James waited in the common room after dinner. Sirius had gone to the astronomy tower right after dinner. Remus was helping Peter in his Potions essay in the dormitory which James had not yet completed. Really, he had other things on his mind other than the boring Potions essay.

He was sat with the rest of the Gryffindor first years. James had chose to sit right next to Evans who had a charms textbook in hand. She kept glaring at him everytime he made jokes about the Slytherins- which most of the time included Snape.

'Calm down, Lily,' Emma Stone told her friend ,'James is just joking,'

'If his jokes involve my friend-' Evans began but James cut her, 'C'mon Evans, Snivellus is enough of a troll already.'

Everyone except Evans laughed.

'His name is Snape.' She said severely

'Really?I see no difference.'

Evans shook her head, and gave him a glare, 'Just because you think so, you bullying toerag-'

'Lily,' Marlene Mckinnon said placatingly.

'I don't bully' James said astounded. He hadn't ever thought of himself that way.

'Could've fooled me. You take a go on every Slytherin. You bully anyone who annoys you. Everyone knows you hexed Xenophilus Lovegood last week just-just because you wanted to.' Evans said enraged.

'Well, he complained of our prank to McGonagall. He shouldn't have done that despite my warning. Besides I just made his legs dance for a while. You gotta admit that was fun'

'You are horrible Potter. I hate you!'

'No offence, Evans, but I don't like you much either. Though we could go out if you stopped hanging out with snivelly,'

'You-' Evans stood up, taking out her wand.

'Lily, lets go to our dormitory,' Marlene said stopping Evans from hexing James, 'I have to show you something.'

With one last glare, Evans left with Marlene. James turned to Alice Prewett ,'Merlin, her hatred for me has no reason. Except maybe, her undying love for me'

'You are talking like Sirius,' Alice said, 'That was exactly what he said when Robusta Cregoy hexed him for asking her out,'

'Ah, its Sirius influence-or rather my influence on him. Besides I still don't get why Cregoy got so worked up just because Sirius asked her out.'

'Maybe because she is a fourth year and Sirius is first?' Emma guessed ,'Not to mention Sirius saying-and I quote, "Really Robusta, going out with me would actually do you a favor. Maybe you would actually get asked out by handsome lads like me after we're done." Like really? Hearing that that would've made any girl want to hex him.'

James laughed ,'Well, that was a dare anyway- to ask her out. With her high temper I'm surprised she just hexed him.'

The first years laughed out loud. But James put on a sober face ,'But really, what's it with Evans?'

'Look, I agree Snape's a git,' said Mary MacDonald ,'But he is Lily's friend.'

'Besides how would you feel if someone badmouthed about Sirius,' Emma asked.

At this Frank laughed ,'They'd better run hundred miles away from James,'.

James grinned. He wondered how Sirius' meeting was going on with his cousin. He was taking a lot of time, really- it was more than an hour since he'd gone. What if he was in some trouble? Immediately, James stood up, ready to search for Sirius.

'See you all, later. I got to go,' he announced.

'Where are you going at this time?' alice asked.

'To meet Dumbledore. We're great friends,' he joked before going to the portrait hole. He opened the door to find Sirius standing out, about to come in.

'Sirius,' James said ,'I was about to come looking for you,'

'Well, im back,'

James hesitated before asking ,'Do you want to talk about it?'

Sirius thought for a while and nodded ,'We'd better talk somewhere out.'

'Yeah,'

They found an empty classroom at the end of the corridor, and James decided this room would be safe to talk. He locked the door and turned to Sirius, 'So?'

'I was just mad at her.' He said ,'I mean I do know she is not like the others in Slytherin- I know you probably don't know her-'

'I guessed. She seemed sweet.'

'yeah, I've known her for- ever since I was born. She's really good, not evil in a bit. Thing is-Bella and Narcissa- you know them?'

'I've seen them a couple times- they always seem to be glaring at you.'

'Yes. They are…we all were…I mean we were like…how cousins are. Cissy was always grumpy but bella…I don't know James- just the fact that im in Gryffindor changed her attitude towards me. Its just like everyone else in my family. Dromeda says she is changing- I've noticed it too, she's becoming cruel- emotionless, and I…James I- I don't know what to do.

