Disclaimer: Is this really necessary, I'm obviously not JK Rowling.
Late afternoon sunlight streamed into the Gryffindor common room casting a reddish glow. As James walked into the room, he found himself pausing to look around at the usual commotion.
A group of fourth years had taken over the two largest tables in the room and they were covered with books and scattered bits of paper. In the corner of the room two sixth year boys were attempting to charm three seventh year girls.
James watched with a grin as three third year boys kept changing the hair color of two fifth year girls without their knowledge. The two girls were engrossed in gushing over a magazine.
He didn't notice the sandy haired boy until he called out, "Feeling better? Peter's upstairs, he's upset."
"Oh is he?" James feigned innocence.
Remus raised his eyebrows, "I suppose Peter has a right to be upset. It's highly suspicious that you both recovered miraculously enough to go gallivanting around the school."
"We weren't gallivanting. We went to the hospital wing…" James said quickly.
"Is that where the passage led to, the hospital wing?" Remus asked sarcastically.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"You can't trick me like Peter, Potter. Now where is Black, did he get caught?"
"No we didn't get caught. He needed to owl one of his relatives."
"So you did explore that passage?" Remus asked quietly.
James found it quite frustrating how secretive Remus could be and yet be able to read into his thoughts and intentions quite accurately.
"Okay, we did. And we may have excluded Peter, but it's not because we dislike him. Sirius and I still have a lot to sort through and we did talk during our exploration. It wouldn't have happened if Peter or you had been present."
Though James enjoyed Peter's company usually, he would have gotten in the way. He was clumsy, not perceptive, and couldn't think quickly on his feet. If Peter had been there, they'd be currently listening to one of McGonagall's stern lectures. And most importantly Sirius didn't trust Peter.
"I understand perfectly, James. Sirius is finally starting to open up to us. The thing is I'm not the one hurt and I don't think Peter understands."
"And if I told him what I just told you, would he understand?"
"No, I guess not. Look I'll back you up on the hospital wing story."
"You were right all along Remus, you know that?"
"Off course I was right," Remus said trying to sound cocky but failing to pull it off.
"Ever since Sirius and I have decided to trust each other, we just click…its strange," James said softly.
He could now talk to Sirius about pretty much anything and find common ground. It turned out that Sirius was inclined to mischief as much as he was, though Sirius was very inexperienced when it came to actual troublemaking. A few minutes of silence passed.
"So where did the passage lead to?" Remus asked in a forced casual manner.
James grinned, "I knew it! You do have a mischievous side; you just have to let it out."
"I certainly do not. I just…I just want to know." Remus tried to act as the responsible, mature one and most of the time he was but James always knew he was just needed a little push to come out of his shell.
James rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his messy hair, "We found a secret entrance to the teacher's lounge. It was amazing! If only our common rooms were equipped like them."
"You're lucky that teacher didn't walk in on you."
"We had a bit more than luck on our side," James said mysteriously, "So how about joining us on our next adventure along with Peter? Don't you want to feel the thrill of discovery or are you content just reading about it?"
"I'll think about it." James knew that meant yes.
"Excellent!"
The portrait door opened and Sirius strolled in. Though Sirius was distancing himself from his family, James couldn't help noticing that he still moved in that regal manner. It was a manner that couldn't be taught. He surveyed the room as James had a few minutes ago, though looking more bored and haughty while doing it.
Sirius finally noticed James and Remus and after a few moments of deliberation he headed over.
"Peter's upset," James said with a scowl.
"Did he find out we explored the passage without him?" Sirius asked though he sounded disinterested. Additional evidence, Sirius hadn't warmed up to Peter yet.
"No, he knows we lied about being sick, but Remus is going to back us up saying we went to the hospital wing."
"How nice of you, Remus," Sirius said with a smirk.
"Come on you two, let's go talk to Peter," Remus said, "Now try and look sick and stop smiling Sirius, you're supposed to be feeling ill."
The floor creaked loudly under them, even as they treaded lightly over it. Ever time the wind outside howled and rattled the windows Peter made a squeaky sound.
"How in the world did we loose track of time in the library?" muttered Sirius crossly.
