"Psst, Lily. Over here!�

James, his black, untidy hair standing up straighter than usual, (quite a feat) gestured violently, his palm face up and pointer finger beckoning for her to come over.

Lily sighed, but despite her uninterested face, she was quite curious. What could it be? Could it be something for her? Maybe she was getting her hopes up. But she had to come anyway.

Flipping her red hair behind her back, she glided to him, her almost perfect trot was ruined by her hiss, “What? I was trying to get the charm done!�

He shrugged. Lily knew it; this was James Potter’s way of acting. James always making people come over to see his extraordinary whatever, when it was actually nothing at all. How foolish was she, to think he was something!

Watching his eyes intently, she saw them trail off to her charms partner, the handsome Thomas Mathews. Lily caught his plan in a wink. He did have a crush on her! He was worried about her and Tom hooking up! Now her plan started forming.

Smiling, she murmured, “James, since there is nothing to see, I should be getting back to Tom.� The endearment of Thomas’s name was sure to get a hit from James, thought Lily. And indeed, James’s lean face did grow tense.

“We were in the middle of something.� Emphasis on the were will do it, thought Lily smugly.

At this hint, James nearly flew off his chair and cried desperately, though not above a loud whisper, “I do… I do… just hold on…�

Hurried thoughts flew though his mind as clothes on a rack. Nothing was picked, as Lily’s face became steadily more bored.

Grinning at her, his brain shouting at him, ‘What a fool! What a fool! What are you doing???’ but ignoring this, he shook his wand in an extremely random pattern. Once again his mind berating, but paying no attention, he whizzed through a complicated matter of twists when he declared, “Posthac Ab!� A blue light omitted from the wand, and pupils gasped. When the light buried itself into the polished floor, James breathed a sigh of relief. Thank God that spell hadn't done anything.

But, poor James, the floor of the room started shaking furiously thanks to his rogue charm.

“James, what did you do?" shrieked Lily as students clung to their desks.

James would have answered, “Trying to impress you,� if the floor had not opened and sucked James and Lily into the bleak darkness.

“Ron, I’m going to run ahead. I need to get something from Dean before I go to Potions.� Harry pushed his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, attempted to smooth his wild hair and waited for the reply from Ron.

Ron stopped walking. “Fine by me. Just don’t be late; Professor Snape will give us detention if we are!� The blazing sunlight shined through the windows, making his face seem one light smudge.

“He does even if we aren’t.�

“You know my point. Hermione and I will be waiting.�

Waving goodbye to Harry, Ron sprinted ahead to catch up with Hermione who never stopped her tread.

“Why do you even talk to each other about that? You knew Harry had to get something from Dean, he’s been complaining about how he NEEDS his... oh, whatever it was. I still really don’t understand you two,� Hermione grumbled, the bags under her eye a darkish purple.

“Really Hermione, you must get some more sleep. Have you seen those purple-ish bags? My god, woman, do you know when to stop?�

“I had essays, Ron, and it takes more than five minutes to get an Outstanding!�

Ron stopped walking again. “I do mine in that amount of time.�

“Yes, but do you get O’s?�

He shrugged this off and kept walking. “Well… sometimes I do if I work ten minutes.�

“If I help you,� Hermione grunted and shuffled along the hall that would take them on the path to Potions.

There was an abnormal silence as they followed each other.

“I heard Snape’s giving a lesson about flobberworms and their uses. Or something,� muttered Ron, trying to get some conversation . Hermione sighed. She really did appreciate Ron’s effort, but she didn’t want to talk. Not right now. Staying up all night for her Charms essay was not her idea of fun. So instead she asked him, “How was Quidditch practice? Did you block any goals?�

“Yeah! Tons! I’m really getting better, Hermione!�

Ron had started spewing off about the inquired topic, and how much better 6th year was than 5th, when a feminine scream and a thud cut him off short.

“What was that?� he asked nervously, and started glancing around.

Hermione, who was in the mood to fight an ogre, boldly stared and stomped around until she finally stopped in dead silence.

“Oh no! It’s a spider! Kill it, Hermione! Fast!� Ron cringed, holding out his hands in front of him.

“No, Ron. Come over here.� Her previous killer temper had diminished to a soft glow.

Ron was hesitant in his trek but when he rounded the bend he froze.

“It can’t be,� he murmured.

“I think it is!� Hermione whispered, a sob catching in her throat as they gazed upon the unconscious faces of James Potter and Lily Evans, lying, tangled on the wooden hall.

Hermione found herself gazing into the face of James, mirroring Harry’s to almost perfection. She didn’t mean to, but her hand trembled toward him, her hand gaining a mind of its own.

He has soft hair, Hermione realized, fingering a jet black lock. Peering at his straight nose, his lidded eyes and heavy brow, she felt as if it was Harry himself. Hermione had to tear herself away when Ron flew by, touching her shoulder comfortingly.

“Don’t worry, Hermione, we’ll get Harry to Madame Pomfrey’s in no time. What was he doing with that girl, and did he put powder on that scar? I can’t see it at all!� Ron bent down to brush away some of his imagined ‘powder’ when she slapped his hand back.

“No!� she wanted to yell. “Do you want everyone to get into this mess? Do you want reporters swarming around?�

But instead Hermione closed her eyes and pressed her hand against her temples. Surely a headache was coming on. What was she to do, with a bunch of unconscious, time traveling people?

“Ron,� she said tiredly, “just… go get someone. Get Dumbledore. We need to get them out of here before anyone sees.�

Instead Ron donned a face of pure confusion, one that was worn almost every minute of the day. “What are you talking about?�

Hermione cast her eyes upward, toward the skyscraping ceilings of Hogwarts. Freshly cleaned floors glistened beneath her, and stern faced men stared coldly from their hanging spots. She was about to retort tartly, when the even sound of footsteps came within ear.

She stopped cold, and whispered, “Ron?� He, still oblivious, was starting back onto Potions. “What is it this time? Ickle reporters chasing you down?� He meant to sound like Peeves, but it wasn’t working.

She sighed huffily and scanned around her. Walls, walls, walls. No doors in sight. Then she could have quickly ducked there with Ron, as well as hide James and Lily from roving eyes and unlimited imaginations.

When Ron’s eyes widened larger, his gangly form standing taller than ever, Hermione knew he heard the steps.