James gave his friend a half hug ,'I'm sorry mate. I'm probably making things worse but…you don't need people who don't value you. Your parents-cousins- whoever has changed, you don't need to worry about them. There are loads of other people who like you for who you are. Andromeda, what did she say?'

'She apologized for not talking to me before. I understand that ofcourse. And she…she is dating Teddy Tonks,' Sirius said with a sad tone in his voice.

'Why don't you feel happy?'

'James, he is a muggleborn, from Hufflepuff. My family will never accept him. And they are both graduating this year. She's tensed.'

'Thing will work out Sirius, trust me,'

Sirius clenched his eyes shut ,'Why is my family so complicated? Why couldn't it be…'

He trailed off. James didn't know what to say at this.

'I'm sorry- I'm just troubling you with this nonsense everytime-'

'You are not, Sirius. ' James said firmly and decided it would be best to distract his friend into some fun right now,' Now are you up to show Remus and Peter the kitchens? Im pretty sure they'll like it.'

Sirius grinned,' Ah, wouldn't it be difficult to get Remus out since its almost curfew time?'

James frowned. Yes, it wouldn't be easy to get Remus to sneak out after curefew.

'But really, leave it on me.' Sirius added smirking.

'For once, I don't regret coming with you,' Remus said turning to James and Sirius.

The four were seated on a small table in the kitchens, surrounded by a variety of dishes brought by the elves. Despite having had dinner just a while back, the boys were stuffing themselves with food. Remus, especially taking all the chocolate desserts and bars.

Sirius snickered,'You didn't come by yourself. You never would have.'

James chuckled at the memory. Sirius had literally just entered their dormitory and carried Remus till the portrait hole, after which he proceeded to drag Remus to the kitchens. Through the journey, James had heard Remus curse using words he would never have expected from him.

Peter, though had followed quietly.

'Seriously, when did you make this amazing discovery?' Peter asked swallowing a mouthful of cake.

'While you two were sticking your heads in the greenhouses for herbology,' Sirius laughed.

'I asked you didn't I, Pete?' James smirked,' Maybe next time you should come with us both. You too Remus.'

Remus shrugged,' I would not take such a harsh decision so briskly.'

Sirius threw a carrot at Remus,' That's rude.' He pouted dramatically.

Remus sighed. It was hardly a month, but he had had enough of Sirius' antics. He tended to over react sometime. Correction: He tended to over react almost everytime.

'Anyways, mates, listen up.' James said, sobering up.

The three heads turned to him instantly. It wasn't often they had heard James serious till now.

'So I was thinking…its been long since we've done any pranks.'

'Long?' Remus raised his eyebrow.

'Well…a big prank.'

'We literally exploded filch's office today,'

'Yeah but, I mean…a prank in which everyone gets pranked.'

'That makes a lot of sense, genius.' Sirius said.

James nodded jitterly,' I have a plan,'

'Don't listen to him. We always end up in detention when he says that.' Remus warned

'No really, no one can actually blame this on us. And honestly this plan is amazing. Just say you're in.'

'I, as usual am up for it, however crazy it is,' said Sirius.

James patted Sirius's shoulder and turned to his other two friends,' You two are helping me. I need your help. You wouldn't deprive your friend of help, would you?'

Reluctantly, they nodded, 'So what's the plan?'

James sniggered,' There's this spell…'

Minutes later, the four were walking up and down the four large tables in the great hall.

'We can take a table each. Sirius, you take the Slytherin, and don't forget to add something more,' James grinned and turned to Peter,' And Pete, you've practiced the spell enough, im sure you can do it, believe in yourself eh?'

Peter nodded and the four divided, James taking the Gryffindor table, Peter, Ravenclaw, Remus, Hufflepuff and Sirius, the Slytherin table.

James ran a finger through his head and set to work.

It didn't take much time until the four were done and clustered together infront of the Gryffindor table.

'I'm tired,' Peter gasped.

'So no more exploring today?' Sirius asked.

'We found the kitchens today, Sirius. I guess that is enough of a discovery for today,' James said.

'Lets go back to our dorm, then?' Remus suggested.

The other three nodded, and began walking towards their common room. It wasn't until they reached the second floor that a voice stopped them.

'Potter?'

James, who had been laughing on his joke with his friends stopped. Merlin- they were in trouble.

James turned and tried to cover his friends, but Professor McGonagall was walking closer.

