A/N: Here it is, second year! Wooo! Ha, I'm rather excited if I'm honest. Hope you all like it!

I wasn't actually going to post today, as I'm back to work. But, after much deliberation, I simply couldn't resist, and I got this sorted before I had to go in.

review responses:

000kayko000: Thanks, I'm glad you liked them :D Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy the start of second year!

appleeater123: I know, things could have been so much different for Sirius if Reg was sorted into Gryffindor. That's a really good idea, I'd definitely read it! I think you should. Thanks for reading, I hope you like this chapter.

quirky-as-alice: Here it is! I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for reading!

splatteredpaint: Poor Sirius, I know, his parents are awful, and poor Remus with his secret. They'll find out soon, I promise ;). The animagi won't be for awhile yet, but I'm really excited for that too! Escpecially the nicknames! And the map! Oh, there's just so much to write haha. Deep down she does, it's just gonna take a lot of time (maybe even divine intervention) to make her realise it, but she will, otherwise Harry would've never even exsisted! And we can't have that now, can we. I'm glad you liked the speech, I'm trying to keep everyone as in character as possible, so it's good that you think it was like him. Their summer lives won't be as eventful yet, since they've only really known each other a few months. Plus, Sirius' parents are being awful, Remus still hasn't told his secret, and Peter's dad is pretty mean too. I hope you don't mind. Thanks for reading and reviewing, and I really hope you like the beginning of second year!

Disclaimer: It's fan fiction...operative word being FAN...I don't own HP.


The Marauders Tale: The Hogwarts Years

Chapter Nine

The Second Year Begins

Three week into his holidays, and James was already itching to get back to Hogwarts. He'd owled his friends almost daily, begging them to come and visit. Remus, whom he knew to be on holiday at the moment, had replied saying he'd ask his parents once they got back to England, but wasn't sure if he'd definitely be allowed. Peter had been the same, except when he asked his parents, his father flat refused to allow him out with 'the Potter's boy'.

With a heavy heart, James got ready to send the last letter of the day, a letter asking Sirius Black if he'd be allowed to visit for a few weeks. If Peter wasn't allowed, he highly doubted Sirius would. After all of the fuss made over his house (which he still hadn't discussed with the rest of the boys), James was sure the Black's would want Sirius to be kept as far away from he and his family as possible.

James re-read the letter once more, his stomach twisting. He missed his friends dearly, but he didn't want to get him into trouble by asking him to stay.

"Love letter to Lily?"

James jumped at the sound of a voice behind him, and spun around to see his smirking cousin leaning against the doorway. James rolled his eyes and turned back to his letter.

"Sod off Knight, what do you want?"

Holly clapped her hand to her heart dramatically, "Oh, Potter, that hurt! Just came to harass you. Bridget's on holiday, Chris is stuck babysitting – still –, and Lil's is busy with family stuff, so I have no one but Jonny to talk to," Holly stepped into the room and flopped onto James' large bed, idly sifting through the pile of Quidditch magazines he'd been reading, "And talking to Jonny for more than five minutes makes me want to throttle him."

James snorted and folded his letter into a small envelope. He scribbled down the address and walked over to Merlin the owl.

"Take this to Sirius, but be subtle about it, we don't want his mum and dad kicking up a fuss," James patted the owl on the head, who hooted as if to reassure him. Merlin spread his large brown wings and took off through the window. James watched the bird for a moment, until the owl was so small he was forced to squint to see it. He rubbed his eyes behind his glasses, then turned to Holly.

"Remus is on holiday, Peter isn't allowed to hang around with me, and Sirius...well...Sirius'll probably get wrong for even suggesting it," James flopped into his chair desk, a small frown on his face. Holly sighed, stretching on the bed.

"Poor us, eh? No friends for the summer, shame," the dark haired girl stood up, "Thank Merlin we're off on holiday next week, I can't deal with this boredom."

"Lucky you," James said moodily. Holly sighed again, taking pity on her cousin.

"I'm sure Sirius will be able to visit, and once Remus gets back, you might be able to have him over."

