AN: Check the first chapter for anything related to the claiming of "Harry Potter" rights, which, if any, is null. To EternallyMine,I have no idea how long this will be. All I know is that I'll be covering years 1971 to 1980 and in a way, this will be a saga of a sort. I'm going to be writing as much as I can of what possible trouble the Marauders might get in to. I'll also try to keep close to the facts that have been laid out in the books and other online resources. After their first to seven years, I'll gradually start writing about Harry. Depending on how many chapters, I write at a time, I might have most of it done by summer. If I don't I'll keep trying, but since this germ of an idea won't leave me alone, I think I'll keep going. A hint to make reading fun is to pay close attention to any references to anyone talking about family history or family in general. Another thing, for those of you who have a sharp eye, Peter has put his rat the cage he had brought with him on the train. Said rat will have a name shortly. Remember, this is an Alternate Universe! Arthur and Molly got married long before the 1970s and had Bill before the 1970s! Now you know! They are in this fic however; Headboy and Headgirl meaning they'd have Bill as soon as they got of Hogwarts meaning sometime by the end of this year, meaning they had unprotected sex before the school ended. Meaning Bill is born in 1972 (June), Charlie 1975 (October), Percy early (January) 1977, Twins mid 1978 (April...), Ron 1980 (March) and Ginny mid 1981 (August). Notice how I planned this? Again, if any of you have, any questions or criticisms then make your point known.
-CHAPTER 2-
"Look at how large that man is!" exclaimed Peter with awe. He had followed James, Jason, Sirius and Remus to the boats that the 'man' was bringing them too.
"I suppose he's half giant." Jason commented. "Most giants are taller than he is."
"Twenty feet to thirty feet depending where they come from." Remus added.
"Really? I thought the tallest was thirty five feet." Jason said. The two discussed giants and their heights but were soon drowned out by excitement.
"Giant or half, do you think he teaches magic?" James asked eagerly. "Fauve, our cousin gets impossible when we ask her about Hogwarts. Only tells us about the bad side of it like the caretaker. Mrs Firm I think it is."
"I heard of Mrs Firm, my cousin says she's a crazy old witch that walks around the castle with her fifty dogs sniffing out every person that wanders the halls." Sirius said. "I think that's Hagrid who's asking us to get into the boats. My cousin Andromeda told me all about him. He seems he's nice."
"Shame." James said.
"Yeah." Peter agreed, Jason thought that Peter sounded a little to agreeable and hoped that the shorter boy wouldn't be following them around, though he did pity him. He barely spoke once in the conversation only listened to every word.
They crowded around Hagrid while he told them to get into a boat four at a time. Peter turned pasty when Hagrid put him in the same boat with him and the greasy black haired boy Snape. The boat ride was enjoyable and truly fantastic.
"It must be enchanted." Remus said.
"Not that we haven't noticed." Sirius grinned. Remus rolled his eyes.
"I suppose."
"What do you think lives down there?" James asked curiously.
"Merepeople, I suspect. Fauve mentioned it I think." Jason replied.
"I want to meet a werewolf actually. Do you think they have any in that forest?" Sirius asked.
Jason shrugged. "It seems quite desolate don't you think? So perhaps there'll be some."
"Yeah." Remus replied and the others continued to chatter on about the forest. No one noticed how uncomfortable the shorter, sickly boy was reacting and only seemed to calm down when the conversation turned to Quidditch.
"I think the Chudley Cannons will win again this year." James said immediately after Jason asked Remus about what Quidditch teams that he liked.
"Nah, I'm placing my bets on the Grodzisk Goblins." Sirius commented. James and Sirius began into a heated argument on what was the better team explaining to each the pros and cons of both. Remus and Jason had rolled their eyes and began to discuss Hogwarts in general. Their chatter stopped as soon as the boats glided towards a beautiful castle built upon and around the cliff overlooking the lake.
No one talked until they reached the steps of the castle and were ushered up long winding stone stairs where a tall stately witch greeted them. Peter had joined the other four boys, much to a couple of them dislike while the other two were either oblivious or not making any obvious comments.
"I am Professor McGonagall and you will be led into the Great Hall in a few moments. Soon you'll be sorted into the four houses that Hogwarts is known for. Any one of you may go into Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff or Slytherin. Now step lively, we'll be sorting you out soon." With that, the Professor led them into the Great Hall.
