Chapter One
One Last Time
"CHILDREN!" Molly screamed from the kitchen.
It was morning and no one was particularly happy to be woke up this way. Harry knew Dobby would have been in the room in five minutes to wake them happily. Ah well, he thought, no chance at stopping Molly from rushing into our rooms if we don't respond immediately. Harry nudged Serena, who merely grumbled and rolled over. She was never a morning person. Harry took a new approach and started kissing her slowly.
"Mmm, I could get used to that." Serena said opening her eyes with a smile.
"Don't get to used to it. I think this was our last night together till winter. So sad, I was just getting used to it." Harry said, kissing her again. "Come on, before we have a Weasley flying into the room, telling us to get ready."
No sooner had he said that then Molly burst into the door. "Harry dear-" She stopped. Her eyes widened at the two in bed, neither looking dressed, then fled the room speaking quickly. "We have to get you lot off to school."
Ten minutes later found everyone downstairs. The six teenagers were quickly snapping their fingers trying to find some comfortable clothes. None were snapping more than Harry, who was competing with Serena as she kept trying to make him wear a pair of leather pants that she made him buy during the summer. After another ten minutes of this he resigned to the fact that he was not going to win this struggle no matter how hard he tried. Instead he began changing Serena's clothes trying to find something more inappropriate. When they were both wearing clothes so tight they could barely walk or breathe, they laughingly stated they were ready for school.
Breakfast was full of noise. Most of the Order members had arrived for their trip to the station. No one was expecting an attack however, it was merely to wish them all a fond farewell. The Marauders didn't mind this idea. They seemed to think it was rather entertaining that people who were supposed to protect them were asking if they were ready for a fight. It was not the sad farewell Harry was worried it might be. Instead he found himself saddened by the fact that he wouldn't be returning to Hogwarts the next year.
They were told to hurry up and get ready. Molly was surprised when they showed her six shrunken trunks. Placing them in their pockets they all announced it was time to leave, much as they hated the idea. This would mean a great deal of change for the six, who had just spent two months living in the same place, sleeping in bed with their fiancés, and never once thought about school.
They walked casually to the station, talking easily and enjoying the day. They arrived at platform 9 and 3/4 a full thirty minutes ahead of schedule. By the time that everyone had said goodbye to them, however, they were rushed onto the train as usual. Sam chose to stay around Harry, Serena, Ginny, and Neville, saying she wouldn't get to see them much after this trip for a while. She was going to be traveling between her parents' house and Hogwarts preparing everything for the wedding. Remus smiled and nodded, giving her a quick hug and kiss before asking her to keep them out of trouble.
They found a compartment easily, as people were willing to throw themselves out of their own compartments for the Marauders to take them. Harry and Serena laughed easily at this and took the first compartment offered to them. They all sat waiting for Hermione and Ron to return. Sam noticed then the sad look in Harry's eyes.
"What is it, Harry?" Sam asked.
"It's the last time." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Sam asked.
"It's my last year at Hogwarts. That was the one place I felt at home for such a long time." Harry said, smiling sadly. "It's where I met my friends, got a family, and learned about my parents for the first time."
"Harry, you are looking at this the wrong way." Sam said. "You not loosing something. No one who is your friend or your family is going to disappear. The only thing that will change is that you are moving on. Look at it as counting down till you go on your new adventure. Remember, you are planning to go to America after school."
"Sam, it's not school we're waiting for." Serena said sadly. "We are waiting for the end of the war. Really it's just wishful thinking. I'm not sure if any of us really plan on surviving through it."
"Oh my." Sam said, her own voice filling with sadness.
Harry stood now, an arrogant grin capturing his face. "Stripes, are you still planning on becoming a Marauder?" He asked.
"Course I am Harry." Neville said proudly.
"Well I have a job for you then." Harry said nonchalantly. "You have to pull off a prank that can make Serena, Sam, Ginny, and I laugh. You get bonus points if a teacher has to fight to hold in laughter. Moony doesn't count though."
