AN: Sorry for the long wait. Real life along with plenty of power outages put a damper on my writing these past few months, but I'm back and will try to get on at least a biweekly schedule. No promises. This chapter is shorter than the first draft, because I felt that the morning meeting with Slughorn and the first day of classes added little to the narrative and only served to introduce characters and add atmosphere that we already know pretty well from the source material. I'm going to start answering any questions reviewers have in the author's notes. I already PM'd Mishra regarding his/her questions and the answers were extensive, so I'll paraphrase my responses.

1) I intend for this fic to be a monstrosity. The current estimate based on the number of outlined chapters and average chapter length is around 400k.

2) Writing too out of character is always a concern as it's very prevalent in the fandom and most fanfictions feature a Harry who is an OC in all but name. I've tried to avoid making James too OOC even though he has a different upbringing, but we know little of his personality from the books and most of the information came from secondhand sources that were either friends or enemies. The only impartial sources are memories of his best and worst moments. He showed a stupid level of bravery by facing Voldemort without a wand that Halloween night in an attempt to buy time for his family, but he also showed that he was a bully who delighted in the misfortune of others in the latter part of his Hogwarts years. I'm trying to make James a flawed, but likable character who can easily be a hero or a villain depending on a character's point of view.

Rue Mo

1) The marauders will still exist, but James probably won't know that they exist until fifth year and even if he does, he won't know that the group is called the 'Marauders'

Guest

1) My chapters will be at least 3k otherwise I won't even bother to post them. I know that I would be annoyed if a story I liked only got a 500 word update, so I'm not going to do that to people.

Thank you for your reviews. The chapter picks up right where we left off.

Iacomus: September 1st, 1971, Slytherin Common Room, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

James stood between Cissy and Rabastan in the small circle that formed in the center of the common room. Across from him, Roddy wore a stony expression that made him look even more severe than usual. He had clearly discovered the adjustments his brother made to his robe, as his appearance was now immaculate.

Unlike his brother, Roddy was rather plain-looking with a clean-shaven face and brown eyes that always seemed to take on a dull sheen. Other than occasionally criticizing others with his dry wit or relaying events he found amusing, James had never heard him utter anything that could be called a joke.

He's even more serious than father…

"Iacomus, Narcissa." He nodded to both of them in turn as James took his place at the small gathering.

Cissy shifted back and forth for a few seconds before moving away to go stand next to Lucius off to the side. Roddy always seemed to unsettle her, but James didn't know why. They both valued propriety and took matters seriously, so he was at a loss as to why she felt that way.

I should ask father what he thinks...Apparently I'm no longer the best judge of character...

Bella moved to James's left as he watched Evan move over to his brother and whisper in his ear. Romulus nodded before following his brother up to the dormitory. Mulciber, Avery, and Snape had already gone up the stairs. James wished he could follow them, as he was feeling very sleepy, but he knew that he wouldn't get away with that.

The silence dragged on for a few seconds before someone saw fit to break it.

"So...We all know why we're here..." Andy trailed off shifting her gaze between Bella and Roddy.

Rabastan snorted. "The little turd's done it this time." Andy cringed at his tone.

"He won't be doing much of anything when I'm done with him...", Bella said.

Glad I'm not Siri right now...

Roddy gave her an admonishing glare colored with an emotion James couldn't identify. "What exactly do you suggest Bella? You are the one who called this meeting. Please...enlighten us."

Bella brightened up and was practically chirping as she spoke. "Why, we make his life miserable, of course. Practice a few hexes...keep him and his new mudblood friends on their toes..." She started stroking her gnarled wand. "...teach him that you can't just turn your back on blood without any...consequences."

James found himself smiling at her enthusiasm as Rabastan smirked next to him. Andy simply looked uncomfortable and shared a nervous glance over her shoulder with Cissy.

She was always such a spoilsport...It won't be anything less than the traitor deserves...

