Chapter Two

Life at Hogwarts

After a round of applause and cheers in the dorm, the six retreated to Harry's trunk to talk. Ginny and Ron began writing a note to Fred and George, while the other four discussed what was found by Dobby at Grimmauld Place. Harry opened the book and quickly said the password.

Messrs. Moony, Padfoot and Prongs welcome the newest Marauders to the Marauders Spellbook. Please enter the names of those entering into our footsteps.

Harry smiled. He wrote quickly.

Snuffles, Padfoot, Red, Firelight, Bambi, and Stripes.

Welcome Messrs. Snuffles, Padfoot, Red, Firelight, Bambi, and Stripes to the Marauders Spellbook. This contains all spells and pranks that we either created or pulled off with a style never before seen. May our skills bless those who took us as role models.

Harry smiled. "Well, it is probably a very good thing we didn't tell Moony about this. He would have taken it from us before we got a chance to have a look at it."

"Yeah, he already says we are too much like they were. Now we've got six people and they only had three worth mentioning." Serena said.

"You forgot my Mum." Harry said.

"No. Your Mum was only a Marauder in much the same way as Sam." Serena said. "That's why nothing they made really mentioned her."

"True. But still she was one of them." Harry said.

"The question is what are we going to do with this book?" Hermione asked.

"Don't know yet." Harry started flipping through it carefully. His eyes widened suddenly. "Mione, look at these potion directions and tell me if they are the same as what's in the books."

Hermione looked at a few of them. "These are completely wrong, Harry. Why would they put the wrong ways and proper spell ingredients in this?"

"Mione, I don't think they are wrong." Serena said. "I learned in auror school that many times the potions are not put in books properly so that you don't know how to make some of the more problematic potions. You have no idea how big a problem it would be for someone to make certain potions. I think the Marauders found the correct ingredients and the proper way to make them."

"Suddenly, I think me and Neville will become really good at potions." Harry said, grinning cheerfully. "That'll teach the new git to cause us problems."

"Brilliant, remind me to thank Moony at the end of the year." Neville said cheerfully.

"Are you two really going to use this?" Hermione asked appalled.

"Of course we are, Firelight, old friend." Harry said, still grinning. "I have trusted the Marauders wisdom before and they have never steered me wrong. Why shouldn't I trust them now?"

"Just remember to share it with Ron then." Hermione said. "Maybe with those pens of yours as well as this book we can get him into advanced Potions."

"Good luck at that." Ron said. "I hate potions and I'm bloody horrid at it."

"Not with this book mate." Harry said. "Marauders Spellbook." He added while looking at some of the defense spells. "Mione, they even added easier ways to work defensive spells. They said most of them came from my Mum."

Hermione looked at them, frowning. "Hmm, this might make us quicker during attacks. These we should really practice." She said.

"Finally, something we agree on." Ginny said standing beside Neville. "Harry, mind if I use the invisibility cloak and Hedwig?"

"Go for it. Take the map too." Harry said. "Also, pranks are in the back of the book. There are more than a few we should try."

"Lets go for it then. See if we could add some more style to our own plans." Serena said.

They talked long into the night. Finally going to sleep around two in the morning. They woke early, all of them grumbling about lack of sleep. None of them were awake enough to think of jokes for breakfast. Finally saying that the students of Hogwarts would have to wait till lunch, they made their way to the great hall.

It was a loud morning. First day always was. None of the six managed to speak to anyone, trying to catch up on sleep for the five minutes before schedules appeared. This woke them all up a bit while they examined their schedules. Then they all switched looking at everyone else's.

"Wow, no need to exchange it appears we are all in the same classes. Except Ron, who still refuses advanced potions." Harry said. "Hey they dropped me from basic DADA. I now have a free period! Do they really think that is safe?"

"Don't know, I guess they figure since we aren't sleeping together anymore we need some time to be alone." Serena said. "I got the same period free as you."

"Well, I plan to fix the sleeping arrangements soon enough. Provided our new head girl is willing to help me out a bit." Harry said, smiling at Hermione angelically.

"What is it I will be doing?" Hermione asked.

"Wait till the free period. Then we will get to work." Harry said.

"Damn! We were supposed to do the competition stuff this morning." Ginny said.

"No worries. We can get things going at lunch. Announce it all at dinner. I'm still too tired to deal with Snape this morning, let alone worry about how to disrupt an entire school." Harry said yawning.

"Did I keep you up too late?" Serena asked.

"No, I think Ron's snoring is what kept me up longer than I needed to be." Harry said. He added, shaking his head. "Gotta fix the sleeping arrangements."

"Mr. Potter, could I speak with you a moment?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and followed him slightly weaving. When they reached the staff table he urged Harry to sit between him and Dumbledore.

"Hello, Harry." Dumbledore said cheerfully. "Are you alright? You look a bit worn."

"Fine, sir." Harry said, shaking his head to clear it. "Just not used to sleeping in a room where so many people snore."

"Ah, I see. That is one thing I discussed with Remus." Dumbledore said. "I apologize, but I have no way to set up lodging for students who are preparing to marry."

