"Here comes the prophet!" James exclaimed the next morning. His owl, Nimbus, landed in front of James with the Daily Prophet. Luna landed in front of Sirius with the same thing.
"Let's see what it says," Sirius said as he opened it.
HOGWARTS HEADMASTER TO THE RESCUE
By: Cornelia Skeeter
Sirius sighed with relief. Cornelia Skeeter was much more honest than her daughter, Rita. Rita would be starting at Hogwarts next year. Sirius skimmed through the article, already knowing what it would be talking about.
"Ha!" James exclaimed. He pointed to the second to the last paragraph.
When this reporter asked Headmaster Black how he felt about being a hero, he gave a two sentence statement saying: "Anyone who considers me a hero is a fool. I just did my job, protecting the students." This reporter has requested a sit-down interview with Headmaster Black, but he has so far declined.
"Yeah, that sounds like him alright,'" Sirius stated. "He doesn't like to be worshiped. He demands respect, and he has a lot of political power, and he can scare even Dumbledore and Voldemort, but he doesn't like people treating him like a hero."
"Well, he's going to have a fun holiday break then," Severus drawled. "He won't be able to leave his home without reporters following him around."
"Nah, he'll scare them off, don't worry," Sirius corrected him.
"Hey, look!" James interrupted them. "There's another article!" This one was titled:
HEIR LUCIUS MALFOY FOUND GUILTY OF ATTEMPTING TO KILL HOGWARTS STUDENTS AND STAFF
By: Cornelia Skeeter
"And here's another one!" Sirius pointed out.
STUDENT EXPELLED FROM HOGWARTS FOR FIRST TIME IN NEARLY THREE DECADES
By: Cornelia Skeeter
Sirius skimmed through the article, a bright smile coming across his face as he read a particular line.
When asked for his reaction to being expelled from Hogwarts, Mr. Malfoy told this reporter: "The headmaster sent a stinging hex at me! Then Moody snapped my wand in half!"
Sirius, James, Remus, and Severus burst out laughing.
"This is too entertaining!" Remus gasped out.
At that moment, there was a bang from the Head table. The students looked up to see Headmaster Black standing. "Good morning students," he greeted them. "I know you have seen the news of last night's events in the Daily Prophet. I would just like to confirm that yes, Mr. Malfoy has been expelled. It is something I do not enjoy doing. I hope I will never have to expel another student in the future. However, I will do so if the situation calls for it. There is something else I would like to confirm. Yes, there was an emergency court trial this morning to determine if Lucius Malfoy had committed the crimes you read about in the prophet. He was found guilty. He has been sentenced to life in Azkaban. Lastly, Professor McGonagall will remain in the Hospital Wing until the day after tomorrow."
"Wow! She really was injured!" a student called out.
"Yes, she was, but she will recover," Arcturus reassured them. "It has been decided that her classes will be canceled for this week. You will resume Transfiguration classes after the holiday break. Now, Professor Sprout has an announcement."
"Thank you, Headmaster," Professor Sprout said with a smile. "We wish Professor McGonagall a speedy recovery. I would like to announce that the mandrakes are ready, and "therefore, Professor Slughorn is brewing the required potion to revive Miss Dunn, the Bloody Baron, and Miss Evans. They will be able to join you again by dinner time this evening. Thank you."
There were cheers. "Oh, good," Severus said, clearly relieved.
"Sirius!" a voice called out. Sirius looked over to see Narcissa running towards him. "Sirius! Can Andromeda and I sit with you?" she asked.
"Oh, sure," Sirius said. He moved over to give them room to sit.
"We heard what happened last night," Andromeda said quietly. "It's a good thing the prophet didn't mention your involvement."
"Yeah, a good thing too," Sirius agreed. "I'm assuming Grandmother or Grandfather told you?"
"Yes, they did," Narcissa said, giving her cousin a stern look. "You were foolish to go down there, Sirius. I can definitely see why you were sorted into Gryffindor."
"A Gryffindor through and through!" Sirius exclaimed happily. Narcissa glared at him.
"I'll never understand you, little cousin," she said, shaking her head. Sirius grinned.
"Good, that's my intention!" he said.
Narcissa, Andromeda, and Sirius laughed.
That evening, the four Marauders entered the Great Hall only to find a red-head standing in their path.
"Lily!" Severus exclaimed.
"Hi Sev," Lily said with a smile. "Hi James, Sirius, and Remus. Did you do anything interesting while I was petrified?"
"Er, maybe?" James said hesitantly
"You didn't get into trouble again, did you?" Lily asked, eyes flashing.
"Not yet, but we will be, as soon as McGonagall's out of the Hospital Wing," Sirius said.
"What did you do this time?" Lily asked.
"Er, we'll tell you later, when there aren't a bunch of people around," James said nervously. Lily rolled her eyes.
"Fine, but I expect all the details later," she stated firmly.
"Yes, Professor Evans," James teased.
Lily scowled. "I am not a professor!" Her friends laughed.
The five Marauders sat at the Gryffindor table, happy to have Lily back. They enjoyed their week together, knowing that holiday break was coming up, so they wouldn't see each other for two weeks.