“Ron, this is urgent!� she pleaded and placed her palm in his. “Remember any trap doors or… magical disguised hangings?�

He wanted to laugh at this, but his panic kept everything inside. “I recall Fred and George telling me about something…� he said, his face screwed up from concentration.

“Think, think!� Hermione nearly screamed. She recognized those silken tones, deep and musical, the whoosh of thin robes and the padding footsteps. Snape was coming.

Ron grinned. “I remember!� He jumped up and down, engrossed in his own discovery. “Over there… tap it a couple times; it was George’s secret way to…�

Hermione ignored this, but pulled out her wand and tapped the place.

“Nothing happened!� she screeched.

Ron yelled, “No not there! The tapestry—it’s a magically disguised hanging!�

She silently rolled her eyes as she flicked the wand against the faded hanging as it transformed into a jelly like substance, revealing a darkly lit room inside. Flinging herself in, she motioned to Ron to enter.

But he hung back as he lifted the feet of James, leaving Lily on the floor her arms outspread. Grunting in exhaustion, heaving James onto the platform, he lumbered in, face bright red.

“I couldn’t get the girl,� he gasped. “Two… was… too… much…�

Hermione put on a face of courage and simply touched the wall again. This time it transformed into solid stone, leaving only a small candle to light the room. The secret room was small, only seven feet wide and five feet long. Hermione found herself wishing that she could make it a little roomier when James started stirring.

“Oh, gosh,� she thought as his eyes opened a bit. The eerie candlelight only dimly showed his features, but it was enough for her to see his eyes fluttering open.

“Harry, mate, don’t worry. We’re just in this secret room… wicked, I know…�

She bit back a comment on how it was NOT Harry because she didn’t want James to know what would happen to him. She never knew what Ron would say, so better to not inform him.

It was hard, knowing Snape was right next to her. Hermione held her breath and spoke in whispers, but soon she had more things to think about too, like what Snape was saying outside. Snitches and snatches were coming to her, but she had to hear more. Positioning herself so her ear would lean flat against the wall, she could hear the flowing voice of Professor Severus Snape quite finely.

“I was telling you, Minerva, Weasley and that Granger never showed up.�

“Severus, I believe you, but why would they do such a thing? They wouldn’t have a reason, except if Potter were getting them into some sort of adventure. Granger is a perfectionist, why would she skip?�

“Something is brewing here, I know it,� and Hermione could almost see him tapping his large nose.

Next she heard was a gasp, from Snape as it sounded deeper. McGonagall made a choking sound. Hermione guessed they had found Lily.

“Is this some sort of… joke?� Snape managed to say, though his superior voice diminished to a weak lumber.

“Severus, it couldn’t be… if it is I will punish the student who did this to you…� Minerva assured.

What did this have to do with Snape? thought Hermione. Was something going on here none of us know about?

“Get Dumbledore, Minerva, leave me here. I will try to decide what charm was placed on her… if it is really Lily… how did anyone find out?�

Hermione found her ear almost raw from the pressing. Rubbing it softly, Hermione gasped when James, still a bit bent from unconsciousness, rushed over.

“First, I’m going to overlook where I am, who you are and why I’m stuck in a small dark room. But what did he say about Lily?� James demanded. “I’m the reason she’s here!�

Hermione gulped. “James, I think we’re going to have to have a talk.�

“I’m going to have to get her. I’m responsible, I caused that accident because I want to impress her,� he admitted, ignoring her comment.

“I… can’t…let you go,� she murmured, forgetting she ever said the thing about a ‘talk’. What would happen if Snape caught them?

“Who are you??? Why do you have the right to control me?�

“I have a wand,� Hermione reminded him, “and I’m Hermione Granger. This is Ron Weasley. We’ll say why you don’t know us later, once we’re out of here.�

Trying to break the tension, Ron jumped over and leaned against the wall. He was saying things such as, “Snape is walking… Wicked! He’s talking at the same time!�

Besides that it was all silence. Hermione stared at the small candle watching the flame dance. A sudden, low tone broke the apprehension.

“Why not?� James asked.

“What?� said Hermione, utterly confused.

“Why don’t you let me go?�

“It’s dangerous, and you might be seen.�

“Well this is Hogwarts, isn’t it? Why would I be afraid to be seen?�

“James, I just don’t want Sna… I mean anyone to see you.�

“Why?�

“I’ll tell you later. It’s sort of complicated.�

The room was left in silence, except for the occasional exclamations of Ron.

The silence grew twisted and angry, almost writhing on the floor. Simply to fill up space, Hermione started to whisper her father's favorite phrase... Something that correctly applied to the situation, she thought.

"Always look on the bright side of-"

“Shut up,� James prompted and Hermione snapped her mouth shut.

“No, every one of you shut up!� Ron cried excitedly, ear poised and hand held out. “I think Snape’s gone.�

A soft scrabble was made for the outer wall, and Hermione nodded her head eagerly. “Yes, yes, I’m positive he’s left!� James jumped out, and at this point, there were no more words but only a scrape of stone against hand. Lily was being lifted up and carried away, to the secret tapestry.

Ron heard James’s voice as he said loudly to them, “Tell me about everything… or mainly why I don’t know you?�

Hermione crawled out and muttered, “I’ll explain at Potions. You’re going to have to pretend to be someone you’re not, okay?�

She honestly did not like having James come along for class, but there was no other option. It was this or skip it, and although she already missed about half of it, she still wouldn’t have been gone the whole lesson.

James muttered as Ron jumbled out, “I always did like playing charades… but I always liked it better when I knew who I was playing as.�

Ron whispered to Hermione, as they crept down the hall, “I think Harry had a concussion. He doesn’t know where he is, or who we are!�

Hermione ignored this as she led them to the dark passageway that would take them to James’s doom.

Potions.

“Where could it be?� Harry wondered aloud as he rummaged through Dean’s trunk. Maybe letting Dean borrow his wand hadn’t been the best of ideas. Remembering the heated conversation Harry had shared with him brought chills to his flesh as he scoured on, even checking in Hedwig’s cage.

Harry: Dean, where did you put my wand?

Dean: Well… about that wand, Harry…

Harry: What about it???

Dean: I can’t exactly remember where I placed it last…

Harry: YOU LOST MY WAND??? WHAT DID YOU WANT WITH IT ANYWAY?

