Hpz26: Oh, 'tis no problem! Thanks for your review!
Ditto2001: Perfect balance? Really? I thought that it was a little on the depressing side. . .yay! That's good news! I like to think I update rather quickly so I'll see you soon!
May I have your attention please!: Alair. . .yay! I wanted to give him the name of a famous elf but couldn't think of any, so I went for the next best thing! Alas, I've already decided how I'm going to finish the story, but I fear that I cannot reveal what's going to happen. It wouldn't be much of a surprise, huh? Sorry. Well. . .I'm off to write some more! Later!
Laterose: Yes, I didn't really know where that came from. . .but I like it none the less; glad you like it, too! Can't you just picture Dumbledore in a big red Santa suit and giving Snape a nickname. . .Snape. . .poor, poor, Snape. Just wait to see what happens to him next! Hehehe. . .only hint: Fred and George are bad, bad boys!
Leaf: Yay! I was wondering what had happened to you! Hehehe, Snape's an elf. . .bet ya could guess that no one's gonna let it go for a while, huh? Yeah, I thought so. Lol, poor Snape!
Amy: Classic? Really? Yay! I'm the next Charles Dickens! Lol, no, not really. . .just a little hyper, though. . .gosh, I'm sooooooooooooo tired. . .thanks for the review!
Wanted: Love Ch24: Renewing an Old Tradition
Harry sat in the barn quietly watching the scenes of his parents' lives go by. He let out a soft laugh as he saw Lily's father attempting to teach a group of fifteen year old James, Remus, Sirius and Peter's how to play football. For every shred of talent they might have had in Quidditch, it was a minus twenty in talent for the muggle sport. Peter tripped over his own two feet and fell to the ground. Remus tripped over Peter and went head first into a large puddle of mud. A few feet away, James and Sirius ran into each other in an attempt to catch the ball. On the side lines Lily and Tali were on their sides in laughter. Harry let out another laugh as Remus emerged from the mud puddle slightly resembling the swamp thing.
"I remember that. Remus was still getting dried chips of mud out of his hair for weeks after school restarted."
Harry smiled as he turned and saw "Santa" standing at the entrance to the barn, "I'll bet my mum and Tali wouldn't let them forget for months."
Dumbledore laughed, "More like years."
"Is there something I can help you with, Professor?" Harry asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Alas, I fear to announce that Professor Snape has left, right before dessert, too. Wonderful dinner, by the way, Harry." Dumbledore said shaking his head to the side.
"He stuck around this long?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Why certainly! No need for him to go back to Hogwarts. He'd most positively go back into the depths of his dungeons for the rest of the day. Now what fun is that on Christmas?" asked Dumbledore before smiling and winking, "Besides, I was still holding out for that cup of sugar."
"Did it finally come?" asked Harry.
Dumbledore's face lit up, "Oh, yes! I went to answer the door and who was there but the main photographer for the Daily Prophet. He seemed awfully upset when he didn't have his camera with him. Fred and George offered their picture. . .Severus chased them away before he could get it, though."
Harry snickered as he pictured what it would have been like to see Dumbledore and Snape in their outfits on the Daily Prophet's front page, "I'm sure Fred and George won't give up so easily."
"Yes, that's the wonderful thing about those boys. So full of determination!" said Dumbledore as he came and sat next to Harry, "By the way, I did come out here for another reason. I daresay that you've been out here nearly all day. I never had the chance to give you your gift."
Holding up his hands and shaking his head, Harry motioned to the Headmaster's outfit, "This was more than enough. Merlin knows what you must have gone through to get Professor Snape to agree to doing it. . .especially on short notice."
"Nonsense, it is the time for giving." said Dumbledore, "And I expect it's something you'll find quite a use for."
Harry looked at him as if to ask what it was and Dumbledore smiled, "I have discussed it with the other professors, and we have decided that should you like to seek some harmless, fun-filled revenge onto. . .a certain someone, we will overlook it."
Harry looked at him like he was crazy, "Prof. . .er, Santa, are you actually telling me to get back at Malfoy?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously, "If that is who you choose. It does seem to make sense, though, doesn't it?"
". . .Professor. . .that day at Ron's house. . .what did Malfoy do with his family?" Harry asked after a few minutes.
He lost the twinkle in his eyes and became very serious, "Lucius took Narcissa and Draco to Voldemort. I'm not sure exactly what happened to them, but I've been assured that Draco will return at the start of the next semester. I imagine that Voldemort wants him to finish his training as a wizard before he joins his league. . .there still might be time to save him, though. . .at least I'm hoping."
Harry looked down, and Dumbledore looked at him, "Don't worry about him, Harry. He'll be fine."
"What? Oh, no. I was just thinking to myself. . ." Harry led off.
"Would you care to elaborate?"
"It's nothing, sir. Just the typical worries of a teenage boy, nothing to worry about." Harry said, hoping to sound convincing. In truth he was beginning to wonder if he should take Dumbledore up on his offer. After all, it was partially his fault if Malfoy went to the dark side, he did help raise the Dark Lord, that is.
