Chapter Eight
Lying in bed that night, Harry felt oddly satisfied. He'd had a great time and had gotten lots of great gifts. Hermione had gotten him a box of chocolate frogs and Remus had gotten him a book on defense. The Weaslys had all chipped in to get him a wrist watch that not only told the time, but if you entered people, it would tell you where they were and it would also tell you what you had to do. It did all sorts of other things, but Harry was left to figure them out by himself.
All in all, it was a very good day. Cho had even sent him a Gryffindor Pendant. There was a knock on the door suddenly, bringing Harry out of his thoughts and back to Earth with an unpleasant bump.
"Come in," Harry called out. Remus walked in, holding a package wrapped in brown paper.
"Hey Harry, I wanted to give you something," Remus said, sitting down on the end of Harry's bed. He handed Harry the package, looking rather depressed.
As Harry opened the package, he saw why. It was a book, entitled, "The Marauder's Prankbook". He stared at it for a moment and two pieces of paper fell out of the wrappings. The one he picked up first was yellowed with age and worn, as though it had been read many times.
"Dear Harry,
We may or may not be around to give you this, but we were saving it for your sixteenth birthday.
Your father and his friends wrote this while they were at school. It was Sirius' idea and they all thought it was a good one. The idea was to write a book of their pranks and gags and all the rules for the next generation of Marauders. Since you're the only one, this book now belongs to you.
Take care of it, as I know you will. I won't tell you not to get any ideas, because I know you already have.
As I'm writing this, I'm watching you sleep peacefully in your crib. It's so hard to believe that we may not be around when you get this gift and this letter.
Both your father and I want you to know we love you tons and we'll always be with you- just not in body.
Love, Mum"
It was increasingly hard for Harry to keep the tears out of his eyes. He took a deep breath and picked up the other paper. This one wasn't as old, but it was just as creased.
"Harry,
I don't know why, but I've got this feeling that I've got to write this letter now, because I might not be around to write it later. But here it goes.
I was saving this for your sixteenth birthday at your parent's wishes. I'm sure you've already read Lily's letter, so I'm pretty sure you know what this is.
It was my idea, so credit where credit is due. But we all put it together, even Peter, although I don't want to ruin your birthday with thoughts of him.
Use the book at your own risk, but don't let it fall in the wrong hand, namely Malfoy. Filch has wanted it for years, but we've always kept it from him. But don't worry too much, I can't even remember all the protection spells we put on it.
Always remember the number one rule, 'Thou shall not get caught'. Happy Pranking.
Happy Sweet Sixteen. Love, Sirius."
Harry sniffled and looked through the book. It was filled with tons of pranks the Marauders had pulled while they were at school and other things besides. He didn't bother to wipe away the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Thanks Remus," he managed to say. Remus nodded.
"Your welcome." ~*~*~*~*~
"Up, Harry, UP! You'll miss the train!" Harry woke up groggily, realizing with a start that it was September First and he still had to pack some things. He dragged himself out of bed.
"That's better. Hurry up and finish packing, then take it downstairs." Mrs. Weasly said, leaving the room to wake up someone else.
Harry wiped the sleep out of his eyes and threw the bits of parchment and such into his open trunk. He was about to clear off the dresser, when he stopped and noticed the parchment book. He picked it up and set it gently on the top of everything.
He dragged the trunk and Hedwig's cage (she was in it, sleeping) downstairs. Then he collapsed into a chair next to Ron who looked like he was about to fall asleep over his cereal.
After much yelling, pushing, packing, and general chaos, everyone was ready and standing around an old newspaper, touching it with one finger.
"Three, two-" Mr. Weasly was saying as he glanced at his watch. Harry felt the now familiar tug and the group disappeared in swirling colors.
They all landed safely in one corner of platform nine and three quarters. Hermione and Ron were both hugged by Mrs. Weasly and Harry made to follow them when he was caught in a hug of his own.
"Now don't go finding trouble this year!" Mrs. Weasly lectured him. Harry just nodded and smiled at her. When she let him go, she sighed and waved him on.
Ten feet away from the train, he was caught again from behind. This time it was Remus.
Harry blushed furiously. "Bye, Professor." He said awkwardly.
Remus sighed, "Harry please! We're not at school, call me Remus!"
