A/N: And here's chapter seven! Thank you agin to everyone who has read and reviewed the story so far. Thirty reviews! I'm over the moon :D

Review responses:

000kayko000: Thanks for reading. Well, the first year had eight chapters, so one more after this and it's onto second year. No, I didn't think that, I can understand that if I made it too long, readers might get bored of it, I know I'm dying to get to some romance, and they're a little young for that at the moment :). Hope you like the next chapter :)

evershort: Glad you're still liking this! I always worry people might get bored of it, lol...I think I worry too much sometimes. Haha, it must be fate, or mega good timing! I'm really glad this is one of your favourite favourites (I understood lol), it means so much you like it, I put alot of effort into making sure each chapter is just as enjoyable as the next. Thanks for reading, I hope your just as pleased with this chapter too!

BloodMoonRising: Thank you :) Oh, I love Remus too. I'm having so much fun writing about his struggle with the lycanthropy, and I can't wait to get to where the Marauders discover it! Thanks for reading and reviewing, as always, and I hope you like the next chapter :)

splatteredpaint: Thank you! Writing their different perspectives is so much fun! It gives me a chance to focus on them all seperately, rather than as a collective group. James and Lily are main characters, but I want to tell everyone elses story in as much detail as possible too, you know. Sorry if that chapter was too short, I made sure this one was longer :D. I know, poor Remus. But like I said, they'll be finding out soon, I hope you find my interpretation of them discovering good! And poor Sirius too, don't worry, the Potter will rescue him, though not just yet, I'm afraid :(. Yeah, I can imagine Sev saving all that he could to get lily something, the guy's in love after all. And finally, it will be a while before the second installment, but often after I've written a chapter for this story, I find myself writing notes on the next one, and things I can link in, I think I have six pages of notes already on the Marauders Tale, part 2 :D And yeah, it'll take awhile to get to seventh year, but I promise it'll be worth the wait! I already have the last chapter of seventh year written, actually, I'm hoping you'll all like it! But, until then, we'll sit back and watch our heroes grow up! Thanks for reading and reviewing, as always, and I really hope you enjoy this next chapter too.

Vampfromthemountain: Oh my, 26 hours! I couldn't handle that, I'm glad I could help :D Thanks for reading and reviewing, hope this next chapter is enjoyable too (and if you're trying for some record, assists you in your quest to stay awake for an abominable amount of hours :D)

quirky-as-alice: Don't worry, Sirius is my favourite, and I hate to see him suffer too much (the poor guy had enough of it as an adult). Hope you like the next chapter, and thank you for sticking with the story :D

fairydustandcansofspam: Haha I love your name. Thanks for pointing that out, I made sure to go through and check, I'm always on the lookout for ways to better my writing, so thank you :) Sirius is pretty hypocritical even in the later years. Remember what he said in OOTP, about judging a man on how he treats his equals, and then he goes and treats Kreacher horribly! I think that's just in Sirius' nature, tbh. Haha, you know what, I actually did that for my current boyfriend (I'm praying he doesn't read this), I made a list because I wasn't sure, and wrote down pro' and con's (like Ross did on friends). I came up with 'his hair is too messy' and 'he likes marmite'...that was it! I can be a right dolt sometimes :D. I'm glad you like how I've written Lily, she's a harder character to decipher in my opinion. Thanks for reading, reviewing, and helping me with my writing :D. Enjoy the next chapter!

Fairywolf: Thank you XD. Oh it's fine, just getting reviews, even readers is more than I imagined, I'm truly grateful for it, so thank you! I hope this chapter was worth the wait :D please enjoy, and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Disclaimer: Not mine...not at all...OC's are...but that's about it...unfortunately. I may take a train ride though, maybe I'll come up with something of my own!


The Marauders Tale: The Hogwarts Years

Chapter Seven

Mudbloods and Exploring

James was grinning like a madman when he entered Hogwarts castle after Christmas. Sure, he loved visiting his family more than anything, but there was something about Hogwarts that just made him smile unrestrainedly. He was glad to be getting back to his friends; no doubt they'd have a few little pranks to play on their fellow students within even the first week.

