a/n: hOLa! Yes. it's been awhile since I updated .. I'm really sorry! Ook. I made this chapter a little longer than the previous ones .. this hasn't been beta-ed soo. bear with me on mistakes and grammatical errors!

Thanks for the reviews!

Disclaimer: [ I do not own the characters that you recognize in this fic. If you do not recognize the characters of Ariana, Jennifer, Lana, Jessica, Lauren, and Marissa; then I own them! That goes for the plot too.]

Chapter 4

"Can you move aside?"

"How do I really know you're Head Girl?"

"Because, you dolt, I have my badge for proof." She replied, muttering under her breath, 'idiot.' Like a muggle movie, Lily flashed her Head Girl badge to James, who was obviously enjoying watching her become chagrined.

The Head Boy and Girl compartment was like any typical compartment . except with some little extras. Since both Head Boy and Girl were in Gryffindor, the walls were a light golden color and a decorative scarlet trim. The Gryffindor seal was fixed onto a banner that hung low above their heads. The compartment was thrice the size of the ordinary compartments on the train and on the left from standing on the door were seats of crushed crimson seats. In the center of the compartment was a small table with stationary seats for miscellaneous events while on the left was the selection of delectable snacks for the train ride.

Looking in awe, Lily, Jennifer and Ariana made their way into the center of the room. As the train made a sharp turn, the three steadied themselves and made their way to the luxurious seats. Oddly enough, there were seven seats, just enough for the seven Gryffindors. Jen and Ariana quickly sat on the two far left seats which left Lily to sit next to Ariana and an empty seat. [a/n: get it? Here: Jen _ Ariana _ Lily -- -- -- -- ]

For about an hour, the three girls were chatting away, oblivious to what the infamous Marauders were doing.

Huddled together on the compartment floor were Remus, James, Sirius and Peter. Remus and James were playing an exciting game of wizard's chess, and James the one losing, while Sirius was chewing apathetically on some Bernie Bott's Multi-Flavored Gum and Peter lazily reading on Transfiguration ahead of time.

~* with the girls *~

"So Lily, quite a surprise that James is Head Boy isn't it?" inquired Ariana.

"Of course it is! I didn't expect the daft fool to actually receive good marks in his classes. I mean, he never pays attention, and with his stupid record of detentions, I thought that would at least count against him!"

"Shh Lils! Didn't mean to get you so riled up." Ariana giggled.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing. ok, don't take any offense to this, but could I ask you a question?"

Uncertainly, Lily replied, "Umm sure."

"WhatdoyouthinkofSiriusBlack?" Ariana quickly asked the question, hoping Lily heard enough so she didn't have to repeat it.

Unfortunately, Lily heard, "Whaddyahthingohsherbets'back?"

"What?"

Exasperatedly, Ariana repeated more slowly, " what do you think of
him?"

"Who?"

"Him."

"Well who? There are four other guys here. If you're not gonna point him out, I'm gonna think you were asking about Peter Pettigrew." Lily smirked, she knew how much everyone thought Peter was a "lesser" person of the Marauders, and his looks confirmed it. [a/n: haha. poor petey .. ]

Jennifer stole a glance at the chubby boy with watery, blue eyes and flat blonde hair. Mentally she shuddered at his image. [a/n: she's so shallow! Lol. well Peter's personality and appearance matches. that damn traitor.]

"Eww! Gross Lils! You'd actually think I'd be talking about him? I said S-I- R-I-U-S!"

"Ohhh. well, why are you asking me?"

Ariana thought a little, and couldn't think of a less embarrassing answer. "Just answer the damn question!"

"Oh I see," Lily said slyly, "You like him don't you?"

"I so do not! Just asking your opinion on any other guy. I've asked for your opinion a million other times. Just curious you know. It doesn't mean a thing. I mean, I've asked your opinion on Peter Pettigrew before, and God knows that I don't like him, so what would make you think that I'm actually seeing him as this really cute guy, who looks like he's dateable, but he's one of those guys that aren't in for a real relationship. He goes for the prettiest girls in the school, and even though I'm not that pretty, do ya think he would still date me, but I'm too afraid to ask him anything cuz he might ignore me or think of me as an idiot. God, why can't dating be easier."

Ariana rambled on, not noticing she described her whole scenario to Lily and Jennifer without conscientiously knowing.

"Ari"

"Maybe if I make myself look prettier, then he'll notice me?"

"Ari!"

