Introduction:

Hogwarts: June 1975

The last exam was graded. The final feast had been held. All students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry readied themselves for their departure. The first-year students seemed overwhelmed and confused with the amount of things they had procured during the semester that they now had to transport home. The other students were busy exchanging addresses and promising their classmates to write during the summer. One clump of students, fourth years, stood still among the chaos though. Four lads, best friends, watching atop the branches of the courtyard tree. One boy, noticeably handsome, pointed out the oldest students in the scene. "There. Can't wait until we are in their shoes and graduating."

"Slow down, Padfoot," said the tallest in the group. "We have to get through a couple more years first."

"Unless we find a time turner," added the short boy who clung to the branch he sat atop.

"Hardly," came the voice of the boy standing in the grass under the tree. "Those are urban legend, Peter. Besides they don't work frontwards."

The curly haired boy let his shoulders drop as if he'd felt idiotic for even mentioning the idea. His spirits were lifted when the taller boy, the one with faded scars on his face, patted him on the shoulder then dropped to the earth below. "Not up for tree climbing today, James?"

"Nah, Moony," he said smugly as his eyes wandered through the crowd. "Anyhow I'm looking for someone."

"Snivillus? Mate, I wouldn't try having a row in this crowd. Even if Gryffindor did win the cup, we shouldn't be short-living the victory."

"It isn't Snape I'm interested in, Moony."

"Ah, Evans then." His guess was confirmed with a sly glance from his friend.

"Godric, Prongs," the short, plump boy said from above, "Don't you think you should leave her be? She's getting to be nightmarish with that tongue."

"Agreed, Peter," the boy called 'Moony' said before adding, "I would even say she could best you in a duel. Oh wait… she already did." He gave a cocky grin to his friend as he reminded him of their final dueling class.

"Buggar off, Moon Moon," James said as he gave his friend a playful shove only to send the gangly teen stumbling into two Gryffindor girls.

"Oi!" Came a sharp Irish voice. "Lupin, do you mind?"

"Oh, sorry," He said quickly as he turned to apologize to the two he had bumped into. "Oh, Delaney. McKinnon."

"Remus," Replied the blonde as she gave him a smirk. She was very pretty but an intimidating girl who often spoke what was on her mind. Some may say she was opposite of her roommate Tabitha Delaney who, although also pretty, was more reserved. Delaney did let her temper get the best of her at times though. Many times it was after she was provoked by the four lads before her. Almost all of them played the game they called, "Who turns the Delaney red first?" Remus Lupin, however, she and Marlene both respected. They didn't approve of how the others dragged him into childish pranks but there was something Tabitha Delaney liked about him. One of these boys drove both Tabitha and Marlene mental though. To one he was an arrogant peacock and to the other he was a rival in class – Sirius Black. Better known to his friends as 'Padfoot' although the meaning behind the nickname was known only to them.

The handsome boy slid from his perch on the tree and landed beside James. He looked both girls up and down and raised an eyebrow. "Delaney."

"Black, she scoffed.

"Mickinnon," he muttered turning his gaze to Marlene.

"Sirius," she replied stiffly.

The short exchange didn't last long before Remus said, "Soooooo… ready to head back home?"

Tabitha shook her head. "Oh no. The train doesn't leave for two more hours. I intend to spend every second of them here."

"Aw," Sirius said with a puffed out lip. "Is ickle Tabs afraid to go home? No friends to play with?"

To him, she just crossed her arms. "Better than playing with myself, like some people I'm sure." She gave a suggestive glance before turning on her heel and walking to the Black Lake.

Peter Pettigrew now dropped from the tree. Well, it was more like he slid down, hung from the branch until his toe hit the ground, and let go only to topple onto his bum. Remus reached for the boy and lifted him to his feet. "Thanks, Remus. So McKinnon, trying to hide from professor Binns? I heard he hated your report on how Muggleborns contributed to magical history just as much as purebloods."

"He didn't hate it. He just has a closed mind is all."

"Where do you come off writing a report about muggles when you're from a wizarding family yourself?" Sirius said as he leaned back on the tree.

Marlene raised an eyebrow as she said, "The same way you come off being a Gryffindor when your entire family is from Slytherin legacy. People are more than their families, Sirius. Anyway, I'm looking for my roommate."

