Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter book series. J.K. Rowling does.

Part 3: Years Two Through Five

Chapter Thirteen: Flying Pigs And Werewolves

The summer holidays passed away too quickly for everyone (except Sirius, who thought it was way too long). Lily, Emily, Cindy, Arista and Gretta all found a compartment together. "So, Emily, still pining after James Potter?" Gretta asked her freind. "Mark my words. I will marry him someday." "Yeah, right," Arista said. "It's even more likely for Lily to marry him, then you." All the girls laughed, they just could not see Lily and James getting married.

James, Remus, Sirius and Peter had a compartment together of course. "Sirius, I'm sorry if I got you into trouble this summer." "It's alright, but I would have loved to have seen my father's face when you called him a scum sucking pig." All the boys laughed. "And what the hell does son of a motherless goat mean?" "I dunno. I guess it means that one his parents, was a goat who didn't have a mother." As the boys laughed, they could also hear the girls laughing.

"Let's go see what they're laughing at," Peter said, and they went to the girls' compartment. "Hello, ladies," James said flashing a smile at Emily, and she blushed. "What's so funny?" Peter asked. "We were just talking about James and Lily getting married." That made the boys laugh, except for James. "Eww! Gross!" He said walking out and his friends followed him. "Me marry Lily Evans? When pigs fly!"

The school year went on similar to the previous year. James, Sirius, Remus and Peter were the most popular boys of second year (But Peter was popular just because he hung out with the others). All the girls wanted to date James and Sirius, and they became real ladies' men at only twelve years. Besides being ladies' men, the boys were also known for being the school's biggest pranksters, with Severus Snape as being their biggest target. And both James and Sirius had made the Gryffindor Quidditch team as Chasers.

And again, Serena gave Sirius Chocolate Frogs, with a note. This time it said, To, Sirius Black. This still doesn't change anything, but here's your candy. Enjoy. From, You Won't Have To Guess This Time. 'After what happened last year, I don't think I'll try and thank her this time,' he said as ate one of the Chocolate Frogs.

Sirius, James and Peter were all still worried about Remus, but they didn't know what to do. James saw Lily walking down the corridor looking at something and decided to go and annoy her. "Hello, Lilyflower," he said putting his arm around her. She pulled his arm off and rolled her eyes at him. "Go away, Potter." "What's that?" James asked looking at what Lily was carrying. "It's a muggle calendar." "Can I see it?" "Fine," she said and handed it to him.

James noticed that this calendar had a page for every month and squares to write in things for every day. He noticed that it listed all the holidays and even every full moon. 'Remus said his mother was sick last full moon,' James observed. He turned to the previous month. 'And his aunt Betsy's funeral was the full moon before that.' He turned the page again, 'And the full moon before that his uncle John got married. Those are weird coincedences. Or not?'

He gave the calendar back to Lily and went to find Sirius and Peter. "Guys, I think I know what's wrong with Remus?" "What?" Peter wanted to know. "Have you guys ever noticed that all these things with Remus's family all happen at the full moon." "Yeah, so what?" Sirius said, not getting it. "Remus is a werewolf," James said told. "Really?" Peter said with his eyes lighting up, he seemed to think that was exciting.

But Sirius didn't think so. "James have you gone mad?" he said. "You know there's no way a werewolf would be accepted to Hogwarts." "Of course he would, since Dumbledore is the headmaster." "This is crazy! This is . . ." "Sirius what's your problem?!" "My problem is you making some stupid accusation . . . " "No, your problem is that you can't handle Remus being a werewolf because then you'd have to stop being his friend."

The murderous look Sirius gave James made Peter scared. "Uh . . . maybe I should go," he said and left the room. "Don't you dare say that to me! I thought we got past that last year!" "Yeah, I thought so too, but now I can see that . . . "James, I don't have a problem with Remus being a werewolf!" "Then why are you acting like this?" "You wouldn't understand," Sirius said. "You're right, I don't," James said as he went to find Remus. What James didn't know was that Remus had overheard the whole conversation.

James found Remus back in the Gryffindor dormitory packing. "Remus, what are you doing?" "I'm leaving Hogwarts," he said with tears. "Why?" "You know." 'He must have heard us talking.' "Remus, you being a werewolf doesn't make me like you any less, and Peter feels the way." "What about Sirius?" "Hopefully, he'll come around. And if not, he's not good enough to be your friend anway."

At that second, Sirius walked in. "James, can I talk to Remus privately?" "Yeah, but don't do anything to hurt him." "I won't!" When James walked out, Sirius said calmly. "Why didn't you tell me?" "Because I knew that . . . that you . . ." "That I would hate you because of it?" "Yeah." "I don't. I still want to be your friend; I'm just a little hurt that's all. Hurt that you couldn't tell me because you thought I was prejudiced, just like all the Blacks. You should know that I wouldn't abondon you like that."

"Sirius, it wasn't just you. I couldn't tell James or Peter either. In fact, Dumbledore even told me that it was best if I not tell my friends. I know you don't think the way your family does, but not liking a werewolf is a little different from not liking a muggle-born person. Even I would feel dislike toward werewolfs if I wasn't one so I understand if . . ." "I'm not gonna stop being your friend, and you are certainly not leaving Hogwarts."

"He's right," James said walking in with Peter. "You're not going anywhere." Then the three of them helped to unpack Remus's things. "Sirius, I'm sorry about I said to you earlier. I know you're not like your family. I . . . didn't mean what I said." "It's alright," Sirius told him. "I should have made it more clear why I was reacting the way I was. If I was you, I would have probably said the same thing."

The four sat down on Remus's bed. "Let's make a pact, right here, right now," Sirius said. "That all four of us will be best friends forever, no matter what." "Yeah, best friends forever." "We agree," Remus and Peter said together. And the pact was sealed. Then Remus told them all about the Whomping Willow and the Shrieking Shack.

