Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Chapter 5.

"Can't wait for Quidditch this year," Marcus said as he took his seat beside the wind within the compartment. Outside the windows, the boys were greeted with flashes of the English countryside.

"Gryffindor lost Longbottom last year, we should have a better chance this year,"

Severus smiled at his friends, both had been discussing their tactics throughout summer and after the events of the fifth year, he could not blame them. Slytherin had lost to Ravenclaw last minute, the Quidditch cup slipping through the grasp of the house and the denial of their fourth year of winning had caused outrage among Slytherins. Severus's eyes drifted through the compartment, nothing about the trains had changed but the same could not be said about those within the compartment. Severus had noticed the stark differences within himself and his friends. Every year he had shot up in height, he was soon one of the tallest among his year and looked more like a seventh year than a sixth-year student. His body had become more sculpted, lights scars running up his forehand from potions and spell crafting and stubble began to decorate his face.

"Tad shame really, they stand no chance now," Thomas added as he stretched out his long legs onto the other seat, his own height reviling Severus. His dark hair was pulled back compared to Severus, who liked his hairy falling messily across his face. Then again Thomas was conventionally handsome compared to Severus.

"Aye, Gryffindork are defiantly going to be at the bottom of the table,"

"I have no doubt, especially since I'm sure I'll be captain soon, " Marcus said nodding.

"Doubt that, but don't let my scepticism stop you," Severus muttered as he pulled out his potion book. He flipped through the pages as he heard Marcus protest how he would be the best captain and how Nott was taking Slytherin down the wrong path.

Severus had missed spending time within the walls of Hogwarts and with his friends. He had not seen them throughout the holidays due to the busy time working. Severus enjoyed making money and he was sure that he made enough to buy a boatload of sweets from the trolley lady, but having to deal with the shady folk that walked into the store had become tiring. Though spending time within the store had developed Severus's skill in managing a business, he developed quickly and soon found himself becoming more confident, no longer the trouble making the first year but now a full-fledged potion master in his own mind. Though his status in Slytherin wasn't something that changed, popularity was not something Severus longed for but becoming infamous was just as worse. A tall dark Slytherin oddball to everyone else and the bastard runt within his own house.

"I agree with him," Thomas finally cut in, Marcus stopping his ranting. "If you don't focus on your grades just as much as quidditch, then Slughorn will never place you as captain,"

"Some friends you are," Marcus muttered. "Well if I don't get it, at least Pace will get it,"

Severus understood Marcus's frustrations, it had been tough for him to even be part of the team as a Muggleborn. The Slytherin team had been made up of a majority of Pureblood with the only two Muggle-born being Marcus and Jane Pace. Jane Pace was a short Slytherin girl with short hair and grey eyes, she had been part of a small Slytherin group of girls and an aspiring student on Quidditch and studies. Severus had only met her a handful of times, both hardly said a word to each other though he did enjoy her presence and her input on certain matter. Severus would also be lying if he said he did not find her attractive, though he would blame his hormones for that before he admits to it.

"Heard Pace made prefect," Thomas stated as he peered over to Severus, a smile across his face. "Who would want to be a prefect?"

"Probably an uppity prat," Marcus stated chuckling.

Severus muttered for both of them to shut up and cursed himself for telling them of his appointment as a prefect. Severus had no interest in being a prefect, instead, he hated the prestigious position and planned on handing in his badge after the first term ended. Severus's eyes drifted down to his tattered wrist-watch, choosing to ignore the jabs from his friends at his expense. He was expected to join a meeting of prefects in ten minutes and placed his book away as he rose to his feet.

"Stay out of trouble," He quickly muttered smiling.

"Sure thing Professor's pet," Marcus said chuckling and Thomas howled with laughter.

The compartment door quickly slammed shut after that.

Severus made his way through the train, peering into the compartments as he walked by. Soon he stood outside a larger compartment that held a collective of students of different houses, Severus exhaled before walking in. He was met with a sea of eyes, all displaying shock as they looked him up and down to ensure that it was really him. After several minutes a large Hufflepuff boy shuffled forward.

"Can we help you," He asked and in response, Severus pulled out the badge

"Oh, welcome,"

Severus didn't bother replying and took his seat next to Jane, the girl nodding to greet him as he sat down. The head boy, a lanky boy in Ravenclaw stood up and address those within the compartment and greeted all the new faces into the duty of prefect. The meeting went on for another twenty minutes with the head boy and head girl detailing patrol routes and setting partnerships among the prefects, each male prefect would have a female prefect from another house as a partner. Severus scoffed at this but said nothing through the assignment of partners.