"She just walked off, dafty," said Sirius while avoiding eye-contact. Clearly Marlene's comment angered him, especially since he wasn't given a chance to reply.

Marlene just rolled her eyes. "Our other roommate. I'm looking for Lily."

"Did you try Slughorn's office?" James asked. "He's probably trying to recruit her for extra potions classes next term."

"You're just jealous because you stink in potions class, James."

"I do not!"

Just then the train whistle blew in the distance near Hogsmede station. "Train has arrived. It will start boarding soon," said Remus as he looked down to gather his things. "Uh oh." He saw a wand, not belonging to himself or the others, laying in the grass. Picking it up he noticed intricate Celtic symbols carved into the wood. "This is Tabitha's. It must have fallen when you shoved me into her, Prongs. I better give it back."

"But the train, Moony..."

"You lot go on. I'll meet you there." With that, the gangly youth bounded across the yard and down the hill towards the Black Lake.

"Well," started Sirius, "I don't mind heading to the train early. Maybe we can take the good compartment before Regulus and his Slytherin friends can." He said it with a proud face but his tone suggested it was more of a chore. "Coming, McKinnon?" She looked around once more to try spotting Lily but nodded before turning to follow the others.

Meanwhile, on the bridge over the lake, her redheaded roommate stood next to her childhood friend, Severus Snape. "I think I may ask mother if we could have a longer holiday trip this year. Petunia always hates when I get back. Apparently I mess up the routine of the house. Maybe if we aren't in the house as much she won't notice."

"Your bloody sister needs to learn more respect for the people who are obviously more powerful than her."

"Don't be so cross, Severus." She moved from where she had been leaning on the railing and looked beside her to the boy who had his focus more towards the sky. "What has gotten into you lately? You aren't yourself anymore."

"Aren't I?"

"No. Tabitha and I noticed it at Slughorn's Christmas party. You're being so distant."

"Am I?"

"Yes." She crossed her arms and her tone changed, clearly annoyed at the taller boy. "I told like the group you're starting to spend time around either. Those Slytherin boys aren't good company."

"And what of your new friends? You think Potter's gang is any better?"

"What? James Potter is not my… oh, this is about after dueling club?"

"I saw you getting chummy with him. You're just going to let him forget all the ways he taunted us. Taunted you? You had beat him fairly. You should have let him sulk."

"He wanted to congratulate me on beating him."

"He wanted to show off. Those last points for sportsmanship is what gave you Gryffindors the cup."

"Oh Severus," she said as she turned back to look out at the lake. "Aren't we a little old to be sore losers?"

"We also are too young to be picking sides or allies yet here we are."

"What? You mean all that talk from Regulus Black about what's coming? He's a child."

"He's not that much younger than us, Lily."

"He's from a family of radicals, filling his head with nonsense."

"It's going to happen, Lily. Don't you see the signs?"

"All I see is a friend who has become so distant and bitter that I hardly know him anymore."

"And I see someone blinded by Potter's charm that she doesn't know what's good for her."

"Oh, don't make me laugh. James Potter is many things but he is not charming." Both of them heard the whistle blow again and Severus picked up Lily's bag. "Come on," he said only for her to take it from his hands. "No… you go ahead. I have some more goodbyes."

With a huff, he snatched up his own bag and strutted up the bridge. A splash in the water caught Lily's attention. A much needed smile crossed her face as she saw Remus and Tabitha skipping stones by the lake.

"That's dreadful, Tabitha." Remus said referring to her attempt to skip the stone. "You have to use the wrist."

"But this is my wand arm."

"No no. This way." He flicked a stone and sent it soaring across the lake. "There."

Tabitha just shook her head and allowed herself to fall onto the bank to sit. "I'll leave the skipping to you then, Lupin."

"So," he said as he joined her on the bank. "Any Summer plans?"

"I'm sure Mam has some lovely indoor activities all sorted out."

"You're not going to any quidditch games? Ireland has a good shot this year."

"No. Dad sneaks me to the muggle rugby matches in town sometimes. Once we managed to sneak over to Belfast for an entire afternoon. But thing's aren't great in the muggle world in Ireland right now."

"Is that so? I'll have to admit," he said as he rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed , "I don't travel much myself."