Later when Remus couldn't hear them, Sirius said, "I've got an idea." "Oh, no, this can only end bad," James joked. "No, it's a good one. We become animagi. Then we go and keep Remus company at the full moon." "I think that's a brilliant idea," James said smiling. But Peter was apprehensive. "I dunno guys. Transfiguration is not my best subject (Herbology was). I don't think I'll be able to turn into an animal." "Don't worry, we'll help you," James assured him. "Of course we will," Sirius said. "Oh, all right," Peter finally agreed.

The predition James had made the previous year about Gryffindor wining the Quidditch cup when he and Sirius were on the team came true. However, Slytherin had the house cup. "We'll get it next year," Sirius said, but nobody believed him.

Chapter Fourteen: Snivelly's Sister Comes To Hogwarts

The four boys sat in a compartment together after the summer holidays. "Come on, let's go find Snivellus," James said and the boys followed him. Then suddenly Sirius remembered something. "Uh . . . he won't be in there alone." "I know that. He'll be with the other Slyth . . ." James stopped talking when he looked into Severus's compartment and saw him sitting with a girl with the same greasy black hair, hooked nose and pallid skin.

"Snivellus, I didn't know you had a little sister," James said looking at Serena and giggling. "She's just as greasy and slimy as you are." "Can it, you git!" Serena yelled at him, but he ignored it and did a spell to make Severus get down on the floor and start waddling and quacking like a duck. The boys laughed, but Serena didn't. "You take that off of him Potter or I'll . . ." "You'll what, little girl?"

Serena took out her wand and aimed it Sirius. "Stupefy!" James looked angrily at Serena. "Now Potter, take the spell of my brother." "I think you should do what she says, James," Peter told him. "There's no telling what she could do to him since she knows all the dark arts." Before Serena could tell him that she didn't know the dark arts, James broke the spell on Severus. So she took the stunning spell off Sirius and set down her wand.

"I see nothing's changed, grease girl. Still fighting all your brothers battles for him." No, I guess nothing really has changed. You're still the stupid wanker you always were." "You know her?" Peter asked Sirius surprised, interrupting Serena's insult. "Yes, Peter. I've known both Snapes since they were babies. My parents are friends with their parents, and they've both been to my house. I thought I told you that." "I forgot," he said.

At that moment, both Serena and Sirius reached for their wands, said "Expelliarmus!" Sirius's wand flew out of his hand and hit Serena in the nose, while Serena's wand flew out of her hand and hit Sirius in the nose and they both said "Ow!", reached up and touched their noses at the exact same time. Then they glared at each other with the same exact facial expressions. Remus found that very amusing.

"There's not a problem in here is there?" Head boy Frank Longbottom said looking into the compartment. "No, no of course, not," Remus said and Frank walked away. The four boys turned to leave and Sirius looked at Serena and said, "I'll get you Serena Snape!" "Not if I get you first, Sirius Black!"

They walked back to their own compartment, and Sirius started complaining about Serena. "I don't get that girl. I just don't get her. One minute she hates me, the next mintute she's sending me chocolate, then she insults me, then she sends me more chocolate, and then she hexes me. What is up with this?" "Wait, a minute?" James said. "Did you say that Snivelly's sister sent you chocolate . . . twice?" "Yeah." "When was this?" "Last Christmas and the Christmas before that. Large boxes of Chocolate Frogs."

"Are you sure they weren't poisoned?" James asked him. "They weren't." "But why would she send you Chocolate Frogs if she hates you?" Sirius didn't want to answer that question, but if he did answer he'd say, "She feels sorry for me, because my parents abuse me," and he was still not admitting to the abuse. But Remus had his own theory. 'Maybe she doesn't hate him' he thought. 'And maybe he doesn't her either. The way they took out their wands and hit themselves in the nose perfectly in sync . . . '

"So what house do you think she'll be in?" Peter asked once he realized that Sirius wasn't going to answer his other question. "Slytherin of course," James said. "I mean she is Snivellus's sister." "Yes, but look at Sirius's family, and he got in Gryffindor," Remus pointed out. "Yes, but . . . she put a stuning spell on Sirius. That's definitely the work of a Slytherin."

Remus almost said, 'But she only did that because you made her brother quack like a duck' but decided instead to say, "Sirius what do you think?" "I think she has a good chance to get in Ravenclaw, Slytherin or Gryffindor," he answered truthfully. "Why not Hufflepuff?" Peter asked. 'Because she's a very talented witch who can beat me in just about everything. There's no way I'm telling them that' he thought.

They boys played Exploding Snap for most of the rest of the way there. The Gryffindor third girls years spent most of the trip discussing Emily's new plan on how to get James to fall to in love with her. When they arrived at Hogwarts and Hagrid told the first years to get into the boats, Remus noticed that Serena had gotten into a boat with kids who didn't look like Slytherins.

When the hat called out, "Snape, Serena," the four friends and Severus looked intensely. It seemed to take the hat a long to decide, but finally it yelled at "GRYFFINDOR!" The people were surprised about having a Snape in Gryffindor, but not as surpised as they had been two years when a Black got in Gryffindor. Her applause wasn't loud as most people's, but it was better than Sirius's had been. James, of course, looked stunned, but then smiled when he saw the disappointed look on Severus's face. He was disappointed not in her for making Gryffindor, but he was simply sad that they would not be in the same house together.

Serena however, tried not to look at the down side, and walked to the Gryffindor table with a huge smile on her face. But before she sat down with the other first year Gryffindors, she stopped to talk to James and Sirius. "I really wanna win that house cup, so you two better not make us lose too much points," then she sat down next a brown haired muggle-born named Carissa Carpenter." "You see that," James said to Remus. "She just threatened us. The hat made a mistake, I tell you."

