A/N : Ok so how long has It been since I updated this story? Like a year? Sorry about that, I have just been kind of burned out in the Potter-verse. But I recently got back into it and not only is the following chapter already written, but the first two chapters of the sequal as well… I just have to get going and type em up. So I would like to thank anyone who still has this story on their alert list and also welcome to anyone who is just starting to read it. Enjoy.

I don't own Harry Potter... Seriously... Stop asking to buy it from me.

Chapter 11: Quiddich and Threats.

Six shadowy figures stood in a row gripping broomsticks. One walked back and forth in front of them as if he were a general surveying his troops. "Gentlemen," the figure began forcefully. "Ladies," he continued. "Today we are here to do battle. When those doors open," he gestured over his shoulder indicating the strong oak doors behind him. "We fly. We fly fast, fly hard and give no quarter."

"Yea!" the six shouted throwing their fists in the air. Their adrenaline was high as the mighty doors slowly opened bathing the room with light illuminating the Gryffindor quiddich team. James turned to the open air and swung his leg astride his broom. "Mount up!" He commanded. The team followed his lead and as one pushed off the ground and flew a fast lap around the stands in a tight V formation. The crowd roared and rose to their feet as they passed each portion of the stands. Save for the Slytherin section that is. They opted to remain silent as Gryffindor passed. They flew to the center where the Hufflepuff team was waiting for them. The two captains strode to the middle where Professor Sinestra was set to referee the match. She was the very attractive recent Hogwarts graduate now in her first year of teaching much to the delight of every male student in attendance.

"Captains," she called her dark brown eyes shifting between the two. "Come to center and shake hands."

Jack eyed James and with a cocky wave of his hand taunted him. "You are looking confident as always Potter. Why don't you let me change that for you?"

James squared his shoulders and locked eyes with the Hufflepuff captain. "The air is my territory Jack. It's just the natural way of things."

"Well how about a wager then? You score a single goal on me today, and I'll give you a bottle of my finest American whiskey."

"And if I don't?" James questioned raising an eyebrow.

"You show me the room of requirement," Jack added with a wide grin.

James looked mildly surprised. "And just how do you know what that is?"

"Trade secret brother," Jack said with a laugh. He held his fist out to James. "May the best man win eh?"

"Aye," James nodded, raising his hand, their fists meeting.

Sinestra stepped up. "Gentlemen, I want a nice clean match. You will follow my whistle and my rules. Take your positions"

Jack looked at her and bowed with a flourish. "Of course Robin, after all who would ever dare try to cheat with your beautiful eyes keeping watch?"

Her eyes went wide and her mouth opened without words. She quickly regained her composure and narrowed her eyes at him. "Take your positions," she repeated.

James chuckled at his flustered astronomy professor as Jack walked back to take the keepers position and he took Gryffindor's center chaser spot. The teams took off into the warm air and took their positions. A moment later the quaffle was thrown into the air and the game was on. James came away with it and began streaking confidently toward the Hufflepuff goal. His fellow chasers followed him down and they began passing the ball back and forth between them dodging bludgers as they went. As soon as they came in range James heaved the quaffle forward and it arched toward the upper goal ring. The shot was grabbed however by Jack. He gave James a look and held a finger up wagging it back and forth shaking his head 'no'. Jack then sent the quaffle back into play in the capable hands of the Hufflepuff chasers. The match was moving at a furious pace as the Hufflepuffs displayed some intense skill, their rigorous practice schedule had paid off. The Hufflepuffs were playing full force and soon it was 80 to 0 in their favor. James was forced to call a time out to regroup.

The team huddled up. "Man Jack's not giving you guys a centimeter out there." Sirius said out of breath.

"And the bludgers are coming down on us like rain," Max, one of the other chasers added out of breath as well.

"Yea, have you even swung that thing today?" James asked annoyed pointing at Sirius' beaters bat.

"I've hit more bludgers than you've scored goals mate," Sirius shot back at him.

"Enough," Jenny cut in. "This isn't helping anything."