Sirius had enjoyed the solitude of the library when he hadn't had anyone to talk to, but he now found it stuffy and boring when going there with a group. It got rather tiresome with the librarian shooting you dirty looks every time you attempted to have a proper conversation.
"Keep quiet, if Filch catches us, I doubt he's going to believe that for a second," Remus implored.
Sirius knew Remus was constantly concerned about what others thought of him. And that he especially hated to disappoint the teachers. Sirius found this a bit ironic because he knew his parents wished he would be more concerned about what other people thought. A Black always had to have proper public and social conduct.
"Stop worrying so much Remus. And even if we do get caught, that spell you found is perfect…" James said. Sirius found it very strange how often James would say something that he'd been thinking about just moments ago.
Remus wondered for the fiftieth time that afternoon why he had decided to help Sirius and James in the first place. James had thought up a brilliant plan (his words not Remus's) to liven up the school and Sirius had jumped at the idea at once. Peter had agreed almost instantly as well.
Remus was usually against that sort of thing, but he'd been noticing Sirius and James whispering and talking softly to each other more and more often. And he didn't like being left out, so when the two of them begged him to at least steer them in the right direction in the library, he found himself volunteering to help them find the perfect spell.
"Did you see how advanced it looked? I doubt we'll even be able to figure it out," He glanced at the notes in his hand, "We haven't even learned how to do that wand movement properly."
"It can't be too hard to figure out," James said optimistically and Sirius nodded in confirmation.
"Well it's not in any of our books, I read them all front to back."
"Why would you do a thing like that?" Sirius asked looking at Remus as if he'd gone mad.
"I like to be prepared," Remus answered rather coldly. Remus liked staying ahead because he felt it would make up for missing classes every month because of his condition.
"I could ask Frederick," James said.
"And he'll ask you why and he's a prefect."
"Which spell did we decided to use?" Peter asked looking confused and lost at exactly what was going on.
"Well we haven't really decided which one to use yet…"
"I think we should try something small" Remus said, "The likelihood of getting caught would greatly increase if we tried something too big…"
From behind them a voice called, "For a House that's supposed to be brave, I rarely see a single Gryffindor walk the halls alone."
Severus Snape materialized from the shadows.
"Snape, such a pleasure to see you again," James called out. Remus watched James appraise the boy in front of him. Greasy hair and a pale face, his wand was clutched so tightly his hand it caused his whole arm to tremble.
James turned clearly dismissing Snape as a worthy threat for the moment. They had all seen what Snape had done to Sirius, but he was only a first year. They clearly outnumbered him. And how could the boy aim a proper spell with his arm shaking?
As James turned to say something humorous to them, a flash of light hit his arm and he recoiled in pain. Remus could see James's robe was cut where the spell had hit and blood flowed out quickly soaking his sleeve.
"Didn't those mudblood loving parents teach you to never turn your back on an armed wizard – be them friend or foe?"
James brought his hand to wound still looking surprised by the attack. Meanwhile, Sirius had pulled his wand out and was advancing on Snape with a look of pure hatred. Remus wasn't sure whether to help James stop the bleeding or stop Sirius from attacking Snape.
To add to their troubles, Lucius appeared with Narcissa Black. Her hair and robes looked disheveled.
"Look at this, first year Gryffindor's out of bed. Five points from each of you should cover it. And get out of my sight Potter, your bleeding all over the floor."
"What about Snape? It's past curfew for him too," Sirius demanded.
"I don't see any Slytherin students here. Additional two points off for attempting to undermine my authority, Black. Now get out of my sight before you anger me any further!"
Remus grabbed James's cloak to steer him away from further trouble. Thankfully, Sirius followed when Peter tugged at his cloak to leave. Though, Sirius kept glaring with loath at Snape and Malfoy until they turned the corner.
"It's still bleeding," James said his voice filled with pain, "And it stings like crazy."
"We'll go see the nurse."
"No," James protested, "We'll get in more trouble."
"It might get infected," Remus interjected and turned to Sirius, "Peter and you should return to the Gryffindor Tower. I'll escort Potter to Madam Pomfrey, we sort of have an understanding."
