Chapter 9 Plotting and Discoveries

October was devoted to getting into the swing of things. They had less than weeks to look forward to Halloween but nothing else that could divert the flow of their river of school work. The first Quidditch match of the season was not until November so the Gryffindor team fell into a grueling routine of practice and they were shaping up nicely. James took his Captaincy seriously and expected rather a lot of his team. They ran every other morning, led by Mars and she showed them no mercy; she ran like a gazelle. Dor was in charge of drills and she abused them as well while Sirius was charge of criticism. The chasers became far more agile when Dor and Sirius pretended to be opposing beaters and the reserves were showing signs that they might actually become acceptable substitute players. Injury was a real danger to every position. While the reserves never openly desired their first-string player's injury, one could always hope for a minor injury.

Remus and Lily were working with the first through third year Gryffindors on defense. None could produce a Patronus which was not a surprise. Many highly respected and qualified wizards could not produce a fully-fledged Patronus but their defensive work was improving. They succeeded in Stunning Lily, Impeding Remus and their Shield Charms were at least effective on each other which was a start. At Remus's suggestion, their charges were rewarded with a new spell each time they accomplished a measurable goal. So far, they had been introduced to Furnunculus, Densaugeo and Waddiwasi but they were cautioned to not get caught practicing these in the corridors. They were also told that they should be used defensively thought whether defensively or offensively was splitting hairs. Nearly all magic could be used as an attack or a defense; it was completely dependent on the circumstances and the context of the magic used. Still, they were excellent at Locomotor Mortis and Tarantallegra partly because the used these spells a lot; they were funny. Oddly, some still struggled with Finite Incantatum which was very useful to keep from getting caught by Mr. Filch, practicing magic in the corridors. One could always tell when the younger students had been dueling each other because their residual spells lingered.

One of the perks of being a N.E.W.T. student was apprenticing so three of the sixth years started their apprenticeships by mid-October. Lily was working with Professor Slughorn, Mars with Madam Pomfrey and Sirius with Professor Diggle. It was agreed that advanced skill in these disciplines would be useful.

The full moon was falling roughly the third week of the month for now and this time went far better than last time. Deciding that extreme injury should be avoided they took Moony into the Forbidden Forest. Pete had map duty this time so there was no risk of discovery. They arrived at The Shrieking Shack before Remus became Moony and that alone seemed to be enough for the whole night to go smoothly. It felt like old times and the Marauders were in better moods for it going into the week before Halloween.

Map duty still rotated. It was actually fun to spy on the castle's occupants. They had learned several useful pieces of information just this month. Their Professors met regularly in Professor Dumbledore's office. These meetings lasted about an hour and on occasion included Bartemius Crouch: Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Alastor Moody: Head of the Auror Department and rarely Harold Minchum: The Minister of Magic.

The Slytherins were conspicuous only by their absence in the castle or on the grounds; lately they kept to their common room when not in class or at meals. This group included the likes of Crabbe, Goyle, Avery and Mulcibur just to name a few. It was suspicious that Snape and Regulus were almost never with this group. Instead they were always together but on their own and were most often in the library when they weren't in their dorm. The oddest thing was they had also observed Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Black and Rodolphus Lestrange in the Slytherin common room. The witches thought that The Map must be lying but they were assured by the Marauders that The Map never lies. These Slytherins had completed their seventh year, years back and no one knew how they could enter the castle undetected by any of the Aurors, Portraits, Ghosts, Professors, Students or the Headmaster. Furthermore, they didn't believe for a second that they had leave to be here.

This information had to be brought to Professor Dumbledore's attention and how to accomplish such an operation was the focus of the Marauders next big plan. They would, in a manner yet to be determined intercept these intruders, maybe even gain access to Slytherin common room, so they could provide eyewitness accounts to the Headmaster. They pondered for several days before Lily suggested they use Polyjuice Potion.

"I told you we should have nicked some!" Sirius said one afternoon when they met up in the Room of Requirement to come up with a plan. Sirius and James volunteered to take the Polyjuice potion and pose as Regulus and Snivellus, respectively. Infiltrating the Slytherin common was a bold plan and the risk of it posed actual, as opposed to theoretical danger.

