A/N: Hi! I'm back once more with a new chapter. I would like to thank
all of you for reviewing, makes me feel good about writing this story. Now
this is a more light-hearted chapter and I enjoyed writing it, I hope you
enjoy reading it.
Disclaimer: If you know it, I don't own it.
Chapter 6 ~ The Marauders' Return to Hogwarts
Everything seemed quiet and morose around the estate, and it was in this mood that Peter found it a couple of days after Emma's departure.
James, Sirius and Remus had just returned from a ride around the estate. It had become a custom for them to do so every morning after breakfast. Lily and Katie were in the greenhouses collecting flowers and fruits. The flowers were going to be used to decorate the rooms in the house, and the fruit for pies Otty, the elf cook, was planning to do.
The boys were in the game room, sipping some brandy and playing billiards when the door opened and Roberts entered.
"You have a visitor sir." He said as soon as he opened the door.
"Who is it?" Asked James as he leaned on the table to take a shot.
"Mr. Peter Pettigrew, Sir." Roberts said.
"It was about time he got here." Sirius Exclaimed. "Where is he?"
"I'm here." Said Peter as he stepped from behind Roberts.
"Come here you." Said Sirius as he turned to greet his friend.
A round of greetings and exclamations ensued from that moment. Peter was given a glass of brandy and his trunk taken from him before he knew what was going on. Like always, he just shrugged and decided to go with the flow.
"How is your mother?" Asked James as he led the other three to the couches at one end of the room.
"She is doing better. The sea air seems to agree with her." Peter said as he settled himself in a comfortable looking chair.
"What have the doctors said?" Asked Remus, his troubles going out of his mind as he thought of the ones his friend had to go through.
"They say that it's looking good. The cancer hasn't returned since two years ago and she has regained a lot of her former strength." Peter replied.
"That's good, I bet she was feeling happy to be able to go visiting." Said Sirius as he joined them with the decanter of brandy in his hand.
"She was. She has been cooped up for four years now and she was starting to get bored." Peter said.
"Well, now that you are here, we can go on with our plans." Said James with a bright smile.
"Plans. What plans?" Asked Peter with confusion.
"These two want to go to Hogwarts the next full moon and do as we did when we were there." Said Remus with a disgusted tone.
"What? Why?" Exclaimed Peter.
"Why not?" Asked James. "It would be fun. We certainly need it these days."
"They are mad, that's what they are." Said Remus.
"Oh come Moony, old friend, old pal. You know you are going to have fun." Said Sirius.
Peter just looked at them with suspicion. They certainly were acting like madmen.
"Well, we will talk about it later, it's almost time for dinner and Peter here has to freshen up a bit before the women see him." James said.
"Women?" Asked Peter.
"Oh yes, mother, Lily and Katie." Said James.
"Lily and Katie are here?" Peter sounded surprised.
"Yes, didn't James tell you? Lily is the teacher he hired to train the twins. Not that she had done much you understand, keeping busy with James here." Sirius was saying. James scowled at him.
"And Katie is engaged to Sirius so they haven't been separated since he popped the question." Laughed Remus.
"You engaged? How on earth did you manage that?" Exclaimed Peter.
Remus and James laughed. "That is what we ask ourselves everyday." James finally choked out.
"I think she told him what to do." Said Remus.
"Oh come, I'm not an idiot, I know how to propose." Said Sirius. "What about you? You haven't proposed, so how would you know." Sirius shouted.
"Who says I haven't?" Said Remus. They were out of the room now and were slowly making their way to their respective rooms.
"Huh?"
"When?"
"To who?" The others questioned. They hadn't heard this piece of news.
"I'm not telling you. We better take Peter to his room and go to our own to dress. I think the gong is going to sound soon."
"Don't change subjects. Why didn't you tell us you had proposed?" Asked James.
"Because I'm not engaged, now am I?" Remus replied.
"Oh, sorry old boy. She must have been a fool not to accept you." Sirius said in a commiserating voice.
"Oh, she didn't say no. She just hasn't given me an answer." Remus quickly said.
"We are speaking of Emma, right?" Asked Peter, he was starting to get confused by this conversation.
"Yes, of course, who else is there?" Said James.
"But Emma is gone for quite a while Remus. You might never get your answer." Whispered Sirius.
"Doesn't matter. I'll wait." Said Remus.
The other three turned to looked at each other. They better change the subject or their friend will fall back into his morose state. That was something they didn't want to deal with. James thought if it wouldn't be best to tell Lily about it, maybe she knew of a way to make Remus feel better. With a nod, he decided to do so.
They walked Peter to a room near their own, which had been prepared for him the moment he owled with news of his visit.
They left Peter at the door of the room and each made his way to his own room to prepare for dinner.
Half an hour later, Lily and Katie were sitting in the back parlor waiting for the rest to join them. They had heard that they had a visitor, but didn't know who it might be.
"I wonder who it is." Said Katie.
"We'll find out soon enough." Said Lily. She was looking out the window.
The trees were barren. The leaves had started to fall and the ground was covered with them. She knew that the servants were planning to work on them for the next couple of days. The twins had told her that they helped every year and they were looking forward to jumping into the piles. Halloween was soon upon them and she couldn't help but remember the Feast that Hogwarts had every year. She also remembered the last Halloween, when along with James they had put together the Halloween Festival. She smiled at the memory of it all. It was then when her feelings for him started to grow. It was a perfect memory, a sweet memory. A memory that she looked forward to sharing with her children and grandchildren. She knew in her heart that he was the one, she had always known.
The door opened and James came into the room, closely followed by Peter.
"Look who is here!" James exclaimed.
The girls squealed their welcome. Sirius and Remus soon joined them and waited for Mrs. Potter to join them. She entered a few paces before Roberts.
"Well, now that we are all here, we should go to dinner. Welcome Peter. Don't let these three overwhelm you." Mrs. Potter said as she led the group to the dinning room.
"Oh don't worry Mrs. Potter. I have lots of experience with them." Said Peter.
The new addition to the table brought a new energy. Remus, James and Sirius were trying to tell Peter about everything that had happened on the last few days. Peter listened with care and with obvious interest. None thought of it unusual. Only Peter knew of the job he had to do and the information he had to gather.
When dinner was over, Mrs. Potter retired to her room to rest. Lily and Katie went to the music room to practice. And James took the others to the game room to play.
".so I talked to Dumbledore and he said it was all right for Remus to use the Shack for this month." James was saying.
"I still don't understand why you want to go to Hogwarts to do this. We could do the same here. I'm sure there is a private spot here in the estate where we can transfigure and keep Remus company." Said Peter as he watched James and Remus have a go at billiards.
"But we would have more fun at Hogwarts, we always did." Said Sirius coming behind Peter and taking him in a headlock.
"Get off!" Peter exclaimed as he tried to get lose from Sirius.
"Oh come Wormtail. You can't think that I would let this opportunity pass do you?" Said Sirius as Peter struggled.
James and Remus stopped their game to look at the other two.
"Sirius let him go." Said James shaking his head.
"Are you sure that you are 21? You surely don't act like it." Said Remus as he pulled Peter from Sirius.
Peter looked darkly toward Sirius who just stood by with a wide innocent grin on his face.
"We were just having some fun. Weren't we Wormtail?" Said Sirius with a smile.
"We were not!" Exclaimed Peter. "I don't see why Katie wants to marry you. I'm sure you used a love potion on her."
"I have no need for love potions. It's my charm and animal magnetism that has her enthralled." Sirius said.
James laughed, Remus snickered and Peter scoffed while Sirius puffed his chest out and looked at them with a superior air.
The conversation continued like it. Teasing each other and playing around. It certainly felt like they were back at Hogwarts. The Marauders were together once more.
The next couple of days were spent making plans and riding around the estate. Lily and Katie looked at the boys askance, they knew that they were planning something but none had the courage to find out what it was. They both spent the time with the twins, taking them around the gardens, helping with their music lessons and sneaking into the kitchens to steal a bit of pastries from Otty. Not that Otty minded too much. He liked the thought that his food was really liked by the humans in the house. It made his elvish heart happy.
Peter spent the time close to Remus, listening to him talking about Emma and his despair of having her away for so long. Peter had felt a sense of relief when he found out that nobody knew where Emma was. He thought that if he couldn't have that information then Malfoy and Snape would leave him alone. He didn't think Voldemort would have that much use of him. So he threw into the plans for their next adventure with energy.
On the third night of Peter's arrival the boys had some news for the girls.
"We'll be gone for a couple of days. Four days at the most." Said James during dinner.
"Where are you going?" Asked Mrs. Potter with surprise. "Is there a problem?"
"No mum. Everything is fine. We are just going to town, that's all." Said James trying to keep his mother from worrying.
"Boys' night out is it?" Asked Katie with a dangerous glint in her eye.
"Well, sort of. Now don't worry my dear, we are not going to go to any strip shows or anything like it if you don't want us to." Sirius said.
"Awww!" The other three exclaimed before bursting into laughter.
Lily and Katie weren't amused.
James noticed the girls' mulish expression. "Don't worry, we'll try not to get into trouble. We just want to have a nice time out and enjoy ourselves while Remus and Peter are here." He said.
Lily grunted but with a nod she seemed like giving her permission to let him go. Peter and Remus chuckled, as the only two unattached young men in the room, nobody looked ready to murder them if they dared get into trouble.
"Very well dears, but please be sure to let me know how to get in contact with you. Just in case, you understand." Said Mrs. Potter.
"Oh, that should be no trouble mum, just send an owl. We thought of maybe popping up in Hogsmeade and have a look in with Dumbledore." Said James.
"Oh, that's good then. When are you leaving?" Mrs. Potter asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon." Sirius said.
"Isn't that a bit late to travel?" Asked Lily with a suspicious glance.
"Not really, shouldn't take us a lot of time to pack, and all we have to do is apparate." Said Remus. During the last couple of days he had tried hiding his weakening strength that always got hold of his body before his transformation. Thankfully, the girls had thought that it was due to Emma's departure and had forgotten all about his malady.
"Hmmm.I still think this is too soon." Said Katie glaring at the young men sitting on the other side of the table.
"Katie. We are wizards. It doesn't take a lot to pack and unpack. And it's not like we have to buy tickets or rent a car to go wherever we want to go. All we have to do is flick and swish and point a wand and have everything ready." Sirius said with exasperation. Honestly, why was he getting married again?
"I'm not an idiot Sirius. Don't patronize me." Said Katie. If looks could kill, Sirius would've died on that instant. As it were, he was just happy that wands were in their rooms or he would've grown boils or something. Katie knew some good hexes that he was sure she would be too happy to use on him.
"Now Katie. Don't worry. We will be fine. Why don't you two take the days off too and go to London and start planning the wedding?" Said Remus trying to save his friend from some horrific death.
