Thursday 1st September 1977

Hogwarts Express, 10:50

"You're both leaving us?" Sirius asked in dismay as James and Remus made their way to the door.

"Padfoot, you know that there's a Prefect's meeting at the start of each train ride," Remus said with a sigh and then he nodded at James. "And the Head Boy and Girl need to head it up."

Sirius just pouted, even though he knew it was true. It just hadn't completely occurred to him that that equalled two of his friends leaving them.

"That sucks. Can't you cancel it?"

James opened his mouth to answer but was beaten to the punch by Remus.

"No. No, he can't." He grabbed James by the arm. "Come on, the Head Boy can't be late."

"They can't start without me," James retorted but allowed himself to be dragged out of the compartment. "See you all layer."

Sirius waved at him but he didn't think James saw him. He was too busy trying to stay balanced as Remus dragged him along - Remus was strong.

That left him and Peter alone. It was weird having only half of their group. The compartment seemed to be very big.

"So," Peter said awkwardly.

Sirius didn't know why. It wasn't like they didn't know each other or something. They were both Marauders, they didn't need James or Remus around to have fun. They didn't.

Sirius looked at the expectant looking Peter and sighed. Okay. Maybe they did.

"Any news since your last letter?" Sirius asked.

Not there had been much from that. Peter hadn't really done anything this summer - his dad was a Hit Wizard so didn't get much free time due to the current climate.

"Not really. Just that dad got in from an eighteen-hour shift and almost slept for the same amount of time."

"Sounds like Remus after a full moon."

"He wasn't that bad."

They both laughed at that, Remus was a pretty heavy sleeper after the full moon. Not that that was a bad thing but it was funny considering he woke to most noises every other night.

"What about you?" Peter asked. "Do anything with the Potters?"

"Went briefly to their holiday home in Spain but not for long. Mr Potter had some sort of big project going on that he needed to be in country for."

"Oh?"

"Some potion. They mainly entertained visitors. The Potters seem to enjoy that."

And not entertaining visitors like his parents did. No, this was proper visits by people where there were no political machinations and smarming up to people. It was actually kind of nice, if odd, to see.

"That sounds busy."

"Did you know that he considers Alastor Moody his uncle and Bathilda Bagshot his aunt?"

"Hey, doesn't she write our History textbooks?"

"Exactly! And Moody is just about the best Auror the Ministry has ever had!"

Yes, he was a bit of a fan of Moody's and yes, he had acted like an idiot around him. But that was beside the point. The point was that Alastor Moody actually came to the Potter's home and stayed for a whole evening! And he was James' godfather! What the hell?

"What are they like?"

"Bagshot is exactly like you would think someone really into history would be - full of stories, really cool ones. And she's travelled loads."

She also told them about a few more secret passageways that they hadn't known about, which Sirius couldn't wait to explore. Hey, you didn't become the expert in the History of Hogwarts and not know about the passageways.

Maybe she was just as cool as Moody.

"Are you sure you're okay with this?" James asked worriedly as they made their way along the train.

Remus sighed. "Prongs, James, we've been over this. I'm honestly thrilled that you're Head Boy."

Merlin he wouldn't have made a good one, no way. Besides the fact that he basically went missing once a month, Remus knew he wasn't that approachable or well known. James was. And he was far friendlier to people than he was. And could suffer Fool's more.

"Are you sure?"

"James."

"Okay, okay." James anxiously tugged at his robes and ran his hand through his hair. "Merlin, this is weird."

What was weird was seeing James without any of his usual confidence. It was actually quite jarring. Who would have thought that something as simple as being given the Head Boy position would have thrown him so much?

"You'll be fine."

Because James was always fine. He always managed to work things out and Remus was sure that this was going to be no different.

"How do you know, Moony? It's not like any of us were expecting this! I mean - it's me, James Potter. The person with the most detentions and probably most points lost in the school. The guy who's always playing pranks, never taking anything seriously. The guy who -"

And Remus had to cut him off there with a hand over his mouth. That was quite enough of the self-deprecating thought and this was coming from him.