"Why am I involved in this? I'm supposed to keep you out of trouble." Sam said.
"Technically, we are not getting into trouble." Harry said. "We are getting Neville into trouble. We all could use a laugh about now, that is why you are involved."
"So, is this an all or nothing type of thing?" Neville asked. "One big prank to make us all laugh?"
"Precisely." Harry said.
Neville nodded and went in search of a target. Finding a Slytherin he began to make his plans. Within seconds he had it all figured out, and set to work. Using both wands he quickly started using jinxes he had learned during the summer. Soon the boys front teeth touched the ground, his face covered in warts which were positioned to say 'Stripes is victorious' on his face, his hands ten times their normal size now and too heavy to lift fell to the floor, all while he danced an exquisite salsa.
"Hey there, mate, you seem to be having problems!" Neville said, just loud enough to attract attention.
Students across the train began laughing, which called the Marauders from their compartment, dragging Sam behind them. Seeing the boys condition, they started whooping with laughter, including Sam who couldn't begin to hide it from anyone. This also attracted the attention of other Slytherins.
"What do you think you're doing, Longbottom?" Malfoy asked, sneering at him. "Don't think you are getting away with this." He added sending a curse at Neville.
"Protego!" Neville said easily. Then Neville pointed his wand at Malfoy and pulled a classic of Harry's, banishing all of Malfoys clothes. Harry quickly waved his hand giving Malfoy pink, frilly, lace underwear that looked very similar to a pair he had seen Serena wear one time.
Harry walked up and stood next to Neville. Ginny, Serena and Sam were close behind. "No nudity, Nev." Harry whispered. Then looked at Malfoy. "Wow, last year we find you shave your legs, this year you wear women's knickers! What's next? Do you wear your dear mummy's dresses when she isn't looking?" He said, more arrogant than last year.
"What is going on here?" An arrogant, slimy voice asked from behind Harry. Harry turned to face someone he didn't recognize.
"Just commenting on Malfoy's choice in undergarments." Harry said.
"Are you the cause of this?" The man asked angrily.
"I had a hand in it yes." Harry said easily, no longer caring who the man was.
"Yes, sir!" The man said, his eyes flaring in anger.
"No need for formalities. Harry is just fine. Your highness if you must address me formally, however." Harry said.
"A weeks-"
"A weeks detention!" Harry, Ginny, Serena and Neville cried in unison.
"Mr. Potter." Dumbledore said calmly.
"Hello there, Professor. Who is this git, and why doesn't he know how important I really am?" Harry asked, smiling cheerfully at Dumbledore.
"Harry, that is enough. This is Professor Snape." Dumbledore said, his voice holding authority now. "I see we are starting early again this year."
"Yes, yes. Best to start things off with a laugh. You can blame me, but Neville had him in a less than favorable attire originally. I had to fix it somehow." Harry said, then shook his head. "This git isn't Snivellus sir. I know, Snivellus is a nutter, I was there when it happened remember?" Harry had used a spell not seen in a long time on Snape last year, forcing the man into permanent insanity.
"Ah, the Potter boy." The man spat. "I am indeed Snape. Conrad Snape. You will find me not as pleasant as my cousin."
Harry snorted. "Pleasant? He was as big a git as you. Is that a family trait then?" Harry said. Serena and Ginny immediately began laughing.
"50 points from Gryffindor!" Snape said.
"See what I mean. That hasn't bothered me since fifth year." Harry said.
"I meant each." Snape said, his smile growing.
"Yeah, we are really hurt by that." Serena said. "The four who each pretty much just asked for a weeks detention."
"Well, lets see what your house has to say about it." Snape glowered at them.
"Fine, lets see." Harry said. "Gryffindors! We just lost two hundred points!" Harry screamed. The Gryffindors cheered loudly. "Guess they don't care much either. You're new so I'll tell you. Only two people can really control us, and neither of them is you. Well, actually we listen to Sam quite a bit, but basically its only Dumbledore and Moony. Might as well get the idea we'll listen to you out of your head now, and save us all the countless detentions and you the annoyance of learning that you won't be able to be in charge of the detentions. Only one man knows how to punish us."
