Author's Notes: This chapter you learn some stuff, read on cause I forget what happens! Wrote it late last night.... it isn't my best work, because I forgot some details about earlier on in the story... I fixed it though. This chapter is long compared to my other ones!

Bella, your embarrasing me! *blush* Glad you peeps like it! Oh, and chapter 10 will be out later tonight, I have it half written!

Check out my website to read more of my stories, and for the newest updates to this story, before anyone else reads it!

Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter characters. I do own however, the families of the Marauders, some of the teachers, and Kimball Zenobia (who comes in later) Also, my fellow RPGer Morgan owns Xanthe Shannon, and is allowing me to use her in this story (and up-coming ones of this series)

This story is based on an RPG called Before the Downfall (http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/beforethedownfall)

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Chapter 9 - A New Year, New Rules

The Hogwarts Express soon pulled into the station at Hogsmead, the wizarding town adjoining Hogwarts. Students filed off of the train, some relieved, some dreading being back to Hogwarts.

Sirus jumped into a near by horseless carriage. Remus, and James followed. Despite the fact these carriages were built for 4, Lily and Arabella hopped in after them. Lily sat herself onto Sirus's lap. Sirus smiled at her. They'd been best friends since the beginning, though their personalities were completely different.

Arabella frowned at Lily, and sat down beside Remus on the other side of the carriage. The carriage gave a sudden jolt forward, causing Lily to fall sideways onto James. Quickly, she scurried up and brushed off her robes. Motioning for Arabella to move over, she squeezed into the seat with her.

They barely talked the ride over to Hogwarts. Sirus looked across the water where the first years were skimming across the lake with Hagrid. 'What a great day it'd be for swimming.' Sirus thought.

What seemed only like minutes, the carriage skidded to a stop. Quickly, the 5 passengers hurried out of the carriage. They followed the crowd up through the Entrance Hall and found seats at the Gryffindor table. They weren't seated long before Professor McGonagall came in with the nervous looking first years. McGonagall was the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, and conducted the Sorting Ceremony every year with the help of the Sorting Hat. Sirus laughed as the first years stood in a line in front of the whole school. They looked terrified. One girl seemed to be about to burst into tears, while a boy was looking rather green.

Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat onto stool. It promptly opened it's mouth and began to sing about the 4 founders of Hogwarts, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Slytherin and Ravenclaw. Once the song was over, McGonagall unrolled the piece of parchment she was holding. One by one she called the students to the front to place the sorting hat upon their head. Sometimes the hat said right away their house, other times it took minutes to decide. Students went to the 4 houses, each time the appropriate table burst into applause as a new student was added.

Finally the ceremony was over and Professor Dumbledore tapped his glass. The talking ceased to allow him to speak. "Welcome new students, and welcome back old ones, to a new year at Hogwarts School." he surveyed the students around him. "The staff reminds you that the Forbidden Forest is as it's name suggests, forbidden." he stared pointedly at Sirus and his friends, who had been in the Forest more times then the rest of the students combined.

He continued, "Also, Ever Whistling Whistles, Exploding Gobbles, and Self Filling Water Balloons have been banned. A full list of items banned can be found in Mr. Filch's office. Now, let's eat!" The plates in front of Sirus had filled with food.

The student body began to fill their plates. Sirus grabbed a plate of roast beef, taking some, passed it across the table to Arabella.

Conversation was simple during dinner, what'd you do over the summer, what are you planning this years, ready for OWLs. The Ordinary Wizarding Levels were manditory for 5th year Hogwarts students to take. Sirus was dreading them, though he knew he could get by. Soon dinner was over and Dumbledore waved his wand to clear the tables. He knocked on his glass again.

"This year we are trying a different approach to the students. Along with this year's Head Boy and Girl and the 8 Prefects, we are instating a student government. The student government with have a president, vice president, and council members. They will be in charge of arranging student events, the president will be a voice in staff meetings, and they will also raise money for the students to spend the way they think fit. The government will not be able to give or take away points, and are not above the Head Boy and Girl. The President though is like a member of the staff, taking your opinions and making them happen. More information will be available soon." Dumbledore paused. "Please think of who you would like on the council, and as the president. Also, I will be leaving soon, so any meetings I am to have are cancelled, and will be dealt with by Professor McGonagall." he looked at the 3 Marauders. "That's all for now, you are dismissed, after the school song!"

After the song, the students began filing out of the Great Hall. "A student government?" Lily said to Arabella. "That's like what we had at my old muggle school." she paused. "Though we never did get any authority." she paused. "I'd love to be on that, though I doubt that would happen."

"Common Lily, we'll see how this is going to work later." Arabella said with a smile. "I'd vote for you definitely."

Sirus watched the two girls slowly. Suddenly, he noticed a pin on Lily's robe. "Lil! You're a Prefect?" he said, "Why didn't you tell us?"

Lily shrugged. "No big deal." she said. "I didn't want you guys to fuss." but Lily went bright red and hurried ahead of the boys, dragging Arabella behind her.

