on one knee in front of Lily. Joke or not, Severus knew that he would never be able to witness what was happening. Lily marrying Potter would truly be the end of everything he knew, and he wasn't sure that he could handle that.
That night the group had gathered in James and Lily's common room choosing to relax for the evening. They had the wizarding wireless playing and they had all made themselves comfortable. James and Lily were cuddled on the couch, Alice and Frank, were in a position similar to them. Marlene was trying to having a quiet conversation with Remus and Sirius, but Sirius was trying to cuddle with Remus as he felt left out and knew that someone should love him. He also knew that he had a better shot with Remus than he did with Marlene and he was less afraid of Remus than he was of Marlene. Marlene was scary when she wanted to be.
Since it was clear that no one wanted to love him, Sirius who had gone to Hogsmeade earlier in the evening, for reparations for tomorrow nights impending celebration, pulled out a hidden bottle of Ogden's finest, and loudly suggested that they should play Truth-Or-Dare, to make things more interesting.
"Alright, since this was my fabulous idea, i'll go first!" Sirius smiled, rubbing his hands together. "Marley, my dear, dear Marley, truth or dare?"
"Truth," she said with a roll to her eyes.
"Who here, in this room, would you most like to make out with?" he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows. "Just remember if you don't answer, I know your true desires."
Lily, leaning into James giggled, smiling at her boyfriend.
"I'm sorry to disappoint Sirius, but quite frankly, it isn't you." She said, gulping, hoping that he wouldn't notice. "I think I would like to take either Lily or Aice for a spin. I can't decide which."
Sirius spluttered. The boys in the room all looked dumbfounded and Sirius was speechless, which was a first. He couldn't really fault Marlene, he wouldn't mind taking either of them for a spin either. Although he would make sure not to let James or Frank know that.
Lily and Alice, who knew the truth, about that one night where the three girls had a little too much to drink, giggled. The boys, all of whom were clueless, sat there eyes wide, as they all laughed.
"Oh, I see what you're playing at. You say you want to make out with Lily and Alice, but you really want me. I see right through you Marlene McKinnon, you're a big faker."
Rolling her eyes Marlene decided to take advantage of her turn while Sirius was quiet. "Lily, truth or dare?"
"Truth?" She said questioningly.
"Who is the one person you most regret kissing?" she smirked, already knowing the answer.
"I hate you." Lily glared before mumbling her answer. "Snape."
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Marlene smirked as Lily flipped her off.
"I said, Severus Snape."
"You what?!" James exclaimed sending Lily flying forward as he stood up and started pacing.
"Will you sit down." Lily exclaimed, pulling James back on the floor. "It was one time, when we were eleven. I went to kiss him on the cheek and he turned his head and I got his lips instead. I've regretted it ever sense because I think it gave him false hope, and I never even meant to."
And the game went on. Truth or dares went back and forth, and as the alcohol started to flow the game got more wild. James, who had flung his shirt off somewhere into the room, on the previous dare turned to a very tipsy Remus, who was sitting there hiccuping.
"Moony, truth or dare?"
"D-dare," Remus hiccupped.
"I dare you, to stand on the coffee table, and do a strip tease." James' laughed as Sirius high-fived him, laughing hysterically, but turning the station on the wireless to pick up something with a beat.
Getting up slowly Remus climbed on the coffee table. He gulped as he started to move his hips awkwardly before he pulled his tie over his head and threw it at Sirius.
As the song continued Remus shed his shoes, cloak, and lastly his pants, as the song finally came to a close. The group, who were now sufficiently drunk, were crying due to laughing so hard, at Remus' awkward dance, and as he sat down on the floor in only his socks, boxers, and Sirius Quidditch jersey, which he still couldn't get off, he took a shot of firewhiskey.
"Sirius," Remus slurred, "Truth or Dare?"
"I never stand down to a challenge, DARE!"
Giggling, Remus looked Sirius in the eyes. "I dare you to kiss Marlene."
"Hey!" Marlene exclaimed, trying her best to look offended, but failing.
Standing up, Sirius sauntered over to Marlene, pulling her up off the floor before kissing her passionately, and rather than pulling away after a few seconds Marlene leaned into the kiss, as Sirius kissed her deeper.
As the pair finally pulled away Marlene looked like she was going to faint, and the rest of the group had started to cat call. "Wow," was all Marlene said as Sirius started his next question.
"My lovely Lily, truth or dare?"
Knowing better than to accept a dare from Sirius, Lily answered truth, but soon found out that wasn't much better.
