The Marauders Years

By Mrs PadfootProngs

Chapter Three

The sorting hat

DISCLAIMER – None of the characters that are mentioned in this chapter are mine because a name here and there can't be counted really.

AUTHOR NOTE – Here's chapter three finally, sorry it's taken so long but I have 5 stories to update which is hectic at the best of time, add essays to that and you'll see why!

            Thanks to the people who reviewed, most appreciated and I hope this chapter will be ok. I wanted to have all 5 of them in it, what the hat said to them I mean so that should explain it. Enjoy

PLEA – Anyone tempted to be a Beta-reader to this story, if not then that's fine, if it's a yes then please tell me in a review or in a email. Thanks!

            "Four to a boat now" Hagrid said, his voice booming over the quietness of the lake that was rippling softly in the breeze directly in front of them, for an instant the new student remained glued to the spot staring at their new home with awe and excitement unable to do anything but stare. James was the first to bring himself out of his thoughts, glancing around he shrugged and stepped forward, bounding down the remaining three steps and jumping into one of the small wooden boats causing it to rock violently and nearly tip him into the shallow end of the lake. It steadied however and he looked back at the crowd that were slowly moving to the boat. A blond girl went to get into the same boat as James, but he soon ushered her away with a frown

            "This boat is taken" he said watching her scowl at him and throw her hair over her shoulder, he ignored it "Hey Sirius, Remmie and Pete get in this one" the three boys complied though Remus turned to James with a raised eyebrow

            "Remmie?" he repeated in disbelief "You're going to call me Remmie" he laughed slightly causing James to grin at him

            "Why not?" he replied, "It's kinda short for Remus" Peter spoke

            "Surely the shortened version of Remus would be Re or Rem, Remmie is actually longer then the original how does that work for a shortened version?" James rolled his eyes

            "Fine it sounded good at the time, if you don't want me to call you Remmie Remus then I won't" Remus shrugged

            "I'm not bothered, there are worse things you can call me" he remarked calmly. Sirius nodded

            "My name can't be shortened really can it?" He asked thoughtfully

            "Yeah" James remarked instantly "Every name can be shorted or made into a nickname, I can be Jamie or Jim or something like that Remmie for example ca be a longer nickname version of Remus happy?" he asked turning to Peter who nodded brightly James turned back to Sirius continuing  " and Peter is shortened to Pete of Petey"

            "Call me Petey and I swear you'll get a beating" the smaller boy warned with a laugh "That's what my aunt Mary and my Nan call me and it drives me mad it's normally always accompanied by a horrible big wet kiss on both my cheeks" he shuddered.

            "Fine Pete then" Remus remarked with a laugh "Sirius…" he mused turning back to the original question  "there's always Siri I guess" he said doubtfully, the other three looked at him

            "Siri?" Sirius repeated "Is that worse then Remmie?" Remus grinned and went to reply when Hagrid spoke cutting across their small chatter easily.

            "All in?" he questioned, some people raised their voices with answers, other remained silent too nervous to speak "Hold on then, keep away from the sides" immediately James made a move to go to the side and look into the water when Sirius leaned over and hauled him back with a grin

            "Great entrance that would be Jim boy arriving soaking wet" he gave the other boy a thoughtful look "Saying that though at least it would flatten your hair down" James looked offended, or would have if it wasn't for the glint of amusement in his eyes, probably prompted by Remus and Pete's laughter at the comment. Sirius grinned as well

            "Below the belt Black" James said lightly running a hand over the offended black hair trying to flatten it. Sirius grinned at him and shrugged

            "If you say so," he replied, a silence fell over the group that lasted until they were half way over the large lake, some talking came from the other boats but it was pretty peaceful until all of a suddenly Pete spoke, a very weak sounding Pete.

            "Er Guys I don't feel to good in fact I think…" he suddenly clapped both hands over his mouth, his eyes widened as he looked frantic from the lantern light at the front of the boat they could see his face turning green and all three automatically recoiled from it

            "Over the edge Pete over the edge" James cried, Peter gave no sound of acknowledgment but he flung his body over the side and threw up, regardless of the cried of disgust from the fellow first years. He would have toppled in if both Remus and Sirius hadn't reacted and hauled him back into the boat. He looked extremely pale and extremely embarrassed as he wiped his mouth, his previously pale face turning scarlet.