"Hmmm, that's weird." James said.

"Excuse me, Mister Potter, Mister Black, can I see you for a minute?" A voice asked. The boys turned around to face Professor McGonagall.

"But Minnie, we haven't done anything...." Sirus whined. "yet!" he added under his breath. Remus heard and stifled a laugh.

"Don't call me that Mister Black." McGonagall snapped. "No, this is about something else. Mister Lupin, please come too, I'll need to speak with you after." McGonagall swiftly walked down the hall towards her office. The boys stepped inside to the familiar surroundings.

"Home sweet home." Sirus said, reclining into a soft chair. Remus and James followed suit, dropping into the chairs in front of the great desk.

"Now, Mister Potter, we'll deal with you first." McGonagall began. "This summer Mundungus Fletcher was asked to attend an extremely private magic school, in America." she paused. "Originally, Mister Fletcher was supposed to be our second Prefect, along with Lily Evans. Therefore we have an opening." she seemed to think for a moment. "Professor Dumbledore has decided that he wishes for you to take that position. I don't agree, but he has the final word." she put up a hand to stop James from saying something. "This means that you will have to set a good example for the younger students, and stay in line."

"But Professor, I don't think I want to be a Prefect." James sputtered, surprised Dumbledore wanted him. "I'm not right for the job."

"Well Mister Potter, Professor Dumbledore has decided, and you must take the position." McGonagall replied. "He thinks you are suitable, plus he thinks it will help to control the use of practical jokes in the school." she paused. "But if you are found as un-reliable, he will relieve you of your post."

James sat quiet, taking in the news. Him, a prefect? he'd never have guessed.

Seeing James wasn't going to reply, McGonagall turned to Sirus. "Now, Mister Black, you are here because of the student government." Sirus perked up. "Many of the teachers believe that you would be a great asset to the government. And I'm here to say, that should you get nominated, I believe you would make a great president, but," she paused, "You would be required to also stop your practical joking, set a good example, and listen to the students, despite what house they are from." Sirus glared at McGonagall. "Yes Black, I know what happened on the train with Snape and Malfoy. Don't worry though, you won't be getting a detention this time." she smiled lightly.

"So, Mister Black, I hope you will run for the student government, and hold a position with dignity if you get it." she paused. "You 2 may go up to the common room. Oh, and Mister Potter, the password is Wretched Goblins, and here is your Prefect pin." She handed the pin to James and hurried them out of the room.

"Now, Mister Lupin, about tonight....." McGonagall voice faded as James and Sirus walked away from the office.

"Me, a Prefect?" James repeated absentmindedly. He stumbled towards the common room.

"Ya, you are a Prefect." Sirus tried to smile. Deep down he wanted to be a Prefect. Oh well, there was always president of the students government. "What about me? Run for student government." he laughed.

"Well, you do have a good chance. I think it'll be a vote, and everyone loves you, especially the girls!" Sirus had a reputation with the ladies, big reputation. "The only one who won't vote are the Slytherin's, and who cares what they think?" James stated.

Sirus nodded and they continued to the common room in silence, both contemplating what had just happened. Did the teachers really think it was a good idea to give them authority positions? "Wretched Goblins." James said to the Fat Lady as the reached the door to their common room. She swung open and they stepped inside.

"Jamsie!" Arabella's voice rang out. "Whatcha got?" she motioned towards James's fist, which was clenched around his Prefect pin.

"James was made a Prefect!" Sirus said. "Prefect Jamsie, that's him now!" they started laughing.

James snapped out of his trance. "Don't call me that!" he yelled, swinging at Sirus, who ducked behind Lily. Lily had a small smile on her face. Taking the pin for James's hand, she gently pinned it onto his robes.

"So, you're a Prefect with me now?" she said gently, nervously.

"Yup, that's right." James's shifted uncomfortably.

Arabella and Sirus glanced at each other. They giggled. Sirus grabbed Arabella's arm and dragged her to the couch. "Look at them!" he said, "They are so into each other!"

Arabella nodded. "They are too." she looked at her watch. It bleeped 6:35 pm at her. "I wonder what Remus is doing?" she said.

Sirus looked at the watch too. "Oops, gotta go Bella," he said.

"Why, have a hot date?" she taunted.

"You know it!" he replied lightly. Arabella shook her head. "Joking! Guy stuff, scouts honor." he held his hand up solemnly.

Sirus went and tapped James on the shoulder. Whispering a few words, they headed out the door, leaving Lily and Arabella in the common room. "Common Bella, let's do something." Lily said after they left.

James and Sirus raced outside Hogwarts towards the Whomping Willow. Grabbing a stick, Sirus hit the knot on the bottom. Quickly they entered the tunnel. Together, they edged slowly forward. When they reached the door, they stopped. Smiling at James, Sirus concentrated.

There was a small popping sound, and in front of James was large black dog. James laughed at the sight. Concentrating himself, he became a stag. Together, in their animal forms, they entered the door. Waiting for them was a full grow werewolf.



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CassidyRai
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