James snorted, "The Black's hate us, even I know that. Dad won't admit it, but when Aunt Ivy married Uncle Ian, our family was blacklisted completely!"

Holly's expression darkened. She'd heard the stories, not directly, but she, James and Jonathan had over heard enough conversations to know the Potter's were cast out of the 'pure-blood' circle the day her mum and dad had announced their engagement. And if that was how bad it was back then, Holly shuddered to think what was made of it with him out on the loose, spreading prejudiced ideals.

"Well, you never know," the dark eyed girl said after a few minutes pause, "Wanna go flying? We're gonna need the practice," she adopted the brightest look she could, hoping to pull James out of his disheartened stupor.

James smiled; flying was Holly's answer to anything, whatever was wrong, whatever had happened, she'd always say flying was the best way to sort it.

James stood up, and smiled, "Yeah, not that I need the practice, we both know I'm definitely making the team."

Holly rolled her eyes, and laughed, "There's the arrogant cousin I know and love, come on."

The two cousins hurried from James' room, grabbing a spare broom for Holly, and proceeded to spend the rest of the afternoon flying their troubles away, forgetting about the outside world and simply enjoying being twelve year olds.

When James returned to his room that evening, he found Merlin waiting patiently on his windowsill, ruffling his feathers and clearly eager to get to a night of hunting. James chuckled as he relieved the owl of his letter, stroking his silky feathers a few times in thanks.

"Just one more letter, then you can go and catch your mice."

Merlin merely hooted, and flew over to his cage in the corner of the room. James unfolded the letter, and quickly began to read.

Alright Potter!

I'm really sorry mate, but the parents said no. They didn't seem all too angry that I asked actually, they just said 'maybe next year'. Weird, huh? I think if I annoy them enough, they might beg me to leave the house for a bit, so I'll try that eh?

They still seem miffed that I didn't move to Slytherin, but they've been so busy preening Reg they've forgotten I'm even here, which kinda works for me, if I'm honest. I'm praying Reg is sorted into Gryffindor, I reckon mum would have a stroke! I thought it would be a lot worse than this, but all they've really done is bang on about Voldemort and shot a couple of sly remarks my way, nothing I can't handle. I think if Reg wasn't going to Hogwarts this year it would've been a lot worse, I'm dreading next year. Once they realise I'm not moving to Slytherin, they'll probably want rid of me anyway, so it's only a matter of time.

So I guess we'll have to wait till September 1st mate, Lupin sent me a letter from his holiday, he's going on about the weirdest things. Apparently he rode this train that had tracks twenty feet high! No idea what that's about, Muggles are bloody strange. Peter's written a few times, keeps complaining that he's bored out of his mind and can't wait to get back to exploring the castle, mind you, I can't wait either, I've been looking over my list and there must be more out there.

We clocked up thirty detentions last year, mum kept all the letters as a way to show the 'bad effects of being a Gryffindor', or some rubbish like that. Thirty! I'm disappointed, I reckon we could get so much more than that, what d'ya say Potter? Reckon you can beat me next year?

I'd better go, the Malfoy's are coming over so I've gotta put on a show. I might use a couple of those Dungbombs Jonny gave us, that'll spice up the evening. Chin up mate, it's only a few more weeks.

See you soon,

Sirius

James sighed, and quickly scribbled back a reply. Sirius sounded rather upbeat in his letter, but from what James had learned from Sirius, he doubted those were his real feelings. He knew why Sirius wasn't allowed to visit, just as he knew why Peter wasn't either.

"Maybe next year, eh?" James said to no one in particular. From across the room, Merlin hooted dolefully, and James' spirits lifted slightly.

~**~

"James, all packed?"

"Yeah dad, I'll be down in a minute."

James glanced around his room to make sure he hadn't left anything. Satisfied that he had managed to locate all of his school stuff, which had somehow managed to spread itself all over his large house during the course of the summer, James gathered up his trunk, Merlin the owl and his broomstick, and set off downstairs.