"You. Are. Going. To. Be. Fine."

James gave him an anxious look. It was a look that really didn't belong on his face.

"Do you really think so?"

Remus softened, realising that James was seriously worried about this as opposed to simply overthinking it. Oh, he was overthinking it as well but that was down to the worry.

"I really do, Prongs. You wouldn't have been chosen otherwise."

He really was going to do a good job; Remus just knew it. James Potter was a natural leader. He was going to be a great Head Boy.

James took a deep breath. And then another one and he visibly calmed down. Good. It wouldn't do for the Head Boy to look nervous.

"I guess you're right."

"I always am."

He wasn't known as the smart one of the Marauders for no reason, after all. That earned him a light shove.

"Ah, ah, ah!" Remus mock scolded, wagging a finger in his face. "Head Boys can't be seen fighting!"

He laughed as James gave him another shove for his efforts. There was the James he knew. He just had to be distracted a little.

James' good mood stayed until they were one carriage away from the Prefect's one. Of course, the Marauder's carriage was basically the furthest one away. Now he looked all worried again.

"What am I even supposed to say at this meeting? What is the Head Boy supposed to do?"

"Didn't McGonagall explain your duties with you at that meeting you and Lily had to go to at the end of summer?"

"Well, yes but she didn't tell me what I had to say."

What if he messed it up? What if he made no sense? What if the other Prefects didn't like him? Remis could literally see all this questions swirl about James. He couldn't hide his emotions at all.

"I wonder who replaced Lily as Gryffindor Prefect?" Remus wondered.

A look of recognition flashed across James' face.

"McGonagall told me. Well, me and Evans." James responded. "Jones got it."

Jones was a good sort. He was glad it was her and not MacDonald or Smith.

"She'll be good," Remis said approvingly.

"Yeah," James ran a hand through his hair and gave him a guilty look. "Is it bad that I'm glad that Dorcas didn't get it?"

"She's on the Quidditch Team, isn't she?"

"Yeah, she's one of my best. I wouldn't want her distracted by Prefect duties. Though, I am surprised that she hadn't been chosen, she is one of the best students in Gryffindor after Evans."

That was very true, Dorcas Meadowes was very intelligent. Too intelligent sometimes. She had a smart mouth which was probably why she wasn't chosen.

"Right, no more distractions!" Remus scolded, realising that they hadn't moved and were blocking the corridor. He gave James a shove. "Time to go be Head Boy."

Prefect's Carriage, 11:45

"So, what should we do now?" James asked as all of the Prefects had left.

Remus had looked extremely happy that the patrols had mostly been given to the new fifth year Prefects. It gave them a chance to get used to their newfound authority somewhat without the need to take points or anything. They could assign people a detention but that was for serious rule breaches. The train wasn't exactly the same as being at school. The rules were more relaxed. Perfect for the fifth years. Of course, their patrols would be intersped (and overlapped) with the sixth and seventh years to give them backup of needed.

As Head Girl and Boy, neither of them was going to do patrols, thank Merlin, so they could be available to anyone who needed them.

"I think we should stay here for a while. So, everyone can find us easily if they need to."

James couldn't help but scrunch up his nose at that suggestion.

"Boring."

"Part of the job, Potter."

He sighed. "Oh, I know. Do you think we'll have to be here the whole journey?"

Just waiting? That sounded awful. Well, spending time with Evans could never be awful but sitting around just waiting in case something happened? Now that was just torture. He'd much rather be with his friends - planning pranks. Now, that was important. Probably not a good idea to say that to Evans.

Evans looked thoughtful and shook her head.

"Maybe half? Or a third?"

That was still a lot of time but far more manageable.

"Sure."

It wasn't like he could do anything but agree. Well, he could suggest a shorter time frame but he didn't think that would go over too well with her.