Roddy shook his head looking less than amused at Bella's antics. "How, exactly, will that help anything? He's already been sorted into Gryffindor. Attacking him further will only allow the light families to sink their claws in deeper."

James frowned as he thought over Roddy's words.

He's right...it will only isolate him from us, but he should reap what he sows…

He took the time to speak up. "Sirius is going to do everything he can to go against the family anyway. That's how he's always been. We might as well let him know that we aren't going to tolerate it."

Bella gave him a smile and ruffled his hair while Roddy narrowed his eyes at him as if looking at a particularly troublesome arithmancy set. James wasn't surprised that Roddy was confused at his uncharacteristic outburst. Sirius usually did enough talking for the both of them and James rarely felt the need to add his own opinion when it usually reflected Sirius's views anyway.

Andy gaped at him like he grew another head. "You're going to abandon your best friend just because he was sorted into Gryffindor?" She looked indignant on Sirius' behalf.

James was fuming. She didn't know anything. She didn't know what Sirius did, what he said.

I didn't abandon him...He abandoned me…

James steeled himself and crossed his arms, leveling a glare at Andy."He is not my friend and he never will be again. He brought this upon himself." James was serious. Unless Sirius got a complete personality transplant and groveled on his hands and knees to be his friend again, James would never forgive him.

Andy didn't take his response very well. "He's your cousin!" She threw a disgusted look between him and Bella. "I can't believe you all are considering shunning and attacking him for something he has no control over."

No control over?...I doubt it...I chose Slytherin...He could have done the same if he wanted...

She looked especially murderous towards Bella who was nonplussed as ever at her sister's venom. "As if his mother doesn't do enough…Do what you want, but leave me out of it..." She turned with a final shake of her head and walked towards the stairs to her dormitory. Cissy looked conflicted for a moment before tearing her gaze from the retreating back of her sister and grasping Lucius' hand.

I'll have to explain everything to Andy later...If she lets me get in a word edgewise…She always liked Sirius better anyway...

Roddy sighed. "Now that the grandstanding is over with..." He shot a glance towards the girl's quarters. "...Does anyone have something productive to say?"

Rabastan smirked. "For once, I'm looking forward to one of Lady Black's howlers."

Everyone except Roddy and Cissy let out soft snickers at the prospect of Aunt Walburga's screeching voice echoing above the lion's table.

"I suppose I'll take that as a no." He shook his head in exasperation. "Since we could not come to a consensus on how to approach this situation, we should at least act civil as befits our status."

Lucius and Cissy nodded in acquiescence, but Bella started chortling even louder at that while Rabastan and James smirked.

Like she's going to listen to you, Roddy...That's not bloody likely…

"I'm sure that we'll all act as we see fit, dear brother.", Rabastan said in a bored drawl.

"Fine, but don't expect me to cover for you when you get caught terrorizing first years." Roddy glared with equal emphasis between his betrothed and his brother. "I'll inform my father and Lord Black of tonight's developments, but I refuse to condone any further action. If I catch you causing trouble, I will not hesitate to perform my duties."

He softened his gaze when he turned to James. "You and Narcissa should get some rest. The firsties have a big day tomorrow." James hated it when Roddy spoke to him in that patronizing tone of his. He respected Roddy, but James wasn't five anymore.

He rolled his eyes. "Yes, Mother."

Roddy was audibly grinding his teeth as Bella giggled. Rabastan chuckled and nudged him towards the stairs. "It pains me to say, but the git's right, James. You're swaying on your feet." He winked "We can plot revenge later."

James didn't want to go to bed. He wasn't even tired. He found himself yawning as Roddy sent him a chastising look.

Okay...Maybe I am a bit tired…but it's the principle of the matter...

He knew if he left that Rabastan and Bella would come up with a plan of their own and leave James out of it. He hated being left out of anything, especially pranks, but he was feeling a bit drowsy.

Bella started dragging Rabastan away to one of the large couches. "Night-night, ickle Jamie." He watched Lucius kiss Cissy's hand as he bid her goodnight and James resigned himself to an early night.