After the incident in the Forbidden Forest, James and Sirius especially had developed a certain affinity for rule breaking. It was exhilarating, to be perfectly honest, and James found it made his school life even more enjoyable than it already was.

He had several things to do this year, one of them, was figure out a way to cheer Remus up. He hated seeing his friend so frail and weak looking after the visits to his mother, and desperately wanted to do something to help. He'd even asked his mother, who was on good terms with the Healers and St. Mungo's to have a word with them and see if they would perhaps go to Remus's home to have a look at Mrs Lupin (Remus had told them that because his father was a Healer, he didn't feel the need to go to St. Mungo's), however, a little extra help couldn't hurt, could it?

Another thing, was Snape. Ever since the little incident between him and James, which resulted in Lily ignoring him ever since, James was determined to get his revenge. He hated Snape with every fibre in his being. Snape was making him out to be a bully and a liar, but he was neither, and he wanted to make Snape pay for ruining things between him and Lily.

~**~

The four troublemakers of the school (as they were quickly becoming known as) greeted each other a little over excitedly as James entered the common room. Sirius, of course, was as hyper and joyful as ever, though he seemed a little strained, for some reason. Remus, although looking slightly paler than usual, seemed genuinely happy to be back too. Even Peter, who was normally the quieter of the four greeted James loudly, resulting in many giggles from what had been dubbed the Potter/Black fan club, and many disapproving glares from a certain red headed girl. Thankfully, she didn't shout or grumble, like she normally would have.

"Back to school eh Potter, I never thought I'd be so excited to get back to school, of all places," joked Sirius, as the four friends returned to their favourite armchairs in front of the fire.

"So how was your holidays?" asked James.

Sirius shrugged, "Just as pleasant as usual, my mum had a go at me for not demanding to be in Slytherin, my dad banged on about how great Voldemort is," Sirius glared as Peter and Remus both shuddered, "It's just a name, saying it isn't gonna hurt you."

"What about you Remus, how's your mum?" asked James, a concerned look upon his face.

Remus gave a small smile, and sighed, "She's fine, she had a bit of a bad turn just after Christmas, but she's getting better."

James nodded, "Actually, I know you said your dad didn't need to take her to St. Mungo's, but my mum's good friends with a lot of the Healers there, so I asked her if she'd have a word and have someone go out and see you mum, see if there's anything they can do."

James frowned at the obviously terrified look that appeared on Remus' face as he told his friend what he had done. He hadn't expected that at all.

"Remus...are you alright, you look like Nearly Headless Nick just walked right through you," said Sirius jokingly. Remus sprang to his feet.

"You shouldn't have done that!" he cried, staring at James, "I have to go."

And without another word, Remus dashed towards the portrait hole, and disappeared, leaving the three boys stunned to silence.

"What the bloody hell was all that about?" asked Sirius, dumbfounded.

"Maybe his mum's really contagious?" suggested Peter.

James shrugged, and was slightly hurt at Remus's reaction to what he thought was a thoughtful gesture.

The three boys pondered reasons why Remus reacted like that late into the night, and when he didn't return, began to grow worried.

"Maybe something happened with his mum," suggested Sirius, as the three boys sat on James's bed, still fully clothed and tired eyed.

"I don't understand, I was only trying to help," sighed James. The three boys jumped as Remus entered the room, his face the picture of worry.

"Remus!" James jumped to his feet and ran to his friend, "Listen mate, I'm sorry for getting involved, I just –"

He stopped when Remus waved his hand, smiling a little.

"Don't worry about it, I know you only wanted to help...it's just...complicated, that's all."

James nodded, and smiled kindly at his friend, "And don't stay out this late again, we were getting worried, I had half a mind to get my invisibility cloak out and roam the castle looking for you".

Remus snorted, and began pulling out his pyjamas. Sirius however, had that mischievous twinkle he usually got in his eye before pulling a little practical joke on somebody. The last time James had seen that look in his eye, Evan Rosier had ended up with the word 'Slythery' shaved into his hair, a useful little spell Remus had stumbled upon when reading a book on pranks Sirius had been sent by his cousin as an extra Christmas present.

"What?" asked Peter boldly.

"Well...a night time wander doesn't sound too bad, and we haven't had a chance to put James's cloak to good use yet," he grinned.