"So, are you happy to be in Gryffindor?" Carissa asked Serenat trying to make conversation. "Yeah, I mean, I had told myself that I really didn't care what house I was in, that I'd be fine in any of the four, and that's probably still true, but now that I'm in Gryffindor, I'm definitely proud to be here," Serena told her.

James was still complaining about 'Miss Snivelly' being in Gryffindor, when Sirius told him. "She's not even in our year. We'll probably won't have to see her that much at all." Sirius didn't know how wrong he was about not having to see her that much. Whenever the boys would hex and prank Severus, someway, somehow, Serena always managed to show up and 'avenge' her brother.

And even though it seemed that James was the worst to Severus, Serena had made Sirius as her number one target. It was like what happened on the Hogwarts Express. James hexs Severus, then Serena hexes Sirius. It went on like that for the whole year. And yes, Serena did give Sirius a third box of Chocolate Frogs, without Severus ever knowing she did it. (The note said: To Sirius, here's your candy. From, Serena. P.S. I'm Gonna Getcha Good!)

At one point, Serena was so mad at all boys she yelled at them, "You stupid marauders!" "Marauders, I think I like that. That's what we'll call ourselves from now on." Ugg!" Serena walked away angry. "I swear, he only did that to spite me," she complained to her best friend, Carissa.

For a second year in a row, Gryffindor won the Quidditch cup, but lost the house to Slytherin. Since Serena was also a big contribution to Gryffindor's loss of points, she did not follow through on the 'threat' she made at the beginning of term feast. And next year, James and Sirius were going to see even more of Ms. Snivelly.

Chapter Fifteen: The Quidditch Cup

The Marauders were now in their fourth year at Hogwarts and both James and Sirius had younger siblings starting that year. James's younger sister, Tara, had been sorted into Ravenclaw, as expected. Sirius hoped that his brother, Regulus, would not be in Slytherin, but his hopes were soon shattered.

James and Sirius were just about to start their third year on the Quidditch team. Two great players had graduated last term and many thought that Gryffindor may not win the cup this year, but the new captain Terrance Whitaker was very determined to get some new good players and win the cup for a third year in a row.

The team all went on the field for tryouts. James saw Serena and automatically yelled at her. "What are you doing here, Ms. Snivelly?" "That's Ms. Snape to you, Potter. And I am trying out for the team, as a Chaser." That made James laugh, because Severus had tried out for the Slytherin team two years in a row (as a Keeper) and had yet to make the team, so he could not believe that his little sister would be any good. Of course, what James didn't want to think about, was that Peter had tried for the Gryffindor team, and he had done much worse than Severus had. "You on the Quidditch team, that's funny."

"Uh . . . James," said Sirius interrupting his laughter. "She'll make the team." "What?" "She's a good flyer. She'll be on the team." "How do you know this?" James asked him. "Because he knows I'm better than he is," Serena answered. "Huh?" "Once when we were little kids, we rased around his house and I won," she said. "Is this true?" James asked Sirius. "Yes," Sirius admitted.

"Yeah, he knows that I can beat him, and because he's already on the team, there's no way that I won't be." James laughed. As much as he hated Serena, it was still funny to think of his best friend losing to a little girl. Seeing the angry look on his face, James stopped laughing and said, "OK, so just because's she a good flyer doesn't nescasarily mean she's a good Quidditch player." "We'll find out soon enough."

And sure enough, Serena did perfectly and it was decided that Serena was a Gryffindor Chaser. Her fellow Chasers weren't too happy about it. Serena went to talk to her brother who was studying in the library. But before she could tell him the good news, he had good news of his own to tell her too. "Serena, I made the Quidditch team." "That's great! So did I! We're gonna be playing together!" "Not exactly." "Yeah, we'll be opposing teams, but we'll both still be playing! I'm gonna go tell Carissa the good news!"

Serena left to talk to Carssisa and Severus sighed. He knew he should be more happy for her, but he couldn't bring himself to be glad because she was playing Chaser with Potter and Black (as he reffered to them by their last names). He knew that she could handle them, but what if her opinion of one of them changed and she started 'handling' them in a different way. But that couldn't happen, could it?

The time had come for Gryffindor's first practice. When Serena walked in, James and Sirius were already there. "OK, boys, listen up. We're on this team together, and we all want to win games. And if we can't work together, then we're not gonna win. So whatever goes on outside the field, doesn't happen in here. So, offfield enemies, onfield teammates. Do we understand one another?" James and Sirius wanted to win as much as she did, so they agreed. They'd have to try to get along with her during Quidditch practices and games. "But I am curious though, Sirius? How come you're playing Chaser. I really thought you would have been a beater." "Yeah, I thought so too, but then James was trying out for Chaser, so I decided it would be cool if we were both Chasers together."

That Christmas, Sirius had to go back to Number 12 Grimmauld Place. For the first time in a few years, Sirius was allowed to eat Christmas dinner with the family. But he wished he could be locked up in his room when he heard the conversation. "This Lord Voldemort, he says he can help to wipe out the mudbloods and muggles, and I say more power to him!" Gorgio Black said. Sirius was shocked, he knew his family didn't like anyone who wasn't a pureblood, but even he never thought his family was bad enough to want them all dead. From the look on Andromeda's face, he could tell that she didn't like what her father was saying either.

Later that evening, Andromeda was talking to Sirius. "Sirius, this is the last Christmas I'm spending here." "But . . . " "See, the thing is, after this summer, I know I won't be welcome here and I'm sure I'll be off the family tapesty immediately." "What happens this summer?" "I'm marrying a muggle-born. His name is Ted Tonks." "Congragulations." "Yes, thank you. Of course it would nice to have my parents and sisters come to my wedding, but you'll be there." "I don't think my parents would let me come." "Of course they won't, but I'll find a way to sneak you out, I promise."