Dean: I needed a stirring stick for my Potions class! After I brought back to the room, I set it down right here! *points to his bedspread*

Harry: Oh. A stirring stick. You used my wand for a stirring stick?!?! It’s a wand for crying out loud!!!

Dean: Someone must have taken it. It can’t walk away by itself.

Harry: Now I’m going to be late for Potions. Thanks Dean, and have a super nice day! *points at door furiously*

Dean: Good luck Harry! *mumbling* I would have helped him if he wouldn’t have been so mean…

Harry: Mean??? Me??? What would you have done if I lost your wand?

Dean: I think I’d better go.

That was the conversation that made Harry cringe. He could have been nicer. He could have sympathized with Dean. But no, he had to get angry and shout and yell. Looking out the window, Harry wondered if he would have been better being raised by his parents. It was their fault! Harry though, trying to get mad at his parents, but feelings remained neutral. They were the ones that left me here. With the Dursley’s, and Voldemort chasing me every second.

All he experienced though was tears, bitter with sorrow. Harry wanted them, so much. He would have done anything to see them. I am stuck down here while they had gone onto a better place, he tried to think, and I’ll be up there sooner or later. But he almost laughed at the simple use of those words, the words a preacher would say to a kid if their parents died, trying to dilute the grief.

No one could dilute his. Not a soul every tried. Tears ran down faster this time as Harry propped himself up on Dean’s bed. For a moment, hope washed over him, a beacon of light in the darkness. Maybe his parents were alive, somehow. He’d see them soon. But his brain put a cover over the light, as he realized they were dead. They wouldn’t come back alive. They were lying in the ground. The hope that had come to him made his sob, his whole body racking with heartrending cries. They are dead, he made himself think. They are never coming back. Instead of those facts comforting him, however, he kept on crying. I wish there weren’t such a thing as hope, he longed before he fell asleep right on Dean’s bed.

“Oh, Draco, you are so bad!� snickered Pansy as he told the story of gaining revenge on Potter that had something to do with Harry’s wand.

The words could hardly be heard over the noise that accumulated in the Potions room. When Snape had left to find Potter, Granger and Weasley, and yet never returned, the room went crazy. Neville was stuck in a cauldron thanks to a purposeful push from Malfoy. Lavender Brown and her friends were gossiping about the whereabouts on Harry Potter.

“I heard You- Know -Who came and killed him while he slept,� she murmured and the crowd of girls erupted in gasps.

Neville tried to say something against this false information, but Lavender pushed him deeper in the cauldron as the chaos reigned.

James stuck his head in and saw the dark room filled with laughs and talk, then closed the door again and pressed his body against it.

“I don’t know what happened to Potions, but I think I’m going to like it.� His eyes gleamed mischievously as Hermione gave him a quizzical look. She decided now was the time to explain.

“James. You are in the future, near the year 2000. I mean…� Why hadn’t she given him the exact date? Oh, everything coming out of her mouth turned out terrible!

“That might seem a shock to you. I don’t know how you got here, but I think you know.�

James looked highly amused and nothing else while Ron’s face was pale, as if he had received the shock of his life. “That’s… not Harry?� he managed to say, and Hermione rolled her eyes.

“Of course it isn’t! James, you’re going to have to pose as this boy, Harry. We’re his friends, you know. But we can’t have you waltz in there as a new student, can we? Everyone would know you’re a fake, and I don’t know what else to do with you. I can’t exactly bring you to our dorm room, nor Ron’s. Where would we hide you? Ron, you go ahead and try to get Harry out of there while we bring in James.� She said this all in one breath and secretly congratulated herself on the plan. It was the best she could think of on the spur of the moment.

“Wait a second.� the interjection by James was filled of mirth and good humor. “I guess I can believe you on the future. Weirder things have happened, and I’m sure I can get back. But it’s your plan that’s kind of…. well… full of loopholes. Number one, what are we going to do with Lily?�

At this Hermione bit her lip, until she could think of a good enough retort to fling back at James. Finally one hit her, though not the most imaginative. “Can you think up of anything?�

James almost laughed out loud at this positively ridiculous statement but managed to come out with only a snort. “I want to ask you some questions first. Mainly, where are Sirius and Remus, and where am I? Nowadays, I mean. Lily too.�

“I can’t say. It would change your whole world and burden you with what you are to become…�

“Aw, don’t spoil the fun.�

At that moment, Lily started to wake up. James stopped the pressing about what would happen to all of them and watched as Lily awoke.

“Where am I?� she wondered, her whole senses sluggish and slow. Her emerald green eyes gazed up at James’s face, his tousled hair and roguish expression.

At once panic flooded her body as she tried to stand. When James wore that face, something was up, something usually not good.

“Hey, Lily. We’re in the future, or so those kids tell us.� He pointed a thumb at the still pale Ron and irritated Hermione. “I believe them. Why else would we be sucked in a big black hole?�

It took a second to dawn on Lily, but when it did, she nearly screamed. “Is this some sort of joke, James Potter, to you anyway? That we’re stuck in the future? How are we going to live, hidden away all of the time? No, don’t interrupt me.�

James closed his open mouth, but managed to mutter, “We can get back.�

“Who knows if we can???� she demanded. “Not them. They’re just as old as us! No, James, we’re stuck here. I can’t talk anymore. Just… oh my…� and she slide down, her back against the wall to the floor.

“So what if we’re stuck here? We could have some fun. We’d know what would happen to everyone we know! Do you think Sirius might marry that girl who he’s after? Oh, what’s her name…?�

Lily snapped up, her eyes blazing. “This is some kind of fun little game for you. I am disgusted. We’re stuck here and all you can do is… is…� She felt an overwhelming urge to cry but swallowed it back down and faced James head on.

Ron attempted to cut in, “Sirius, he…�

“Well apparently I can’t think about him at the moment. I have to think about how we’re doomed to live here forever. Ever heard of walking on the bright side, Lily?�

“Sometimes walking on the dark side is more realistic. Face it, James.� Lily was hurting inside. She would never see her mom, her dad, not even Petunia again; no matter how much she hated her magic.

“Do you think I just automatically skip on the light? I make a choice, Lily. I choose to make people happier. I can’t dwell on the bad… no. Just forget it. I don’t care. Maybe if we are so different, I should stop liking you,� snapped James.