"Hmmm.there is a thought. We could go shopping and have a grand time looking at bridal gowns and stuff. What do you think Lily?" Asked Katie. Her anger toward her erstwhile fiancé vanishing at the thought of a shopping expedition.
"It sounds like fun. We could stay with my parents, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having us for a couple of days." Said Lily with excitement.
"I could go and visit your Uncle Fletcher, James. He hasn't seen the twins for quiet a while and he was owling me the other day trying to get me to visit for a while." Said Mrs. Potter with plans running through her mind. She could do with a few days of rest herself.
They boys turned to look at each other with triumphant glances. This was way too easy.
"Well, if we are all going away for a couple of days then we should all go to bed early tonight. I will speak with Lotty and Roberts and let them know that we are all leaving." Said James as he pushed his empty plate away from him.
"Yes, I will speak with Mrs. Nichols and Minnie to get the twins ready and keep an eye on the house while we are gone." Said Mrs. Potter with a smile. It had been a while since she had left the Manor. She hadn't gone anywhere since the death of her husband. Perhaps it was time for her to travel for a bit.
"I'll go and owl mum." Said Lily.
"I'll owl mum as well, she might want to go shopping with us." Said Katie.
Everybody left the dinning room soon after. The boys to the game room to make plans and congratulate each other in getting the women out their hair. The women to make their own plans in their respective rooms.
The next day was sunny and warm. James, Remus, Sirius and Peter were up early. Mrs. Potter was in the nursery making sure that the right clothes for the girls were packed. Lily and Katie were busy with packing on their own. Elves and servants alike could be seen running from one room to the other, helping with the packing and getting things in order for their departure. The grate in the ballroom fireplace was cleaned as Mrs. Potter and the twins would be using it to Floo to Uncle Fletcher's house. Katie and Lily would be apparating to Daigon Alley where they would get transportation to the Evans' and the boys were apparating to Hogsmeade where they would wait for night to arrive and make their way to the Shack.
James had written Dumbledore with the news that Remus would be using the Shack that night. Dumbledore had owled back with the news that everything was ready for his return. The only thing that James didn't mention was that Remus wouldn't be alone.
By noon all preparations were in order. There was no luncheon that day only a light snack, it wouldn't do to have the twins sick after their travel by Floo. Soon they were all saying goodbye. Mrs. Potter and the twins were the first to leave. Then Lily and Katie walked toward the forest with the boys to apparate. The boys were the last to leave. With a pop, all four disappeared from sight. The Manor seemed silent. The servants continued with their chores. The gardeners were busy trimming the hedges and gathering the fallen leaves. All was quiet in Gryffindor Manor.
The boys entered The Three Broomsticks soon after they apparated in Hogsmeade. Rosmetta, the waitress, soon came over to greet them and take their order. All four ordered butterbeer after some teasing and flirting with Rosmetta, who seemed to enjoy it as much as the boys did.
"What now?" Asked Peter after Rosmetta had returned with their drinks.
"I think we should go up to Hogwarts, visit for a couple of hours. Let Dumbledore know that Remus is here. They would think that we are just here so see him safely established and that we will be back at the Manor before dark." Said James.
"But before we go I want to go to Zonko's." Said Sirius.
"What for?" Asked Remus with surprise.
"Because I want to see what new things they have. And maybe I can find a gift for Filch." Sirius said with a grin.
"Really Sirius, is that safe?" Snorted Peter.
"What is he going to do? Give me detention?" Exclaimed Sirius. "It does seem like a good opportunity. Maybe we could sneak into the Slytherin Common Room." Said James.
Peter and Remus groaned, Sirius laughed. The fun was about to start.
The boys spent a couple of hours going through Zonco's merchandise. James and Sirius were in alt. Remus and Peter followed with a resigned air, but as they walked down the aisles they were soon caught up in the excitement.
"Are you sure that this is wise?" Asked Peter when the group left the store.
"Of course it is Peter. Now stop dawdling and let's go up to Hogwarts." Said Sirius.
"Let's hurry, we have at least three more hours before it starts to get dark." Said James leading the group through the lane that led to Hogwarts.
"Are you sure, Dumbledore is all right with this. It seems to me that he should be suspicious that I want to use the Shack when I have been able to find a way on my own on the last three years." Said Remus. He wasn't completely sure this was a good time to be here, but the idea of running on Hogwarts' grounds once more was very tempting.
"Will you stop worrying? Everything will be fine. Nothing happened when we were in Hogwarts." Said Sirius in an exasperated tone.
"I beg to differ with you Sirius, but if I remember correctly, it was you who created trouble for a certain Slytherin and Remus on our sixth year." Said Peter.
"It wasn't my fault. How was I supposed to know that the slimy git would actually believe me and go to the shack?" Exclaimed Sirius.
"It doesn't matter that you didn't mean it, it was still your fault. I shudder to think what could've happened if James hadn't found out about it." Said Remus shaking his head. That night still gave him troubled dreams.
"Well, it was hard not to notice Sirius here chuckling to himself." James said.
"Well it was funny at the time." Said Sirius getting a bit grumpy that his friends wanted to talk about this when he really didn't.
"Only you would think so." Snorted Peter.
"We are almost there. Did we got all we need?" Asked James looking at Sirius who was carrying the bag with all their shopping.
"All we need and more." Said Sirius with a grin.
"How are we getting into Slytherin?" Asked Peter. "We don't have the map anymore remember."
"We don't need the map Peter, we know that school better than the founders themselves." Said James.
"Well, how are we getting into Slytherin then?" Asked Peter once more.
"Through the elf passage, it's the easier way and we will be able to know if anybody is around." Said Sirius.
"Aren't you two planning this a little too close? I have to be in the Shack in three hours, the students are probably not at dinner yet. You are not going to have enough time!" Said Remus.
"We have a plan." Said Sirius looking smug.
"You always have a plan, that doesn't mean that it's going to work." Said Peter.
"Will you two stop being such party poopers? Everything will be fine." Said James.
Remus and Peter said no more. They were now in front of the Hogwarts' gates. The gates slowly opened and the four stepped into Hogwarts one more time.
They looked around them with loving glances trying to notice any changes. They couldn't perceive any.
"Come, Dumbledore must be waiting for us." Said James as they started to make their way to the castle.
"Do you think we could have a go at the Pitch?" Asked Sirius as he looked over to the Quidditch Pitch.
"Don't you have enough to do?" Exclaimed Peter.
"We'll do it some other time Sirius. Peter is right, not enough time." Said James.
"Oh well." Said Sirius with a shrug.
The four boys walked up the stairs, someone very familiar waiting for them.
"It was about time you got here." She said tapping her foot.
"Hello Professor McGonagall." The four boys said with smiles.
"Humph!" She snorted. Warily watching at the young men standing in front of her.
James and Sirius gave her their famous charming smiles she well remembered from their years at Hogwarts. It was the same smile that had made all the girls swoon at their feet. Except her of course, she liked to think that she was impervious to that smile, even if they were her favorite Gryffindors of all time. Peter looked apprehensively at her, no matter that he was no longer at Hogwarts, she still looked too strict for him. Remus smiled and looked around the grounds.
"Well, what are you waiting here for? I thought you were here to see Dumbledore." She snapped.
Peter nodded. James' smile grew wider and stepped forward. "But you are here, my dear Professor McGonagall, how could we let the chance pass and see how you are getting on?" He smoothly took her hand and rested it on his arm and led her through the door toward the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall fell under his charm and let him lead her. Sirius chuckled and followed after them. Remus laughed as he stepped forward. Peter shook his head.
Everything looked just the same. The moving staircases, the pictures hadn't been moved, Peeves wrecking havoc somewhere, and Filch with Mrs. Norris running around the castle trying to catch Peeves or a student in trouble.
The Great Hall was still empty but it would soon be time for dinner. Professor McGonagall gave them a tour around the castle, each of them exclaiming over something or other. They met several of the teachers as they walked and they just had to stop and chat with each before resuming their tour.
They eventually ended up in front of the statue guarding Professor Dumbledore's office. They all knew what was behind it of course, after all their troublemaking years at Hogwarts they knew the offices of each and every teacher very well.
Professor McGonagall said the password and led them through the door.
"If you wait here he will receive you soon. I believe he is with someone at the moment. I'm sure you can entertain yourselves as you wait. Just don't touch anything." She warned before leaving them alone.
A squawk came from one side of the room. The four boys turned and beheld a pair of wary eyes looking straight at them.
"Hello Fawkes." James called to Dumbledore's pet phoenix.
Fawkes seemed to remember the Mauraders quite well as he allowed them to pet him.
"Well, you look to be fine as well." Said Remus as he petted Fawkes, the others had moved to tease one of the previous Headmasters hanging among the pictures around the room.
The door to Dumbledore's office suddenly opened and a figured completely cloaked passed by them without a word. The Maruaders looked at each other with the same question in their minds. Who could that have been?
"I see all of you are here." Said a voice from inside the office. The boys turned to look at Dumbledore sitting behind his desk looking at them.
"Hello Professor, I gather business goes as usual." James said as he led the others into the room.
"Indeed." The Professor said as he looked over the four young men with pleasure. "I gather your trip was good."
"Of course, no problem." Said Sirius as he remembered the bag of tricks in his hand, he quickly put his hands behind his back trying to hide it from the Professor's sharp eyes. It wouldn't do for him to see it and take it away from them before they got a chance to use them.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he turned to look at Remus. Remus had lost some weight since the last time he had seen him. His illness of course was responsible for it. There were rings around his eyes and lines in his face that showed the pain that the young man was going to have to go through for the next few days.
"How are you holding up young man?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"All right Professor." Remus responded.
Dumbledore nodded. "I wanted to tell you that Ms. Holmes arrived at her destination without problem."
"Is she all right?" Remus quickly asked.
"She is doing fine." The Professor answered. The boys knew that they wouldn't get anything else from him but it didn't matter, they now knew that Emma was doing well.
Dumbledore stood from behind the desk. The boys stayed were they stood.
"I thought you would like to join us for dinner." Professor Dumbledore said. "It's almost time. Then we can lead young Lupin here to Madam Pomfrey. She wanted to have the honor of taking him to the Whopping Willow for old time's sake." He said with a smile.
"Aww. I think Madam Pomfrey has a crush on someone." Sirius said with a chuckle as Dumbledore left the room before them.
Remus hit him. Sirius hit him back. James laughed and Peter smiled. Dumbledore smiled without turning back. He had missed this group, things had certainly been a little too quiet lately.
The group soon arrived at the Great Hall. There were only a few students sitting among the House tables waiting for the rest to arrive. Chatter and whispers broke as some noticed the four young men walking with Professor Dumbledore. As they walked to the staff table they could hear some of the conversations taking place.