"Flower, this may sound gross but you wouldn't have anything that actually came from Snivelly's person, would ya? A stray hair left on your robes, a toe nail, some grease? Anything, from your long association? I mean I have items from Regulus's person, not toenails or grease mind, but we've shared cloaks before. I'm sure I could find a stray hair that would serve."

"Eeww Sirius, you can't be serious," Lily looked sick at the thought.

"Well, I am Sirius."

"Clever," Lily dead panned. "I dunno. I never thought to check my trunk for Snape toenails but I will now!" Lily couldn't keep a straight face. "It's quite a disturbing thought but it would be useful if I did have something. I will look tonight, before the next Marauder-Minion Meeting. I could also just contrive to meet up with him if need be, somewhere in the open like the Great Hall. Better still, a severing charm for Severus, during dinner might work." Lily was thinking aloud now, giddy at her own play on words. Snivelly's toenails indeed.

"Flower? Lily? Minion!" Sirius snapped his fingers under her nose and that brought her out of her brief revere.

"Has a certain ring to it ...Marauder Minion. I've never been a minion," She said wiping tears from her eyes. She and Sirius seemed to be the only ones who thought that this conversation was funny but she didn't really care. A laugh was a laugh and she owed it to Snape to laugh at his expense, often and loudly.

"Well you are now!" Sirius gave her the thumbs up and tried to straighten out his face.

"Too bad we don't have any devoted house elves handy." Mars was thinking aloud too and looking right at James.

"You could call yours into service just as easily as I could Mars! We have never used my house elves for a prank, not ever, let alone an operation like this! I don't like the idea of using them for nefarious purposes, makes me feel like a pure blood."

"You are a pure blood James! If you think about it, house elves have a lot to lose if Old Voldy's side wins!" Mars countered.

"True. Still...it feels wrong. Besides who do I call, Wik? He's ancient!"

"You have plenty to choose from James," Lily offered sarcastically having not quite regained her composure. James smirked at her and Sirius both. Who knew that their sense of humor was so similar? Attempting contrition Sirius turned his attention to James.

"Prongs, you always fail to remember that your house elves are obliged to do as you command. It's part of their magic! That they love you is beside the point."

"Pads, sometimes you sound like Orion. Always the cool voice of a pragmatist no matter how distasteful something might be."

"If you'd said Walburga I'd have had to hit you. Orion isn't in her class of evil; he just turns a blind eye and lets her get on with it. I'm just saying you impose your values over their own. Your elves would never refuse a request from you, nor consider it distasteful. They probably couldn't come to think of it since yours are forbidden them to punish themselves. Monty is soft on them. They're honor bound to feel honored and you know that they enjoy doing things they shouldn't. Besides, they don't approve of Walburga decapitating her elves nor her egregious use of Kreacher. Your elves have learned their distrust of Slytherins from you. They might enjoy being part of a plan to spy on wizards that they regard as dishonorable."

"Well, maybe. I'd have to think about it. It was your idea Mars and I don't hear you calling any of your house elves into service! Second thoughts?"

"Maybe you're right. I'm sorry I mentioned it, sounds wrong to hear it voiced outside my own head, in your voice, ya know? Come to think of it, I always hear your voice in my head when I consider doing something dubious. Why's that do you suppose?"

"Because Mars, we've been friends for what...twelve years? Besides I hear your voice in my head too when I'm being dodgy."

"I'm surprised that you don't hear Lily's voice scolding you...she's done it far more times than I have!"

"Hey, I'm right here just so you know," Lily was scowling at each of them in turn. "And...if I never apologized for being...snotty... James, well, I'm sorry. I wasn't in possession of all the facts in those days and I... acted...badly towards you, to all of you really. I do feel awful about it now, really, I do."

"Thanks Lily. But I deserved most of it so no worries!"

"Well, Marauders, Minions, lovely as all this sappy stuff is, it's not getting us anywhere," Dor used her beater's voice now, "Focus people!"