Lily felt no joy in learning this information, as she would have a few hours earlier. Now all she could do was retort, “Maybe you should.�

Silence on both ends. She couldn’t believe she had said that, truly she couldn’t. She hadn’t meant it either. It was in the heat of passion, and she tried to explain. “James, I…�

He stopped listening as he pushed open the Potions door and without turning around he murmured, “It doesn’t matter. Not anymore.�

For some reason, those words struck a deep chord in Lily’s soul. “I’ve got to go,� she said, and started to leave when a firm grip held her fast.

“Sorry, but what will people do when they see you around the hallways?� Ron blushed apologetically.

“You can go with her, Ron. Go out to the courtyards. No one should be there. If Snape is back in there, I’ll say you had to go to Madame Pomfrey’s. Anyway, I can’t think of where else to put Lily. Go!�

Looking back anxiously, Ron left with Lily who had silently shedding a tear and more were falling fast. Ron glanced away. Crazy women! He thought in obvious dismay. Why do they always have to cry? I feel like I have a mini Cho around. But he dutifully followed her out, although mouthing, “Help me� to Hermione all the way.

She sighed and turned back to James. “I guess we can go in now… James?�

But he was nowhere in sight. Grasping around, attempting to get her mind set straight, she immediately thought he followed Lily out. The left side of her brain, (the one more logical for those you who don’t know what that is,) cut this off the list.

Could he have gone to Potions? thought Hermione. I better take a look inside. Peering into the darkness and foulness of the Potions room she heard raucous laughter and out of curiosity stepped inside without a second thought.

There her search was completed by a cocky James laughing with Lavender and her crowd of girls. Malfoy was quite red around the face when Pansy slipped by him to join the Harry imposter.

Hermione slid about the room, listening to him all the way.

“Oh Harry! You certainly are more… social!" giggled Pansy as she wrapped her hand around his arm. James seemed to take no note of this as he went on, telling his story of the Marauders, or the Masqueraders as he disguised their name.

“Then, you know erm… Steve? He said to that girl…�

Hermione had heard enough. Even though he was changing the names and all, she still couldn’t stand the clues he was giving to all the silly girls… and Pansy! She shuddered as she pushed forward.

“Harry,� she muttered carefully, gritting her teeth to show her displeasure. “Let’s go to our seats now.�

Walking by her side after flashing the girls a dazzling smile, he murmured, “Are you and Harry a couple?�

“What?� She couldn’t believe her ears.

“Just asking.� He shrugged. “You said you were friends and all…�

“No, it’s not like that, actually…�

At that moment she was cut off by a sudden burst of light. She shielded her eyes while everyone else watched in fascination as the shape loomed larger.

“Granger. I have been looking all over for you. And who is your friend?� Pretending to not know him, he squinting closer. Suddenly he gasped.

“Potter?� he wondered questioningly and Hermione grew white. Did Snape know?

Author’s Note: I know that was kind of dark/angst, but next chapter will be lighter, I promise!!! After all, I do need to have Harry want to see his parents! Sorry this is so long too.

*About 10 minutes before Snape walked into Potions*

Snape briskly whipped about the castle, trying to get to Potions before class ended so he could at least issue them homework. He was thinking over and over, “Why did I leave Lily alone?� but there was nothing he could do. What was done was done.

Finally he had reached the dark staircase which would lead to his classroom. He had 10 minutes to spare before class ended. Plenty of time to give a lengthy essay. Stepping easily onto the first stone brick, a flurried voice called from above.

“Oh, Severus! Severus!� cried the voice.

He glanced up as Professor Sybil Trelawny flew across the floor to greet him, her open arms obviously for hugging. “Oh Severus. How could I live without you?� A callused hand went up to stroke his face.

Snape thought in disgust, Probably from caressing those not so sleek crystal balls of hers.

“I love you, Seve!� Oh no! Not nicknames now!

“Trelawny…� he ignored the hurt look on her face as he addressed her stiffly, almost coldly. “I don’t love you. I never will.� He turned his face in the opposite direction, pretending to stifle nonexistent overwhelming grief.

“I understand.� Her arms fell to her side. “I predict that you will come crawling back to me though.�

Yeah right.

“I probably will, with your extraordinary powers.�

“But can I do one thing for you? I give you my class period, for you missed yours due to a… missing love? I knew you would accept. Goodbye my… unwilling adoration!!!� And with that a wail and a snort were heard before he heard the shuffling of her feet.

How she knew about Lily I don’t know, he thought. Maybe she’s better than I thought. Oh well. A whole new period to make fools out of Gryffindors? Severus Snape wouldn’t miss it for the world. But he might miss it for Lily. Sighing for his now twice lost love he slid down the stairs, only he and his thoughts important to him now.

Meanwhile Sybil Trelawny was skipping up to her room, humming seventies songs. What a hog, thought she as she flicked on the strobe lights. He thinks I really liked him? No, I just wanted some free time to get my boogie down!

Stayin’ Alive blared around the walls as her stuffy room was transported to a disco haven. Breaking open her large crystal ball, inside were hidden groovy clothes. As she picked out a bell bottom and neon pink vest, an abrupt knock sent Sybil spinning, trying to turn off everything. “Some stupid kid wandering up here,� she grumbled in her head, but opened the door a smidge anyway, just turning off the music. “Yes… oh!�

Twinkling blue eyes were seen through the crack with round, dark glasses to finish his face off. “Albus!� she gasped. “Your glasses…�

“Like them?� He stepped inside, wearing a flower shirt and neon green jacket. “I knew you’d be starting the party without me, so I came. Could you put on my especial favorite?�

“Of course,� she blushed even though it was more of an eighties song as Thriller rocked the disco room.

“Potter?� he wondered questioningly and Hermione grew white. Did Snape know? “Sit down.�

She breathed a sigh of relief and bent into whisper to James, “Potter is Harry’s last name. No relation to you, of course.� He nodded comprehendingly and suddenly his eyebrows furrowed. Trying to place the Potion master’s face, his lit up.

“Is that… Snivellus?� he crowed, though soft enough that Snape would not hear.