As if reading his mind, Dumbledore smiled, "It's no one's fault, Harry. Don't go believing for a second that you're responsible. Now, I must be heading back to Hogwarts, but I'll leave you to the Pensieve."
He turned to the scene that was paused on the display screen that had been set up and smiled, "Two more turns clockwise, I believe."
With that, he left Harry to ponder what he had said. Pulling his wand out, Harry walked over to the Pensieve and stirred it around two times clockwise.
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'What're we hiding it for? Can't we just give it to our successors?' asked Sirius as he was left to drag a small trunk into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
'Be quiet, Sirius. If we're going to have successors, then they need to have the wits to find it.' said James.
'We better hurry or Tali and Lily will find us. Wormtail can't keep them busy that long.' said Remus.
'Whose there!?' cried Myrtle, flying out of her stall, 'Oh, it's *you* again. Why do you keep coming into my bathroom?'
'Sorry, Myrtle. We just need to bury something.' said James, referring to the trunk.
Myrtle eyed him then smiled, surprising everyone, 'Alright then, just be quiet about it. I'm in the middle of sulking here.'
'Sure thing, Myrtle.' James said, motioning for Sirius to bring the trunk over to the fifth stall from the right.
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Harry watched as the scene faded and felt a devilish smile growing onto his lips. So that was what his father had told him about. Still, he wondered what exactly was in the trunk. Standing up, he waved his wand and the projector screen cleared itself. Harry ran back to the house and discovered that no one was still up. Glancing at the clock, he noticed that was eleven. Despite this fact, he still ran upstairs and into Ron's room. He came to a skidding stop at the door and almost hit the wall. He managed to stop himself just in time, though, and walked over to Ron's bed quietly. He bent down on his knees and stared at his friend's slumbering face.
"Ron?" he asked quietly, "Ron are you awake?"
Ron made no acknowledgement of his presence and Harry sighed angrily. He pursed his lips to the side and tapped his toes. He knew Ron wouldn't be happy if he was awakened, but Harry was dying to go. And of course, Ron would be upset it he was left behind. He sighed again and leaned carefully over Ron's ear.
"Ron? Wake up," he said and once again Ron didn't move.
Rolling his eyes, Harry placed a silencing charm on the room and bent down over Ron's ear again, "Ron you lazy prat! Get up now!"
Ron shot up in bed and hit Harry's forehead and looked around groggily, "What?"
"Damn, Ron, that hurt, you know." Harry said, rubbing his forehead.
Ron rubbed his eyes, yawned, and looked at him, "What time is it, Harry? And why are you waking me up early on a day off?"
Harry suddenly got the wicked glint back into his eye and smiled before throwing Ron's blankets to the side and pulling him out of bed, "Come on! We have to go!"
Sitting back down on the bed, Ron scratched his stomach and spoke through his yawn, "Go where? Can't this wait till around noon?"
"Just get dressed! I'm gonna go get the girls!" said Harry as he ran to the door.
Ron groaned and fell back to the bed where he pulled the blanket over his body. He curled his legs under him and smiled as he felt sleep begin to reclaim him. Just then, though, a pillow hit him and he shot up. Looking to the door he saw Harry looking at him sternly.
"I mean it, Ron. Up," he said before disappearing again.
Harry raced over to the girls' room and hesitated for a minute. Not only would they have him out numbered, but there was always the possibility that one or both of them might be PMS-ing. If so, he doubted he would make it back out of the room alive. Shaking his head, he headed into the room. Ron would kill him if they got to sleep in while he had to get up.
Deciding to start with the one most likely to forgive him, Harry made his way to Hermione's bed, "'Mione? You awake?"
Amazingly, the figure on the bed stirred and sat up, "Harry, is that you?"
Harry smiled and hurried over to her where he gave her a hug, "Hey, Hermione. What are you doing up?"
"Just thinking. What about you?" she asked.
"Er, well, that's the thing. Come on, you and Lavender need to get up. Would you mind getting her up?" Harry asked, taking her hands and pulling her up.
"Why?" she asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Well, to tell the truth, I'm not too fond of what she might do if she's woken up this early." Harry said, hoping not to sound too babyish.
Hermione giggled softly, "No, I mean why do we have to get up?"
Harry got the same look in his eyes as he did with Ron, "You'll see. Could you get Lavender up? I'll bet Ron went back to sleep."
Hermione laughed, "I wouldn't doubt it. Sure, but this better be worth it."
Harry didn't say anything but the look in his eyes doubled in his smile as he left, leaving Hermione only slightly worried.
Half an hour later Harry had finally managed to get his friends out of bed and ready to leave. None of them had any idea what was going on and Harry refused to tell them. All he would do was smile and say that it would be worth it.
"Okay, are you ready?" he asked them in giddy excitement.
