I know I don't usually update this quickly, but I want to get this down before I forget the idea I have. It's been known to happen.

So in the last chapter, we find out that the first year Gryffindors are all going to get detention because they don't know what their homework assignment is. Well, the Marauders-in-training are on the case! (I'm not saying "on the job" cause that's British slang for something entirely different) Which is why this chapter is titled:

The Next Generation: Marauders3

Chapter 10: Marauders to the Rescue!

(Oh yeah, and a prank too)

"Guys" Richard said, "we have to tell everyone!"

It was early evening in the Gryffindor common room. Richard and Eddie were in what they had decided upon as their "usual" spot, and Henry and John joined them there, along with the apparitions of Harry, Ron, and now Hermione. The fact that the real Hermione couldn't join them had been a little joke among the group earlier.

"After all" Ron had said, "you'd be talking to yourself, Feathers. And people who talk to themselves usually end up in the loony bin." Ron hadn't had much to say after that, due to some quick spellwork by Hermione that left his mouth stuffed full of peanut butter.

(A/N: It should be noted here that the apparitions in my trilogy can perform spells on each other. However, they can't perform spells on any real people or things, and vice versa.)

"Why do we have to tell everyone?" John asked.

"Well, when I say everyone, I mean the other first years. If we're the only ones that hand in homework assignments, Snape will know we're up to something. And so will the others."

Eddie added, "Unfortunately, it gets a little tricky after that. We have to tell our classmates that Snape assigned homework, and then tell them that we can find out what it is without them knowing how we do it."

"I've been working on it" Richard said. "What we need to do is go right now. All of us will go to the Slytherin common room. Dad, I need you to go first though, and see if anyone's there. Uncle Ron, aunt Hermione, do some reconnaissance around the castle and find Professor Snape. We need to know where he is."

"Can do." The three of them floated off in separate directions. Richard turned back to his friends, smiling slightly at the look of confusion on John and Henry's faces.

"I think you two are going to have to be let in on our little secret quickly. Looking confused that often can't be good for you." He looked around quickly. "Not that I'm not glad the common room is empty, but where is everyone?"

"No idea, but who cares?" Eddie replied. "Let's go! Up on the mantle, and all that!" Eddie, Richard, and Henry clambered up onto the fireplace. After a small pause, John joined them.

"Ok, John." Eddie said. "This story starts a while ago, with Richie's grandparents and their friends."

"Which includes me" a voice said from the other side of the room. The boys nearly fell off the fireplace in shock as Remus Lupin walked into the common room.

"Your mother confided in me that you'd be on a little mission tonight...I assume you're doing it this early in the hopes that Snape won't be in his room?"

"Actually, Professor" Henry said, "we're doing it now so we can come back and tell our classmates the assignment too. It'd be suspicious if we were the only ones that knew it." Remus smiled.

"Very true, Henry...are there any apparitions helping you?"

"My mum and dad" Eddie said. "And Uncle Harry. They're checking the common room and looking for Snape now."

Just then, Harry burst through the wall.

"The Slytherin common room is definitely not empty. There are more than a few students there. Even if you use my old Invisibility Cloak..."

Remus coughed just then. Harry flushed slightly.

"Right...my father's Invisibility Cloak. If you use it...well for one it won't cover all four of you. Secondly, getting into Snape's room involves part of the fireplace opening up, and they'll definitely notice that."

"Now what do we do?" Eddie said.

"I believe" Remus said, "that you'll find some help from your predecessors near the entrance to the common room."

"Exactly" said Harry. "We Marauders have hidden stores of joke items all over the castle. And fortunately, a few of them are in Gryffindor Tower."

"Joke items, huh?" said Eddie. "Maybe we can clear out the common room with some Dungbombs and Stink Pellets."

"And under the Invisibility Cloak, we can sneak in and get through to Snape's room!" Richard said excitedly.

"And perhaps after that" John added, "you can finish your story so I know what's going on!" Richard and Eddie shared a glance.

"We don't have time, John. Professor Lupin can tell you the whole story. He's been involved with the Marauders since the beginning. And only three of us can fit under the Invisibility Cloak anyway. Perhaps you should stay here." John looked at them suspiciously.

"How come Henry can't stay?"

"I already know the story" Henry said. "And I have certain...talents...that may be useful during this little mission." John turned slightly red.

"Ok. Fine. Go." He jumped down off the fireplace. Richard sighed and turned to the portrait of Godric Gryffindor, pointing his wand at the tiny Marauder crest next to it.

"Moonium" he whispered. The portrait swung open. John goggled at the sight as the other three walked through to the Meeting Place. Remus simply smiled.

"John, I hope you don't hold too much of a grudge against them. We really can accomplish more this way. While they find your homework assignment for tomorrow, I can explain everything to you. I think you'll find it to be quite an interesting story."