“Yes, now listen to the lesson. And don’t call him Snivellus!�

Lily sank down onto the bench and started wailing. “I was so bad. I was… terrible!�

“Come on, you aren’t that bad,� snorted Ron. “James is worse than you! I mean, look what he does to Snape.�

“But I insulted him. He was just trying to cheer me up…�

Ron stared up at the blue sky, imagining himself up there all alone. Sighing he turned back to her and said, “If I tell you where Sirius and Remus are, will you stop crying? You could patch things up with James then.�

“I can’t. I don’t think I could live with the information. Every time I look at them, I’ll see their death or their home nowadays. Who their wife is, what children they have.�

“Well you don’t really have to worry about that with Remus.�

“Not married? No home?� She was surprised. “He’s homeless?�

“No! I mean I don’t really know where he lives. But he did teach at Hogwarts for a bit.�

“Stop! You’re telling me!� she realized.

“Sorry.�

They both looked out on the horizon, both yearning for something. It was unlikely it was the same thing, but it was.

But before I can tell you what it was, I have to tell you something else. Like whom saw Lily and Ron outside, the wind whipping though their hair as if toying with it.

Albus Dumbledore looked out; his blue eyes a bit serious. Well, now I know that Severus was not crazy when he thought he saw Lily, thought Dumbledore as he rummaged through his pockets. There! A sack of Floo Powder was tied tightly in his vest as he went back into Professor Trelawny’s disco room. Her fireplace, which she kept hidden in the closet, now leapt with psychedelic colors. Oh well, at least it’s still a fire, thought Dumbledore as he threw in a pinch of the powder. Stating the place, Dumbledore smiled. Ron might need some help with his secret. I hope I can find the right person to help deal with that.

In a flash the once… erm… ROGBIV flames turned a pure green and he stepped in. I can only pray he doesn’t let his emotions get in the way, thought Dumbledore as he disappeared. Trelawny threw herself down at the fire. “My… my psychedelic fireplace! Now it only tinges a pukish green! Oh my colorful flames!�

Meanwhile, James had set up part one of his plan. The other two were in the works, and soon the fireworks would begin. Rubbing his hands together, he started scribbling on some parchment that Neville had left on his desk while Snape was still attempting to get the poor boy out of the cauldron. This was going to be good.

Author’s Note: Sorry, but couldn’t get on the computer for a week, then this chapter got rejected so that’s why I updated so infrequently. Sorry!!!!

Lily and Ron were still seated outside in the court yards, staring at the darkening sky, when the figure emerged from the trees.

“Who is that?� Ron asked, starting to get nervous.

“How am I supposed to know?� Lily replied, only a little bit less nervous than Ron.

But one thing was certain, that they both didn’t like the looks of the shape, not at all. With the dry grass under their feet, the receding light and haunting trees ahead, nothing would seem good.

The first distinguishable feature of the shape was a robe- a rather shabby one.

“It's Professor Lupin!" exclaimed Ron, jumping to his feet.

“Very good, Ron," replied Lupin amusedly, striding up toward them.

"Have you come back to teach us?" he asked hopefully.

“Unfortunately not, I'm afraid. Actually, I’m here to help you. Dumbledore sent me here, with this story about Lily sitting outside of Hogwarts, a young student again. I thought he was going crazy, but I had to see for myself. I’ve already been through shock, when Albus told me. And here she is.� He smiled, gazing at her almost reminiscently.

It took a moment for it to sink it, before Lily could even talk. “Remus?�

“In flesh. Oh Lily, how good it is to see you! You don’t look a bit different from the last time I saw you. I probably look a bit older than before…� At once she jumped up and flung her arms around him.

“It’s so good to see someone from the old days! Someone I know, actually. James made this charm, and it somehow landed us in the future… we had a fight… I was scared, Remus…�

“Understandable.� He patted her awkwardly, wondering how on earth he could have been this young at one point. “So James is here also?�

“Yes, sitting in Potions class.�

“James is with Snape? We’re in trouble, then. For if my memory serves me correctly,� Remus said wryly, “he’d do anything to embarrass Snape, and I highly doubt he would stop now even though Severus is much older.�

“Come on. No one would take on Snape! He’ll deduct like, a thousand house points!� Ron exclaimed, and glanced around for some support.

“He would ‘take on’ Severus,� affirmed Lily, standing up. “We’d better get him before he… blows up the Potions room!�

Meanwhile, in Potions, James wickedly went over his plan. It would start with a small bomb that would burst into flames at the same time as releasing a pungent odor. Perfect. He would use the potion they were brewing right now, one that would turn into fire, and a dung bomb he had hidden in his pockets to make it. Right now he was emptying the contents of the dung bomb.

“And… Potter. What are the properties of flobberworm mucus against the dragon irises?�

“The first smells pretty nasty and the other smells fresh.�

“No, not iris as in flower, Potter! Twenty points from Gryffindor, for that imprudence. Should any other Gryffindor like to answer?�

Hermione raised her hand, shooting an icy glare at James, who was silently shaking with concealed laughter. She hissed, “What were you thinking? Harry would never do that!�

“Well you didn’t actually give me the nature of this Potter fellow,� he retorted, just as low voiced.

“Not a soul would like to answer?� Snape’s eyes actually gave chills to Hermione’s skin, so cold and hard were they. “Well. I suppose that proves that Gryffindors are truly as stupid as they seem.�

“No, I think you mean Potion teachers. This girl over here has her hand raised,� smirked James. Snivellus had stooped to low levels, he thought, to ignore smart people in order to insult a different house then his.

“That was uncalled for, and another twenty points from Gryffindor.� This was getting easy for Snape, to deduct points without even thinking.

James started to raise his invention. He felt all eyes on his, including the gloating ones of Snape. Just because he’s older doesn’t mean I still can’t outsmart him. He is the same old Snivellus. Out of the corner of his eye, the door swung open. His moment was gone. Lowering the bomb, his eyes met the man, the odd thing he was. The man was tall, graying brown hair and wore a rather shabby set of robes… somehow he looked familiar. But who could he be? Thomas Mathews? No, he was more handsome than the man in front of him. Sirius? No, he’d be more of a presence.

Everyone in the room started clapping when Remus came in. “Professor!� shouted Neville. “I’m glad you’re here! You know more spells than Professor Snape; can you help me out of this cauldron?�

“Oh, you’re back! You should have seen the last Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, she was horrible! I hope you’ve come back to teach us.�

“What are you doing back, you man wolf?� This of course was from Malfoy, his good mood spoiled by Pansy sidling over to Potter. Not that he would have been nicer, but anyway…

“No, no, children, that’s not why.� Lupin cut off their compliments and complaints by shaking his head side to side. “I’m here to take over for the day. Severus, uh…� His mind started debating the idea that Ron came up with. Ron was loyal, but was he really that smart? Oh well. It was the only plan they had. “Someone wanted to see you.� He waited breathlessly for the result. At first Snape’s face did nothing. Then it twisted into a sneer, which let Lupin start breathing again.

