Disclaimer: anCay ouyay eadray igPay atinLay? (Sorry Spell Check) Iway oday otnay ownway arryHay otterPay.

Chapter Five: Defending the Dwelling

In the end, James could hardly remember a time where he wasn't best friends with Sirius, Lupin, or Peter. As the weeks progressed, the four ran around the school with an air of mischief and importance. People stood aside for them as they came down the corridor. Teachers awarded them extra points. It was a good thing, because it seemed that they were losing points at every minute.

Even Lupin's pacifist nature could not stop James and Sirius from pulling pranks at every opportunity. In fact, his nagging often had consequences, leading James and Sirius to new horizons and ideas. Peter would often accompany James and Sirius whenever they pulled a prank. It was to an extent of their friendship that the two didn't snap at him at every wake, because he was usually more trouble than it was worth. Still, it was nice to have someone cheering them on.

Not everyone at school was charmed by the four friends. They had to choose their victims wisely, taking into consideration that they were, after all, only first years. However, they were a match for anyone who would challenge them, and it so happened that several people did. Severus Snape seemed to be lurking wherever they went, finding a way to stick his hooked-nose into their business. Much to James's disappointment, Lily Evans had grown quite furious with him and Sirius after the train-incident. This did not stop James and Sirius, however. Soon, Snape became their new favorite target.

Sirius did not receive anymore letters from home; something that he seemed quite happy with. However, James was receiving plenty of letters. His mother and father sent him love nearly everyday. As James read them, he his stomach sunk. His father was still laid-off from the Auror Office. James knew that they would never go poor, but he wasn't naive to the fact that things were going to be tight.

He also knew that his father prospered at being an Auror. As a boy, James would love to listen to his father's stories about how he took down Death Eaters. It was a risky job, but someone had to do it.

Even with the knowledge that his father was no longer on the front-line, James still found himself having nightmares about his family.

One night, he found himself being shaken out of his dreams.

"James?" Peter squeaked. He was standing next to James's bed, wearing footed-pajamas and a look of concern.

"I'm fine," James said hastily, sitting up. Upon seeing Peter's face, however, James realized that Peter had no idea what he was talking about.

"What's wrong?" James asked, stuffing his glasses on.

"D'you want to come see the fireworks?" Peter asked, his eyes shining.

"The what?"

"The fireworks! Come look!"

"What are you prattling about, Peter?" Sirius snapped from his four-poster. James didn't realize they had been talking so loud.

"What's with all the fuss?" Lupin poked his head out from behind his curtain, "I don't mean to be rude, but we've got an important Charms test tomorrow, and I need to rest for it."

"The fireworks!" Peter insisted, ignoring Sirius and Lupin, "Come over here, look for yourself."

Humoring the plump boy, James followed him to a window. Peter pointed out into the darkness.

"I don't see anything Peter…"

"Wait, just wait. Look over there, by the Forbidden Forest."

Then, out of the darkness, came a large, colorful, explosion. Shortly after that, another one erupted.

"What is that?" Sirius whispered, as he and Lupin came over.

James was staring at the explosions, transfixed. An unsettling feeling washed over him; something was nagging the back of his mind.

"Those aren't fireworks," he said quietly.

Peter looked disappointed, "What are they, then?"

James slipped on his bathrobe, "I have a hunch; let's just hope I'm wrong."

Puzzled, the other three followed him down into the Common Room. There they were met by a sleepy-eyed Lily Evans, who was coming back from the restroom, wearing a silk nightgown and a scowl.

"What are you doing?" she asked, suspiciously.

"Mind your own," Sirius whispered back.

Lily's green eyes blazed dangerously.

James hastily intervened, reddening as he did so, "It's nothing, Lily. We just need to see something. So if you'll just step aside."

Lily remained where she was, "I refuse to move until you four tell me what you are up to."

James sighed, "Something's going on outside; we're going to investigate."

He stepped around Lily and the others followed suit. Lily, however, was persistent. She followed them out into the corridor, hissing, "You'll lose points from Gryffindor! How could you be so reckless? Well, I for one refuse to be a part of it!"

She turned and said smartly, "Bertie Bott!"

"Wrong," the Fat Lady said, "The password has been changed."

Lily paled, "What? What's it been changed to?"

"If I told you that, my job would be quite redundant," the portrait sniffed.

Lily looked frantic, "Please, let me back in! I can't stay out here! I'll get caught."

"Best come with us, then," James grinned.

Lily glowered, "I am not going with you four."

Just then, however, she caught sight of something out of the window. It was another explosion. It lit up her green eyes, as she whispered, "What is that?"

"That's what we're going to find out," James said quietly. Lily hesitated, and then nodded. Together, the five crept through the corridors. It was a stroke of luck that they didn't end up getting caught, for they were neither cautious nor quiet.

