Remus had a prefect meeting to attend, so he asked Sirius, Peter, and James to save him a seat in their compartment. Promising to do so, the three other Marauders moved through the train. The passed a compartment of various nervous-looking first years, walked through a compartment of Ravenclaw and Gryffindor fourth years, and stepped through a cabin that was rather disturbing. The notorious Marcus Dolby and the even more notorious Layne Redding were flinging curses at each other like there was no tomorrow. They paused briefly when the three Gryffindors walked into their compartment. Marcus Dolby barely acknowledged they were there. He opted for glowering at Layne the whole time. Layne looked at them for a second and her eyes flickered to Sirius. She looked about to say something when Marcus interrupted the silence crying ÒFurnunculus!Ó. Layne barely ducked the curse and James, Sirius, and Peter hurried over to escape the compartment.

The next compartment was empty, but the three of them shared a look, which clearly said that they didnÕt care for being in such close proximity to the obviously enraged Marcus and Layne. They continued.

They came across a bunch of Slytherin second years, who they eyed contemptuously before continuing. The Slytherins looked as though they dearly wanted to hex the Gryffindors. However, they knew that even though there were seven Slytherins and three Gryffindors, the Gryffindors were much bigger and probably much more advanced in their knowledge of magic, so they just kept silent and stared as the Gryffindors walked through.

The next compartment was full of a combination of Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor seventh years, who looked to be very busy indeed. None of them even looked up as the door opened. Sirius dodged a few couples who were encroaching on the aisle though, upon seeing the next one, turned back and mouthed to James, ÒI was doing that with her in a broom closet three months ago!Ó. Sirius looked mildly affronted that the girl (who, incidentally, was a Hufflepuff named Robin Wheeler) had gotten over him so quickly after Sirius had broken it off with her.

They finally reached a suitably empty area. They plopped down in their seats and set their things down next to them. There was a pause, and then James asked as he ran his fingers through his hair, ÒSo, who watched the Quidditch game between Bolivia and Canada last week?Ó
That was all it took to get a heated argument instigated on the pros and cons of the game, and the improved chances of England getting to be in the Cup the summer that they all graduated from Hogwarts.

About half an hour later, with the argument still going strong, Remus came through the door. The three hailed him and asked how the meeting was.

ÒBoring,Ó Remus said, shrugging.

"I figured as much," said Sirius, nodding wisely.

ÒHow very perceptive of you, Sirius,Ó James said derisively, snorting.

Remus posed a question. ÒDid you see Layne and Marcus hexing each other? Were they doing that when you guys came through?Ó When he received a chorus of nods, he continued, ÒWhat are they on about, does anyone know?Ó

Peter straightened up. ÒHas anyone heard?Ó When he received a unanimous answer of ÒNo,Ó he cleared his throat, visibly excited at having heard something first.

ÒWell,Ó he said importantly. ÒLayne found out that Marcus had been cheating on her over the summer. She wasnÕt all sad about it, she was just angry. She had figured it was time to break up with him anyway, so all she had needed was an excuse like that. As soon as they met today, they started flinging hexes at one another. Their friends had to drag them on to the train; didnÕt you guys see them dueling out there on the platform?Ó

ÒNope,Ó Sirius said. ÒSo, whoÕs Layne after now?Ó he asked curiously.

Peter averted his eyes. ÒOh, um, I donÕt know,Ó he said, which failed to convince the other three.

ÒPeter, cÕmon. Who is it?Ó Remus asked interestedly.

Peter coughed and looked away. ÒSirius," he said, cringing slightly.

ÒWhat?!Ó Sirius asked, looking disbelieving. ÒYou did not just say Sirius!Ó

James laughed. He understood why Sirius was so upset, but it was funny all the same. Layne Redding was a Ravenclaw in their year, but most didnÕt believe this when they first met her. She had more Slytherin qualities that showed on the outside than anything else. She was cunning, sly, and mischievous. Her temper was ferocious, and she often held grudges. She had very few Ravenclaw friends; she chose to hang out with her Slytherin friends and her (now ex) boyfriend, Marcus Dolby. She also had the worst reputation out of all the sixth years at Hogwarts.

ÒWhy so upset?Ó Remus asked innocently. ÒI think you two would make an exquisite match.Ó

James pretended to consider this. ÒYou, know, Moony, youÕre right. It makes sense.Ó

ÒBut--Ó Peter started, confused. Then he suddenly caught on to Remus and JamesÕs joke. ÒOh!Ó he said, his face lighting up.

Sirius looked as though he were about to throw up. His face and voice showed distaste as he asked, ÒAnd what, pray tell, is so logical about Layne Redding and I getting together?Ó

ÒWell,Ó James hastened to explain. ÒThere are very few guys that Layne Redding hasnÕt been with. The same, I might say, goes for you with girls. It would be...proper...for the two of you to get together. I really think that itÕs time for you to go ask her out to Hogsmeade next weekend. Her and Marcus have doubtless stopped cursing each other by now.Ó

ÒThatÕs right,Ó Remus said. ÒAnd, I mean, if he Stunned her, and left her there, you could revive her again. It would be very heroic-looking and good for your image.Ó

Sirius considered this for a moment, then shook his head. ÒAww, you guys are joking. You canÕt be talking about Layne-the-conniving-bitch-who-lost-her-virginity-to-a-fifteen-year-old-when-she-was-eleven-Redding.Ó

ÒOh, IÕm pretty sure we are,Ó James said, examining his fingernails. His pinkie nail was a little short, wasnÕt it?

Sirius looked to Remus and Peter, wanting confirmation. They nodded their hands. ÒJames is right,Ó Peter squeaked. ÒYouÕd better go talk to her.Ó

Sirius looked as though this hadnÕt gone at all how heÕd wanted it to, but you could see that he wasnÕt going to go against something that made so much sense to his friends. Though thoroughly confused, he shrugged and said, ÒWell, whatever. IÕll go...improve my image...I guess...?Ó He looked one more time at their friends, his eyes pleading them to change their minds.

ÒGo, then,Ó Remus said unconcernedly.

Sirius bit his lip and exited the compartment, his brow furrowed in confusion. He was desperately trying to make sense of the situation.

The other three Marauders burst out laughing the second heÕd left. ÒTen Galleons he rushes back in here in a few seconds, asks us what in the hell we were thinking, what nutters we are, ask if that was a joke, and proclaim that if it was, it wasnÕt bloody funny. Then heÕll state the obvious and say that we almost had him asking out Layne Redding.Ó

ÒIÕll time him,Ó Peter offered.

The three waited in silence for a few seconds, waiting expectantly. Sure enough, a bit later, Sirius burst through the compartment door, looking wildly at them and exclaiming, ÒWhat the hell are you all on about? YouÕre such nutters! Was that a joke? If it was, it wasnÕt very well bloody funny! You almost had me asking out Layne Redding!Ó He stared at them all expectantly.

Peter looked up at him from his watch. ÒSeven seconds,Ó he announced.

ÒTen Galleons for me,Ó James said, smirking.

A/N: No Lily in this chapter, I know. I just thought you may as well get to know my version of the Marauders. The title of this chapter is from a song by Billy Joel, "She's Always a Woman." It's not verbatim; I had to shorten it. However, I thought it appropriate when describing Layne Redding (who is my character, and you will definitely be seeing more of her!), heh. Reviews? I'll try and get three up as soon as possible.