Madam Pomfreyfixed James up quickly, but didn't appreciate that they both developed a sudden case of amnesia about the source of the wound. She put some type of green paste on it and bandaged it up so tightly that James complained he couldn't feel his arm.
Back in their room whispering to not wake up Cory, Sirius said angrily, "I can't believe I ever wanted to be in Slytherin! I can't stand Snape or Malfoy."
"Well I think a change of target for our first prank is in order," James declared, "We should attack the Slytherins. You saw Snape staring at us this afternoon in the library, Sirius. He might have even been following us around."
Sirius nodded in agreement, "The oddest thing is that Malfoy has taken a likening to him. The only thing Snape has going for him is his pure blood. My parents would give probably an arm and a leg to have me talk to him versus any of you guys, but Snape's status is lower than Malfoy's."
"Wouldn't Malfoy help out a Slytherin regardless of his social status?" Remus inquired. He didn't understand all this blood importance and it was hard to learn about it because everyone had a different opinion.
"No," Sirius said with a derisive laugh, "First of all, there is the age difference, Snape is only a lowly first year and I know the Snape's have never been invited to any of the prestigious pureblood parties. So the only reason I can think of is Snape has proved to be useful to Malfoy."
"How could that greasy pathetic nobody be useful to someone with Malfoy's power? I've heard my parents talk about that family and they hold power in practically every part of the Ministry," James asked.
"I wouldn't call him pathetic. He nailed you with that spell and I barely saw his lips move," Remus interjected.
James frowned, "I could have nailed him with the same spell, if my family had taught me dark curses!"
"Do you know any dark curses, Sirius?" Peter asked.
"I had limited use of my wand…"
"But your parents must have taught you some," Peter continued ignoring the dangerous tone of Sirius's voice.
"My parents taught me what they felt a pureblood heir needed to know," Sirius answered.
"So you must know some dark curses!" Peter said.
Sirius stared moodily out the window, his jaw set angrily. Remus couldn't believe how thoughtless Peter could be at times.
"It doesn't matter what you were taught," Remus said quickly.
James picked up the direction Remus was taking the conversation quickly, "That's right it only matters what you do with that knowledge and if you choose to use what you've learned."
"I've never used them in Hogwarts…I…"
"That's all we need to know and we'll never ask you about that knowledge again, right Peter?" James said.
"Err- yea ok," Peter said hesitantly.
"So you know that confusion charm you looked up, Remus, what would it do to a blackboard?"
Remus sighed. He would have to be lying to himself if he hadn't wished that all the useful spells in the books they found would be too hard for them to master. He would learn quickly that when it came to mischief, Sirius and James would go to any length to master anything that would help them.
"It doesn't really say, but I guess it would mix up whatever you wrote on the board, since if you hit a person with the charm it mixes up the words the person is trying to say."
"Perfect! We'll go around and enchant all the blackboards around the school. No one will be able to read a word of it."
"That would affect the whole school, not just the Slytherins," Remus pointed out.
"Oh yea. Well I want our revenge on the Slytherins to be unforgettable and that will take some planning, so we'll just do this for now."
"And how are we going to enchant every blackboard without being seen…"
"Well," James said casting a conspirator look at Sirius, "I think I have something that might help."
James ran to his trunk and returned with a priceless possession: an invisibility cloak. Though Remus felt is was a little irrespirable for James's father to give his son a tool practically designed for rule breaking, he couldn't wait to try the cloak on. As soon as Remus was under the cloak, he stayed very quite and attempted to scare and surprise the other three boys. It was all quite fun.
Cory woke up from all their noise and James quickly slid the cloak under his bed.
"Well all we have to do now is learn the charm…" Sirius said brightly as Cory sleepily looked at the four of them huddled on the floor.
"Oww Remus that's my foot," Peter muttered.
They were quickly learning that walking simultaneously under the cloak wasn't easy.
It had taken them three days to perfect the spell. There were currently many enchanted sheets of paper thrown about their desks waiting to confuse any unsuspecting writers.
Their plans that night were delayed when Cory did not fall asleep at his usual time. He seemed to sense their restlessness because he kept asking if everything was alright.