James had grown quite a bit in the summer. He was only twelve, and already taller than his mother. Unfortunately, he was still rather skinny, though hopefully if all went well during this year's Quidditch tryouts, he'd be able to fill out a bit more due to training. Summer had been pleasant, as always, but James's dad had been right. He missed Hogwarts terribly. And he missed his friends. None of them had eventually been able to visit this year, but he had his fingers crossed for next year.

After a year of friendship James couldn't imagine spending time with anybody else. Sirius was just like him, outgoing, troublesome and always on the lookout for fun. Remus was the sensible one, he was the one who gave great advice, and on more than one occasion had talked with James long into the night about his troubles with Lily, not to mention he could pull a prank or two when he was in the mood. And Peter, well Peter was quiet, but sweet. He never argued, and liked to have fun too, although he would take a backseat when it came to the more troublesome stuff, like Sirius's constant complaints that they didn't go to the Forbidden forest enough.

"Right, all set," asked Mr Potter. James nodded, and checked his watch. It was time.

~**~

Platform 9¾ was abuzz with excitement as the students of Hogwarts prepared to make the journey back to their second home.

James wound his way through the crowds, a sense of coming home settling in. With an eager grin, he began to search for people he knew. He spotted Remus chatting with Peter near one of the train compartments. Their parents had already left, and their trunks were presumably already on the train.

"Well son, we'll say our goodbyes here," Mr Potter hugged his son tightly, then handed him over to his mother.

"Now I'm hoping last year's detentions were simply because of your excitement for starting, please behave yourself."

James grinned cheekily, "Course mum, I'll try to behave at least."

Mrs Potter shook her head and smiled; "Now we'll see you at Christmas, and dont forget to owl us."

"I will mum, bye, love you!" called James as he dragged his trunk over to Remus and Peter.

"Hey guys!"

"James!" greeted Remus happily, "How was your summer?"

"A little lonely, but good, Jonny and Holly popped over quite a bit," replied James, "What about you?"

"Florida was brilliant, I've got loads of photo's to show you all," Remus led the boys onto the train, "We went to a...umm...theme park thing with all of these rides, they were mad!"

James laughed, "What about you Pete?"

Peter shrugged, "Quiet, as usual, I'm really glad to be back, I really missed this place."

"Me too," agreed James, as the three boys loaded James' trunk aboard the train and found the compartment Remus and Peter had picked, "Has anyone seen Sirius?"

Remus and Peter shook their heads, "No but I saw his cousin," Remus said darkly. James shrugged, and took a seat opposite Peter after stowing away his trunk, "He'll find us."

~**~

"Oh look at you Regulus, all grown up and off to Hogwarts."

Regulus blushed at his older cousins fussing, and swatted her away.

"'Dromeda, I'm not a little kid," he whined.

"That's right, he's on his way to becoming a fully grown wizard!"

"Oh shush Sirius," chuckled Andromeda, brushing some non-existent dirt from Regulus' shoulders. Andromeda was Sirius's favourite cousin. She was nothing like her sisters Narcissa and Bellatrix. She was kind, and thoughtful, and completely opposed to anything to do with the Dark Arts, thus making her quite unpopular with many members of the family. Sirius shuddered to think of how they would react when they found out she was still dating that Muggle-born she'd met in her seventh year of Hogwarts.

"Well, well, well if it isn't the Gryffindor reject."

Sirius rolled his eyes and turned to face one of his least favourite cousins, Narcissa, thanking Merlin this was her last year.

"Cissy, stop it," snapped Andromeda. Narcissa, being the younger sibling, faltered slightly, but the young woman was quickly becoming quite sure of herself, and Sirius knew it was only a matter of time until Andromeda couldn't control her anymore.

"Well it's true, he's a disgrace! I bet he begged not to be in Slytherin just to spite the family!" spat the golden haired Narcissa, "Bella said as much when she went over to Aunty Walburga's, said he was actually proud of being in Gryffindor."

Andromeda threw Narcissa an annoyed look, then turned back to her cousin's.

"I'd better go before the train leaves, as much as I'd like to go back, my boss will kill me if I miss work today," she chuckled, and began smoothing down Regulus' hair.

Sirius snorted, and clasped Regulus's shoulder.

"Come on, I want to introduce to my friends", he hugged Andromeda, and glared at Narcissa as they passed.

