You thought she was gone and well… She was… But she was at college doing a big important assessment all week. So she has an excuse.
James was the first to go through the barrier at platform 9¾, he was followed by Sirius and then by Remus, Peter and his parents. The red train loomed out from the smoke like a beacon and they moved towards it quietly. Mr Potter and James had gotten into a huge fight the week before they were due back at Hogwarts. Mr Potter was adamant that James no longer had a part to play in the war against Voldemort. Sirius decided that he would follow James until the very end. Remus agreed to as well, Peter took a little convincing from the other three but nodded in compliance. James pulled over to one of the carriages and turned to his parents.
"Look," He said. "I don't want to beat around the bush here. But I know what I have to do with my life. I know what I am capable of. Please. Respect that."
Mrs Potter burst into tears and hugged her son tightly. "I don't want to lose you!" She cried.
"Don't be silly mum," James said. "You're not going to lose me. I'll be old and wrinkly with 17 great grandkids before I kick it."
Mr Potter stayed stern but once his wife pulled away he nodded at his son. "Okay," He said. "I don't want to leave this gate with harsh words." He pulled his son close and hugged him tightly. "Be safe. Don't cause any trouble."
"As if I'd ever do that!" James laughed.
Mrs Potter bade farewell to the other boys, giving them all a kiss on the cheek. "I love you all." She said. "Have a good year. Try not to flood the entire second floor with water from the Black Lake, okay?"
"Sure mum." James said climbing in after his friends. "We'll write every week."
Mrs Potter chuckled before dabbing her eyes with her handkerchief. James smiled at her sadly before following Sirius to a compartment. Remus was sitting by the window, staring out into empty space. On his left breast hung a shiny red badge. He had been made Prefect. James and Sirius took it upon their upmost duties as friends to pick on him for being a goodie-two-shoes. But James knew that his parents were down heartened by the fact that he wasn't made Prefect. He didn't mind too much. There were already too many rules for him to adhere to.
Sirius broke the wrapping of a pack of exploding snap. He dealt out the cards just as the Train began to move. Kids were walking past, trying to find good compartments. Someone slid the door open.
"Hello," Lily Evans' said. She had grown her hair out and had curled it. She looked very beautiful with fresh make-up and a pretty white smile. Behind her was Snape, brooding and sulking like usual. Lily had changed into her robes and on her collar sat a neat little red badge.
"Oh, so they made you prefect too?" Sirius asked, upon noticing the badge. "Nice. Well done."
"Thank you," Lily said. "But that's not why I'm here. But before I forget, Remus we have to be up in the main carriage in about an hour."
Remus nodded slightly, before turning back to the view outside. Lily took a shaky breath then turned to James.
"I heard about what you did over the summer," She said. "It was extremely foolish and stupid of you."
"And?" James pressed.
Lily sighed. "It also was incredibly brave."
"Growing a small crush are we Evans'?" Sirius asked. "Mind giving lardo a date so we can all move on with our lives? And anyway, where's our 'oh you were incredibly brave' spiel? I think I also deserve one."
"There's no need to be a dick Sirius," Lily said, going beetroot and storming off. Snape followed her smiling slightly.
"Git," James muttered, as he watches Snape follow Lily down the train.
"What you going to do?" Sirius asked.
"Curse him?" James suggested.
"You could kill him." Sirius said. "That's always a plan."
"You're going to go to prison for murder one day. I can just see it." Remus said picking up a copy of the Daily Prophet and disappearing behind it.
"I like to think that if I did go to prison it would be for ridding the world of a slimy arrogant toad like Snape." Sirius said. "Do we have any important homework that was due?"
"Potions essay. Transfiguration questions. Some reading and summarising for Charms and a little bit of analysis from Ancient Runes." Remus replied. "Only you don't take ancient runes, so scratch that last part."
"So, are you going to be telling us what to do?" James asked, nudging Remus' knee. "Now that you're a big important prefect?"
"James, I tell you what to do anyway, you never have and you never will listen. I fear my breath would be wasted on you." Remus said. "The same goes for you Sirius."
"What did I do?" Sirius cried.
"Should I draw you a list?" Remus asked.
"Please, don't."
"Tough," Remus said. "You block up the toilets using dungbombs, you terrorise the first years, you refuse to do homework, you refuse to tidy up after yourself, you use the kitchen staff as if they are your own personal slaves, you constantly mistreat others, cheeky, misbehaving, ridiculous and not to mention, I could forgive it all, if you weren't so exceedingly arrogant."