Well...I guess I have no choice in the matter...I can cajole them into including me tomorrow…

"Goodnight." James grumbled out to the room as he followed Lucius up the stairs.

The blond ponce kept going up the stairs without looking back. He knew better than to follow blindly like a fool.

Now more than ever…

He kept his eyes peeled for doors as he ascended the staircase. James turned to his left and noticed a large black door with a silver plaque that read 'First Years'. He opened the door to find two of his new roommates in a heated argument.

The door keeps noise inside the room...Good to know…

Mulciber and Snape were looking on with detached amusement as Avery and Romulus were bickering back and forth at a volume that made James' groggy head ring. James closed the door behind him to save the ears of any unfortunate passerby.

"I'm Sacred 28!", said Avery.

"I am too, you pillock! You would know that if you were not a complete ignoramus!" Rom looked thoroughly exasperated with Cassius.

A power play already?...I'm too tired for this...We just got here for Merlin's sake…At least they stopped their pointless broom bickering...

"I am an heir! You're only a spare." Avery was starting to turn red in the face.

I wonder how long they've been going at it...

"Who cares? My family's two stations higher than yours anyway! It doesn't matter!" Rom just looked tired and annoyed.

Sirius' absence had apparently left a power vacuum; he would have been the leader of the first years on the merits of his social status as the Black heir alone. With James' inevitable support, his push for leadership would have been unstoppable. Sirius said that he didn't care about that sort of thing, but James knew better.

He never turns down the opportunity to have others at his beck and call…He would have asserted himself at the first opportunity...

James couldn't honestly care less who 'won' this confrontation. Rom never struck him as the ambitious sort and James wagered that he just didn't want Cassius walking all over him. James thought it was rather silly to start a row over it, however.

I highly doubt Mulciber or Snape would follow any of our leads anyway…Let Avery think he's won...It would save us all our sanity for the night...

It hurt James slightly that neither of them confronted him for a power play. He wasn't Sacred 28, but he was still the heir of a most noble house, the foremost vassal of the Blacks, and he liked to think that he had some measure of cunning.

No matter what that stupid hat thinks…

That both Rom and Avery had evidently dismissed him so casually out of hand was, quite frankly, insulting.

They probably think that I don't know how to function properly now that Sirius is out of the picture...I was rather quiet on the train...but I put the half-blood in his place at the feast...That's got to count for something with Mulciber and Avery at least…

As James worked through his thoughts and as the minutes passed by, Cassius and Rom's argument had devolved into petty jabs at their families' purity. Snape had apparently already gotten bored as he had retired for the night and closed the curtains around his bed.

Did he even put on night clothes?...Filthy half-bloods…No personal hygiene...

"Everyone knows that the Warrington's purity is questionable! Especially after recent events!"

"Is there anything of substance in that thick skull of yours? We weren't even born yet and she married outside of the family; it hardly affects me! At least I don't have a squib for a great-grandfather!", Rom shot back. He looked like he wanted to hex Avery and be done with it.

Mulciber was looking smug as he leaned against one of his bed's posts. James just wanted to go to sleep at this point and felt that he had enough drama for the day. He couldn't believe that just this morning he was joking with Sirius over breakfast.

It feels like a lifetime ago...I guess I have a new life now...and I refuse to spend it listening to these prats nitpick each other's vast genealogy…

"SHUT UP!" James admitted that it wasn't the most elegant method of inserting himself into the conversation, but it sure got their attention. Even Jedrek looked briefly shocked before he smirked at the prospect of more entertainment. Rom and Avery both turned their attention to James as if noticing his presence for the first time.

"What are you two doing?" James didn't wait for an answer as he took out his partly misplaced frustration. "It's the first night and I, for one, would like to sleep sometime during the course of it. You can continue to attempt to convince each other of your innate superiority in the morning, but until then you will be quiet..." James awkwardly removed his wand from its holster on his left arm and held it loosely at his side. "…or I can show you a spell my father taught me to tame stray tongues."