Snape glared at Harry. "You will learn you place! Another 50 points from Gryffindor!" He shouted. The Gryffindors cheered yet again.
"God, you bore me already!" Harry said. He waved his hand leaving Snape dressed in the same manner as Malfoy. "Now sod off before I get extremely bored." He added walking back to his compartment, his friends close behind him laughing. Sam stood next to him patting his shoulder proudly.
Dumbledore shook his head, chuckling slightly. "I see you have met Mr. Potter. I did warn you what would happen."
"I want to handle that boys detention personally." Snape said, summoning more clothes.
"That would not be wise. Remus Lupin will handle their detention." Dumbledore said calmly.
"I want to do so myself." Snape said angrily. "I want to show that boy what happens when a Snape isn't as soft as my cousin."
"I see." Dumbledore said gravely. "Perhaps I will let this happen. To show you why you should not handle his detentions. Be warned however, Conrad, that Harry was taking it easy on you today. If you test his patience too much, I fear you will not be happy with the result."
"We shall see." Snape said, his voice grim. "We shall see."
Harry, Ginny, Serena and Neville were informing Ron and Hermione about their actions of the day so far. They both laughed at what they had done so far. Both were shocked at having another Snape as a teacher. They had all been hoping that Professor Jonz would return again this year.
None of them spoke much about this after that. They had all congratulated Neville on a wonderful prank, and thought to welcome him happily into the Marauders. After a brief discussion Sam became an honorary member for not telling them it was wrong to do such things. Their reasons made Sam laugh, though she knew to them this was an important thing and a great honor.
"I must be a horrible godmother to be, feeling so honored that the children she is to care for are welcoming her into a group that is only known for the trouble it causes." Sam said, causing Harry to laugh.
"If only you knew." Harry said, winking at Serena.
"Yeah." Serena added.
"Hell, Me and Moony declared a war against those two last year." Ginny said laughing.
"That was a riot to see." Ron said. "Those four were maniacs, right horrid to each other they were."
"We loved every minute of it!" Harry said smiling.
Remus appeared at the door. "Regaling in old stories?"
"Just talking about the Marauders war." Serena said cheerfully. "Trying to impress our new Mummy and all."
"God, don't tell her such things, or she may think I haven't grown up yet." Remus said smiling.
"You didn't." Sam said. "I love you anyway."
"Well, that's very good to know." Remus said before looking at Harry. "You seem to have a new admirer."
"Snivellus' cousin?" Harry asked.
"That would be the one. Be careful around him Harry. Not even Dumbledore is certain he can be trusted." Remus said. "He tried to keep Jonz around, but he disappeared as soon as the term was over. He couldn't find anyone else adequate to replace him besides Snape."
"I have ways of handling Snapes." Harry said smiling. "Maybe this one will last the year. I was beginning to miss pranks on him."
"Wonder how he's going to react that we have a speech to give at the welcoming feast. Makes us almost as important as teachers." Ron said.
"What are you on about? We are already more important than teachers." Serena said, arrogance shining through her. "You really need to learn our place better, Bambi!"
"Oh my god!" Hermione said. "What are we going to say in our speech? It should be something important, maybe talk about how important schoolwork is. Maybe about how you should help those younger as much as you can with their homework. Oh dear, I have to start planning."
"Hermione, talk like that will get you excluded from our speech." Serena said seriously. "We are Marauders. We do not plan speeches, and we definitely don't talk about such mundane things as homework and helping the younger students."
"What would you rather do then?" Hermione said angrily. "Start banishing clothes again, see how many detentions we can get in a night, or see if you can beat your record by getting suspended before we have our first class?"
"All marvelous ideas." Harry said. "However, I don't think Sam would be too happy about us hanging out at Grimmauld Place when she is there trying to plan her wedding."
"Actually it would be quite nice to-" Sam started.