Sirius handed Peter the list of rooms they were going to hit (seven classrooms) as well as the incantation of the charm incase in the heat of the moment they needed to refresh their memory.
Peter had only managed to cast the spell twenty percent of the time, so he was going to be the lookout. He wore the cloak walking down the hallway back and forth ready to hoot like an owl the moment trouble came knocking.
Both Sirius and James would take turns doing the actual casting and Remus would be the tester to make sure it worked properly.
Sirius glanced nervously around the first classroom. He'd never done anything nearly as exciting as this. Being rebellious in the Black house consisted of things like not bowing at your elders or not folding your collar properly. James was nodding encouragingly and even Remus looked giddy.
Sirius did a few quick fluid wand motions and he nodded towards Remus. Remus took a piece of chalk and attempted to write the sentence: I like chocolate, but it came out Koiccte El laohi.
Sirius smiled at their accomplishment. This was going to turn out brilliant.
They were on classroom number six, when a red faced Peter hurled into the classroom. Sirius had never seen little Peter run so quickly.
"Filch…cat…coming…quick…" Peter mumbled.
"You were supposed to hoot like an owl!" hissed Sirius.
Peter whimpered and knocked over a vase on the teacher's desk. This noise of course attracted Filch to investigate out of dozens of classroom possibilities the very one they were hiding in.
"What's this students out of bed…come out, come out and I won't hang you by your toes…"
Sirius saw Filch's outline right outside the classroom door.
James jumped into action as he grabbed the invisibility cloak out of Peter's clutches. James's quick thinking and reflexes saved them from an uncertain fate.
Sirius ducked under with Remus following closely as James lifted the fabric to pull them under. For the next few seconds no one breathed. He could hear his heart thudding loudly. He was sure Filch or at the very least his mangy cat could hear it.
Sirius allowed his muscles to relax when he heard Filch mutter, "Little rascals…come on Mrs. Norris we'll find them yet."
"Close one," James muttered, "But the cloak wins!"
Sirius began to laugh enjoying the reckless feeling of getting away with rule breaking. They all joined in, even Remus who still looked a bit pale.
"I'm sorry guys…I should have hooted," Peter said hanging his head. He still looked shaky.
"It's alright at least you didn't drop the cloak then I would have had to kill you."
"Oh…"
"He's joking, Peter. Let's get out of here," Remus remarked.
"We have one more classroom," whined James,
"No, let's call it a day. We got most of them," Sirius said backing up Remus for once.
In Transfiguration the next day, the four boys were so nervous that they went to class early. Peter wanted to sit up in the front, but Remus reminded them that they should sit in their regular seats so no one would be suspicious.
"Stop looking so guilty Peter," Sirius whispered, "You'll give us away!"
"I'm not doing it on purpose," Peter said, "I'm just so worried."
"They have absolutely nothing on us so everyone relax. No one even suspects anything," James said quickly.
Professor McGonagall walked in briskly.
"Mr. Pettigrew?"
Peter jumped.
"Is everything alright, Mr. Pettigrew?" the teacher asked her eyes narrowing in their direction.
"Yes, Professor," Peter managed to squeak out after James stepped on his foot.
"Can you please put a teacup on each person's desk for me then?"
Peter nodded nervously, but thankfully the job seemed to calm him down.
Sirius watched anxiously the Professor's movements as she rearranged the papers around her desk slowly. He barely registered the fact that the room was filling up.
Then Professor McGonagall took her wand out like usual and waved it at the board to place the notes for today. She barely glanced at the board and instructed the class to copy it down while she went back to rummaging the papers on her desk.
As the words appeared on the board the letters to Sirius's delight were all mixed up. Sirius grinned turning to Remus who turned to grin at James.
Sirius chanced a glance around the room to see everyone looking at the board strangely. He saw Snape bending down to pick up some piece of paper.
Finally Lily Evans raised her hand, "Professor McGonagall," she began timidly, "I think there's something wrong with the blackboard."
McGonagall raised her head and gasped, "Merlin's beard, I'm sorry students, I must have cast the wrong charm."
With another wave of her wand the gibberish disappeared and she attempted again to cast the notes once more. Again the mixed up letters appeared and the class giggled.