"Have you and James shagged yet?"
"Sirius!" James exclaimed, as Lily shook her head.
It wasn't like Lily didn't want to sleep with James, she did, but she was nervous as it would be her first time. Sure, there had been some heavy make out sessions on their couch, and some touching, but they had never gone farther than Lily was comfortable. James on the other hand, wanted to throttle Sirius for asking Lily that. Here James was, trying to take things slow, and Sirius, man-whore extraordinaire, had to open his mouth about a subject that hadn't even been put on the table.
"Well Sirius, James, unlike you, is capable of keeping in his pants. He doesn't need to shag a girl before he learns her last name." Lily said. "So no, I haven't shagged James yet, although I wouldn't mind taking that step."Lily finished abruptly, winking at James.
"Why so quiet Sirius? Cat got your tongue?" Lily said snarkily.
Marlene and Alice giggled. They knew that when Lily had Ogden's she let go of her inhibitions and had absolutely no filter.
"Truth or Dare Sirius?" Lily asked a sputtering Sirius Black.
A drunken Sirius didn't think twice before answering "Dare."
"Sirius Orion Black. I dare you to get a makeover by Alice and Marlene."
"Okay. Marlene, Alice do your best. I wanna look hot!"
"Don't you worry Sirius, you will be the hottest girl at Hogwarts when we're done, and we'll make sure everyone knows it." Alice replied with a vindictive smile.
Sirius, let the girls get to work and ten minutes later he was completely made over. His hair was straightened and perfectly done in the way many muggle celebrities did theirs. He had had a full face of makeup on complete with bright red lipstick. Alice handed Sirius a mirror.
"Damn!" Sirius said, "I look good! I'd totally take myself for a round in the astronomy tower if you know what I mean." Sirius finished with a wink. The group looked at Sirius and everyone started laughing.
What Sirius missed in his drunken stupor was that Alice and Marlene had used their magical makeup and hairspray, which was magic proof, transfer proof and cleanser proof for 24 hours. Meaning Sirius would be sporting a full face of makeup and perfectly done hair until this time tomorrow night. Alice and Marlene of course didn't tell anyone this, but was sure he would realize it tomorrow morning at breakfast.
"Okay I can't take much more tonight." James said. "Seeing Sirius looking like a woman is where I draw the line."
"I agree, there's quidditch tomorrow and we don't need the Quidditch Captain hung over, especially since we're playing Slytherin." Lily said while rubbing James arm. "Oh, before you go Sirius, I need one more thing." Sirius stopped and turned to look at Lily who had grabbed her camera and snapped a picture of the lovely Lady Sirius.
Everyone left, leaving James and Lily sitting, or really lounging, in their common room. Neither wanting to get up because the didn't want to leave the company of each other's arms.
"Lily, we really should go to bed."
"I know, but I really don't want to get up. I'm so comfortable." She said making no move to get up.
"You know we could just move this to my room," James said, testing the waters.
"Okay." Lily said with a smile, as James helped her off the couch, pulling her towards his room. "Um I need to grab some pajamas," she giggled.
"Okay." He answered, running to quickly tidy up as she walked toward her bedroom.
Lily ran to her room through their shared bathroom, changed into her cute pajamas and went back to James' room. James had already changed and was getting into bed. He moved into the middle of the bed and opened his arms to Lily. As she joined him in bed he immediately pulled her close, spooning her. With a quick nox from James, the lights went out, whether is was from the alcohol or the present company, the pair quickly fell asleep.
~ATAF~
The next morning was startling to Lily when she woke to unfamiliar surroundings. She recognized the pair of arms around her and immediately relaxed and smiled when she realized she was with James. She rolled over to face James and she realized he was awake as well.
"Good morning beautiful" James said giving Lily a chaste kiss.
"G'mornin." Lily said yawning.
"Let's get ready for breakfast okay." James said not wanting to catch Lily off guard.
"Kay." Lily said not moving. James started to tickle her, which woke her up.
"Okay, okay, I'm awake, I'm awake, I promise! I'll go get ready for breakfast I promise!" she laughed.
Lily made her way to the bathroom to get ready for the day. James did the same a few moments later. Within twenty minutes the couple met in their common room. James pulled Lily into his arms gave her a deep kiss and they walked to the Great Hall.
The Great Hall was full of laughter this morning. It didn't take long for James and Lily to figure out why once they sat with their friends.
"Bloody hell Sirius what's wrong with your face?" James started.