"I think for our first Hogsmeade weekend, we should go to Sephora Emporium!"

"Ariana!"

"I always wanted to go there. I heard they have so much new makeup! And even trial shows."

"Ariana Johnson!!"

"God, what is it Lily?"

"So that proves my point! Ha! You do like Sirius Black!"

Ariana's already rosy cheeks were becoming almost as red as Lily's flaming hair. "So what if I do?"

"You traitor! How could you like one of Potter's friends?"

"Hey! It's a free world!"

"I can't believe one of my best friends likes my arch enemy's friend!"

"Well. umm. I'm not denying it." Unable to think of anything else intelligent to say, Ariana said the first thing that came to her mind.

"Well, Jennifer has a crush on Remus!"

Jennifer was then unfortunately dragged into her conversation, pulled away from reading her Teen Witch magazine.

"I so do not like Remus Lupin!" Jennifer exclaimed, her face just as red as Ariana's.

"Oh my God, I'm left alone! How could you guys do this to me! Don't you know I hate Potter and his good-for-nothing friends?" Frustrated, all Lily could do was give them the silent treatment and give a few glares to her friends during the ride to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

'Why them?' she thought. 'Why not just like a Ravenclaw, hmm. like Amos Diggory. He's pretty cute. For God's sake even a Slytherin is better than a Marauder! Oops, spoke too soon. so maybe not better than a Slytherin.'

~* meanwhile with the guys *~

"So Petey, thinking of any girls to date this year?" James said without looking up from the chessboard.

Nervously, he said, "Umm.. well I plan on asking out mmmjbufer."

"Who?"

"Well, I plan on asking out Jennifer."

As Peter said that, Remus finally looked up from the chessboard and looked at him in an enigmatic way.

"You like Jennifer? As in Jennifer Figg, Arabella 'Crazy Cat Lady' Figg's sister?"

"Yea, nothing's wrong with her, is there?"

Silently, James, Remus, and Sirius were thinking thoughts of doubt.

'Ha, sorry Petey old pal, I don't think you'll ever score Jen,' James thought.

Sirius smirked to himself inwardly, 'I would love to see Wormtail's face when she rejects him! A Kodak moment!'

Other thoughts were brewing inside Remus' head, 'Jen? Jennifer? He likes JEN?!'

~*~

As the scarlet Hogwarts train halted to a stop, Lily, Jennifer and Ariana slowly stretched their aching limbs. The boys did the same, being cramped at the corner of the floor. Lily was the first to leave, followed by Jennifer and Ariana. And James left next, signaling the others to leave as well.

Outside of the train, the cool air met their warm faces. Even though their compartments were comfortable, there were no windows to open and no one thought of using a cooling charm.

Professor McGonagall came up to Lily and James. "Ms. Evans, Mr. Potter; as this year's Head students, please gather the prefects and assign some to lead the second to seventh years to the carriages and some to go with the first years with Hagrid. Understood?"

Both Lily and James replied with a monotonous, "Yes Professor McGonagall."

Lily being initiative, "Ok Potter, get the Slytherin and Hufflepuff prefects to get their houses to the carriages and I'll get the Gryffindor and Ravenclaw prefects to their carriages and we'll help Hagrid. Got it?"

"Why do I have to ask the Slytherin prefects? Can't you do it?"

"Well, what's wrong with that, Potter? Scared of the itsy bitsy Slytherins?" Lily asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Ha! Me? Scared of the Slytherins? Yeah right, it's my unofficial duty to make their lives a living hell." James snorted at her illogical comment.

"Good, so if you don't have a problem go and take care of the job. Plus, you should handle the Hufflepuffs well, I mean with your whole 'We love Potter' fan-club."

James smirked, "Is someone jealous that I have a fan-club?"

"In your dreams Potter. When my best friend tries to kill me that's when I'll be jealous. Now hurry up! We're wasting time just standing here."

"Why can't we work together, you know, do everything. together?"

Lily rolled her eyes. "Honestly, the reason I assigned us separately is to...I dunno . separate us?"

"Fine, have it your way." And with that, James went looking for the prefects of Hufflepuff and Slytherin.

~*~

Inside the Great Hall, the students were talking animatedly to each other on the new and upcoming year. At the end of the Gryffindor table sat Lily, Ariana, Jennifer and their other friend, Lana, with her groupies, Marissa, Lauren, and Jessica.