"Er. Ok, Remus." Harry said. "Bye then." Remus opened his mouth to say something and got cut off by Harry. "And I promise I'll be a good boy and I won't go looking for trouble." He paused. "And Remus, on the book list, Romulus Lupin.?"
Remus gave a half smile. "I wondered when you'd ask about that. My brother wrote it a while ago. Before-" Remus stopped suddenly and forced a smile. "Just, go get on the train. I'll see you soon."
"Bye."
Harry ran off and was greeted by Hermione and Ron, who were waiting for him. "Neville's found us a compartment, come on." Hermione announced. Harry dragged his trunk after her. When he got to the compartment, he saw Ginny, Neville, and Luna were already there.
"Hi guys," Harry greeted, sitting down after putting up his trunk. "What's new?"
Luna nodded a hello; she was currently absorbed in the latest edition of the Quibbler. The magazine was right side up this time and Luna didn't look up.
The train started moving and the group was soon engrossed in conversation about various things. The time flew by and surprisingly; they were at Hogwarts almost before Harry knew it.
As they all got off of the train, Harry heard the familiar voice ushering the new first years to the boats. He grinned as Hagrid waved then waved back.
Harry moved towards one of the thestral-drawn carriages when someone stepped in front of him. Harry looked up and groaned. Malfoy.
"What's the matter Potty, are you afraid of missing the carriages? Then you won't get to sit next to your mudblood girlfriend." Malfoy taunted.
Harry's temper flared. "Don't say that about her! And she's not my girlfriend!" Much as he tried to prevent it, a pink tinge appeared in his cheeks.
Malfoy scoffed. "How sweet, sticking up for her now, are we?"
"Just get out of my way!" Harry shouted, elbowing Malfoy as he pushed past him. Malfoy grabbed his arm just as he was about to get away. The blonde boy pulled him around, wand brandished.
"Watch where you're going, Potty. I've got an eye on you."
Harry rolled his eyes, but was weary of him nonetheless. With his father in prison, Malfoy would have a new reason to be horrible to Harry. Malfoy finally let go and Harry made his way to a carriage.
It was just his luck that the only empty one he could find was with Cho and all of her girlfriends. As soon as Harry entered and sat down, they were all huddled together, whispering.
Cho looked up from the middle of this group and met Harry's eyes. He blushed and so did she, but she gave him a tiny smile. The next second, her head was bent and she was whispering again.
The ride was over quickly and Harry met up with Ron and Hermione again. They took their seats in the Great Hall and waited for the sorting to begin. Ron, as usual, was complaining that he was hungry.
McGonagall brought out the hat and stool and the rip near the brim opened as it began to sing.
The school broke into applause and the first name was called. "Batt, Radley."
A small boy with bleach blonde hair came running forward. The hat barely reached his head when it yelled, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Harry clapped politely with the rest of the houses as Radley Batt went to sit at the Hufflepuff table.
"Davis, Hope."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry applauded the new Gryffindor girl. She sat down at one end of the table, looking rather relieved.
The sorting continued, and Harry caught bits of it. He wasn't really paying attention.
He had noticed, however, a new witch at the staff table. From where Harry sat, he saw that she was rather tall. She had tanned skin and long, curly blonde hair. It was a much relief to see a normal person taking the defense job (as that was what Harry suspected she was doing there) as opposed to someone like Umbridge.
The sorting hat was now placing a Hamilton, Lillian, who looked as if she could pass for Ginny's twin.
As McGonagall called her name, she glared and said, "I go by Tiger Lily. Only." McGonagall glared right back and put the hat on her head. It didn't even get there yet when it screeched, "SLYTHERIN!"
There was a smattering of applause, but mostly, all the girl got was strange looks. She smiled politely and sat next to Malfoy.
Harry tuned it out again and turned to Ron, who was next to him. "You reckon that's our new defense teacher?" he asked, gesturing to the blonde witch.
Ron just shrugged. "Probably. She looks normal enough."
Harry nodded and caught the last girl being sorted.
"Wilson, Diana."
"RAVENCLAW!"
McGonagall rolled up the scroll and took away the hat. Dumbledore stood up to make his announcements. "I know you are all eager to get to the feast, so tuck in.," he announced, his eyes twinkling brightly.
Harry loaded his plate with food and listened to all the conversations around him. Ron and Hermione were arguing like always, over something completely stupid.
"All you ever think about is food, I'm just saying there are more important things in life!" Hermione was protesting, glaring across the table.