On Christmas morning, Sirius got his usual Christmas presents including the Chocolate Frogs from Serena. This time the note said, "To Sirius, Here's to a Gryffindor victory this year! From, your teammate, Serena. P.S. If your parents give you any trouble, you can tell me about it and I'll throw a Quaffle at their heads."

"Are those from Ms. Snivelly?" James asked Sirius, who was eating them, on the Hogwarts Express taking back to Hogwarts. "Uh .. huh." "She never sends me Chocolate Frogs," James complained. "That's because she doesn't like you," Remus explained to him. "Yeah, but she doesn't like Sirius either." Sirius shrugged. Remus wondered when both James and Sirius would get a clue.

It was finally time for the for Quidditch championships. As usual, it was Gryffindor vs. Slytherin. Both teams were playing really good. At one point Serena had the Quaffle and she about to throw it in the goal, when she remembered that her own brother was the keeper of the opposite team. She knew that it was his first year playing after not making the team for two straight years and if Severus were to let her Quaffle get through the hoop, it wouldn't look good for him. However, the desire to win was way too overwelming. She threw the Quaffle towards the goal. "GRYFFINDOR SCORES!" said the commentator. Severus did not look happy.

Many people were surprised by the teamwork between Serena and Sirius, but Severus didn't seem to notice. Not until they had annonced that Gryffindor had won the cup, and Serena and Sirius immediately ran to each other and hugged. "We did it Sirius! We won!" Serena yelled happily. James and Severus looked at the two in shock. When Serena and Sirius realized what they were doing they quickly pulled apart.

"So three years in a row, huh." Sirius said to James. "Yeah, so what was that with you and Ms. Snivelly?" "Well, she is our teammate, and . . . we were happy and it just kind of . . . it's not we were kissing or anything." "Thank God," James said.

"I'm sorry about that back there. But I had to win so I got the Quaffle in," Serena said hoping Severus wouldn't talk about her and Sirius hugging. "It's Okay, if I was you, I would have done the same thing," he said honestly. "So we're cool?" "Yes, but why you hugging Black?" "We had just won and . . . I don't know . . . it was a spur of the moment thing. I don't know why I did it really."

Chapter Sixteen: Will You Marry Me?

That summer, Andromeda stayed true to her word, and sneaked Sirius out to go to her and Ted Tonks's wedding. Andromeda had also invited Sirius's friends so James, Peter, Remus and even Cindy, Gretta and Arista were there. But so was Serena Snape. "What's she doing here?" Sirius asked outloud. "I dunno, but I thought you two were getting along better. You did hug after the Quidditch game," Arista pointed out. "I know, but . . ."

It was a beautiful ceremony that run exactly like a muggle wedding, except for the part about Andromeda's dad walking her down the aisle. At the reception when Sirius was talking to Andromeda he said, "Why is Serena here?" "She's the only one of my parents' friends kids that I actually liked." Andromeda was confused. "I thought you did too." Then she smiled. "A little birdie told me that she sends you Chocolate Frogs every Christmas and that the two of you hugged after you won the Quidditch cup."

Sirius looked a little angry. "Why does everybody keep talking about that like we kissed or something." "I dunno. Sirius Black and a Snape getting along. It's big news." A few minutes later, Serena walked up to Sirius and said, "I hope you don't have a problem with me being here." "No, no, of course not." "Good, because I'd hate to have to hex you at your cousin's wedding," she said and walked away, but not before giving James a nasty look.

Sure enough, Andromeda was burned off the family tapesty, but she couldn't have been happier. She was in love with a wonderful man and that's what mattered. And she moving out of her parents house, and away from her evil sister Narcissa. A few years earlier Bellatrix had married a terrible man named Rodolphus, and Narcissa was now dating Lucius Malfoy.

Speaking of Lucius, he came over to the Snape Manor a few days after Andromeda's wedding. "You know, your sister is starting to become a real Gryffindor," Lucius, who was still mad at Slytherin losing the Qudditch cup. (He was the Seeker on the team.) "She's been in Gryffindor for two years, so of course she . . ." "Hangs out with mud-bloods," Lucius finished for him.

Severus didn't respond. "You have heard of Lord Voldemort, haven't you?" "Of course." "He's looking for followers to help wipe out all the non-pure blood. I for one, will be joining him, Bellatrix and her husband and his brother are joining. I'm hoping that you will too. When you get about a year older or two of course." "I'll think about," Severus answered truthfully.

At the first full moon of the next term at Hogwarts (where the Maradaurs were starting their fifth year), James, Sirius and Peter had a surprise for Remus. "Remus! We've got something to show you," James said when they were outside of the castle in private. Then instantly James turned into a stag, Sirius turned into a big, black dog and Peter turned into a fat, rat. Remus was astounded. When they changed back, James said, "Now we accompany you to the Shrieking Shack on the full moon so you don't have to be alone." "It was my idea," Sirius said. "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me." Remus was almost close to tears. So that day fourth, the Marauders called themselves Moony, Wormtainl, Padfoot and Prongs because of the animals that they could turn into.

Serena was having trouble figuring out how to act around Sirius. Part of her didn't find Sirius as bad as he used to, but a part of her found him even worse, because it seemed that his and James's torment of Severus was getting even worse. Still, they remained friends on the Quidditch field. And it seemed that Emily was never going to get James, for he had developed a crush on Lily, but she didn't want him because she thought his head was too big. And so, Emily went out with Sirius, but like all his other relationships, it was over in a few weeks time.