"Prince, you'll be with Evans," The head boy said as he pointed over to the red-haired girl.

Lily Evans had been a classmate of Severus, one that had minimum contact with the boy and often kept interaction short, he liked her for that. Over the years they had worked together in potions after the events second year, and the confrontation with Sirius Black that led to his potion exploding. Professor Slughorn ensured that he worked far from the likes of Black, Potter and other prats that seemed to set him off. Thus Evans aided in potions, he considered her fairly skilled and at least well versed within the subject.

The meeting continued before concluding with the head boy speaking on the importance of upholding the title, Severus rolled his eyes. He was surrounded by the self-righteous dorks and as the meeting ended he reassured himself that he would quit the first chance he got. Severus stuffed the shinning prefect badge into his front pocket as he darted out of the compartment and back towards his own compartment. Entering he was met with cheeky smirks.

"How's the meeting?" Thomas asked as he munched on a sweet. Severus made his way back to his seat but not before taking a handful of sweets from the pile that the boys were eating from.

"We can give detention and take house points" Severus muttered as he tossed a piece of chocolate into his mouth.

"Brilliant," Marcus exclaimed as he clapped. "Remember to take all points from Gryffindorks"

"Yeah, I doubt I can do that," Severus retorted but quickly reassured his friend that he would not give up to the idea. Severus had taken a moment to consider the situation, by all means, he had gain power that he previously lacked and as long as he remained level-headed he could wield it how he sees fit. The conversation switched towards the upcoming year with a talk on their classes and a brief mention of the tension among Slytherin.

"Wilkes seems to be the one to watch for," Thomas muttered frowning. In their third year, the boys had gotten into an altercation with William Wilkes that left Thomas with a broken arm, Severus with a black eye and Marcus with two cracked ribs.

"No need to sweat it," Marcus muttered before pointing towards Severus. "Sevs has the power now,"

"My powers are limited," Severus pointed out and Marcus nodded.

"Yeah but it's still more than Wilkes," Marcus explained. "We have a better standing right now than ever before. We could become Slytherin royalty."

Thomas shut the boy down by pointing out that despite their power their house did not see them in a favourable light, outside the handful of Muggleborns and non-pure fanatics. Severus added the fact that the three of them alone could not take over Slytherin, the political structure of the house was too ridged and those within the top rank, calling themselves Knights of Walpurgis, had connections.

"Maybe things will change," Marcus said with shrug and Severus responded by shaking his head.

"Nothing has changed,"

The morning after was cold, Severus found himself enjoying being back in Hogwarts walls. It had felt like home after a long holiday and he missed the castle's beauty. He settled back into his dorm the night before and was anticipating the start of classes. The feast last night had been the same as every year, the students suffering through the choir and sort only to receive food like starving dogs. Severus cringed at the speech Dumbledore gave, it had been the same for over five years and he wondered how many other people were bored as he was during last night.

"Waiting for me lads?" Severus asked as he spotted his friends loitering in the corridors.

Thomas turned around, in his arms was a large dark arts book and he seemed invested in reading. Marcus, on the other hand, had a wide smile on his face, his eyes were watching people before Severus appeared.

"Nah, we got better things to do," Marcus muttered. "We're helping first years,"

"Helping first years?"

"Marcus is giving them the wrong directions," Thomas clarified as he slammed the book he was reading shut. "Stupid really,"

"Neither of you two knows how to have fun," Marcus pointed out as he fell into step with the boys. "It's great to be back, I've been itching to use magic all summer,"

The boys got up to the first floor, passing by the bloody baron on their way. The boys muttered a small greeting to their house ghost but quickly shuffled pasted the spectre. Ghosts had become a normal aspect of Hogwarts, no different from the staff or students. Though Severus found himself at unease by the thought of them, a being trapped in the world of the living for god knows how long. Severus had always considered being a ghost was worse than simply dying and seeing the baron had reaffirmed that thought.

The boys entered the Great Hall, making their way towards the Slytherin table and directly to their spot. The seating arrangement had not changed since the first year, those with stark Slytherin beliefs sat as far as possible from the pariahs. Severus peered down the table and noted the usual faces, Rosier's gang along with Wilkes and Regulus Black. The younger Black had been the tag along in the crew, Severus disliked him as much as his brother but he admitted he knew how to keep his mouth shut.

