A/n: this being my first fanfic alone, I can only plead with you to read and review! Sorry if my chapters are long, but heyit's 12:30am and I'm on a roll! Also, my first… say, ten chapters are short. However, the next dozen or two are not quite as short. This is only the beginning. :-)
Chapter Two- Maybe He Lost a Bet?
James Potter sat in his large bedroom, reading over his Hogwarts letter, when Sirius Black woke up in the bed nearby that Saturday morning.
"Good morning, Prongsy!" Sirius Black said yawning, co-ring leader and James' best friend of seven years. "How is the master marauder doing on this fine… wait, I haven't missed breakfast, have I?"
"No, Padfoot, you animal. Breakfast hasn't even started, I think," said James jokingly.
"Well then, I shall just go back to sleep, shall I?" and without further ado, Sirius crawled back under the covers of his bed and shut his eyes.
James smiled broadly and went back to his Hogwarts letters. Head Boy… why in the world would Dumbledore pick me for Head Boy? Since first year, James, Sirius, and Remus (and Peter, if you counted him at all) had been the height of prank-dom at school, and had never hesitated to jinx anyone who deserved it (otherwise known as anyone in the way or just standing around). Remus, being the only sensible Marauder and a prefect, tended to be the voice of reason, even if he wasn't entirely innocent. But James…
Suddenly, another voice in James head said, HEY! Who is the most likely girl in the year to be Head Girl?
"Lily," James said under his breath. Of course, LILY EVANS would be Head Girl – as if it would be anyone else! James sighed and lay down on his bed, looking at the ceiling, hands behind his head. More time with Lily… more time to tease her, to watch her, to be with her!
Sirius called from under his covers from the head of his bed. "Ooo, doest mine nose deceive me? Do I smell bacon and sausages? Oi, Prongs! Is that breakfast I smell or am I hallucinating?" Sirius looked up at a dreamy-eyed James.
"James! Earth to James!" Sirius said, waving his hand in front of James. "Alright, well, if you want me to eat your portion, just stay quiet…" said Sirius slyly. James, still in his reverie, nodded dumbly. "OK, if you insist." Sirius quickly bounded to the door, but looked back in time to see James mouth the word 'Lily' to the ceiling.
"Ah, so that's it, eh? Prongs, mate, she isn't even around and already you're working up ways to ask her out?" Sirius teased, sitting down near James' feet.
"Huh, what? Hey, Padfoot, I was just thinking-'' James began.
"About Lily? Yeah, I got that impression."
"Well, yes, because, er… see, Dumbledore made me Head Boy, and –''
"HE WHAT?" Sirius shouted! "Oh my god, I think … I think… my heart…" Sirius clutched his heart, making very fake gagging noises.
"Oh, get a grip, Padfoot!" James said, shoving Sirius off the edge of the bed.
Oy! What the … But has the man gone mad? I mean, James, seriouslyRemus was obviously the best choice for the job, seeing that you are kind of involved in… oh, EVERY stunt in the place!"
"I'm never alone, need I remind you…"
"Yeah, whatever, but I'm not the one up to disgrace his followers and fellow trouble makers! Why'd he do it? Did Dumbledore give a reason? Maybe he lost a bet? No, can't think that easily, must of been bigger… Ransom? Murder? Ooo, a good scandal?"
"Padfoot, you are making this way huger than it is. I was just as shocked, but the big man says it's 'cause of my…perfect scores and great enthusiasm, I believe he said."
"You know, if this is legit, your mother is going to die over the stove! At least let me eat before you tell herI need nourishment!"
"If anyone DOESN'T need food, it's you, Padfoot!" James said, gathering his letters and Head Boy badge, and walking to the door. Sirius laughed his bark-like laugh and pushed James out of the way of the door, running down the hall towards the stairs.
"Oh, I see how it is!" James called, running after his friend. They ran around the second floor of James' mansion, finally sliding down the banister, one after the other. James, now in the lead, sprinted the last twenty feet to the kitchen.
"Oh, honestly boys, don't run in the house. Nowsit and eat!" James' mother, Helena, said exasperatedly. Sirius didn't need telling twice. He practically ate all his bacon in one bite, then moved on to his toast and eggs. James watched in awe for several seconds before beginning on his own plate. The dishes Sirius plowed through were washing and drying themselves in the sink, while Helena put the clean ones neatly away with a bored flick of her wand. About half an hour later, and several helpings, James cleared his throat and Sirius looked up.
"Um, Mum, I got my letter from Hogwarts today…" James began.
"Oh, yes. Well, James, we will need to make a trip to Diagon Alley, and I suppose Sirius will need his supplies as well." Helena said kindly, but looking into James' evasive eyes told her there was more to be said. "James, you haven't been suspended already, have you?" Needless to say, Sirius nearly choked on his last serving of porridge. James shot him a deadly sideways look.
"Well, um… Dumbledore sort of… well, he made me…" James stuttered.
"Fine, I'll do it. James is Head Boy," said Sirius with distaste.
"WHAT? Has the man gone mad?" Helena shouted, looking from Sirius to James, then back and forth very quickly. A dish that had been floating between the sink and the cabinet had crashed to the floor and broke, unnoticed.
"Ah, a woman with sense!" Sirius said, still chuckling.
"Thanks, Padfoot, you really lighten the load," James whispered.
"Well, I mean…James this is wonderful! Oh heavens, you know, I was Head Girl in my day, and what a splendid affair it was…" Helena rambled, hugging James and kissing him all over the face, to which he squirmed and wriggled until he was free.
"Run! Head for the hills!" James shouted loudly. They both ran (Sirius had to run back and grab one last biscuit) from the kitchen, slowing as they reached the stairs.
"Yes sir, your Boyship, sir. May I carry you, sir? Do you need anything, your most prankly highness?" Sirius said, saluting James and bowing as the two walked back to James' room.
Later that day, James and Sirius made their way through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley with Helena. They visited the robes shop, Flourish and Blots, and Quality Quidditch Supplies, among others. James decided that, for his gift from his parents (on becoming Head Boy, of course) that he would like the new Golden Arrow 360 model – the newest broom to date.
About one that afternoon, after leaving Eeylop's Owl Emporium at which Sirius had bought a new Brown owl, the boys met the remaining two MaraudersRemus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew (coughevilcough). The four finally were freed of their chaperones, and all promised to meet their parents (or hosts, in Sirius' case) at the Leaky Cauldron at six o'clock that evening. They boys wandered up to alley, wishing they could stray off the main street, though they had been forbidden on pain of something very terrible of which they were extremely skeptical. Finally they came across a very interesting - or infuriating - sight, depended on who you were to ask after…
A/n—ok, so I had to put that Peter slur in, even if I don't approve of putting personal stuff into writing. Suppose I'm a hypocrite. O well. Read and Review!