That sounded wizard...I should monologue more often...

James could have sworn he heard a snort coming from the bed to his left, but he refused to acknowledge it. Rom only looked relieved at James' intervention. Avery, on the other hand, looked apoplectic.

What's got his wand in a twist?...He's usually pretty agreeable...

"Who died and made you king, Potter? I bet your daddy didn't teach you anything, because he clearly hates having such a dimwit for a son. Did you think that just because you followed Black around like a glorified servant we would..." James had heard quite enough of that and leveled his wand..

I warned you...

"Spraksper" Avery immediately clammed up as the white jet of light hit his face. As his complexion continued to redden, James' smile grew. "At least I know my place, Avery. My father clearly taught me enough to show you yours."

Father is right...hexing others provides wonderful stress relief…

Mulciber was struggling to remain upright, he was laughing so hard, while Rom just wore a pleased smirk. Avery opened his mouth a few more times before giving up and stomping into the attached lavatory.

"Your father showed you that then?", Rom asked.

James quirked an eyebrow. "I just said that, didn't I?"

Rom tilted his head slightly and Jedrek took the time to insert himself as he pulled himself together. "We just thought he went to Hogwarts, is all."

"He did..." James had no idea what they were trying to get at. "...Why?"

Rom and Jedrek just shared a look before Rom turned back to James with a sigh. "It's nothing. It just sounds like a spell someone would learn at Durmstrang."

James shrugged. As far as he knew, his family had always attended Hogwarts. "He said he learned it from my grandfather. Must have been in the family for a while, I'd reckon."

Jedrek nodded, accepting the explanation, but Rom still had a curious look on his face.

James had his own questions. "How long had you and Avery been going at it? It looked like you were in the middle of it when I came in."

"Pretty much since we got up here..." He rolled his eyes. "...He took exception to the fact that his bed was the farthest from the bathroom and mine was closer. Now that Black's gone, Tosser thinks he's the mutt's nuts, he does. He wanted to switch and I didn't feel all that inclined to oblige him."

Mulciber yawned and moved to get ready to retire once he realized that another argument wasn't brewing.

We don't exist purely for his amusement...the prat…

"Silly thing to start a row over. His bed is closest to the door." James shook his head. "It's a perfectly fine spot." He took note of his own bed in the far corner. "Much better than mine. It's the farthest away from everything."

"You could take Avery's, you know…" Rom smirked. "...I doubt he would raise any objections in his condition."

That...That's actually a great idea…

James smirked back. "I think I will...serves the prat right."

Rom nodded and they proceeded to work together to switch the trunks around before changing into their night clothes. Just as they finished, the door to the loo opened and Avery walked out looking thunderous.

He strode up to James and firmly pointed at his mouth. James struggled not to laugh as he spoke. "Yes, Avery?" Jedrek had perked up in his bed across the room and James noticed the curtains shift around Snape's bed.

He heard Rom snicker to his left. "I think he wants you to cast the countercurse."

James' eyebrows rose in recognition and he put on a faux-sympathetic face as he spoke to Avery. "Hmm...Terribly sorry, never learned that, but don't worry..." He fought a smirk. "...It should wear off on its own in a few days."

James truly didn't know how long it would take for it to wear off. Sirius had to spend eight hours completely mute until Aunt Walburga flooed father in from the ministry to take care of it. He had thought she should be grateful for the muzzle on her son, but she was never the most rational person anyway.

James had never gotten the hang of the countercurse, but he had never really had the incentive to learn. The whole point was to shut Sirius up. James didn't really want him to start talking again.

Avery opened his mouth a few times, but only indignant screeches came out. James couldn't help but bust out into dry chuckles at the sound, which was oddly reminiscent of the Malfoy's old eagle owl. He heard Rom laughing as well. Apparently Avery wasn't as amused, because James was completely caught off guard when he barreled into him and tackled him to the ground.

James barely had time to register his change in position before he felt and heard his nose crack under the force of Avery's fist.