"Good morning Lady Sirius. Did you make it to the astronomy tower last night?" Lily laughed accompanied by Marlene and Alice.
"What the bloody hell are you three on about?" Sirius groaned, obviously nursing a hangover.
"We just wanted to let you know that you look beautiful this morning Sirius." Marlene said, obviously not remembering that she had made out with him the previous night.
Obviously not yet aware of his surroundings Sirius missed the fact that his younger brother, Regulus was coming toward them with an almost giddy smile on his face. "Good morning brother, or rather sister." He laughed, causing the surrounding Gryffindor's to snort into their cups of assorted drinks.
"Sister, Reg? I think you've finally acquired the Black madness everyone is on about." Sirius said with a roll of his eyes.
"Maybe so brother, but I don't think I am the one who has gone crazy." Regulus laughed, "I know mum always said she wanted a girl Sirius, but you didn't have to use drag to try and work your way back into the family's good graces." he snorted.
"What in Merlin's saggy pants is with everyone this morning? The Great Hall is full of unknown laughter, you calling me Lady Sirius," he said glaring at Lily, "Marley, telling me I'm beautiful, and finally you calling me sister, what the bloody hell am I missing?" Sirius said yelling.
"Mr. Black, watch your language." Professor McGonagall said as sternly as possible. Finding it particularly difficult to not laugh at the made over young man.
"Apologies Minnie, but could you possibly explain to me what is going on?"
Placating the young man she quickly transfigured a plate into a mirror, handing it to the young man.
With a girlish shriek Sirius went running from the Great Hall causing the entirety of the Great Hall to burst out in laughter once more. The occupants of the previous night's festivities plus Regulus Black, cried with laughter. "Please, please, tell me you have pictures." Regulus said inbetween laughs.
"You bet." Replied Lily.
~ ATAF ~
An hour later as the stands of the Quidditch Pitch filled James Potter wondered if he would be short a beater. But as the team filed into the locker room, Sirius was present.
"Thank Merlin, I thought I was going to be short a beater today." James said clapping Sirius on the back.
"Think what you must Prongs, but i'm not afraid to break a nail." Sirius answered with a flip of his straightened hair. "I may be beautiful, but I'm more than just a pretty face."
With a few minutes to spare James stood on the bench. "Alright team, this is our game. Slytherin is a bunch of dirty gits without an ounce of talent. We have trained harder and longer, and we know what to do. If we play like we have been in practice this game is ours! Now let's go out there, and kick some snake butt!" he yelled.
"Do snakes have butts?" Marlene asked causing the team to snigger.
"Oh whatever, you know what I mean." James said as the announcer, Tyler Jordan, signaled them to fly onto the field.
"AND NOW, YOUR GRYFFINDOR QUIDDITCH TEAM!"
Mounting their brooms they flew out as Jordan named them off.
"Returning Keeper, Julius Woods! Your new Seeker, Joanne Lewis, Beaters, Lucy Bell and Sirius Black, or rather today it seems as if he is Selene Black!" Laughter became apparent as the student body, and professors realized that Sirius was still sporting his feminine locks. "Chasers, Marshall Thomas, Marlene McKinnon, and your Gryffindor Quidditch captain, JAMES POTTER!"
Lily's cheers could be heard well over the others and James wondered if she had cast the sonorous charm in order to be heard.
As Madame Hooch gave her speech, and James shook hands with Slytherin's Captain, Sirius started to taunt the opposing beaters who were openly staring at him.
"OI, what are you staring at Avery? Never seen someone look so beautiful before mate?" Avery growled in Sirius' general direction as James dove for the quaffle taking off toward the Slytherin goal posts.
"Hey Mulciber!" Sirius called, "I hear you're looking for a date for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend, fancy yourself a day with me?" Sirius laughed, causing several players to become distracted at his antics.
"Sirius!" James yelled, "Quit fooling around and hit the fucking bludger."
"On it Prongs" Sirius said, flying away to chase down the bludger.
The game progressed rather slowly, four hours later the score was 280 to 130 in favor of Gryffindor, and there hadn't been any sign of the snitch. The Gryffindor team had a synchronicity which rivaled not only the rest of the Hogwarts teams, but many professional teams as well. Slytherin currently had possession of the quaffle, making their way towards the Gryffindor goal posts.
"Avery, darting around the Gryffindor chasers as he flies toward the goal posts, looks like nothing can stop him, and oooo, Selene Black sends a bludger flying at Avery, and while he dodges the bludger he fumbles the quaffle." Tyler Jordan announced as Sirius flung a string of cuss words in his direction.