McGonagall frowned and began to attempt to cancel the spell or reverse it.
Nothing worked and she became more frustrated. The spell incantation they had picked did not have a counter-spell, but the effects would wear off in two to three hours.
Professor Flitwick knocked on the classroom door apparently with the same problem. The two teachers disappeared for a few moments.
Lily Evans was staring at them rather carefully and Sirius waved at her. Ever since the time he spent in James's company had increased, she had grown colder toward him. McGonagall returned telling them class was cancelled, but she gave them a rather large library assignment, but that fact didn't lessen the thrill of the prank.
The four of them made sure not to discuss the prank the rest of the day because everyone was attempting to figure out the culprits. From the gossip Sirius picked up, most of the houses felt it was a Gryffindor act, most likely a group of sixth or seventh years. The first year Gryffindors were dismissed automatically from speculation because of their limited knowledge of magic.
Sirius was almost sure they had gotten away with it. He couldn't help but think about what his mother and father would think if they ever found out about this. Time was valuable to them and he knew they'd find pranking a complete waste of time. He glanced at Remus who was his partner for Potions. He was stirring the pink mixture carefully 12 clockwise stirs and then 14 counter clockwise stirs.
Sirius jumped when he heard Professor York call his name. "Mr. Black the Headmaster would like to see you immediately. I believe Mr. Lupin can finish the potion on his own."
"Did he say why?" Sirius asked carefully feeling a lump grow in his throat. He couldn't handle a confrontation with his mother right now.
"He did not."
James and Remus exchanged worried glances with him, while Snape was watching him keenly. It definitely wasn't his imagination that Snape was keeping an eye him and James more than necessary.
Sirius walked briskly down the hallway running straight into his cousin Andromeda.
"Were you called to Professor Dumbledore's office too?" she asked. She looked both tired and stressed. Her reddish brown hair usual kept neat was thrown up in a messy ponytail.
"How was the usual Christmas party?" Sirius asked falling into step with her.
"Boring without you, though I don't think any guest forgot to mention your absence to your mother and father. Of course everyone was too proper to actually ask anything particular about you, but they all took advantage of the fact the Black name had slid down a notch or two," Andromeda told him carefully watching his reaction.
"So it's true then, my placement in Gryffindor is really affecting the family name," Sirius said the desperation in his voice evident.
"I'm afraid it is true, but that shouldn't change the fact that you need to do what is best for you. It's petty and unfair and you happen to have the unfortunate luck of being the first born male heir to the Black fortune. I guess I was lucky. I'm only the second female child. I'm not much of importance as long as I marry a pureblood it should keep my parents happy."
"Are you going to marry a pureblood?"
"I don't know, I guess we'll see."
Two ghosts floated by them arguing about which part of the castle they felt was the best to haunt
"So what did you think of that prank this morning?" Andromeda said her face had more color in it now.
Sirius grinned openly, "It got us out of class."
"Yea I suppose," she studied him for a moment.
"What?" he asked.
"You know who did, it don't you. I knew Gryffindors had done it."
Sirius was saved from having to lie to his cousin who always seemed to be able to see right through him when they arrived at the Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore sat at his desk ignoring their entrance. He was writing hurriedly on piece of old yellow parchment.
Inside sat Narcissa and Bellatrix. Narcissa her blond hair pinned up carefully was staring at her fingernails haughtily. Bellatrix her black hair in waves was fidgeting looking as if she was itching to curse whoever came across her path next. She wore a proud expression, which was eerily similar to the one on her elder sister's face.
Dumbledore abruptly put his quill down. "Ah, it seems we are all accounted for. Sit down please. A student has brought to me a piece of evidence concerning the incident this morning."
Narcissa picked up her pretty head, "Professor Dumbledore, that incident is way below Black behavior and I don't understand why our family has been singled out."
Dumbledore showed them a very familiar piece of parchment; the same piece of parchment that Sirius had handed to Peter last night with the rooms and spell. He had unknowingly written it on a piece of paper with the Black letterhead.
