Hey guys… So, I'm grieving. And I found that the best way to deal (for me, maybe not for others) is to keep as busy as I can, so I've been writing chapters in my insomniac hours. Hope you enjoy it. But if not, I think you are justified in hunting me with very sharp pointy sticks and fire (fast moving sticks and hot, hurty things scary me)
"FIRST YEARS THIS WAY PLEASE!" Remus bellowed over the noise. Lily was standing quite close to him and had to cover her ears so she wasn't deafened. Second years and third years began to push their way past. One very flamboyant third year Ravenclaw was having an argument with one of the older students.
"Oi, Moony," Peter grabbed Remus' robes and pulled him away from the first years. "What's the password?"
"Vicis," Remus replied.
"Okay, see you there." Peter ducked off to find Sirius and James.
"FOR THE LAST TIME GILDEROY!" Shouted the older Ravenclaw student. "STOP HARRASSING ME!"
"Ignore that," Lily said. "Hello, I'm Lily Evans', and this is Remus Lupin."
"Call me Moony," Remus said. "Everyone does."
"I don't," Lily said.
"Oh, come on! I wanted to look cool." Remus grinned.
"Remus, you wear cardigans and eat about two dozen bars of dark chocolate per day," Lily said. "You are not and never will be cool."
"Boy, you sure know how to fill people with an air of confidence." Remus said. "Alright then, let's go!"
"EVANS'!" Called a voice.
Lily turned around, half expecting to see James or Snape running towards her. Instead Professor McGonagall was leering down at the new prefects with a cold disposition that raised the hairs on the back of Remus' neck.
"You had a complaint to register to me?" McGonagall said. "What about? Lupin, please hurry up. The first years must be exhausted from the excitement of being here. Don't dilly dally. Go on."
"Right, sorry professor." Remus said. "Come on then!"
He led the first years from the Great Hall just as McGonagall shouted; "LOCKHART. BONES. IF YOU WISH TO ARGUE, WILL YOU PLEASE GO BACK TO YOUR OWN COMMON ROOM AND DO NOT DISTURB ANYONE ELSE?"
Remus chuckled as he led the first years up the stairs and towards the portrait of the fat lady.
"Be careful of the stairs," He said. "They like to change. Especially if you are out causing mayhem."
"Who was that Professor who was sitting next to Dumbledore?" Asked one of the students.
Remus shrugged, as he counted heads. "I don't know yet." He said. "I assume, she is our new Defence Against the Dark Art's teacher."
"Where did the last one go?" Asked a freckly boy.
"Vicis," Remus said. The fat lady looked at his badge impressed.
"Prefect are we?" She asked. "Wouldn't have thought so when you hang around with those trouble-makers." She nodded her head and swung open to reveal the Gryffindor common room.
Remus turned to the first year. "One thing you learn whilst you are here is, no Defence Against the Dark Art's teacher has lasted more than a year. You get used to it. Only thing is, you want some kind of consistency when you are about to sit your exams."
He smiled and led them through to the common room. Though he had been here many countless times before, he was still in awe of its ability to project warmth and feelings of solidarity. The tattered armchairs were still as old and as unkempt as ever, with many students picking at the threads. The heath burnt rug still depicting the Lion and the serpent going to war and the French tapestry's of gold and scarlet hanging across the wall.
Remus cleared his throat as some of the older students began to leave the common room and up to the dormitories. "Boys dormitories are upstairs and first on your right, girls, the same on your left. You will find all of your belongings have already been brought up. Whilst you are here, your house is your family. If any of you are in need of support and guidance, don't hesitate to ask someone older than you. But please, whatever you do, don't ask-"
"MOONY!" Bellowed Sirius running into the room and tackling Remus to the floor much to the amusement of the first years. Remus struggled up.
"Him," He muttered, pointing at Sirius who was grinning madly.
Before he knew it James threw himself on top of the massive heap on the floor. From underneath Remus' muffled cry made its way to the surface. "OR HIM!"