"Well there is more to life than studying all the time!" Ron shot back, glaring too. "You of all people should understand that."
It seemed as though Hermione couldn't think of anything to say to that, so she shut up and buried her nose in the book she'd brought with her off the train. Ron had gone back to his dinner, ignoring her, but Harry could see tears gather at the corner of her eyes.
On his other side, Ginny and a group of her friends were discussing Quidditch. "I'm trying out for chaser this year," she was saying matter-of- factly. "You should too, Robyn."
A girl sitting next to Ginny with brown, shoulder length hair shrugged. "I don't know, I don't think I would be very good at it."
"Of course you would!" Ginny encouraged. "Besides, Gryffindor needs practically a whole need team."
When the last bits of ice cream had faded from the golden plates, Dumbledore stood up once again.
"First years are to note the forest on the ground is out-of-bounds to all students, as is the village of Hogsmead to those below third year. Filch has also asked me to remind you all that there is to be no magic in the corridors and the list of forbidden objects has been extended to include skiving snackboxes, which I believe are a Weasly's Wizard Wheezes creation."
He looked to the teacher's table for conformation and the defense witch nodded. "Right, we also have a new teacher among our ranks, Professor McKinney will be teaching defense against the dark arts.
McKinney stood up and waved, grinning. Perhaps it was because she seemed so friendly, or maybe they were just happy to have someone who wasn't Umbridge. Whatever the reason, McKinney got the most applause of the new teachers that had been there. She sat back down and Dumbledore continued.
"I believe that is all, prefects, please lead your houses back to the dorms."
Hermione hopped up as soon as Dumbledore was done and left, helping the fifth year prefects lead the first years.
Hermione and Ron were still prefects, but they didn't have as many duties. They still had to patrol the castle occasionally, but it was mostly up to the fifth years. The sixth years were however, in charge of special occasions.
Harry trailed at the end of the group. He was soon at the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and realized he didn't know the password. "Great." He muttered, taking a seat on the bench off to the side.
The portrait hall opened and Hermione came out. "There you are. The password is Fairy Lights."
Harry nodded and followed her back in. Then he went up to the tower, changed and fell in to bed, fairly happy.
Lying in bed that night, Harry felt oddly satisfied. He'd had a great time and had gotten lots of great gifts. Hermione had gotten him a box of chocolate frogs and Remus had gotten him a book on defense. The Weaslys had all chipped in to get him a wrist watch that not only told the time, but if you entered people, it would tell you where they were and it would also tell you what you had to do. It did all sorts of other things, but Harry was left to figure them out by himself.
All in all, it was a very good day. Cho had even sent him a Gryffindor Pendant. There was a knock on the door suddenly, bringing Harry out of his thoughts and back to Earth with an unpleasant bump.
"Come in," Harry called out. Remus walked in, holding a package wrapped in brown paper.
"Hey Harry, I wanted to give you something," Remus said, sitting down on the end of Harry's bed. He handed Harry the package, looking rather depressed.
As Harry opened the package, he saw why. It was a book, entitled, "The Marauder's Prankbook". He stared at it for a moment and two pieces of paper fell out of the wrappings. The one he picked up first was yellowed with age and worn, as though it had been read many times.
"Dear Harry,
We may or may not be around to give you this, but we were saving it for your sixteenth birthday.
Your father and his friends wrote this while they were at school. It was Sirius' idea and they all thought it was a good one. The idea was to write a book of their pranks and gags and all the rules for the next generation of Marauders. Since you're the only one, this book now belongs to you.
Take care of it, as I know you will. I won't tell you not to get any ideas, because I know you already have.
As I'm writing this, I'm watching you sleep peacefully in your crib. It's so hard to believe that we may not be around when you get this gift and this letter.
Both your father and I want you to know we love you tons and we'll always be with you- just not in body.
Love, Mum"
It was increasingly hard for Harry to keep the tears out of his eyes. He took a deep breath and picked up the other paper. This one wasn't as old, but it was just as creased.
"Harry,
I don't know why, but I've got this feeling that I've got to write this letter now, because I might not be around to write it later. But here it goes.
I was saving this for your sixteenth birthday at your parent's wishes. I'm sure you've already read Lily's letter, so I'm pretty sure you know what this is.
It was my idea, so credit where credit is due. But we all put it together, even Peter, although I don't want to ruin your birthday with thoughts of him.