"Now I felt it was only fair to bring all four you here, though Narcissa and Andromeda may go unless they would like to confess. You both have been here a significant amount of years and neither of you have given me any disciplinary trouble, so I am using my judgment to excuse you both."
Narcissa said quietly that she was completely innocent and glided out the door. Sirius could tell Andromeda had figured out he was partly responsible for the events that had happened. She seemed to be debating about saying something in order to help him, but she was dismissed quickly.
In that time Sirius had also deduced that the paper he had seen Snape pick up was the one now in Dumbledore's possession. The sneak instead of confronting them had gone directly to the Headmaster.
Bellatrix was now staring at the paper so intently Sirius was afraid it would burst into flames and she said snidely, "Professor Dumbledore, I hate to say this, but this prank has Gryffindor written all over it. No Slytherin, especially with a Black upbringing would bother to do something like this. We might sabotage a rival quidditch team, but a harmless prank, it would gain us nothing."
Dumbledore nodded and she seemed unsure how to proceed after the Muggle-loving Headmaster had agreed with her.
"Mr. Black?" Dumbledore asked looking over his half-moon glasses at him and his eyes pierced Sirius so deeply it caused him to hesitate.
Bellatrix took this chance to voice her unwelcome opinion, "Perhaps one of Sirius's Gryffindor roommates set him up. I wouldn't put it past someone of their upbringing."
She was setting him up. She was testing him. Bellatrix was giving him a perfect opportunity to put the blame on Potter. Sirius knew if Potter was called in here he would take the blame for it all. And then he'd pass Bella's test and she would give his parents a positive report.
Sirius swallowed and before he could debate it anymore he heard himself say, "I confess. I did it. I hadn't realized I had dropped the paper. I'm sorry Professor, I just did it for a laugh."
The smirk on Bella's face disappeared and in place was a dangerous glimmer.
"Did you do this alone?" Dumbledore asked and again it felt as if his eyes could see inside his head, "It's a lot of blackboards to enchant all on your own."
"Yes, sir. No one helped me and it did take me a large portion of the night."
"I don't recall that specific spell being on the first year curriculum."
"I didn't learn it in class. I – er- well I learned it at home from one of my father's books."
Sirius was at least thankful that Bellatrix didn't refute this claim.
"Since it was all rather harmless, you will serve detention tomorrow night. I suggest you both get back to class unless there is anything more you'd like to tell me."
"Are they really worth it, cousin?" she asked venomously the second they stepped into the hall.
Sirius shrugged. Worth what? He wanted to ask but his voice wouldn't work.
"I don't understand how you can throw it all away. You had- still have- everything in the world. Look at yourself; you are the eldest male heir to the House of Black. Do you realize what most students in Slytherin would do to have that title? And you're willing to let it all go because you're having a bit of fun. You were guaranteed a high social placement in Slytherin. You could have had everyone fearing you and everyone wanting to be in your good graces."
"There is nothing wrong with being in Gryffindor," Sirius heard his voice shout.
"Sirius, why can't you understand that we are better than them? Our bloodline is strong and great and you owe it all to your ancestors who all made sacrifices to keep it toujours pur."
She stopped and grabbed his shoulder to emphasis her point. Her dark black hair the same shade as his shimmered in the light, "Why do you think there are muggles and wizards? Why do you think only wizards were given the ability to do magic? Its because we've been meant from the start to be superior. Muggles are afraid of us. Muggles fear us and every time one of those miserable mudbloods is enrolled in Hogwarts it breaches our statue of secrecy."
"But the muggleborns are wizards just like us. They aren't muggles, they can do magic."
Her deep gray eyes held his gaze intensely, "Mixed Filthy blood. And the reason, we, Blacks are so great is because of our bloodline. Our pure blood predetermines our greatness," she continued never pausing to question the words she was repeating. Sirius felt a flutter of jealousy that she could believe these words so easily, "It may be true certain mudbloods may excel in classes and some are able to perform magic as well or better than pure wizards. But they will never fully belong and by giving them access to our world, a world which they will never fully understand is cruel. Our history, especially about bloodlines is complicated enough for someone in our situation to fully understand, a mudblood would have no chance."
