James Potter let his eyes rove the length of the magnificent scarlet steam engine eagerly. He'd waited years for this – the chance to finally use his magical abilities…at Hogwarts.
Grinning, he made his way through the thronging crowds of fellow witches and wizards, lugging his numerous suitcases behind him, his unusually exotic eagle owl perched proudly on his shoulder.
'' A Potter, eh? ''
James turned, an eyebrow raised at the coldness of the voice. A tall fifth year, with astonishingly white hair greased back so that it clung to his scalp, stood towering over him, swathed in green and silver robes adorned with flashing serpent insignias. His grey eyes flashed menacingly as James looked him up and down. James shrugged nonchalantly.
'' Yeah, I'm James Potter. How'd you know? ''
The older student sniffed boredly and crooked a long, pale finger at James' suitcase. Emblazoned across the front was the famous Potter family crest – a golden lion, bearing a deep red sash in his mane, grappling with a white stag, surrounded, in black ink, by a growth of roses and a spidery ' P '.
'' Potter. An upstanding wizard family of pureblood. Known for being utter muggle-huggers. I hope you don't fall into that category. It would be wise to retain some vestige of class and act accordingly…'' he sneered, his lip curling unpleasantly.
By now, a crowd of curious onlookers from various years had gathered around the two, listening intently. It was obvious this Slytherin was well-known at Hogwarts.
'' Meaning? '' James countered harshly, disliking the pale boy more and more with each passing second. The boy chuckled.
'' Meaning, of course, that it would be prudent to avoid riffraff such as mudbloods. I can help you with your associations, Potter. Bring some respect back to your name. ''
James frowned.
'' Who are you? '' he asked disdainfully, his eyes flickering over the boy as though he was something he'd stepped on.
'' Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy,'' he answered silkily, smirking.
James laughed.
'' I should have known. I've heard of you Malfoys. I was warned that stupidity and ugliness were traits common to that family, but I never realised just how true it was until I met you,'' he scoffed, before whirling around and walking towards the train. Malfoy roared in anger and made to whip out his wand, but, before he could find it, James turned back, smiling.
'' Oh, looking for this? ''
He was twirling Malfoy's slim, limber barkwood wand between his fingers, idly watching as Lucius seemed to inflate with rage. James grinned.
'' Not too bright, are you Malfoy? Can't even keep an eye on your wand,'' he spat. '' It's such a pity magic is wasted on a fool like you,''
And with that James tossed the wand underneath the Hogwarts Express, watching in amusement as the churning wheels splintered it into bits. Malfoy lunged wildly through the milling students at James, his eyes feral with a manic fury, but he had already disappeared into the thickening masses boarding the train, gone from sight.
XXX.
'' James, is it? You really showed that loser Malfoy. Congrats mate,'' barked an charming voice from behind James as he flung his suitcase into the rack. The owner of the voice slapped him playfully on the back. James turned and his eyes met with friendly liquid brown ones and an amused grin. The boy was tall, a lot taller than James, with styled black hair and a gaunt, masculine jaw.
James grinned.
'' Thanks. You a first year too? ''
The boy nodded.
'' Yeah, well he just needed to be taken down a notch or two. Did you hear that crap he was spouting about muggleborns and all? Makes me sick,''
'' Yeah, I know what you mean. I'm unfortunate enough to know the Malfoys personally and they're all like that. All they ever talk about is pure blood and all. It drives me mad. Imagine having to listen to that rubbish all the time? As far as I'm concerned, muggleborns have just as much a right to learn magic as we do. They have the gift, after all,''
James nodded agreeably.
'' I'm Sirius, by the way. Sirius Black,''
James frowned briefly.
'' But aren't Blacks…against muggleborns and all? ''
'' Yeah,'' Sirius replied gloomily. '' My family are right nutters. I hate it, man. I've got a cousin who's got her head screwed on right, that's Andromeda Tonks, and an uncle, but they were disowned. Burned off the family tapestry. I will be too, I expect. Always rebelling and all. They're all evil madcases,''
'' Heavy,'' James commented sympathetically. '' But at least you're alright, even if you do come from a dark family,''
'' Yeah…I guess you're right. So, you realise Malfoy will be on to you now, don't you? He's probably plotting revenge as we speak,''
James grinned wickedly.