"Do not give them permission to get suspended." Remus said, biting back laughter. "You are as bad as Lily. She used to encourage us to do things like that constantly once her and James got together. He used to make us follow blindly as well."
"Why do you think we were such good friends?" Sam asked him jokingly.
"God help me, I just handed these children to someone worse than me." Remus said smiling.
"Agreed!" The Marauders yelled in unison. Sam looked shocked.
"We like those who might have a bad influence on us." Harry said. "So you will be loved if you're really worse than Moony here."
"Then I will be happy to be a bad influence." Sam said cheerfully.
"Hey did I make it?" Neville asked.
"Sorry Nev, Serena didn't laugh." Harry said seriously. Watching Neville's face fall, he felt bad. It was a surprise though. They were going to introduce him at the welcoming feast.
The rest of the train ride went swiftly for them. Remus stayed in the compartment with them for a while before having to return to the teachers compartments. The teens kept talking about what they were going to do during this year, and planned some of the Marauders' Masquerade. They were also using the special quills that Harry had made to get their summer homework done.
When the train stopped they led Sam off the train, promising to take her to the castle the easy way. Many stopped and stared as they saw the group of six surrounding the woman, wondering if she were a new teacher or a friend of the Marauders. Either way by being protected by them she was instantly popular among the schools population.
Then Harry saw what he had been fearing. They were starting early. Death Eaters began sending attack spells through the rows of children. Harry whispered his spell over Sam, then looked at his friends and nodded.
Hermione, Ron, get Sam out of here.
On it.
Neville, Ginny, take care of the students.
Already done.
Come on Serena.
They all moved into action. It was unspoken that Ron and Hermione would get teachers as well as DA members involved as well. Spiriting Sam back onto the train, They nodded at Harry in agreement. Harry grabbed Serena's hand and dragged her with him. Soon They were running towards the Death Eaters, shields strongly in place.
Serena laughed as she pulled her wands out. Harry took his quietly, his smile arrogant as his stance. The spells were quick. Harry's first spell prevented Apparition, his next shielded the battle so no others would get hurt. Serena began casting the offensive spells they learned over the summer, while Harry began throwing what appeared to be frozen flame at them. It would look only like a yellow and orange ball till it hit, then it would explode covering Death Eaters in flames.
Reinforcements coming let down the shield. Hermione thought.
Harry let down the shield as Remus, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and ten members of the DA rushed into battle. Not being able to apparate the Death Eaters became reckless, sending spells wildly while their opposition was aiming with deadly accuracy causing many to fall before a spell even hit the students or teachers.
They ended it all almost as quickly as it started. Soon all the Death Eaters were stunned and bound. Harry looked proudly at the DA members. Two had been stunned, but by looking at their faces he didn't see fear but determination. He smiled, nodding at them and they returned to the train to get their things. He nodded respectfully at Dumbledore after this.
"Thanks sir. Helped us quite a bit on this." Harry said.
"You would have finished quickly without us, but I was glad to help." Dumbledore said.
"Because of you, we finished this without any problems though." Harry said smiling. "I appreciate the help."
"You're most welcome, Harry." Dumbledore said.
"Harry, where is Sam?" Remus asked suddenly nervous.
Fights over, bring Sam to us so Moony doesn't have a heart attack. Serena thought. Moments later Sam appeared with Ron and Hermione on either side of her.
"See, she's safe Moony." Harry said.
"Didn't even put up a fight, just followed Ron and Hermione." Serena said.
"Glad she kept her promise." Harry said.
"So am I." Remus said. He hugged Sam tightly as she came to him. She hugged him almost as tightly.
"Were those the people you were talking about?" Sam asked terrified.
"Yeah Sam." Harry said.
"Is everyone alright?" Sam asked.
"Of course." Serena said. "Thanks to the Marauders, the DA, and the best three teachers at Hogwarts." She added the last with a respectful nod to the teachers.
"We should go quickly, this place doesn't feel safe. We need aurors sir." Harry said to Dumbledore.