They at last slipped outside, running across the dew-covered grass. They finally slowed when they neared the Forbidden Forest.

"James, look," Lupin pointed. The explosions were directly above them. However, that wasn't what Lupin was looking at. Right in front of them, barely visible, was a silvery, translucent, wall.

Sirius slowly raised his hand, ready to touch it. Without looking down from the explosions, James reached out his own arm, grabbing Sirius's before it hit the vapor.

"This must be the edge of the force field," Lupin whispered.

"Force field?" Sirius repeated.

Lupin nodded, "I read about it in Hogwarts a History. Hogwarts is protected by tons of spells, enchantments, and anything else you can think of."

"Protection from what?" Lily whispered. James had forgotten for a moment that she was there. He was busy staring up at the explosions, a wave of fury rushing through him. Peter was also staring up at them, his jaw opened slightly. His eyes were large and glistening. He looked hypnotized and amazed. James on the other hand was shaking with fury.

"Are you okay, mate?" Sirius shook James's shoulder.

"James, Peter, snap out of it," Lupin whispered, urgently.

"James?" Lily whispered, a touch of fear in her voice. Slowly, she reached out and took his hand in her own.

James shook his head, then tore his gaze away from the explosions to look at her. Her green eyes were shining with concern.

"I'm okay," James whispered, squeezing her hand.

"I don't think Peter is," Lily said back. James looked over at his pudgy friend. He hesitated and slapped Peter hard, on his face.

Peter rubbed his cheek, "W…what hap…happened?"

Before James could answer, there was a rush of footsteps. His heart sunk as he saw Professor McGonagall running towards them.

"Get away from there at once!"

She was fuming, but James couldn't help but to notice a touch of fear in her eye. Upon reaching them, she started rambling:

"What on earth do you think you're doing? Five students out of bed, let alone outside! Why, I never. I suggest you start explaining before I expel you! As for you, Miss Evans, I expected more from you."

Lily burst into tears, "P…please Professor. I…I was just trying to stop them…"

James opened his mouth to agree, but before he could another blast rang out from above them. Upon seeing it, Professor McGonagall grabbed them, pulling them back. James, however, kept staring upwards. Suddenly, everything sunk in.

He was aware that Professor McGonagall was still lecturing them. He vaguely heard the threats of detentions being given, points being taken, expulsions handed out. Yet, at the moment, he didn't care. The fury was coming back.

"Potter!" Professor McGonagall rang out, "Potter do you hear me?"

All at once, James's fury melted into fear. He turned to Professor McGonagall, and wasn't ashamed that his eyes were glistening with tears.

"What are they?" he whispered, though he already knew.

Professor McGonagall stared at him for a moment, before saying softly, "They're Death Eaters."

"Bloody hell!" Sirius cried, jumping back as though burnt. Lupin looked horrified, Peter burst into tears of fear, Lily looked fearful, though confused.

"That's enough," Professor McGonagall said, gently, "Now, if you'll follow me back to the castle, we shall discuss your punishments."

"I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Professor McGonagall."

Professor Dumbledore was striding towards them, calmly.

"Professor," Professor McGonagall said, strained, "These five were caught out of bed, examining the Death Eater intrusion."

Dumbledore nodded, sighing, "Indeed, I'm afraid their curiosity has gotten the best of them. Yet, you cannot blame them, Minerva. They saw a threat to the school and acted upon it. Reckless though it may be, it is also heroic and courageous; two qualities of your house, I believe. Given the events that led up to their nighttime stroll, I can assume that no punishment is necessary. However, I will stress the fact that they won't do it again."

He stared at James, who was too upset to respond.

The others chorused, "No, Professor."

"Very well," Dumbledore smiled, "Rest assured, there is little to worry about. Now, kindly report back to your dormitories. I'll have the house-elves warm your beds to help you sleep this incident away."

Professor McGonagall took it upon herself to make sure that the others got back to the dormitory. Before James could move, however, Dumbledore stopped him.

"Alas, James, I'm afraid I'll have to deprive your sleep for a bit longer. Will you follow me into my office?"

Humming, he led James into the castle, and into a large, circular, beautifully-decorated office. The first thing James saw was a magnificent, scarlet red, bird, perched in the corner next to a pile of books.

The bird gave James a sympathetic look, opened it's beak, and emitted a soothing song. At once, James felt himself grow warm and happier.

"Thank you Fawkes," Dumbledore said, happily.

James realized that they weren't the only ones in the room. A gruff looking man with a scarred face was staring at him, using a magical eye.

"You're Alastor Moody," James gasped, "My dad talks about you; he says you're one of the greatest Aurors ever."

Moody grunted, "That's actually saying something, coming from him. Where's he been, anyway? He's been abandoning his post."

"He has not!" James cried, indignantly, "The Auror Office won't let him on the front-line."