They tried to refocus, to bully their brains but there was nothing for it. Their concentration was lost so their plan didn't get far. They decided what they all needed was to get some fresh air so they slipped out of the Room of Requirement and headed to their beech tree by the lake. It was windy today and chilly, not at all like last weekend in Hogsmeade so with jumpers on they decided to walk around the grounds rather than sitting in the cold wind that was coming off the lake.

They took the long way around, behind the greenhouses where they were out of the wind. They enjoyed the heat of the sun warmed castle walls as it leaked out like a vapor, getting trapped between the castle walls and the greenhouses. They made their way down to Hagrid's and were invited in for tea and his unavoidable rock cakes. It was a tight squeeze but they doubled up on chairs and were encouraged by Hagrid to join Fang on his giant bed. Fang was the size of an adolescent unicorn now and took up half the bed all by himself. Hagrid had a lovely fire going and they visited, quite glad of Hagrid's hospitality. Their earlier bad moods were safely behind them. James however, knew Hagrid had a sharp eye and in a moment of inspiration, he came right out and asked him if he'd noticed anything suspicious going on with the Slytherins.

"Come t' think, I ain' seen much o' 'em rotters! Never could abide 'em see, shifty they are, the whole lot! Why'd ya ask James?"

"Well, that's it exactly. We rarely see them, no taunting, no dueling, no hexing; it's not like them. I think they're up to something."

"Pro'bly are but leave it to Dumbledore, an' the Aurors. They're a dangerous bunch, those Slytherins. Don' you have 'nough ta be goin' on with?"

"We do. Still, I struggle with curiosity Hagrid. You know that."

"I do but my advice it'd be ta keep yer head down an' yer nose clean. Ain' nuthin' goes on here, that he don' know 'bout. That'd include yer lot playing silly buggers!"

They'd pocketed their rock cakes leaving just at sundown, tossing them to the giant squid who surprisingly tossed them back. The Slytherin Quidditch team was trooping up to the castle from practice and James pulled out the Marauders Map. He watched Regulus's dot to see where he was headed.

"Gotcha!" James looked at the rest of the Marauders.

"Well James, looks like we're not the only ones who use that room." Remus said.

October was flying by and they still did not have a solid plan together for outing the Slytherins and their visitors. Regrettably, they missed another opportunity when Malfoy, Black and Lestrange once again were spotted in the Slytherin common room. They never caught them in route; they were always already there or they appeared to just suddenly appear! It was late and the Marauders, the Minions and Frank had the Gryffindor Common room to themselves. Still, they kept their heads close and their voices low. No need to inspire eves-dropping first years to do something foolishly brave and potentially life threatening.

"You know, if Slughorn had a Slugclub party then Lily could wheedle information outta him. It's his common room after all, he might know something and you are his favorite."

"Thank you, Sirius. I am glad that my talents are valued enough to take your notice." Lily said proudly.

"Why hasn't he had one this year? Bit outta character, don' you think? He couldn't be in on it, could he? He is so nice. Maybe too nice, trying to distract our attention from his secret nefarious side?" said Sirius.

"Don't be ridiculous Sirius. He hasn't had one because it seemed disingenuous after Mary's attack. And, his being nice, is genuine. If anything, he is too nice and doesn't see what his own house gets up to!" defended Lily.

"You're probably right." Sirius conceded.

"They must have a secret passage way that goes from somewhere like Malfoy Manor or Knockturn Alley straight in to their common room; there's no other explanation!" Remus complained quietly.

"Speaking of Knockturn Alley, there is a shop there called Borgin and Burkes where they sell all sorts. Dark stuff; cursed objects, poisons. What? Don't look at me like that, I don't shop there! But Walburga does; she trades there as well. I've been there. Borgin, now there's a creeper; definitely dodgy. Anyway, Walburga traded some cursed jewels for a troll leg umbrella stand once; disgusting witch, my mother. She brought Reg and me along. I've never even seen Burke! They say no one's seen him in years! Maybe they sell portable portals or something. I've even heard that The Elder Wand is in there; locked in a safe. That'd be worth a fortune." Sirius said.

"The Elder Wand is a myth Sirius." Remus stated as if it was a fact.

"Off topic Marauders. Again! How you four ever manage to see a prank plan to completion is beyond me. We were discussing ways to enter the castle undetected." Dor scolded.