"Wonder who they are."
"I bet they are very important." Two young girls said as they boys passed by them.
"Don't be daft, they are the Marauders." Said an older girl.
"Who are they?"
"They left three years ago. They were the most popular group while they were here."
"Oh, I can see why." A girl sighed. "I wonder if they will stay overnight."
"You don't have a chance with any of them. If they are still together with the girls they dated on that last year, they would not look at any other woman twice." Another girl scoffed.
The boys smiled to each other as they heard the conversations around them. 'We still got it.' Mouthed Sirius to the others.
James chuckled but decided that he wouldn't say anything about this to Lily if he didn't want to get in trouble, and it would probably be best to warn Sirius, especially since the girls are planning a wedding.
They sat next to Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall sat at Dumbledore's other side. Professor Hooch decided to sit next to them and soon they were lost in a discussion of Quidditch games and strategies.
The room soon filled with the rest of the students. Those who had been at Hogwarts when the Marauders were still there came up to the staff table to greet them and chat for a while before the Professors sent them back to their respective tables.
"How are Ms. Bennett and Ms. Evans?" Professor McGonagall asked as the food started to appear before them.
"Oh, they are fine. They are in town at the moment making plans for the wedding." Said Sirius as he reached with his plate ready to pile it high with food. He was so engrossed with his food that he didn't notice the teachers turning at him with surprise.
"Wedding? Who is getting married?" Asked Professor Hooch. She had turned to look at James with eagerness.
"Don't look at me." James exclaimed.
"Sirius and Katie are getting married." Remus said.
Sirius nodded with his mouth full of food.
"Mr. Black is getting married?" Professor McGonagall asked with surprise.
"It took us by surprise as well." Said Peter. "We always thought that James would be the first to get shackled."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Indeed, so did we. But I believe congratulations are in order." He said turning to look at Sirius with a smile.
"Thanks, Katie would like to hear that." Said Sirius.
"When is the wedding?" Asked Professor Sprout, who was sitting next to Professor McGonagall.
"I don't know yet." Said Sirius.
The Professors looked at him speechless. Who ever heard of the groom not knowing when his wedding was going to take place?
"I'm sorry, but I thought you said that the wedding was being planned." Said Madam Hooch.
"It is. She just hasn't told me when the date will be." Said Sirius with a shrug.
The teachers looked at him in disbelief. James laughed while Remus chuckled and Peter smiled. Only Sirius would get married without knowing the date of his own wedding.
Dinner went on without further conversation about weddings, Sirius didn't know a thing about it and the others knew even less. Students kept looking toward the Staff table at the four young men eating and talking with the teachers. The bewitched ceiling was getting dark, and a few stars started to appear.
"I better go to see Madam Pomfrey." Said Remus as he cleaned his lips with a napkin and stood up.
"Of course dear boy." Said Dumbledore with a nod. "You will still have some time before you leave the castle. The Heads of each House will make sure that students go straight up to bed."
Remus nodded, he knew what was to be done, after seven years the routine was set.
James, Sirius and Peter watched him walk down toward the door. Sirius kicked James under the table. James yelped and turned to glower at Sirius.
"It's time for us to go, don't you think." Sirius said as he slightly nodded toward the Slytherin table.
"Oh yes, we are going to see Remus off and then we will leave Professor." Said James turning to Professor Dumbledore.
"Of course." Said Professor Dumbledore with a nod.
"We will return to get Remus in a couple of days." Said Sirius as he stood up, pulling Peter along with him. "See you then." He said.
The three left the room among whispers and longing glances.
"Who would have thought that schoolgirls would still find us attractive." Chuckled Sirius as they left the room behind.
"Don't you dare mention it to Lily and Katie." Said James quickly.
"Lord no! I don't want her going through the roof." Said Sirius with a mock shudder.
James and Peter laughed. They knew Katie could hold her own in front of Sirius. She was the only female they ever met who could control Sirius in any way. Not even his mother had that much power over him.
"Where are we going?" Asked Peter as James led them through a narrow corridor. Peter knew that it wouldn't lead them to the infirmary.
"To Slytherin of course." Said Sirius.
"We are going in there now?" Exclaimed Peter.
"Why not, it's perfect time. Everybody is still at dinner, it will be at least half an hour before the first students start getting to their common room. That's enough time for us to do what we have to do." Said James.
"And we can pass by Filch's office in our way to the infirmary." Said Sirius.
"I don't think that safe." Whispered Peter.
"Will you relax? They can't do anything to us, we are not students here anymore, remember." Said Sirius.
"Yes, but I don't want my children to have to suffer for what we did to Filch." Replied Peter.
"Peter, our children will be ready to hold their own against Filch. We'll see to it." Said James.
The boys continued on their way toward the dungeons. The corridors were dark, only a few lanterns lighting their way. They walked quietly, looking around them making sure that nobody was around.
Finally they stopped in front of a small door at one end of a small corridor. James kneeled and pushed the door open. The door was wide enough to let the boys slide through after much swearing and wriggling.
"I never thought about the fact that we have grown since the last time we were here." Said James
"You are telling me." Exclaimed Peter who was having trouble getting through. "I need help, I think I'm stuck." He finally said.
James and Sirius laughingly pulled him through the door.
"I think we are going to need another exit." Said Sirius as soon as all three were standing in the middle of the common room.
"We'll just go through the door, we won't need the elf door anymore." Said James. He took his wand out and turned to the others. "Well, if we are ready we should begin."
"How are doing this?" Said Peter as he searched for his wand among his robes.
"I think we should make sure that it won't take effect until tomorrow morning. Nobody will think it was us, if we are not here." Said Sirius with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
James nodded and raised his wand.
Remus was waiting in the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey had given him a potion to control the pain that he was about to go through during the next three nights. She had told him it was a fairly new potion, still in experimental basis but that she thought it would be a good opportunity to use it on him. He had agreed. He would use anything that would help him during his illness.
He waited patiently while Madam Pomfrey got ready for their walk to the Whopping Willow. Madam Promfrey seemed so happy to see him walk into the door fifteen minutes ago. She had bustled up to him and taken charge. Memories flooded him as Madam Pomfrey fussed over him and examined him. He didn't argue. He just smiled and let her do what she needed to do.
He didn't know if the others would join him before he left or if they would after. He shrugged. They might be at this moment wrecking some havoc at Slytherin for all he knew.
Madam Pomfrey walked into the room once more.
"How are you feeling?" She asked. Her piercing eyes watching him closely.
"Fine." Remus said.
"Humph!" She snorted but didn't say anything more. "I hope those rakish friends of yours get here soon. The moon will rise in less than half an hour and I don't want to take any chances." She snapped.
"We could always go now, I will see them soon enough." He said with a shrug.
The door opened and James, Sirius and Peter walked in laughing.
"There you are! About time." Exclaimed Madam Pomfrey.
"Poppy!" Exclaimed James hugging her tight and kissing her cheek.
"Stop that." Snapped Madam Pomfrey hitting his hands on her waist. She fought hard to keep from giggling and blushing.
Remus laughed. "I hope that Lily doesn't find out about this James, or you will be in big trouble. What kept you too long?"
"We got lost." Said Sirius.
Peter snorted, Remus shook his head. Madam Pomfrey looked suspiciously at them.
"Well, now that you are here we can go." She said as she turned to take her cloak from a peg by the door.
The four Marauders walked behind her as they walked out the castle, whispering as they went.
"What did you guys do?" Remus whispered.
"We'll tell you later, it wouldn't do for them to find out until tomorrow." Said Sirius with a chuckle.
"We met Mrs. Norris when we were walking to the infirmary." Said Peter.
"And?" Asked Remus.
"Let's just say that Filch will not be too happy." Chuckled James.
"What did you do?" Remus urged. He was sorry he missed all this fun.
"We'll tell you later." Said Sirius. They had arrived in front of the Willow.
"Well, in you go." Said Madam Pomfrey as she motioned to the tree.
Remus stepped forward, took a branch lying on the floor and prodded the trunk of the tree until the flailing branches of the tree stopped.
"See you later." Called James.
"Don't wreck the shack." Called Sirius.
"Don't listen to them." Said Peter.
Remus just waved and entered the tunnel that would lead him to the Shack. Sirius, James and Peter stood watching the tree. Madam Pomfrey started toward the castle.
"I bid you farewell, hope you don't get into any trouble." She said before she left them.
"Oh don't worry. We won't." Said Sirius with an innocent looking smile.
"Humph!" She snorted.
The three boys waited until nobody was around. Night had fallen and the moon was shinning. Howling and growls were heard from the distance.
"Right, here we go." James whispered.
Suddenly the three young men disappeared and three animals appeared in their place. The smallest of the three ran around the flailing branches. A few seconds later the branches stopped. The other two animals followed under the trunk of the tree and disappeared from sight.
It was a quiet night. Students and teachers slept in their rooms. Filch walked down the corridors of the castle looking for Mrs. Norris, whom he had not seen since before dinner. Peeves could be heard playing around in one of the rooms. Quite an ordinary night. But, if anybody had been up and looked out the window, he would've encountered an unusual sight.
Under the moon, four animals played around the grounds of Hogwarrts. A stag, a wolf, a dog and a rat would've been seen running and playfully bounce on each other. Around the lake, around the castle, into the forest, they played all over. And they did so, until the moon set and the stars stopped shinning.
Quite an ordinary night, and a fun night, but only for four young men.
The next morning was quite a disaster for some members of Hogwarts. An anguished yell was heard on one small room in the east wing. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall ran into the room to find Filch crooning and sobbing with Mrs. Norris in his arms.
"Look what they did to you my sweet." He was sobbing.
"What happened?" Asked Professor McGonagall.
"Look, look what they did to my sweet." He sobbed as he lifted Mrs. Norris into the air.
"Oh dear." Said Professor McGonagall with a strangled voice trying to keep her laughter at bay.
Professor Dumbledore's lips tried to stay straight. "I see." He said. He didn't say anymore, he was fighting to keep a straight face.
Mrs. Norris didn't see too happy either. Her fur had been turned to a rainbow of colors. Two small bows tied around her ears a small pink skirt around her lower paws.
"My sweet, don't worry." Filch was sobbing.
"Take her to Madam Pomfrey, she will know what to do." Finally said Professor Dumbledore.
Filch nodded and silently went toward the hospital wing.
The moment Filch was out of sight, Professor McGonagall broke into a fit of giggles, Dumbledore chuckled.
"They did leave with young Remus last night, didn't they?" Asked Professor McGonagall.
"According to Madam Pomfrey, they did, Minerva." Answered Professor Dumbledore.
"I see, then who did it?"
"I'm sure we will find out Minerva."
"But Albus, how will we?"