"It's alright sir. I have a plan to fix that in our case. I was going to ask permission, but then I figured you already knew I would plan something, so I let it go." Harry said, smiling knowingly at Dumbledore.

"Ah, yes. Well, So long as you are not seen by teachers in inappropriate quarters I suppose I should let that go." Dumbledore said. "But I ask that you not use the head girls quarters for this new area of yours."

"How did you- never mind, you always know." Harry said laughing at himself. He turned his attention to Remus. "You needed something Professor?"

"Yes Harry. I was wondering how you were thinking of handling everything you took on this year." Remus said. "DA, parties, jokes, pranks, homework, and still pass your newts."

"Well, homework will be done easily. I believe the first time you give six of your students written homework, you'll find a surprise." Harry said smiling. "Don't ask, today you are a teacher. You know the rules." Remus nodded. "Also, we found this great book that has easier ways of doing potions, wandwork for charms, transfiguration, and DADA as well. Since those are the classes I need the most I do believe that it won't be too bad."

Remus' eyes widened. "What did you find Harry?"

"Messr. Snuffles would like to thank Messr. Moony for such a wonderful clue to opening that book. Who but me would think of a lily first time a flower was mentioned by a marauder." Harry said, nodding appreciatively.

"Oh god." Remus said, staring at Harry in horror. "Please tell me you didn't find that."

"Actually, Dobby found it. He just gave it to me." Harry said. "Quite a few interesting things in there. I believe you will find some of your more advanced plans come to life this year Professor."

"I knew we shouldn't have let Sirius hold on to that damned book." Remus said. "That was asking for trouble."

"Don't think of it as trouble. Think of it as three older students tutoring six who can use their wisdom." Harry said smiling. "To answer your question, though, you may be right about taking on too much. I'll never admit that and you know it. I was thinking we may have to split into groups to handle things at times. Like managing the DA, planning parties, and prank planning. But most of this stuff will only be handled split in planning processes." He then looked to Dumbledore. "I realize though, that students will need to be allowed to go to Hogsmeade for the costumes. I believe the DA and teachers should have a meeting about this, sir."

"I see. Instead of that, how about you and I having this discussion tonight. We can each inform those who listen to us of the news. It would also save countless amounts of arguments between students and teachers." Dumbledore said.

"The boy cannot do this tonight he has detention with me." Snape sneered.

"I believe I could hex you to oblivion and still meet the Headmaster with plenty of time to spare before curfew." Harry said lazily.

"You disrespectful whelp!" Snape said. "I believe I will serve you your punishment now, as to put you in your place. Stand in front of the staff table and prepare for a duel."

"Headmaster, is this permitted by you? I do this and no detention tonight?" Harry asked nonchalantly, though his arrogance was creeping into his voice.

"Well, Harry, this is Professor Snapes punishment." Dumbledore said calmly. "Conrad, do you disagree to his terms?"

"Yes, as he will know his place in a few moments." Snape said, glaring at Harry, with an odd smile on his lips.

Harry stood in front of the table opposite Remus and Sam. "I won't be nice to him, Headmaster. I am going to have fun."

"I understand Harry. None of your work done during your last suspension should be used." Dumbledore said as calm as ever.

"Understood." Harry said. "You can even send the first spell, Connie!" Harry said, laughing as Snape fumed.

"Stupefy!" Snape shouted.

Harry laughed as the spell hit him evenly in the chest. "Try again."

"Petrificus Totalus!" Snape screamed.

Again Harry laughed as the spell had no effect. "Are you even trying?"

"Cru-"

"Petrificus Totalus!" Harry screamed. "Expelliarmus! You git, its my turn now." Harry said, his voice grave. With a wave of his hand, Snape flew into a wall. "Watch your curses, Connie. Might come back to bite you in the ass." Harry then looked at Dumbledore. "Eight tonight, your office?" Dumbledore nodded.

Harry walked back to the table calmly, sitting beside his friends as the entire school went back to their breakfast. "Got a meeting with Dumbledore tonight, guys. We are going to discuss how students will get their costumes. Any ideas?"

They watched Harry walk from the staff table quietly before each turned to Dumbledore.

"Was that really wise, Albus?" McGonagall asked. "You know what Potter can do. You just gave him permission to destroy any authority that Conrad Snape had."

"No, Minerva. Conrad did this all on his own. I went so far as to warn him away from Harry. He did not listen." Dumbledore said.

"Headmaster, I didn't think Harry was going to attack him so quickly." Sam said. "Why did he act like that? Its not his style."

"He was trying to protect Conrad, I believe." Dumbledore said. "He has a person for pranks, who just happens to be a teacher. Though I think their may be another reason. Don't worry about him just yet, Samantha. He is a very capable wizard."

"I'm not worried about him." Remus said with certainty. Then a smile pulled at his lips slightly. "I'm worried about his new friend Connie."

"I would be likely to agree with you, Remus." Dumbledore said, smiling himself. "We must hope that Harry can control himself."

"That is never going to happen." McGonagall said. "That boy has not controlled himself since his fifth year."

"Nevertheless, we must hope for his sake, as well as Conrad's." Dumbledore said.