"Yeah, yeah, let's just get this over with. Where are we going again?" Ron asked still a little cranky.
In reply, Harry walked to the fireplace and dropped his Floo powder, "Hogwarts!"
When he came out he found himself in the Gryffindor common room. He took in a deep breath and dusted off his shoulders. It was good to be back, really back, at school. Turning around, he was suddenly knocked a few feet forward as Lavender stumbled out of the fireplace. She looked up at him and opened her mouth to say something when she was cut off by an attack of monstrously long yawn. By the time it subsided, both Ron and Hermione had appeared.
"Okay, Harry. We're here. What's so important?" Lavender asked.
He smiled again and pointed to the portrait hole with his head, "You'll see."
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"What are we doing here?" Ron asked curiously as they came to a stop in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
"Who's there?" asked Myrtle, floating out of her bathroom, "Oh, hello, Harry."
"Myrtle, do you remember what my father buried over there?" asked Harry, pointing to the fifth stall.
She nodded and he continued, "Is it still there?"
"Sure is. Why? What is it?" she asked.
Harry ignored her and walked over to where he had seen the Marauders digging. Ron, Lavender, and Hermione followed him and stared curiously as he carefully removed several tiles strategically placed behind the toilet.
"Harry, what are you doing?" asked Hermione as he pulled out a small, yet heavy, leather trunk.
"Yes! I didn't think it would be this easy to get. I'm surprised they didn't bury it further down." Harry said, bringing it out into the light.
"What in it?" asked Ron.
"Not sure," said Harry, "All I saw was dad, Sirius, and Remus bury it."
"The Marauders?" asked Lavender.
Harry nodded, "I just hope they didn't curse it."
"Well let's open it and find out!" said Ron, suddenly excited at the find.
Harry smiled at his enthusiasm, took in a breath, and opened it. The most that happened was a large cloud of dust sprung up at them. Waving it to the side, Harry reached in and pulled out an aged piece of paper.
"What's it say?" Hermione and Lavender asked at the same time, now both infected with the excitement.
"Congratulations!" Harry read, "If you're reading this then you are undoubtedly the luckiest person(s) at Hogwarts! Your nosiness has just landed you the remain of the infamous Marauders: Prongs, Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Enclosed with this note you will find everything you need to continue on the age old tradition of trouble making. Good luck to you and remember that rules are fun but breaking them is always better!"
"Merlin! You were right, Harry, it *was* worth it!" exclaimed Hermione.
"So what? Are we like the next generation of Marauders?" asked Ron
"I guess so." said Harry.
"Cool!" Ron said as his eyes lit up like Christmas bulbs.
"What else is in there?" asked Lavender. Harry reached in the trunk and pulled out a book.
"'10 Easy Steps to Becoming a Marauder.' By Moony, Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail." he read.
"So does this mean you four are going to start up that silly club again?" asked Myrtle. They jumped at her voice, having forgotten where they were.
"That's right," said Hermione, glancing at her watch, "We better be getting back. Everyone will be getting up soon."
"Right, we can finish looking through this stuff in my room." said Harry, putting the book back and closing the trunk.
*************************
By the time they got back to the house, Sirius, Remus, and Tali were talking quietly amongst themselves in the living room.
"Where have you four been!?" Tali asked frantically after she realized that they had not been in bed as previously thought.
"Er. . .we were just. . ." started Hermione. Harry caught Remus' eye as Hermione went on trying to explain. He pointed with his eyes to the trunk. Remus smiled and elbowed Sirius who got the message and smiled also.
"Come on, Tali. Let's go start breakfast. We can talk to them later." Sirius said, ushering her to the kitchen, despite her protests.
Once the two were gone, Remus turned back to the young Gryffindors and smiled again, "I see you took a visit to Moaning Myrtle."
"Well, you know. We haven't visited her in *forever*" said Harry with a smirk.
"I see, just make sure you don't hold back. Don't worry, Sirius and I will keep everyone busy. No one will bother you." Remus said before heading off to the kitchen.
"So you think he approves?" asked Lavender.
"Approve? How could he not? He is Moony, you know." said Ron.
"As long as we pull at least one on Snape I think he'll be happy." said Hermione as they started back up to Harry's room.
"I think anyone will approve of a prank on Snape." said Ron.
"I don't suppose anyone would mind a trick or two on Filch, either." Harry pointed out, closing the door behind him as they reached his room.
"Okay, now what's the first step?" asked Lavender as Harry pulled the book back out.
"Step one: choose your names. These should be decided by your Animagus form. Lucky for you, we have come up with a patented potion that will help you with your transformation." Harry read before reaching into the trunk and pulling out a large purple bottle.
"Do you think that's still any good?" asked Hermione.
Harry looked back to the book, "It says it never goes bad."
"How would they know? It's not like they've actually tested it before." said Lavender.
"Oh have a little faith, would you? Sirius and Remus would have stopped us if they had any doubts." Ron said. The other three looked at each other and then back to Ron. Hermione smiled.