With a shrug Professor Dumbledore looked at his Deputy Headmistress. "I'm the culprits will eventually come to us." He said.
Professor McGonagall gave him a look full of disbelief. Who would ever come forward and say that they had played a trick on Filch? They would be stupid or crazy to do so.
Half an hour later they found out that the unknown pranksters had been busy during the night.
Slytherin was in an uproar. Their paintings had been painted over, their banners and furniture had been changed to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw colors. Two large stone snakes had been standing at each side of the large fireplace in the common room. Now they were made of rubber and stood limply against the wall. The furniture was placed in odd angles, making it impossible for anybody to make use of it. The old Potions master, Head of the House of Slytherin, had to be taken to the infirmary after he fainted at the sight of his common room.
The house had to be completely cleared and stripped from all decorations and be refurbished once more to have it back as it once was. But the snakes couldn't be helped. They had to be disposed of.
For three days, the Marauders stayed in hiding in the Shack. They had gone out only on the first day to buy food and drinks to keep in the Shack with them. During the night, the four animals played and frolicked around the grounds of Hogwarts. They didn't know about the commotion that the members of the castle had woken to after their visit. Although they could well imagine. They entertained themselves during the day imagining what had happened in Slytherin and with Filch on the following day.
Finally the three nights passed and Remus was free of his illness for one more month.
The young men decided to go to Hogwarts before they left and say goodbye to the Professors. They also wanted to know about what had happened after their efforts.
The gate to the grounds was open as always. Hagrid could be seen working near the Forest. They called and waved to him as they walked up to the castle. The doors to the castle was also open, even in the chilly weather, the day was bright and clear.
They walked up the stairs and through the door. They saw Filch cleaning nearby. Mrs. Norris at his feet. They boys chuckled and continued down the corridor. They didn't meet anybody as they walked down toward Dumbledore's office. The halls were silent.
"They must be in class." Said Remus as they turned a corner toward the statue that covered the entrance to Dumbledore's office.
"Seems like it." Said James.
They finally stopped in front of the statue and said the password they heard Professor McGonagall say the night they had arrived. The statue moved and they entered.
The door to the Professor's office was open and he had turned to look at the four young men as they entered.
"I gather you are feeling much better." He said as he looked down at Remus.
"Yes Professor." Said Remus with a nod.
"Perhaps you will sit." Professor Dumbledore motioned them to the chairs in front of the desk. "I wanted to speak with you before you left."
The four sat and turned expectantly toward Dumbledore.
"I've been wanting to speak with you for some time about this but I thought it was better to wait and see how things progressed.
"Before your father died, James, we had begun working with a group of people that were willing to dedicate their lives to fight Lord Voldemort and keep him from power. We were beginning to develop it when he was killed. Those of us who were left behind decided to wait. For a while after Aliaster's death the deeds of the Death Eaters were few and apart. Voldemort didn't show himself too often and we didn't know how to begin looking for him. But we still met and made plans, waiting for the right time for us to start our work. Some weeks ago we were joined by someone who had great knowledge of Voldemort's recent plans. Some of our members intervened and a lot of people were saved. Voldemort now knows about us and our work."
"How can we join?" Interrupted James. With a ferocious look in his eyes and determination lining his countenance. The other three nodded. They all had the same question.
"You are free to join us if you like, I will owl you when next we meet." Dumbledore responded. "But you must keep this and every information that we deal with confidential. Voldemort would pay highly for the knowledge that we have."
"Of course." They all said.
"I will owl you. You might find it a little hard to understand at first, we use a secret code in order to keep Voldemort and his followers away." Dumbledore said.
"We will figure it out." Said Sirius.
They continued talking for some time. Dumbledore showed them the parchment with the code, let them study it for a bit in order for them to be able to read the notes that they would soon receive.
They decided to leave right afterwards, and declined Professor Dumbledore's invitation for luncheon. He did tell them about the chaos that had reigned in Slytherin house a few days ago. As expected, they laughed at the right places and chuckled without stop. Dumbledore watched as they laughed. He had really missed this group since they left.
The boys left right after their talk with Dumbledore and decided to stop at The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer before they apparated home.
The four were sitting at what had been their favorite booth while they were still at Hogwarts. They were laughing and congratulating themselves for the trick they had played. They were busy minding their own business when a drawling voice was heard behind them.
"I see that you are all together again. What, missing school Potter? I didn't know you were that pathetic."
"Shut it Malfoy, I have no energy for you today, you aren't worth it." Sneered James as they turned to look at their Nemesis.
"Indeed Potter, your mudblood keeping you busy." Sniggered Snape who was standing right behind Malfoy.
"Say that again and you won't be able to walk for months." Snapped James getting up at once. Sirius and Remus followed suit, Peter cowered behind.
"Think you can do some damage do you, I would like to see you try." Hissed Malfoy as he took his wand from his robes.
What happened next happened so fast that nobody could really say afterwards how it had started.
James used his fist instead of his wand. Malfoy fell back tripping on his robes. Snape snarled and jumped forward but was intercepted by Sirius. The flailing bodies soon bumped into other customers and soon the whole bar was involved in the brawl.
Peter tried without success hiding underneath the table, but it had been ripped from its place and used to hit Malfoy with.
Wizards from the Department of Magical Enforcement were soon apparating all over the room trying to keep the combatants from doing further damage. The brawl was stopped only by arresting and taking all of those present to the Ministry and locked in cells.
"I don't think the girls will be too happy about this." Said Sirius as they waited.
"I shudder to think what mother will say about this." Said James with a sigh.
The four young men had been left without getting medical attention. James was sporting a dark eye, Sirius a bleeding lip, Remus had a bruise on his forehead and Peter was sitting his bleeding hand against his chest.
Half an hour later they heard somebody walking toward them.
"You have visitors boys." Said the enforcing wizard who came into the room.
The four turned to look at each other.
"Uh-uh!" Exclaimed Sirius.
Three women came into the room. Mrs. Potter, Lily and Katie waited by the door.
"I will let you know when we are ready to leave." Said Mrs. Potter to the guard.
"Ma'am." Replied the wizard as he bowed and left the room.
"Hello Mum." Said James in what he thought was his charming smile. It obviously didn't work.
"WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?" Screamed Mrs. Potter. "Do you know how embarrassing it was to find out that you were locked up like a common criminal? And for a barroom brawl no less."
"But-"
"No buts James. I thought I raised you better than this. I'm glad your father isn't here anymore, this would've broken his heart. To have the Minister and his friends know that his own son was arrested for creating a fight."
"But-"
"And you Sirius, honestly! You are about to get married for goodness sakes. You are too old for these things. Your mother was really upset about this.
"And Remus, really. I thought you were the sanest of the whole group. You are supposed to keep them straight and keep them from trouble, not join them.
"And Peter, what will your mother say about all of this. After all she has gone through to learn that his son was involved in a barroom brawl.
"Honestly, I have a mind to keep you here, let me tell you. I thought you had all become responsible young men. But it seems that it wasn't so. I'm really disappointed in you." She said with a sniff and knocked on the door.
The door opened. Katie and Lily didn't say a word during Mrs. Potter tirade. The looks they threw at the boys were enough to let it be know how displeased they were. The three women walked out without looking back at the boys.
It was late at night when the door to the cell was opened and the boys were free to leave. They had to go through some paperwork and get all their belongings once more, as they were taken from them when they first arrived. It took them a while to finish all the paperwork and finally stepped out to the main entrance of the Ministry. Mrs. Potter, Lily and Katie were there waiting for them.
"Finally! Let's go. I had our house opened, we'll be spending the night here in London. I feel too tired to go to the Manor." Mrs. Potter said
Nobody said anything against the plan. The boys were too tired to argue and the girls were too angry to speak to them.
They left the Ministry and walked across the park toward the Potter's London house. After the incident of the previous month, many of the families that lived in Rowe Square had rebuilt their homes, the Potters being one of them. Others decided to sell and move away from the area that brought so many memories of the tragic event in which many people were killed.
James hadn't been at the house since it had been rebuilt. He looked around the square looking at the empty lots were houses once stood.
It was a quiet night. The park was brightly lit and some fairies could be seen skipping from flower to flower.
They were soon leaving the park behind and walked up toward one of the new buildings. The door opened before any of them knocked.
"Good evening Roberts, everything is readied I assume." Said Mrs. Potter to their butler.
"Yes ma'am. The children have been taken to the nursery and are now sleeping." Roberts replied as he took the cloaks from everybody.
"Thank you Roberts." Said Mrs. Potter as she motioned the group to follow her.
"We have dinner waiting for you ma'am, whenever you are ready for it." Roberts said with a bow as the group entered the parlor room.
"Very well Roberts, have it served in the dinning room, we will go in." Mrs. Potter directed. Roberts bowed once more and walked down the corridor. Mrs. Potter turned to the boys and looked at them warily.
"I hope you have an explanation for all of this." She snapped.
"Really mother, they insulted us." Exclaimed James.
"There are better ways to deal with insults." She snapped back.
"Well, you don't expect us to sit with our arms crossed as they insult Lily do you? Because if you do, I do not agree with you." Replied James.
"Really James, they have been insulting me since I first stepped out of Hogwarts Express when I was 11, what is so different about this time?" Exclaimed Lily.
"Maybe so, but I don't like anybody calling you mudblood." Said James with a pout.
"What? You had better left them unconscious James. The nerve of them." Exclaimed Mrs. Potter.
James laughed. "Don't worry mum, we made sure they regretted it." He said as he put his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
"Humph!" She snorted but didn't say anymore.
"Dinner is served Ma'am." Roberts said from the door that led to the dinning room.
"Thank you Roberts." Said James and led his mother to the next room.
Lily shook her head and followed them. Katie was hissing angrily at Sirius in a low voice and Sirius was trying to calm her. Peter and Remus were the last ones to follow.
For the next few days everything was quiet around the Potter estate. Peter left and returned to his mother three days after their return from Hogwarts. Sirius and Katie returned to London to prepare for the wedding, Sirius still didn't know when it was going to take place. Remus stayed with the Potters for a couple of weeks before leaving on his travels around the country once more.
After the departure of all their visitors, the family at Gryffindor Manor returned to their customary endeavors. James left early every morning to look around the estate and meet with his manager and discuss preparations for the winter. Mrs. Potter joined the ladies group in town and spent several hours during the week doing charitable works. Lily took the twins and started their basic training in magic, as they weren't allowed a wand yet there wasn't much that they could do.
Everything settled down and quietly waited for the snow to fall and the holidays season to approach.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that bit, I actually dreamed the scene with the barroom brawl and I knew I had to write about it. It just seemed something that they would get involved in, and I just wanted to have a scene in which Malfoy and Snape got their right rewards. Lol, I enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it as well. Don't forget to review, I'm looking forward to your input.