"Right...Well, maybe we can't see it on the Map because...it's unplottable somehow." Sirius was thinking on his feet now, pacing and talking his way through his argument, hand clasped behind his back. "An unplottable, portable portal! That's it! For all we know, Old Salazar himself could have made one, it's always been available there and maybe they just discovered it? Besides, why would any Slytherin worth their salt tell anyone about such a secret! It's not surprising that no one knows."

"Just because we don't know doesn't mean that no one knows. As Gryffindors, wouldn't we be the last to know?" said Mary this as if it were obvious.

"Maybe they have an invisibility cloak," suggested Pete. This got The Marauder's attention. Leave it to Pete to come up with the simplest answer and most dangerous topic to discuss in mixed company. James openly scowled at Pete and he looked properly reprimanded. Pete would suggest something that his Marauders didn't want the Minions even considering! They did not respond to this statement however in the hope that Dor would not catch on. She'd already made mention of invisibility cloaks before and they did not want her to get the bit between her teeth.

Too late. "An invisibility tent more like," Dor snorted.

"Well I'm not sure that's the only explanation, Remus. I just don't see how such a thing could have been here and used right under Dumbledore's nose. There must be some other explanation. An invisibility cloak seems more likely to me," Lily said acknowledging Pete's proposal.

"Maybe they have created wards within the wards. No, that's idiotic too! Maybe...Oh hell I don't know!" James was pacing and his hair surpassing messy. "If it's a passageway then it should show up on the Map!"

"Not necessarily. The Room of Requirement doesn't show up on the Map." Pete said, stating the obvious. He'd been quiet too, but listening intently while taking copious notes and sorting ideas for their feasibility.

"If there was a weakness in the wards, why would it be located in the Slytherin's common room?" Lily asked.

"I've just said Flower! Sirius said sounding annoyed.

"So, you think Salazar Slytherin created it on purpose? Possibly as a means of escape? Or infiltration? It's possible Sirius. I think the Room of Requirement uses very old magic and maybe it has always been here. For all we know it too could be the work of Salazar." Remus interrupted, nodding to Sirius, his voice deliberately calm and reasonable.

"Slughorn would have noticed such a thing!" Lily was incredulous.

"I dunno. It's not like we don't hide stuff in here, that McGonagall doesn't know about." James confessed.

"Admit it, it is a dodgy room even if we like it! And we can't be only students to know about it" Pete offered. "Also, there is the legend of The Chamber of Secrets and no one's ever found it either; it certainly doesn't show up on the Map!"

"Maybe no one's looked Pete." Mary offered.

"Naw, they've looked. Remember, it's mentioned in Hogwarts: A History." James added.

"You've read Hogwarts: A History?" Lily sounded astonished.

"I'm not a Philistine Lily; you've seen a picture of my library!" James hissed.

"You're right James. That was out of order. I apologize." Lily looked sheepishly at James waiting for him to forgive her.

"It's alright Lily. I read a lot. I'm just bothered by all this. Our castle is being infiltrated by Death Eaters!"

"Wouldn't Dumbledore know, feel it or something? You know what I mean; sense that the wards were compromised or deteriorating or even defeated?" Mary asked.

"But who could accomplish that, he's only the greatest living Wizard of our time!" Sirius said in defense of Dumbledore.

"Unless...there might be a wizard living, who could accomplish this but... It's a terrible thought." Lily's face stilled, her eyes had a far-away look and her mouth was a perfect O.

"Well...spit it out Lily; whatcha got?" Dor demanded.

"Voldemort." She almost whispered.

"Oh my." Mars so far had been mostly listening but she spoke up now. "Well, I think this is mad! It's easy. We have to tell Dumbledore. We lie about how we know if we must but we tell him! Planning a prank is one thing but to have knowledge of this sort and not tell is practically criminal! If you won't then I will. I can lie as well as any of you."

"Naw Mars, you can't. Keeping a secret is not the same thing as telling a lie." Sirius said softly.

"Mars, you're right of course. We tell him." Dor had been mostly listening too but it was apparent that they both thought The Marauders were out of their depth. They waited, glaring at them, arms crossing stubbornly.