"Well, you're not alone. That will change one day though. As soon as I take my last exam, I'm free. I'm not going back to Ireland. I want to see the world." She grins and looks to him. "I don't know if it's to get back at Mam for all those years of keeping me cooped up or just because I have nothing else better to do."

Remus lets out a chuckle. "Well it's more exciting than most people do. Everyone tends to graduate, then settle down."

"Right… well I doubt I would be a prize to anyone."

"Tabitha, don't be like that. You know you're brilliant."

"No, I'm not." She said it almost under her breath but looked at Remus when she got the feeling he was staring at her. "Stop, Lupin."

"Stop what?"

"You're trying to figure me out." He continued to stare. "Stop, maggot," she said with a small laugh and gentle shove.

"What?" He laughed, "I just think you deserve someone who will have all those adventures with you. Then maybe you won't feel so bad when it comes time to settle down. Oh Godric."

"What?"

"I just realized… your child will probably be in Gryffindor since it's your family's legacy. Might as well take one hundred points from Gryffindor now for all the problems they will cause with their mother's temper."

She laughs and shoves him. "Hush! I'm sure your child will help keep them in line, Mr. Prefect." Something about that statement brought a sad look to Remus' eyes. And Tabitha gently pat him on the arm, "What's wrong? You're a shoe-in for Prefect next year. Everyone says so-"

"No, Tabs… I don't plan on having a family."

"Oh… why not?"

"I just," he tossed a rock and it skipped across the water. "It's not in the cards for me."

"Oh," she said with a nod. "Well… if it makes you feel better, it isn't for me either."

"You say that now."

"No, I mean it. Hey, you should come adventure with me!"

"Ha," he tossed his head back as he laughed. "I doubt you want me following you across the world."

"You're not that bad, Rem."

"There is a side of me you don't want to see." His smirk faded as he thought more about this. "Trust me." Tabitha saw his expression and noticed it was the first time he truly looked like himself. It was as if he wasn't trying to put a face on. If she'd had a mirror, she could see that her face was the same. Of all her friends, he was the one she didn't bother masquerading in front of.

"You know you can tell me anything, Lupin. Me or Lily.. probably not Marlene but she'd at least try," she chuckles and manages to get a small grin from Remus.

"I know that you think that."

"I know it. After all, I am known as a secret keeper among the girls in our common room. Come on, tell me." He didn't reply but just glanced out at the lake. "I see," she said in defeat but smirked at him. "Don't ask questions if the answer isn't worth hearing. Is that it?" He nodded and the Hogwarts Express whistle interrupted them once more.

Remus jumped up. "I should go find the lads."

"Um… right. Thanks for bringing my wand back. Probably be disowned if I lost it."

"In case I don't see you on the train, Tabs, I hope you have a brilliant Summer."

"Huh? Oh right, you too. See you in a few months."

"Bye." A quick wave and he scrambled off as Tabitha sat on the bank and tried tossing a few more stones with the time she had left.

The platform was crowded with smoke and students. James and Sirius stood on either side of one of the car entrances and shook hands with every student who boarded. "Welcome," they said. "Enjoy your journey back to muggle world," James said and was followed by Sirius saying, "Unless you live in a wizarding home."

"If so, have fun with no neighbors to talk to."

"Thank you for joining us at another fascinating year at Hogwarts."

"Where, no doubt, you learned many magical things."

"Unless you were like us and focused more on outsmarting Peeves."

"Safe travels. See you next term!" Their over-the-top farewells to the students, most of whom they didn't know, got on the nerves of one student who crossed his arms and blew a black curl out of his face. "Aw, little brother," said Sirius as he crossed his arms to mimic him.

"Aw," James said with a puffed out lip. "Did we get on Reggie's nerves?"

"I think we did, James."

"Oh no!" James jumped behind Sirius to fake a cower and the Slytherin boy huffed.

"Only two of you and you still manage to annoy the entire platform," he scoffed.

"Annoy?" Sirius acted offended. "Please, Regulus. I daresay that they are most likely just overwhelmed with our charm."