Disclaimer: If you know it, I don't own it.
Chapter 6 ~ The Marauders' Return to Hogwarts
Everything seemed quiet and morose around the estate, and it was in this mood that Peter found it a couple of days after Emma's departure.
James, Sirius and Remus had just returned from a ride around the estate. It had become a custom for them to do so every morning after breakfast. Lily and Katie were in the greenhouses collecting flowers and fruits. The flowers were going to be used to decorate the rooms in the house, and the fruit for pies Otty, the elf cook, was planning to do.
The boys were in the game room, sipping some brandy and playing billiards when the door opened and Roberts entered.
"You have a visitor sir." He said as soon as he opened the door.
"Who is it?" Asked James as he leaned on the table to take a shot.
"Mr. Peter Pettigrew, Sir." Roberts said.
"It was about time he got here." Sirius Exclaimed. "Where is he?"
"I'm here." Said Peter as he stepped from behind Roberts.
"Come here you." Said Sirius as he turned to greet his friend.
A round of greetings and exclamations ensued from that moment. Peter was given a glass of brandy and his trunk taken from him before he knew what was going on. Like always, he just shrugged and decided to go with the flow.
"How is your mother?" Asked James as he led the other three to the couches at one end of the room.
"She is doing better. The sea air seems to agree with her." Peter said as he settled himself in a comfortable looking chair.
"What have the doctors said?" Asked Remus, his troubles going out of his mind as he thought of the ones his friend had to go through.
"They say that it's looking good. The cancer hasn't returned since two years ago and she has regained a lot of her former strength." Peter replied.
"That's good, I bet she was feeling happy to be able to go visiting." Said Sirius as he joined them with the decanter of brandy in his hand.
"She was. She has been cooped up for four years now and she was starting to get bored." Peter said.
"Well, now that you are here, we can go on with our plans." Said James with a bright smile.
"Plans. What plans?" Asked Peter with confusion.
"These two want to go to Hogwarts the next full moon and do as we did when we were there." Said Remus with a disgusted tone.
"What? Why?" Exclaimed Peter.
"Why not?" Asked James. "It would be fun. We certainly need it these days."
"They are mad, that's what they are." Said Remus.
"Oh come Moony, old friend, old pal. You know you are going to have fun." Said Sirius.
Peter just looked at them with suspicion. They certainly were acting like madmen.
"Well, we will talk about it later, it's almost time for dinner and Peter here has to freshen up a bit before the women see him." James said.
"Women?" Asked Peter.
"Oh yes, mother, Lily and Katie." Said James.
"Lily and Katie are here?" Peter sounded surprised.
"Yes, didn't James tell you? Lily is the teacher he hired to train the twins. Not that she had done much you understand, keeping busy with James here." Sirius was saying. James scowled at him.
"And Katie is engaged to Sirius so they haven't been separated since he popped the question." Laughed Remus.
"You engaged? How on earth did you manage that?" Exclaimed Peter.
Remus and James laughed. "That is what we ask ourselves everyday." James finally choked out.
"I think she told him what to do." Said Remus.
"Oh come, I'm not an idiot, I know how to propose." Said Sirius. "What about you? You haven't proposed, so how would you know." Sirius shouted.
"Who says I haven't?" Said Remus. They were out of the room now and were slowly making their way to their respective rooms.
"Huh?"
"When?"
"To who?" The others questioned. They hadn't heard this piece of news.
"I'm not telling you. We better take Peter to his room and go to our own to dress. I think the gong is going to sound soon."
"Don't change subjects. Why didn't you tell us you had proposed?" Asked James.
"Because I'm not engaged, now am I?" Remus replied.
"Oh, sorry old boy. She must have been a fool not to accept you." Sirius said in a commiserating voice.
"Oh, she didn't say no. She just hasn't given me an answer." Remus quickly said.
"We are speaking of Emma, right?" Asked Peter, he was starting to get confused by this conversation.
"Yes, of course, who else is there?" Said James.
"But Emma is gone for quite a while Remus. You might never get your answer." Whispered Sirius.
"Doesn't matter. I'll wait." Said Remus.
The other three turned to looked at each other. They better change the subject or their friend will fall back into his morose state. That was something they didn't want to deal with. James thought if it wouldn't be best to tell Lily about it, maybe she knew of a way to make Remus feel better. With a nod, he decided to do so.
They walked Peter to a room near their own, which had been prepared for him the moment he owled with news of his visit.
They left Peter at the door of the room and each made his way to his own room to prepare for dinner.
Half an hour later, Lily and Katie were sitting in the back parlor waiting for the rest to join them. They had heard that they had a visitor, but didn't know who it might be.
"I wonder who it is." Said Katie.
"We'll find out soon enough." Said Lily. She was looking out the window.
The trees were barren. The leaves had started to fall and the ground was covered with them. She knew that the servants were planning to work on them for the next couple of days. The twins had told her that they helped every year and they were looking forward to jumping into the piles. Halloween was soon upon them and she couldn't help but remember the Feast that Hogwarts had every year. She also remembered the last Halloween, when along with James they had put together the Halloween Festival. She smiled at the memory of it all. It was then when her feelings for him started to grow. It was a perfect memory, a sweet memory. A memory that she looked forward to sharing with her children and grandchildren. She knew in her heart that he was the one, she had always known.
The door opened and James came into the room, closely followed by Peter.
"Look who is here!" James exclaimed.
The girls squealed their welcome. Sirius and Remus soon joined them and waited for Mrs. Potter to join them. She entered a few paces before Roberts.
"Well, now that we are all here, we should go to dinner. Welcome Peter. Don't let these three overwhelm you." Mrs. Potter said as she led the group to the dinning room.
"Oh don't worry Mrs. Potter. I have lots of experience with them." Said Peter.
The new addition to the table brought a new energy. Remus, James and Sirius were trying to tell Peter about everything that had happened on the last few days. Peter listened with care and with obvious interest. None thought of it unusual. Only Peter knew of the job he had to do and the information he had to gather.
When dinner was over, Mrs. Potter retired to her room to rest. Lily and Katie went to the music room to practice. And James took the others to the game room to play.
".so I talked to Dumbledore and he said it was all right for Remus to use the Shack for this month." James was saying.
"I still don't understand why you want to go to Hogwarts to do this. We could do the same here. I'm sure there is a private spot here in the estate where we can transfigure and keep Remus company." Said Peter as he watched James and Remus have a go at billiards.
"But we would have more fun at Hogwarts, we always did." Said Sirius coming behind Peter and taking him in a headlock.
"Get off!" Peter exclaimed as he tried to get lose from Sirius.
"Oh come Wormtail. You can't think that I would let this opportunity pass do you?" Said Sirius as Peter struggled.
James and Remus stopped their game to look at the other two.
"Sirius let him go." Said James shaking his head.
"Are you sure that you are 21? You surely don't act like it." Said Remus as he pulled Peter from Sirius.
Peter looked darkly toward Sirius who just stood by with a wide innocent grin on his face.
"We were just having some fun. Weren't we Wormtail?" Said Sirius with a smile.
"We were not!" Exclaimed Peter. "I don't see why Katie wants to marry you. I'm sure you used a love potion on her."
"I have no need for love potions. It's my charm and animal magnetism that has her enthralled." Sirius said.
James laughed, Remus snickered and Peter scoffed while Sirius puffed his chest out and looked at them with a superior air.
The conversation continued like it. Teasing each other and playing around. It certainly felt like they were back at Hogwarts. The Marauders were together once more.
The next couple of days were spent making plans and riding around the estate. Lily and Katie looked at the boys askance, they knew that they were planning something but none had the courage to find out what it was. They both spent the time with the twins, taking them around the gardens, helping with their music lessons and sneaking into the kitchens to steal a bit of pastries from Otty. Not that Otty minded too much. He liked the thought that his food was really liked by the humans in the house. It made his elvish heart happy.
Peter spent the time close to Remus, listening to him talking about Emma and his despair of having her away for so long. Peter had felt a sense of relief when he found out that nobody knew where Emma was. He thought that if he couldn't have that information then Malfoy and Snape would leave him alone. He didn't think Voldemort would have that much use of him. So he threw into the plans for their next adventure with energy.
On the third night of Peter's arrival the boys had some news for the girls.
"We'll be gone for a couple of days. Four days at the most." Said James during dinner.
"Where are you going?" Asked Mrs. Potter with surprise. "Is there a problem?"
"No mum. Everything is fine. We are just going to town, that's all." Said James trying to keep his mother from worrying.
"Boys' night out is it?" Asked Katie with a dangerous glint in her eye.
"Well, sort of. Now don't worry my dear, we are not going to go to any strip shows or anything like it if you don't want us to." Sirius said.
"Awww!" The other three exclaimed before bursting into laughter.
Lily and Katie weren't amused.
James noticed the girls' mulish expression. "Don't worry, we'll try not to get into trouble. We just want to have a nice time out and enjoy ourselves while Remus and Peter are here." He said.
Lily grunted but with a nod she seemed like giving her permission to let him go. Peter and Remus chuckled, as the only two unattached young men in the room, nobody looked ready to murder them if they dared get into trouble.
"Very well dears, but please be sure to let me know how to get in contact with you. Just in case, you understand." Said Mrs. Potter.
"Oh, that should be no trouble mum, just send an owl. We thought of maybe popping up in Hogsmeade and have a look in with Dumbledore." Said James.
"Oh, that's good then. When are you leaving?" Mrs. Potter asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon." Sirius said.
"Isn't that a bit late to travel?" Asked Lily with a suspicious glance.
"Not really, shouldn't take us a lot of time to pack, and all we have to do is apparate." Said Remus. During the last couple of days he had tried hiding his weakening strength that always got hold of his body before his transformation. Thankfully, the girls had thought that it was due to Emma's departure and had forgotten all about his malady.
"Hmmm.I still think this is too soon." Said Katie glaring at the young men sitting on the other side of the table.
"Katie. We are wizards. It doesn't take a lot to pack and unpack. And it's not like we have to buy tickets or rent a car to go wherever we want to go. All we have to do is flick and swish and point a wand and have everything ready." Sirius said with exasperation. Honestly, why was he getting married again?
"I'm not an idiot Sirius. Don't patronize me." Said Katie. If looks could kill, Sirius would've died on that instant. As it were, he was just happy that wands were in their rooms or he would've grown boils or something. Katie knew some good hexes that he was sure she would be too happy to use on him.
"Now Katie. Don't worry. We will be fine. Why don't you two take the days off too and go to London and start planning the wedding?" Said Remus trying to save his friend from some horrific death.
"Hmmm.there is a thought. We could go shopping and have a grand time looking at bridal gowns and stuff. What do you think Lily?" Asked Katie. Her anger toward her erstwhile fiancé vanishing at the thought of a shopping expedition.