We're going to fight like filthy muggles then?...Fine…

James shifted his weight and readied his own fists to retaliate when he heard Rom yell "Petrificus Totalus" above him. James had the brief thought that Rom might have betrayed him before he saw Avery turn rigid as a board and flop on the floor to his right.

James got up gingerly and looked at Rom who was holding his black wand out with an almost disbelieving expression on his face. Mulciber was standing in front of his bed looking quite put out that the fight ended so quickly.

Crazy, that one…

Snape had peeked through his curtains in curiosity, but swiftly closed them again with a sneer when he made eye contact with James.

What an upbeat chap...Always a smile on his face…

He turned back to Rom, who had appeared to have calmed down a bit, and asked, "Wicked...Where did you learn that bit of magic, Rosier?"

Rom placed his wand back in his wrist holster with a satisfied grin and turned his chin up at James. "Yours isn't the only father that chose to impart some practical knowledge, Potter."

No need to be so stuffy about it…

James nodded and looked down at Avery, whose eyes were moving about frantically while the rest of his body was stuck at attention. "Should we leave him like that?"

Rom shrugged. "I haven't had the time to practice the countercurse anyway; Should wear off in a few hours, though..."

James chuckled and grabbed Avery by the shoulders. "Reckon we should show him to his new bed, Rom?"

His eyes widened slightly at James' choice of address before he smirked and nodded, grabbing Avery by the legs. They carried him over to the side of the bed quite easily considering their relatively small size.

Thank Merlin Avery's a tiny bloke…

When they reached their destination James shot Rom a mischievous smirk and proceeded to swing his half of Avery back and forth. Rom caught on quickly and swung his side as well.

One...Two...Three…

They threw him onto the bed with vigor and James watched in amusement as Avery landed face first with a barely audible 'plop'.

That was….anticlimactic...although I wasn't expecting much…

"You think he'll be okay by morning?", James asked as they moved back to the other side of the room. He wasn't concerned about Avery's well being, per say, but he didn't really want to get in trouble on the first day. James doubted that his father would be pleased even though he was probably expecting something to that effect.

Rom shrugged. "In all likelihood...yes. Does it matter?"

"Probably not." He still had some reservations about leaving Avery like that, but for the most part 'In all likelihood' was good enough for him. He tensed up as Rom grabbed his arm to turn James back towards him.

"Is your nose broken?"

James had forgotten how much his nose hurt, but at the same time it was almost numb. "Is it bleeding?" He reached up to touch his nose, but pulled up short when he noticed the disgusted look on Rom's face.

"Ah…no, but it is a bit off-kilter."

Well that's just spiffing…

"Any more practical knowledge, Rosier?" James wasn't looking forward to walking around with a sore, crooked nose in the morning and he couldn't exactly go to the hospital wing without explaining what happened to Avery.

Rom smirked. "Maybe...I've only watched my brother do this though..."

That doesn't exactly fill me with confidence…but it's not like I've got much in the way of options...

He sighed. "Give it a go, then."

Rom nodded and aimed his wand at his nose."Episkey" James felt a sharp, searing pain as his nose audibly snapped back into place. It hurt. A lot.

"Morgana's saggy left teat!"

Mulciber snickered from his bed as Rom smirked. "Better, Potter?"

Touching his nose he noticed that it was still a bit sore, but James reckoned that it was a sight better than before. He didn't like the process, but he sure appreciated the results. James nodded at Romulus. "Much, Thanks."

He yawned as he put his wand away. "Not a problem. Good night, James."

James smiled at the use of his nickname."Night, Rom"

This day might just be salvageable after all...

Both boys were sluggish on their feet as they made their way to their beds. As he stood by his bed, he decided to keep his wand holster on him in case the body bind wore off and Avery attacked him in the night.

'Be prepared for any eventuality'…

James got under the covers and took a calming breath. Tomorrow he started classes and he didn't know whether he should be excited or terrified. He knew that he should feel something, but James just felt numb. Even his burning anger at Sirius was, at the moment, forgotten as he was drawn into a deep sleep.