At one point during the school year, Sirius and James had put a spell on Severus to make him jump on the table in the Great Hall and start singing a muggle song that they had heard Cindy sing called "I Will Survive" . . . dressed in drag. (So much for Remus using his prefect control to stop James and Sirius) When McGonagall found that the boys were behind it, they had received two weeks full of detentions with Mr. Filch washing different rooms the muggle way. But Serena did not think that was enough punishment for them.

It was very soon after that, when Sirius woke up with a sudden feeling of love toward . . . McGonagall. That same morning, James had woken up in love with Professor Trelawney. Sirius ran into McGonagall's office. "Mr. Black, what is it that you want?" she asked him. At that second, Sirius threw himself (literally) at her. "MR. BLACK, WHAT IN MERLIN'S NAME DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!"

"Oh, Minnie, I . .." "That's Professor McGongall!" "I love you so much. I can't get you out of my mnd. You're all I've ever wanted and all I'll ever need. Please marry me and make me the happiest man on earth?" "Mr. Black, I don't know what sick game you're playing it, but you will have lots more detenion and . . "

"Sybill, Sybill, I love you, marry me," James was saying in Trelawley's office. "I was expecting this to happen. It was foretold to me," Professor Trelawney lied. "But James, you're much too young for me." "No, age doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that I love you more than life itself."

The spell soon wore off, and they figured out what must have happened. "Serena Snape, put a spell on me, Professor McGonagall, please no more detention, it wasn't my fault," he pleaded. But McGonagall didn't believe him and he was given two more weeks of detention. But James didn't get into any trouble. "I'm gonna get you Serena Snape!" he yelled at her through the hallway. "Not if I get you first, Sirius Black!" Remus noticed it was the exact same thing they had said to each other just a little over two years ago of the Hogwarts Express.

This year when Serena sent the Chocolate Frogs, the note said, "To Sirius. I hope you enjoy your candy, as much as I enjoyed watching you propose to Professor McGongall. From, Serena.P.S. I'm Still Gonna Getcha Good!

Chapter Seventeen: Snape's Worst Memory

Soon after Chrismtas vacation, Serena dreamed that her and Sirius were married. And they had about 20 little Sirius clones flying around Number 12 Grimmauld Place (inside and outside) causing trouble. One of them kept saying, "Uncle Severus is a slimy old git," and some of them were setting off dungbombs, others were chasing Kreacher with clothes, while a portrait of Agatha Black kept screaming, "Blood traitors! Disgrace to the Noble House of Black!" When Serena and Sirius had finally gotten the 'Sirius's' to bed, they had wild hot and steamy sex. When Serena woke up she said two words, "Oh no."

A few days after the dreams, Serena saw Sirius in a corridor breaking up with his latest flame. The girl walked away from him in tears. "Breaking more hearts today, huh, Mr. Black? You just throw girls away like yesterday's laundry." "I don't throw girls away." "You and Potter, you think you're God's gift to women. Think you can get any girl you want, and then when you do, you leave 'em heartbroken after, what your record now for the longest relationship? One week."

"No, it was five months with Cindy Nelson. I'm not trying to break girls hearts, it's just I haven't found the right girl yet, when I do I'll settle down but right now . . ." "But what I want to know is how many girls you've gotten in bed." "That is none of your business!" "And anyway, James wants to stay with one girl. He wants Lily Evans, but she refuses to go out with him, so in the meantime . . ."

"You know, I really can't say that I blame Lily. That girl got's a good head on her shoulders. But Sirius, don't you realize what you're doing? These girls think they're in love with you and then you go and . . ." "Am I supposed to stay with a girl I don't love? Wouldn't that be leading them on?" "One of days, Sirius, one of these days, it's gonna blow up in your face." "What is?" "Your womenizing ways. Yes, Sirius, I do believe that one day, you will find one girl and you'll fall head over heels in love with her. You may even love her more than McGonagall." At this Sirius glared at her. "But she won't feel the same way about you. You'll get a taste of your own medicine when she dumps you out like you're a filthy piece of garbage." Despite Serena's warnings, Sirius continued to be a womanizer. But despite popular belief, he was still a virgin.

A couple of days later: "Well, there goes Sirius and his lastest girlfriend," Serena was saying to Carissa and their friend Wendy Brice. "Of course, she'll get dumped in a few days, and then he'll be on to the next. Why do girls even start dating him in the first place?" Carissa and Wendy smiled at each other knowingly. "You, know, Rena, James has more girls wanting to date him than Sirius does."

"That's true," Serena admitted. "And I don't understand it. I mean, why is James more popular than Sirius. I mean, especially if we're just judging by looks, and most people do, than Sirius is much more attractive than James is." "Ah ha! Now we're getting somewhere," Wendy said. "And where exactly is it that we're going?" Serena asked confused.

"You fancy Sirius," Carissa explained. "OK, I admit, I find him attractive, but that's all. I don't like him as a person." "Yeah, I think you do," Wendy argued. "No I don't. I don't like him." "Oh, yes, you do," Carissa said. "This went on for about a few mintues until finally Serena said. "I am not in love with Sirius Black!" Then there was silence.

"Wo, girl, I said you liked him, I never said you loved him. Do you?" Wendy asked. "Oh God, Oh God, Oh God," Serena started mumbling. "She does," Carissa confirmed. "I'm in love with him. I'm in love with Sirius Black. Help me," she pleaded to her friends. But Wendy was confused. "Help you do what? Help you get a date with me or help you get over him?"

"Get over him. Definitely over." "How about under?" Carissa asked, earning her a murderous look from Serena. "Rena, there's nothing wrong with loving him. He's a good guy," Wendy told her. "I'm not interested in being his flavor of the week. I won't date him unless I know that the relationship has a future. And besides he'll never go out with a girl like me?"

