I'm not really happy with this chapter and I kept rewriting it, but this is the best i could make. Also, my exams are going on right now and that is the only reason I'm not updating as usual. Totally. That's the reason.

But anyway, please review! And tell me what you would like to see in the next chapter!...

"But Remus!" James whined. "Why not?"

"Because James," Remus said patiently in a patronising manner. "We can no longer afford those extra detentions we are going to get."

Two days earlier...

"Yay Lupin! Your finally out of that stink hole!" James exclaimed happily, bouncing over to hug his friend. Madame Pomfrey glared at him as she did the last check up.

Sirius was grinning off to one corner and whispering something to Peter who was gesturing violently.

"What are those two upto?" Remus asked suspiciously, squinting his eyes questioningly at James.

"Nothing."

"James," Remus began warningly.

BANG!

A large fruit basket appeared before him. But inside the basket wasn't fruits, but chocolates. And upon closer inspection, Remus realised that the basket itself was made of chocolate - each square a different flavour altogether.

Remus was staring at the breakfast as if he was experiencing Christmas in Heaven.

"Earth to Lupin!" Sirius said waving his hands about.

"Sweet Merlin.." Remus swooned.

Madame Pomfrey hovered disapprovingly. "Don't do anything to make him faint dearies. He isn't all as well as he thinks."

"I love all of you.." That was the last coherent thought they could get out of him for quite a while after that.

Present...

"... and so we cannot plan a massive prank for for next month." Remus finished listing all his reasons.

"Alright." Peter said, a bored look on his face. "No pranks."

"What else is there to do?" Sirius asked.

"You needn't look so shocked." Remus said rolling his eyes.

They eventually decided on doing their homework. After an hour of debating. They. Decided. On. Doing. Their. Homework.

XXXXXXXX

Fabian and Gideon swooped into their conversation, without a care about the previous topic of discussion.

"How would you guys feel about the fact that we are letting you help us on the Christmas Prank?" Gideon asked smirking self satisfactorily.

"Indescribably bored." James drawled.

The twins raised an eyebrow in sync. "Bored eh? Think you can make a better prank?"

"Think?" Sirius snorted. "We know we can."

"Really?"

"Yes you dolts." Remus joined in. "Or do we have to spell everything out for you? The big second year babies."

Their faces grew red with anger and a hint of embarrassment. Fabian challenges them to a prank war beginning in December.

Without thinking about it, they agreed. "The more pranks there are and the quality of the pranks, both matters."

The Marauders nodded.

"We will enjoy crushing you then." The twins turned on their heels and stalked away.

"Well apparently we're part of a Prank War now." Peter said.

Remus groaned. "Just when I thought we could not plan pranks."

"Oh don't be such a sop Lupin. You know you love magic and mischief together just as much as we do." James rolled his eyes.

"And how much exactly, do we pray, love it?" Sirius asked questioningly, grey eyes alight with mischief.

Peter rolled his eyes heaven ward. "Stupid boy..."

"Finish your transfiguration essay." Remus said.

And that was that.

No one wanted to anger the mastermind behind the pranks. If Lupin withdrew his planning and ideas and techniques, then they would be screwed. Especially with the Prank War coming up.

XXXXXXX

Meanwhile in the girls' dormitory...

Marlene was trying to apply mascara onto Alice's eyelids, but she kept fluttering her eyelashes.

"Merlin! Keep still for once, won't you!" McKinnon muttered angrily as a line smudged across her forehead. "That's the third bloody time that happened."

"Calm down Marlene." Lily said from where she was sitting at her bed, almost hidden behind an enormous volume. "I'm sure Alice isn't doing it on purpose."

"I wouldn't be so sure." Jackie muttered, trying to complete her essay. "I wouldn't put anything past Alice."

Alice smiled sweetly. "I'm sorry. It just keeps happening. This thing called blinking you know.."

"Can it Prewett!"

Alice shook her head in disbelief causing Marlene's hand to skid across her face. McKinnon threw her hands up into the air, "I give up!"

"Now now, that isn't like you at all." Jackie said grinning. "Giving up after just one try... Tsk tsk."

"First, that wasn't one try. That must have been my fifth attempt! Second, she's doing it on purpose!"

"She wasn't, were you Alice?" Lily asked serenely.

"Your all against me that's what." Marlene moaned. "Now no try getting Longbottom Prewett."

Alice flushed. "Wha.. Th.. He.. I.. Oh never mind!"

Jackie smirked. "That was well put Alice. I believe it convinced all of us that you didn't have a crush on him after all."

"Good. Cause I don't." Alice said completely missing her sarcastic tone.

All three girls shook their heads in disbelief at their thick friend.

XXXXXXX

James had got a letter from his mother. And one from his father as well because his father wanted to tell him things, that his mother would definitely not approve of.

Dear James

How has it been so far dear? Both of us are fine here and Poky's been having a blast without you to pick after. Dad misses you, though he won't admit it. I miss you the most though.

Have you pulled any prank James? I was expecting to get a letter form Dumbledore in the first week. And when I didn't, well... Let's just say I threw a grand party. I hope your listening to my advice, and keeping out of trouble. I only want the best for my Jamie!

I think the Quidditch Pitch misses you. It's bee wet throughout the week, even though it hasn't been raining. How are Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick? They taught me back when I was a student.

I hope your doing well in your studies love. And please try to keep out of trouble. Don't get detention too often! And don't call the Slytherins names. Even if they are no good jerks.

I love you so much! I baked cookies this week, so expect a parcel! Remember your dear old mum, when your having fun please.

Ever loved—

Lots of Love and Food

Mum

James smiled as he read the letter. He missed his home a lot. He missed his parents the most. The were the only family he had ever known. Until now.

Jamie-poo

I love you so much it's almost hard to bear son.

Also, I've sent you a package with something very valuable inside. It's an invisibility cloak. Use it well and use it for the benefit of the sacred sanctimonious society of servers of the pranking community.

Send me a list of all your achievements and your pranks. And tell me what you have in mind. I'll help you out as best as I can but your mum almost caught me while I was posting this letter.

I told her it was a letter of formal correspondence and that I was not allowed to show it to her. Of course, she thought it was all pooh-hooey but the important thing is that she didn't push it.

Also, got any girls lately?

Love

Dad

"I love you too dad." James mumbled. But did you really have to bring that subject up again?

XXXXXXX

Peter was pigging out in the kitchen. He was feeling hungry and when none of the others had volunteered to get food, he had decided to go by himself.

The house elves were unsurprising courteous and brought him all the food he desired.

Life was good.

XXXXXXX

Dumbledore was musing as he looked into the Pensieve. He thought about the Marauders, as they had nicknamed themselves.

They would prove to be so much. And they would be excellent leaders as well. He couldn't wait to see what they had in store for the school.

Remus, the werewolf, had also fit in well. He thought that they would realises about his 'condition' sooner or later and because of that he was grateful.

They wouldn't leave him.

XXXXXXX