"I agree, but I have already sent Kingsley to retrieve aurors for us. We should move the students quickly however." Dumbledore said. "First years, follow Hagrid. He is the large man to the left of the train exit with the very large beard." He nodded to Hagrid.
"Firs' Years! This way!" Hagrid said, walking towards the boats in a guarded fashion.
"Harry, you six should protect Miss Powell at all costs. I would like the DA to protect the younger students along with the teachers." Dumbledore said to Harry.
Harry looked at Luna, "Tell the others about Dumbledore's request. Tell them we follow his orders only. When we get to school none of us are to move from our jobs till Dumbledore gives word." Harry said firmly. Luna nodded and hurried off. "Sam, stay with us. Remus is needed elsewhere."
"Is there any way Remus can come with us?" Sam asked Dumbledore. Harry broke in.
"Sam, I know you're scared. But most of the students here are as well. They will need someone as strong as Moony to make sure they are safe as well. You'll be perfectly fine, as our only job is your safety." Harry said smiling. "You know we are better than Moony anyway."
Remus laughed at this. "He's right Sam. I'm sorry, but I have a responsibility to these students."
"I know, Remus. Sorry." Sam said. She looked at Harry and smiled. "Lead the way, my loyal guards." She added jokingly.
Harry nodded seriously. Soon Sam was again protected from all angles. Ginny and Neville stood in front, Harry and Serena on her sides, and Ron and Hermione taking the rear. They had learned this manner from all the guards they had in their lives because of Harry. All six had wands drawn and were ready to fight anyone who chose to stand against them. However, the trip to the castle was uneventful. Adults were standing outside looking to see what had happened, but upon seeing Harry and company, they nodded respectfully and drew their wands. Harry nodded at them, thanking them for their protection as well.
Once at the castle, the Marauders led Sam to the staff table. They put their wands away when Dumbledore entered and nodded at them. They said their goodbyes to Sam and sat at the Gryffindor table catching up with other students. Everyone seemed wide eyed and in awe when the Marauders were telling their summer tale. They talked, joked, and listened for quite a while until Dumbledore raised his hands for all to be silent.
"Children, allow me a few moments." Dumbledore said. "The Forbidden Forest is as always forbidden. I will no longer urge Harry Potter and his band of friends away, as it never works."
"Worked last year!" Harry said. "Not once did we go to the forbidden forest." This cause quite a bit of laughter.
"Harry, your time is later. As I was saying, The list of forbidden objects is in our caretaker, Argus Filch's, office. All items from Weasley Wizard Wheezes are forbidden. Please ask Mr. Filch to see the list if the joy of youth seems too much for you to bear. I have suggested that the idea be used as a detention, but I fear that children may not survive the ordeal due to boredom. We have a new Potions Master, as well as head of Slytherin house. Professor Conrad Snape. We have a few more announcements by our resident troublemakers after the feast." Dumbledore said cheerfully before sitting down.
The sorting began, and many students were left with a glazed look when the meal came. Many were complaining that the sorting took to long this year, although no one really remembered who was sorted last year. The Marauders were quiet during the meal, eating the food enamored with it all. They chose to stick to a mental conversation for a while, discussing pranks yet again. Just before their speech they decided they would need to send word to Fred and George that night, as they had a spectacular plan.
Dumbledore caught Harry's eye and nodded. He stood, followed only by four others. Everyone looked surprised as Neville was with them most of the night and now he was left looking a bit saddened. Harry smiled at the thought of his face when he announced him as the newest Marauder. They stood in front of the staff table easily and Harry raised his hands to get their attention.
"Well, guys, it seems we have expanded a bit since last year." Harry said.
"Yeah I know. Can't figure out how two prefects got mixed in with us." Serena said.
"Its an odd balance though. I think we should even it up a bit." Ginny said.
"I agree. So I would like to welcome Neville Longbottom to our extraordinary group. Neville, welcome to the marauders!" Harry said. Cheers erupted from the Gryffindor table as Neville walked up calmly.