'' Yeah, but he doesn't know who he's dealing with, my friend. I'm a prankster, Sirius, a daredevil so to speak. My mother taught me all I know – and that's a lot. Hell, for Christmas last year my mum bought me ' A Million Ways to Bewitch and Bug your Friends and Foes '. And I know just the spell wipe the smile off old Malfoy's face,''
Sirius' eyes lit up appreciatively.
''I like the way you think. Mate, somehow I think we'll get along just great,''
XXX.
'' You! Yeah, you, carrothead. Do you know a James Potter? ''
Lily Evans tilted her head to the side and let her vivid green eyes rake over Lucius Malfoy coolly.
'' I'm a first year, in case you hadn't noticed. I don't know any other witches or wizards. What makes you think I know this James…whatever? ''
Lucius gritted his teeth, his calculating gaze sweeping over the slight, red-headed girl imperiously. Of course. He should have realised. She was clearly a mudblood – even the way she held herself betrayed her lacking knowledge of magic.
'' Ah, I see. Another mudblood to join the evergrowing ranks of Hogwarts. Don't you know filth like you isn't welcomed? '' he hissed venomously.
Lily blinked.
'' Excuse me? ''
'' Mudblood. You are one. You're even ignorant to your lowly staus! It means you've muggle fools for parents,'' he spat viciously.
Lily straightened, cocking her head proudly, her eyes burning.
'' If you mean my parents are non-magic folk, then yes. And I don't appreciate your obvious prejud – ''
Malfoy cut her off before she could finish.
'' Go back to your unlearned family, girl. Riffraff like you are not wanted at Hogwarts,''
'' How DARE you speak to me like that! I got the acceptance letter – I'm a witch, with magical blood. I've just as much of a right to learn magic as you do,'' she replied coldly.
'' A witch you may be – but a poor one, at that, with dirty blood. Now get out of my sight before you sicken me anymore,'' his lip curled as he shoved past her, storming angrily down the train corridor.
Lily turned slowly, shocked, tears welling in her beautiful deep green eyes. Apparently, she was going to face bigotry at school due to her background. Somehow, the lure of Hogwarts lost some of its beauty…
'' Are you ok? '' came a friendly voice from behind her. Lily spun around and relaxed when her eyes were met by two black-haired boys looking concernedly at her. She smiled weakly, blinking back the tears threatening to fall.
'' Yeah, thanks,''
'' Ignore that fool. Doesn't have a clue what he's on about half the time, if not all the time. He comes from a family of sick, twisted, spoiled, stuck-up, good for nothing weirdoes. ''
Lily laughed.
'' I'm Sirius Black, by the way. And this drooling little fool is my good mate James Potter,'' Sirius said grandly, shaking Lily's hand ferociously. James glared at Sirius, who had drawn attention to the fact that he had been staring at the girl, and bowed stupidly, grinning.
'' Pleased to meet you. And you are…? ''
'' Lily. Lily Evans,''
Lily smiled, then her eyes widened in realisation.
'' Wait. James Potter…That…thing…is looking for you,''
James' smile faltered and he scowled.
'' Oh yeah, that. ''
Sirius chuckled.
'' Don't worry, boy. We'll get to him first. After all, we are smarter,''
James nodded, smirking.
'' Huh? '' Lily asked curiously.
James and Sirius exchanged meaningful glances, then ushered Lily into the nearest compartment. A lanky boy with light brown hair and a tired expression on his face was sprawled across the seat, snoring gently. They studied him a moment, as if gauging the authenticity of his slumber. Apparently satisified that he was indeed asleep and not faking so he could eavesdrop, James and Sirius proceeded to fill Lily in on what James had done to Lucius outside.
'' That's kinda mean, smashing his wand…'' she remarked doubtfully.
'' I was provoked! '' James began earnestly. '' He was spouting utter rot about dissing muggleborns and he was saying my family had no decency. What was I to do? Let him walk all over me, just cos I'm a first year? ''
Lily raised her eyebrows.