"McKinnon grabs the quaffle, passes it to Thomas, back to McKinnon, now to Potter. Potter swerves around Mulciber, passes back to McKinnon, OH NO IT'S A FAKE, POTTER SENDS IT SOARING INTO THE GOAL AND THE SCORE IS 290 TO 130 GRYFFINDOR!"
Pumping his fist in the air James smiled in Lily's general direction as she jumped up and down with Remus. Two hours later Gryffindor's seeker, Joanne Lewis, had darted after the snitch catching it in a dive to with the game 490 to 190, putting the slimy Slytherin's in their place, as the stands roared with celebration.
The stands quickly emptied as everyone made their way back to the Great Hall for dinner. The Gryffindor table was filled with laughter and excitement as they all knew of the shenanigans to follow. Dinner seemed to be the only thing that ended quickly that day. This revelation brought happiness to the Gryffindors as they were all ready to let loose and celebrate in the common room.
~ATAF~
By 10 pm the party was in full swing. The fire whisky was flowing, the music was playing and the people were dancing. Everyone's spirits were high in gryffindor tower after the incredible win by their Quidditch Team earlier in the day.
Remus, who was very drunk, had somehow managed to get his hands on a Hawaiian shirt, after finally being able to remove Sirius' quidditch jersey. As the Weird Sisters played on the wireless Remus swayed to the music, causing the on lookers to laugh. Suddenly, an also drunk Sirius came over and flung his arms around James and Lily who were cuddled on a chair in the corner. The two seemed to be in their own little world, completely oblivious to the people around them, well except for Sirius who was now on top of them.
"You know Pronsey-Poo, you used to be fun before you got a girlfriend. Now you're all boring, and annoying, and disgusting." Sirius slurred as Lily laughed into James' chest.
"Will you come dance with me Prongsey-Poo? Like old times? Please, pretty, pretty please." Sirius said, now begging on his knees. James and Lily were now openly laughing at Sirius.
"Ugh Prongs, you're so domesticated now, and you won't even dance with me. Will you dance with me Silly Lily. Will you? Will youuuuuuuuuu?" Sirius said now looking up at Lily from his place on the floor, trying to use his puppy dog eyes to get what he wants from her.
Lily winked at James and whispered, "Meet me on the dance floor Potter." She then sauntered away with Sirius, sashaying her hips as she walked towards the makeshift dance floor in the middle of the common room. Lily danced one song with Sirius, then she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around she saw James.
"Ms. Evans, if I may have this dance?" taking Lily's hand, the song suddenly turned slow. Pulling her close, Lily rested her head against James chest as they swayed back and forth.
Sirius who had turned to leave the dance floor was grabbed by Marlene, and Remus swayed alone in the corner with a happy, drunken smile on his face. Alice and Frank were also enjoying the slow dance that was ongoing.
However despite their drunken states the group known as the Marauders couldn't help but feel as if something or someone was missing. None of the group was looking about, but if they had, they would have noticed that Peter Pettigrew was missing and had been so all day.
~ATAF~
The upcoming week had the Marauders excited. Thursday was their friends monthly moonstration and that mean James, Sirius, and Peter got to sneak out to be with him. Sirius and James were giddy for their upcoming illegal expedition, but it seemed like they hadn't seen much of Peter in the previous week. They hadn't even gotten to talk to Peter about the plan for Thursday. Usually they tried to have a plan going into the full moon, but this week it seemed like they were going to have to wing it.
As Thursday evening approached, Mooney left the group to be escorted to the Whomping Willow by Madame Pomfrey, which was routine procedure. Following dinner, Sirius and James went back up to Gryffindor Tower to look for Peter again and grab the Invisibility Cloak. They hadn't seen Peter since the last class of the day.
While Peter was nowhere to be found in Gryffindor Tower, Sirius pulled out the Marauder's Map. Looking around to make sure no one was near he whispered, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," revealing all the maps secrets. As he pursued the map for Peter he came across him in what he could only think was an awkward situation.
There, on the third floor, was Peter's name, but there were also the names of Greg Goyle, Vincent Crabbe, Lucius Malfoy, and Regulus Black, students who were all thought to be associated with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
"What the hell is Peter doing with that lot?" Sirius said curiously.
"The hell if I know. Have you ever seen him with them before?" James asked.
