A/N: It all comes down to this. I want to make a quick note about the dragon scene. I realize that there may be several parallels between the dragon scene and the Gringotts scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. However, please note that this story was planned and written many years ago. Any similarities between the two scenes are purely coincidental.

Chapter Thirteen: The Tomb of Slytherin

The darkness swallowed around the Marauders, as they pushed forward. Sirius and Peter held up torches, yet they hardly helped light the path.

They plunged into uncertainty as they continued walking.

Lupin began to cough, violently.

"Are you alright?" James whispered.

"Fine," Lupin wheezed, "Has anyone else noticed that the tunnel's gotten smoky?"

Indeed, wisps smoke curled around them.

A low roaring noise could be heard, rattling the walls.

"What is that?" Peter squeaked, hiding behind Sirius.

"I have a hunch," James said, quietly. They stepped forward, entering another chamber.

Peter let out an anguished scream, that was muffled by Lupin's hand.

A scarlet dragon was sleeping in the middle of the chamber. Thousands of beautiful scales lined its body. Smoke exited its nostrils, and it's claws pierced the floor.

Peter's knees gave away, and Sirius and Lupin caught him.

"Brilliant," Lupin whispered, "Don't you see? A reptile that breathes fire. It's the perfect combination of Gryffindor and Slytherin."

James didn't answer. He was staring at the large hole in the ceiling.

The four stepped forward, and the door swung shut. Lupin jiggled the handle.

"It's locked," he said, looking pale.

"There isn't another door," Sirius noted, "The only way out is…"

"Through the ceiling," James finished.

"Do we have any climbing gear?" Lupin asked.

"Yeah," James whispered, "But it's a straight shot upwards. There's nothing to hold onto."

A horrible thought occurred to him, "We have to ride the dragon."

Peter collapsed again. This time, Sirius and Lupin let him fall.

Their robes were already flame retardant, due to the modifications that Lupin had cleverly made.

James pulled out four pairs of goggles, which the Marauders put on. They also put on special gloves, that allowed them to tightly grip anything.

"Come on, then," James whispered. He crept over to the dragon, and climbed onto it's back, holding onto the scales.

Sirius, Lupin, and Peter got on behind him, holding onto each other, tightly.

"Right," James whispered, shaking, "Right…"

"How do we wake it?" Sirius whispered. He gave the dragon's side several smart kicks, yet it didn't move.

"Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus," Lupin said, softly.

"Come again?"

"It's the school motto," Lupin whispered, "Never tickle a sleeping dragon."

"Why not?" Peter whimpered.

"Because then it'll wake up, you twit," Sirius snapped.

James took a deep breath, reached forward, and scratched the dragon's muzzle.

Sirius and Lupin had just managed to pull James back, before a burst of fire emitted from the dragon's nostrils.

It's bulging eyes opened and it slowly raised itself up to full height.

Twenty-foot wings suddenly uncoiled. The Marauders clung on tightly, as the dragon rose into the air.

"Bloody hell," Sirius whispered, his face a sickly green color.

Without warning, the dragon shot up through the ceiling. They accelerated at such a rate, that the Marauders couldn't help slipping.

James managed to grab onto one of the spike's on it's back. Sirius was just able to grab onto James's shoe. Lupin held onto Sirius, and Peter was stuck clinging onto the dragon's tail.

When it seemed as though they would never stop, the dragon suddenly burst through a glass ceiling.

It hovered in midair. James opened his eyes, and saw that they were in front of a glass door.

The dragon reared back and blew fire. The four watched, fascinated, as the door burnt to shards.

The dragon then bowed its neck, indicating for the others to get off.

They slid down, onto the landing. James patted the dragon on the snout, and it zoomed back into the darkness.

Lupin stared after it, worried.

"It'll be fine," James said, bracingly.

The Marauders cautiously entered the next room. It was quite small. A superlative statue of an eagle sat in the center. Behind the eagle sat two doors.