            "Great" he muttered, the other three looked sympathetically at him before Sirius spoke

            "At least people will remember you," he said with a smile that he tried desperately to hide, Peter scowled at him

            "Great I'll go down in history as Peter Pettigrew the one who was sick into the lake, great reputation there" he groaned, the other three tried to look sympathetic but they made the fateful mistake of looking at each other and instead burst into laughter, Peter tried to keep his glare on his face but their laughter was contagious and he soon found himself chuckling with them

            "It's a great way to be remembered Mate" James remarked clapping his hand on Peter's shoulder "everyone's already talking about you" Peter shrugged as Remus spoke

            "And think it will be a great way of introducing yourself. Hi I'm Peter you might remember me, I threw up into the lake on the very first day of term" they laughed again ignoring the looks the silent people in the other boats were sending them.

            "Here we are" Hagrid called out again, he jumped lightly onto the shore for a man of his size at least and watched as the boats lightly bumped into the side. "All of yer out now" he commanded and they followed his instructions, Some people like James jumped nimbly out while others like a black haired boy with a hooked nose fell out causing laughter. Hagrid held his lamp up again and glanced at them all "Follow me" he called and turned round leading them up several stone step "ere they are Professor McGonagall" he remarked to a tall woman standing at the top of the stairs "All safe an sound though I think one threw up" James grinned brightly turned to a now scarlet Peter who was cursing under his breath and staring at the ground as if it was suddenly extremely interesting.

            "I see, thank you Hagrid I'll take them from here" the teacher remarked, she had a pleasant sounding voice though there was something to indicate that she was stern in it "Come in" she remarked pushing the heavy door open and allowing them into a warm spacious hall, pictures on the wall came to life pointing at the new student and whispering comments to themselves and their next door neighbours, they followed her up the stairs looking round with eyes that suddenly looked scared and nervous. Once at the top she stopped them and spoke again "I'm Professor McGonagall" she began looking at several of them as she spoke "I'm the deputy teacher of the school and I also teach Transfiguration. You'll be sorted into your houses shortly; Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and my own house Gryffindor, these houses will be like your family, any good deed you do will be rewarded, a reward that will benefit your house and perhaps help them win the house cup, any mistakes or trouble caused will wipe out someone else's hard work. Bear that in mind. Wait here" she swept away down the corridor and disappeared leaving the new students to look around each other

            "Cheerful wasn't she" James suddenly remarked with a nervous laugh

            "Yeah" Sirius muttered, his stomach was in knots, in a few minutes he would be shoved into Slytherin like the rest of his family and then people like James would never talk to him again.

            "This way please" Professor McGonagall called, her voice echoing down the hall. After a seconds hesitation the student began slowly walking down the corridor then door was flung open and they were in the great hall. The room itself was huge and impressive, long wooden table span the room vertically, 4 different rows indicating the four different houses, Slytherin to the far left, followed next by the Ravenclaw house. Next to them were the tables belonging to the Hufflepuff's and finally the Gryffindor tables. There were no portraits in the room, only the different banners of the house and emblem as well above the teachers' table. The ceiling was what was most impressive about the room; done by magic that few could perform anymore it was charmed to reflect the weather outside no matter how what it may be. At the moment it was dark, a few stars and a half moon spaced across the largeness of the ceiling.

            Of course the first years didn't notice the detail at all, in fact the only thing that they were aware of was the eyes of the entire school focused completely on them, Sirius took a quick glance at his 3 new friends, for he had decided that regardless of where Remus came from in reference to his blood they were friends, in his eyes his mothers view was wrong, Peter looked extremely sick again while Remus had gone extremely white and every now and then a tremor went through him. Even James looked extremely nervous and Sirius noticed that one hand was clutching the black hair making it wilder then usual.

            They came to a stop in front of the teachers table while Professor McGonagall climbed the steps and halted next to a three legged stool, there was an old worn hat on it, that looked as old as anything Sirius had seen before. Professor McGonagall spoke again, her voice easily echoing across the vast room with no effort what so ever.