Moody looked both angry and shocked by this, "And they expect Lord Voldemort to sit on his arse while they fill out the necessary paperwork, do they? Half of those blokes sitting behind the desk haven't even seen a Death Eater, let alone to have the experience that your father and I have."

"Alastor, would you mind waiting outside?" Dumbledore interrupted, quietly.

Moody grunted and limped out.

"Alastor Moody has been kind enough to guard the school for the next few days. All the more reason, I stress that you stay in your dormitories at night. Sit down James," Dumbledore said, kindly. James obeyed.

"I know that must've been quite frightening for you and your friends," Dumbledore continued, "Though, pardon me for saying so, but you seem to be a bit more affected than the others? Would you care to confide as to why that is?"

James thought for a moment before saying, "Well, it's like Moody said, isn't it? Lord Vold…sorry, I mean You-Know-Who…"

Dumbledore interrupted, "Do not be sorry for saying his name, James."

James nodded, "Yes, sir. Voldemort is getting stronger, everyday. As we speak, his Death Eaters are trying to get into Hogwarts."

Dumbledore nodded, "Quite unsuccessfully, I might add. Yes, I have the complete confidence in this school to protect us."

James nodded slowly, "But sir…what if that's not enough?"

Dumbledore looked serious, "Ah, alas, I'm afraid it might not be. The Ministry has had many blinded priorities. As you know perfectly well, they are removing top-skilled Aurors for political reasons. However, I believe that there will soon come a point when the fighters will no longer be Aurors. They will be everyday witches and wizards, fighting to protect their family, friends, and loved-ones."

Dumbledore was surveying him, closely. James stared back, trying to understand.

Dumbledore continued, "You, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, and Mr. Pettigrew are, interestingly, some of the brightest students I've seen at Hogwarts. Funny enough, how such different people can come together into one destiny. And I believe that your destiny is about to be revealed soon. And when it does, I believe that Misters Black, Lupin, and Pettigrew will be a part of it."

James let this sink in. Dumbledore winked and stood up, "Now then, off to bed."

James nodded, standing up, sleepily.

Moody was waiting outside. He grabbed James's shoulder, bent down, and hissed,

"Whilst fighting, I find it foolish to run into a battle unarmed. You said that your father is off of the front-line. This means that he has some unused equipment."

And suddenly, James understood.

The other four were still up when James entered the Common Room. They were talking in hushed, excited, whispers.

"James! We got off, completely!" Sirius cheered.

"Yeah," James said distractedly, "That's great, mate."

Lily spoke up from by the fireplace, "So, what are Death Eaters?"

"What every little Slytherin wishes to be when the grow up," Sirius said, bitterly.

Lily looked furious, "Severus is a Slytherin, and he doesn't wish to be a Death Eater."

"Give it time," Sirius yawned.

Lily made a small growling noise and stomped up to her dormitory.

"Could you be anymore insensitive?" Lupin sighed, "She's scared. We all are."

"W…what are we…g…going to do?" Peter stammered.

James spoke up, "We fight."

The next morning, James wrote a classified letter to his father. He knew that his dad would be suspicious when he heard James asking for Auror equipment. However, he stressed the fact that it was on Moody and Dumbledore's orders.

Several days later, an anonymous owl delivered a package. It contained several training manuals, magical ear-pieces, and four bungee harnesses.

That afternoon, James passed Moody in the hallway. Without breaking stride, Moody slipped something into James's pocket. Upon reaching the bathroom, James realized that he was now in possession of a dozen grenades. He and Peter went up onto the roof to try them. They erupted with a force that sent them off the roof and into the Hospital Wing.

At dinner, Sirius went to take a swig of pumpkin juice, only to find that it had changed into a series of different potions. Lupin quickly put them into individual vials.

Lupin, himself, found that he was now in possession of almost every single Defense Against the Dark Arts book that the school library owned.

Their breaks and mealtimes found the four outside, practicing spells and jinxes that would've made seventh-years heads' spin. They would originally use Peter as a target, but soon after, several official targets appeared in their dormitory. Indeed, by the end of the month, their dormitory was almost unrecognizable, cluttered with miscellaneous equipment and gadgets. They had everything from a laboratory to a working tank.

Their training wasn't easy. They often wound up in the Hospital Wing, bearing suspicious injuries. Sirius accidentally sprouted wings, after experimenting with a potion. Peter was equipped with many fine shields, but that didn't stop him from being jinxed. At one point, Lupin disappeared for two days, much to the other three's apprehension.

It was James who decided that they needed a name. And thus, the Marauders were born. The Marauders crept around the school, ensuring that everything was safe. They punished Slytherins who picked on other first-years. They kept a 24-7 surveillance on Severus Snape. They broke up fights between upperclassmen.

James was confident in Dumbledore when he said that Hogwarts was protected. However, James knew that if there ever came a time, the Marauders would be prepared to defend their home.