Sirius started forward, but James caught his arm. He pointed to a scroll that was clamped in the eagle's beak.

Lupin took it, cautiously. His brow furrowed as he read:

'One door will lead to the tomb

The other shall lead to your doom

Only one question you must ask

To determine through which door to pass

One door tells only lies

If entered, you will meet your demise

The other door speaks only truth

If entered, you'll reach the tomb.'

"Brilliant," Lupin whispered, "It's a riddle."

"Brilliant," James repeated, sarcastically, "So we have to come up with a question for one of the doors to answer. How the bloody hell are we supposed to do that?"

"Give me a minute," Lupin hissed. He began to pace the room, muttering to himself. After a quarter of an hour, he looked up. His eyes were gleaming.

"Of course," he whispered.

He crossed over to the first door, cleared his throat, and asked, "Do both doors lead to the tomb?"

"What kind of question is that?" Sirius hissed angrily.

The door glowed, and a deep voice whispered, "Indeed."

Lupin smirked, and crossed to the other door. He opened it, and ushered the other three inside.

James waited for pain and agony, but it didn't come. He opened his eyes, and saw that they were standing in a marvelous chamber. The walls were made of shimmering marble. A statue of a man stood in the center of the chamber. A key glistened in the statue's hand.

On the far end of the room was a large, magnificently-detailed, door. Inscription on the top of the door read:

The Tomb of Salazar Slytherin.

The Door Shall Open To The Person Who Has The Blood of a Slytherin, Yet The Heart of a Gryffindor.

"Brilliant," James whispered.

He stepped forward and carefully took the key from the statue.

He glanced at the others, who nodded, encouragingly.

James took a deep breath and stepped forward. He carefully inserted the key into the large keyhole.

Immediately, the room began to shake. James fell backwards, catching the key as it shot out of the hole.

"James, look!" Peter moaned.

The statue's mouth opened and began to gush water, violently.

Within moments, the entire chamber was filling up. James tried to insert the key into the hole again, but nothing happened.

He tried a third time, banging on the door.

"James, stop!" Lupin cried. James spun around and saw, to his horror, that the water was up to the Marauders' waists.

"Why won't it open?" he asked frantically, "The key is a perfect fit!"

Peter went to step forward, but tripped. He fell into the water, flapping his arms frantically.

"I can't swim!"

James rushed over, pulling him up.

"Here, hang onto the statue!" he snarled.

He then swam back over to the door, trying desperately to open it. He pulled the handles with all of his strength. He swore, pounding the door. He then peered into the keyhole. He could see immense piles of gold and silver, as well as several different swords and other weapons.

An aggressive splash told him that the water had risen above the keyhole. James suddenly realized that he was treading water. He looked back to the others, and found that they were desperately trying to stay afloat.

Sirius, meanwhile, had gone to the door from which they came in. It was locked, and no amount of budging seemed to open it. Lupin was busy trying to keep Peter above the water.

James decided that enough was enough. He reached into his robes and pulled out a special cloth, which he wrapped around his mouth and nose. The cloth was designed to allow a person to breathe oxygen, no matter what substance they were in. Sirius tossed him an underwater torch, and Peter gave him a wedge and hammer.

James dove underneath the water, and began to work on the door. After a few minutes, he realized that the door was simply unmovable.

He broke back to the surface, and was shocked when his head hit a part of the ceiling. The water had pushed them to the top of the chamber. They were running out of room.

James tried to not panic, as he looked around. He read the inscription above the door, as he tried to stay afloat. It wasn't easy; the water was now coming in waves, which crashed onto the four Marauders mercilessly.

"Sirius!" James cried, suddenly, "It has to be you!"

"What?" Sirius gurgled, trying to tread water.

"You need to open it! You have the blood of Slytherin…"

A wave of water overthrew James, sending him spinning.

He broke surface, to find that he only had several precious moments left. He gagged on water before tossing the key to Sirius. The latter looked horrified.

"Sirius, trust me!" James roared.