"We can still plan to, you know, catch them at it though, right?" Sirius asked hopefully.

"Why don't you lot put your expertise into a plan for how we are all going to go to the Headmaster and tell him what we know! He'll know we're hiding something, he always knows but maybe he'll care less about how we know and more about our information. It's doesn't have to be like a confession. We don't have to spill all of it." Dor had hit on their solution. He room quieted and as one, they all relaxed, looking relieved. Shoulders dropped a little and held breaths were exhaled. There was nothing for it. They all looked at each other, rose in unison and marched out of the portrait hole headed to the Headmasters office without a backward glance.

The Fat Lady and the Aurors however, protested vociferously. Only one Auror followed them, the other remained at her post. The Fat Lady did not remain at her post and Lily was sure that she was heading straight to the next portrait in the chain to alert Dumbledore. The Auror, a tall bloke with an ear ring and a very low voice asked them where they were headed, they were led by the Head Boy and had two prefects with them after all, so not out to cause trouble. All they all said was "Dumbledore." The Auror introduced himself as Kingsley Shacklebolt and accompanied them to the Headmasters office.

"Licorice Wands." The stone gargoyle slid aside, the spiral staircase was revealed and they all stepped on and rode it up. When they knocked on the door it opened of its own accord and they walked in. Professors McGonagall, Slughorn and Alastor Moody were already there.

"It's past curfew. This better be important or you will all serve detention." Professor McGonagall said with a scowl on her face. "Even the Head boy and my prefects."

"We were escorted here by Mr. Shacklebolt." Lily offered pointing toward the imposingly large Auror who nodded as if to confirm Lily's account. Her Professor looked skeptical but chose not to punish them yet; maybe she wanted to hear what the Head Boy and her sixth years came here to say.

"Very well but this had better be of the utmost importance." McGonagall stated, scowling as only she could do.

Everyone looked at James, even Frank. Frank was the school's Head Boy but James was the sixth year's leader. James rolled his eyes at the lot and turned to face the Headmaster.

"Lucius Malfoy, Bellatrix Black and Rodolphus Lestrange have been in the Slytherin common room twice." As Dumbledore was not one for preamble James figured it would be best to just get straight to the heart of it.

"That's quite a serious accusation Mr. Potter. Have you any evidence to support such a statement?" Slughorn sounded impressed rather than defensive.

"We do but we would ask you to consider the information of more value than the manner in which it was obtained." James was holding fast. "My word of Honor Sir, we did not break any school rules; you can give me Veritaserum or use Legilimency on me. I am not lying when I say that no rules or Laws were broken." James looked directly at his Headmaster, his expression completely open.

Professor Dumbledore did not question James's statement or ask for evidence. Instead he looked directly into James's eyes. He did not use Legilimency on James; it was unnecessary; James was a terrible Occlumens. Professor Dumbledore decided that if James wanted to keep their methods private and would give his word that they had broken no rules or Laws (he could be a bit over the top, James Potter) then he would continue to permit them these, for now. After all, he had known about James's Invisibility Cloak since Monty gifted it to James. He nodded to James and then to the rest of his Gryffindors in turn. Last, he looked at his Aurors and his Professors.

"Is this true Albus?" Professor McGonagall looked astonished and almost disappointed that Dumbledore would know such a thing and worse allow it.

"It is. It is true Minerva. Alastor and Horace came to me with this news today. We've only just discussed it, that's why I summoned you here tonight. I wanted to be sure of my facts and I risked a reoccurrence for confirmation. They have been under constant surveillance both times." He nodded to Kingsley and Moody who nodded in confirmation. "I was necessary Minerva, I assure you." Dumbledore looked almost chastened by the look he received from his Deputy Headmistress but returned her glare with something like a request for her continued support and trust. McGonagall's scowl softened.

The Marauders and their Minions stood completely still, faces shocked onto the now stereotypical O that had been reoccurring this year with alarming frequency at this exchange between Dumbledore and McGonagall.