"Reg, don't you get sucked into his little clan," called Narcissa, "Stick with your family!"

"He is my family you idiot!" sneered Sirius, practically dragging Regulus onto the train, "I am so bloody glad Bella's left, I can't deal with the both of them!"

Regulus bit his lip, and sighed. He hated how much Sirius fought with the rest of the family, especially since he'd been placed in Gryffindor. He was a little disappointed. He wanted to please his parents and be sorted into Slytherin, but he also wanted to be around his older brother too.

~**~

Lily bade farewell to her father, (Petunia hadn't even bothered to come this time, complaining of a 'sore stomach') and climbed aboard the Hogwarts express. The crowd outside was thinning now, so she assumed Holly, Bridget and Chris were already on the train. She passed several compartments, until she spotted a small, black haired boy sitting alone. She grinned and opened the door.

"Hey Sev!"

Severus jumped, and his face broke into a wide grin, "Lily!"

Lily sat down next to Severus, and peered around to see the book he was reading. She frowned, as it had no title, but the black leather bound covering unnerved her slightly.

"What are you reading?"

"Nothing," he snapped the book shut and stuffed it into his bag, "Nothing you'd be interested in."

Lily frowned, but decided to let it slide.

"So how was your summer, I didn't see you at all?"

Severus's expression darkened, and he sighed, "It was just...quiet, I guess. I didn't feel much like going out."

Lily bit her lip, and placed her hand atop his. Severus's stomach flipped, and he groaned inwardly.

"Well if you ever need to talk, you know where I am," she smiled.

Severus frowned, "You're not staying?"

Lily shook her head apologetically, "I need to find the girls, I haven't seen them all summer either."

"Why do you hang round with them? Knight is Potter's cousin, you know."

Lily frowned, "Yes, but she's nothing like Potter, she's a wonderful friend."

"They're all the same," he mumbled, "Well at least you're not sucked into Potter like most of the other girls. You're smarter than that!"

Lily grinned, "Potter is far too arrogant to be friends with me, maybe if he changed..."

"He'll never change!" cried Severus. Lily jumped, and backed away a little. There was something about the glint in Severus's eye that she didn't like.

"Well, I'd better go," she stood up; "See you at the feast."

Severus nodded, and watched her as she walked away. She truly was beautiful; thank god she hated Potter as much as he did.

~**~

"Lily!"

Lily beamed as she stuck her head into one of the last compartments, and spied Holly, Bridget and Chris already making themselves comfortable in their compartment.

"Hi guys, miss me?"

"Of course," grinned Chris. Christina had gotten alot taller over the summer, whilst Holly, Lily and especially Bridget appeared to have stayed exactly the same. The blonde seemed to tower over her friends, much to her apparent glee.

"How was your summer?" asked a tanned Holly brightly.

"Okay, Petunia wasn't too bad; she was out with her friends from school alot of the time. What about you? I heard you spent a month in Australia."

Holly beamed, "It was brilliant! We went trekking in the outback, and Jonny almost got kicked in the face by a Kangaroo!"

The four girls roared with laughter at the image Holly had put in their minds. As much as they loved Jonny, he was a prankster at heart, and had gotten them a few times last year, so it seemed like a fitting punishment.

"Bridget?"

Bridget stopped laughing, and smiled, "We went to Spain...again. We go there every year; it's a lovely place mind you."

"What about you Chris?"

Christina finished laughing, and shrugged, "Pretty boring...umm...my mum isn't really happy about me going out anymore."

The three girls fell silent. There had been several more attacks by Lord Voldemort over the summer, some of them resulting in deaths. The entire wizarding population was becoming more and more fearful as each case was reported. It seemed this 'Lord Voldemort' man was deadly serious when it came to the purification of the wizarding world.

"I also found out Jonny's scared of snakes. He's never seen one until we went on holiday...he screams louder than me!"

Holly's attempt to lighten the mood worked, and the girls fell into bouts of laughter once again, wiping tears from their eyes.

~**~

"Sirius!"