James fell silent for a moment thinking hard to devise a strategy. "I've got it!" He exclaimed and drew the team in close and began to explain.

The teams retook the sky and play resumed. The Hufflepuffs adapted fast to the new strategy and continued the shutout. At 150 to 0 James was quite disgruntled. Not even the snitch could save them until he got a goal past Jack. Gryffindor had the quaffle and was storming downfield. Out of the corner of his eye he saw both seekers begin their dive. 'Shit!' James shouted in his head 'Even a tie means I loose. I've got to do something!' Sirius was down by the Hufflepuff goals. An idea hit him. "Sirius!" James yelled getting his friend's attention. "Westguard!"

Sirius looked stunned remembering the crazy move they had invented by complete accident. "This will never work!" He yelled back moving into position nearer to the goal none the less. Jacks eyes narrowed behind his shades and he backed toward his goals protectively. James looked over his shoulder to see a bludger headed straight for him. He angled off so it passed right over him but continued on toward Sirius. James pulled the quaffle back as he watched the pace of the bludger. His timing would need to be perfect. He uttered a silent prayer in his head and let the quaffle fly straight at the left goal post. Jack moved in front to make an easy block when a loud crack was heard followed by a precisely hit bludger colliding with the quaffle. It ricochet off its goal line course and instead landed right back in James' hands who had never slowed after his initial toss. He then slammed the quaffle through the right hand goalpost like a basketball. The stands erupted into chaos after the incredible display. James turned around just in time to see the Gryffindor seeker raise the golden snitch in the air.

"Final score 160 to 150 Gryffindor wins!" The announcer shrieked dumbfounded by the amazing play. Sirius floated on his broom in stunned silence his hands on his head in shock unable to believe their last ditch move actually paid off. Both teams landed in the center amidst cheers and hugs from the fans.

"Wow." Jack said dismounting then walking up to the celebrating team in the middle of the pitch. "Just wow. I don't even mind losing to that move. How the hell did you come up with that one?"

"Trade secret brother," James shot his own words back at him with a laugh. Jack laughed shaking his head. Students swarmed down onto the pitch and lifted the victorious Gryffindors up and carried them back to the castle.

The great hall was empty for dinner that night because a party was already going on in the Gryffindor common room. Sure it was a victory against Hufflepuff and not their long time rival Slytherin but it was the last match before Christmas break and that meant party time for the Marauders. The common room was stocked with all sorts of pastries and drinks supplied by the kitchens and a mini bar supplied by Sirius. The party was in full swing music was blasting from the wireless when the door swung open revealing professor McGonagall with the usual stern look on her face. The music screeched to a halt and the second she stepped through the door the Alcohol table faded out of sight.

"As happy as I am for our victory today this celebration is in violation of several school rules," she declared. "Who is responsible?"

At that moment Sirius walked down the stairs from the dorms putting a bathrobe on. "What in Merlin's beard is going on down here?" he asked shocked. "Some of us are trying to sleep." Everyone looked over and stared at the spectacle.

"I don't buy this for a second Mr. Black," McGonagall scowled.

Sirius shrugged. "Worth a shot," he said amid quiet laughter from the room.

"How did you get up there so fast?" Yumi asked genuinely puzzled as he walked back over to the group. Sirius merely grinned at her in response.

"Enough." Their head of house began, "everyone go up to your rooms. This party is over."

Students groaned as the party began to dissipate. People grabbed the last of the food and drinks before heading off to their rooms. The marauders stood with their girls watching the party break up. "And it's only midnight too," Sirius whined as McGonagall stepped out the door. "We shouldn't actually stop the party like this."

The second the door closed behind the stern witch the liquor table popped back into existence. "We have to," James sighed. "Nice ward work on that table by the way. Who did it?"

"I borrowed it from the Ravenclaws," Remus announced. "Someone needs to think ahead here."

"Nice work Remmy," Yumi said kissing him on the cheek.

"Well these two sure weren't going to plan anything out for getting caught," Jenny taunted James and Sirius.

Sirius snorted. "We never get caught."