"No, no you're not going out now, it's almost midnight!" protested Remus, crossing his arms. He glanced at James, who mirrored Sirius's expression.

"Ah come on Remus, it'll be fun, it's the perfect thing to cheer you up mate!"

Remus bit his lip, looking from one friend to the next. James and Sirius seemed set in their ways, and Peter would undoubtedly just follow along with their plan. He seemed to hero worship those two; thank Merlin Remus had a sensible head on his shoulders.

"Well...alright, but only for a bit," he sighed, stuffing his pyjamas back into his trunk. Sirius gave a small cheer, and high fived James.

"Come on then gentlemen, we've got some exploring to do!"

~**~

"Ouch, Peter!"

"Sorry," mumbled Peter, flashing an apologetic look at Sirius. The four boys, though fitting perfectly under the large cloak, were not accustomed to moving so close together, and had trodden on each other's feet more than once in the past hour of exploring.

"This place is pretty creepy at night," whispered James as they headed down one of the many corridors on the fourth floor.

"Why don't we check out the restricted section in the library," suggested Remus.

Sirius snorted, "I'm not wasting what little time we have out here in a library, no matter how cool those books might be."

James and Peter chuckled, and even Remus smiled a little. It was common knowledge already that books and Sirius Black were not synonymous.

The four friends walked straight past the school library, keeping a keen eye out for Filch the caretaker, who seemed to have made it his goal in life to get at least one student from Hogwarts expelled. The strange, hunch backed man had taken an instant disliking to James and Sirius in particular after the pair had been caught putting the niffler in the Slytherin common room, and on more than one occasion, had jumped out on an unsuspecting James as if to try and catch in the middle of some wrong doing.

"Peter, can you even walk in a straight line!" hissed Sirius, his foot having been trodden on for the fifth time that night.

"I'm sorry," squeaked Peter, "It's hard when you're walking so – AAHHH!"

Peter stumbled, probably over his own feet, and went crashing towards the large mirror on the fourth floor. James squeezed his eyes shut, ready for the sound of breaking glass and the footsteps of a teacher to come and reprimand them...but it never came.

Opening one eye, James snorted in disbelief. Peter seemed to have fallen into a secret passage behind the mirror, somehow having managed to open the mirror/door as he fell.

"Bloody hell Peter, you're an absolute genius!" cried Sirius, diving from under the cloak and joining Peter in the passage. James and Remus soon joined him, and the four boys carefully closed the mirror behind them.

"Lumos," muttered James. The others followed suit, and four narrow beams of light lit up a large, rocky passage.

"Come on then," whispered James, starting forward. The four boys slowly made their way down the passage, which turned out to be rather long and winding, Remus didn't protest at all!

After about half an hour's walk, the boys spotted a small light at the end of the passage. James quickened his pace, and soon found himself outside in a small clearing. He watched his friends clamber out of a small fissure in the large rocky outcrop behind him in awe.

"Can you believe this!" he hissed excitedly, "We're just outside Hogsmeade!"

"You're kidding!" cried Sirius, bounding around like an excited puppy.

"Guys I think we'd better get back," started Remus, noting the time, though even he had a gleam of awe in his eyes.

James and Sirius groaned simultaneously, and even Peter seemed downhearted.

"Come on Lupin, let's have a look around," grinned James.

"It's almost two, we have classes in the morning, come on, I'm putting my foot down on this one," Remus said sternly. James and Sirius bowed their heads in defeat, "Yes mother," they mumbled with small smirks. Remus rolled his eyes, and ushered his friends back into the fissure, secretly elated at their find.