James jumped to his feet and clapped his friend on the shoulder. If truth be told, he'd missed Sirius the most of all of his friends. Sirius was so much like him it was scary, and the pair had become extremely close since their first meeting on the Hogwarts express; exactly one year ago.

"Hi guys, miss me?" he grinned cheekily. James snorted, and returned to his seat. His eyes rested upon the small nervous looking boy next to Sirius. He had dark hair just like Sirius's, but stormy blue eyes where Sirius had grey. He also had more pointed features, but still held the trademark haughty good looks notable to the Black family.

"Guys, this is Regulus, my brother," Sirius finally introduced with a smile. Regulus smiled nervously, and held out his shaking hand to James.

"Hi, I'm James," grinned James, shaking Regulus's hand. Regulus seemed to ease a little at his warm welcome, and matched his grin.

"I'm Remus, and this is Peter," Remus indicated to Peter, who waved, "Are you nervous about starting Hogwarts?" he asked as he shook Regulus's hand. Regulus glanced at his older brother who smiled warmly.

"A little I guess, but I have Sirius, and my cousins, so I guess that's okay."

Remus nodded kindly, but didn't miss the scowl on Sirius's face, most likely to do with the mention of Narcissa.

"Are all of you in Gryffindor?" asked Regulus as he took a seat in between Sirius and James.

"Yeah, it's the best house, it'll be great if you're in it too, you'll make some great friends," beamed James. Regulus shifted uncomfortably. His parent's reaction to Sirius being sorted into Gryffindor had been bad; he didn't want to upset his parents like that. Summer had been tense enough, without adding to the problem.

"Umm...yeah, I guess," the younger Black mumbled. Sirius was about to reply when the door to their compartment slid open, and four young girls entered. James visibly stiffened at the sight of Lily, his hand flying to his hair. Remus quirked an eyebrow at the action, and fought the urge to laugh. He'd ask about it later.

"Hi guys!" Chris waved brightly at the boys and squeezed in next to Peter and Remus. Lily took a seat on the other side of Remus, Bridget next to Peter whilst Holly slid in next to Sirius. Sirius flashed a cheeky grin at Holly, and she felt her face warm up. She frowned, this had certainly never happened before. Once again, Remus seemed to be the only one who noticed his friend's actions; but when he glanced at Lily, she was looking at Holly strangely too. Well, at least he wasn't the only oblivious one.

"Ladies, this is my brother, Regulus," Sirius immediately jumped to introduce his brother.

"Mate, are you gonna show him off to the entire train?" chuckled James. Sirius scowled at James, but couldn't hide his smirk.

"Hello Regulus, I'm Lily Evans," Lily held out her hand and Regulus shook it. Lily was very pretty, he thought, but he remembered his brother telling him she was a Muggle-born. Pity.

After being introduced to the girls, Regulus announced he wanted to go and spend some more time with Narcissa. Sirius opened his mouth to protest, but knew it would be a fruitless attempt. Sirius may be Regulus's hero, but he was just as stubborn as his brother.

"So how was everybody's summer?" asked Chris brightly.

"Quiet," replied James, Sirius and Peter.

"I went to Florida to this Muggle theme park, it was brilliant! We went on these rides...one of them was called a...umm...roll-coast?"

"A rollercoaster," smiled Lily, "Yes I went to Disneyland the year before I came to Hogwarts, it was great."

Remus and Lily continued to smile at each other. James glanced at Sirius, and scowled. Why would Lily smile at Remus and not him? Surely they didn't....no....no Remus knew James liked Lily alot, he wouldn't do that...would he? They barely talked to each other. What was going on?

"I went trekking in the outback," piped up Holly, "Oh and James, you'll never guess what Jonny found out in his Hogwarts letter."

"What?" asked James.

"He's Quidditch captain," she beamed, "Brilliant, isn't it! I mean I was surprised at the whole prefect thing, but I knew he'd make captain, as much as the guy annoys me, he's one of the best keepers I've seen in a long time, he's even better than some of the professionals!"

James's face lit up at the news, and the thoughts of Lily and Remus faded to the back of his mind, "Holly that's bloody brilliant, you know what that means?"