            "When I call your name out, you come and sit on the stool once there I'll place the sorting hat on your head and then once it had decided you are free to sit down with your new house mates" she said, the 4 boys shot each other a quick glance with a faint smile but none of them felt like saying anything else. " Douglas Abbots" she called out, there was some movement from behind them then a dark haired boy brushed past them, completely pale with dark grey eyes open to their fullest extent. He climbed to the top of the stairs and with a nervous glance at McGonagall sat down on the chair. She placed the hat on him and the 4 watched as he jumped violently causing a few knowing laughs from the older students.

            "HUFFLEPUFF" the hat suddenly yelled causing all the new students to look in shock at it, where the top of the hat met the brim it had separated causing a mouth. Douglas jumped down and made his way hastily to the Hufflepuff's, as he went Sirius noticed that his uniform changed by magic, his plain black tie turning yellow and black, a picture of a badger with the words Hufflepuff now stood where the emblem had previously been on the black cloak.

            "Diane Armstrong" once Diane Armstrong had been sorted away into Ravenclaw and Dean Avery, a mean looking kid with brown hair and brown eyes had been sent to the Slytherin table she spoke again

            "Sirius Black" a few murmurs came at the name and as Sirius walked up the stairs he could see a few members of his family suddenly looking interested. He sat on the chair and the hat was placed over his head.

            Ahhhh another Black had been sent to me, but not the last oh no there's one more to go, your brother am I right?" Sirius remained silent there's no need to answer dear boy I can see everything in your mind. You expect to be a Slytherin and yet you don't want to be. Interesting every member of your family has longed to be in that house except one other. Like them you could be great if you went there, perhaps one of the greatest wizards of our time.

            "I don't care" Sirius thought "I don't want to be in that house, I've seen what it does to people"

            You know already how angry your mother and father would be with you, what It means to them?

            "I don't care" Sirius repeated his hand curling into a fist

            There is plenty of intelligence in you Sirius Black, loyalty also. A healthy love of pranking that just needs the right people to bring it out. Plenty of courage but plenty of faults that need to be dealt with. If Slytherin is not for you then there is only one place for you Dear boy

            "Where?" Sirius whispered out loud holding his breath

            It will have to be GRYFFINDOR," a silence echoed round the hall for a second as everyone took it in, Sirius took off the hat and was greeted with loud cheers from his new house. A warm feeling came over him. From his new family. He glanced over to see his 15 year old cousin Narcissa glaring at him as if was a piece of rubbish she had seen on the floor, another glance round at the Ravenclaw table showed him his 17 year old cousin, Andromeda clapping her hands loudly together, a grin threatening to break her face in two. An answering one came to his face as he slipped into an empty chair, shaking the hands that people offered and soaking up the warmth. They were honestly glad to have him there. The names went on and on; 3 ended up in Slytherin, 2 in Hufflepuff and 1 in Ravenclaw until it hit upon a name that was familiar to him and he waited with bated breath.

            "Lily Evans" Lily took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a second before making her way to the front, she caught Remus's eye and he gave her an encouraging smile that she replied faintly to. She climbed onto the chair and then the hat covered her eyesight, hiding the rest of the school away from her.

            Evans a voice said in her head making her jump violently, a talking hat this would definitely be something to write home about Ahhhh I see you have a keen sense of humour and that you are the first magical one in your family. Slytherin is not for you they would suppress that quality. Ravenclaw may be good. You are highly intelligent with several gifts that you are not yet aware of. Perhaps not though. The loyalty you have should indicate Hufflepuff but your courage over rides all. You will end up doing great thing Lily Evans and to help you on your way you should be in "GRYFFINDOR" The cheers were most deafening from the Gryffindor table though the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws looked pleased as well, it was only the Slytherin who remained silent. The biggest cheer was from Sirius though who gave her a quick hug as she sat down. The both grinned and the sorting continued, the pair of them ignored it though instead talking quietly before a third name caught their attention

            "Remus Lupin" Sirius glanced up and frowned, many of the teachers were sitting forward and staring at Remus as if they had never seen a new student before. Remus ignored it as he sat on the stool looking composed if white

