Back to the Marauders: Starlight-Mist
Disclaimer: The Harry Potter series and all its characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Hello Readers,

This is Future Brigitta on March 17, 2018 as I edit this chapter. I've noticed a common characteristic in my chapters is that all of them are painfully fluffy and do nothing to advance the plot. However, while this chapter is short, it does have some substance to the overall story, so pay attention! Can you guess where I am going with the plot?

Please Enjoy,
Starlight Mist

September 8, 1977
(The Past - Day 7)

This year is going to be one hell of a ride, Livi thought to herself as the Gryffindors packed up from Herbology. Not even a week into the school year and she was already overwhelmed; Hogwarts never beat around the bush with getting back into the swing of things and the teachers didn't bother to review the previous year's material, instead jumping right in to teaching new material. Twirling a strand of her now purple-streaked hair, Livi started humming to herself. It was a small catchy tune her mother used to sing, and while the words were a distant memory, the tune was a familiar comfort to her.

"How are you managing?" Amber asked, coming up behind her.

Livi moaned, "The only good thing about school is the social aspect. Ugh, so much homework already!"

"I hate to be the one to say it, but jobs don't typically ask for social competence on their applications," piped Liesel as she joined the group, adjusting her shoulder bag and twisting her skirt forwards. With a sorrowful sigh, the avid quidditch player nodded in agreement, patting Livi consolingly on the back. Livi rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at Liesel, who simply shrugged and headed towards the castle, her long black hair swinging as she hustled to her next class.

"Ugh. I wish I had hair like Liesel," Livi sighed, fingering her blonde locks. "I have always wanted black hair. No dumb blonde stereotypes and all that jazz."

"But Livi, your hair is beautiful," the tall girl next to her replied, slinging an arm over her shoulders. "And having dark hair is worse in the summer. Besides, the blonde with colored streaks is such an iconic Olivia thing. I couldn't imagine you with black hair."

"That and my skin tone," the blonde commented as they made their way towards DADA. "I'd look like a vampire. Then again, I believe my great grandmother was part vampire."

"Wait, really?" Amber asked in surprise. "I never knew that."

"Yeah," Livi nodded as they climbed the steps. "I wonder what it would be like to be a full vampire. Or maybe some other magical entity."

"Well, as the saying goes, power and responsibility make a dangerous witch, or something like that."

Olivia laughed, "I believe the saying is, 'with great power comes great responsibility', but nice try!"

As the two girls joined up with the rest of the group, they were pulled into a conversation about the upcoming trip to Hogsmeade. Livi listened with great interest, frowning to herself when learning that Mindy and Sirius were going together. The two were a cute couple, but there were many rumors floating around in the school hallways about Sirius being a big player. Although Livi was happy that Mindy had found someone, she was also worried about her friend. Mindy was a relatively sensible girl, despite her occasional recklessness, but she was incredibly naive when it came to trusting people.

"What do you think about Mindy and Sirius?" Livi asked Amber as they walked down the hallway. "Do you think they're going to last, or is Mindy just a fling?"

"She better not be just a fling, or I'll pummel Black to bits," the athletic female promised, pounding a fist into her palm in a threatening manner. Livi shook her head, knowing fully well that Amber would follow through with her promise. And in all honesty, all the boys on the Quidditch team were so wrapped around Amber's little finger that they would probably heckle Sirius a little if Amber asked.

"Agreed. So, are you and Jake going to Hogsmeade together?" the blonde chatterbox asked, waggling her eyebrows as the corners of Amber's mouth twitched up. Olivia pumped her fist and crowed, "And the lovebirds go on their first date! Where's he taking you?"

Amber shrugged, "We'll make it up as we go, but I'll definitely find time to hang out with you guys."

The group of Gryffindors finally reached the door of the DADA classroom, then took up their seats, mixing in with the Ravenclaws. Liesel was already seated and was talking in an animated voice to Remus as James tried subtle flirting with Lily and Sirius and Mindy made out. Of course, all of this promptly ceased when Professor Stabbe entered the classroom.

"Good day class, how is everyone today?" the peppy DADA teacher questioned as she set down a stack of parchments. A murmur of "good" spread through the classroom. Professor Stabbe smiled widely as she stepped in front of her desk, then perched on the edge of it. "That's good to hear. Okay, so today's random creature of the day is the Salye. What do you know about them?"

Both Lily and Liesel's hand shot into the air, and when called upon, Lily promptly answered the question.

"Salyes are magical entities that resemble humans, but are considered to be stronger and wiser. Only one Salye can exist at a time and the average lifespan for a Salye is five hundred years. After that Salye's time is over, he or she will disappear until time calls for another one; then, the Salye is reincarnated. Each Salye will have a certain smell around them, the most common three being vanilla, peppermint, and lilac; there is no way to tell a Salye from a human other than that fact. Salyes are known for their selflessness, sacrificing themselves when another important being is in danger, and it is rumored that this is their sole purpose. Other than that, not much is known about them."

"Very good, Miss Evans. Ten points to Gryffindor. And now, onto our lesson. Please take out your copy of Engarde Swille's A Complete Guide to Magical Creatures: Dangerous and Friendly. We will be covering offensive strategies for real-life duels against magical creatures."

After the lesson had finished, the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws filed out of the room, chattering loudly. Hermione blanched upon hearing Mondita and Julie discussing their plans for the Halloween Ball and barely resisted her urge to scold them for discussing an event that was over a month away. Remus seemed to have heard the same conversation and the same thoughts because he too shook his head.

"Typical Deeti," Remus sighed, looking down at his shorter companion. "However, I assume it will be a fun night, for James and Lily are the ones in charge. Speaking of James and Lily, how unhappy would they be if they were accidentally pushed into a closet that somehow would not open for them?"

The rational side of Hermione was yelling at her that she should not meddle with James and Lily and instead let them come together on their own, but the other side of her was pumping her fist and urging her to agree. Not even a full week hanging out with the Marauders and she was already thinking like them.

What would Harry and Ron think if they could see me now?

Author's Note:

So, should Hermione go to Hogsmeade alone and reminisce about what each place means to her, or should she go and hang out with someone? Perhaps Remus or Charlie, or maybe she should go shopping with Julie and Mondita? Or maybe, she should just hang out with her friends and not go with anyone in particular? Shout out goes to lindz4567 and harrylee94. Thanks for supporting me!