~**~

The next morning, though thoroughly exhausted and eager to get back to their exploring ways, the four explorers managed to pass the day relatively uneventfully. Even James and Sirius, who were often found to be pulling small pranks on their fellow classmates had a day off, much to the surprise of Lily, who was just waiting for a chance to blow up at James. Since the incident with Severus, Lily had come to learn James Potter was a just a bully. And if there was one thing Lily hated most in this world, it was bullies, who picked on people for no reason. She had enough of that from her sister at home, and didn't need James ruddy Potter terrorising her friends. Whilst she thought maybe he was doing it because of his idiotic best mate Black, after the whole teeth-growing spell, which in her opinion was completely unprovoked, she knew he was just an arrogant, self centred little boy with no real thoughts on the feelings of others. Although her friends didn't seem to share her feelings, she knew Holly wasn't too fond of Black either, but she always defended her cousin, for obvious reasons. Chris and Bridget, however, loved the pair, and found them extremely funny. They all had their different opinions, and that was what made them close, they weren't robots following each other around and acting like each other, not like, for example, the second years Jenni Marlborough and Georgia King, who funnily enough had declared themselves co-founders of the Potter/Black fan club (for those who found James and Sirius' mischievous ways funny and charming) and seemed to hang around the boys far more than necessary.

Now that classes had begun again, the first years had a taste of what was to come in their fifth and seventh years. To proceed to their second year; students at Hogwarts had to pass all of their exams in the subjects they were currently taking. They had already had lectures from Professor Slughorn and Professor Flitwick, who had given them a generous amount of homework to boot.

"I don't understand all of this," Sirius indicated to the pile of books he had as he and the boys began their essays, "I already know all of this stuff, it's pointless".

"Yes, well some of us are actually taking our education seriously, Black," snapped Holly, "No pun intended," she added at the smirk on James face.

"Lighten up Knight, you're starting to sound like Evans," chuckled Sirius. Holly rolled her eyes, and collected up her books, "I'm going to the library, you coming?" she asked Lily, Bridget and Chris. Lily nodded immediately, shooting death glares at James and Sirius. Chris mumbled something about being comfortable, and reluctantly joined the girls. Bridget glanced apologetically at James, and followed her friends.

"It's true though, they're always so uptight, well, apart from Chris and Bridget, they're alright," continued Sirius.

"Yeah, s'pose," mumbled James. He was still disheartened about yet another argument he and Lily had had in Herbology that morning, where Lily had blamed James for getting compost all over her text book. In all honesty, it was an accident; however Lily had taken it as a personal attack because she was ignoring him.

"Cheer up James, there's no point in moping about one girl, she's not even a nice person," reasoned Sirius.

James shrugged, and opened his Charms text book, moodily turning pages but not really knowing what he was looking for. Sirius gave James up as a lost cause, and challenged Peter to a game of wizard's chess, his homework lying forgotten.

As much as James loved Hogwarts, the fact that Lily barely spoke to him was making it increasingly difficult to enjoy his time there. He didn't know why this was, but something deep inside him just wanted her to like him. If it didn't happen soon, he would surely go crazy.

~**~

The next day, the Gryffindor first years were forced to endure an entire hour of sheer boredom during History of Magic. The class had the potential to be rather interesting, if truth be told. The violence of goblin revolutions and the giant wars could certainly have been rather thrilling, had the drone of the ghostly Professor Binns not sent the entire class (perhaps with the exception of Lily and Remus) into a stupor.

James was on the verge of dozing off, when a strange rattling sound started from beside him. Frowning, James looked sideways and was amused to find Sirius with his head in his arms, snoring and oblivious to the fact he was in the middle of a lesson. Glancing to the front of the class to check Binns was still occupied with his text book; James leant forward and nudged Remus in the back.

The sandy haired boy turned around and frowned at James, holding his quill up, indicating he was in the middle of taking notes. James shook his head, and jerked his thumb at Sirius, who was still peacefully sleeping. Remus stifled a laugh, and nudged Peter, who jumped slightly, then turned around to look at James and Sirius.

With a glint in his eyes, James picked up his quill, and pointed to the bottle of red ink he knew Remus had in his bag. Remus shook his head, and nodded towards Binns. James ignored this, and adopted a pleading look, jutting out his lower lip and widening his eyes.

Remus watched him for a moment, then sighed, and dove under his desk to retrieve the bottle of ink. Peter bounced happily in his seat, his eyes bright with anticipation. James grinned, and took the ink bottle from Remus, who seemed torn between discomfort and amusement.

Carefully dipping his quill into the ink well, James gently scribbled across Sirius' forehead, pausing every now and then to make sure the dark haired boy wouldn't wake up half way through. Remus kept check that Professor Binns was still occupied, and Peter continued to watch James with glee.