The first years were laughing nervously as James and Sirius got up and helped Remus to his feet.
"What was that for?" Remus muttered, wiping down his robes. "You saw me ten minutes ago."
"Yeah." Admitted Sirius. "But we thought that you had disappeared into the realm of nerdiness and were nought to return as the chaotic, dashing and frankly wonderful prankster that you are."
Remus raised an eyebrow. "As I was saying-"
"Was he telling you not to trust us?" James interrupted. "Because we are amazing. We can do anything."
"No you can't," Remus said.
"Yes I can," Sirius argued.
"No. You can't." Remus replied.
"Yes WE can!" James said grabbing Remus around the neck.
"Okay, bed now." Remus ordered. "Where's Peter?"
"Getting some very important things for us." Sirius replied. "See you in the dormitories." They took off up the stairs and Remus sighed.
"As I was saying." He said. "The password changes every few weeks so you will be informed by an older student, probably Lily or myself or the head boy and girl. Lily or I can direct you to classes but only for the first few weeks. After that, you're on your own." He smiled at them. "Enjoy. Go. Sleep."
The First years separated and moved up the stairs to their allocated dormitories. Remus followed the boys, making sure they entered the right room. Once they were dealt with, he moved off further up the stairs, checking in on the second, third and fourth years to make sure that everything was alright and they had found themselves comfortable. He then, with some trepidation opened the doors to the fifth year dormitory.
"REMUS!" Frank cried. "Thank god you are here."
"Why?" Remus sighed. "What's happened?"
"They've gone mad." Mithradates said sadly.
"They've always been mad." Remus replied. "Good to see you. How was your holiday?"
"Never mind that!" Frank said. "Stop them before they start swinging from the drapes!"
Remus looked over Frank's shoulder to see Sirius and James standing on the beds, leaning against the wooden posts. Sirius had tied back his long black hair and was grinning like a lunatic. James was grinning too, but not as insanely.
"Ah!" Sirius leapt down from the bed and pulled off his tie. "Our esteemed leader is here."
"Sirius," Remus said, folding his arms. "What are you doing?"
"We are going to play a prank on the first years." James said. "We've been planning it for ages. We always knew that you would get to be a prefect, so now is the perfect time."
"A prank?" Remus asked. "On the first years? Haven't you already got enough detention to get you through the winter months?"
"That's a bit harsh!" Sirius said. "McGonagall hasn't been informed yet."
"You keep believing that," Remus said, unpinning his badge and setting it on his bedside table. "But Lily was held back to discuss what happened by the carriages earlier this evening."
"Oh… Bollocks." Sirius muttered as Peter entered the room.
"Where the bloody hell did you go?" Remus asked.
"Oh." Peter moved towards his bed and opened the bag that he was carrying. "Undetectable extension charm." With that, he emptied the contents onto the mattress and from it showered thousands upon thousands of brightly coloured sweets and cakes.
"Peter that's brilliant!" Remus said.
"James taught me how to do it," Peter mumbled insignificantly.
"Still." James said. He swung down from the bed and began to pick up the treats. "You forgot the drinks."
"Did I?" Peter raised an eyebrow before reaching back into the bag and pulling out several crates of butterbeer.
"A celebration." Sirius said, cracking a bottle open.
"To what?" Remus asked.
"Being back at home." Peter replied. "I think for most of us."
"I'm still pranking the first years." James said.
Remus looked away from his drink. "What are you planning to do?"
"Well, do you remember how afraid of ghosts we were when we first came here?" James said, sitting on the bed.
"No." Remus replied. "Because we were never scared."
"Exactly." James said smugly. "They say Hogwarts is the safest place in all the wizarding world. Hell, Durmstrang don't have the protection that we do."
"So?" Frank said.
"So, Hogwarts is not the safest place ever." Sirius grinned. "We have over 50 ghosts roaming the halls all with a bloody and violent past. We have a poltergeist, which are renowned for their violent behaviour. The Chamber of Secrets in which a girl died-"
"I doubt there is an actual Chamber of Secrets," Mithradates said, flopping onto his bed.