'' I was going to say it would be mean on anyone else, but considering what a jerk he is, I'd say he deserved all he got. ''
James grinned.
'' See, Sirius? She understands our ways! ''
'' But he's not going to be too pleased with you now, is he? I'd watch my back if I was you,'' she advised reasonably, settling into the seat.
'' Oh, I've got that covered. Sirius and me have a little prank planned. And Malfoy is our very first victim. See, Evans, it's like this…''
XXX.
Remus Lupin yawned and stretched, arching like an animal as he woke. He rubbed his eyes vigorously and swung his legs down from the train seat, only to see three blank faces staring right at him.
'' Uh…who are you? '' he asked tentatively.
'' Oh! I'm Lily Evans,'' the pretty girl said, extending a pale hand. He shook it warily.
'' I'm Remus. Remus Lupin,''
'' Lupin? My mum is friends with Serena Lupin, are you related? '' one of the guys asked interestedly.
'' Yeah, actually. She's my Godmother. Who are you? ''
'' I'm James Potter. My mum is Claire Potter,''
Realisation dawned on Remus. He smiled.
'' Oh, yeah. I've heard Serena mention her a few times. Says she's really sound.''
James beamed.
'' I'm Sirius Black,''
Remus nodded. He knew Black and Potter were ancient wizarding families but he didn't know much about them. He lived miles from civilization, with his parents. They believed he should be kept isolated, due to his werewolf side. And so, he was pretty much cut off from the wizarding world.
They lapsed into silence, broken only by the chugging of the train as it pulled out of the station and began dashing briskly past London. Then, suddenly, they heard a furious shriek.
'' Where is he? One of you must know! That little brat Sirius will pay! ''
Sirius jumped up as if his seat was on fire.
'' Damn. It's Bellatrix. My cousin. She's one psychotic bitch. I dyed her Hogwarts robes pink, but I didn't think she'd go through her bag this soon. I've gotta hide! When she comes in here, James, we'll execute phase one of the prank. She's one of Malfoy's cronies anyway, ok? ''
James nodded. Sirius leapt up on the luggage shelf and disguised himself among the suitcases. The others sat there, shaking their heads.
It wasn't long before the door slammed open. A tall girl, with pale skin, long, thick, glossy black hair, heavily lidded eyes, so dark they seemed black, and full glaring red lips stood in the doorway. Next to her stood an older girl, with shining blonde hair. She too had hooded eyes, but hers were a murky blue. From the identical sneers gracing their faces, you could tell they were sisters.
'' Any of you know where Sirius Black is? He's tall, with black hair…'' the blonde began snootily. Just then Lucius Malfoy joined them at the door, his arm automatically going around the blonde's waist. He glanced in, then his face twisted as his gaze fell on James.
'' You! ''
James grinned.
'' Can't get enough, Malfoy? ''
'' I take it this is the shrimp who mutilated your wand, Lucius,''
'' Indeed it is, Narcissa,''
Bellatrix laughed mirthlessly.
'' You insolent little twerp. You'll wish you never heard of Hogwarts after we're finished with you,''
'' Maybe. Or maybe it'll be the other way around,'' James replied pleasantly.
Just as Bellatrix raised her wand, an arm shot out from overhead and Sirius' wand whipped through the air.
'' Eat slugs, dear cousin! '' bellowed Sirius, leaping from his hiding place. As the three Slytherins stood, stunned, Sirius chanted a spell and there was a flash of blue light.
When the hue faded, Sirius realised his spell had gone slightly awry. In the place of the three Slytherins, were three monstrous looking slugs.
'' Cool! '' he exclaimed. James laughed.
Just then, the door slid open and the two Head students grimaced disapprovingly.
'' Just what is going on here? ''
And so, that's how James, Sirius and Remus became famous in Hogwarts as well as fast friends. And, consequently, received three month detentions for illegal transfiguration. And, of course, not being pleased with this, Lily began to despise the Marauders. And so the roles were set for the years ahead.
