Disclaimer: We're just borrowing JKR's toys for a while.  We promise to return them when we're done.  Oh yeah, and we borrowed some of the rules from various people and books.  A couple of them are ours though.

Chapter 43

After classes had finished that Friday, Lily, feeling very tired, decided to read a book in the common room.  The marauders were late coming back from dinner (as usual) and it was common knowledge that anywhere the marauders went together, a lot of noise wasn't far behind.  Lily looked up from her book as the portrait hole opened and was surprised to see the three boys in question walking slowly and whispering to each other rather than shouting.

As they made their way across to the quieter corner of the common room where she was sitting, she saw that Remus was holding a piece of parchment and a quill, and he was writing what looked like a list.  She moved her chair slightly so that she could see what they were writing.  So far, it read:

Moony, Padfoot and Prongs' Rules for Marauding at Hogwarts

#1 Don't get caught

#2 When breaking rule #1, always have an excuse/alibi

#3 Silence is sometimes the best answer

#4 When in doubt, mumble

#5 When you don't know what to do, walk fast and look worried

#6 Whatever happens, look as if you intended it to happen

#7 Learn the rules so that you know how many you're breaking at any given time

#8 In disagreements, fight fairly.  No name-calling

#9 Whatever you are about to do, if there is a good chance it will get you killed, you probably shouldn't do i

#10 Never interrupt when you are being flattered

#11 Remember, it is easier to gain forgiveness than permission

Seeing Remus put down his quill, Lily assumed that they were finished for the time being.  She put down her book and spoke to them.

"I don't know why you're bothering to write all this down.  You know it anyway!"

All three of them jumped.

"Lily!"

"Rule number one boys, don't get caught." Lily said mock-sternly.

In accordance with rule number three, the marauders remained silent, hanging their heads and scuffing their toes.

Lily rolled her eyes at them.

"James, come with me would you?"

"Oooh. . . Now you're in for it Prongs!" Sirius teased.

"Yeah," agreed Remus.  "But don't worry – we'll send out a search party if you're not back by next year!"

"I dunno Moony.  Maybe we should let them have some time alone -"

"In the astronomy tower?" Remus cut in.

James blushed and Lily looked offended.

"You two are so immature!  Honestly, boys!"

She pulled James away by the arm.

A/N Reviews?  Please?  *down on knees begging*