"I doubt it" John muttered.

"Well, we'll see. Where to start, where to start...for starters, John, do you know the history of the Whomping Willow?"

...........................

"I didn't want to leave him there" Richard said, "but the cloak will only cover the three of us. And even then, we'll have to be careful...it's getting old, and I think it's wearing thin in places."

Eddie and Henry nodded in agreement. The three of them were standing in the Meeting Place, just in front of the secret entrance to the Slytherin common room.

"Henry, as one of the new members of the Marauders, I believe you should be the one to give the password to drop the Shield Charm. After all, you'll need to learn all the passwords and secret passages the Marauders know." Henry and Richard looked at Eddie as he said that, smiles tugging at the corners of their mouths.

"He's definitely his mother's son" Henry remarked. "I think there's going to be another teacher in the family." Richard chuckled. Then his eyes got really wide.

"Eddie, you have to go back. We forgot the Dungbombs!" Harry laughed from overhead.

"Hmmm, the brilliant kids aren't quite on their game today, are they?"

"Shut it, Dad. We'll wait here, Eddie. Go!" Eddie nodded and ran back to Gryffindor Tower. Remus looked up as he popped through into the common room. He didn't seem at all surprised to see Eddie.

"The portrait hole, Eddie. Bottom row of bricks. Start at the left corner and count six bricks to the right with your wand lit." He turned back to John as Eddie ran to the portrait hole. "Now, as I was saying, it was right about then that Harry and his friends decided to become Animagi..."

Eddie didn't hear the rest, as he was busy following Remus' instructions. The sixth brick to the right popped open, revealing a Marauders hidden stash. Eddie smiled and filled the pockets of his robes with Dungbombs.

"Thanks, Professor!" he called as he climbed back up onto the fireplace.

"Don't thank me" Remus said. "Officially, I don't even know you're doing this, remember? And I'm certainly not helping." He smiled and turned back to John as Eddie opened the passage to the Meeting Place.

Richard smiled when he saw Eddie coming. "Ok, Henry" he said. "The password is the 'official' Marauder motto: I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Henry smiled. "Clever motto." He turned to the archway. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

The snake hissed, and the sort of invisible curtain fell. The Marauders in training could see clearly into the Slytherin common room.

"Henry, quick!" Eddie hissed as he grabbed the Invisibility Cloak and flung it over them. "Levitate the Dungbombs before they see us!"

Henry got the idea. He lifted his hands, concentrating, and the Dungbombs rose up out of Eddie's pockets, flying into the common room in various directions. There were multiple explosions, and almost immediately the worst stench imaginable. Students shrieked and ran for their dorms.

The Marauders waited for a couple seconds. Richard quickly cast a few Bubble-Head Charms so they'd have fresh air to breathe. Slowly, the three of them walked into the Slytherin common room.

"Doesn't anything ever change? This place looks the same as it's always been." Harry said.

"Dad, we need you to wait outside the common room. Let us know if anyone's coming before we get into Snape's room."

"Can I help?" asked a familiar voice. Richard and Eddie turned to see Sirius Black floating nearby.

"Sirius!" Harry said happily. "As a matter of fact, you can help. Keep a watch on the girls and boys' dorms for us?"

"Can do." Sirius floated away as Harry guided the kids to the fireplace.

"Tap the lamp on the left. The password is 'Padfoot'."

"That's me!" Sirius called out. Harry smiled.

"Good luck, Marauders." He winked and floated away to the entrance of the common room. Richard and Eddie smiled to themselves.

"Padfoot" Richard whispered as he tapped the lamp. The secret passage into Snape's room opened. The boys smiled and walked in just before it closed. Once inside, they pulled off the cloak and repealed the charm.

"I'm glad that's over" Henry remarked. "It's kind of odd looking at the world through a fishbowl."

Just then, Ron came popping through the wall.

"Ah, there you are! I suggest you hurry...Snape's on his way here! He just left the Great Hall. I'd say at best, you've got ten minutes or so. Just walk through the wall and you'll be in Snape's bedroom. Go!" The boys nodded and walked through the wall, dragging Henry with them.

"How do we find Snape's lesson plan?" Henry wondered. "It could easily look as dark and depressing as the rest of this place."

"Too right" Richard replied. "There is far too much black in here. And all these potion ingredients...which we probably shouldn't move at all." Eddie didn't say a word. He just pulled his wand.

"Accio lesson plan!" A small black (obviously) ledger rose up from the table and flew into Eddie's outstretched hand. Richard smiled.

"I wonder...do you think it's sealed so that only Snape can open it?"