"So glad you feel that way, Ron. You can go first." she said, with a glint in her eyes that looked quite out of place.
Ron squirmed for a second but nodded, "Fine then. Give it to me."
He took a sip of it and then turned back to Harry, "Hey, not bad. What's next?"
"It says to close your eyes and you should be able to see your animal. Do you see it?" Harry asked and Ron nodded, "Okay, next you're supposed to concentrate on that animal."
The room was silent for a minute. Nothing seemed to be happening and Lavender was about to suggest that perhaps he need to drink some more when all of a sudden Ron's form started to shrink to the floor. Within the minute, where Ron had been standing was a beautiful red wolf. The wolf opened its eyes and looked at itself in seeming shock. Then, as quick as it happened, Ron was back and looking at himself in amazement.
"Whoa! Did you see that!?" he exclaimed ecstatically. Instantly, the three were over to him and asking him all sorts of questions.
"Did it hurt?"
"Was it very hard?"
"What was it like?"
Ron smiled, "No, no, and it was awesome!"
"I'm next!" Lavender said firmly, taking a sip from the bottle.
The rest sat on the bed and waited. It took her a little longer than Ron, but pretty soon a clouded leopard, was staring blankly around the room. (AN: If you don't know what a clouded leopard looks like, then find a picture. They're SO pretty!) Ron instinctively backed away but fell of the bed. He quickly stood up, though, and took a few steps backward. The leopard pounced forward and pinned him to the ground. Harry and Hermione were cracking up at the look on his face and it was quite likely that he might have let out a shout, but the leopard started licking his face before transforming back into Lavender and pushing away, laughing heartedly.
"Very funny, Lavender," Ron said as he sat up and brushed himself off.
"I thought so." she said, smirking.
Harry leaned over to Hermione, "A dog and a cat, think it's a sign?"
She giggled and stood up, "I'll go next."
Taking a sip, the change was almost simultaneous. A raven sat perched on the bed post and cocked its head from side to side. Harry held his hand out and the raven flew over and landed on it daintily. He stroked the bird as Lavender smiled in the background.
"Better watch out, Herms," she taunted, "Or my animal instinct might end you up in my stomach."
Hermione changed back into herself and raised an eyebrow at her, "Not if Ron's instinct gets you first."
Lavender eyed her and laughed, "I'd like to see a wolf take on a leopard. I might finally have the upper hand on you this time, Ronald Weasley."
Rolling his eyes, Ron hit her with a pillow, "I doubt that. Go on, Harry. You're up."
He nodded and took the bottle, "Hm, you're right, Ron. It's not that bad."
Ron nodded and smiled with an air of dignity around him, "Am I ever wrong?"
Both girls opened their mouth to answer but were interrupted when a beautiful white stag suddenly took Harry's place. It bucked its head about as if trying to stretch it out before looking at the others in the room. It seemed to be quite pleased with itself and tried out its legs before turning back into Harry.
As soon as he was human again he high fived Ron and smiled widely, "I'm a stag! What are the odds?"
"You know what they say, like father, like son." said Hermione. He nodded and, still smiling, took his seat again.
Glancing back at the book he looked up, "Okay, we know our animals. All we need now is to come up with our names and step one is finished. Well. . .I think I'll just stick with tradition. I'm going with Prongs Jr."
"And so goes the person with the easiest time." muttered Ron, "Alright then. If I'm a red wolf. . .um, I guess. . .Merlin. It's not that easy, is it?"
"I'll go with Blackbeak. I am a raven, you know." said Hermione.
"See Ron, it's not that hard. You're a wolf, how about Fang?" suggested Lavender.
Ron thought this over a minute than nodded, "Fang, huh? Sounds cool enough. As for you, what do you think of Specs?"
Lavender pursed her lips, ". . .I guess. . .I do have spots all over me, don't I?"
"Cool. So it's settled. Blackbeak, Fang, Specs, and Prongs Jr are officially the new members." said Harry, closing the book.
"Wait a minute. What about the other nine steps?" asked Hermione.
"Well, step number two is to wreak as much havoc as humanely possible. . .but the rest are blank." said Harry.
"What? Let me see that," said Ron, as Harry handed him the book.
He flipped through the pages, "To be continued? Not very good writers, were they?"
Harry shrugged and started shifting through the other things in the trunk, "Hey, at least they left all this cool stuff."
Author's Note: Mwa hahahaha! The Marauders are back in a new generation! Bet ya can't wait to see what happens next, can you? I'll tell you this: next chapter is back at Hogwarts. . .and guess who's back from suspension? That's right! Oh, I can't wait to write it! By the way, super sorry it took so long to update. I lost my muse for a while. . .it's back though, please don't yell at me! I'm gonna go write some more. . .but do leave a review! Oh! While you're waiting for me to update, Chochang1234 put the next chapter up to her story. Why don't cha go check it out?