            Remus Lupin. I have never sorted out one like you before the hat said causing Remus to shut his eyes tightly, here it was, the hat was going to place him in Slytherin and then he'll be separated from all his new friends and alone once again Slytherin the hat said his voice echoing round Remus's head There is no reason to put you in there for something that was beyond your control. The wolf does not affect your personality, just your physical form. There is a cunning streak in you and a manipulative one as well but not enough to place you into Slytherin. Your intelligence is there and Ravenclaw would help you expand it but perhaps the coldness of that house would not do you well. Your loyal hardworking side indicates Hufflepuff but you are extremely brave to go through all you do and not to feel hateful to the world and those around you, courage also is great in you. You my dear little Werewolf belong in "GRYFFINDOR" Remus didn't stay long instead immediately jumping off the stage and pretty much running to the table where Sirius and Lily greeted him warmly. He glanced around once to see his 14-year-old brother grinning at him from the Ravenclaw house and felt an answer grin coming to his face.

            "Peter Pettigrew" Peter ran up the stairs and sat himself down on the chair, he was almost glad he had thrown up before and not now, the hat was placed over his head and he waited though for a moment silence met him

            Another Pettigrew, I remember sorting your mother and father out, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, your older sister was also a Hufflepuff but you are much more complicated then they were. Peter frowned at that, what did the hat mean? Many different sides and feelings reside in you, you want to prove yourself to others and yet you are afraid to do so, you could do well with someone strong to help you. Slytherin would be the answer, they protect their own and you would find protection there, a cunning side to you would also benefit, perhaps not though. Ravenclaw would never do to you neither will Hufflepuff. Slytherin or Gryffindor both would allow you to do what you desire; both would allow you to succeed.

            "But my friends" he thought, an image of James, Sirius and Remus coming to his face "I'd rather be with them then anything else"

            Black and Lupin are your friends? Very well Peter Pettigrew, lets see how you do in "GRYFFINDOR" Peter felt light-headed and for a second he sat there even as he got cheered, he noticed James giving him a thumbs up form the small crowd left and grinned back looking over where Remus and Sirius were clapping ecstatically, he jumped down and joined them

            "James is next" he stated as he sat down and sure enough McGonagall voice echoed round the hall again

            "James Potter" James went up there with a great deal more cockiness then he felt and grinned up at the Professor as she placed the hat on his head

            Potter I have waited for you since your father came here, there is a great many things you don't know about yourself, many important things James raised an eyebrow, he hadn't expected that as a starter There is only one place you belong, a place where your family will always be destined to be till they die out. You must be a "GRYFFINDOR" James frowned as he made his way to the table, barely noticing that his had been the shortest time up there. What had it meant he shook his head and turned to Sirius and Remus grinning

            "And the pair of you thought you were going to be a no good Slytherin" he remarked with a laugh. The sorting was soon over and once Cody Zabini had sat himself down at the Slytherin table the head teacher stood up and surveyed them all over half moon shaped glasses

            "Welcome one and all" he said, his voice echoing round the hall, he sounded friendly, like an old relative or something and many people suddenly felt at ease "Before we eat as we all, myself included, are dying to do I must first introduce myself I am Professor Dumbledore and I am the new head teacher" enthusiastic claps occurred from all the house except the Slytherins. "The forbidden forest is out of bounds as is the area around the newly planted whomping willow unless you have a death wish of course" he remarked brightly "The caretaker Mr Roberts has reminded me to tell you that no magic is to be preformed in-between classes. Now Let's eat" he clapped his hand loudly together and food suddenly appeared, gorgeous food at that, several different kinds of meats, different vegetables, different kinds of potatoes there were even vegetarian options which Lily Evans jumped on with delight. Once their plates were full and they had eaten enough to curb their hunger, James looked up and glanced at the three boys by him

            "This is going to be the start of something great" he announced looking round them all in turn "I just know it, this will be something we'll never forget as long as we live"

A/N – There you go, I can't exactly tell you why it was so long it just was, I thought it would be important and my muse got out of control and went wild. Sirius had made up his mind so I can start evolving his character now and yeah. Please Review and I'll update as soon as I can. Thanks

NEXT CHAPTER – First night and first day I guess, anything you especially want to see happen? Yes? Then let me know in your review. I do pay attention to them after all.