The first thing to hit James was the ceiling. Fauve had never mentioned it but he realized how out of the loop he was. His parents though both magical, had never gone to Hogwarts. His father had gone to Durmstang while his mother went to Beauxbatons. Everyone else in his family, aunts, uncles, grandparents, some cousins went to Hogwarts. It never occurred to him to ask about it since they were always busy and the only times that family ever came over was during the summer and winter holidays. Jason knew a bit more but not a lot either since he was always playing with James wizard's chess or gobstones. They also invented games, flew on their brooms or harassed their family with pranks and jokes to pass the time. Out of the two of them, Jason was the most scholarly since he read up on Potions and dark creatures. His fascination with magical creatures was his weakness and could never let any animal or otherwise get hurt. James was the most active and liked to change items around by hand since he wasn't allowed magic. They knew about Hogwarts to be sure but to be perfectly honest, not everything about it!
The ceiling was interesting to James because it seemed to be enchanted to show the weather or what it could possibly look like from the outside though it barely touched the students or professors for that matter. He couldn't dwell on that though because they were finally in front of the older students and were going to be sorted. He stood nervously between Jason and Sirius while Remus was on Sirius' right hand side and Peter also on Jason's right.
"Before I start to call your names, I would like to present the Sorting Hat. Listen carefully; it might help you figure out why you fit into what house." Professor McGonagall said.
Remus gave the teacher a small smile because the stern witch had helped him during the summer along with the Headmaster. He couldn't say anything about that because the hat had begun to sing! The hat itself was grey and worn, but as it sang, the wrinkles that it had seemed to gather over the years appeared to look like a face.
I'm not quite old, but to be sure, that what I have is better than gold. I have the power to place you into houses four, where you'll stay for seven years more. If you've an ambitious mind, with wits that surpasses mine. Then in Ravenclaw you belong where your brains grow strong. If you are, bold as brass and stubborn as an ass. Then in Gryffindor, I declare will be the words that you say with flare. If you are loyal and true, don't feel blue. Injustice from a Hufflepuff is rare so it is your home, this house for the fair. If you are sly as a fox and can find information within any box. Then in Slytherin is where you'll make your den and your ambitions won't become your end. My song has come to a halt; your brains are probably turning to malt. Just keep your mind open to me and the secrets you have won't be set free. You are in safe hands though I only have cloth bands. I leave you now once again to remember Ravenclaw, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Slytherin.
The hat stopped and a loud applause filled the room. Once it died down Professor McGonagall began calling out names. Abel, John was the first to go up and was sorted into Slytherin. The list continued and the five boys talked excitedly about what house they could get into, as well as the Sorting Hat.
"It seems to have been here for years!" Peter commented. "Look at the wrinkles!"
"Of course Peter. Did you see that professor with the long beard? He's quite old isn't he?" James commented.
"Not as old as my mother." Sirius snickered. He shut up when McGonagall called his name.
"Black, Sirius!"
"Good luck mate." Jason said.
"Yeah." Remus added quietly. Sirius nodded and felt James pat him on the shoulder as he left for his sorting.
The hat fell around his ears and a voice came into the young boy's head.
"Yes, interesting. Charisma, impatience, brains, oh goodness and a temper too? You seem to be protective over your friends. Yes, I know exactly where to put you." A second or two later the hat called out, "Gryffindor!"
Cheers and mutters filled the room. The Black family was notorious for having a long line of dark wizards. A Black in Gryffindor was impossible at first but now it was reality! Sirius didn't mind. He was beginning to hate his family though he was young. His mother and father were supporters of the rising "Dark Lord". The eleven year old didn't want anything to do with them since he witnessed his mother kill his dog Pegasus because he had said that muggles were fascinating once when he had been eight. He'd never forgiven his family for it and only talked to his cousin Andromeda who was a few years older and decent. He saw her at the Gryffindor table and was glad that at least he wasn't going to be alone. She waved and gave a tiny wink before watching the sorting. Sirius looked on and watched as one by one each of his friends were sorted.
The second of his newfound mates was Remus who was after Larynx, Marta who went into Slytherin. He took a minute or two longer than Sirius under the strange hat. It gave a loud yell that resounded throughout the chattering students. "Gryffindor!"
After Remus was new Gryffindor Parker, Ross then it was Peter's turn. The hat seemed to want to put Peter somewhere else other than Gryffindor but to the house of the brave did the little boy went. A smile covered his face from ear to ear. "I actually made it!" He gasped and Remus grinned wolfishly at him. Sirius nodded and gave him a hearty pat on his back to show his congratulations though he didn't smile overly large. After Peter, there was a new Hufflepuff by the name of Pevelerine, Gus before it came to James' turn, who took even longer than Remus. He was put in Gryffindor then they waited excitedly and impatiently for Jason to join them. Quinton, Mona; Rambo, Rashid went into Ravenclaw while Reven, Carter; Reese, Louis went into Hufflepuff. Snape, Severus the black haired, greasy git that almost squashed Peter's rat, was put in Slytherin while Snashay, Dona was put into Gryffindor. After a couple more names Jason was put under the hat, literally speaking and he didn't notice his friends' fingers itch with anticipation.