Ditto2001: Perfect balance? Really? I thought that it was a little on the depressing side. . .yay! That's good news! I like to think I update rather quickly so I'll see you soon!
May I have your attention please!: Alair. . .yay! I wanted to give him the name of a famous elf but couldn't think of any, so I went for the next best thing! Alas, I've already decided how I'm going to finish the story, but I fear that I cannot reveal what's going to happen. It wouldn't be much of a surprise, huh? Sorry. Well. . .I'm off to write some more! Later!
Laterose: Yes, I didn't really know where that came from. . .but I like it none the less; glad you like it, too! Can't you just picture Dumbledore in a big red Santa suit and giving Snape a nickname. . .Snape. . .poor, poor, Snape. Just wait to see what happens to him next! Hehehe. . .only hint: Fred and George are bad, bad boys!
Leaf: Yay! I was wondering what had happened to you! Hehehe, Snape's an elf. . .bet ya could guess that no one's gonna let it go for a while, huh? Yeah, I thought so. Lol, poor Snape!
Amy: Classic? Really? Yay! I'm the next Charles Dickens! Lol, no, not really. . .just a little hyper, though. . .gosh, I'm sooooooooooooo tired. . .thanks for the review!
Wanted: Love Ch24: Renewing an Old Tradition
Harry sat in the barn quietly watching the scenes of his parents' lives go by. He let out a soft laugh as he saw Lily's father attempting to teach a group of fifteen year old James, Remus, Sirius and Peter's how to play football. For every shred of talent they might have had in Quidditch, it was a minus twenty in talent for the muggle sport. Peter tripped over his own two feet and fell to the ground. Remus tripped over Peter and went head first into a large puddle of mud. A few feet away, James and Sirius ran into each other in an attempt to catch the ball. On the side lines Lily and Tali were on their sides in laughter. Harry let out another laugh as Remus emerged from the mud puddle slightly resembling the swamp thing.
"I remember that. Remus was still getting dried chips of mud out of his hair for weeks after school restarted."
Harry smiled as he turned and saw "Santa" standing at the entrance to the barn, "I'll bet my mum and Tali wouldn't let them forget for months."
Dumbledore laughed, "More like years."
"Is there something I can help you with, Professor?" Harry asked after a few minutes of silence.
"Alas, I fear to announce that Professor Snape has left, right before dessert, too. Wonderful dinner, by the way, Harry." Dumbledore said shaking his head to the side.
"He stuck around this long?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Why certainly! No need for him to go back to Hogwarts. He'd most positively go back into the depths of his dungeons for the rest of the day. Now what fun is that on Christmas?" asked Dumbledore before smiling and winking, "Besides, I was still holding out for that cup of sugar."
"Did it finally come?" asked Harry.
Dumbledore's face lit up, "Oh, yes! I went to answer the door and who was there but the main photographer for the Daily Prophet. He seemed awfully upset when he didn't have his camera with him. Fred and George offered their picture. . .Severus chased them away before he could get it, though."
Harry snickered as he pictured what it would have been like to see Dumbledore and Snape in their outfits on the Daily Prophet's front page, "I'm sure Fred and George won't give up so easily."
"Yes, that's the wonderful thing about those boys. So full of determination!" said Dumbledore as he came and sat next to Harry, "By the way, I did come out here for another reason. I daresay that you've been out here nearly all day. I never had the chance to give you your gift."
Holding up his hands and shaking his head, Harry motioned to the Headmaster's outfit, "This was more than enough. Merlin knows what you must have gone through to get Professor Snape to agree to doing it. . .especially on short notice."
"Nonsense, it is the time for giving." said Dumbledore, "And I expect it's something you'll find quite a use for."
Harry looked at him as if to ask what it was and Dumbledore smiled, "I have discussed it with the other professors, and we have decided that should you like to seek some harmless, fun-filled revenge onto. . .a certain someone, we will overlook it."
Harry looked at him like he was crazy, "Prof. . .er, Santa, are you actually telling me to get back at Malfoy?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously, "If that is who you choose. It does seem to make sense, though, doesn't it?"
". . .Professor. . .that day at Ron's house. . .what did Malfoy do with his family?" Harry asked after a few minutes.
He lost the twinkle in his eyes and became very serious, "Lucius took Narcissa and Draco to Voldemort. I'm not sure exactly what happened to them, but I've been assured that Draco will return at the start of the next semester. I imagine that Voldemort wants him to finish his training as a wizard before he joins his league. . .there still might be time to save him, though. . .at least I'm hoping."
Harry looked down, and Dumbledore looked at him, "Don't worry about him, Harry. He'll be fine."
"What? Oh, no. I was just thinking to myself. . ." Harry led off.
"Would you care to elaborate?"
"It's nothing, sir. Just the typical worries of a teenage boy, nothing to worry about." Harry said, hoping to sound convincing. In truth he was beginning to wonder if he should take Dumbledore up on his offer. After all, it was partially his fault if Malfoy went to the dark side, he did help raise the Dark Lord, that is.