"I thought I saw him talking to Bellatrix and Regulus once, but I thought they had just picked on him in the halls between class. This is odd."
"It really is, but come on, we can't worry about Peter right now we have to go meet Mooney, the sun is beginning to set." James said as he grabbed the map and began to walk out of the common room with Sirius right on his tale.
Sirius and James made the familiar trip towards the Whomping Willow. Without Peter it proved slightly difficult to press the knot on the base of the tree, but with Sirius' quick reflexes as a K9 they were able to enter the tunnel, which would take them to the Shrieking Shack, with little problem. They quickly made it to their destination, having just enough time to transform into Padfoot and Prongs before Moony made his transformation. Remus transformed into Moony the minute Padfoot and Prongs had finished transforming. The wolf immediately recognized them as Pack, and there didn't seem to be any issues with Peter missing.
They spend the night of the full moon running freely on the Hogwarts grounds. They explored areas of the Forbidden Forest they wouldn't get to see even in their dizziest daydreams. They ran along the shore of the lake, through the Quidditch pitch and even made their way around Hagrid's hut a few times. After a few hours of running around the group made their way back to the Shack and they all curled up and fell asleep. They awoke at dawn with Mooney transforming back to Remus. Remus was met outside the willow by Madame Pomfrey and was escorted to the Hospital Wing for a checkup before making his way to breakfast. Once James and Sirius saw Remus and Madame Pomfrey made it back they ducked under the Invisibility Cloak and made their way back to their rooms before breakfast.
They were all able to freshen up and change before making their way to breakfast. James and Lily arrived and sat where they saw their friends, including Peter this time. Breakfast was filled conversation of plans for the weekend and of course the Marauders plans for their annual Halloween prank.
~ ATAF ~
James Potter had never been so excited for a Halloween prank. After six years it was hard to impress the occupants of Hogwarts, but this year, well he thought they had finally got it. The morning had started off better than he expected, with a scary muggle mask he was able to scare the daylights out of Sirius, and get Remus laughing so hard that he fell out of bed.
Sirius Black sat on the couch in the Gryffindor common room with a big smile on his face. He had never been more glad that he had a natural affinity for transfiguration until this very moment. He was about to show his amazing transfiguration skills on a grand scale, soon everyone would be talking about Sirius Black, Marauder, prankster, and transfiguration prodigy. Soon the ladies would be flocking by his feet even more than they already were.
Remus Lupin couldn't help but roll his eyes at his two best friends. Each person thought they were greater than the last, and each person didn't truly understand what the point of this prank was. However, Remus Lupin did. Remus knew that this prank was of a different caliber than many of the ones they had done before. He knew, that this prank would have them go down in Hogwarts pranking history. This prank, messed with Hogwarts professors.
"Lily come on!" James whined, pulling his girl friends hand as she tried to brush her hair.
"I can't have a minute to brush my hair? Seriously James, why are you in such a hurry to get to breakfast?"
James said nothing, grabbing her backpack, slinging it over his shoulder and pulling Lily from the bathroom. As the pair arrived in the Great Hall Lily glared at James. She was severely out of breath, and very annoyed with her boyfriend. However all that was remedied when Mulciber turned into a Munchkin, then Avery into the Wicked Witch of the West, Malfoy into Glinda the Good Witch, and lastly, Severus into Dorthy. One by one members of the Slytherin House started to turn into characters from, The Wizard of Oz, and before she knew it they had the entire cast, complete with the Mayor of Munchkinland, costumes included.
The occupants of the house of Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor were in uproarious laughter, all except for two. Sirius Black and Remus Lupin stood staring at each other confused. This wasn't the prank they had agreed on, was it?
"I thought we agreed that we weren't going to prank the Slytherins, James?" Remus asked as Sirius started laughing.
"Hitler said he wasn't going to invade Czechoslovakia, but he did. That's life Moony."
~ ATAF ~
While the Professors were busy getting the Slytherins sorted out Sirius Black was skipping through the corridors, humming his favorite muggle song. Minnie didn't know what was going to hit her.
Looking around to make sure no one was following him Sirius ducked behind a suit of armour casting a silent spell. As quickly as he cast the spell various statues and suits of armours in the corridor started to transform; shrinking, growing hair, and transforming into small animals. Moments later there were fifteen small animals standing in front of Sirius meowing. Jumping up and down while clapping his hands, Sirius squealed like his cousin Andromeda's daughter, Nymphadora. "Alright my pretty's, off you trot."