Welcome to the Marauders Neville! They all thought to him, causing his smile to broaden.
"Next we will let Mione bore you a bit with whatever she wants to say." Harry said sadly. Stepping back he muttered. "Damned Prefects."
"Thank you, Harry." Hermione said. "As head girl, I'm supposed to tell you about studying, and how homework is important. However, it seems we cannot say that easily as we are the best six of the year." She said this with the arrogance normally only used by Harry, Serena and Ginny. They nodded approvingly. "So instead, just try to enjoy it. Its our last year, and I'm ready to have some fun!"
Serena laughed as she stepped up. "That's our Mione, always looking for fun." She said, causing students who knew her to laugh. "Really though, we have some exciting news for you all. We will again be holding our competitions, and this year we promise more titles and more fun. Votes will be done once a day, for three awards, and those three will be announced at dinner."
"Also, we have the Marauders Masquerade for Halloween this year!" Ginny said cheerfully. "So be prepared for some real fun this year."
"Yes, yes that will be fun." Harry said, shaking his head. "What will be more fun is some of the ideas of mine approved by Dumbledore himself. I must regretfully inform you all that Hogsmeade trips have been cancelled for this year." Shocked silence and scattered boos could be hear. "Shut it! It'll be fine, because for every Hogsmeade weekend we had planned before, in its place will be a Marauder event. You will know about them as soon as you would know of a Hogsmeade trip. So get ready for some real fun." Harry grinned again. "Also, prefects are no longer holding the Christmas dance this year! It is also going to be handled by the Marauders."
"Wow, we are really going to be busy." Serena said. She looked at Harry. "How long have you known this?"
"This was the surprise I was talking about that came with my letters." Harry said.
"Okay, now that all the boring stuff is done." Ginny said, sounding annoyed. "Lets get to more interesting situations. Slytherin house is still our enemy, and they have Snivellus Jr. as a house head!"
"50 points from Gryffindor!" Snape shouted.
"Sod off, you git." Harry said. "By order of the Headmaster we do not get in trouble for our speech. So keep you mouth shut or I will treat you like I treated your moronic cousin last year."
"Do it anyway Harry." Neville said smiling.
"Yeah, Harry, after all we need a strong finish." Ron said.
"They are right, Snuffles." Serena said.
"Fine, fine. Lets introduce Sam first." Harry said. They nodded. "Alright you lot. I'm going to introduce the coolest woman I know, present company excluded of course. I would like you to meet Samantha Powell! Soon to be the second Marauder wife!" He gestured to Sam who stood and bowed while the students cheered. "Tonight, our pranks are in her honor!"
More cheering rang through the great hall. Slytherins began swallowing visibly. Sam blushed and sat down quickly. Harry began the pranks by hoisting the new Snape into the air upside down. He had him bouncing his head on the table moving each time so that he bounced in front of another teacher.
Serena and Ginny started playing with the Slytherins. Many of them were hanging by a rope from the ceiling, while Ron, Hermione, and Neville were busy dressing them in a way they felt suited them. When they were all dressed as clowns, chickens, and Malfoy impersonating a jackass very well, everyone stopped to admire their work. Looking at the staff table they saw Sam and Remus laughing. Sam quickly nodded her head at them and Remus did the same.
"That is the Marauders speech! Everyone, go to bed! Goodnight!" Harry said, and walked easily from the great hall followed closely by the other five. When they got to Gryffindor tower he looked at Hermione. "So head girl huh? Congratulations, though we all knew it would be you."
"Thanks, Harry." Hermione said. "I would have said so before but I knew you guys wouldn't be as happy as I was."
"On the contrary, Mione. We are extremely happy for you. Tomorrow pranks should be in your honor!" Serena said. All the others nodded.
"Well, the day wasn't so bad." Harry said. "At least I found a way to cheer myself up a bit."
"You're going to catch hell from the new Snape." Serena said.
"I know. But he'll learn." Harry said. "Anyway, it was our last feast. We had to do that one last time didn't we?"