As if reading his mind, Dumbledore smiled, "It's no one's fault, Harry. Don't go believing for a second that you're responsible. Now, I must be heading back to Hogwarts, but I'll leave you to the Pensieve."
He turned to the scene that was paused on the display screen that had been set up and smiled, "Two more turns clockwise, I believe."
With that, he left Harry to ponder what he had said. Pulling his wand out, Harry walked over to the Pensieve and stirred it around two times clockwise.
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'What're we hiding it for? Can't we just give it to our successors?' asked Sirius as he was left to drag a small trunk into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
'Be quiet, Sirius. If we're going to have successors, then they need to have the wits to find it.' said James.
'We better hurry or Tali and Lily will find us. Wormtail can't keep them busy that long.' said Remus.
'Whose there!?' cried Myrtle, flying out of her stall, 'Oh, it's *you* again. Why do you keep coming into my bathroom?'
'Sorry, Myrtle. We just need to bury something.' said James, referring to the trunk.
Myrtle eyed him then smiled, surprising everyone, 'Alright then, just be quiet about it. I'm in the middle of sulking here.'
'Sure thing, Myrtle.' James said, motioning for Sirius to bring the trunk over to the fifth stall from the right.
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Harry watched as the scene faded and felt a devilish smile growing onto his lips. So that was what his father had told him about. Still, he wondered what exactly was in the trunk. Standing up, he waved his wand and the projector screen cleared itself. Harry ran back to the house and discovered that no one was still up. Glancing at the clock, he noticed that was eleven. Despite this fact, he still ran upstairs and into Ron's room. He came to a skidding stop at the door and almost hit the wall. He managed to stop himself just in time, though, and walked over to Ron's bed quietly. He bent down on his knees and stared at his friend's slumbering face.
"Ron?" he asked quietly, "Ron are you awake?"
Ron made no acknowledgement of his presence and Harry sighed angrily. He pursed his lips to the side and tapped his toes. He knew Ron wouldn't be happy if he was awakened, but Harry was dying to go. And of course, Ron would be upset it he was left behind. He sighed again and leaned carefully over Ron's ear.
"Ron? Wake up," he said and once again Ron didn't move.
Rolling his eyes, Harry placed a silencing charm on the room and bent down over Ron's ear again, "Ron you lazy prat! Get up now!"
Ron shot up in bed and hit Harry's forehead and looked around groggily, "What?"
"Damn, Ron, that hurt, you know." Harry said, rubbing his forehead.
Ron rubbed his eyes, yawned, and looked at him, "What time is it, Harry? And why are you waking me up early on a day off?"
Harry suddenly got the wicked glint back into his eye and smiled before throwing Ron's blankets to the side and pulling him out of bed, "Come on! We have to go!"
Sitting back down on the bed, Ron scratched his stomach and spoke through his yawn, "Go where? Can't this wait till around noon?"
"Just get dressed! I'm gonna go get the girls!" said Harry as he ran to the door.
Ron groaned and fell back to the bed where he pulled the blanket over his body. He curled his legs under him and smiled as he felt sleep begin to reclaim him. Just then, though, a pillow hit him and he shot up. Looking to the door he saw Harry looking at him sternly.
"I mean it, Ron. Up," he said before disappearing again.
Harry raced over to the girls' room and hesitated for a minute. Not only would they have him out numbered, but there was always the possibility that one or both of them might be PMS-ing. If so, he doubted he would make it back out of the room alive. Shaking his head, he headed into the room. Ron would kill him if they got to sleep in while he had to get up.
Deciding to start with the one most likely to forgive him, Harry made his way to Hermione's bed, "'Mione? You awake?"
Amazingly, the figure on the bed stirred and sat up, "Harry, is that you?"
Harry smiled and hurried over to her where he gave her a hug, "Hey, Hermione. What are you doing up?"
"Just thinking. What about you?" she asked.
"Er, well, that's the thing. Come on, you and Lavender need to get up. Would you mind getting her up?" Harry asked, taking her hands and pulling her up.
"Why?" she asked with an eyebrow raised.
"Well, to tell the truth, I'm not too fond of what she might do if she's woken up this early." Harry said, hoping not to sound too babyish.
Hermione giggled softly, "No, I mean why do we have to get up?"
Harry got the same look in his eyes as he did with Ron, "You'll see. Could you get Lavender up? I'll bet Ron went back to sleep."
Hermione laughed, "I wouldn't doubt it. Sure, but this better be worth it."
Harry didn't say anything but the look in his eyes doubled in his smile as he left, leaving Hermione only slightly worried.
Half an hour later Harry had finally managed to get his friends out of bed and ready to leave. None of them had any idea what was going on and Harry refused to tell them. All he would do was smile and say that it would be worth it.
"Okay, are you ready?" he asked them in giddy excitement.
"Yeah, yeah, let's just get this over with. Where are we going again?" Ron asked still a little cranky.