So that's what they did. They waited. And waited. And waited some more. Every now and then one of the Prefects would pop in to say they had to tell someone off or to warn them about something but mostly they were by themselves. Which meant that they couldn't very well sit in silence so they did what anyone would do. They talked. And talked.

Evans was pretty fun to talk to. Well, he had already figured that out from last year, taking over Remus' Prefect shifts at the full moon and all. But not having to do anything but sitting around and not having to concentrate on anything else made the conversation come an awful lot easier.

He found out that she was the middle of three sisters but one was a muggle and had already left school. She also had a flower name, Petunia, but that was all Evans would say about her. She had known Snape since they were eight, maybe nine. They lived near each other and he was the one who told her about magic. That was pretty cool.

He told her about being an only child but basically growing up with Frank. About how magic had always been around him and how weird it was to him that there were places not like that. But he did tell her how his parents also liked non-magical things and saw the benefits of pens and electrical lighting - though they still hadn't managed to figure out a way to get the felly-vision thing to work in a place with a lot of ambient magic. Which Potter Manor definitely had, what with his dad's potions and the wards.

"Television," Evans said with a laugh. "And that's why electrical objects won't work in places like Hogwarts? Ambient magic?"

"Definitely the case for Hogwarts," James agreed. "It wouldn't even be able to have electrical lighting and magic doesn't really affect those at all. Unless there's an explosion." James amended.

One of his dad's more impressive explosions had blown out all the lights on the floor he was on as well as the one directly above and below him.

She laughed at that but then looked puzzled when he also didn't laugh. Plunging into sudden darkness was nothing to laugh about.

"So that's why witches and wizards don't use electrical things."

"Well, kind of," James corrected her. "Some," a lot really but he wasn't going to tell her that, "just turn their noses up at muggle things. Think they are below them."

"But not your family."

"No way. Sure, spells are more accurate than a lot of muggle things but if there's something muggle that makes life easier than the magical counterpart then my family's all for it."

"That's a pretty sensible way of going about it."

"Shocked that Potters can be sensible?" James couldn't help but tease.

She flushed at that but didn't deny it. Red stained cheeks looked lovely on her. He'd have to try and do that again. Though, he didn't think that she would appreciate it so soon.

Changing tact, James asked, "Are you looking forward to this year?"

"Oh, I don't know. Yes. No? Yes, because it's Hogwarts but..." she trailed off, unable to put her thoughts into words.

"It's our last year and then it will all be done," James finished for her. "And we'll be thrown out into the big, wide world."

Lily shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Something like that."

"Well, what do you want to do when you leave Hogwarts?"

She put her hands over her ears. "Oh, don't talk about leaving already. The year hasn't even begun yet."

James couldn't help but laugh which earned him a light swat on the arm.

"It's not funny, Potter. I hate endings."

"It's also going to be a beginning."

"I guess..."

When did things turn so melancholy?

"You do Healing, don't you? Thinking of making that a career?"

She shook her head. "No, I don't think I could cope with the stress. It's interesting and useful but I don't want to take it any further."

"Huh, I thought you were really into it."

"I liked how it gives me the opportunity to brew more," Evans explained. "And knowing how to do basic Healing is always a good thing to know."

James thought back to all of accidents he had got into when he was younger and all the accidents his dad still got into and agreed wholeheartedly with her.

"Definitely. Sometimes you need a quick fix and don't have time to get to a hospital."

"Exactly."

"Well, I want to be an Auror, get the bad guys and all that."

Put people away who hurt other people. Keep people safe. That's what James wanted to do. He didn't understand why people hurt other people.

"Yes, I think the whole of Gryffindor Tower knows you and Black want to do that," she said drily.

Now it was James' turn to blush. Maybe they had gone on a bit much about it. But it was only for a few days! Way back around Careers talks in Fifth Year. And maybe some more last year. But just a bit!

"Yes, well, it's a pretty cool job," he said defensively.

Lots of action alongside the helping people. To very good reasons to do it in his opinion.