Sirius stared at Remus then shrugged. "You say all that as if it is a bad thing."
Remus leaned back and hit his head hard off the window. "WHY-DO-I-BOTHER?"
"Because you have a deep connection with us?" James tried. "And you love us."
"Right, I'm going," Remus said, throwing down the newspaper.
"Where are you going?" Peter asked.
"To find Sarah then go to the Prefects carriage." He said.
"Has Sarah made Prefect?" Peter asked.
"No." Remus replied, delving into his trunk and getting a small notebook and pencil before tucking it into his robes and leaving the carriage.
"In that case, I am going to go find Mary," Sirius said. "Are you going to go look for Caitlin."
James shook his head. "Na. It was nice whilst it lasted, but… I don't think she's the one."
"Still waiting for Lily to say yes?" Sirius asked. "Mate it's never going to happen."
James smiled. "I'll talk to you about it later." He said.
Sirius nodded before getting up and leaving. James turned to Peter and smiled. "So, what about a game of exploding snap?"
…
"Well, this is me," Remus said stopping outside the Prefect's carriage.
Sarah pulled him close to her and kissed him on the lips. "Okay, I'll see you later then,"
Remus nodded and kissed her forehead before sliding the door open and entering. The carriage was full of fifth year students, all with shining house badges and with several amounts of sweets in front of them. The previous Prefects were trying to maintain order whilst their own party were causing much of the ruckus.
"Remus!" Lily waved him over, she was sitting with the Hufflepuff Prefects and sharing a packet of Bertie Botts between them. "This is Caitlin and Matthew."
"I know Caitlin pretty well." Remus said. "Hello, pleased to meet you Matthew."
"Likewise." Matthew said shaking Remus' hand.
"How do you know Caitlin?" Lily asked. "I thought you were seeing Sarah."
"I am." Remus defended. "She's James' girlfriend."
"Ex." Caitlin said. "I'm his ex-girlfriend."
"Oh?" Remus asked. "When did you break up?"
"Well, we haven't technically…" Caitlin said. "I just think he's into someone else. It's hard to fool yourself to believe that someone you love is not in love with someone else. Besides. It's not the end of the world. I'm still young. He's not the only boyfriend I will ever have!"
"Well, good riddance," Lily said.
"He's not as bad as you think," Remus said calmly, tucking some of his hair behind his ear.
"Oh please, then what was that back in their compartment?" Lily asked.
"That was Sirius winding James up," Remus said taking a handful of Bertie Botts and picking at them to find a flavour that wasn't vomit. "Give him a chance."
"No," Lily said.
"Alright!" said a bossy 6th year, taking a clipboard and staring out at them. "We've drawn up all your duties that you will be required to do as prefects, certain powers and limitations you might have, excetra, excetra…" She drew out her wand, a thing but short one and tapped a pile of information sheets. They rose elegantly and began to hand themselves out amongst the people gathered there. Remus and Lily were staring at theirs.
Patrol Corridors to 10pm. Assert which days you can divvy out between you so you have extra time for homework.
Maximum of points that can be taken away – 50. Anything exceeding that has to be referred to head of House.
Must be aware and comply with rules of Hogwarts.
Must wear badges at all times.
First 3 weeks you will pick up and take first year students to class. Your professors will let you out early to do so.
Always be friendly and welcoming.
Show respect for professors and students will learn in turn that disrespect is punished
"Yikes." Remus muttered.
Lily was pursing her lips. She pulled from her bag a quill, some ink and a piece of parchment.
"Since this is the only time that I'll see you because of those idiots you hang out with," Lily said. "Let's draw up a schedule now."
"Um…" Remus looked at her. "Okay.
"Tuesday's, Wednesday's and Thursdays are my busiest days." Lily said. "I usually work on everything on the Saturday, depending or not if there is a Hogsmede visit or a Quidditch Match."
"I guess I can do them." Remus said. "Will we patrol together on a Sunday?"
"I suppose." Lily said writing down the days she was doing. "What about…" She cleared her throat. "Your furry… Er… Little Problem, as I recall Potter once calling it."
Remus blanched. He had forgotten about that. Lily saw his reaction and sighed, resting her hand on his for a moment.
"We'll schedule around that when the time comes," She said. "Besides, it's not like I might want to take a few days off. Three days out of the month, I just want to hit something. Usually Potter's face."
Remus laughed.
"Furry Little Problem?" Matthew asked. "Remus, you aren't in possession of a badly behaved rabbit are you?"
