"If I didn't know any better," voiced James as he and the extended group of friends entered Gryffindor Common Room, at least after the portrait of the Fat Lady had decided to let them pass. Her latest attempts at singing hadn't ended any better than others of the past. Still, the portraits in the immediate vicinity cringed, and students were left rubbing their ears. This time, however, Allegra and three other girls had rudely voiced their harsh opinions, resulting in the little fun dying a painful death. "I would say old Dumbledore's speech was aimed at us."

Immediately after the words left his lips, James pointed to himself, the rest of the Marauders, and (Y/N). Even after the customary welcoming feast, the headmaster's speech was still fresh in mind, even more so when the wise wizard had spoken of the mischief and the constant pranks the year prior. Evening hinting toward the idea of it calming a little now, there were more subjects for the third-year students to choose from and more things they could involve themselves in, such as trips to Hogsmeade, Quidditch, and other less disruptive clubs.

"It was aimed at you, doofus," commented Marlene as she walked past; her smile had dulled a little since the sorting ceremony. Although she was proud of her little brother, Mason, they would be parted from each other, much like Sirius would be from Regulus, as both younger boys had been placed in Slytherin. However, at least a silver lining could be found, as Regulus and Mason at least had each other and could face the first-year challenges together. "No one else in years above or below have caused as much bedlam as you five did last year," she added with a slight chuckle, suspecting things would likely be the same again, especially with a new caretaker replacing Pringle who'd retired at the end of the last school year.

"Just think we'll all be causing havoc in Care of Magical Creatures and DADA," spoke Isolde, briefly remembering the book she'd made the mistake of opening. To say it had ended in disaster was an understatement, even more so when a passing wizard at the Leaky Cauldron had helped her regain control of the rampaging book. Despite that, Isolde still looked forward to Care of Magical Creatures; she'd always loved animals, but that hadn't changed even after discovering she was a witch; instead, that love had grown to include all the creatures the Wizarding World had to offer. Plus, Isolde hoped to one day become a Magizoologist; she wanted to study dragons in particular; something about the beasts had always intrigued her.

"I'll try not to melt the potion cauldron this year," spoke Sirius as Isolde fought her way out of her thoughts. By now, the rest of the extended group had come to sit around the fireplace. Lily was pulling faces at the first years if only to lighten their mood just a little bit; Allegra had joined the group, too, mumbling about having to sit on the floor instead of someone giving up their spot on the sofa or comfy chairs. "Well, I'll try and behave if (Y/N) doesn't brew another banger like last year."

"Whatever did I do to gain your attention in such a way?" playfully questioned (Y/N), acting innocent despite the familiar mischievous gleam returning to her sapphire eyes. Once again, Sirius' cheeks began to burn up, much to the girl's amusement, except for Allegra, who continued to pout. Lily and Marlene, however, commented about how cute it was, whereas Isolde laughed out loudly, as did the other Marauders. "Only joking with you, Black. It would be an honor to torment you in detention again, and the same goes for James and Remus when he joins."

"Oi, I plan to stay out of detention this year. My old parents threatened to send a howler if I didn't start behaving," replied James, recalling the worded threat from his father, although his mother tried to lighten the blow with a few of his favorite treats. Neither were thrilled with the constant pranks and jokes but were at least happy he'd found friends.

"I'll believe that when it happens," voiced Remus with a light chuckle. Shortly after the words left his lips, his eyes lit up a little, even more so when he remembered the letters received over the holiday. How Peter, James, and Sirius had devised a plan to help him on full moons and relieve some of the pressure (Y/N) had put on herself since the first year. Although it could take months, even years, to succeed, the three boys planned to become Animajus. After careful research, Remus knew it would be no easy feat, but at the same time, he couldn't help but be thankful to them for remaining at his side after discovering his secret.