Evans just rolled her eyes at him but it wasn't as scathing as it usually was.

James stretched and then fumbled in his pocket for his watch.

"Hey, it's about two now. We could probably head back to our compartments."

He knew that Remus would be back - his patrol had been one of the first. The beauty of being a seventh year Prefect - first dibs on the patrols. Though, the fifth years hadn't exactly wanted to stand out. They had let everyone else do the talking and organising - still finding their feet and all that.

Hopefully Sirius and Peter had left the compartment in one piece. Those two could get pretty chaotic when left alone together - no rhyme nor reason to their madness. Now, when it was just his and Sirius something spectacular always happened.

"I suppose," she said reluctantly.

He didn't know why - it wasn't like anyone had needed any of their help. They had literally just been sitting here this whole time.

"Want to join me in my compartment?" James offered. "That way at least were together if something does happen."

Still a long shot, in his opinion but maybe it would sooth her a bit. And je kind of didn't want to stop talking with her. It was nice to do just that without her telling him off or calling him names.

"I left Severus alone with Marlene," Lily said with a frown.

James shrugged. "Bring them too."

"Really?"

Sure, he didn't exactly like Snape but he didn't hate him either. And Marlene was always fun. Though how much fun they would have with Snape around he wasn't sure. Evans also looked doubtful at this.

"I'm not sure..."

"It's up to you."

She chewed on her bottom lip for a minute and then nodded.

"Sure, why not? It would be a shame to stop talking now and I'd like to know more about the national Quidditch Teams."

James beamed at her. "You do?"

"Yes," she nodded and stood up, giving herself a stretch. "I need to know what one to support."

"Oh, that would be the Chudley Cannons."

"Aren't those the ones that always lose?"

"They're going to have their time! Just you wait!"

Lily and Severus' Carriage, 12:10

"Are you sure you heard him, right?" Severus asked sceptically.

There was just no way that that was what Potter said to her.

"Heard what right?" McKinnon asked, returning from the toilet.

"Potter invited us to his compartment so him and I are in the same place in case something happens that we need to sort out."

"All of us or just you?" McKinnon asked.

"All of us," Lily said with a sigh and then gave Severus a pointed look. "All three of us."

"She's definitely got hit by a befuddlement charm or something," Severus informed McKinnon. "Potter doesn't like me."

"I think he's got over that now," McKinnon told him, looking like she was trying to hold back a laugh.

This wasn't funny! Potter wanting him over was cause for serious concern!

"I'm perfectly fine and either you come with us or you stay here by yourself." Lily said with a tone of finality.

Severus thought about it, seriously considering staying by himself but Lily shot down that option really quick.

"And the second option is not a real option!"

Severus sighed. Of course, it wasn't.

"Fine then."

Lily beamed. "Perfect."

It was not perfect. In fact, it was pretty damn awkward. The most awkward situation he had ever been in and he had once accidentally walked in on Leila Lestrange snogging some boy toy of hers a few years ago. Yeah, that had been awkward. And the look she had given him still haunted Severus. At least that wouldn't happen here. He hoped, anyway. Nothing should traumatise him.

Potter evidently realised just how awkward this was becoming because he was looking around the carriage with an overly large smile on his face. He looked like a clown.

"I was telling Evans here if she wanted to support an English Quidditch Team that she ought to be supporting the Chudley Cannons," Potter said, his voice sounding loud in the awkward silence of the carriage.

That comment effectively broke it.

"Ballycastle Bats, you mean," McKinnon said, poking him in the chest.

Which was quite amusing considering she barely reached his chest.

"No, no, no!" Black said, shaking his head. "You're both wrong. Holyhead Harpies is the way to go."

"You're only saying that because it's all women," Potter said with an eyeroll.

That sounded about right for Black.

"Attractive women who aren't afraid of hard work? Skilled women? A team who is actually on the league tables?" Black listed and then nodded. "Yeah, Holyhead Harpies all the way."

