Disclaimer: I don't own HP--J.K., they're all yours.

Chapter 2: Natural

Dinnertime was, as always, a noisy affair. The air was filled with cheerful chatter as students mingled. The Gryffindor table was without a doubt the noisiest as the Marauders held court. Lily was sitting with Alice, one of her closest friends, and shaking her head as James, Sirius, and Remus began charming their food. Peter was clapping breathlessly as they did so.

"Those guys are absolutely hopeless," Lily muttered.

Alice grinned. "Yeah. Considering all that time they've been spending with you, you'd think they'd settle down somewhat."

"Some things are just impossible to change, even though you've spent a thousand years trying to."

Alice smirked as a first year girl shot Lily a jealous look. "Tsk, tsk. You are so the envy of the entire female population in Hogwarts. No girl has ever gotten such a big in with the Marauders."

Lily put a bite of food in her mouth. "It's nothing big, Alice. They're just...guys."

"Exceptionally handsome and popular ones. Not counting Peter."

"So? They're juvenile, pranking, childish..." Lily stopped herself. "OK, maybe not Remus so much."

Alice heaved a deep sigh. "I almost forgot: You also have a Marauder for a best friend."

They turned back to watching the boys. James now had his food dancing on pumpkin-juice fountains while everyone oohed and aahed. Sirius and Remus had snuck up him and were using their wands to turn his hair hot pink and neon green, Remus working on one half of James's head, and Sirius on the other. Soon, it wasn't James's fountain catching people's attentions, but his rather bright, unruly head of hair. Students were whispering all over the place.

Remus leaned over to Lily. "How about a grand finale, Lils?"

A wicked smile spread on her face. Taking out her own wand, she pointed it at James's head. Instantly, a big, red-and-white polka-dotted Minnie Mouse bow nested itself there. No one could take it anymore after that. A roar of laughter shook the Great Hall. James looked around blankly as his surrounding fans hooted with laughter. Professor McGonagall, herself barely suppressing a smile, approached James, a mirror in her hand.

"Perhaps you'd like to amuse yourself too, Mr. Potter," she remarked as she handed it to him.

James's mouth dropped open as he took in his new pink-and-green 'do. His eyes widened in pure horror as he touched the huge bow on top of his head. Then his eyes landed on the most likely culprits--Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, who had to hang on to each other to keep from collapsing with laughter. James's eyes narrowed very dangerously. Grabbing his wand, he returned his head back to normal.

"Um, OK, show's over, folks," Sirius announced nervously when he caught sight of the death glare James was shooting him. "Moony, we are so dead," he whispered to Remus.

"You bet you are."

In a flash, James had had his revenge. Sirius and Remus were instantly dressed in long, prom-type gowns in hideous colors. Very calmly, Remus returned himself to normal amidst the new chorus of laughter.

"Word of advice, Jamesie: Day-Glo orange is not my color."

Sirius, on the other hand, was scrutinizing himself. "Hey, I look good in olive green. Got to remember that the next time I buy robes."

Lily placed her head in her hands as her shoulders shook in laughter. Yes, they were juvenile. They were childish. They were tricky. But Lily realized she wanted them to stay the same. If they really changed, Hogwarts would be rid of so much life and laughter. She beamed at her best friend, who was beaming back.

AN: Thanks to Disneydoll0424, Ellsie, mirkwoodmage, Demensha, and Carmel March for reviewing! Hope you guys will continue to r and r this chappie! :)