Once finished, James carefully and quietly handed Remus his ink bottle, and resumed staring out of the window.

When the bell rang, Sirius was jerked awake by James tapping him on the shoulder.

"Wha...where am I?" Sirius' head shot up, and he glanced around wildly. James snorted, and packed away his things, desperately trying not to laugh.

"You slept all the way through," Remus commented, his mouth twitching slightly, "How do you expect to pass your exams if you're not even going to stay awake for the lessons?"

Sirius smirked, which quickly turned into a yawn.

"I already know it all, plus I'm not bothered about History of Magic," he gathered up his bag and headed towards the door, nodding to Professor Binns as he passed.

"Berkins, that's quite a skin problem you have there," the ghost commented as he drifted past. Sirius scowled, and whipped round to see his friends desperately trying not to laugh.

"What's that supposed to mean?" the young Black demanded, frowning at James.

James shrugged, and pushed past Sirius, "No idea, Binns is loopy."

~**~

"Mr Black, what on Earth is that on your face!"

Sirius stopped dead, his eyes widening at the sudden shrill voice of Professor McGonagall calling his name.

"Uhh..." was all he managed, before a smirking Holly handed him her mirror. Sirius took the mirror with a bemused expression on his face. He held the mirror to his face, and gaped at the word 'seriously' written in red ink across his forehead. Behind him, three Gryffindor boys burst into howling laughter, whilst many other students began to snigger. Professor McGonagall, though she managed to keep her expression as one of disproving, smiled slightly, then handed Sirius a handkerchief.

"Settle down class, and ten points from Gryffindor, Mr Black, I suggest you wash your face on a morning before coming to my lesson from now on."

Sirius grumbled something inaudible, glaring at his friends and handing a chuckling Holly her mirror.

He took a seat next to James, who was still laughing.

"I'll get you back," he muttered huffily.

James wiped a tear from his eye, and shrugged, "I know. But it was so worth it".

Suffice to say, Sirius exacted his revenge during the second hour of Transfiguration by writing a note to Heloise Gibson on the unknown behalf of James telling her he 'really fancied her and liked the smell of her hair'. Whether this was supposed to creep Heloise out, James never knew, all he did know was that Heloise seemed to be looking at James a little too much for his liking, no matter how many times he tried to tell her it was all Sirius.

~**~

After dinner, Lily, Holly, Bridget and Chris decided to go for a wander in the school grounds before curfew. There was still quite a thick layer of snow on the ground; however the air seemed to be fresher than usual, indicating that they would be having a short winter and perhaps an early spring.

"...so Heloise actually came and asked me if James said anything about her over Christmas, and when I said no she accused me of not listening hard enough and suggested I take an extra interest in James personal life," Holly's eyes were wide as she told the story to her friends, who found it to be very amusing.

"I thought James would have gone for someone with a little bit more..." Chris tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"Brains? Tact? Self restraint?" suggested Holly to a giggling Lily, Bridget and Chris.

"I dont even see what the fascination is with Potter, he's rude, arrogant, self-obsessed..."

Behind her, Holly mouthed Lily word for word, counting the insults on her fingers. Chris and Bridget burst into a fit of giggles, earning a frown from Lily.

"What?"

"You and James, honestly, if it's not you talking about him it's him talking about you. Enough already! You like him, he likes you, now please give my poor ears some peace," cried Holly dramatically. Chris and Bridget were positively howling at the murderous glint in Lily's eyes. Holly rolled her eyes, and chuckled, "Just drop it Lils, we know what you think of him, and frankly the fact that you always bring him up suggests to me you may have a slight crush on my dear cousin," smirked Holly.

"Oh, I dont think she liked that one," laughed Bridget, wrapping an arm around Lily's shoulders, "We're just messing Lils, lighten up."

Lily glared at Bridget, but couldn't suppress the small smile spreading across her face. She had to admit, she did bring James up an awful lot. Though it was definitely NOT for the reasons Holly seemed to have concocted.

The four girls continued on their path through the grounds, wrapping their scarves tighter around their necks to ward off the chill setting in.

"Well if it isn't the mud blood and her little cronies".