"And he's got a crush on one of their Beaters," Pettigrew chimed in.

"Oh, really?" Lily asked, raising an eyebrow.

Black actually blushed.

"She's really talented, okay?"

Of course, that made all of them fall into Quidditch conversation. It was always easy to forget that Lily actually enjoyed Quidditch - they didn't talk about it much because Severus didn't really care for the sport. Or, at least, she enjoyed the House matches. More than simple House pride - she even attended all the matches Gryffindor wasn't in.

Severus sighed. He knew he should have just stayed in his compartment. At least he would have got some reading done. There was no way that was going to happen with all this noise. Suddenly, Lupin sat himself next to him.

"I'm not that into Quidditch either," the sandy-haired boy confided. "It's fun to watch but that's as far as I go."

"That's more than me."

The only reason he ever went out onto those awful stands was if he was dragged. And for the final matches of the season because even he wasn't that oblivious.

"You like Defence, don't you?" Lupin asked suddenly.

Yes, he did. Mainly because, in his opinion, it was always good to know how to revert curses and such.

"Yes..."

Lupin pulled something from his schoolbag that he inexplicably had outside of his trunk.

"There's this really cool article in the 'Bubbling Cauldron' about curse designation and how this effects what we do to counter them."

Ah, yes. One of the unfortunately few research magazines that were out there. Unfortunately, most of the market was taken up by such tripe as Witch's Weekly and the like. 'The Bubbling Cauldron' had originally been just for Potions research and breakthroughs but it had branched out to other subjects like Defence. Not Transfiguration, though. It had its own magazine dedicated to it. There were other Potions-only magazine but they were more aimed at Researchers and the like. 'The Bubbling Cauldron' was easier to read. And tended to ha e a broader range of topics.

"Is it much good?" Severus found himself asking.

Lupin nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes, see, it says here..."

And with that, the two of them bent their heads over the article as the very vigorous Quidditch conversation continued around them.

Monday 5th September 1977

Auror Academy, 10:00

Kingsley stood up as straight as he could in the ragtag line, he and the other Auror recruits had formed. His stomach was churning and he tried not to chew on his lip. At least he wasn't sweating like the guy four people down from him. He could already see dark patches forming under his arms, yuck. What was also disgusting was the smell of sweat in the air. They all smelled of it. It was worse than the Boys Dorm in third year. Before they had all discovered deodorising spells.

It was the first day of training at the Auror Academy. Well. Registration, anyway. Kingsley doubted that they would actually get around to much. How there had been even more parchment work to fill out was beyond him. Granted, most of these were about the courses they would be doing and choosing the single elective one they could do. Not that there were many of those - only three. Kingsley hated that - how was he supposed to know what he wanted to do when he hadn't even started training?

"They've condensed the course," Callum whispered to him.

"What?"

"I looked up old training manuals. It's supposed to take three years to train. This has been all pushed into eighteen months."

"What?"

"No talking!" an instructor barked, making them all stand up a little bit taller.

Hey, first impressions were important and Kingsley didn't want to be pegged as someone who didn't make an effort at everything.

"Being an Auror is a serious business," the instructor continued. "Even more so in times like were currently living in."

People either shuffled their feet nervously or had steely expressions on their faces at that.

The older man nodded approvingly. "It will be hard work."

"Aye, and lots of you won't make it," the rougher looking Auror growled out.

"Yes, Moody, I was just about to say that."

"Get a move on, then, Barton."

Great, they were going to have an impatient instructor. That didn't bode well for them.

"You'll be pleased to know that you are the first round of recruits that are going to be going through the new course." Barton said, walking up and down the line.

"The world out there is dangerous," Moody growled. "More dangerous that it has been in generations past and we need all the best, well-trained Aurors we can get."

Kingsley puffed out his chest. That's what he wanted to be.

"As soon as we can get them," Moody added.

"Hence why your training will be shorter and far more intense," Barton finished.