"Charm indeed, Brother." Regulus just rolled his eyes at them both and they stood up straight. The boy was the thinest of the bunch but his curly black hair added a couple of inches. His perfectly pressed outfit looked almost as uniform as his Hogwarts attire. He and Sirius both came from a pure-blood background, but had a distant relationship ever since Sirius had Gryffindor named as his home. To be honest, it wasn't the sorting hat the family blamed, but the fact that Sirius deliberately accepted the hat's decision and rejected his family's legacy. Over the last two years, Regulus had grown closer with some of the darker young wizards in his class and resented everything Sirius did. As it terns out, most of what he said and did was born of spite. This of course, made him a perfect target for James Potter and his friends to have a battle of whits with. Something he tried to avoid. The students were shooed aside by Mr. Filch. The middle-age man didn't like students cluttering the platform.

"So," Sirius said after brushing back his hair with his fingers. "Fifty galleons says daddy sends a liaison to meet you at the station instead of coming himself."

"Oh?" He tilted his head. "I bet double that mummy and father do come but forget to find you once they've picked me up."

Sirius looked cross but didn't have a chance to respond when Peter walked up and let out almost a squeak at the sight of Regulus.

"Sad thing," James said in reference to him. "Peter isn't faking his fear of you."

"What?!" Peter stared with wide eyes. "I don't… I'm not… he isn't…"

"There there, Pete." Sirius said as he puffed out his chest. It was true. Slytherin's did make Peter nervous because he had never won a fight with one and he was constantly an easy target for Slytherin bullies. "Merlin knows he's nothing to fear."

Regulus just gave them a lingering stare before the whistle blew and turning, he stepped aboard.

"I'm here!" Remus shouted as he bounded across the platform. He handed in his ticket then boarded the Hogwarts Express to be greeted by the trolley witch. "Oh good. You made it on board. Anything from the trolley, dear?"

He paid for a chocolate frog then found the cabin with his friends inside. "Save a window seat for me? Good." He plopped down and looked out the window while he munched on his chocolate. "Potter?" a voice called from the hall.

James looked up and squinted through his smudged glasses at the voice. "Longbottom? Hey mate."

"Just wanted to wish you a good summer. Going to practice much quidditch?"

"If mum lets me stay out after dark then I'll get twice the practice. You going to try out for the team next term?"

"Nah. I've got… other things going on now."

"Other things like... a girl?" Peter wiggled his eyebrows as he said it and the boy shuffled in place.

"You know about that huh?"

"Of course we do. We see you everywhere with her. Just make sure she doesn't steal you away from us."

Just as he said it, a brunette girl stepped in and waved. "Hello, boys," she said cheerily.

"Hello, Miss Alice," they said in unison with wide grins as if addressing a teacher. She just shook her head and smirked then dragged Frank Longbottom up the hall as he barely managed to shout, "Later, lads!"

James propped his feet up on the seat and began cleaning his glasses. "Girls. They'll be the death of us, I swear."

"Why," Peter said with a tilt of his head and a mouth full of candy beans. "You don't have a girl in mind. Do you, James?"

He didn't answer and put his glasses back on. Quickly, he changed the subject when he looked to Sirius. "Sure you don't want to just stay with me this summer, Pads?"

"Well," Sirius said as he stretched out his legs. "Your mother does seem to love me. I'm like the son she never had."

This cocky remark was followed by a shove from James heel as he chuckled. "Still, the offer is always open."

"I'll keep it in mind." He looked to Remus who had his eyes fixated on the lake in the distance. "You alright, mate?"

"Hmm? Oh yea. Just thinking."

"No no no," Peter said as he shook his head. "Exams are over. No more thinking. This is summer! Days at the beach. Picnics in the park. Maybe finding a girl to share it with." He wiggled his eyesbrows only to immediately have James let out a snort.

"Well you aren't going to be picking up many girls with that shirt, Pete." They all laughed and the train lurched forward.

Peter glanced around his friends with a grin before saying. "This is… nice. Another year done."

"And another year coming," commented Sirius.

"More memories made," Remus said as he looked to James who slipped his glasses on before adding, "And more mischief managed." All the boys cheered at this and followed the cheering up with pats on the shoulders. The Hogwarts express let out a whistle as the train carried them home.

These were the last days of Hogwarts as they knew it. The peaceful home they had come to know wouldn't remain so in years to come. For not everyone aboard that train had such wholesome hopes for the future. A dark legacy was stirring even then that none of these teenagers could hope to understand at the time. Many of the students on that train would be forced into a decision between two sides. They would be called to a fight they had never asked for, but still endure it as their fates were selected to be part of legacy. This is the story of a few of those intertwining fates and how they would form the end of a beginning.