"You just did!" Lily exclaimed exasperatedly.

"No we didn't," James corrected her. "We had that… disappearing… table… thing."

"Remus got that for you!" Yumi defended. "You didn't plan anything.

"We planned on Remus having a plan," James responded revealing his and Sirius' plan. "He is the plan guy for the Marauders after all."

"Wait. What?" Jenny asked puzzled

James fell back into the squishy armchair behind him smacking himself in the forehead. "C'mon mate," Sirius chastised. "Secret organization."

"All those school wide pranks all those years with the mysterious marauder signature were you guys?" Lilly gasped.

"Great now we have to obliviate them," Sirius sighed drawing his wand. "Again…" he trailed off. "If you keep doing this it's gonna fry their brains." The three girls looked horrified and drew each of their wands in defense. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Joke. It was just a joke. I'm just trying to lighten the mood."

"This just goes to prove that I'm the smart Marauder," Remus sighed. "I think the jig is finally up boys."

"No way," Jenny cut them off. "Everyone knows they graduated last year. There have been no pranks by them this year. Sure you guys pull some pretty good ones, but nothing like them. They must have graduated."
"No," James replied simply. "We are just luring everyone into a false sense of security for our final big end of the year prank." James smiled staring off into space as he imagined his dream prank. Lily's stern glare however brought him back to the present. "That and I'm a lot more mature of course."

"Wow all this time you guys have been the Marauders?" Yumi asked Remus completely flabbergasted.

"Yes," he conceded. "But don't tell anyone."

"Oooh are we keeping secrets in here?" Everyone spun around to find Jack stepping through the portrait hole. "Party over already? Doesn't seem like you James… Polyjuice perhaps?" Jack laughed to himself and looked around. "Remind me to teach you how we throw parties in America. I mean really. It's not even 1 in the morning yet."

"McGonagall broke up the party," Sirius enlightened him. "Where have you been anyway?"

"Detention," Jack replied with a wistful grin. "For what I said to professor Sinestra on the pitch before the match started."

"That seems a bit harsh," James noted.

"Well she may have been a Hufflepuff in her day," Jack began. "But she can be mean when she wants to be."

Flashback

Jack jogged down a dark hallway to a tall spiraling staircase. He ran up it as fast as he could and then skidded to a stop in front of Professor Sinestra's office and dorm. He caught his breath then knocked. A moment later the door opened. Professor Sinestra had on a pair of comfortable blue pajama pants and a blue spaghetti strap tank top sporting the phrase: "How would you like to Huffle these Puffs?" in yellow, which left her toned stomach exposed.

"You're late," she stated immediately locking eyes with him.

"I'm sorry professor I-" Jack was promptly cut off.

"No excuses. Did you think it was funny to try and embarrass me today?" she questioned harshly.

"No professor," he replied quickly

"Neither do I." She reached up in a flash grabbing his tie and pulling him closer. "You have been a bad boy." She licked her lips slowly. "It's time for your detention Jack." She pulled him by his tie through the door and closed it behind him.

End Flashback

"Jack? Jaaaack?" Sirius was waving his hand in front of his friend's eyes, which were still even at this late hour hidden by his sunglass, trying to get his attention.

Jack shook his head and was brought back to the present with a wide grin. "Sorry. It was an interesting detention." Everyone looked at him mildly puzzled save for Sirius who gave him a knowing wink and flashed the thumbs up. "Anyway here ya go," Jack held out a bottle to James spinning it on the palm of his hand. "Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey." He stated in an elaborate faked southern drawl. "Yer winnins." He looked around the deserted common room. "Maybe it will come in handy the next time you wild Brits have another crazy party," he laughed rolling his eyes.

James took the bottle from him and Jack turned to leave. "See you next time mate," he called to Jack. Jack waved over his shoulder to him as he stepped through the portrait.

The Christmas holidays came up quickly for the students of Hogwarts. Nearly every Slytherin left for home, which proved problematic for Peter Pettigrew and Frank Longbottom who got into a fight on the train. The other three Marauders stayed behind as did the girls. Most people went home to be with their families because of Voldemort and his war. Others stayed because they figured Hogwarts would be the safest place for them during said war. Jack was unable to get home due to the difficulty of getting an international portkey to America.