"It sounds like fun. We could stay with my parents, I'm sure they wouldn't mind having us for a couple of days." Said Lily with excitement.
"I could go and visit your Uncle Fletcher, James. He hasn't seen the twins for quiet a while and he was owling me the other day trying to get me to visit for a while." Said Mrs. Potter with plans running through her mind. She could do with a few days of rest herself.
They boys turned to look at each other with triumphant glances. This was way too easy.
"Well, if we are all going away for a couple of days then we should all go to bed early tonight. I will speak with Lotty and Roberts and let them know that we are all leaving." Said James as he pushed his empty plate away from him.
"Yes, I will speak with Mrs. Nichols and Minnie to get the twins ready and keep an eye on the house while we are gone." Said Mrs. Potter with a smile. It had been a while since she had left the Manor. She hadn't gone anywhere since the death of her husband. Perhaps it was time for her to travel for a bit.
"I'll go and owl mum." Said Lily.
"I'll owl mum as well, she might want to go shopping with us." Said Katie.
Everybody left the dinning room soon after. The boys to the game room to make plans and congratulate each other in getting the women out their hair. The women to make their own plans in their respective rooms.
The next day was sunny and warm. James, Remus, Sirius and Peter were up early. Mrs. Potter was in the nursery making sure that the right clothes for the girls were packed. Lily and Katie were busy with packing on their own. Elves and servants alike could be seen running from one room to the other, helping with the packing and getting things in order for their departure. The grate in the ballroom fireplace was cleaned as Mrs. Potter and the twins would be using it to Floo to Uncle Fletcher's house. Katie and Lily would be apparating to Daigon Alley where they would get transportation to the Evans' and the boys were apparating to Hogsmeade where they would wait for night to arrive and make their way to the Shack.
James had written Dumbledore with the news that Remus would be using the Shack that night. Dumbledore had owled back with the news that everything was ready for his return. The only thing that James didn't mention was that Remus wouldn't be alone.
By noon all preparations were in order. There was no luncheon that day only a light snack, it wouldn't do to have the twins sick after their travel by Floo. Soon they were all saying goodbye. Mrs. Potter and the twins were the first to leave. Then Lily and Katie walked toward the forest with the boys to apparate. The boys were the last to leave. With a pop, all four disappeared from sight. The Manor seemed silent. The servants continued with their chores. The gardeners were busy trimming the hedges and gathering the fallen leaves. All was quiet in Gryffindor Manor.
The boys entered The Three Broomsticks soon after they apparated in Hogsmeade. Rosmetta, the waitress, soon came over to greet them and take their order. All four ordered butterbeer after some teasing and flirting with Rosmetta, who seemed to enjoy it as much as the boys did.
"What now?" Asked Peter after Rosmetta had returned with their drinks.
"I think we should go up to Hogwarts, visit for a couple of hours. Let Dumbledore know that Remus is here. They would think that we are just here so see him safely established and that we will be back at the Manor before dark." Said James.
"But before we go I want to go to Zonko's." Said Sirius.
"What for?" Asked Remus with surprise.
"Because I want to see what new things they have. And maybe I can find a gift for Filch." Sirius said with a grin.
"Really Sirius, is that safe?" Snorted Peter.
"What is he going to do? Give me detention?" Exclaimed Sirius. "It does seem like a good opportunity. Maybe we could sneak into the Slytherin Common Room." Said James.
Peter and Remus groaned, Sirius laughed. The fun was about to start.
The boys spent a couple of hours going through Zonco's merchandise. James and Sirius were in alt. Remus and Peter followed with a resigned air, but as they walked down the aisles they were soon caught up in the excitement.
"Are you sure that this is wise?" Asked Peter when the group left the store.
"Of course it is Peter. Now stop dawdling and let's go up to Hogwarts." Said Sirius.
"Let's hurry, we have at least three more hours before it starts to get dark." Said James leading the group through the lane that led to Hogwarts.
"Are you sure, Dumbledore is all right with this. It seems to me that he should be suspicious that I want to use the Shack when I have been able to find a way on my own on the last three years." Said Remus. He wasn't completely sure this was a good time to be here, but the idea of running on Hogwarts' grounds once more was very tempting.
"Will you stop worrying? Everything will be fine. Nothing happened when we were in Hogwarts." Said Sirius in an exasperated tone.
"I beg to differ with you Sirius, but if I remember correctly, it was you who created trouble for a certain Slytherin and Remus on our sixth year." Said Peter.
"It wasn't my fault. How was I supposed to know that the slimy git would actually believe me and go to the shack?" Exclaimed Sirius.
"It doesn't matter that you didn't mean it, it was still your fault. I shudder to think what could've happened if James hadn't found out about it." Said Remus shaking his head. That night still gave him troubled dreams.
"Well, it was hard not to notice Sirius here chuckling to himself." James said.
"Well it was funny at the time." Said Sirius getting a bit grumpy that his friends wanted to talk about this when he really didn't.
"Only you would think so." Snorted Peter.
"We are almost there. Did we got all we need?" Asked James looking at Sirius who was carrying the bag with all their shopping.
"All we need and more." Said Sirius with a grin.
"How are we getting into Slytherin?" Asked Peter. "We don't have the map anymore remember."
"We don't need the map Peter, we know that school better than the founders themselves." Said James.
"Well, how are we getting into Slytherin then?" Asked Peter once more.
"Through the elf passage, it's the easier way and we will be able to know if anybody is around." Said Sirius.
"Aren't you two planning this a little too close? I have to be in the Shack in three hours, the students are probably not at dinner yet. You are not going to have enough time!" Said Remus.
"We have a plan." Said Sirius looking smug.
"You always have a plan, that doesn't mean that it's going to work." Said Peter.
"Will you two stop being such party poopers? Everything will be fine." Said James.
Remus and Peter said no more. They were now in front of the Hogwarts' gates. The gates slowly opened and the four stepped into Hogwarts one more time.
They looked around them with loving glances trying to notice any changes. They couldn't perceive any.
"Come, Dumbledore must be waiting for us." Said James as they started to make their way to the castle.
"Do you think we could have a go at the Pitch?" Asked Sirius as he looked over to the Quidditch Pitch.
"Don't you have enough to do?" Exclaimed Peter.
"We'll do it some other time Sirius. Peter is right, not enough time." Said James.
"Oh well." Said Sirius with a shrug.
The four boys walked up the stairs, someone very familiar waiting for them.
"It was about time you got here." She said tapping her foot.
"Hello Professor McGonagall." The four boys said with smiles.
"Humph!" She snorted. Warily watching at the young men standing in front of her.
James and Sirius gave her their famous charming smiles she well remembered from their years at Hogwarts. It was the same smile that had made all the girls swoon at their feet. Except her of course, she liked to think that she was impervious to that smile, even if they were her favorite Gryffindors of all time. Peter looked apprehensively at her, no matter that he was no longer at Hogwarts, she still looked too strict for him. Remus smiled and looked around the grounds.
"Well, what are you waiting here for? I thought you were here to see Dumbledore." She snapped.
Peter nodded. James' smile grew wider and stepped forward. "But you are here, my dear Professor McGonagall, how could we let the chance pass and see how you are getting on?" He smoothly took her hand and rested it on his arm and led her through the door toward the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall fell under his charm and let him lead her. Sirius chuckled and followed after them. Remus laughed as he stepped forward. Peter shook his head.
Everything looked just the same. The moving staircases, the pictures hadn't been moved, Peeves wrecking havoc somewhere, and Filch with Mrs. Norris running around the castle trying to catch Peeves or a student in trouble.
The Great Hall was still empty but it would soon be time for dinner. Professor McGonagall gave them a tour around the castle, each of them exclaiming over something or other. They met several of the teachers as they walked and they just had to stop and chat with each before resuming their tour.
They eventually ended up in front of the statue guarding Professor Dumbledore's office. They all knew what was behind it of course, after all their troublemaking years at Hogwarts they knew the offices of each and every teacher very well.
Professor McGonagall said the password and led them through the door.
"If you wait here he will receive you soon. I believe he is with someone at the moment. I'm sure you can entertain yourselves as you wait. Just don't touch anything." She warned before leaving them alone.
A squawk came from one side of the room. The four boys turned and beheld a pair of wary eyes looking straight at them.
"Hello Fawkes." James called to Dumbledore's pet phoenix.
Fawkes seemed to remember the Mauraders quite well as he allowed them to pet him.
"Well, you look to be fine as well." Said Remus as he petted Fawkes, the others had moved to tease one of the previous Headmasters hanging among the pictures around the room.
The door to Dumbledore's office suddenly opened and a figured completely cloaked passed by them without a word. The Maruaders looked at each other with the same question in their minds. Who could that have been?
"I see all of you are here." Said a voice from inside the office. The boys turned to look at Dumbledore sitting behind his desk looking at them.
"Hello Professor, I gather business goes as usual." James said as he led the others into the room.
"Indeed." The Professor said as he looked over the four young men with pleasure. "I gather your trip was good."
"Of course, no problem." Said Sirius as he remembered the bag of tricks in his hand, he quickly put his hands behind his back trying to hide it from the Professor's sharp eyes. It wouldn't do for him to see it and take it away from them before they got a chance to use them.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he turned to look at Remus. Remus had lost some weight since the last time he had seen him. His illness of course was responsible for it. There were rings around his eyes and lines in his face that showed the pain that the young man was going to have to go through for the next few days.
"How are you holding up young man?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"All right Professor." Remus responded.
Dumbledore nodded. "I wanted to tell you that Ms. Holmes arrived at her destination without problem."
"Is she all right?" Remus quickly asked.
"She is doing fine." The Professor answered. The boys knew that they wouldn't get anything else from him but it didn't matter, they now knew that Emma was doing well.
Dumbledore stood from behind the desk. The boys stayed were they stood.
"I thought you would like to join us for dinner." Professor Dumbledore said. "It's almost time. Then we can lead young Lupin here to Madam Pomfrey. She wanted to have the honor of taking him to the Whopping Willow for old time's sake." He said with a smile.
"Aww. I think Madam Pomfrey has a crush on someone." Sirius said with a chuckle as Dumbledore left the room before them.
Remus hit him. Sirius hit him back. James laughed and Peter smiled. Dumbledore smiled without turning back. He had missed this group, things had certainly been a little too quiet lately.
The group soon arrived at the Great Hall. There were only a few students sitting among the House tables waiting for the rest to arrive. Chatter and whispers broke as some noticed the four young men walking with Professor Dumbledore. As they walked to the staff table they could hear some of the conversations taking place.
"Wonder who they are."
"I bet they are very important." Two young girls said as they boys passed by them.
"Don't be daft, they are the Marauders." Said an older girl.