Her eyes widened in surprise spotting everyone,' Black, Pettigrew and Lupin!'

'Oops,' Sirius muttered grinning, while Remus kicked him in the shins under his robes, with a face that clearly said, DO NOT MAKE THIS WORSE.

'This is unbelievalble. Four Students out of beds in one night, and all from my house! I am disgusted. Never before have I been in such a situation. Do you all even realize what time it is?' she barked

James glanced at his watch,' Its only ten past one,'

'You call that only, Potter? Students out of bed is completely forbidden- have you not heard of the rules?'

'Sorry professor,' Sirius began, now leaning on the wall behind,' But you should know our regard for rules- atleast by now.'

McGonagall looked enraged,' You will stand straight, Black!'

'If you insist,'

'I will give out your punishments tomorrow, and you will all return to your dormitories IMMEDIATELY. Am I understood?'

The four nodded

'I expect better behavior from your four. I hope you will get over your petty habit of pranking and disrupting classes, and keep up the Gryffindor honor,'

'Oh professor,' James said,' That's like asking us to stop being ourself,'

McGonagall glared sternly at James, 'To your dormitories-Now.'

'Sure,'

'James,' Remus coughed the next morning, covering his nose, as James stepped out of the bathroom, after pleasant bath,' You actually use a whole bottle of conditioner everyday, do you?'

James ruffled his damp hair,' Sorry? But doesn't my hair look totally awesome today? It's a new potion my dad made,'

'Mate,' frank said pulling on his robes,' Remus is right. That's too much conditioner you've put. My nose is full of lemon essence,'

'Well,' James shrugged ,'You gotta do somethin to get hair as perfect as mine,'

'Rubbish,' Sirius said jumping out of his bed,' My hair is obviously better than yours, isn't it Remus?'

Remus shrugged.

'That's not even close to mine, Sirius. Pete, atleast you gotta back me up at this. You totally love my hair don't you?' James said turning to Peter.

'Sorry James,' he said, 'but you could do with a little less of that potion,'

James frowned, turning away from his friends, ' You are all just jealous of my hair,'

He proceeded to dry his hair, and pull on his school uniform.

'Lets hurry,' James said once everyone were ready ,'I really want to see how well our hardwork last night will end up,'

'You've planned another prank haven't you?' frank asked.

'That is a said,' Remus answered.

As it turned out, their prank had worked out pretty well. When they reached the great hall, they were met with the sight of several students from all tables bouncing twenty feet high up from their chair, and coming back down.

'What is this?' Frank laughed, looking incredulous.

'Well, you may call it the…bursting benches?' James mused.

'Bursting benches?' Alice asked from behind.

All the Gryffindor first year girls were behind them- staring at the great hall.

'Another prank,' Evans muttered shaking her head, 'Will you all ever stop getting the Gryffindor name down?'

'Too bad Evans,' Sirius said, 'That you don't understand fun. Come with us for a day and maybe, maybe you could get over those school books and think of some fun,'

James laughed

'You are pathetic,' Evans said to the both of them before walking away.

'I, for one think bursting benches sounds awesome,' Marlene said smiling.

'Atleast,' Sirius winked at Marlene, grinning wide, making her go a brilliant shade of red.

As they all walked to the Gryffindor table, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter stood while all others sat down.

Instantly, they were pushed twenty feet up, causing some of the girls to shriek, and then back down.

'Merlin, This was actually fun!' Alice said, 'I really want to do it again,'

'That's easy Alice,' James said ,'Just get up and sit again. It works whenever anyone sits.'

Alice gave him a thumbs up.

James turned to Evans, who was sitting next to him- fresh from a ride in the air ,'How did you like this, Evans?'

'I didn't,' she said looking up from her sandwich, 'Your silly pranks, unfortunately, do not amuse everyone,'

'Unfortunately,' James said grinning and shaking his head ,'Unlucky them,'

'There-' Evans said looking over his shoulder ,'You are going to lose points for us again,'

James turned around. McGonagall was walking towards them, looking incredibly fed up.

'I don't think I need to ask who has caused this mess,' she said.

'Really professor?' James asked feigning surprise, 'Who do you think caused this entertaining mess?'

' I did see four of my students out of bed last night,' she said eyeing him, Sirius, Remus and Peter.

'C'mon Professor- you cant blame us without any proof,' Sirius said

'Do you mean this isn't any of your work, Black?'