"You boys are jumping into your studies earlier, aren't you? The school term hasn't even started yet," voiced Allegra as she finally found a comfortable spot in front of the fire. She leaned against the armchair Isolde sat in, intending to eventually take over it when her sister inevitably moved to do something. For once, she looked around and observed, noticing James had several potion books in his possession; at least one was needed for the year ahead, but the others seemed a bit odd to her, especially when at least two were advanced potion-making.

Almost instantly, Sirius and Remus exchanged an uneasy glance, concerned about what would happen if the vindictive and often gossiping girl discovered Remus' secret. James and Peter, on the other hand, merely looked at the pile of potion books. James had as if trying to think of something quickly that would either explain the need for them or distract Allegra from the topic altogether.

"Did they come in handy over the summer?" asked (Y/N), quickly thinking of something to cover for the boys and give them a much-needed out. Remus thanked her silently, suspecting no one would think twice if (Y/N) had advanced potion books; she was brilliant for her age and had mastered complex magic before. "If you guys need help, just give me a shout," she added, taking the potion books when James slid them across the floor if only to give the illusion he was returning something to her.

"How come no one questions it when you try advanced magic?" interrogated Allegra, finding herself jealous of (Y/N) again; this time, however, it was because of the difference in treatment. If Allegra was to have books on advanced magic, she suspected someone would question her about it. But when (Y/N) did it, it was as if no one noticed. "How is it you know what they're up to?"

"Because I'm observant," worded (Y/N) in response, a grin painting on her lips as he hair began to change again from its natural color to a dark shade of blue-tinted with silver. Lily was the first to notice (Y/N) was in control of the sudden change this time; no doubt her private classes with Professor Dumbledor had paid off. "Plus, the only way said boys could have made their plan more obvious is if they shouted it from the astronomy tower," she added, purposely refusing to answer Allegra's initial question, even if it would lead to another pointless tantrum.

"As for the other question," spoke James, looking around the group, once again noticing Allegra was the odd one out. She neither tried to know any of them outside her little crushes nor did anything to make up for her past actions against Marlene. The split between the girls was clear enough that the blind could see it. "(Y/N)'s smart; I'd bet she could brew Polyjuice Potion, and no one would question it."

"What do you guys want to do as a career anyway?" asked Isolde, intentionally changing the subject to future possibilities, even more so when she recalled McGonagall had advised all of them to think about potential career paths, if only so they had a clearer idea of what subjects they wanted to focus on in the coming years and what they needed to achieve it.

"I'm toying with the idea of being a healer at St Mungo's," spoke Lily, recalling doing her research over the summer when she wasn't on family trips or trying to talk to Petunia. Although many things interested her, working in a hospital stuck out; even more, she'd once said she wanted to be a doctor as a younger child. "Perhaps working with children."

"It's a Ministry job for me, maybe in the Department of Mysteries or the Minister's office," admitted Marlene. However, she'd admit she'd also thought about opening a little shop in Diagon Alley and enjoying the endless flow of future Hogwarts students that would pass through, perhaps old friends visiting too.

"Truly, I never really thought about it," admitted James; he was from a wealthy family after all; he didn't have to work much like others from pristine families didn't have to. However, now he was hearing the hopes of his friends; he felt the need to be something more than a rich idiot with an endless flow of money. "Perhaps working at Gryngotts if they'll have me," he added, unsure if he'd be happy with an ordinary desk job or if he'd have more fun as a curse break traveling the world.

"I want to be a curse breaker," laughed Remus, admitting to his wild dream with a wide grin, his blue eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "Would be fun to travel the world; who knows, maybe one day I could write a book about my adventures," he added, at least before looking around the group and imagining them in the roles they'd mentioned. Some were easier than others; there was little doubt in his mind Lily would succeed, although he struggled to imagine Marlene doing the boring jobs and meaningless tasks for the Minister of Magic.

"Aura," simply worded (Y/N), as if her answer was the most obvious thing in the wizarding world. She was a metamorphmagi after all; disguising herself would be little hassle, plus the career would settle her curiosity and most likely keep her mischievous tendencies in check. The only barrier would be her clumsiness; getting a handle on it would be her biggest challenge.