Dumbledore turned his gaze to his students and addressed them. Now, it was the adults turns to look shocked and remain completely still. "I want to thank you for coming to me with this. Just as easily, you could've chosen to deal with it on your own; which would have been reckless, even for you." Dumbledore spoke this to the Marauders. "I also see that you have confidants" he nodded approvingly at the Minions, "there's safety in numbers, relatively speaking, and secrets have a way of revealing themselves. It's best to have friends in times like these. Please keep this information to yourselves; it wouldn't help to cause a panic. You must trust us with this and believe that we are using it for the greater good." He smiled at them all and then said, "If that is all, Kingsley will escort you back to your common room. Kingsley, if you please?"

Once back in their common room, James was obviously furious. "We were dismissed. Dumbledore was being typically cryptic! Even McGonagall thought the whole thing was reckless! It's infuriating but what more could we say? Ask the dozens of questions that we all have now? Dumbledore would obfuscate and now we might wind up under surveillance! That is if we weren't already. Come to think of it we probably were. If not before then we certainly were now! Happy now Mars?" James accused.

"Yes! Yes, I am James and you should be too! We're students James not Aurors! I'm going to bed now before we row! We did the right thing and you know it. Like it or not!" Mars turned on her heals and walked straight up to her dorm.

Lily looked sympathetically at James. "She's right you know. It's late and suddenly I feel exhausted. Let's all get some sleep. Things will look different in the morning."

The rest of the girls followed Lily up the stairs leaving the Marauders and Frank alone in the common room. "Well, that's what we get for including them, for showing them our Map." Pete accused.

"Piss off Peter! I'm going up. It's been a long night." James left and reluctantly the others followed. It was a rough night for sleep.

The witches, united in disappointment that their Headmaster knew Death Eaters were infiltrating the castle and permitted them entrance twice needed discussing, justification if some could be found. They all got into their pyjamas and piled on their beds to swap ideas. What could possibly justify Dumbledore allowing Death Eaters to enter the castle twice? It seemed inexcusable, even for Dumbledore who was known for unorthodox methods and admittedly, they felt let down. It was Dor who pointed out that wizards had a unique affinity for risk and danger but Mars pointed out that this affinity was usually restricted to only willing participants. It shouldn't pose a risk to the innocent. Sleep didn't come until the early hours when they'd exhausted both ideas and the stamina to voice them.

The wizards had a different approach to their take on the whole thing. They ignored each other and piled into their beds, pulled their curtains and stewed alone. It was the second time that debate, discussion and theorizing failed to occur among the Marauders. The first was a long time ago when Sirius's little joke on Snape regarding the Whomping Willow and the secret it guarded. That time the Marauders were nearly torn apart. That time, James was actually so furious he wouldn't even speak to Sirius for weeks. It took the level head of Remus to heal that wound. This time James was angry with and deeply disappointed in his Headmaster and not too pleased with Pete. The memory of the only real rift in the Marauders was enough for James to try and get past his attitude toward Pete, reminding himself that it was Pete's sweetheart who'd been attacked, twice and that just might excuse his pissed-off mood and inconsistent attitude about sharing the Marauders' Map. Mary was safer because they shared and Pete knew it. He also figured that Pete felt he should have protected Mary and failed to do so. Truth be told, Pete wasn't much at magic anyway and James knew it always bothered Pete so Pete was already forgiven. Furthermore, James trusted Dumbledore and reminded himself that his Headmaster's risky actions must be accompanied by some plan. Still, how could he have discovered this and then allowed it to repeat; permitting Death Eaters into his castle. He fell asleep dreaming horrible dreams of disaster and collateral damage.

The following morning came with new Marauder resolve and group frustration with Dumbledore was placed on the back burner. James shared Dumbledore's notion of second chances so he allowed for second chance for both Dumbledore and Pete. After all, they had Halloween to plan and they couldn't do it without Pete.

Dumbledore's dismissal and typically cryptic manner still made them angry but they woke feeling greater conviction in their clandestine monitoring of the Castle. They finally had something concrete on the Slytherins. The Marauders redirected their energy. Halloween would be incomplete without a host of proper pranks and they hadn't planned a prank for ages. They decided they would keep these plans to themselves; they missed planning just the four of them, no matter how much they adored their Minions and James and Pete needed a united purpose to put behind their enmity of the night before.