Use the book at your own risk, but don't let it fall in the wrong hand, namely Malfoy. Filch has wanted it for years, but we've always kept it from him. But don't worry too much, I can't even remember all the protection spells we put on it.
Always remember the number one rule, 'Thou shall not get caught'. Happy Pranking.
Happy Sweet Sixteen. Love, Sirius."
Harry sniffled and looked through the book. It was filled with tons of pranks the Marauders had pulled while they were at school and other things besides. He didn't bother to wipe away the tears welling up in his eyes.
"Thanks Remus," he managed to say. Remus nodded.
"Your welcome." ~*~*~*~*~
"Up, Harry, UP! You'll miss the train!" Harry woke up groggily, realizing with a start that it was September First and he still had to pack some things. He dragged himself out of bed.
"That's better. Hurry up and finish packing, then take it downstairs." Mrs. Weasly said, leaving the room to wake up someone else.
Harry wiped the sleep out of his eyes and threw the bits of parchment and such into his open trunk. He was about to clear off the dresser, when he stopped and noticed the parchment book. He picked it up and set it gently on the top of everything.
He dragged the trunk and Hedwig's cage (she was in it, sleeping) downstairs. Then he collapsed into a chair next to Ron who looked like he was about to fall asleep over his cereal.
After much yelling, pushing, packing, and general chaos, everyone was ready and standing around an old newspaper, touching it with one finger.
"Three, two-" Mr. Weasly was saying as he glanced at his watch. Harry felt the now familiar tug and the group disappeared in swirling colors.
They all landed safely in one corner of platform nine and three quarters. Hermione and Ron were both hugged by Mrs. Weasly and Harry made to follow them when he was caught in a hug of his own.
"Now don't go finding trouble this year!" Mrs. Weasly lectured him. Harry just nodded and smiled at her. When she let him go, she sighed and waved him on.
Ten feet away from the train, he was caught again from behind. This time it was Remus.
Harry blushed furiously. "Bye, Professor." He said awkwardly.
Remus sighed, "Harry please! We're not at school, call me Remus!"
"Er. Ok, Remus." Harry said. "Bye then." Remus opened his mouth to say something and got cut off by Harry. "And I promise I'll be a good boy and I won't go looking for trouble." He paused. "And Remus, on the book list, Romulus Lupin.?"
Remus gave a half smile. "I wondered when you'd ask about that. My brother wrote it a while ago. Before-" Remus stopped suddenly and forced a smile. "Just, go get on the train. I'll see you soon."
"Bye."
Harry ran off and was greeted by Hermione and Ron, who were waiting for him. "Neville's found us a compartment, come on." Hermione announced. Harry dragged his trunk after her. When he got to the compartment, he saw Ginny, Neville, and Luna were already there.
"Hi guys," Harry greeted, sitting down after putting up his trunk. "What's new?"
Luna nodded a hello; she was currently absorbed in the latest edition of the Quibbler. The magazine was right side up this time and Luna didn't look up.
The train started moving and the group was soon engrossed in conversation about various things. The time flew by and surprisingly; they were at Hogwarts almost before Harry knew it.
As they all got off of the train, Harry heard the familiar voice ushering the new first years to the boats. He grinned as Hagrid waved then waved back.
Harry moved towards one of the thestral-drawn carriages when someone stepped in front of him. Harry looked up and groaned. Malfoy.
"What's the matter Potty, are you afraid of missing the carriages? Then you won't get to sit next to your mudblood girlfriend." Malfoy taunted.
Harry's temper flared. "Don't say that about her! And she's not my girlfriend!" Much as he tried to prevent it, a pink tinge appeared in his cheeks.
Malfoy scoffed. "How sweet, sticking up for her now, are we?"
"Just get out of my way!" Harry shouted, elbowing Malfoy as he pushed past him. Malfoy grabbed his arm just as he was about to get away. The blonde boy pulled him around, wand brandished.
"Watch where you're going, Potty. I've got an eye on you."
Harry rolled his eyes, but was weary of him nonetheless. With his father in prison, Malfoy would have a new reason to be horrible to Harry. Malfoy finally let go and Harry made his way to a carriage.
It was just his luck that the only empty one he could find was with Cho and all of her girlfriends. As soon as Harry entered and sat down, they were all huddled together, whispering.
Cho looked up from the middle of this group and met Harry's eyes. He blushed and so did she, but she gave him a tiny smile. The next second, her head was bent and she was whispering again.