Iacomus: September 2nd, 1971

James was the third to get up in the morning after Rom and, surprisingly, Mulciber and he took the time to clean up and take a shower. Admiring his reflection in the bathroom mirror, James fixed his green and silver tie to a position that he thought to be slightly askew.

Perfect is boring…

He ruffled his wet hair until he was satisfied with its tasteful state of disorder and smirked along with his doppelganger. He heard the door creak open behind him and turned to find Snape sulking into the room.

Maybe he's going to wash his hair…

He really didn't want to stay in an enclosed space with the half-blood for too long, so he walked back into the main room. Rom and Jedrek had already gotten dressed and were now looking down at Cassius' bed.

Heh…I guess Rom's body bind was stronger than he thought…

"Should we get a prefect?", Rom asked.

"Nah...He looks cozy enough.", Mulciber replied prodding a stiff Avery with his wand.

James stepped to Rom's right and looked down on Avery with amusement as he spoke. "As much as I hate to say this, It would probably be suspicious if he didn't show up to the meeting this morning."

Rom nodded in agreement before speaking. "Rabastan would probably think it's funny, but I wouldn't be wanting to get on Pritchard's bad side. Do you know who the other prefects are?" He directed the question at both him and Jedrek, but James took it upon himself to answer.

"I know that Rabastan was complaining about some swot named Rookwood taking the open seventh year spot, but I don't know about any of the others." James regretted not paying more attention to Roddy's more boring conversation topics that he usually tuned out.

He saw Jedrek's eyes widen slightly and James turned around to find the door to the hallway opening. Rom immediately shuffled, touching his left shoulder to James' right to block Avery from view and Mulciber mirrored Rom's actions on James' left. They were left standing shoulder to shoulder in front of Avery's bed.

Right...This doesn't look suspicious at all...nothing to see here…

James let out an audible sigh of relief as the door opened to reveal a drowsy Rabastan stepping into the room. He looked up at the three first years with a bemused expression.

"What're you doing standing like that? There were five of you; where's the rest of you lot?" Rabastan was certainly not a morning person and it showed in his complete lack of enthusiasm. "The meeting's in a few minutes and I'll not be known as the prefect to lose two firsties."

"We were...", James started

"Nothing"

"The half-blood's in the water closet.", Rom finished. All three boys spoke at roughly the same time, to each other's annoyance.

Rabastan raised an eyebrow at them, easily sussing out the fact that they were hiding something, but before he could call them out on it, the door to the loo opened.

"Potter and Rosier had a disagreement with Avery last night, resulting in the latter spending the night in a full body bind. He is apparently still stuck like that..." Snape took the liberty of filling Rabastan in on last night's events.

Jedrek and Rom both glared at Snape, but James wasn't too bothered by the half-blood's snitching, as he didn't think Rabastan would purposefully get them in trouble anyway.

Rabastan rolled his eyes and lightly shoved James and Rom to the side to look down at Avery. He then started snickering and ruffling James' hair. "Couldn't keep out of trouble for one night? I knew Bella and I taught you right."

Snape widened his eyes at Rabastan's blasé attitude, then shook his head with a scowl and strode out of the room.

Rabastan took out his wand and pointed it at Avery. "Finite Incantatem" Cassius immediately jerked into motion and stood up at the side of his bed.

"Alright there, Avery?", asked Rabastan.

He opened his mouth to reply, but nothing came out except an odd wheezing noise. James had to hold in a snort as Rom covered his growing smirk.

"Wasn't just the body bind, was it?", Rabastan asked.

James looked up at Rabastan with what he hoped was a purely innocent expression.

Rabastan sighed. "Of course. It can't be that easy."

It never is, Rabastan...You know that...

AN: A little action with Charlus next chapter with both riddle era and global wizarding war segments. If the word count works out right I might also fit in a conversation with Dumbledore as Charlus investigates the Longbottoms.

until next time,

~NachtofWalpurgis