And that made him promptly deflate. Shorter training? More intense training? Wasn't this meant to be one of the most intense courses in the first place? How on earth were they going to make it more intense?

"Anyone who doesn't feel like they're up for it, well, there's the door," Moody told them, jabbing a finger at the door behind them.

None of them turned around to look though there was some shuffling and Kingsley hears the door open and close.

"First ones gone," Barton said grimly. "Let's see how long the rest of you last."

Wednesday 7th September 1977

Madam Malkins, 11:00

Frank pushed his way into the store, making the bell above him jingle.

"Ah, Mr Longbottom," Madam Malkin greeted. "Right on time for your appointment."

"Yes, Madam," he greeted. "Lovely morning, isn't it?"

"Very pleasant," she agreed. "Are you here for your final fitting?"

"Yes."

There was nothing nicer than brand new robes. What, with that new robe smell and everything hanging perfectly.

"One of my granddaughters will be with your shortly."

Frank nodded his agreement even though he didn't get any choice in the matter. Hopefully it wasn't Faye, he remembered Elsie telling him that the youngest Malkin had trouble with the pins. Her customers ways ended up getting pricked at one point.

"Frank!"

"Elsie!"

Yes! It was Elsie! He hadn't realised how much he had missed seeing her until he wasn't seeing her pretty much every day.

She gave him a quick hug before she realised where they were and sprang back.

"Mr Longbottom," she said formally, lips twitching.

"Miss Malkin."

No, Frank couldn't keep it up. He burst into laughter and Elsie followed suit.

"How are you doing?" He asked.

Of course, he had sent letters on his brief travels but Elsie hadn't sent much in return.

"Busy, there's so much work to be done here and it's never ending, really."

Frank looked around and saw all the robes under dust covers and books filled with measurements. Not to mention that were probably half started robes out in the back. Yes. It looked like a lot of work.

"Is it... fun?"

He never really got the impression that Elsie enjoyed sewing a robe making and such. She seemed to do it out of obligation and that was it.

She shrugged. "Sometimes, depends on the material. But it's not my dream job or anything."

"Oh."

What we're you supposed to say to that?

"I'll be doing this to help out Gran and my sisters until Faye is in Third Year," Elsie continued. "Then I can look for another job. But doing this means we get more business which means more money which wouldn't be the case if I was on a trainee or Apprentice wages."

That didn't really seem fair to Elsie but there were a lot of Malkins to look after.

"Sophie will stay on for a year or two after me," Elsie added. "Until Faye is in Fifth Year and so on. Though, Linda might stay on. She seems to be really enjoying the work now."

"It's nice to see you all support each other," Frank said kind of lamely.

"When are you and Alice getting married?" She asked, changing the subject and adjusting the underarm of his right arm slightly.

"Next summer. You'll get your invitation some time before Christmas."

Elsie looked shocked yet pleased at that. Frank didn't know why, she was one of his friends, of course she would be invited to his wedding.

"Cool, thanks."

"Hopefully Kingsley will be able to come as well," he said.

Would he be allowed to take a holiday? He wasn't sure how that worked when you were in training. Something he would have to figure out before his own.

Madam Malkin chose this moment to come out from the back of the shop with a dark look on her face.

"None of your jabbering, girlie. Mr Longbottom doesn't want to hear it," Elsie got scolded.

"It's okay," Frank assured her only to get a suspicious look in return.

Thankfully, the older woman left them alone but not without giving Elsie a sharp look. Frank found himself holding his breath until she vanished. Elsie had done the same if the shaky laugh she gave was an indication.

"Sorry about her," Elsie apologised. "She's always going on how we always need to be professional even if the customers are our friends."

"That doesn't seem very fair."

Elsie shrugged. "That's just how it is. There's plenty of work to be getting on with without us standing around and jabbering all day. Move your arm, please."

Frank did as he was told and she checked the fit of the robes from the side.

"Perfect," she declared. "You're good to go."

Frank looked at himself in the mirror and was very pleased with what he saw.