"Who are they?"
"They left three years ago. They were the most popular group while they were here."
"Oh, I can see why." A girl sighed. "I wonder if they will stay overnight."
"You don't have a chance with any of them. If they are still together with the girls they dated on that last year, they would not look at any other woman twice." Another girl scoffed.
The boys smiled to each other as they heard the conversations around them. 'We still got it.' Mouthed Sirius to the others.
James chuckled but decided that he wouldn't say anything about this to Lily if he didn't want to get in trouble, and it would probably be best to warn Sirius, especially since the girls are planning a wedding.
They sat next to Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall sat at Dumbledore's other side. Professor Hooch decided to sit next to them and soon they were lost in a discussion of Quidditch games and strategies.
The room soon filled with the rest of the students. Those who had been at Hogwarts when the Marauders were still there came up to the staff table to greet them and chat for a while before the Professors sent them back to their respective tables.
"How are Ms. Bennett and Ms. Evans?" Professor McGonagall asked as the food started to appear before them.
"Oh, they are fine. They are in town at the moment making plans for the wedding." Said Sirius as he reached with his plate ready to pile it high with food. He was so engrossed with his food that he didn't notice the teachers turning at him with surprise.
"Wedding? Who is getting married?" Asked Professor Hooch. She had turned to look at James with eagerness.
"Don't look at me." James exclaimed.
"Sirius and Katie are getting married." Remus said.
Sirius nodded with his mouth full of food.
"Mr. Black is getting married?" Professor McGonagall asked with surprise.
"It took us by surprise as well." Said Peter. "We always thought that James would be the first to get shackled."
Dumbledore chuckled. "Indeed, so did we. But I believe congratulations are in order." He said turning to look at Sirius with a smile.
"Thanks, Katie would like to hear that." Said Sirius.
"When is the wedding?" Asked Professor Sprout, who was sitting next to Professor McGonagall.
"I don't know yet." Said Sirius.
The Professors looked at him speechless. Who ever heard of the groom not knowing when his wedding was going to take place?
"I'm sorry, but I thought you said that the wedding was being planned." Said Madam Hooch.
"It is. She just hasn't told me when the date will be." Said Sirius with a shrug.
The teachers looked at him in disbelief. James laughed while Remus chuckled and Peter smiled. Only Sirius would get married without knowing the date of his own wedding.
Dinner went on without further conversation about weddings, Sirius didn't know a thing about it and the others knew even less. Students kept looking toward the Staff table at the four young men eating and talking with the teachers. The bewitched ceiling was getting dark, and a few stars started to appear.
"I better go to see Madam Pomfrey." Said Remus as he cleaned his lips with a napkin and stood up.
"Of course dear boy." Said Dumbledore with a nod. "You will still have some time before you leave the castle. The Heads of each House will make sure that students go straight up to bed."
Remus nodded, he knew what was to be done, after seven years the routine was set.
James, Sirius and Peter watched him walk down toward the door. Sirius kicked James under the table. James yelped and turned to glower at Sirius.
"It's time for us to go, don't you think." Sirius said as he slightly nodded toward the Slytherin table.
"Oh yes, we are going to see Remus off and then we will leave Professor." Said James turning to Professor Dumbledore.
"Of course." Said Professor Dumbledore with a nod.
"We will return to get Remus in a couple of days." Said Sirius as he stood up, pulling Peter along with him. "See you then." He said.
The three left the room among whispers and longing glances.
"Who would have thought that schoolgirls would still find us attractive." Chuckled Sirius as they left the room behind.
"Don't you dare mention it to Lily and Katie." Said James quickly.
"Lord no! I don't want her going through the roof." Said Sirius with a mock shudder.
James and Peter laughed. They knew Katie could hold her own in front of Sirius. She was the only female they ever met who could control Sirius in any way. Not even his mother had that much power over him.
"Where are we going?" Asked Peter as James led them through a narrow corridor. Peter knew that it wouldn't lead them to the infirmary.
"To Slytherin of course." Said Sirius.
"We are going in there now?" Exclaimed Peter.
"Why not, it's perfect time. Everybody is still at dinner, it will be at least half an hour before the first students start getting to their common room. That's enough time for us to do what we have to do." Said James.
"And we can pass by Filch's office in our way to the infirmary." Said Sirius.
"I don't think that safe." Whispered Peter.
"Will you relax? They can't do anything to us, we are not students here anymore, remember." Said Sirius.
"Yes, but I don't want my children to have to suffer for what we did to Filch." Replied Peter.
"Peter, our children will be ready to hold their own against Filch. We'll see to it." Said James.
The boys continued on their way toward the dungeons. The corridors were dark, only a few lanterns lighting their way. They walked quietly, looking around them making sure that nobody was around.
Finally they stopped in front of a small door at one end of a small corridor. James kneeled and pushed the door open. The door was wide enough to let the boys slide through after much swearing and wriggling.
"I never thought about the fact that we have grown since the last time we were here." Said James
"You are telling me." Exclaimed Peter who was having trouble getting through. "I need help, I think I'm stuck." He finally said.
James and Sirius laughingly pulled him through the door.
"I think we are going to need another exit." Said Sirius as soon as all three were standing in the middle of the common room.
"We'll just go through the door, we won't need the elf door anymore." Said James. He took his wand out and turned to the others. "Well, if we are ready we should begin."
"How are doing this?" Said Peter as he searched for his wand among his robes.
"I think we should make sure that it won't take effect until tomorrow morning. Nobody will think it was us, if we are not here." Said Sirius with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
James nodded and raised his wand.
Remus was waiting in the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey had given him a potion to control the pain that he was about to go through during the next three nights. She had told him it was a fairly new potion, still in experimental basis but that she thought it would be a good opportunity to use it on him. He had agreed. He would use anything that would help him during his illness.
He waited patiently while Madam Pomfrey got ready for their walk to the Whopping Willow. Madam Promfrey seemed so happy to see him walk into the door fifteen minutes ago. She had bustled up to him and taken charge. Memories flooded him as Madam Pomfrey fussed over him and examined him. He didn't argue. He just smiled and let her do what she needed to do.
He didn't know if the others would join him before he left or if they would after. He shrugged. They might be at this moment wrecking some havoc at Slytherin for all he knew.
Madam Pomfrey walked into the room once more.
"How are you feeling?" She asked. Her piercing eyes watching him closely.
"Fine." Remus said.
"Humph!" She snorted but didn't say anything more. "I hope those rakish friends of yours get here soon. The moon will rise in less than half an hour and I don't want to take any chances." She snapped.
"We could always go now, I will see them soon enough." He said with a shrug.
The door opened and James, Sirius and Peter walked in laughing.
"There you are! About time." Exclaimed Madam Pomfrey.
"Poppy!" Exclaimed James hugging her tight and kissing her cheek.
"Stop that." Snapped Madam Pomfrey hitting his hands on her waist. She fought hard to keep from giggling and blushing.
Remus laughed. "I hope that Lily doesn't find out about this James, or you will be in big trouble. What kept you too long?"
"We got lost." Said Sirius.
Peter snorted, Remus shook his head. Madam Pomfrey looked suspiciously at them.
"Well, now that you are here we can go." She said as she turned to take her cloak from a peg by the door.
The four Marauders walked behind her as they walked out the castle, whispering as they went.
"What did you guys do?" Remus whispered.
"We'll tell you later, it wouldn't do for them to find out until tomorrow." Said Sirius with a chuckle.
"We met Mrs. Norris when we were walking to the infirmary." Said Peter.
"And?" Asked Remus.
"Let's just say that Filch will not be too happy." Chuckled James.
"What did you do?" Remus urged. He was sorry he missed all this fun.
"We'll tell you later." Said Sirius. They had arrived in front of the Willow.
"Well, in you go." Said Madam Pomfrey as she motioned to the tree.
Remus stepped forward, took a branch lying on the floor and prodded the trunk of the tree until the flailing branches of the tree stopped.
"See you later." Called James.
"Don't wreck the shack." Called Sirius.
"Don't listen to them." Said Peter.
Remus just waved and entered the tunnel that would lead him to the Shack. Sirius, James and Peter stood watching the tree. Madam Pomfrey started toward the castle.
"I bid you farewell, hope you don't get into any trouble." She said before she left them.
"Oh don't worry. We won't." Said Sirius with an innocent looking smile.
"Humph!" She snorted.
The three boys waited until nobody was around. Night had fallen and the moon was shinning. Howling and growls were heard from the distance.
"Right, here we go." James whispered.
Suddenly the three young men disappeared and three animals appeared in their place. The smallest of the three ran around the flailing branches. A few seconds later the branches stopped. The other two animals followed under the trunk of the tree and disappeared from sight.
It was a quiet night. Students and teachers slept in their rooms. Filch walked down the corridors of the castle looking for Mrs. Norris, whom he had not seen since before dinner. Peeves could be heard playing around in one of the rooms. Quite an ordinary night. But, if anybody had been up and looked out the window, he would've encountered an unusual sight.
Under the moon, four animals played around the grounds of Hogwarrts. A stag, a wolf, a dog and a rat would've been seen running and playfully bounce on each other. Around the lake, around the castle, into the forest, they played all over. And they did so, until the moon set and the stars stopped shinning.
Quite an ordinary night, and a fun night, but only for four young men.
The next morning was quite a disaster for some members of Hogwarts. An anguished yell was heard on one small room in the east wing. Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall ran into the room to find Filch crooning and sobbing with Mrs. Norris in his arms.
"Look what they did to you my sweet." He was sobbing.
"What happened?" Asked Professor McGonagall.
"Look, look what they did to my sweet." He sobbed as he lifted Mrs. Norris into the air.
"Oh dear." Said Professor McGonagall with a strangled voice trying to keep her laughter at bay.
Professor Dumbledore's lips tried to stay straight. "I see." He said. He didn't say anymore, he was fighting to keep a straight face.
Mrs. Norris didn't see too happy either. Her fur had been turned to a rainbow of colors. Two small bows tied around her ears a small pink skirt around her lower paws.
"My sweet, don't worry." Filch was sobbing.
"Take her to Madam Pomfrey, she will know what to do." Finally said Professor Dumbledore.
Filch nodded and silently went toward the hospital wing.
The moment Filch was out of sight, Professor McGonagall broke into a fit of giggles, Dumbledore chuckled.
"They did leave with young Remus last night, didn't they?" Asked Professor McGonagall.
"According to Madam Pomfrey, they did, Minerva." Answered Professor Dumbledore.
"I see, then who did it?"
"I'm sure we will find out Minerva."
"But Albus, how will we?"
With a shrug Professor Dumbledore looked at his Deputy Headmistress. "I'm the culprits will eventually come to us." He said.