"Why not?" Carissa asked. "You've seen the type of girls he goes out with her. They're all beautiful with their shiny hair and their tan skin and their small noses. I'm not pretty enough for him." "Don't say that, Rena. You're very pretty," Wendy told her friend. "Not to him, I'm not. He'd never go out with someone whose hair is as greasy as mine. I mean that's why he started to hate my brother in the first place." "But Rena, you are not your brother," Carissa reminded her. "No, but I like just like him. And looks is the only thing he seems to care about. I don't want to love a guy like that, but I do." Nothing they could say or do could make her feel better.

Near the end of term, all fifth year students have to take O.W.L.s (Oridary Wizarding Levels). The Gryffindors had to take their Defense Against The Dark Arts test with the Slytherins, much to the dismay of both Severus and the Marauders. When James was done with his test he wrote the initials L.E. on a bit of scrap parchment, that of course stood for Lily Evans.

When they were told they could leave the Marauders out into the entrance hall. "Did you like question ten, Moony?" asked Sirius. "Loved it," said Remus briskly. "'Give five signs that identify the werewolf. Excellent question.'" "D' you think you managed to get all the signs?" said James in tones of mock concern. "Think I did," said Remus seriously, as they walked out into the sunlight. "One: He's sitting on my chair: Two: He's wearing my clothes. Three: His name's Remus Lupin . . ."

Peter was the only one who didn't laugh. "I got the snout shape, the pupils of the eyes, and the tufted tail," he said anxiously, "but I couldn't think what else -" "How thick are you, Wormtail?" said James impatiently. "You run round with with a werewolf once a month -" "Keep your voice down," implored Remus.

"Well, I thought that paper was a piece of cake," Sirius said. "I'll be surprised if I don't get Outstanding on it at least." "Me too," said James. He put his hand in his pocket a struggling Golden Snitch. "Where'd you get that?" "Nicked it," said James casually. He started playing with the Snitch, allowing it to fly as much as a foot away and seizing it again; his reflexes were excellent. Peter watched him in awe.

Severus had settled himself on the grass in the dense shadows of a clump of bushes. He was deeply immersed in the O.W.L. paper as ever. Remus had pulled out a book and was reading. Sirius stared around at the students milling over the grass, looking very haughty and bored. James was still playing with the Snitch, letting it zoom farther and farther away, almost escaping but always grabbed at the last second. Peter was watching him with mouth open. Every time James made a particularly difficult catch, Peter gasped and applauded.

James seemed to be enjoying the attention, but Sirius said, "Put that away will you?" as James made a fine catch and Peter let out a cheer. "Before Wormtail wets himself from excitement." Peter turned slightly pink but James grinned. "If it bothers you," he said, stuffing the Snitch back in his pocket. Sirius was the only person for whom James would have stopped showing off for.

'I'm bored," said Sirius. "I wish it was full moon."You might," said Remus darkly from behind his book. "We've still Transfiguration, if you're bored you could test me. . . . Here." He held out his book. Sirius snorted. "I don't need to look at that rubbish; I know it all."

"This'll liven you up, Padfoot," said James quietly. "Look who it is. . . . " Sirius's head turned. He had become very still, like a dog that has scented a rabit. "Excellent," he said softly. "Snivellus." Severus was on his feet again, and was stowing the O.W.L. paper in his bag. As he emerged from the shadows of the bushes and set off across the grass, Sirius and James stood up. Remus and Peter remained sitting: Remus was still staring down at his book, though his eyes were not moving and a faint frown line had appeared between hs eyebrows. Peter was looking from Sirius and James to Severus with a look of avid anticipation on his face.

"All right, Snivellus?" said James loudly. Severus reacted so fast as though he had been expecting an attack. Dropping his bag, he plunged his hand inside his robes, and his wand was halfway into the air when James shouted, "Expelliarmus!" Severus's wand flew twelve feet into the air and fell with a little thud in the grass behind him. Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "Impedimenta!" he, said, pointing his wand at Severus, who was knocked off his feet, halfway through a dive toward his own falled wand.

Students all around had turned to watch. Some of them had gotten to their feet and were edging nearer to watch. Some looked apprehensive, others entertained. Severus lay panting on the ground. James and Sirius advanced on him, wands up, James glancing over his shoulder at the girls at the water's edge as he went. Peter was on his feet now, watching hungrily, edging around Remus to get a clearer view.

"How'd the exam go, Snivelly?" said James. "I was watching him, his nose was touching the parchment," said Sirius viciously. "There'll be great grease marks all over it, they won't be able to read a word." Several people laughed; Severus was clearly unpopular. Peter sniggered shrilly. Severus was trying to get up, but the jinx was still operating on him; he was struggling, as though bound by invisible ropes.

"You - wait," he panted, staring up at James with an expression of purest loathing. "You - wait. . . ." "Wait for what?" Sirius said coolly. "What're you going to do do, Snivelly, wipe your nose on us?" Severus let out a steam of mixed swearwords and hexes, but his wand being ten feet away nothing happened. "Wash out your mouth," said James coldly. "Scourgify!" Pink soap bubbles steamed from Severus's mouth at once; the froth was covering his lips, making him gag, choking him -

"Leave him ALONE!" James and Sirius looked around. James's hand jumped to his hair again. "All right, Evans?" said James, and the tone of his voice was suddenly pleasant, deeper, more mature. "Leave him alone," Lily repeated. She was looking at James with every sign of great dislike. "What's he done to you?"

"Well," said James, appearing to deliberate the point, "it's more the fact that he exists, if you know what I mean. . . ." Many of the surrounding watchers laughed, Sirius and Peter including, but Remus, still appartently intent on his book, didn't, and neither did Lily.