In reply, Harry walked to the fireplace and dropped his Floo powder, "Hogwarts!"
When he came out he found himself in the Gryffindor common room. He took in a deep breath and dusted off his shoulders. It was good to be back, really back, at school. Turning around, he was suddenly knocked a few feet forward as Lavender stumbled out of the fireplace. She looked up at him and opened her mouth to say something when she was cut off by an attack of monstrously long yawn. By the time it subsided, both Ron and Hermione had appeared.
"Okay, Harry. We're here. What's so important?" Lavender asked.
He smiled again and pointed to the portrait hole with his head, "You'll see."
**************************
"What are we doing here?" Ron asked curiously as they came to a stop in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom.
"Who's there?" asked Myrtle, floating out of her bathroom, "Oh, hello, Harry."
"Myrtle, do you remember what my father buried over there?" asked Harry, pointing to the fifth stall.
She nodded and he continued, "Is it still there?"
"Sure is. Why? What is it?" she asked.
Harry ignored her and walked over to where he had seen the Marauders digging. Ron, Lavender, and Hermione followed him and stared curiously as he carefully removed several tiles strategically placed behind the toilet.
"Harry, what are you doing?" asked Hermione as he pulled out a small, yet heavy, leather trunk.
"Yes! I didn't think it would be this easy to get. I'm surprised they didn't bury it further down." Harry said, bringing it out into the light.
"What in it?" asked Ron.
"Not sure," said Harry, "All I saw was dad, Sirius, and Remus bury it."
"The Marauders?" asked Lavender.
Harry nodded, "I just hope they didn't curse it."
"Well let's open it and find out!" said Ron, suddenly excited at the find.
Harry smiled at his enthusiasm, took in a breath, and opened it. The most that happened was a large cloud of dust sprung up at them. Waving it to the side, Harry reached in and pulled out an aged piece of paper.
"What's it say?" Hermione and Lavender asked at the same time, now both infected with the excitement.
"Congratulations!" Harry read, "If you're reading this then you are undoubtedly the luckiest person(s) at Hogwarts! Your nosiness has just landed you the remain of the infamous Marauders: Prongs, Padfoot, Moony, and Wormtail. Enclosed with this note you will find everything you need to continue on the age old tradition of trouble making. Good luck to you and remember that rules are fun but breaking them is always better!"
"Merlin! You were right, Harry, it *was* worth it!" exclaimed Hermione.
"So what? Are we like the next generation of Marauders?" asked Ron
"I guess so." said Harry.
"Cool!" Ron said as his eyes lit up like Christmas bulbs.
"What else is in there?" asked Lavender. Harry reached in the trunk and pulled out a book.
"'10 Easy Steps to Becoming a Marauder.' By Moony, Prongs, Padfoot, and Wormtail." he read.
"So does this mean you four are going to start up that silly club again?" asked Myrtle. They jumped at her voice, having forgotten where they were.
"That's right," said Hermione, glancing at her watch, "We better be getting back. Everyone will be getting up soon."
"Right, we can finish looking through this stuff in my room." said Harry, putting the book back and closing the trunk.
*************************
By the time they got back to the house, Sirius, Remus, and Tali were talking quietly amongst themselves in the living room.
"Where have you four been!?" Tali asked frantically after she realized that they had not been in bed as previously thought.
"Er. . .we were just. . ." started Hermione. Harry caught Remus' eye as Hermione went on trying to explain. He pointed with his eyes to the trunk. Remus smiled and elbowed Sirius who got the message and smiled also.
"Come on, Tali. Let's go start breakfast. We can talk to them later." Sirius said, ushering her to the kitchen, despite her protests.
Once the two were gone, Remus turned back to the young Gryffindors and smiled again, "I see you took a visit to Moaning Myrtle."
"Well, you know. We haven't visited her in *forever*" said Harry with a smirk.
"I see, just make sure you don't hold back. Don't worry, Sirius and I will keep everyone busy. No one will bother you." Remus said before heading off to the kitchen.
"So you think he approves?" asked Lavender.
"Approve? How could he not? He is Moony, you know." said Ron.
"As long as we pull at least one on Snape I think he'll be happy." said Hermione as they started back up to Harry's room.
"I think anyone will approve of a prank on Snape." said Ron.
"I don't suppose anyone would mind a trick or two on Filch, either." Harry pointed out, closing the door behind him as they reached his room.
"Okay, now what's the first step?" asked Lavender as Harry pulled the book back out.
"Step one: choose your names. These should be decided by your Animagus form. Lucky for you, we have come up with a patented potion that will help you with your transformation." Harry read before reaching into the trunk and pulling out a large purple bottle.
"Do you think that's still any good?" asked Hermione.
Harry looked back to the book, "It says it never goes bad."
"How would they know? It's not like they've actually tested it before." said Lavender.
"Oh have a little faith, would you? Sirius and Remus would have stopped us if they had any doubts." Ron said. The other three looked at each other and then back to Ron. Hermione smiled.