Lily, Holly, Bridget and Chris whipped around simultaneously, three of them glaring and one of them slightly confused.

"A what? Sorry," asked Lily. She glanced at her friends, who looked ready to kill.

Vivian Kendal and Wilhelmina Jackson smiled smugly at the four Gryffindors. Vivian was an awful girl, a Slytherin third year who apparently took it upon herself to pick on the younger girls as often as possible. Lily still remembered her making fun of her red hair in the first week of term when they passed each other in the corridor. Vivian was tall for her age, with dull blonde hair cut short and stylishly, sly green eyes and a superior air to her. She was pretty, that was undeniable, but she knew it. Her little minion, Wilhelmina Jackson, was a renowned gossip, and often liked to make up rumours about other girls. In a stark contrast to Vivian, Mina was short, slightly tubby, with long messy brown hair and pale grey eyes. She was basically Vivian's slave, though she didn't seem to mind. The pair were normally seen with a third member, Laura Heckleton, however she seemed to be nowhere in sight.

"You take that back Kendal," hissed Holly, drawing her wand.

"What's wrong?" asked Lily, thoroughly confused as to why Holly and the girls seemed to angry.

"She just called you a...a...well you know," whispered Chris, who was drawing her own wand, "Do you have any idea how offensive that is?"

Lily shook her head, and glanced worriedly at her friends, "Just leave it," she reached out to push their wands down.

"That's right girls, listen to the filthy mud blood," sneered Vivian, "You know Evans, aren't you worried about all the Muggle killings that have been happening? Surely you're worried your parents are on the hit list –"

SMACK!

Vivian stumbled back from Lily, clutching her jaw. Mina squealed and jumped to her aid, whilst Holly, Bridget and Chris merely stared at Lily with a mixture of pride and awe on their faces.

"Don't ever talk about my family like that again," Lily hissed through gritted teeth. She turned on her heel and stormed away from the two Slytherin girls, closely followed by Holly, Bridget and Chris.

~**~

"Lily!"

Lily sat down on her bed, seething about what had just happened. Holly, Bridget and Chris watched her with gazes of awe, still unable to process what had just happened.

"What? I wasn't going to stand there and let her say those things!"

"I know," said Holly, still gaping, "But you do have a wand!"

Lily shrugged, "Somehow, I think it would've been less satisfying with a wand."

The four girls burst into laughter, still a little shocked at what had just happened.

"Oh that was simply brilliant," cried Chris, "Lily Evans, punching Vivian Kendall in the face, I never knew you had it in you!"

Lily rolled her eyes, "I'm sure one of you three were about to do it, I just go there first".

"True," said Bridget, "But it's just...so not you, blimey, I'm impressed!"

Lily rolled her eyes and chuckled, "Alright, alright, funs over. I'm going to bed."

~**~

Three weeks after James and his friends returned to Hogwarts, Sirius Black was shocked, horrified, and angered beyond belief to find himself being called into a meeting with his parents and Professor Dumbledore about his house 'situation'.

"– does she think she bloody is!"

James ducked again as a lamp was sent flying through the air. It seemed Sirius found the best way to let out his anger was to throw something heavy, which the boys didn't have a problem with, as long as the items thrown didn't hit them.

"What're you gonna do?" asked Peter in the squeaky little voice he used when he was nervous, "You're not gonna go to Slytherin, are you?"

"Don't be an idiot Pete, course he isn't," James scoffed, "Right, mate?" he added, glancing worriedly at Sirius.

Sirius gaped at his friends, "What in the name of Merlin do you take me for?"

James and Remus exchanged amused looks, and Sirius rolled his eyes.

"When's the meeting?" asked Remus, waving his wand at the shards of broken lamp scattering the plush red carpet of their room.

Sirius glanced down at the watch on his wrist, and made a noise that sounded suspiciously like the growl of a dog.

"Now. You three coming?"

James, Remus and Peter exchanged looks, then James dove into his trunk to find his invisibility cloak.

"Wha – no!" Remus jumped forward to stop James, "We can't go into that meeting, its private!"

Sirius, however, seemed to have cheered up slightly, "Naa, its okay Remus, no one'll be able to see you anyway."

