"Please turn to page three hundred and forty four," Professor McGonagall instructed in her usual brisk manner. The class did as they were told and she continued.
"For the rest of the year we will be focusing on turning humans into animals. This is very complex magic and will take a lot of practice." The class groaned simultaneously. "Most of you have already mastered turning humans into objects," she glanced pointedly at James and Sirius, "So this will not present as much of a challenge."
They grinned at each other, knowing that this would not present much of a challenge at all. After all, they could already change themselves into animals at will. How much harder could other people be?
"Right then. Please spend the rest of the class reading the chapter. Next class be prepared to practice on your classmates."
The class fell silent as they read the history and methods of this complex transfiguration.
"You know, mate," James whispered to Sirius beside him, "It's been a while since we've been in Hogsmeade."
"Why, I think you're right," Sirius replied in mock amazement.
"What are you doing tonight?"
"Avoiding Transfiguration reading. Are we thinking of stepping out for a butterbeer or two?"
"We are," James said with a mischievous smile. It was no secret that he loved creeping out of the castle under his invisibility cloak. The thrill of danger got his blood racing every time.
"Do you think Rosmerta will serve us now that Hogwarts students aren't allowed in Hogsmeade?"
"Only one way to find out," James replied with that same grin.
Sirius nodded, thinking of how nice it would feel to be able to stretch his legs outside of the castle walls. The last time he had been out had been the full moon two weeks ago and he hadn't been able to relish it the way he had wanted to. Remus had been especially rough in werewolf form and had forced Sirius to be rough in return to contain him.
"I'll talk to Peter, you talk to Moony?" James suggested.
Sirius nodded, then motioned James to be quiet as he had noticed Lily looking over in their direction from across the room. He grinned and waved at her and she rolled her eyes in return then went back to the assigned reading.
Later that evening the Marauders found themselves in a familiar tunnel under the school heading towards Hogsmeade.
"Remind me why we're doing this?" Remus asked irritably.
"Because we're not supposed to?" Sirius supplied.
"Because we can?" James suggested.
"Because we want butterbeer?" Peter piped up.
Remus sighed but didn't say anything. He was secretly pleased to be out of the castle for some fresh air. It had been too long.
"Ahh, here we are."
The Marauders breathed the crisp night air in deeply. They exchanged secretive smiles before throwing off the invisibility cloak and strolling towards The Three Broomsticks.
Madam Rosmerta looked up as they walked in. Her granddaughter, Mademoiselle Rosmerta was cleaning off tables lazily with her wand from near the bar.
"Back again?" Madam Rosmerta asked with scorn but the boys couldn't help but notice a smile in her eyes.
"You know you have the best butter beer around," Sirius smiled.
"If it's so good then perhaps you'd best try not to throw it up this time around," she replied.
"We'll look after him," Remus promised.
"Alright," she sighed and got four butterbeers from behind the counter.
Her granddaughter looked over shyly at the older boys before Madam Rosmerta ushered her into the back to help with the dishes.
Remus chuckled quietly to himself.
"What?" Sirius asked, looking around as if to locate the source of Remus' amusement.
"Nothing," he shook his head.
"No, what?" Sirius asked again.
"I just find it amusing how the girls seem to swoon over you, Padfoot."
"She wasn't swooning!" Sirius retorted. "She could have been looking at any one of us!"
"She was looking at you," James informed him, taking a sip of his butter beer.
"Well, it's not like I ask for it," Sirius sputtered.
Remus just shrugged and raised an eyebrow.
"Alright Peter?" James asked, looking down the bar at his friend. A smile had crept onto Peter's face and he was even more dazed than usual.
He nodded eagerly and then finally disclosed, "I have a date for the Winter Formal."
"Well done!" Sirius congratulated him with a slap on the back.
"Who's the lucky lady?" Lupin asked, smiling encouragingly at him.
"Virginia Goyle," he answered.
"Ooh, be careful there mate," James cautioned.
Peter looked at the other two apprehensively.
"Her older brother's a little overprotective, but I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," Remus said, shooting the other two a warning look.
Peter just shrugged and went back to his butterbeer.
"Two down and two to go," James said gleefully as he looked over at his single companions.
"Rubbish," Sirius muttered. Remus stared at his butterbeer, his thoughts his own.