Professor McGonagall gave him a look full of disbelief. Who would ever come forward and say that they had played a trick on Filch? They would be stupid or crazy to do so.
Half an hour later they found out that the unknown pranksters had been busy during the night.
Slytherin was in an uproar. Their paintings had been painted over, their banners and furniture had been changed to Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw colors. Two large stone snakes had been standing at each side of the large fireplace in the common room. Now they were made of rubber and stood limply against the wall. The furniture was placed in odd angles, making it impossible for anybody to make use of it. The old Potions master, Head of the House of Slytherin, had to be taken to the infirmary after he fainted at the sight of his common room.
The house had to be completely cleared and stripped from all decorations and be refurbished once more to have it back as it once was. But the snakes couldn't be helped. They had to be disposed of.
For three days, the Marauders stayed in hiding in the Shack. They had gone out only on the first day to buy food and drinks to keep in the Shack with them. During the night, the four animals played and frolicked around the grounds of Hogwarts. They didn't know about the commotion that the members of the castle had woken to after their visit. Although they could well imagine. They entertained themselves during the day imagining what had happened in Slytherin and with Filch on the following day.
Finally the three nights passed and Remus was free of his illness for one more month.
The young men decided to go to Hogwarts before they left and say goodbye to the Professors. They also wanted to know about what had happened after their efforts.
The gate to the grounds was open as always. Hagrid could be seen working near the Forest. They called and waved to him as they walked up to the castle. The doors to the castle was also open, even in the chilly weather, the day was bright and clear.
They walked up the stairs and through the door. They saw Filch cleaning nearby. Mrs. Norris at his feet. They boys chuckled and continued down the corridor. They didn't meet anybody as they walked down toward Dumbledore's office. The halls were silent.
"They must be in class." Said Remus as they turned a corner toward the statue that covered the entrance to Dumbledore's office.
"Seems like it." Said James.
They finally stopped in front of the statue and said the password they heard Professor McGonagall say the night they had arrived. The statue moved and they entered.
The door to the Professor's office was open and he had turned to look at the four young men as they entered.
"I gather you are feeling much better." He said as he looked down at Remus.
"Yes Professor." Said Remus with a nod.
"Perhaps you will sit." Professor Dumbledore motioned them to the chairs in front of the desk. "I wanted to speak with you before you left."
The four sat and turned expectantly toward Dumbledore.
"I've been wanting to speak with you for some time about this but I thought it was better to wait and see how things progressed.
"Before your father died, James, we had begun working with a group of people that were willing to dedicate their lives to fight Lord Voldemort and keep him from power. We were beginning to develop it when he was killed. Those of us who were left behind decided to wait. For a while after Aliaster's death the deeds of the Death Eaters were few and apart. Voldemort didn't show himself too often and we didn't know how to begin looking for him. But we still met and made plans, waiting for the right time for us to start our work. Some weeks ago we were joined by someone who had great knowledge of Voldemort's recent plans. Some of our members intervened and a lot of people were saved. Voldemort now knows about us and our work."
"How can we join?" Interrupted James. With a ferocious look in his eyes and determination lining his countenance. The other three nodded. They all had the same question.
"You are free to join us if you like, I will owl you when next we meet." Dumbledore responded. "But you must keep this and every information that we deal with confidential. Voldemort would pay highly for the knowledge that we have."
"Of course." They all said.
"I will owl you. You might find it a little hard to understand at first, we use a secret code in order to keep Voldemort and his followers away." Dumbledore said.
"We will figure it out." Said Sirius.
They continued talking for some time. Dumbledore showed them the parchment with the code, let them study it for a bit in order for them to be able to read the notes that they would soon receive.
They decided to leave right afterwards, and declined Professor Dumbledore's invitation for luncheon. He did tell them about the chaos that had reigned in Slytherin house a few days ago. As expected, they laughed at the right places and chuckled without stop. Dumbledore watched as they laughed. He had really missed this group since they left.
The boys left right after their talk with Dumbledore and decided to stop at The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer before they apparated home.
The four were sitting at what had been their favorite booth while they were still at Hogwarts. They were laughing and congratulating themselves for the trick they had played. They were busy minding their own business when a drawling voice was heard behind them.
"I see that you are all together again. What, missing school Potter? I didn't know you were that pathetic."
"Shut it Malfoy, I have no energy for you today, you aren't worth it." Sneered James as they turned to look at their Nemesis.
"Indeed Potter, your mudblood keeping you busy." Sniggered Snape who was standing right behind Malfoy.
"Say that again and you won't be able to walk for months." Snapped James getting up at once. Sirius and Remus followed suit, Peter cowered behind.
"Think you can do some damage do you, I would like to see you try." Hissed Malfoy as he took his wand from his robes.
What happened next happened so fast that nobody could really say afterwards how it had started.
James used his fist instead of his wand. Malfoy fell back tripping on his robes. Snape snarled and jumped forward but was intercepted by Sirius. The flailing bodies soon bumped into other customers and soon the whole bar was involved in the brawl.
Peter tried without success hiding underneath the table, but it had been ripped from its place and used to hit Malfoy with.
Wizards from the Department of Magical Enforcement were soon apparating all over the room trying to keep the combatants from doing further damage. The brawl was stopped only by arresting and taking all of those present to the Ministry and locked in cells.
"I don't think the girls will be too happy about this." Said Sirius as they waited.
"I shudder to think what mother will say about this." Said James with a sigh.
The four young men had been left without getting medical attention. James was sporting a dark eye, Sirius a bleeding lip, Remus had a bruise on his forehead and Peter was sitting his bleeding hand against his chest.
Half an hour later they heard somebody walking toward them.
"You have visitors boys." Said the enforcing wizard who came into the room.
The four turned to look at each other.
"Uh-uh!" Exclaimed Sirius.
Three women came into the room. Mrs. Potter, Lily and Katie waited by the door.
"I will let you know when we are ready to leave." Said Mrs. Potter to the guard.
"Ma'am." Replied the wizard as he bowed and left the room.
"Hello Mum." Said James in what he thought was his charming smile. It obviously didn't work.
"WHAT DID YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING?" Screamed Mrs. Potter. "Do you know how embarrassing it was to find out that you were locked up like a common criminal? And for a barroom brawl no less."
"But-"
"No buts James. I thought I raised you better than this. I'm glad your father isn't here anymore, this would've broken his heart. To have the Minister and his friends know that his own son was arrested for creating a fight."
"But-"
"And you Sirius, honestly! You are about to get married for goodness sakes. You are too old for these things. Your mother was really upset about this.
"And Remus, really. I thought you were the sanest of the whole group. You are supposed to keep them straight and keep them from trouble, not join them.
"And Peter, what will your mother say about all of this. After all she has gone through to learn that his son was involved in a barroom brawl.
"Honestly, I have a mind to keep you here, let me tell you. I thought you had all become responsible young men. But it seems that it wasn't so. I'm really disappointed in you." She said with a sniff and knocked on the door.
The door opened. Katie and Lily didn't say a word during Mrs. Potter tirade. The looks they threw at the boys were enough to let it be know how displeased they were. The three women walked out without looking back at the boys.
It was late at night when the door to the cell was opened and the boys were free to leave. They had to go through some paperwork and get all their belongings once more, as they were taken from them when they first arrived. It took them a while to finish all the paperwork and finally stepped out to the main entrance of the Ministry. Mrs. Potter, Lily and Katie were there waiting for them.
"Finally! Let's go. I had our house opened, we'll be spending the night here in London. I feel too tired to go to the Manor." Mrs. Potter said
Nobody said anything against the plan. The boys were too tired to argue and the girls were too angry to speak to them.
They left the Ministry and walked across the park toward the Potter's London house. After the incident of the previous month, many of the families that lived in Rowe Square had rebuilt their homes, the Potters being one of them. Others decided to sell and move away from the area that brought so many memories of the tragic event in which many people were killed.
James hadn't been at the house since it had been rebuilt. He looked around the square looking at the empty lots were houses once stood.
It was a quiet night. The park was brightly lit and some fairies could be seen skipping from flower to flower.
They were soon leaving the park behind and walked up toward one of the new buildings. The door opened before any of them knocked.
"Good evening Roberts, everything is readied I assume." Said Mrs. Potter to their butler.
"Yes ma'am. The children have been taken to the nursery and are now sleeping." Roberts replied as he took the cloaks from everybody.
"Thank you Roberts." Said Mrs. Potter as she motioned the group to follow her.
"We have dinner waiting for you ma'am, whenever you are ready for it." Roberts said with a bow as the group entered the parlor room.
"Very well Roberts, have it served in the dinning room, we will go in." Mrs. Potter directed. Roberts bowed once more and walked down the corridor. Mrs. Potter turned to the boys and looked at them warily.
"I hope you have an explanation for all of this." She snapped.
"Really mother, they insulted us." Exclaimed James.
"There are better ways to deal with insults." She snapped back.
"Well, you don't expect us to sit with our arms crossed as they insult Lily do you? Because if you do, I do not agree with you." Replied James.
"Really James, they have been insulting me since I first stepped out of Hogwarts Express when I was 11, what is so different about this time?" Exclaimed Lily.
"Maybe so, but I don't like anybody calling you mudblood." Said James with a pout.
"What? You had better left them unconscious James. The nerve of them." Exclaimed Mrs. Potter.
James laughed. "Don't worry mum, we made sure they regretted it." He said as he put his arms around her and kissed her cheek.
"Humph!" She snorted but didn't say anymore.
"Dinner is served Ma'am." Roberts said from the door that led to the dinning room.
"Thank you Roberts." Said James and led his mother to the next room.
Lily shook her head and followed them. Katie was hissing angrily at Sirius in a low voice and Sirius was trying to calm her. Peter and Remus were the last ones to follow.
For the next few days everything was quiet around the Potter estate. Peter left and returned to his mother three days after their return from Hogwarts. Sirius and Katie returned to London to prepare for the wedding, Sirius still didn't know when it was going to take place. Remus stayed with the Potters for a couple of weeks before leaving on his travels around the country once more.
After the departure of all their visitors, the family at Gryffindor Manor returned to their customary endeavors. James left early every morning to look around the estate and meet with his manager and discuss preparations for the winter. Mrs. Potter joined the ladies group in town and spent several hours during the week doing charitable works. Lily took the twins and started their basic training in magic, as they weren't allowed a wand yet there wasn't much that they could do.
Everything settled down and quietly waited for the snow to fall and the holidays season to approach.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed that bit, I actually dreamed the scene with the barroom brawl and I knew I had to write about it. It just seemed something that they would get involved in, and I just wanted to have a scene in which Malfoy and Snape got their right rewards. Lol, I enjoyed writing this chapter, I hope you enjoyed it as well. Don't forget to review, I'm looking forward to your input.