"Oh, there is." James said. "Even if I don't find it myself, Potter's are renowned for discovering secret places. One of my future children will find it."
"Okay Prongs," Sirius said. "Don't boast."
"Sorry," James grinned. "But there are giants, werewolves, maybe even vampires in the Forbidden Forest!" Remus rolled his eyes at the word 'werewolves', Peter saw it and stifled a laugh. "Those bloody massive spiders that chased us in our second year. Centaurs! Remember how vicious they can be? But Merlin knows what else Hagrid has put in there."
"If you think there is a dragon skulking around in the forbidden forest," Remus said. "Then I am afraid that you are wrong.
"Why?" James asked.
"Because," Remus said. "I was talking to Hagrid before we left, and he told me that he always wanted a dragon, but he had nowhere to put it when it got too big. He told me that he couldn't put it in the forest because the centaurs wouldn't take to it too kindly."
"Oh." Sirius said.
"Continue," Frank said.
"Anyway," James said. "I think we should scare them. Just to keep them on their toes."
"You do that." Remus said. "I'm going to go to bed."
"Aw… Moony!" Sirius cried, as Remus slumped onto the warm pillow, heated by the bedpan left by the house-elves.
"Don't 'aw Moony' me." Remus muttered, closing his eyes. "I am not listening. Nor shall I ever."
"Please?" James asked, leaping in front of Remus. Remus turned around and lay on his other side. Sirius leapt over and sat in front of him.
"I might actually kill the pair of you." Remus muttered.
"Only during your time of the month, sweetheart," Sirius said mockingly.
Remus' eyes shot open. "Thanks for that." He said.
"Please?" James tired again.
"What are you planning to do anyway?" Remus asked.
"Well… Make a lot of noise. Cast a view spells. Get Peeves to cause some havoc. Once they get some sleep, sneak into their rooms and change the beds that they were in. Move their books. Just general pranking."
"As long as you don't try to kill anyone, hey, why not? Go ahead." Remus said.
"We can't promise for certainty that someone won't die." Sirius said.
"Well, if you do kill anyone, hide the body well." Remus muttered, closing his eyes and falling asleep almost at once.
"Moony." James shook Remus.
"Moony." Sirius said copying James. "Oi! REMUS!"
"Ah, forget it," James said. "Come on!"
…
"Remus?"
"Yes?" Remus lowered his morning paper and looked over at the small frightened first year standing in front of him. James was chewing on a bit of bacon and watching intently. "Michael, yes?"
"That's right." Michael said.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked, putting the newspaper to one side. Sirius was trying to stifle a laugh. "One moment." Remus said raising his finger and turning to Sirius. With all his strength, he stamped down hard on Sirius' foot. Sirius let out a yelp and quietened down quickly. James laughing manically. Remus looked up. "I do not condone violence." He said. "I'm allowed to do it, since I've been best friends with him for nearly five years. What's wrong Michael?"
"Well…" Michael looked scared. "Remus, are there ghosts in the castle?"
"Yes." Remus answered.
"And poltergeists?"
"Yes." Remus said frowning.
"Do they usually mess around with first year boys?" Michael asked. "Because we asked the girls and they said that their night was fine."
There was a slamming of a newspaper and Remus looked over to see Lily looking severely pissed off. He licked his lips and turned his attention on Michael, trying to ignore Sirius, James and Peter who were having a hard time containing themselves.
"Only for the first night." Remus replied. "The rest of the time, they leave you alone."
"Oh… Okay." Michael said.
Remus sighed. "They did it to us as well."
Michael nodded and went off to join his friends. As soon as he was out of earshot, James, Sirius and Peter burst out laughing much to the annoyance of Remus.
"Moony," Sirius said, slapping Remus' back. "I love you man."
"I am not covering your arses again." Remus said, picking up a piece of toast.
"I knew it!" Lily fumed.
"Oh dear." Sirius said.
