a/n-yay! another update!!! we really hope you're liking the story so far, and that you really like this chapter, too.

Disclaimer-Yeah, we don't own Harry Potter, did you know that? Because, personally, we're really surprised to learn that. Really surprised...

Chapter Four

"It's almost eight." James announced, squinting at the small numbers on Remus' watch, which was still on the sandy-haired boy's wrist. "I think we should go now."

"You said that two minutes ago." Remus replied, pulling his arm out of James' grasp while continuing to read his Transfiguration textbook. "Which would now make it a quarter to eight. We have plenty of time, and I for one would rather finish this chapter rather than help Sirius pull a new prank."

"Oh Remmy…" James shook his head. "You're supposed to be the smart one, here. Don't you remember the conversation we had last night?"

"Enlighten me."

"Well, Peter's the lackey and you're the smart one. Ringing any bells yet?" James asked.

"Not so much." Remus said, and then sighed, while closing his book at the same time. "I suppose it would be better to just get this all over with now, don't you think?"

"That's what I've been trying to tell you all night." James said with yet another shake of his head. He held out his hand as Remus was about to put the book back into his book bag. "Can I borrow that?"

The expression on Remus' face was quite conflicted, but he nevertheless handed the book over to his bespectacled friend, who promptly slammed it on the table between them.

"Oi! Peter, wake up!" James said loudly, causing the blonde boy who had previously been sleeping with his head on the table, to jump out of his chair with a strangled yell.

Once everyone in the Common Room returned to whatever it was that they had been doing before that little display, James stood up, Remus following slowly behind him.

"Let's go, Peter." James said. "We have to meet Sirius."

Ten minutes later the three new first years found themselves considerably out of breath and in front of a mirror on what they were almost positive was the fourth floor of the ancient castle.

"We're never going to speak to that crazy portrait again, do you understand me?" Remus demanded. "That knight was insane!"

"You'll get past it, Remmy." James said with a wave of his hand. "Mark my words, one day you'll get past it." He turned his attention to the mirror before them now, however. "Hmm…how do you suppose one opens this thing?"

"I'd try pulling the mirror away from the wall." Remus said dryly. "It might just work."

James did as Remus had suggested, and in no time at all they found themselves standing in front of what appeared to be quite a roomy passageway. Sirius was sitting on the ground not too far ahead of them.

"Finally!" Sirius cried. "I thought my friends had decided to abandon me in my moment of need. But, anyway, now that you're all he—wait a minute…Where's Mars? I can't induct you into a secret society without Mars!"

"Secret society?" James said excitedly. "What kind of secret society? Will there be mischief making?"

"I believe Marlene has already turned in for the night." Remus told Sirius. "She was rather tired at dinner."

"And at breakfast this morning, too." Peter chimed in.

Sirius just shook his head sadly. "Poor Marlene…Poor, poor Marlene."

"Why?" Peter wanted to know.

"Well, you snooze you lose." Sirius declared. "No induction into a secret society for Mars."

"We could always wait for her you know and do this later…" Remus suggested.

"Actually, we can't," Sirius replied.

"Why?" Peter questioned.

"Because, we are forming a secret society, and I drew up a contract/set of rules for those in the organization, and I already put the spell on the parchment which only gives us another three hours before it doesn't work anymore." Sirius elaborated.

"Well, it's her fault for going to bed early." James declared. "That's practically a crime."

"Alright, who wants to see the contract?!"

"Do we really have a choice?" Remus asked.

"Nope." Sirius answered cheerfully.

When in the course of wizarding and prankster events it becomes necessary for a group to assemble for the sake of spreading havoc and mayhem into the lives of all wizarding-kind, a desire to brag about said secret society requires that they detail their plans and beliefs.

We hold these truths to be self-evident that all Gryffindors are superior to Slytherins, that they are endowed with superior intelligence, courage, athletic skill, and everything else that can possibly come to mind. In order to prove these truths the undersigned must undertake the task of pranking Slytherins and others who seek to do harm including but not limited to professors, parents, and crazed evil dictators/self-declared lords who may one day in the near or far future exist. Furthermore, the undersigned pledge never to turn against each other in favor of any of these groups. Prudence, dictates that the undersigned are sneaky in their manner of pranking, and furthermore that we endeavor to insure that there is just cause for our pranks just cause includes but is not limited to 'they were looking at me funny' or 'they gave me too much homework.' The history of the present and past members of Slytherin has been one of repeated injuries and usurpations toward innocent people. Let the facts of their behavior be submitted to a candid world.

They have spoken ill of half-bloods, muggle-borns, and nice pure-bloods.

They (Severus Snape) have undertaken to usurp James Potter's hold on his future wife Lily Evans.

They have looked at the members of this new formed secret society in a funny manner.

They have produced people such as one Walburga Black.

They have repeatedly attacked members of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, (which Sirius Black knows even as a first year because his cousin Narcissa's stupid boyfriend always talks about it).

As a result of these violations of our ability to have fun, and a desire to prank people and in general spread mayhem, we the undersigned do form the secret society of the Marauders. We pledge to always remain loyal to all those within our society furthermore, we also pledge to never do anything to betray the future spouses or girlfriends of any within the group. The signing of this contract represents a legally binding magical contract and anyone in violation of this contract will wish dearly that they hadn't, as Sirius Black has cursed it and will only comment that the curse is such that HE certainly won't be violating the contract.

Signed,

Sirius Black

James Potter

Remus Lupin

Peter Pettigrew

(The Marauders)

"Wow," Remus paused. "I didn't know you know so many big words."

"Thanks…" Sirius considered this for a moment. "HEY! Are you implying that I'm dumb?!"

"No, no, not at all." Remus replied sarcastically although none of the three picked up on it.

"Oh, okay, then." Sirius replied mollified.

"This is so cool!" James exclaimed. "A secret society dedicated to pranking people! And Marlene thought sleep was more important than this…"

"I know; it is definitely the best idea I ever had."

"Um, what kind of curse did you put on it exactly?" Peter inquired.

"It's no big deal, don't worry about it," Sirius replied waving away his concerns. "Just a couple of spells I got out of my parent's library."

"That's reassuring." Peter replied even though his tone said the opposite.

"As long as none of us violate the contract we won't have any problems." James added.

"Yep," Sirius responded. "Now, do you know what it's time for?!"

"Homework?" Remus asked hopefully.

"Nope!" Sirius exclaimed while shooting Remus a rather affronted look at the suggestion. "It's time to plan a prank, it needs to be HUGE, bigger than the disappearing ceiling even!"

Remus felt at this point that ominous music should probably begin playing in the background…