Fifteen tabby cats with square markings near their eyes wandered off in various directions to cause general mischief. Skipping off in the direction of his first class Sirius smiled, he couldn't help but wonder what kind of fun his furry friends were going to get into.
~ ATAF ~
As the majority of the student body was in class Albus Dumbledore wandered the halls of the Hogwarts castle. As he came near the third floor corridor a small 'meow' alerted him to a feline presence. "Hello Professor McGonagall," he said as the tabby cat moved forward rubbing against his legs.
Walking off 'Professor McGonagall' wandered away from Dumbledore off to the general unknown.
In the lower parts of the castle another version of Minerva McGonagall had made her way into the office of Horace Slughorn. Jumping up on his desk she swatted at the man's nose, before rubbing her head against his glasses. "Minerva, this is hardly appropriate." he said trying to stifle a laugh as the animagus jumped from the desk to the ground where a large jar lay open.
"Minerva," Horace laughed as the tabby cat knocked the jar on its side. Climbing inside the jar, half of the cat's body stayed outside as it maneuvered itself around. "Minerva this is childish," meow the cat answered, burrowing itself further into the jar, as suddenly the entire length of the cat was inside the jar.
"Now really Minerva, how are you going to get out of there?" Purring, the animagus settled into the secluded comfort of the jar, where she would stay for a majority of the day.
The seventh year Gryffindors sat in their Charms class listening to Professor Flitwick explain a spell as the animagus version of Professor McGonagall bounded into the room after a hissing Mrs. Norris. The two cats jumped onto the pile of books where Professor Flitwick stood, sending the half goblin toppling over the edge, as a majority of the class started to laugh.
The cats started to wrestle and Flitwick did his best to reason with the feline version of 'Minerva McGonagall," as Sirius Black keeled over in laughter.
Suddenly, an exasperated, human version of Minerva McGonagall bounded into the room, glasses askew. "What in Merlin's name is going on here?" she said, pausing as she looked in the direction of the two cats.
"What on earth?"
Hissing the two cats bounded out of the room as McGonagall looked in the direction of a laughing Sirius Black. "Mr. Black, I assume you are the guilty party behind this?"
Unable to stop his uncontrollable laughter McGonagall turned from the room, off to speak to whom they presumed to be the Head Master.
As the real version of Professor McGonagall made her way to the headmaster's office, another feline version had made her way into the Headmaster's office. "Two visits in one day Minerva, is there something I can help you with?"
Rather than transforming into a human version of herself, she jumped on to his desk, sprawling herself across the papers on his desk. "Now really Minerva, I am rather busy."
Meow, the cat answered, rolling around, knocking some papers onto the floor. As Dumbledore went to say something again his door slammed open and the human version of McGonagall walked inside.
"Oh this is simply ridiculous," she said throwing her hands up into the air. "I found another version of myself wrestling Mrs. Norris in Filius' seventh year charms classes, and Sirius Black is behind this, I know he is."
"I'm sure it's just a good bit of Halloween fun Minerva, I wouldn't think anything of it."
A few hours later, as classes came to a close, the fifteen versions of the feline Minerva McGonagall made their way back their corridor, standing on the pedestals where they belonged, transforming back into who, or what they were supposed to really be.
~ ATAF ~
Later that night the entirety of the Hogwarts castle made their way into the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast. The seventh year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were still highly amused at the story of Professor McGonagall wrestling Mrs. Norris in the middle of the charms class, as they continued to spread the story around the school. However, there was a single exception to this, and that, was Remus Lupin.
Remus Lupin didn't know what was happening. First, James pranks the Slytherins, then Sirius pranks McGonagall, however despite the entertainment that those prank brought, it was going to be nothing compared to his prank.
Slowly and covertly pulling his wand out of his pocket, and a vial full of a mysterious liquid, Remus sent a quick flick in the direction of the heads table. The switching spell filled the teachers goblets with the liquid, as each person took a sip of the unknowing liquid. One by one, as each professor started to drink they transformed into another version of Professor Dumbledore. Before anyone knew it there were several versions of the Headmaster at the Heads table.
With a twinkle in his eye Dumbledore started to chuckle. "A fine use of transfiguration on this Halloween evening." He announced to the Great Hall. "Not to mention superb potion making skills, polyjuice I suspect, such a wonderful prank."
Clapping his hands together Dumbledore sat back down, as the Professor Dumbledore, who was really Professor McGonagall looked at him sternly. Even through the use of polyjuice potion her stoney, stern glare, was easy enough to pick out.