A/N- to my TWO reviewers.... sigh.... this chapter may seem slightly irrelevant and/or short, but don't be deceived. I'm trying to get more than one plot line going at once. Cuz I'm TRICKSY like that. P.S.- I'm fully aware that the marauders didn't become animagi until the end of their fifth year, but for the sake of the story...

Bebajwal- um, thanks, I guess, but might I know which story that is? (I rather doubt that they'll have a similar turnout, but I'm crossing my fingers.)

Snuffles2984- I got so excited when I saw your review! Thank you so much for your support. I really, really appreciate it. I just hope that I can keep my story as interesting as yours, and that you'll be compelled to keep reading it!

-I'm DESPERATE for some feedback, so if you read this, kindly submit a review:)-

CHAPTER #2

Getting Back In The Groove

Once inside Gryffindor Tower, the four marauders made their way to their favorite bunch of squashy chairs in a corner by a window and directly under a tapestry of a unicorn. There they sat until the common room had emptied entirely. After a short silence following the last student on her way up the stairs, James spoke.
"Welcome back, mates!" He began in an audible whisper. "How have your newly adopted animagus forms done this summer?"
"Alright," sighed Peter. "I only used it once or twice. Because it's really hard to get used to, you know? Anyway what if I had gotten caught? I wouldn't have been able to do anything with it at all this year."
"The point, Wormtail, is to take the risk and run with it," said James irritably. "Anyway...what about you, Padfoot?" Sirius grinned. He began to use a third person nominative as he spoke:
"Mr. Padfoot, proud Marauder and purveyor of all mischievous deeds, is delighted to say to his most trusted partners in crime (i.e. Mr. Prongs, Mr. Wormtail and Mr. Moony-) have been well represented over the course of the previous holiday," he laughed shortly, breaking his straight face, and resumed in regular speech. "I used the old black dog to get out of my house and away from family loads of times."
"Excellent," said Moony.

Without another word, James raised his right hand. Seeing what he was about to do, the other boys immediately followed suit. All at once, they chanted:
"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." With all three of them grinning ear to ear, James reached under his seat cushion, retrieved a box, and placed it on the small oak table in front of them. For a moment, the foursome were silent, taking in the box and heavy with anticipation...
"Moony, the key, please," stated James grimly. Remus carefully pulled a small silver key from his robes and handed it to James, who with every fiber of his being, concentrated his efforts into the mahogany box. When he let go of the lid, it raised itself slowly, revealing a very long, rolled up piece of parchment.
"The Map," whispered Wormtail, reaching a quivering hand toward the box's coveted contents.
"Not yet!" Said Sirius urgently, whacking Peter's chubby hand.
"Now, lads," said James softly and slowly. "We must work our magic to complete our mission."

The Marauders pulled out their wands...