The thought of Sirius Black had made Severus' eyebrows furrow, his eyes drifted towards the Gryffindor table where a group of boys sat hunched over what seemed to be a piece of parchment. A year ago, the Gryffindors had begun to call themselves the Marauders, a name that sounded like a silly band. Much like a silly band, they began to go by nicknames, Severus rolled his eyes at the thought but kept his eyes on the odd parchment.

"What are they up to?" Severus hissed as eyed each boy. Marcus turned from the piece of bacon he was munching to peer over at the group.

"Who cares?" He finally added before turning back to his breakfast. "We have more important things to worry about,"

"He's right, we have our NEWTs and our classes," Thomas said, looking over to the book on his lap. NEWTs had been the advanced classes that were taken after OWLs in the fifth year.

"Can't say I'm sweating it much," Marcus said as he continued to munch on his food. A boy sitting not too far gave him a disgusted look.

Severus casually eat in silence. He had done great on his OWLs and was sure that his results were part of the reason he was picked to be a prefect, gaining Outstanding in all subject apart from Charms which was Exceed expectation. Several minutes passed and soon Slughorn came to hand the timetable out.

"Congratulation," He muttered as he handed Severus his timetable. "I hope that your new position will prevent any poor behaviour,"

Severus muttered a short thanks along with the reassurance that he would keep himself in line before taking his timetable. He had back to back Charms and let out a small groan, he had hoped for Defence.

Breakfast coming to an end, Severus grabbed his bag and made his way out of the Great Hall and towards the third floor. The hallway had become a buzz of students, with a mix of new faces and old. Severus had noticed that a collective of Gryffindors were also heading down the same path, among them were the Marauders. Potter looked as stuck up as usual. His messy hair sat atop his head and was a replacement for a personality, but it seemed to catch the eye of brain-dead girls. Severus wondered why Potter was popular, he supposed it was due to the fact he fits Gryffindor's dull head heroic template. Severus heard Marcus snicker beside him and turned to notice the boy had pulled out his wand.

"Levicorpus" He muttered before flicking his wand.

Potter was launched into the air and tossed around like a rag doll before being dropped. Those around Potter were in shock at the sight and Severus chuckled as he watched the sight. It seemed through the years Severus's urge to take Potter down a peg or two had grow, this came to ahead after the events of the fifth year where he had hung the boy upside down before tossing him into the black lake. Potter let out a groan as he got back to his feet and Sirius Black had turned his attention to Severus. Black had marched over before howling at Severus that he knew it was him, in response Severus shrugged.

"I have no idea where you're coming from Black," Severus muttered as he turned away from the boy before stopping. "Oh and ten points from Gryffindor for disrespect,"

Severus left the scene, he muttered praise to Marcus which caused Thomas to frown and warn them that Black will be looking for payback. Severus pointed out that he wasn't helpless, he had been delving into spell crafting since the first year and has a book contained with multiple spells. Some of them were light, used to aid in potions or simply improve upon previously existing spells. Others were darker in nature, used to fight back against those that would harm Severus or his friends. Though this did not mean that he would not question the use of such as a spell, if it were to fall into the wrong hands like Potters or Black, then it could cause serious trouble.

"Come on, we'll be late," Thomas exclaimed as he begun to walk at a faster pace. As they walked into the classroom they were met with the small Charms professor, his wand clutched in his hand and his eyes watching the students eagerly.

"Welcome students to NEWTs Charms," He exclaimed as he peered at the students in the room. "Now if you would get out your equipment we can begin by learning..."

Severus sat at the back of the class and peered at the door as the Marauders strolled in. Severus grinned as the professor lectured the boys before taking ten points each. Severus heard the collective groans of Gryffindors in the class and nudged Marcus in celebration.

"Fourty points on the first day," Marcus snickered under his breath. "Not bad a bad start,"

"What do you mean you're not coming?" Severus asked Marcus as he pulled on his green hoodie and laced up his black boots. The dorm had been empty for hours and the only people within it were the three boys.

Marcus sat upon his bed, he was wearing his Quidditch robe and fiddling with the buttons of his robe. His eyes narrowed at the button as his numb fingers failed to undo it for the fifth time in a row.

"Sorry mate but I just got back from early Quidditch practice," He muttered as he finally got the button undone. "And I'm knackered,"

This was the first weekend since the boys had returned to Hogwarts, they had planned a trip to Hogsmeade every first weekend since the third year. The trip had been the same since third year, they would visit the sweets shop before getting butterbeer and causing trouble with either Potter's or Rosier's gang.