Christmas morning Remus was rudely awoken by a jet of water to the face. "Gaaah! Bloody hell!" Remus sputtered thoroughly soaked. "What on Earth are you doing?"

"Happy Christmas Rem," Sirius said nonchalantly. "I got a drying charm for you!"

A slight breeze rippled over his body and he dried almost instantly. "That better not be all you got me," Remus added slightly perturbed as he lay back down. He glimpsed the window and sat back up. "What time is it?"

"5:30 in the morning," Sirius replied. "And that isn't all I got you. I got you two!" Sirius shouted repeating the process of soaking then drying him. Sirius laughed the whole while but Remus wasn't too pleased. "Now get up."

"Would you quit doing that! And are you crazy? It's too early" Remus' head hit the pillow and pulled the blankets over his head. "Even for opening presents."

Sirius gasped clutching his heart. "How dare you! It's never too early for presents. But that's not what this is even about. It's Marauder business. Now get up." Sirius pulled the blankets off him then placed a sticking charm on them and tossing them to the floor.

The room's fireplace flared to life and James stepped out of green flames. "Isn't he up yet? We don't have much time before they unhook us from the floo network."

"How did it even get hooked up in the first place?" Remus asked quickly. Immediately getting worried as to how this had occurred. "Whatever it is it isn't gonna get us put in Azkaban is it?"

"Less talk more getting dressed Mate," James said tossing Remus his robe. Remus dressed as fast as he could. "Okay Rem. Follow us we are going to Gringotts. Just say 'Gringotts Riptooth's office." In a flash he was gone followed by Sirius. Remus followed them increasingly puzzled. He arrived to see Sirius being handed a gold ring about a foot across the middle by a short goblin, presumably Riptooth. "And now its portkey time." The three of them gripped the ring. "Happy Christmas Remus."

"Where are we going?" Remus looked at James and demanded not too pleased with being swept out of his bed and given no explanation. His question remained unanswered however as he felt a jerk behind his naval and was teleported away. When he landed it was warm and rather humid and he found himself falling to his knees in sand. "Okay enough! What is going on?" Remus demanded as he regained his bearings and stood up. "Where are we?"

James and Sirius began to laugh seeing how annoyed he was getting. Remus looked between the both of them waiting for a response while the cool salty waves began to lap at his feet. "Here, read this aloud," James instructed him handing him a slip of folded parchment.

Remus took the paper and unfolded it. "I am Moony of the Crescent Moon." A flash of magic surrounded him and his whole body tingled for a moment. "What was all that for?"

"Turn around mate," James stated pointing over Remus' shoulder. Remus turned and his jaw dropped. A huge manor house stood where there was just sand and a few palm trees a moment ago. It was a three story Victorian looking house. There was a courtyard gardens and even adjoining boathouse connected to a small inlet that led to the water. "The paper was just us making you the secret keeper and ward master of Crescent Moon Island."

"Happy Christmas mate," Sirius said slapping him on the shoulder.

Remus barely felt the blow he was so stunned. He was staring and his mouth dropped open as he surveyed the beautiful tropical island. "You mean this is all…" He trailed off.

"All yours," James confirmed. "Just let me use your quiddich pitch sometime."
Remus was dumbfounded. "Quiddich pitch? I... I can't accept this. A huge house... It's way too much."

"Actually the house was not enough. The whole island is yours." Sirius informed him. "It was one of the Black family properties. And I'm technically head of my family though I'll never claim that title. But I can still do whatever I want with our assets."

"Then I had a company the Potter family owns build this place and set up the wards, a fidelius and it was already unplottable… So… that's pretty cool…" James continued where Sirius left off. "It's all yours of course, but we figured you would let us use it as the Marauder hang out. And maybe you could let me have my wedding here someday."

"That's a deal mate," Remus was near tears. "I'll only accept this if you guys use it just as much as I do."