The two stared at each other, exchanging a silent conversation of reliance and companionship. Sirius sighed and dove, swimming to the large vault door. He took the key and managed to slide it into the keyhole.

There was an explosion of bright light. The water gushed into the tomb, with a force that shattered the weapons on contact. It didn't help decrease the water in the chamber, however.

Sirius shot to the surface, gasping for breath.

"It's gone," he gagged, "The tomb is destroyed."

"That's what we wanted," James roared, before adding, "Isn't it?"

Peter let out a sob. The noise brought James to attention.

Looking around, James suddenly seemed to realize the severity of the situation. He realized that there was no way out. He wanted to scream, to weep, but he knew that it wouldn't do any good.

He swallowed and took a deep breath, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be," Lupin croaked.

James nodded, his throat tightening.

"James?" Sirius whispered, "What do we do now?"

James looked around him. The other three stared at him for guidance. Their faces were flooded with fear and defeat. But then, another expression came forward; one that was worse than terror or downfall. It was the pure, heartbreaking, expression of acceptance.

James grabbed Peter's arm, using his other arm to grasp Sirius's. Peter grabbed Lupin's arm, and Lupin grabbed Sirius's free arm.

Their arms were linked together, but there was another bond. It was the bond of friendship and trust, despair and hope, faith and love.

"We did it," Sirius whispered, tears mixing with water.

James closed his eyes tightly.

"Mischief Managed," he whispered before being pulled under.

James's world was whirling. He spun around, sinking further from the surface.

Pain, unlike anything he had ever imagined, spread throughout his body. As the last bubbles gurgled from his mouth, James watched as everything faded to black. It was a darkness so engulfing, that James didn't know where, let alone who, he was.

The only reason he knew that he was still alive was that the pain was unbearable. He could hear a loud roaring. It was thunderous and soon grew to deafening levels.

Than, everything exploded.

James opened his eyes. He was standing on a bed of silvery mist in a bright, white, room with no walls or ceilings. There was nothing around him, other than the wispy fog and whiteness. He wasn't sure what to do, and after a moment, decided it was probably best if he waited.

After an eternity, or perhaps several seconds, James finally saw something. A lion was emerging from the mist in front of him. It was big and strong with a wild mane and kind eyes. An eerie glow was emitting from it.

Behind the lion walked a badger. Behind the badger, a large eagle flew. Behind the eagle, a snake slithered.

James watched as the lion and the snake transformed into men; the badger and the eagle transforming into women.

He realized that he was staring at none other than the four founders: Godric Gryffindor, Helga Hufflepuff, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Salazar Slytherin.

They were god-like in appearance.

"Rise, child of Hogwarts; son of Gryffindor," Godric Gryffindor rumbled, "You, indeed, have the bravery of a lion."

Helga Hufflepuff spoke up, "As well as the loyalty of a badger."

"Such it is, that you also possess the freedom of a eagle," said Rowena Ravenclaw, softly.

"Aye," Salazar Slytherin agreed, coldly, "You also have the cunning mischievous of the serpent."

James didn't know what to say. He blinked quickly, before saying, "So, what happens now?"

"Ah," Godric Gryffindor looked thoughtful, "That is up to you."

James was stunned, "I have a choice?"

"Yes," Godric Gryffindor said, smiling.

James hung his head, "There's no pain here," he noted, childishly.

Godric Gryffindor shook his head, "No, there is not. Nor, will there ever be."

Yet, James had made up his mind, "I want to be wherever my friends are. We stick together, in life and in death."

Salazar Slytherin spoke up, "You would make that sacrifice? You would choose to experience the pain, if it means being with your friends?"

"The pain will pass eventually," James said, numbly, "Friendship lasts an eternity."

"Spoken like a true Gryffindor," Godric Gryffindor smiled. There was a burst of golden light as he transformed back into a lion.

He gave an immense roar, and James was thrown into darkness once more.

James opened his eyes.

He wasn't underwater, yet the world was still spinning around.