“That Trelawny again? I’ll have to tell her for the last time that we are NOT going together!�

The children tittered as the Professor turned around quickly, his sneer grown bigger. “If you do that again, I’m deducting 1,000 points from your house!�

This shut them up as he whirled around and marched up the steps. “So, good to see you again, class. What was Snape teaching today?� Lupin asked pleasantly, glancing around the room. It was a normal action, though today it was scanning for someone in particular.

Neville raised his hand. “A potion, sir. I think it has to do with fire, because it really is burning me pretty badly.� Indeed, Lavender had made her potion in the cauldron in which Neville sat, much to the horror of the poor boy.

“Neville! We’ll get you out of there. Cortina Abrumpto!� The cauldron cracked at once, and red liquid started pouring out onto the floor.

Hermione quickly used a spell that cleaned up the mess, wondering why Lupin had showed up as Neville stood up appreciatively.

“Well, I suppose we should get to the lesson now, shouldn’t we? Hmm... According to Snape’s notes, he would like to have a conference with Harry Potter. Could you step out in the corridor for a moment?� Lies, lies. Another one of Ron’s ideas, but it was actually working! thought Remus.

“On the board are the rest of the ingredients you have to mix, with precise instructions.� Snape had already had them written up there, so there were no problems for Remus. He felt bad about leaving the class, but under the circumstances of meeting your best friends who’s been dead for fifteen years, he guessed they would forgive him.

Ron and Lily were waiting just outside the door. Remus watched as James stood up, and walked outside. He was just as Remus remembered him, tall with the dark hair, but he could have passed for Harry, the likeness was so close. Lupin followed him, and most certainly, a reunion was to follow.

Another Author’s Note: If y’all have any ideas about what should happen next, contact me because I have no idea!!!

The click from the door told Remus that they were alone in the corridor, shut off from the rest of the students. He turned around slowly, hardly daring to believe that James stood right in front of him. As he swung around, he caught glimpse of himself in a small, grimy mirror. It was hung awkwardly on the wall, as the glass sinisterly showed Remus his face. Was it really his? In the reflection shimmered a middle aged man’s face, and would have been handsome if not for the bags under his eyes and the overall aura of exhaustion.

Will James recognize me? Thoughts flittered around Remus’s head, like feathers in the breeze and most impossible to catch. It would have been almost impossible to believe I would one day look so drained! A tentative hand traced the indented line under his right eye. This all took place in under five seconds, but when Remus emerged from his thought process, his mind was changed. He couldn’t tell James, not as Lupin nor Moony but just as a colleague. Yes, that was it! Why he had collected this sudden urge not to tell James, he could only ask himself. And when he did, all it came up with was a feeling. Deep and logical it swelled in him, and he interpreted it as too much intimacy. If Prongs and Moony met, there would be laughter and jokes. James and a teacher, though, would be much stiffer. That way, Remus wouldn’t be as depressed when James had to go again, go back to his own time.

Right then it sounded like the perfect idea, and so he let it flow. “Well, James,� greeted Remus, longing and yet dreading to see if James would recognize him, “Thrown into the future, eh? Having fun?� He was being wry, and he knew it. The surprising thing was, he couldn’t stop.

“Quite well, sir.� James snapped to attention mockingly. “Potions class is much more fun with Snivellus teaching. And how do you know I’m James, not this Harry fellow?� He expressed no shock, but did show interest.

“Your kind Headmaster told me. I’m here to help keep your secret, in simplest terms.� He longed to reach out and clap James on the back, to cry and to believe, believe James was still alive. But he couldn’t.

“Do I know you? You look awfully familiar,� squinted James as he gazed quizzically into Lupin’s face.

“I was an acquaintance of yours during your Hogwarts years,� allowed Lupin, then sealed his lips. There was no way he was letting more out.

Ron waved frantically at Lupin and mouthed all sorts of things, for example, “What are you doing? Are you insane?" In the end, Ron ushered Lily out, still looking confusedly at the former Professor.

“What are you doing?� Lily shook Ron as hard as she could when they emerged into the blinding light and fresh air. “We could have stayed in there! We could have told James that this was Moony!�

“I don’t think he wanted James to know,� pondered Ron.

"Look, I just don't know anymore," Lily muttered. "Just leave it. We'll go back in after they're done."

Ron turned an inquisitive eye on her, but said nothing. Just... waited.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Sybil!� stormed Snape as he rushed into her room. She slowly turned around, hoping it wouldn’t be Severus, but unfortunately it was.

“Why, Severus,� she whispered, batting her eyelashes as if something were stuck in her eye, “you have come back! I knew you would!� At this she was praying he’d walk away so she could get back to her disco music.

“You are not spreading rumors to the children about…� At this he spun about, scanning for nearby intruders, “us.�

“Of course not, Severus,� assured Sybil.

But for one moment, Snape felt something clunk in his heart. Why wasn’t she spreading rumors? We have something special… thought Snape then shook his head fiercely. What was he thinking? Was he having some sort of mental breakdown?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Ron,� Lily murmured as they strolled outside in the gardens, “Do you think I’ll ever get back? To my own time, I mean.�

“Do you want to?�

“Of course I do. I miss Petunia, no matter how horrible she is, and most of all, James. He is here, but at the same time not. He ignores me, all because of that argument, that stupid argument!� A bit of passion crept into her voice, but faded away like fog in the sunshine.

“I’m sorry Lily.� What had he meant by that? Ron hadn’t even thought, but the words popped out of his mouth before he could stop them.

“Thank you.� She hugged him tightly, and whispered, “You’ve been so good to me!�

He nearly staggered to the floor, but another part of him wanted to hug her back. Ron fought the emotion for a moment, but eventually let it take over him. A little bit of pressure, not too much, Ron reminded himself, as she buried her head in his shoulder.

Meanwhile, up above, Harry was looking out of his dorm window. Hate poured over him, mostly directed at Voldemort. He took away my parents, he thought bitterly as he flung open the shade. But left me to live. Wouldn’t it all be easier if he had taken me too? None of this would have happened, if not for secrets. Well, at least I have my friends; they don’t hold secrets from me.