"I doubt it" Eddie replied. "After all, he keeps it here in his room, that only the Head of House can enter. Well, here's hoping." Holding the book away from himself slightly, he opened it. Nothing happened.

"Lucky much?" Henry said. "Quick, find September 2."

Eddie did. The boys read it in shock.

"He actually PLANNED to hex all the Gryffindors?" Eddie said.

"Not only that, we're going to be hexed again! Our homework is to learn all the curses that were used against us!" Richard said. Henry gulped.

"We have to learn multiple hexes in ONE NIGHT?"

Ron floated through the wall.

"Well then...it must be a serious problem if a Gesturiat is worrying about it. Henry, you won't have a problem. It's everyone else that has cause to sweat. Snape's about a hundred yards from the common room entrance."

"Snape's about a hundred yards from the common room entrance!" Harry yelled as he burst through the wall. And saw Ron. "Oh, right...I guess you know that. You kids need to go now."

Eddie quickly put the ledger back on Snape's desk.

"Count up seven stones from the third stone to the right of this bookcase, and tap it" Harry said. "Then walk through the wall."

Richard did as his dad said, and once again pulled Henry through the wall. The three of them (five if you count apparitions) walked through the passage, almost to the fireplace, when Sirius burst through.

"No good going this way. The smell's cleared up, and students are back in the common room!" The boys looked stricken. The adults didn't look much better.

"We need another distraction!" Eddie said. "And we're out of Dungbombs!"

"So?" Richard said. "Are we wizards or not?"

"Well, technically, not..." Henry said. "I mean, we are just first years."

"Yeah" Eddie said. "Three brilliant first years. And you're a Gesturiat! Diversion...brilliant....Gesturiat..." He paced back and forth for a couple of seconds. Harry poked his head through the wall.

"Snape's here!" he said, drawing his head back. "That man's timing is absolutely horrible."

"I've got it!" Eddie exclaimed. "Henry, can you get all of them at once? Like a giant Sleep Charm?"

"Do you think that would work?" Henry asked.

"Well, this passage has a curve in it, so we could hide if we back up. Henry could go out there under the cloak and perform the spell, and we could get out of here!"

"We don't really have the time to debate it" Sirius spoke up. "Let's do it."

Henry nodded and threw the cloak over his head. Richard and Eddie backed up and hid around the corner. Henry took a deep breath and walked out of the passage. Needless to say, the Slytherin students were rather surprised to see their fireplace opening up. Professor Snape, who had just entered the common room, was equally confused. He took several long strides to the fireplace, but it closed up just before he got there. That didn't stop him from running his hands over it, examining it very closely, for the few seconds until Henry's Sleep Charm took effect. He dropped to the ground, along with the rest of the Slytherins. Henry quickly pulled him away from the fire, drawing his wand with the same motion and reopening the passage.

Richard and Eddie popped out, immediately relieved.

"It worked. Thank God. Let's get out of here." The boys walked quickly to the portrait of Salazar Slytherin on the wall. Henry pointed his wand at the crest that appeared on Slytherins' forehead.

"Wormtalia." The portrait split in half and opened. The boys ran through to the Meeting Place, and on to the Gryffindor common room. John was asking questions of Remus when they got there.

"So, do I have to become an Animagi to be a Marauder?"

"No, but it helps." Remus smiled. "You can worry about it later, though. You're about to get a homework assignment." He walked off to get the rest of the first years. Richard and Eddie explained the assignment to John. Within a few minutes, all the first year Gryffindors were assembled in the common room.

"What's this about?" demanded a pretty blonde named Cadia.

"Yeah how come it's just us first years?" a black girl named Jullisa spoke up from the back.

"I'm sure you all remember our first Defense class" Richard said. There was immediate laughter.

"Calm down, calm down...well, what you don't know is that Snape assigned us homework that's due tomorrow. However, since he didn't know who pranked him, he simply decided to punish all the Gryffindors. We'll all have detention tomorrow if our homework isn't done." The laughter went to immediate horror.

"What are we going to do?" Jullisa shrieked.

"Our homework, obviously" Eddie said. "Don't ask how, but we found out what it is." There was a small amount of uproar over this until Henry spoke up.

"Do you want to ask questions, or do you want to avoid detention?" Everyone shut up.

"Ok" Richard said. "You of course remember how Snape hexed each of us as we came in the room? Well, for homework, we have to learn how to perform those spells."

"Oh, that's not going to be hard" Cadia remarked.

"It shouldn't be" Eddie said, favoring her with a glare, "if we work hard at it, starting right now. Wands out!"

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"I can't believe we were up until 1 in the morning" Eddie groaned.

"I know" Richard replied. "The things we do to avoid detention."

John could barely lift his head from the desk. "It was worth it, wasn't it? I mean, we'll avoid detention this way."