"You think you're so funny," she said coldly. "But you're just an arrogant, bullying toerag, Potter. Leave him alone." "I will if you go out with me, Evans," said James quickly. "Go on . . . Go out with me, and I'll never lay a wand on old Snivelly again." Behind him, the Impediment Jinx was wearing off. Severus was beginning to inch toward his fallen wand, spitting out soapsuds as he crawled. "I wouldn't go out with you if it was a choice between you and the giant squid," said Lily. "Bad luck, Prongs," said Sirius briskly, turning back to Severus. "OY!"

But too late; Severus had directed his wand straight at James; there was a flash of light and a gash appeared on the side of James's face, spattering his robes with blood. James whirled about; a second flash of light later, Severus was hanging upside down in the air; his robes falling over his head to reveal skinny, pallid legs and a pair of graying underpants. Many people in the small crowd watching cheered. Sirius, James and Peter roared with laughter.

Lily, whose furious expression had twitched for an instant as though she was going to smile, said, "Let him down!" "Certainly," said James and he jerked his wand upward. Severus fell into a crumpled heap on the ground, Disentangling himself from his robes, he got quickly to his feet, wand up, but Sirius said, "Locomotor mortis!" and Severus kneeled over again at once, rigid as a board.

"LEAVE HIM ALONE!" Lily shouted. She had her own wand out now. James and Sirius eyed it warily. "Ah, Evans, don't me hex you," said James earnestly. "Take the curse off him, then!" James sighed deeply, then turned to Severus and muttered the countercurse. "There yo gou," he said, as Severus struggled to his feet again, "you're lucky Evans was here, Snivellus -" "I don't need help from filthy little Mudbloods like her!"

Lily blinked. "Fine," she said cooly. "I won't bother in future. And I'd wash your pants if I were you, Snivellus." "Apologize to Evans!" James roared at Severus, his wand pointed threatening at him. "I don't want you to make him apologize," Lily shouted, rounding on James. You're as bad as he is. . . " "What?" yelped James. "I'd NEVER call you a - you-know-what!"

"Messing up your hair because you think it looks cool to look like you've just got off your broomstick, showing off with that stupid Snitch, walking down corridors and hexing anyone who annoys you just because you can - I'm surprised your broomstick can get off the ground with that fat head on it. You make me SICK." She turned on her heel and hurried away. "Evans!" James shouted after her, "Hey, EVANS!" But she didn't look back.

"What is it with her?" said James, trying and failing to look as though this was a throwaway question of no real importance to him. "Reading between the lines, I'd say she thinks you're a bit conceited, mate," said Sirius. "Right," said James, who looked furious now, "right -" There was another flash of light, and Severus was once again hanging upside down in the air. "Who wants to see me take off Snivelly's pants?"

Chapter Eighteen: What A Girl Wants

Severus had a look of pure horror on his face. The people watched with anticipation to see if James would actually do it. James pointed his wand at Severus, he blamed him for his problems with Lily and he was going to make Severus pay. But McGonagall ran out before he had a chance to do it. "POTTER! Release him at once!" Lily the prefect must have told on them.

"Yes, Professor," said James disappointed that he did not get to take Severus's pants off. And he wasn't the only one. Many people had wanted to see him get humiliated like that. James released Severues and he fell hard on his butt. "Potter you have two weeks worth of detention. Black you have one week. Snape you have two days and one day for both Pettigrew and Lupin."

"But Professor, I'm the victim here, I shoudn't . . ." Severus started to protest. "Did you or did you not make that nasty gash on Potter's cheek?" "It was self defense!" "Don't argue with me, you will serve your two days detentions." "But I didn't do anything!" Peter whined. "And neither did Remus," Sirius pointed out. "Yes, it is because he didn't do anything that he is being punished," she said looking at the prefect who was still looking at his book.

During this whole thing, Serena had been studying in the libary for her Potions exam. Carissa walked in to talk with her. "Serena, James and Sirius were messing with your brother again." Serena groaned. "What did they do this time?" "Well, let's see. At one point James washed his mouth out with soap choking him, and he had him hanging upside down and I think he was about to take his pants off when McGonagall came out. Sirius didn't really do much except make some insulting remarks about his hair and nose."

And once again, Serena was convinced that Sirius would never consider going out with her because of her looks. "Peter just kinda stood around egging James on, and Remus just sat there with his nose in a book, pretending he didn't know what was going on. And at one point, Lily came over and she starts telling James off and telling him to leave Severus alone and he said he didn't need help from a mudblood." Serena looked shocked. "Severus called Lily a mudblood?"

"Yeah, and I hate to be the bringer of such bad news, but . . . Rena I know he's your brother and you love him, but I'm a muggle-born too and I don't appreciate the way he treats us. Still having said that, I think what James and Sirius did to him was horrible. I just wish everybody could get along with each other." "So do I, Carissa, so do I."

Serena left the libary. She had quite a few people she needed to talk to, Severus being the first one she found. "Carissa told me what happened. Are you alright?" she asked him. "Yes, I'm fine. But I'll have my revenge on Potter and Black if it's the last thing I do," he said darkly. "Severus, what they did was horrible I know, but Lily, she was only trying to help. Why did you call her a mudblood?" "Because that's what she is."

"Lily is a muggle-born witch and a very talented one at that. And having muggle relatives does not make her or Carissa any less of a . . ." "Are you quite through yet, Gryffindor?" "And what's that supposed to mean?" "It means that I know how close you've gotten to those gits, being on the Quidditch team with them." "Yes, we have to get along when we play or else our team is in danger. But Severus, I hate Potter just as much as you do?" "And Black? He means something to you, doesn't he?"