Sirius knew whatever he'd say she would have something to spit right back at him. He hated having to second guess everything he'd been taught. Did his Black blood really determine his greatness? If all his talents came from that very blood than did that mean he owed his ancestors?
"Now I suggest you walk back into Dumbledore's office and turn in your housemates. We all know you couldn't have accomplished it alone. It would be the Slytherin thing to do."
"I can't do that, Bellatrix and you know it. As long as I'm in Gryffinodr I will not do anything to create more enemies for myself." He was surprised by the determination in his voice.
"You best remember they'll be you opposition next year if you join us in Slytherin. So I wouldn't get too cozy. They aren't worth it Sirius. A few laughs is not worth turning your back on your family."
He watched her disappear down the hallway. She was in a way right. Every smile, every laugh, every time he learned another detail about one of their lives, he felt the bond between the four of them grow stronger.
He didn't see James anymore as the blood-traitor pureblood or Remus as a half blood or even Peter as a pureblood with lower status. He was learning that there was so much more to them than that insignificant detail.
"What happens if I want to stay in Gryffindor?" Sirius asked the silent hallway hoping desperately for some wisdom. All he heard was the echoing of his wavering voice.
A/N: I'm almost at 200 reviews I can't believe it! Thanks for reading. Another rather lengthy chapter. I know the prank isn't all that creative, but they are only first years so I figure they need some time to get more confident. Now is the time to review please!
Elayna Fournier: Thanks, I do believe that the close brother-like friendship between them that is described in the books did not happen instantly. It takes time to trust other people, especially if you come from families of opposing views
Kylaaa: thanks for your review, I'm feeling very motivated lately to continue with this story, so maybe the updates will happen more quickly
brennQT: yes, its about time they start having some fun with those spells, you see some of that in here, but off course there will be more to come. I'm glad you liked the bit of humor I put into it, I did want to make that chapter a bit lighter and happier
Mykay Leigh: sorry about the grammar mistakes, I'll try and be more vigilant (constant vigilance!) …lol thanks for not annoying me about an update…aww don't maul poor Sirius, hehe
EsScaper: yea, Sirius is bonding more with both James and Remus and the only marauder Sirius hasn't really bonded yet with is Peter and that's the Sirius we know and love making a learning experience into…well something else. No I didn't mean to hint at any slash, and I won't be putting any slash into this story, lol yea it must be just wishful thinking on your part
Koriaena: that's what's great about an invisibility cloak, always around to help you in those tricky situations
Lira Neflin: thanks for your review
Irish Anor: lol "noble my nose" yea though I think Snape hated James and Sirius for their arrogance, I believe his hatred for Sirius is deeper, more connected to their family's and pureblood hierarchy
Chlo242: thanks for your review and I'm happy your enjoying the story
Magicgirl45852: well you had a small prank in this chapter, don't worry they'll get better, more elaborate at the boys get more knowledge and more confidence about pulling them off
Black Diamond4: lol thanks for your advice. Wow thank you for your comments and I wish I was J.K. Rowling, who doesn't right?
Shadow929: thank you and I'll update as soon as I can, I promise
Moony391: yea, its about time the marauders become the Marauders! Slowly but surely and its so much fun writing about them
Jeanne2: I figured it was about time they have some fun and James and Sirius are a lot closer now
Mina-chan: thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying it and I plan on continuing the story after the first year, at least until the end of their second year.
Inferno-Elf: sorry about the few mistakes, it is hard to find them all. I've tried to make all the characters as real as possible and its great to hear my updates are worth waiting for
SeekerGirl17: thank you so much for your review!
J: lol, well I'm glad I'm sort of inspiring you to write your own…well I guess it was after reading so many fanfics that I myself became inspired, thanks for reviewing!
Spork Princess: haha, I love hanging out in my pjs all day and I'm glad you're finally sticking with a name
A.N. Harris: Thank you so much, obviously one of the most important things when writing stories is to hook the reader with a great storyline, so I'm happy its working!
Paige-rossi-black: Yes, I don't understand how anyone cannot love Sirius, lol, he's also one of my favorites, but then again all the mauraders (well if wormtail, only young, pre-betrayal peter) hold a special place in my heart.