As the frightened first years walked down the aisle between the houses, they all looked in awe. Even one smarty-pants said, "The ceiling is enchanted to look like the sky. I read that in Hogwarts, A History." Wonder who could that be. [a/n: yea I know. it was supposed to make fun of Hermione, no offense to Hermione lovers, but not related to Hermione since she's muggle-born.]

"Bones, Patrick"

And the sorting began. One bye one, the little first years made their way to the three-legged stool on which a dirty, old hat sat.

Most were amazed that the hat started talking into their thoughts about what house he or she would be placed in.

The Gryffindor girls were 'oooh-ing and aww-ing' as they watched the variegated expressions of the first years. Meanwhile, the Marauders were snickering at their stupidity. Unbeknownst to most, James, Sirius and Remus were planning their annual, 'Beginning Term Hoax.' As always, Peter was left out to do the very simple and effortless jobs of the greater plan.

Lily knew better that every year the Marauders always had something up their sleeves. She didn't mind that they played jokes; she even enjoyed it. Who wouldn't want a good laugh to ease up the tension of the first day of school? Especially when the Slytherins were the targets.

Dumbledore rose from his seat at the high table to give his traditional, begin-of-the-term speech. "Ahem. Attention all students. I would like to welcome everyone to another, new and exciting year, and for some, a first time experience. First, I would like everyone to welcome the new caretaker of Hogwarts grounds, Mr. Filch. He would like everyone to know that he will be looking more closely at the traditional, rule-benders. Second, as always, the Dark Forest is off limits to all students." Dumbledore paused, and stole a glance to the four Marauders, mainly James, Sirius and Remus, but found them to be huddled in a group, not listening to a word he said. "And last, the Whomping Willow is also off limits to those who do not want to be injured by a tree. Now then, begin to eat!"

~* meanwhile during Dumbledore's speech *~

"Ok Remus, you're going to be in charge of the charms, go it?"

Remus made face. "James, why do I have to be in charge of charms? You know I'm no good in it!"

"Well, I'm doing the transfiguration and Sirius is supposed to help me. Sorry, you're all on your own."

Grumbling, Remus muttered a "fine."

Eagerly, Peter asked what he had to do.

"Well Wormtail, you just sit back and relax, alright?"

Also grumbling, Peter looked downcast and said, "fine." He hated how he never got to be a real part of their pranks. He was always the chubby tag-along. He already knew that everyone at Hogwarts wondered why he ever wound up friends with the other three Marauders. Many guessed it was pity, and many guessed correctly. One day, he was going to make a name for himself, so something so great no one could compare to it. Not even Sirius' detention record of 648 detentions and still counting.

James counted silently. "one . two .. three .."

Dumbledore just finished saying, "begin to eat!"

Remus muttered confundus araniada and gave a quick swish and flick.

With the charmed words of Dumbledore's, each first year Slytherin started coughing, very violently as I might add.

The distraught first years eyed each other, obfuscated, as they couldn't stop their cough attack. Slowly, a long slimy tail came out of their mouths. It happened to be a tail of a cobra. The other students watched with disgust as each year started vomiting their snake. Followed that were various insects: spiders, ants, caterpillars, even wasps. Soon the Great Hall was in turmoil as not only did the insects and snakes attack the Slytherins, but the surrounding houses. Well, everyone except the four Marauders.

As a pack of wasps made their way towards the Gryffindor table, they aimed at Lily, Ariana and Jennifer. Chaos was amidst them and Lily screaming, "Bloody Hell!" did not help ameliorate the situation.

The Marauders could be seen laughing their heads off, as one of their more immature pranks continued to wreak havoc. Peter just sat there, staring wide-eyed as some snakes crawled towards him, but ignored him. [a/n: haha. what a scaredy-cat!]

As the evening came to an end, the students tiredly went up into their respective dorms with James, Remus and Sirius getting a weeks' worth of detention.

~*~

[a/n: yay! Finally done! Please excuse the mistakes as I am too lazy to reread. I know it's been so long since I've updated. about a month! But don't worry. I *promise* to have the next chapter by May 30th! Scouts honor! Lol. I don't have time this weekend or next cuz that's FINALS weekends! And the 30th is my first day of summer! I want to finish this fic fast. I dunno if I can, before the 5th book comes out bcuz there might be contradictions to what I write and what JKR writes, and I would think that JKR's version is MUCH better than mines.

in the mean time, do me a flavor and review!

~meLisSa ]