"No, James he's not going to let us on the team just 'cause we're related," James smile faded, "He made that quite clear," she continued.

"Whatever, I'll still make the team," grinned James. Lily snorted in disgust.

"And there was me thinking your ego would deflate with age."

James blinked confusedly.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he felt a strange anger bubbling up in his chest.

Lily rolled her laughing eyes, "Oh come on Potter, you're always so full of yourself, I suppose that's why you pick on people like Sev who can't defend themselves".

"Guys can we just try and be civil," pleaded Bridget.

"You're still angry about that!" cried James, "Merlin, Evans, I thought you were mature enough not to hold petty grudges!"

Lily's eyes flashed dangerously and her vivid red hair seemed to brighten, "You know what Potter, I'm not even going to waste my breath on you! You're insufferable, you know that! How this lot manage to put up with you, I'll never know!" She jumped to her feet and stormed from the compartment. Chris and Bridget both smiled apologetically at James, and hurried after her. Holly sighed, and stood up.

"James, if you're ever going to get her to like you, try acting like the nice guy you are...please," she squeezed his shoulder, and left the compartment.

James mouthed wordlessly at his friends. He wasn't quite sure what had just happened there.

"What the hell just happened there!" he exclaimed, "Seriously, what did I do?!"

Remus shook his head as if to say 'isn't it obvious', which only angered James more.

"It's alright for you Remus, she likes you!" he exclaimed. Remus frowned, and glanced at Peter, who shrugged.

"James, it's just a girl, dont let her get to you," reasoned Peter.

"Exactly!" started Sirius, "If you let her get to you, she's won! If you want her to like her, show her you're the strong one, and that she doesn't get to you. Girls like a chase mate, trust me."

"And what would you know about that?" Remus quirked an eyebrow, "Listen James, take Holly's advice, you're a nice guy."

James shook his head, "No, no Sirius and Peter are right, she won't get to me, I won't let her!"

The finality in his voice told the boys the conversation was over, and Lily was soon forgotten as Remus pulled out his holiday photos and began showing them the weird Muggle rides he'd been on whilst on holiday.

~**~

Another year has now begun,
At Hogwarts School of Magic.
Some will find this simply fun,
Whilst others find it tragic.

But have no fear, my little ones,
The old and the brand new.
The homework isn't all that hard,
The tests won't make you blue.

Now onto more important things,
To sort you, I must aim.
For those who don't know what that is,
Sit back, let me explain.

A thousand year ago, I think,
Was when it all began.
Two wizards and two witches,
Together had a plan.

To build a school, said Slytherin,
To teach our younger kin.
Aha! Indeed, cried Gryffindor,
Pass on our knowledge therein!

And so our great four founders,
They built this mighty school,
And for some time, all went well,
Until there came new rules.

Teach only those of purest blood,
Said sly old Slytherin,
With cunning minds and tricky ways,
I'll take from here on in.

And of the noble and the brave,
Boomed mighty Gryffindor.
Those daring hearts will need my help,
If they are to go far.

And eager minds, those ready to learn,
Said fair young Ravenclaw,
Teach them I will, my own bright ways,
That will be my law.

I do not mind, it does not matter,
Called dear sweet Hufflepuff,
To me the children are the same,
I'll teach them up to snuff.

And so it happened, I was created
To sort you all into,
The four great founders houses,
Each one a different view.

So if you are brave, and noble and daring,
To Gryffindor you go.
Or if you desire to get to the top,
Slytherin will be your show.

If you are clever, witty and quick,
Ravenclaw is your game.
Loyalty, kindness and equality,
Then Hufflepuff you shall remain.

So come on up, my little ones,
For now the time has come.
To sort you now I must begin,
Till everyone is done!

The students applauded loudly, particularly in the vicinity of James and Sirius. James seemed to recall the song had changed from last year, but was just as fun to listen to.

The Great Hall was at its usual splendour as the new students of Hogwarts were sorted into their houses. The boys didn't have to wait long to see the fate of Regulus, Sirius sat through the entire time with his fingers crossed.

"Black, Regulus!"

