Author's Note: This chapter's a bit longer than the first... nothing too exciting happens here. I probably could have combined the first two chapter together... but I didn't want to so bleh.

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Chapter II- In which we are on our way.

James and Sirius had made it to King's Cross train station and onto Platform 9 ¾ on time for once. They weren't dashing in at the nick of time, nor were they the last ones to arrive.

After bidding James' mother farewell, and listening to her 'Now don't you go making trouble' speech again, the two mingled into the crowd of children—many of them first years, clinging to their parents. James eyed the group of students, and as soon as they realized who he was, or, for the new students, saw his 'Head Boy' badge, everyone scattered. James glanced to Sirius, both grinned. This was going to be a great year.

In no time, the two had boarded the train. James paused and turned to Sirius.

"Grab a compartment... I've got to go do something."

He words hadn't exactly rolled off of James' tongue, and Sirius knew that it was because James was going to look for Lily and tell her the good news of him being Head Boy. Sirius was sure that lily was going to be simply ecstatic about that.

Sirius grinned and gave James a 'good luck' nod as James exited the train car and moved on to the next. Sirius wondered what sort of hex Lily would use against James as he tried to get her to go out with him, again. James had been completely infatuated with Evans since the first time he saw her, but as of now, their relationship was one of those love-hate things. James loved, Lily hated.

Ah well, James could take care of himself, and it wasn't like Lily was going to do anything too drastic. Or at least, Sirius didn't think she would.

Just as Sirius was passing by an open, but occupied compartment, a hand reached out and tugged on his arm.

"Sirius!! Come, sit with us!"

Sirius turned quickly; slowing only after her heard and registered the voice. The hand belonged to a younger student, a fourth year in Gryffindor. Sirius backed up a step and peered in the compartment. It contained four girls, including the one that had grabbed Sirius' attention. Two of the girls he recognized, they were both Gryffindor fourth years, one of the others was a fifth year Ravenclaw, and the fourth was new, a first year, and hadn't been sorted yet. Sirius flashed them all one of his famous lop-sided smiles that made him look oh-so handsome.

"Forgive me ladies, but I've a previous engagement," Sirius bowed his head and the girl dropped her hand, frowning. "Be sure to watch for me however, I think I'll make it a point to check on you later."

He winked, sending the whole lot of them into a fit of giggles. The girl that had stopped Sirius recoiled into the compartment, muttering something so frantically that, with the giggles, couldn't be translated into words. Sirius trekked down the corridor, peeing through the windows of closed doors and listening for familiar voices.

For a while, Sirius had had no luck atoll, then, just as he reached the end of the train car he head the voice and chuckle of Remus Lupin, another fellow Marauder. Sirius slid open the door and sauntered in.

"Yo, mate. I was wondering where you were hiding, and now I know why," Sirius said, grinning and glancing to Emmeline, as Remus saw him and the two embraced each other as brothers would. The two grinned at each other, exchanging brief pleasantries. And had it not been for a soft, feminine cough, they probably would have continued talking.

Sirius was almost amazed, how did he—the charmer himself, forget the two petite figures sitting in the compartment. He smiled sheepishly. The girl on the right was a seventh year Gryffindor, Sirius remembered, named Emmeline Vance. Her blonde hair was twisted up on her head, held in place by a pair of clear chopsticks. She smiled politely, clasping her hands in her lap. The other, on the left side of the compartment was none other that lily Evans. Her red hair feathered down about her shoulders, and her bright green eyes seemingly glared at Sirius for having interrupted. Sirius noticed the shinny bit on her cloak, the Head Girl badge.

"'Ello, Emmeline, Lily," Sirius took the seat next to Emmeline, who curled up tighter in her corner. Sirius stared at her for a moment, quirking a brow. Turning his attention back to Lily, he leaned back against the top seat cushion, and spoke again.

"James was just looking for you."

He nodded as if confirming the fact. Lily sighed, rolling her eyed vaguely. Sirius could tell that Lily was just so happy to hear James' name again.

The train ride went relatively smoothly. Students came and left, including James, Remus and Lily. The only two that hadn't budged from their relative corners were Sirius and Emmeline. And at one point and time, the two were the only one's in the compartment. It was around then that Sirius felt the need to make a 'move' on Emmeline by casually stretching his arm out and around her shoulders. Emmeline merely glanced over at Sirius and gave him a death glare. Sirius, however, did not remove his arm.

Shaking her head, Emmeline just turned and looked out the window. So, taking the opportunity, Sirius tightened his grip on her shoulders and pulled her closer to him. Sirius was quite sure that, by the way she shifted and gripped something in her cloak pocket, Emmeline would have cursed him if she could. The thought only made him grin; she was going to be a challenge—and chase. And he knew a good chase, be it a female or a stick.

Once the train arrived at Hogwarts, the cars unloaded and students crowded in throngs that could be likened to a flock of seagulls. Nervous first years, cautious second years, haughty third years, jaded fourth years, witty fifth years, apprehensive sixth years and nostalgic seventh years segregated into groups as they all made their way to the castle.

Sirius and Emmeline had been separated as they disembarked from the train, and Emmeline had faded into the crowd while Sirius had managed to yank Peter from the blur of students, and together find the other two Marauders. They four grabbed the nearest carriage and packed inside. The ride up to the castle was just as dull as the train ride. While they were all constantly talking, with the exception of Peter whom hushed up after every crud remark that flew his way, nothing of much importance was said. Sirius bagged on James about Lily, Remus questioned Sirius about Emmeline, and three encouraged Remus to divulge about his summer. Other than that, talk consisted of females, food and upcoming pranks.

Most of the sorting ceremony and feast was uneventful as well. As a starting tradition, the whole school chimed in to sing the school anthem; the Marauders taking turns in hexing some Slytherins to croak like frogs instead of sing. Just before the food appeared, Headmaster Dumbledore stood to make his start or term announcements.

"All first years will note that the Dark Forest is forbidden to all students." The Headmaster's hands fell softly to the table, and twinkle flashed in his eyes as he leaned forward ever so slightly and peered at all the students.

"And as a special treat to students fourth year and up, for the remarkable scores on final tests last year, and in honor of the one thousand year anniversary of Hogsmede's Year-long Apparel Shoppe, a Halloween Masquerade will be held. All costumes will be approved by Madame Aileen, operator of the Year-long Apparel Shoppe, and will include a mask. Now, let the feast begin."

Stretching his arms forward to the students as he spoke the last line, platters and goblets filled on all the tables and hungry students failed to hesitate in their merry-making.

"Hear that mate?" Sirius nudged James, "Now you have an excuse to ask Evans on a date."

"Since when have I needed an excuse?" James took a healthy bite of his mashed potatoes.

"Since the fact that Lily has never said yes," Remus added in before Sirius could retort.

James opened his mouth to say something, but snapped it shut just as soon as it opened. Remus was absolutely correct. He picked up his goblet and too a long drink, muttering something about crewing gum and knickers.

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Finishing Notes: I know, I know, the Ball thing is a bit cliché... but it'll be different, you'll see. You can just imagine who the couples will be... and you can imagine that something will happen and Lily will wind up leaving early because of a certain James Potter... imagine all you want, none of that's gunna happen. Haha... don't you hate not knowing?

Teaser: Chapter III- In Which We Explore. So school's started and so have the pranks, nothing knew. But, wait... where's Sirius taking Emmeline? Since when does Lily have yellow feathers? And top it off with a soggy encounter. Next time, on Lima Bean!