Frank was working on the prefect's schedule of Defense tutoring for the underclassmen with Lily, Mars was working on her apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey, Dor and Alice were doing research on historical methods of infiltrating the castle so the four Marauders had their dorm all to themselves. This private time was becoming rarer by the day so they took full advantage of the time to plan their Halloween pranks. They'd agreed to keep this a secret, even from the Minions; they'd say that it was done for them, their host of Halloween pranks which in part, it was. It was a surprise and needed to be kept secret. The Minions might not buy it but by then it would be too late!

James brought out his lucky pack. It certainly had an Undetectable Extension Charm on it as was evidenced when he began to unpack its contents and lay it all out on his bed. They took inventory.

"Maybe we'll be missing something and have to make a discrete trip to Hogsmeade," Sirius said hopefully.

"We can go whether we need something or not Pads! We're still free wizards and we still have our secrets!" James said nodding to Pete in reconciliation. Pete nodded back. Their bad moods had burned out overnight and today, they were all about mischief.

"So, where is that bottle of inspiration Prongs?" Sirius asked excitedly. "Just one to lubricate the noggin!"

James pulled out the bottle of fire whiskey and four silver tumblers. They each took their tumbler and held it out to James. He poured each one a generous portion, replaced the cork and stowed it back into his lucky pack.

"We solemnly swear that we are up to no good!" They toasted in unison and took a simultaneous drink. They never drank more than one generous jigger when planning a prank; they'd learned that lesson back in fifth year. Drunk planning lead to disastrous results. This year they were determined to orchestrate their best Halloween to date!

At the same time, in a completely different part of the castle there were other wizards making their own plans for Halloween. They too were thinking that their plans surely would be unforgettable. It turned out they would be.

The Marauder's Map lay open on James's bed but their need to plan the

best-ever Halloween completely overshadowed the caution that would have had them check the map regularly. So, intent they were on their own plans and schemes they failed to observe the the arrival of Death Eaters into the Slytherin common room. After they made their plans and set a timing schedule, Pete gathered his notes and put them into James's lucky pack. They were in great moods for the rest of the night before Halloween. The common room was uncommonly noisy that night; everyone enjoyed the Halloween Feast and gambled on likely Marauder Pranks but the Marauders gave no details.

The following morning, Halloween had arrived and the castle was in full preparation mode. It would be easy today, finishing up their plans. Everyone was so busy that the Marauder's activities seemed to go unnoticed.

"It's too long Moony! The list is just too long," James sounded overwhelmed.

"Thus, Professor Flitwick. We've been practicing for weeks now Prongs, it will cover three quarters of the list. No worries mate!"

"So, are we sure that everything is ready, I mean absolutely ready?" James felt like a nervous nelly but this year's prank had to run like clockwork.

"We've checked, double checked and triple checked. Every phase of the operation is set to go exactly as planned; no hitches possible," Remus assured him.

"And Wormy?" James was running through everything out loud with Remus because it helped to settled him down.

"He's there, look." James looked up to Wormy's designated position and sure enough, the little Animagus was sitting exactly where he was supposed to be, indicating that his part was completed. James was sure the little rat gave him, a thumb's up.

"Cheeky little rat! Padfoot? How's things?" James whispered loudly into the mirror when Sirius's face filled it in to the edges. "Ship shape in Bristol fashion Prongs! Stop worrying, your hair can't take much more!"

"Well...there's no turning back now! By the way, we can see up your nose Pads! Moony, shall we?" They disappeared from view.

"We really are getting too tall for this Prongs. I'm sure my trainers show."

"Too late now Moony."

"What would we do without Wormy?"

"I hope we never have to find out Prongs! You are certain that only a drop will do the trick?"

"Positive. It's amazing what Pads can coax out of dad when he puts his mind to it; drew him into a Potions debate regarding Polyjuice and dad just had to show off. So, let's just get this done, they'll be here in less than an hour."

Precisely three minutes later James asked, "Done?"

"Done," answered Remus. "Now let's go get our witches."