Remus chewed his lip, but saw the smile on Sirius' face. If it made him happy...

"Alright then," James and Sirius high fived each other, "But if we get caught, I was brought against my will."

"Sure thing, Lupin," Sirius and James mock saluted Remus, who just continued to shake his head. Well, at least they made his nights interesting.

~**~

"Pete! My foot!"

"Sorry!"

"He always does it, what were you expecting?"

"It's hard to walk under this thing!"

"Will you three shut up!?" Sirius turned to the empty space behind him, scowling, "If they catch you we're done for!"

"It's not my fault," the voice of an invisible James Potter protested, "Peter has no balance!"

"I do! I just can't walk under this thing!"

Sirius could almost hear Remus rolling his eyes, and stifled a chuckle. He jumped, when he heard the unmistakable click, click of his mother's shiny black boots.

"Keep quiet, they'll kill me if they see you here," Sirius hissed, then turned away from the boys just in time to see his parents, Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore round the corner.

"Ahhh, Mr Black, we were just on our way to my office," Professor Dumbledore rested a hand on Sirius' shoulder, his pale blue eyes twinkling merrily.

Sirius nodded, he seemed to be quite nervous now. The small boy merely nodded his head, and fell into step next to his parents, who were either too angry to acknowledge his presence, or were simply ignoring him on purpose, James couldn't tell which.

James, Remus and Peter followed the group as silently as possible. There were a few close calls, mainly Peter's inability to walk on anything other than James' foot, but by the time they reached Professor Dumbledore's office, the three were sure they had gotten away with it; even Remus seemed calmer, and more mischievous than he had first been.

"Exploding bon bon."

The large gargoyle that stood before Professor Dumbledore's office sprang aside for the Headmaster and his guests. Dumbledore signalled for Sirius and his parents to go first, closely followed by Professor McGonagall. James, Remus and Peter were just about to rush past the old wizard, when they felt a tug, and then a slip of the invisibility cloak.

"I understand you are concerned for your friend," James, Remus and Peter paled, all three pairs of eyes widening in horror, "But I am afraid this time, Sirius must be on his own. Do not worry, he will not be forced to do anything he does not want to do," the three boys turned to see Professor Dumbledore watching them with a half amused, half worried look on his face.

"We just don't want him to be put in Slytherin," James quickly piped up, the bolder of the three, "He really doesn't want to be put there, sir. This is all his mum and dad's idea, he really doesn't –"

Dumbledore held up a hand, a small smile on his face, "As I said, Sirius will not be forced to do anything he does not want to do. Now I suggest you get back to your dormitories, I happen to know Peeves is floating around with several Dungbombs, and I'm sure you wouldn't want to be bombarded with them."

The old wizard offered one more smile, then swept into his office. James, Remus and Peter gaped at the gargoyle as it sprang back into place, none of them quite believing their luck.

"How did he know we were there?" James cried incredulously, "Pete! He must've heard you!"

"Sorry," Peter whined, clapping his head in his hands.

Remus patted the small boy on the back, then scowled at James, "I told you it wouldn't work. Can we just go back, Sirius is probably gonna need something to throw after this."

James nodded with a grim smile, and the four boys headed quickly back to their room.

~**~

Sirius returned to the boy's dormitories several hours later, his eyes red rimmed and puffy, and his face pale and blank. He entered the dormitory without a word to the boys, and went straight to his bed.

James, Remus and Peter exchanged worried glances, then hurried over to their friend.

"Sirius, mate...are you alright?" James stepped closer to Sirius, being probably the closer to him out of the three. Sirius, who was lying face down in his four poster bed, mumbled something and shrugged his shoulders.

"What happened?" Peter asked quietly. Beside him, Remus moved a particularly heavy looking textbook onto his own bed, for safety's sake.

Sirius didn't respond, and merely continued to lie face down in the bed. After a few moments, James, Remus and Peter gave up trying to talk to their friend, and moved to ready themselves for bed.

He would tell them when he was ready; he just needed a little time, was all. James, Remus and Peter; they were all willing to wait.


What do you think? Any good? Let me know :) I'm off to read as much as I can before I return to the real world (reality is such a bore :[ )