"So glad you feel that way, Ron. You can go first." she said, with a glint in her eyes that looked quite out of place.
Ron squirmed for a second but nodded, "Fine then. Give it to me."
He took a sip of it and then turned back to Harry, "Hey, not bad. What's next?"
"It says to close your eyes and you should be able to see your animal. Do you see it?" Harry asked and Ron nodded, "Okay, next you're supposed to concentrate on that animal."
The room was silent for a minute. Nothing seemed to be happening and Lavender was about to suggest that perhaps he need to drink some more when all of a sudden Ron's form started to shrink to the floor. Within the minute, where Ron had been standing was a beautiful red wolf. The wolf opened its eyes and looked at itself in seeming shock. Then, as quick as it happened, Ron was back and looking at himself in amazement.
"Whoa! Did you see that!?" he exclaimed ecstatically. Instantly, the three were over to him and asking him all sorts of questions.
"Did it hurt?"
"Was it very hard?"
"What was it like?"
Ron smiled, "No, no, and it was awesome!"
"I'm next!" Lavender said firmly, taking a sip from the bottle.
The rest sat on the bed and waited. It took her a little longer than Ron, but pretty soon a clouded leopard, was staring blankly around the room. (AN: If you don't know what a clouded leopard looks like, then find a picture. They're SO pretty!) Ron instinctively backed away but fell of the bed. He quickly stood up, though, and took a few steps backward. The leopard pounced forward and pinned him to the ground. Harry and Hermione were cracking up at the look on his face and it was quite likely that he might have let out a shout, but the leopard started licking his face before transforming back into Lavender and pushing away, laughing heartedly.
"Very funny, Lavender," Ron said as he sat up and brushed himself off.
"I thought so." she said, smirking.
Harry leaned over to Hermione, "A dog and a cat, think it's a sign?"
She giggled and stood up, "I'll go next."
Taking a sip, the change was almost simultaneous. A raven sat perched on the bed post and cocked its head from side to side. Harry held his hand out and the raven flew over and landed on it daintily. He stroked the bird as Lavender smiled in the background.
"Better watch out, Herms," she taunted, "Or my animal instinct might end you up in my stomach."
Hermione changed back into herself and raised an eyebrow at her, "Not if Ron's instinct gets you first."
Lavender eyed her and laughed, "I'd like to see a wolf take on a leopard. I might finally have the upper hand on you this time, Ronald Weasley."
Rolling his eyes, Ron hit her with a pillow, "I doubt that. Go on, Harry. You're up."
He nodded and took the bottle, "Hm, you're right, Ron. It's not that bad."
Ron nodded and smiled with an air of dignity around him, "Am I ever wrong?"
Both girls opened their mouth to answer but were interrupted when a beautiful white stag suddenly took Harry's place. It bucked its head about as if trying to stretch it out before looking at the others in the room. It seemed to be quite pleased with itself and tried out its legs before turning back into Harry.
As soon as he was human again he high fived Ron and smiled widely, "I'm a stag! What are the odds?"
"You know what they say, like father, like son." said Hermione. He nodded and, still smiling, took his seat again.
Glancing back at the book he looked up, "Okay, we know our animals. All we need now is to come up with our names and step one is finished. Well. . .I think I'll just stick with tradition. I'm going with Prongs Jr."
"And so goes the person with the easiest time." muttered Ron, "Alright then. If I'm a red wolf. . .um, I guess. . .Merlin. It's not that easy, is it?"
"I'll go with Blackbeak. I am a raven, you know." said Hermione.
"See Ron, it's not that hard. You're a wolf, how about Fang?" suggested Lavender.
Ron thought this over a minute than nodded, "Fang, huh? Sounds cool enough. As for you, what do you think of Specs?"
Lavender pursed her lips, ". . .I guess. . .I do have spots all over me, don't I?"
"Cool. So it's settled. Blackbeak, Fang, Specs, and Prongs Jr are officially the new members." said Harry, closing the book.
"Wait a minute. What about the other nine steps?" asked Hermione.
"Well, step number two is to wreak as much havoc as humanely possible. . .but the rest are blank." said Harry.
"What? Let me see that," said Ron, as Harry handed him the book.
He flipped through the pages, "To be continued? Not very good writers, were they?"
Harry shrugged and started shifting through the other things in the trunk, "Hey, at least they left all this cool stuff."
Author's Note: Mwa hahahaha! The Marauders are back in a new generation! Bet ya can't wait to see what happens next, can you? I'll tell you this: next chapter is back at Hogwarts. . .and guess who's back from suspension? That's right! Oh, I can't wait to write it! By the way, super sorry it took so long to update. I lost my muse for a while. . .it's back though, please don't yell at me! I'm gonna go write some more. . .but do leave a review! Oh! While you're waiting for me to update, Chochang1234 put the next chapter up to her story. Why don't cha go check it out?