Harry gazed out the window, taking in the blue sky and blinding sun. The whole world was beautiful, and he was part of it. At least he was part of something. Sighing, he glanced below, where he saw two figures. One looked amazingly like Ron, and the other’s face was concealed. But he could make out one thing, and that was they were hugging.

His face twisted into a mask of hurt, and he struck the window pane. How stupid was he, to have believed Ron and Hermione kept no secrets? They didn’t care for him, only themselves.

At that second, Harry had made up his mind. He was going to confront Ron, here and there about this girl, and he couldn’t wait to see who she was. Moodily stomping off, he thought sourly, Ron should have told me about her! Did he think I couldn’t handle it? Who is she, anyway? Yet, we all know that Harry wouldn’t be able to handle it if he knew who that woman was.

His mother.

"We need to get you back,� said Remus to James, who was lounging against the wall.

“Why? Does anyone miss me over there, except Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail?� retorted James, obviously engrossed in his own world. There was something that happened that made James so upset, thought Remus. Usually, he was so cheerful.

“I’m sure they do,� replied Remus, keeping his voice clipped as not to give away any hints. “For now, you are going to have to stay in the boys’ dormitory with Ron. Lily will stay in the girls’ dorm, with Hermione. In the meantime, I’ll do some research to find a potion or charm that will send you back…� at this moment he trailed off as he pondered. Remus was sure that tonight was a full moon. If so, he wouldn’t be able to do anything to help James.

“What?� asked James, commenting on Remus’s sudden failure to speak.

“I was just realizing that maybe I… can’t do it tonight. Perhaps tomorrow, if you stay in the castle without sneaking out.� Another wry piece, but Remus was thinking of other things.

“Why can’t you do it tonight?� he asked. James had a suspicion who the man was, but he couldn’t be sure until he could catch him off guard, ask him a question only one of the Marauders would know…

“I remembered I have something to do,� he said with care. “Now, if you could get back to class…�

“You nearly scared the crap out of Madame Kinder that time we went down to Honeydukes,� said James offhandedly, hoping that his suspected Remus would reply to the answer correctly, proving it was him.

“Almost bit her. It still gives me nightmares,� said Remus sadly, as he stopped to lean against the wall.

“So you are Moony!� cried James triumphantly. “Why didn’t you tell me? Are we not friends anymore, or…?� Jame found himself grimacing at the last sentence he had uttered.

“Where did you get that idea?� asked Remus, almost angrily. "We said we'd be friends until the end, remember?" Remus realized he was being slightly ridiculous, but that promise had stuck in his mind since the fateful day it came into being.

James gave a relived smile. "Thank God. I thought so... but you never really know... everything’s so different in the future...it- it might have happened.�

“No, we were still friends the last time I saw you,� mused Remus, trying to place all of his thoughts under control as he began to pace even faster this time. “I didn’t want to, because… it’s complicated.�

“Still the intelligent Moony I know, the one that had ideas Padfoot, Wormtail nor I could understand,� laughed James.


James detected a flicker of something in Moony’s eyes when he said Wormtail… anger? “Are you and Wormtail not on good terms?� he asked uncertainly.

“You could say that,� said Moony as he stopped walking again and closed his eyes.

“Tonight’s a full moon, isn’t it?� queried James although he knew the answer already.

“Yes.�

“And still no cure for your 'furry little problem'?�

“The word is Lycanthropy and no, not a cure yet.�


James was getting bored with the topic, and decided to change it. “Do you know that Snape is the Potions teacher? Have you thrown any pranks on him yet?�

“James,� sighed Remus tiredly, “I don’t really play pranks anymore, and Severus isn’t really all that bad.�

“Isn’t all that bad??? I mean, he would add things to your potions, he would cast spells on us…�

“James, did you know that because of how we treated him, he’s absolutely prejudiced about Gryffindors?�

“What?�

“He takes off points because… some of the Griffyndors look like you.�

“Actually, I was wondering what prejudiced meant, but anyway…�

Remus chuckled, but stopped when James started to look at him in an odd way. “How old did you say you were?� asked James.

“I didn’t, but I'm thirty seven. I must look older, though, is that why you’re staring at me in that way?�

“Well, I mean, you already got gray hair!�

“I don’t know. Maybe I have a lot of stress… maybe it’s from being a werewolf. But will you be willing to go up to the dorm right now? I would like to have a talk with Albus,� he prodded as James took his first step up the staircase at the end of the corridor.

“When did you start calling Dumbledore Albus? Is that an adult thing?� but he went up anyway. Of course, James had no intention of obeying, but only to follow Moony. Heading upstairs to fool the tired Moony, James started cooking up the plan in his head…

Before Remus entered Dumbledore’s office, he paused a moment. How can I stay here? he wondered. But I need to help James and Lily. I must, somehow.


Knocking softly, then entering, Remus saw Albus Dumbledore at his desk, staring straight up at him. “Hello, Remus. I see you have met James and Lily,� he said as he ushered Remus to a chair.

“Albus, I have some pressing matters to discuss. I believe I can help James and Lily out of this mess, but I’m going to need some time here.� He muttered this all in one breath, and hoped for the best.

“Did you know we have cancelled Defense Against the Dark Arts?� Dumbledore casually added, his fingers tracing the curly ironworks of Fawkes’s cage. “We have been looking for a substitute… only for a month.�

Remus was dumbfounded. He slowly spoke, “But… parents will be sending in owls, and I simply couldn’t…�

“Not as long as you teach for only a month. You won’t even transform in that time. I will handle the letters, Remus. I’m asking you to do this- James would have wanted it to be.�

Remus answered, “I will, Albus, and thank you. By the way… I’m due tonight… the full moon? And I was wondering…�

“Where you should transform?� finished Dumbledore. “I think you know the answer to that one, though your mind might protest against it. I look forward to seeing you on your first day of work.� With that, he urged Remus on, and Remus quickly went over the meeting after had left. I know where I should transform? Did he mean the Whomping Willow? Remus knew it was, but he didn’t want to go in there. Too many memories, even memories of two years ago when he had met Peter Pettigrew again... but he had to do it. Squaring his shoulders, he went down the stairs to find James.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the gardens, Ron eventually pulled away from Lily. He was breath-taken, and couldn’t stop looking at her. “You really helped me get over this, Ron. Thanks.� She smiled a watery smile, and then snapped her head as footsteps sounded quite near to where she and Ron were positioned.