"That's exactly what it is," Lily laughed.
"Oh. Okay then," Matthew said.
The bossy 6th year was speaking again. "I'd like to draw your attention for just another minute then you'll be free to leave. Every couple of months there is the Prefects meeting, which is ruled with the heads of houses, the 6th year prefects and head boy and girl. It is completely up to them when it will happen and you will be alerted in due time. You also have use of the prefects bathroom which is located on the fifth floor, behind the fourth door to the left of that bloody statue, Boris the Bewildered. The Password is Ut a balineo. It changes every so often so make sure it's the right one before you go. You don't want to end up like Malcom last year."
"What happened to Malcom?" Asked one.
"The statue of Boris came to life and chased him down the corridor." The 6th year replied. "Highly embarrassing considering he was just wearing his bathroom robe and it was hanging loose by time McGonagall managed to stop Boris."
"How did we miss that?" Matthew asked.
"Oh it was during the night," She replied waving the question away.
"I wish I saw that," Lily muttered under her breath.
"Charming," Remus replied.
"Oh, and you also have to accompany first-timers to Hogsmede, patrol the train carriages and make sure everyone is on their best behaviour… I'm sure there is more, but I can't remember off the top of my head." She said. "You can all go."
Remus and Lily got up and waited for most of them to clear out of the compartment. Some stayed behind to try and agree on days. Some were not getting along.
Remus followed lily out of the carriage and to the next one. She turned to him. "I think there are enough of us wandering around the train to do for a while." She said. "I'm off to find Marlene and Mary. See you later?"
"Taking the lovely first years to the common room." Remus said letting a group of second year girls squeeze pass.
"Alright then," Lily grinned and walked off. Remus sighed and found the compartment where his friends were and slid open the door.
James jumped, sending the deck of cards flying into the air, waking Peter who had decided to take a nap.
"Jesus," James said. "Scare me like that! Yeesh! That's reserved only for the full moon!"
"Sorry," Remus grinned, sliding the door shut and sitting down.
"So, how was the meeting Mr. Perfect?" James asked, gathering up the cards.
"It's Prefect." Remus corrected.
"I am well aware of what it is Remus," James replied. "You seem to be ignoring my rather marvellous pun."
"It's not really a pun if the words are different and mean different things."
"Remus! You are ruining my genius!"
"Sorry," Remus said. "Where's Sirius?"
"Snogging Mary's face off." James shrugged. "Give him some leeway, he hasn't seen her in, golly, two months?"
"Why aren't you with Caitlin?" Remus asked.
"Oh, we're pretty much finished." James said. "We have nothing in common anymore and we came to a mutual agreement."
"I'm… Sorry…" Remus said.
"Don't be," James said. "Plenty more fish in the sea."
"But do you have a strong enough net to catch one?" Remus tried.
"That's harsh," James said. "Oh, that was a low blow."
"Justifiable, I think."
"What? Because I don't have a trail of women following me around admiring my wounded persona like Sirius or you?"
"Wounded what?" Remus asked, staring at James.
"Can't say you haven't noticed it," James said flicking through the deck. "Women go mad for that stuff. Give them a wounded, broken man, vulnerable and needing care and attention, they will literally shag you right there and then."
"You're wrong," Remus said, sitting back.
"Oh, really?" James asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes." Remus said.
"I wish I was mate, really, I do." James said as the door slid open.
Dorcas Meadowes stood at the door, smiling brightly. "Hey James. Hi Remus."
"Hello Dorcas," Remus said.
"Nice holiday?" Dorcas asked.
"Not bad," Remus shrugged.
"I heard what you guys did in the Daily Prophet. It was really brave." Dorcas said.
"I wouldn't believe everything that's printed in the Daily Prophet, Dorcas," Remus said smiling slightly.
"Oh but you were!" Dorcas insisted.
Remus rolled his eyes and looked over at James, who was shaking his head and dealing out the cards.
"Well…" Dorcas smiled nervously. "I'll see you later Remus."
"Yeah, bye," Remus said as the door slid shut behind her. James burst out laughing. Remus looked at him sceptically. "What?" He asked. James laughed even harder. "What?"
"Honestly, you don't see it?" James asked, wiping tears away from his eyes.
"See what?" Remus asked.
"She fancies the pants off of you!" James said.
"She does not!" Remus argued.
"How can someone so smart be so incredibly dim?" James wondered out loud.
"Maybe because it isn't true?" Remus tried.