No one had time to answer as Snape walked into the room.

"Now then" he said, his whispery voice easily holding the class' attention. "We'll see if any of you have learned anything yet." He smiled grimly at the Gryffindors. The first year Slytherins were snickering quietly.

"Potter!" Snape barked. "Front of the class, please." Richard stood up and walked to the front of the class.

"I would like you, Potter, to perform the Full-Body Bind on Malfoy." Draco Jr. smirked and stood up, stepping around his desk and standing in front of Richard.

"Anytime you're ready" Snape said, not bothering to keep the amusement out of his voice as Richard drew his wand and pointed it at Draco.

"Have fun in detention, Potty" Draco muttered. Richard smirked.

"Petrificus Totalus!" To Draco's shock (and obviously Snape's too), Draco fell to the floor, frozen solid. Richard smiled nervously and walked back to his seat.

"Lift it" Snape said. Richard didn't quite hear him.

"I'm sorry?"

"Lift the spell. If you can." Richard shrugged and lifted the Full-Body Bind. Draco got up slowly and returned to his seat, a little shaken.

Snape was nearly beside himself with anger. He was sure that Potter and Weasley had somehow discovered his lesson plan. And as such, he couldn't give them detention...unless. If they were the only ones who knew the homework...

"O'Hara!" Ryan O'Hara jumped up so quick, he nearly banged his knees on the underside of his desk. He walked up to the front of the room a little unsteadily.

"If you'd be so kind as to perform the Leg-Locker Curse on Miss Malfoy?" Draca got up and walked to the front of the room, slightly shaken. She'd been sure Richard wouldn't be able to do anything to Draco.

Ryan drew his wand and spoke. "Locomotor Mortis!" Draca shrieked as she lost her balance and fell. Snape stared, goggle-eyed.

"Martinez!" Jullisa got up and walked to the front of the room.

"Tickling Charm!" Jullisa did just that, sending Cassiopeia Knight to the floor in gales of girlish laughter.

"Robertson! Stunning Spell!" Cadia got up and knocked Julius Jones to the floor.

Over and over, Snape tested the Gryffindors. They performed every spell perfectly. Snape was about ready to explode when the bell rang.

"Potter!" he snarled as the students started to leave. "A word, please." Richard smiled to himself and walked up to Snape's desk. Snape leaned towards him menacingly.

"I don't know how you managed to get ahold of your homework assignment, Potter, but I assure you next time it won't be as easy." Richard looked confused.

"I'm not sure what you mean, sir...speaking of homework, do we have any tonight?" Snape's eyes narrowed.

"No. Get out of here." Richard turned and left, meeting up with Edward, Henry, and John just outside the door as it closed.

"Are we set?"

"You know it" Eddie replied. "Everyone's gone. Let's do this." Quickly, the boys pulled their wands and booby-trapped the doorframe.

"I almost don't want to see Snape once he gets to the Great Hall" Henry said.

"We have to be there" John said. "You know, to be the picture of innocence and all." The boys laughed and made their way to lunch.

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"How did they do it?" Snape muttered to himself, pacing the floor of the classroom. "I'll have to keep a closer eye on my lesson plan..." He was still muttering to himself as he exited the classroom.

Going up the stairs to the Great Hall, he passed a couple of second year Ravenclaw students that goggled at him. He stopped for a second and looked at them with much the same expression, before they walked off whispering.

"Odd" he thought as he kept walking. The situation was repeated with every student he came across. He was getting looks of shock, disbelief...nothing like the horror he was used to instilling in the hearts of his students.

"Is it possible...that I've been pranked again?" Quickly, he looked himself over. Nothing seemed to be amiss. He quickly drew his wand and cast a few self-analyzing spells. Nothing. Shrugging, he continued up two floors to the Great Hall.

When Snape first opened the door to the Hall, no one paid much attention. That kind of thing happened all the time. It started when a few random heads turned towards the door. They were followed by whispers and pokes, and more heads. And even more heads. Snape couldn't understand what the hell was going on. Everyone was looking at him funny. Even certain apparitions of former students.

"You did it, son" Harry said, staring wide-eyed at Snape. "I don't know exactly what it was, but you sure did it."

Snape, of course, walked up to his place at the head table, completely conscious of all the eyes on him. He picked up his fork and knife and started to eat. There was complete silence in the Great Hall except for his eating.

It continued like that for a while. Snape ate, looking around at everyone who was staring at him. No one made a sound. Finally, Professor Dumbledore leaned over to him.

"Severus...why are you...naked?"

(A/N: I'm going to have nightmares because of what I just wrote, I think. This was such a long chapter...don't expect any updates for a while. I need to get some notes down and decide what I'm going to do next. Read and review please!)