"Same," voiced Sirius from his spot in front of Remus. Although he suspected others would think he was following (Y/N), the truth was the opposite. After discovering what they did during their first year, he'd become determined to be an Aura one day. Plus, he was determined to be the opposite of what his family had declared he would be, even if that meant causing a more significant rift and estrangement between them. "I don't think I could stand to become a Death Eater like my twisted cousin."

"I don't know what I want to do," honestly whispered Peter; there was still plenty of time for him to decide; although he knew he wasn't brave enough to follow in Sirius or Remus' footsteps, he could at least give thought to the Gryngotts or ministry jobs. "Perhaps I can turn my love of baking into something, maybe a little cake shop on Diagon Alley," he added. However, even he'd admit with the brewing war, his little bakery idea would have to wait, if only to save the hassle of it being destroyed. "What about you, Isolde?"

"As daft as it sounds, I want to be a magizoologist; I want to work with dragons," replied Isolde, sharing her dream career with excitement and confidence; her happiness seemed to rub off on those around her, who grinned widely at the mention. Sirius even commented that she should talk to Hagrid, the groundskeeper, who, like Isolde, loved magical creatures regardless of temperament or size.

The only person who didn't seem happy about any of the career choices was Allegra; it was clear she had hoped at least one of the muggle-born girls would mention a more regular job, perhaps share they would retain a muggle job, something that would remind them of the world they had once effortlessly been a part of before discovering they were witches. Although, as Allegra thought, there was one job in the wizarding world she deemed worthy of being considered, being a Quidditch player would bring her the fame and attention she had always desired.

"I want to be a singer and actor, maybe even a model," snapped Allegra, a smug smile across her lips. All she wanted was fame and riches; the more straightforward the path, the better. Being a witch would come in handy in that department, a little spell here and there or a potion when needed. "But if we're talking about the wizarding world, then I want to be a Quidditch player," she added, although she firmly believed the wizarding world was too small for her likes. She wanted fame and fortune, to be world know rather than trapped in a small community she still felt a stranger too.

"What does Severus want to do?" curiously asked Marlene; she knew the Slytherin boy was a whiz at Potions and Charms; he'd created a few of his own and used them on James a few times. It wouldn't surprise Marlene if Severus chose to do something with the subjects that interested him.

"Potions Master or DADA professor," replied Lily with a surprise smile. Severus rarely came up in conversation, mostly because he was only friends with Lily, and (Y/N) was on his Beware list after the Valentine's Dance the year before. At the same time, she didn't mind sharing that he, too, had thought long and hard about his career choices, wanting to do something that put his skills and passions to good use.

"Sure he doesn't aspire to be a Death Eater, like other Slytherins?" James rudely commented. His words only served to wind Lily up and force her to throw her specialized death glare at him, not that he noticed.

"Sure you don't plan on being a bigger prat than last year?" retorted Lily with quick haste, her words had a sharp sting to them, while making it clear she only tolerated James, Sirius, and Peter because they were friends of friends. She'd whack sense into all three of them if she had it her way.

"Oh, look at the time," called Remus, looking to his wrist where no watch rested. Shortly thereafter, he pulled himself off the sofa he shared with Lily and Marlene before pulling James to his feet and toward the stairs leading to the boys' dormitories. There was little doubt Peter would follow even if Sirius stayed around to flirt and likely tease (Y/N) a little longer.

Isolde, too, left the common room, choosing to settle in the dorm for the night or at least get a head start before Allegra inevitably destroyed the peace with a tantrum and accusations of someone taking her things. Last year's first night was disrupted by Allegra accusing Lily of taking her bunk and demanding that she leave the bed on the furthest side of the room. The fourth year, Fennec Hazard ended the dispute swiftly and reprimanded Allegra for her ridiculous behavior, although Allegra had held a grudge against everyone for most of the year.