"Oh, it's true,"
"She knows I am going out with Sarah." Remus said.
James shrugged. "Yeah. But for how long before you dump her again? How long before you decide that you're not good enough, and end up leaving her? Because I swear if you decide to do that in 10 years' time with your pregnant wife or what have you, I will personally beat you around the head with a saucepan until you go back."
"Acknowledged." Remus said, rolling his eyes. "If I ever-"
"Oh, here he goes again." James said. "You will get married. But for Merlin's sake, will you enjoy life as a free… Man… Half-breed… Thing that you are?"
Remus kicked him.
…
Sirius returned just as they were about to leave the train and step onto the Hogsmede platform. He looked brighter than normal and one could only suspect foul play. He shook his head and smiled softly. James raised an eyebrow and waved his hand in front of his friend's face.
"He's lost it," He said.
"He never had it," Peter mumbled stepping out onto the platform. Remus stood waiting for the first years to pass him, holding the door open carefully. The giant figure of Hagrid loomed over the platform, overshadowing everyone. They heard his gruff voice bellow the first years towards him. Remus and James waited patiently for the next carriage as Sirius and Peter tried to push their way through the mass to get to them.
"If it isn't 'The Marauders'," said a voice.
James turned and Remus remained still. MacNair stood tall and ugly in profile as he ever did. Behind him was Crouch, Regulus and Snape. Lily was tugging at his hand.
"Please don't do this," She was saying. "They haven't done anything to you yet."
James smiled when he saw this. "So, Snivellus? Gonna curse me to make yourself look big? A little low to start attacking us before classes have started."
"It's not like you don't do your fair share of cursing," Snape sneered with a cruel look in his eyes.
"Yes," James admitted. "But I have to admit, I'm usually provoked."
"Classes may not have started," Lily was saying, as Snape began to reach for his wand. "But I'm still a prefect and I can report this to McGonagall."
Snape obviously chose to ignore her, pushing her out of the way. James was quicker and got to his wand before Snape did, drawing it out and sending Snape back with a simple sharp flick of his wrist.
"POTTER!" Lily bellowed.
James straightened. "Evans', you cannot seriously take his side this time."
"Oh shut your stupid mouth!" Lily cried, helping Snape up.
"Thank you Lily," He grumbled.
"Don't you dare think that I am taking your side!" She snapped. "You are as arrogant and stuck up as him. I've had enough of this Severus. One day I am not going to be around to save your arse."
Snape watched her as she marched forward and got into the carriage that was meant for James, Sirius, Peter and Remus. She folded her arms and looked away. Snape was tucking his wand back into his robes and chasing after her.
"Lily!"
"GO AWAY!"
The carriage pulled off without Snape. He turned to the others.
"This is your fault Potter!" He bellowed, pulling out his wand again.
"Woah!" Sirius said, striding towards them. "What's going on here?"
"Snivellus was going to try and teach us how to be civil towards each other," James said.
"Oh really?" Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" He reached into his robe pockets and was about to bring out his wand before someone grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.
"I am not having you two expelled before you even finish your O.W.L's," Remus growled shoving them into the horseless carriage.
"But Moony!" Sirius cried. "He was going to curse us first!"
"I don't care." Remus said, as Peter climbed up and sat next to James. "I wish you would be a little more civil!" The carriage began to move towards the castle.
"He provoked us!" James said angrily.
"I don't care!" Remus said. "He wouldn't do it if you didn't rise to the bait! For Merlin's sake, have you learnt nothing over the last four years? You and Snape are equally matched. No one is the bully and no one is the victim. You are both as bad as each other! It would stop if you all behaved now and then."
"I do behave!" James replied.
"Shoving dungbombs down the urinals in the third floor toilets is not considered to be behaving well, James," Remus replied.
"Yeah, but it's bloody brilliant." Sirius laughed.
"You're not going to report this to McGonagall," James grinned. "Are you?"
"No." Remus said. "But Lily might."
"Shit," Muttered Sirius. "Yay, first term back all served up with a rounding of detention."
"Snivellus will be serving time too." James nudged Sirius. "If I know Lily, and I do-"
"You only know her because you've been stalking her for five years," Peter said.
"Have not!" James replied.
"Have so." Sirius said.
James started sulking.
Urgh.
I don't even know what I was thinking during this chapter. Guess I was just looking for a distraction from college and a family bereavement.
Probs won't hear from me for a while whilst I sort out some issues. See you when I see you.