There were murmurs throughout the hall, and more than one pair of eyes turned to Sirius. He ignored them, however, and focused on his brother.

A few moments later (though to Sirius, it seemed like hours), the sorting hat opened the rip that was its 'mouth', and screamed...

"SLYTHERIN!"

The table beside James erupted into loud screaming and applause and James had to physically restrain his friend when he spotted Snape leaning over and introducing himself to the newly sorted Regulus.

"Leave it mate, we'll have a word with Regulus later," hissed James.

"I'll get Snivellus later," replied Sirius through gritted teeth, "He isn't sucking my brother into the Slytherin ways, I won't let him!"

"It's just a house Sirius, I'm sure Regulus can look after himself," reasoned Remus.

Sirius glared at his friend, "You dont understand, you dont know what they're like! Regulus is too young to know, he'll follow Narcissa and the rest of the family...I can't let that happen!"

Remus looked slightly taken aback at the sharpness in his tone, and leant over to James.

"I leave him to you then."

James nodded, and spent the rest of the feast trying to convince Sirius everything would be fine. Sirius however, had quite a knack for moodiness, and refused to speak to anyone for the rest of the feast.

A few seats down the Gryffindor table, Lily was still fuming about her latest argument with James.

"I mean, who does he think he is! He such an arrogant little boy!" her face was screwed up in her anger, her vibrant red hair making it look like her hair was on fire.

"Lils, all he said was that he was confident he'd make the team," reasoned Holly.

"Yeah," piped up Chris, "I don't think he meant it as a bad thing."

"It's just confidence," added Bridget.

Lily ignored her three friends, and stabbed moodily at her chicken, "I don't care, he's so smug all of the time. And I saw him and Sirius glaring at Sev before, I just know they're up to something."

Holly fought the blush she knew was creeping up her face, and turned her attention to her dinner, hoping against hope no one noticed.

~**~

After dinner, the Gryffindor second years dragged tired legs up to their dormitories. They had kept the same rooms, however the small plaques on the front doors now read 'Second Years'. For the students of Hogwarts, coming back to their second homes was a joyous occasion. And for the second years, no longer being the new students made them feel alot more at home. Because it was their home. Their home.

James watched Sirius warily as the four boys got ready for bed. He'd been in a mood ever since the sorting, and was still refusing to speak to anyone.

"Sirius mate...you alright?" he asked tentatively. Remus and Peter stopped fishing around for their pyjamas, and turned to face James and Sirius.

Sirius exhaled loudly, and picked up his lamp, hurling it across the room.

"Whoa," James jumped back as Sirius grabbed James's bedside lamp and tossed it against the nearest wall.

"WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE HIM!? HE'S TOO YOUNG TO EVEN REALISE! THEY'LL TURN HIM LIKE BELLA...AND NARCISSA!"

Sirius kicked his trunk in a rage, cursing loudly as the pain shot through his foot. James bit his lip, and then slowly moved towards Sirius. He sighed, and pulled his friend into an embrace. Sirius stiffened for a moment, then seemed to calm. James patted his friends back, not feeling awkward in the slightest.

"Mate, if Regulus is anything like you, which I think he is, he'll be fine...we won't let them suck him in, we look after each other, right?"

Sirius pulled back, and nodded. James saw his eyes sparkling with unshed tears, but said nothing. Remus and Peter smiled at each other, realising just how close they actually were.

"We're best mates right?" started Remus, "We look after each other," he echoed James's earlier statement. Sirius nodded again, a small smile creeping onto his face.

"Now," said James, clapping his hands together, "Who remembers how to repair things?"

Sirius gave a watery chuckle, and whipped out his wand.

Before he fell asleep, Remus reflected upon the earlier events. James had come to Sirius's aid as soon as he needed him. He really did have the best friends ever. He didn't even tease Sirius for reacting the way he did. Guilt began to take hold of him when he thought of his own problems and secrets. Would they be there for him if he told them? Would they help him through it?

No. No, this is way bigger than somebody's brother being sorted into a different house. He was a monster...nobody wants to be friends with a monster.


Any good? Load of rubbish? Let me know :)