"See you idiots later." Remus said picking up his breakfast and newspaper and moving off to the Ravenclaw table to eat with Sarah.
Lily moved further up the table, her eyes showing the burning hatred and contempt she held for them. "I don't think it's acceptable for you to do that to the first years."
"What are you going to do?" James teased. "Dock points?"
"I might." Lily said. "Five from each of you? Sadly, I'm not allowed to organise detention. But…"
"Mr Potter, Mr Black." Professor McGonagall said coming up the tables and standing behind them. "With me now." Behind her was a very sour looking Snape who had sunk his head into the books that he was carrying. Lily did not look sorry to have put him in that spot, but he looked at her like he had trampled over him with spiked soles.
"Crap." Sirius muttered as he followed James to McGonagall's side. She cleared her throat and led them up the stairs to her office. Snape kept throwing glances at James as if James had literally decided to hoist Snape up by the ankle and remove his trousers. Sirius noticed this and became quite annoyed.
McGonagall opened her office door and sat down. "Now, I have reason to understand that you were picking fights before entering Hogwarts last night. Is this true?"
"I wasn't picking fights." Sirius said. "I was just wanting some food"
"Miss Evans' informs me, that it was you, Mr Snape, who was the first to taunt." McGonagall said. "Is this true?"
Snape opened his mouth to protest, but James shot a cowering look over at the Slytherin. Snape looked at James with pure hatred and rage. He nodded his head stiffly.
"Right." McGonagall said. "What about you Potter?"
"Snape was going to attack me!" James complained.
"So you thought it would be better to use and offensive spell, rather than a defensive spell and preserve your innocence?" McGonagall asked. "All I can say is that I am not happy with your behaviour. For that reason, all three of you will receive detention. Mr Filch's office, tomorrow, 8pm."
"Can I just say, I didn't do anything!" Sirius said.
"Black, you and Potter have some sort of allegiance. Whether you are guilty or not, you and Potter come as a set. Therefore must be punished as a set."
"How long do we do the detention for?" James asked.
"Three weeks." McGonagall said. "No. I don't want to hear it." She said staring at their faces. "It's only fair."
"It so isn't." Sirius said.
"Black, I can make your detention last over two months. Don't push your luck." McGonagall said. "You are dismissed."
The first class of the term was D.A.D.A. James was unusually sully, even though it was one of his favourite subjects. Sirius seemed a little happier; even though he was as pissed off that they had to serve detention with Snape. Upon reaching the classroom they saw that it had changed once again, according to the new professor's taste. Hanging from the high ceiling, was a skeleton of huge creature. They chose their seats and pulled out their books waiting patiently for the professor to enter.
After about ten minutes, James turned around to talk to Remus and Peter.
"I am certain that there's a rule saying that if a teacher doesn't turn up we can leave after 15 minutes." He said.
"Well, James," said a voice. "I'm sorry to say you won't be getting out of class early."
James turned and came face to face with a woman who was about 5ft 7 inches. She had a kind heart-shaped face and a pale complexion with dark freckles over her cheeks and nose. Her dark chocolate brown hair swept up into and unimpressive bun on the top of her head. She wasn't beautiful, but she wasn't as ugly as some of the girls that James had seen. She wore simple grey robes that were fading slightly, like she didn't really care too much for her appearance.
"Hello." She said, clearing her throat. "My name is Miranda Beckett. I will be teaching you for the foreseeable future, until my inevitable departure, either by dying tragically or facing some humiliation that causes me to leave. In which case, I want the rumour that is spread about me to be that I was really a hallucination brought on by something the elves put in our pumpkin juice, and this being the year that Defence Against the Dark Arts was just one massive dream. Alright?" She smiled nervously, but her joke seemed to go down well.
"Right." She clapped her hands together. "O.W.L's!"
The class groaned. Beckett looked a bit shocked.
"Exams are fun!" She said.
The class groaned even louder.
"Oh dear." Professor Beckett said. "Well… We have to sort that out don't we? Learning is fun!"