"Deal!" Sirius agreed. "Now we have 20 minutes until our dorm's fire reconnects to the floo network. And that window only lasts for five minutes so we can't be late." The next 20 minutes were spent exploring the house. On the bottom floor they began in the kitchens. They were big. A huge dining table that resembled a house table from the great hall was inside. James commented on giving the kitchens a Hogwarts feel. Also he mentioned getting a few house elves to work here but they hadn't been able to get one yet. Next was the common room. It was very big as well complete with couches chairs and a roaring fireplace. They then toured the most impressive room in the house: The game room. It was full of muggle games like air hockey, foosball, pool and even a pinball machine. "I dunno if you noticed Moony, but the way we had the wards configured muggle electrical things will work in this room. Like that pinball machine. Only thing is, magic is dampened in here. It's a lot harder to cast. Also don't cast any spells on the muggle stuff. Sirius found that out the hard way. That is technically our second pinball machine." Remus laughed and the inspection continued. In the boathouse there was a sleek red boat parked inside. Once on it, it was clearly enchanted to hold more people and Remus was told came with charms to keep people from falling overboard. "That will come in handy during party cruises," James laughed. On the deck outside there was a hot tub and grill. The deck also had a nice view of the regulation sized quiddich pitch stretching across a good portion of the island. The second floor held a library boasting an impressive amount of shelves containing books on every imaginable topic. Next to that was a potions lab and further down the hall there was even a fully stocked infirmary.

"I have a feeling we are gonna end up in this room a lot," Remus said with a grimace.

"Yeah especially after I kick your arse in the dueling room," Sirius said waving then to the next room. "We tried to get it enchanted like the room of requirement, or even just the great hall ceiling. But my research so far has turned up nothing about how they work."

"Your research?" Remus questioned. "That must have been an interesting fifteen minutes for you."

"Yea," Sirius responded oblivious to the taunt. "It was fairly intense." The final upper floor held the bedrooms. There were four main rooms, one for each Marauder and then several smaller rooms for visitors and friends. The three Marauders only had time to look out the windows and survey the pitch wishing they could play a bit before they had to get back. Unfortunately their time ran out and they headed to the common room to floo back to the castle. They came out of the dorm's fireplace leaving the warm sea air behind them. "It's cold here," Sirius immediately grumbled after his arrival. "Let's go back." He turned around to face the fire again.

"Let's go to breakfast," Remus countered grabbing his arm.

"Let's open presents!" James shouted winning the argument immediately. Soon all the gifts were unwrapped and the three Gryffindors finally succumb to their hunger and made their way to the great hall for breakfast. Very few students remained and there were only about twenty students at breakfast that morning. Most were sleeping in or still opening gifts. The boys feasted on the delicious food the house elves had made.

Sirius lay back on the wide open Gryffindor bench. "Best Christmas ever," he stated simply. "And the girls haven't even thanked us for our gifts yet." He added wiggling his eyebrows.

The remaining Christmas holiday passed much too quickly for everyone's liking. Before anyone knew it classes were back in full swing and students began to worry about finals. Students other that Sirius that was. "Come on James," Sirius whined as he was led between shelves in the library. "Were the top transfiguration students like, ever right? We already got accepted into the Auror academy. Why are you making me study?"

"Making you study is the best way for me to study. I have been the top transfiguration student of our year every year so far. And I want to be the top transfiguration student of their year for seven years. No one has ever done that before," he stated proudly. "I could end up in Hogwarts a History, for that."

"Oh please James," Sirius countered. "No one ever reads nor will ever read that book."

"Auror Academy eh?" A slippery voice sneered from the other side of the shelves. Lucius Malfoy stepped around the corner. "No matter. Once the dark lord takes over, the Aurors will be the first ones to die. Perhaps you should consider changing sides Black. Be smart like the rest of your family."

"Yea," Sirius replied. "Ye I'll join you." Several books were heard falling from the other side of the shelves. "Are there meetings?" Sirius rolled his eyes. "I don't really like going to meetings. And do I get to start killing innocent people now? OR should I just start out by being a blood bigot?"