"Come on mate, its no fun when you're missing," Thomas said but Marcus simply waved him off as he pulled off his Quidditch uniform.

"You'll be fine," Marcus stated. He quickly kicked off his shoes and lay back on his bed. Severus peered at the other boy, he could see the light bruising from Quidditch practice and the way Marcus was fitting off the urge to collapse. He decided it would be for the best and told the boy to relax, Marcus chuckled that he could handle it and that they should have fun.

Severus bid Marcus farewell before walking out and towards the first floor. The duo had made their way towards the entrance of the school, passing by Filch as he howled at Peeves, the school poltergeist and undead troublemaker. The caretaker had declared war on the poltergeist and has been battling it since as long as Severus could remember. Severus wondered if Filch died, if he would become a ghost, forever cursed to chase after Peeves and misbehaving students.

Hogsmeade was one of the few wizard settlements within Britain, it was an old-fashioned village with thatched houses and small shops. The duo had made their way into the local sweet shop and after collecting a handful of sweets they left. On their way to the Three Broomsticks, the boys decided to check out the shrieking shack, a small house sitting alone at the end of Hogsmeade. The tales told about the place were far more impressive, in person the shack was nothing too impressive.

"Haunted huh?" Severus muttered on their way back. "Rubbish,"

"Never understood the fear," Thomas added. "Ghost roam Hogwarts,"

Entering the Three Broomsticks the duo found it packed with students, seats being filled by large groups of students of several houses. Thomas muttered that he would find them a seat, Severus agreed and went to get some drinks. Finally receiving the drinks, Severus located Thomas sitting alongside Jane Pace and some other Slytherin girls.

"Sev, I believe you've met Pace, Richards and Blackwell," Thomas said as he pointed out each girl. Richards was a blond haired girl with pale blue eyes while Blackwell was pale with dark hair and equally dark eyes.

"Nice to see you, Prince," Pace said as Severus took his seat beside Thomas, her grey eyes never leaving Severus as she spoke. "How have you been?"

"Good, thanks for asking Pace," Severus retorted before taking a sip of his drink.

Severus felt his hands get sweaty and his calm mind cloud up. He was not bad in social situations, but that was only among other boys. Girls were different, they were not easy to read like other boys and hardly expressed their true opinions outwardly. The most female interaction Severus had was his mother and she was hardly a social individual, often choosing work over spending time with Severus. In turn, Severus allowed his eyes to drift across the inn, darting through the crowd of students as he listened to the conversation around him.

"So, you two do anything fun?" Pace asked as she peered at the boys. Thomas explained that they had popped by the shrieking shack and cause the girls to perk up.

"No big deal," Thomas muttered as he smirked. "But I'm sure we can handle it,"

"A lot of confidence there Reed," Richards said as she raised her brow, but Thomas simply shrugged and winked at the girl.

"It's not that hard to be brave," Severus chipped in and Pace seemed to smile at that.

"Want to prove your statement, Prince?" She asked as she peered at Severus.

"How?"

"Oh, a little display of bravery," She added. "Maybe a display of magical skill,"

"And I ask again. How?"

Pace peered over to her friends and there was a collective giggle among the girls. Severus raised his brow, he knew that walking into challenges was dumb but he saw how Pace looked at him. It was as if she had been judging him, a part of him hated it but a much more vocal part of him wanted to display strength in hopes of impressing her. Stupid hormones.

"How about getting us a ratty banner," Pace stated and Severus frowned.

"A banner?"

"Yup, an old Gryffindor banner that was used to celebrate when Gryffindor wins," Pace stated. "I'm guessing it's hanging in their common room,"

Severus frowned.

"What do I get in return?"

"Whatever you want handsome," Pace said smirking playfully. Severus felt his heart pump a little faster and his mind drift off to somewhere embarrassing, he quickly attempted to shake off the thoughts before they could do any more embarrassing harm. He thought for a moment, before coming to a good idea.

"You know Wilkes," Severus stated and Pace frowned.

"I'm teammates, why?"

"If I do your task then I want you to keep an eye on him," Severus stated. "I'm his biggest threat and it would be nice to know whatever he's planning."

"Seems mutually good for the both of us," Thomas added. "If we do this silly little challenge then we can keep a tab on Wilkes, and if he did anything."