'Why does he think he means anything to me? He doesn't know about the Chocolate Frogs, does he? Or maybe he's thinking about that hug.' "Severus, we hugged one time. And it was not a hug out of friendship. It was just an 'I'm glad we won hug'. I've explained that to you a million times." "I don't have to listen to this. You can just go and hang out with your mudblood and blood traitor friends." Serena was shocked. "Severus, I love you and I will always will. But I'm really ashamed of the way you're talking right now," she said and walked away.

Next she located Remus. "Remus, can we talk?" she asked him politely when the rest of the Marauders weren't around. "Uh . . . yeah, sure," he said. "Why didn't you tell James and Sirius to stop tormenting my brother?" "Well, you see . . ." "I know they're your friends and you don't want them to get mad at you. But it's your job as a prefect to . . . and even if you weren't . . . I also know that he called Lily a mudblood, which is horrible, but that doesn't excuse your friends' actions."

"Yes, I know that Serena, but . . ." "And why do you even hang out with them anyway? You're nothing like them. They're conceited and obnoxious. And you're nice, shy and sweet." 'Is she complementing me?' Remus thought. "Yes, I just gave you a complement, Remus," she said as though reading her thoughts. "Serena, James and Sirius aren't as bad as you think. They get carried away at times, but they can be really nice people if they want to."

"Oh, I've known Sirius for 14 years, and I know he's not a bad guy. But James . . . He's the most pig headed boy I've ever met and I'm sorry Remus, but I just can't find any redeeming qualities for him. And Peter . . . I don't really know what to think about him. But I like you though. And I even like Sirius." "Are you going to do anything to get James and Sirius back?" "I don't think so this time. They deserve it, but I'd kinda like Gryffindor to win the house cup sometime." She couldn't tell him that he she was in love with Sirius, but from that day forth Remus and Serena became good friends, to the dismay of James.

She didn't get a chance to talk to Sirius until the next day. He saw her sitting in the libary alone studying and he sat down next to her. "May I help you with something, Sirius?" she said coldly. "You're losing your touch, Serena. I would have thought me and James would be covered in boils by now or something." "Don't think I haven't thought about that, but Gryffindor's already lost too many points. Besides, boils isn't enough for Potter, I'd have to come up with more terrifying like, oh say, hanging him upside down in the Great Hall and making him butt naked, but on the other hand he'd probably love the attention, and you know, all those the girls would just love to see that."

"All except you and Lily, huh?" "Yes, we're the sane ones in this school. I barely know her, but I think it's sad what she goes through sometimes with James' fan club. Girls harassing her and calling her names just because she bow down to King James. But she's the smart one who knows James for what he really is. Of course, if she actually did decide to go out with him, they'd hate her even more than they do now." "Serena, your brother was not completely innocent yesterday. He did give James a really nasty cut that bled all over . . ."

"That he deserved!" "But Lily didn't deserve to be called a mudblood! And since you think so highly of her and because your best friend is also muggle born, I thought you would know that your brother was wrong, but I guess not." "I talked to him yesterday, and I did tell him how horrible I thought that was." "Serena, I know it's hard for to you," Sirius started calmly, "but your brother is very into the dark arts. He's going to be a follower of that Volde-what's his name, guy. Eventually, you'll have to accept that and realize that your precious brother isn't the boy you thought he was."

"Severus is not going to join Voldemort," Serena said, not sure if she was trying to convince Sirius or herself. "And anyway, I know that's not why you guys torment him. What was that James said yesterday, something about picking on him because he existed. If that's not the lamest excuse ever then I don't know what is. Or maybe I do. How about hating someone because he has greasy hair, pale skin, and a hooked nose. Yes Sirius, I know that's why you hate him. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the Dark Arts."

"You're wrong, Serena!" He yelled at her, even though there was truth to that statement. "Sirius, I know it's true, and I know that you made jokes about his looks again today. But just because my brother may not be as gorgeous as you are, doesn't mean that . . ." "Wait, did you just call me gorgeous?" Sirius asked smiling slyly. "I did and yes Sirius Black, you are gorgeous. In fact, you're the most handsome guy I've ever met." Sirius could not believe what he was hearing.

"But that's not what matters Sirius. You and James think the things that matter most are good looks and popularity, and good Quidditch skills. Yes, I love to play too, and I play to win. But just because I'm good at it, doesn't make me better than everyone else like James seems to think it does. You know what matters most Sirius? It's not looking good, it's not being popular, it's the heart, Sirius, the heart. I know you, Sirius, and I know you have one, but sometimes I wonder if James does. And why the heck did he steal a Snitch anyway? He's a Chaser."

Sirius did not want to get into an argument with her about his best friend and said instead, "So looks, popularity doesn't mean anything to you at all? You don't want to be popular?" "No, looks and popularity don't mean anything to me. And I don't care what people think of me. I suppose if I was popular, I wouldn't complain about it, but it's not what I really want." "Then what do you want? What does Serena Snape really want?"

"As if you care about what I want." "I care." "OK, you really wanna know?" "Yeah." "Alright, I want people being nice to each other. People caring about one another. Helping each other out. People loving each other. Nobody killing anyone. Nobody raping anyone. People not putting each other down. I want world peace, no more wars. No more starving people. No more prejudice, no more hate. And no ever has to suffer. That's what I really want," she said and walked away.

As Sirius watched her he realized that there certainly was a terrific person under all that pale skin and greasy hair, but he could not say the same for her brother. Serena walked into her dormitory and pulled out a bag from under her bed. "No, I don't care what they say. I don't care to look beautiful. I don't care to be popular," she said reaching into the bag filled with three muggle phone numbers. One was for a beauty salon, one for a plastic surgeon and the other for a place with tanning beds. "No, I don't care at all about the way I look," she said as she stared intensely at the plastic surgeon's number.