When it finally straightened, James saw that he was staring at the celestial sky. Moons and stars swirled around him.

James groaned, his head drooping. When he looked back up, the heavens now transformed to an intricate moon and star pattern on a hat.

James closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he saw the kind face of Professor Dumbledore.

"Professor…" James whispered, perplexed.

"Good morning, James," Dumbledore said, pleasantly, "How are you?"

"Confused," James mumbled.

Dumbledore chuckled, merrily, "Yes, I can imagine. You have gone through quite a serious trauma. Alas, you gave Madam Pomfrey quite a scare."

James looked around, his head pounding. He was in the Hospital Wing.

Dumbledore continued, "She was at her wits end trying to revive you and your friends. I really should give her a raise."

Distracted, James tried to sit up but a flash of white pain shot through him. Yelling out in pain, he fell back.

"Please relax, dear boy," Dumbledore said, calmly, "I assume you are inquiring about the state of your friends? Yes, they should be coming to any moment now."

Holding his head, James saw the figures of Sirius, Lupin, and Peter, lying respectively on the beds next to him. They looked as though they were in a deep sleep. They were covered with bruises, scars, casts, and bandages. However, they looked like they would pull through.

Sighing in relief, James quickly voiced his concerns, "Sir, the tomb! What happened? How did we get out?"

"I do beg for your forgiveness, but as it is tedious to have to repeat oneself, I will explain everything once we have the others amongst us."

There wasn't a long wait. Madame Pomfrey soon woke the others up. Despite the shooting pain, they embraced each other excitedly. Once the confusion and thrill of survival passed, they settled down to listen to Dumbledore.

"First, I must ask for your forgiveness," Dumbledore said, softly, "I know that I disappointed you, James, when I refused to help you. Please note, that as soon as you expressed your concerns, I did everything that I could to investigate. However, I didn't end up doing anything. Instead, I decided to stand down and see what you four were going to do. Over the past year, you have shown remarkable bravery. You have stood up against those who have threatened Hogwarts. What happened in the tomb of Slytherin was a perfect test of your strength and friendship. I'm happy to say that you passed."

The Marauders sat, numbly, too stunned to say anything.

Finally, James smiled, "So you're saying that you didn't betray us, after all? You were just challenging us?"

Dumbledore bowed his head, but winked.

James grinned, "As admiral as your apology is Professor, you should know by now that you should never challenge the Marauders."

The diluted smoke swirled around the Hogwarts Express. The Marauders leaned against the train, staring out onto Hogsmeade Station.

Everyone who passed them either stopped and gawked, or burst into applause.

Thanks to their heroism, the Marauders had guarenteed that Gryffindor had won the House Cup.

James grinned, running a hand through his hair. He winked, and pumped his fist, eating up the applause.

"You save the world, and your head swells like a Dungbomb," Lupin smirked.

Peter squeaked, as miscellaneous sweets spilled out onto the platform. The others laughed, as he scrambled about, before helping him pick them up. James knew that Peter had probably gotten them from a quick trip to Hogsmeade.

Bandit screeched in his cage. James stroked him, affectionately, before realizing that Bandit was signaling Dumbledore's arrival.

Dumbledore didn't say anything. He merely winked and waved.

James grinned as he boarded the train. Next to him, Peter burst into tears.

"What's wrong with you?" Sirius asked, astonished.

"We had so many adventures," Peter said, miserably, "What if I forget them?"

"We won't forget," James said, bracingly.

He laughed, remembering as the four were hoisted onto everyone's shoulders, as Dumbledore announced that they had won the house cup.

He remembered how Lily had hugged him, carefully, as to not bump her temporary arm sling.

He remembered how Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Lucius were carted off to the Ministry, courtesy of Mr. Potter's Auror Squad.

But mostly he remembered how the Marauders had raised their glasses, vowing to make next year even better.

A/N: Okay, I've got to admit: I'm tearing up a little. I grew attached to this story, and it was hard ending it. The sequel will be on its way soon. Until then: Mischief Managed!