"Come on Jason be put into Gryffindor!" James muttered.
"Don't worry James, just keep calm mate." Sirius said with a grin.
"If he's anything like he was on the train then I'm sure he'll be with us." Remus answered.
"Yeah but neither of you know Jason as well as I! He's very clever and cunning. Traits of a Slytherin if ever." James tried to explain.
"Shh! The hat's about to speak!" Peter exclaimed and speak the hat did, quite to James' shock and disappointment.
"SLYTHERIN!"
James paled and the four watched mournfully as Jason walked sullenly to the table only glancing up at them with a small apologetic smile before looking at the green and silver clad students that were to be his housemates. Lucius Malfoy seemed to crack his knuckles.
"Son of a gun." James hissed. "Slytherin be damned."
A girl nearby looked at him with shock.
"Don't curse like that!"
"Why not?" James asked her glaring. It was the same strawberry blonde haired girl, her green eyes dancing with shock and disapproval.
"It's not polite!"
"Excuse me for caring!" James sneered before looking down at his plate gloomily. He didn't see the girl glare back or his newfound friends looking at each other grimly or Jason backing away as Marta Larynx tried talking to him about Pureblood families or the look on Lucius' face.
The old man that James and Sirius had been talking about long before the sorting, stood up finally after Zakto, Alan was put into Hufflepuff, and began to speak. They had noticed that the tables had been equipped with eating utensils though their plates were empty.
"Once again we start a new year. I am Professor Dumbledore, the Headmaster and I welcome old and new to Hogwarts." Applause greeted the Professor before he lifted a hand to stop. His blue eyes twinkled it seemed to Remus and was glad. "Please note that the Forbidden Forest is just that, forbidden meaning no one is to wander into it unless accompanied by a Professor. We have newly planted a rather beautiful specimen, called a Whomping Willow. All students must stay away from or you may break a few bones in the process. We are currently using this tree to further Hogwarts' security since we're reaching rather dark times in our school history. Now, our caretaker Mrs Firm has posted up a warning for every student about curfew and the consequences of such actions. However, that won't be necessary. I have a few words to say before we eat. Babble, tinker and shlaw!"
The plates and cups that had once been empty were beginning to fill as dishes of food appeared before many of the surprised students.
"Wow." Peter whispered. Then with relish he began filling his plate along with others around the table. Chatter began to fill the table and before long. They were all full and James didn't even notice that his cousin and best mate was in the competing house against his.
The first years followed their prefects to the common room and were faced with the fat lady singing.
"Aurora Borealis." The Gryffindor Headboy, Arthur Weasley, from the train said calmly.
"Hold on a moment." The portrait said. "Allllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"
She took the frail champagne glass that she was trying to crack while 'singing' and hit it against the stone pillar within her painting. Molly Prewett rolled her eyes and said the password once more.
"All right then...none of you appreciate music." The fat lady said with a sigh.
"Not from someone like her." Sirius snickered. James smiled slightly though he was still upset that his cousin was in Slytherin.
The boys were split up and fortunately; Sirius, James and Remus were in the same dorm. They shared it with two others Oliver Turner and William Sanderson. The five boys got along very well and the year began.
"Don't worry mate." Remus said trying to reassure James who was looking down heartened. "Jason might be a Slytherin but that doesn't mean he's not your best mate."
"Yeah, I suppose but I'd love to have all four of us be in the same house." James sighed.
"Can't have everything besides if he's a Slytherin then he must be simply wick...uh well simple..." Oliver muttered. Sirius had looked at him with a glare filled with contempt.
"Come on you lot, we've got a lot to do. I think we're getting our schedules tomorrow and –whack- or nevermind..." William finished lamely afraid of being hit in the stomach with another pillow, something he didn't want to happen again especially since Remus, Sirius, James and Oliver were looking positively murderous.
"Right then, I know exactly what we can have to cheer us all up." Sirius said with a devilish grin. "Butterbeer! I snagged it from my cousin Narcissa who has a trunk full hidden in her room. She didn't notice though because she was drunk on Firewhisky. Never thought she'd have any but then again her parents have noticed yet. Imagine that! Narcissa the self-proclaimed innocent Black in my family, real gem she is."
"Why?" Remus asked when Sirius rummaged through his trunk.
"To celebrate coming to Hogwarts of course, have James; here you are mate...get out of thinking about Jase being in Slytherin and to not think about classes until it's positively necessary!" Sirius replied cheerfully handing everyone a bottle before holding out for a toast. "For the school year!"
They cheered after him, Remus taking a sip tentatively while Sirius and James chugged their bottles. Oliver and William managed to drink half way before putting their drinks into their own trunks and claiming that sleep was needed. All in all, the first day at Hogwarts had ended in a bittersweet note.