'Well, it is professor,' James agreed, 'Who else could have done such a thing? It isn't what people call "everyone's cup of tea"'

'I'm running out of punishments for the four of you,' McGonagall muttered and continued loudly, 'You will all come with me to the headmaster's office,'

James glanced at the staff table. Dumbledore wasn't present.

'Why isn't Professor Dumbledore at the table, as usual Professor McGonagall?' Remus asked politely, voicing James' question.

'He had some work to do,' McGonagall said bluntly

As she led them through numerous corridors, Remus turned to his friends,

'James and Sirius,' he began, ' Atleast in front of Dumbledore- please don't make any trouble. Be polite and please…spare the cheek,'

'I'm not sure I can do that,' Sirius said.

'You have to. Or I'm never going to help you guys in any homework,'

'Whoa, that's deep,' James smirked ,'Okay Remus, no trouble right now,'

'McGonagall has stopped,' Peter squeaked.

Sure enough, McGonagall had come to a stop in front of two big gargoyles. The four hurried forward.

'Professor Dumbledore lives in a gargoyle?' James asked

'No offence, but isn't the gargoyle sort of small for him to live in? I might've thought he lived in an elegant huge room.' Sirius added.

'Right, or is there an hidden room behind the gargoyle? That is quite possible and more likely. How does it open, professor? A password perhaps?'

McGonagall stared at James for a second before giving a stern look, 'You seem to know a lot about this, Potter.'

'Well, I'm naturally talented and highly clever.'

Sirius snorted.

McGonagall turned to the gargoyles ,' Pumpkin Pastilles,'

The two gargoyles sprang to life and parted to show a circular stone stairway. McGonagall stepped into the staircase and gestured them to follow. The staircase began moving in circles, taking them higher.

It stopped at a wooden double door. McGonagall knocked at the door and then entered, telling them to follow.

Looking around, James really liked Dumbledore's office. Its walls were filled with portraits of all the previous headmasters who were all apparently asleep. There were many spindly tables with intricate silver devices which James had to resist the temptation to touch. On a shelf at a distance was the dusty old sorting hat. In the middle of the room was a table, where Dumbledore was seated. He seemed to have been reading a copy of the Daily Prophet. Beside his table, on a perch was an orange phoenix, which reminded James of his own owl whom he hadn't seen in a while. He made a silent note to himself to go meet Rozzie and maybe send a letter to his parents this evening.

Dumbledore smiled, 'Minerva, to what do I own the pleasure?'

'These boys-' McGonagall began and explained the bursting benches, including their cozy little walk after curfew yesterday.

'Ah, bursting benches. I myself would like to try them,' Dumbledore said making the four smile.

'Albus.'

'Yes Minerva?'

'What have you got to say about these four roaming around the castle after midnight and the mess they created in the great hall today?'

'Well, is there a reason you created mess in the great hall?' Dumbledore asked turning to them.

James decided to try his luck ,'Not particularly,'

At this he received a nudge from Remus which actually hurt. Nevertheless he corrected himself ,'Not Particularly, professor,'

Remus glared at James for some reason but James ignored it.

'I see,' Dumbledore said, 'I must say James, you look a lot like your father when he was your age. It seems as all the Potter's have trademark personalities,'

'Thank you, professor. Maybe the next Potter will resemble me even more,'

'Albus this is not-' McGonagall began

'Ah yes, Minerva, their punishment.' Dumbledore said as if he'd just realized what they were here for,'I think one detention will do, and yes you can help Filius in his Frog choir for this week,'

The four nodded. This hadn't been half as bad as James had expected it to be.

'Frog choir…should be fun,' James said as they walked back to the great hall

'I'm terrible at singing,' Remus said.

'Rubbish, I'm sure you can atleast sing better than James,'

'You haven't heard me sing, Sirius. Or you wouldn't say that. My voice is irresistible'

'actually,' Peter said ,'We have heard you sing quite often. You sing everyday while you shower,'

James tried his best not to go red ,'I didn't know you guys could hear it,'

'Well when you sing that loud…its kinda obvious,' Remus smiled

'By all means, hold yourselves together while I sing. My voice makes girls beg for more.' Sirius said.

'I am pretty sure we will be able to control ourselves, Sirius,'

Sirius laughed ,'Well, I do hope so,'