Malfoy scoffed at him. "I told them you wouldn't join the winning side. But I gave you the chance as instructed. Remember when you are dying: you were given a chance."

"Right, remember: Malfoy is a good lapdog and does what he is told." Sirius shot back.

"Your time will come," Malfoy responded staying calm. "Just read the prophet tomorrow. There's a storm coming," He said ominously before turning on his heel and walking away.

"I hate that guy," James stated going back to the shelves looking for books.

"Yea. Me too," Sirius nodded.

The next morning Sirius never made it down to breakfast. He got to the common room and saw something that made his heart fall. Jenny was sitting on the couch her eyes red from crying. Yumi was hugging her tightly. Clutched in Jenny's hand was a copy of the daily prophet. He ran over to her. "Jen, what's wrong hun? What is it?" She began to cry harder and held out the Daily Prophet to him. She buried her tearstained face against Yumi who was still trying in vain to comfort her friend. Sirius scanned the front page. The shifting pictures said it all. A house was burning while the dark mark twisted above it in the sky.

"That's my house," She said between ragged breaths. Mum… Dad… My little brother. He was only six. They were all inside," she choked out before falling back into tears. Sirius was immediately at her side hugging her. Yumi stood as Sirius took her place and saw professors Dumbledore and McGonagall walking in. Jenny was now crying on Sirius shoulder while everyone else turned to face their professors. Lily whose face was stained with tears as well was talking quietly with James.

Professor Dumbledore was the first to speak. "Miss Sampson," He began softly. "Could you please come with us?" She nodded slowly and stood with Sirius and they began to follow them out. Dumbledore held up his hand. "Mr. Black, while appreciated, your presence is not necessary."

"Unless you are prepared to stun me professor I won't be leaving her side." Sirius said immediate. Professor McGonagall looked scandalized but Dumbledore sighed and acquiesced to Sirius joining them. They all headed out the portrait hole to the headmaster's office.

By breakfast everyone had heard the news. Jenny had already been taken to her Aunt's house to be with her remaining family. Rumors spread around the school like wildfire. Rumors began about the Sampson family fighting against the dark lord and their deaths being retaliation. Then more ridiculous rumors started by the Slytherins and spread by gullible younger students that Jenny was a death eater and committed the murders herself. Of all the students Sirius was taking it the hardest. Anyone he heard spreading rumors was quickly set straight and thoroughly hexed. What was getting to him the most however was his encounter with Malfoy the day before in the library. He knew he had something to do with the attack. Sirius wanted to find out what exactly it was. The next night before curfew Sirius stalked through the dungeons to find Malfoy and he foolishly went alone. He found him in an empty classroom talking with Narcissa and Bellatrix.

"Malfoy! What do you know about the attack?" Sirius shouted enraged bursting into the room and immediately drawing his wand. Bellatrix and Narcissa drew their own against their cousin but Malfoy just stood there calmly surveying the situation.

"Sirius," Malfoy chided. "Why would I know anything about the attack on that half blood's family?"

"Cut the crap Malfoy," Sirius said walking closer putting his wand to Malfoy's neck.

Lucius put his hands up innocently and smiled. "I assure you I don't know anything about the Dark Lord's brilliant plans or his vengeance. I'm merely a student after all."

"You are a complete arse is what you are!" Sirius jabbed his wand deeper into his neck. "You said something the day before in the library. You knew it was going to happen. Now tell me who did it."

"If I told you the day before," Malfoy feigned bewilderment, his eyes shifting over Sirius' shoulder. "Why didn't you stop it from happening?" Malfoy added malevolently. Sirius' blood began to boil and was about to respond when a stunner hit him in the back. "Excellent shot Severus." Malfoy said to Snape who had just entered the room. Malfoy then looked down at Sirius' unconscious form crouching next to him. He grabbed a handful of his hair and pulled his head off the ground. Malfoy looked at his unconscious form "Let us teach him what happens when one threatens a Malfoy."

There we go… Finally updated… Please Read and Review.