Pace muttered that the boys seemed relaxed at the notion and Severus shrugged. Severus had already developed something of a game plan, the only problem being how he planned on smuggling the banner out once he was in the Gryffindor den. He would have to be fast, no more than five minutes and a quick shrinking charm should be enough. Though Severus needed to think of a backup plan, he was sure it would not go as easy as plan A and so slowly worked on plan B.

Severus had snuck around Hogwarts many time since his first year, but for the first time ever he was able to freely walk the halls of Hogwarts without trouble. Prefect duty meant that each prefect had to patrol the halls once a week, with each student being matched up with another from a different house. Severus had been lucky, he was placed with a Gryffindor. He had patrolled with Lily Evans for a while, discussing potions as they passed the time walking down the dark and empty halls of the school. Once their patrol had come to an end Severus had offered to walk Lily back, which she accepted and thanked Severus.

"Can I be honest," Lily finally said as they walked up the flight of stairs leading towards Gryffindor tower. "I use to think you were a jerk but I guess you're not too bad,"

"I'm touched," Severus said smiling and the girl seemed to look away.

The conversation died out as they reached the portrait, Severus bid Lily goodnight before slowly walking back, his ears perking as he heard the girl mumble the password. Severus didn't go far, walking down the stairs and turning the corner, he sat there for twenty minutes in order to ensure that Lily would not be in the common room when he entered. Severus knew the limited time he working, he darted towards the portrait and mumbled the password at the Fat Lady. The portrait awoke before questioning who was there, Severus only replied with the password and the Fat Lady glared before swinging open present the tunnel into Gryffindor.

The common room was everything Severus expected, flashy with the house colours splashed on every conceivable inch of room. Severus suppressed the urge to roll his eyes as he peered at the common room, his eyes falling upon a large Gryffindor banner that hung above the fireplace. It looked old but well kept, it was made of red and gold fabric that matched the house thought it was worn out slightly. Severus pulled out his wand and aimed it at the banner, it shrunk and fell to Severus's feet. Severus quickly picked it up but noticed out of the corner of his eye a piece of parchment.

The parchment was old and on it was odd writing. Severus snatched the parchment and peered at the odd names, opening it up he found that it was a map of what seemed to be Hogwarts. Names were outlined on the map, the names of Filch and his cat appeared drifting down the hall. Severus quickly folded the parchment up and stuffed it into his robe pocket, he was sure that they would realise it was missing soon after they noticed the banner.

The walk back was as quiet as ever, a quick run in with Filch had caused Severus some issue. But after explaining that he was indeed a prefect, Filtch allowed him to make his way back to the dungeons with a simple warning. Severus entered the Slytherin common room with a wide smirk, he made his way back to his bed where he stuffed the parchment under his pillow along with the shrunk banner.

"I can't believe you did it," Marcus muttered as the trio walked to breakfast the next morning, passing a group of Ravenclaws mutter as they made their way down to the Great Hall. Severus smirked as he walked into the hall, his eyes on the Gryffindor table and the distressed faces of the students. Sitting at their table, Severus nodded to Pace and the girl responded with a smile. He had handed her the banner earlier in the morning before ensuring that she would keep her end of the bargain.

"Forget the ruddy banner. I can't believe you stole that map," Thomas said as they begun to eat breakfast.

"I can't believe they had a map like this," Severus retorted.

"Explains a lot though," Marcus added. "Like how the can always appear from nowhere, little creeps were tracking everyone,"

Severus had displayed the map earlier. They had run a quick test upon its accuracy before determining whether they should destroy it. In the end, Severus had decided to keep a hold on the map, a vital piece of information that could come in useful later. Thomas had warned that it could fall into the wrong hands and Severus agreed but tucked the shrunk map between the pages of his potions book.

The boys switched topics quickly in order to prevent others from listening in, they began to discuss their upcoming Divinations class. Marcus joked that they may get caught if someone sees a vision in class, but Thomas only chuckled and muttered that Divination was a load of crap.

"I'll tell you what lads. I think I see something in my tea leaves," Marcus muttered as he peered down his cup.

"What is it?" Severus asked with an amused smirk and a raised brow.

"It says that this year will be our year,"

Severus chuckled and shook his head before slowly rising from his seat. His eyes quickly drifted towards the Gryffindor table where met Evans's green eyes once more. Severus gave the girl a playful wink and she smiled back.

"Nah," Severus said turning back to his friends. "Nothing really changes,"