The ride was over quickly and Harry met up with Ron and Hermione again. They took their seats in the Great Hall and waited for the sorting to begin. Ron, as usual, was complaining that he was hungry.
McGonagall brought out the hat and stool and the rip near the brim opened as it began to sing.
The school broke into applause and the first name was called. "Batt, Radley."
A small boy with bleach blonde hair came running forward. The hat barely reached his head when it yelled, "HUFFLEPUFF!"
Harry clapped politely with the rest of the houses as Radley Batt went to sit at the Hufflepuff table.
"Davis, Hope."
"GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry applauded the new Gryffindor girl. She sat down at one end of the table, looking rather relieved.
The sorting continued, and Harry caught bits of it. He wasn't really paying attention.
He had noticed, however, a new witch at the staff table. From where Harry sat, he saw that she was rather tall. She had tanned skin and long, curly blonde hair. It was a much relief to see a normal person taking the defense job (as that was what Harry suspected she was doing there) as opposed to someone like Umbridge.
The sorting hat was now placing a Hamilton, Lillian, who looked as if she could pass for Ginny's twin.
As McGonagall called her name, she glared and said, "I go by Tiger Lily. Only." McGonagall glared right back and put the hat on her head. It didn't even get there yet when it screeched, "SLYTHERIN!"
There was a smattering of applause, but mostly, all the girl got was strange looks. She smiled politely and sat next to Malfoy.
Harry tuned it out again and turned to Ron, who was next to him. "You reckon that's our new defense teacher?" he asked, gesturing to the blonde witch.
Ron just shrugged. "Probably. She looks normal enough."
Harry nodded and caught the last girl being sorted.
"Wilson, Diana."
"RAVENCLAW!"
McGonagall rolled up the scroll and took away the hat. Dumbledore stood up to make his announcements. "I know you are all eager to get to the feast, so tuck in.," he announced, his eyes twinkling brightly.
Harry loaded his plate with food and listened to all the conversations around him. Ron and Hermione were arguing like always, over something completely stupid.
"All you ever think about is food, I'm just saying there are more important things in life!" Hermione was protesting, glaring across the table.
"Well there is more to life than studying all the time!" Ron shot back, glaring too. "You of all people should understand that."
It seemed as though Hermione couldn't think of anything to say to that, so she shut up and buried her nose in the book she'd brought with her off the train. Ron had gone back to his dinner, ignoring her, but Harry could see tears gather at the corner of her eyes.
On his other side, Ginny and a group of her friends were discussing Quidditch. "I'm trying out for chaser this year," she was saying matter-of- factly. "You should too, Robyn."
A girl sitting next to Ginny with brown, shoulder length hair shrugged. "I don't know, I don't think I would be very good at it."
"Of course you would!" Ginny encouraged. "Besides, Gryffindor needs practically a whole need team."
When the last bits of ice cream had faded from the golden plates, Dumbledore stood up once again.
"First years are to note the forest on the ground is out-of-bounds to all students, as is the village of Hogsmead to those below third year. Filch has also asked me to remind you all that there is to be no magic in the corridors and the list of forbidden objects has been extended to include skiving snackboxes, which I believe are a Weasly's Wizard Wheezes creation."
He looked to the teacher's table for conformation and the defense witch nodded. "Right, we also have a new teacher among our ranks, Professor McKinney will be teaching defense against the dark arts.
McKinney stood up and waved, grinning. Perhaps it was because she seemed so friendly, or maybe they were just happy to have someone who wasn't Umbridge. Whatever the reason, McKinney got the most applause of the new teachers that had been there. She sat back down and Dumbledore continued.
"I believe that is all, prefects, please lead your houses back to the dorms."
Hermione hopped up as soon as Dumbledore was done and left, helping the fifth year prefects lead the first years.
Hermione and Ron were still prefects, but they didn't have as many duties. They still had to patrol the castle occasionally, but it was mostly up to the fifth years. The sixth years were however, in charge of special occasions.
Harry trailed at the end of the group. He was soon at the entrance to Gryffindor Tower and realized he didn't know the password. "Great." He muttered, taking a seat on the bench off to the side.
The portrait hall opened and Hermione came out. "There you are. The password is Fairy Lights."
Harry nodded and followed her back in. Then he went up to the tower, changed and fell in to bed, fairly happy.