"It's the female version of Remus," James muttered into Sirius' ear. Remus overheard and kicked the back of James' chair.
"Maybe he should ask her on a date." Sirius suggested.
Remus did not answer.
…
"SHE'S THE FEMALE YOU!" James said as they left the class. "How I am meant to get through my fifth year of pranking and causing mayhem when BOTH of you are on the go, I do not know. But I don't like it."
Remus had taken every measurable step to try and ignore James. Including stuffing cotton balls into his ears. This had not worked.
"Don't worry Prongs," Sirius said. "She'll be gone by next year."
"I bloody well hope so." James said.
"Remember the curse?" Peter piped up.
"Curse!" James said. "I laugh at curses! Mwhahahahahaha!"
"Oh then you won't mind helping Professor Sprout in herbology, clearing out the cursed mandrake roots?" McGonagall said appearing out of nowhere, tapping James' shoulder with a roll of parchment.
Remus bent double at James' petrified face. "James, something's wrong!" He said.
"Yeah man," Sirius laughed. "Why are you not doing your maniacal, evil laugh in the face of these curses?"
"I think I might have to kill you." James muttered.
"Oh, Black, you will be joining him. As will Mr Snape." McGonagall said.
"What happened to detention with Filch?" James asked.
"Yeah… That's not happening," Sirius said, looking over at James.
"And why not?" Remus asked calmly stuffing his book into his bag.
McGonagall looked at them with a steely gaze. "Yes, why is that not happening? Potter? Black?"
"Er…" Sirius straightened and grinned manically. "You know, I've just had the sudden urge for a bit of pie. See you later Professor." He turned and began to move away, grabbing Remus', James' and Peter's arms as he did so, pulling them off in the direction of the Great Hall.
"Okay, now I'm interested." James said. "What happened to Filch?"
"He ran into a little incident with a… Er… never mind…" Sirius said. "I'm starving."
"You didn't kill him did you?" Peter asked.
"I am shocked by that accusation." Sirius replied.
"Well… You did threaten once that if you had one more detention with him, you would do something you would later regret,"
"Shut up Prongs!"
"Make me!"
"XENO!" Remus said grabbing Xenophilius Lovegood's arm and turning away from his friends. "I heard you're looking for vampires in the forest-"
"If you two don't stop squabbling," Peter said. "I have a right mind to push you off a balcony."
"Wormy, you wouldn't do that to us." James grinned. "Now, tell me what happened with Filch!"
"Padfoot set of a firework in his office." Peter replied, opening his bag and looking for something. "He's in the hospital wing getting treated for minor burns."
"See? He's fine!" Sirius said. "Now. I want some pie." He moved off in the general direction before walking into Nearly Headless Nick. He shivered. A ghost going through you is no pleasant experience. "Sir Nicholas!"
"Sirius," Nick dipped his head which almost fell off. He straightened it and looked at the rest of them. "How was your holiday?"
"Good until the Death Eaters showed up." James said.
"Oh, yes, I heard about that." Nick replied, his eyelids drooping slightly. "Was anyone hurt?"
"A muggle was found dead a day later." Peter said gravely, pulling out his timetable. "We have potions next."
"Potions can wait," Sirius said.
"Who was the muggle in question?" Nick asked.
"Mr Patrick Burns." James replied. "He used to own the bakery in the town."
"Dreadful business." Nick said.
"Do you believe some of the rumours?" James asked.
"Rumours?" Nick asked.
"That there is a war coming?" Sirius asked.
Nick looked at them sadly. "My friends, there is not a time when we are not at war. I only wait for the time when peace will pass through the world once more. For now that seems unlikely. Might I ask, who says that there may be a war?"
"My father." James replied.
"Your father," Nick nodded. "Mm. Pardon, boys, I must be going. The Grey Lady and I wish to discuss some matters. See you later."
With that he disappeared.
James was pursing his lips. "Let's go eat pie." Sirius suggested.
"Sounds good to me." Peter said.