“Hide!� whispered Ron as Lily scrambled under a bush. Only flecks of sunlight filtered through the leaves, and she urgently pushed them back. Still, she couldn't see a thing. Oh, well. She would just have to listen to the conversation instead. Leaning her ear slightly closer towards the edge of the shrub ended in perfect hearing.

“What were you doing with that girl, Ron?� demanded a voice. It sounded rather angry, and low. She moved back a couple more leaves and listened harder.

“Nothing, she just needed a… loving shoulder,� replied Ron, not able to believe he actually said ‘loving shoulder.’

“You owe me a lot of answers, and I intend to get them! First off, how long have you been with her?�

“Only since today, mate,� Ron declared, a little bit shakily. He had lied, but to save getting into detail, like how Harry’s mom had been exposed to a rogue charm.

“Sure,� snorted Harry as he leaned in closer. “Next question- who is she?�

This took Ron by surprise, and stuttered his unrehearsed reply, “She’s… from... she’s… my second cousin once removed, and adopted! Yes, that’s it!� It seemed as if a million light bulbs had lit up in Ron’s head.

“Ron, I can’t trust you anymore,� spat Harry. “You lie to me, and then you won’t tell me who this girl is. I think I’m going to go up to my dorm now, to look at pictures of my parents who cared about me… but no! They didn’t, because they died!!! They left me here, in a world where Voldemort is stalking me and everyone lies to me!�

At this point, he stormed to the other side of the castle.

“Harry! Wait!� called Ron, but it was too late. Lily reappeared through the bushes and sighed. “That’s sad. How could anyone’s parents leave their baby to die? I would never do that, and can you believe that Voldemort is after that poor boy?� She shook her head and looked off into the distance, when Ron gulped. Should he tell her that she was the one who left their baby to “die?�

“Lily…�

“Face it, Sirius, he’s gone.� Remus Lupin leaned against the blackboard of the Charms room, looking quite defeated.

“Just tell me the details, all right?� huffed Sirius Black as he tapped his foot angrily against the stone where James and Lily had fallen through. The room was pitch black, only the light of the half moon shining through the window.
Remus sighed and said, “I already told you all I know. You should have been watching instead of flirting with that girl over there- what was her name? Susie?�

“Sandra,� Sirius shot back. “And it is not my fault! You just happened to be staring up front when James and Lily were sucked into that bizzaro black hole.�

Peter Pettigrew squirmed as he checked the door for intruders. “Guys, should we really be doing this? What is Professor Flitwick comes in here?�

“Wormtail, no one will come in,� Remus said, almost bored. “If you want, though, Padfoot, I could look up the spell in Professor Flitwick’s book of charms. I remember the words.�

“Well, where are we going to find that?� demanded Sirius, starting to stamp his foot on the once black holed floor.

“Right here, on his desk,� replied Remus as he picked up the rather heavy and dusty book from its eternal resting spot on the professor’s writing table.

“What are you waiting for? Oh, let me do it!� cried Sirius as he barged in front of Remus who was gently flipping the pages, murmuring, “P… p… po… ah! There we go, pos…. post…� With alarming speed, Sirius flicked the pages over, skimming over the words in a second.

“You missed it!� moaned Remus. “Now you’re in the Q’s!�

“Moony, of course I didn’t. P is after Q!�

“Did you ever pay attention in kindergarten?� he said, now slightly amused.

“No, I knew all of that already,� Sirius sniffed, exaggerating every movement. “My mum always gave me the most talented of witches for teachers, but none were good enough for me! They told me, never get detention. They said, always be kind! And the one I paid most attention to of all was of course, never run around with werewolves as friends.� At this, he gave a lopsided smile and Remus lifted the corner of his mouth into a half grin.

“Very funny. But if we’re going to find this charm, you’d better go back to the P’s.�

Sirius grumbled good naturedly as he quickly turned the pages back to the P section.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Meanwhile, Hermione tapped her wand against her desk. All the students were again in an uproar, many whispering, “I can’t believe he’s back!�

“Do you think because there’s a cure for Lycanthropy?�

“Finally! A good teacher! I mean, really, one was loony, one was a fraud, one was evil- no, I mean really evil as in You-Know-Who, and the other was just plain nasty!�

“Malicious, you mean!�

When class was over, the student rushed out while Hermione gathered her things quietly. Her mind was racing. Why was Professor Lupin here? Did he know about James and Lily? Suddenly Ron rushed into the room, panting.

“Hermione! She… Harry… I know I wasn’t supposed to…�

“Ron!� she commanded, making his jaw drop. “Stop! I can barely understand a word you’re saying. Now please, calm down and explain yourself.� She said with authority, hoping to sound like a teacher. Surprisingly, it worked.

Ron jabbed out the story, his eyes wild. “And then Harry came around the bushes...� he gabbled.

“What??? Harry! Did he find out? Does Lily know? Oh gosh, Ron, we’ve made a mess of the past! Harry might not even be born, You-Know-Who…�

“She doesn’t know. Not yet, but I almost told her,� breathed Ron. “But she heard his story, how his parents died and everything. She thinks it’s terrible.�

Hermione was overcome with an overwhelming urge to laugh. “This is too weird, Ron, way too odd. Yes, even odder than your owl.�

“Lily’s coming over here soon and Lupin’s here to help us. I think, anyways. He went off to see James.�

“Well, I see we have an excellent tab on everyone,� commented Hermione sarcastically. She liked to have everything within her reach, within her knowledge, but not today apparently.

Lily burst into the room, her hair windswept and eyes wide. “Why is James running around the castle as a stag, following Remus around IN PLAIN SIGHT???�

“Oh no,� moaned Hermione as she started to jog up the stairs. “Could he ever stay put one minute?�

“Not the James I know,� Lily added, as she followed Hermione upstairs.

James peered around the wall, watching Remus intently. He was going to show him to be young again, the exhausted old Moony. Prancing eagerly, he waited until Moony rounded the corner before galloping down the hall.

Professor McGonagall was scribbling on a piece of parchment when she saw a flicker of running legs. It actually looked suspiciously like a deer… no. It couldn’t be. Why would a deer be running around Hogwarts? Shrugging her shoulders, she went back to writing as Lily, Hermione and Ron flew past her door, running valiantly to catch James.

“It’s not in here,� announced Sirius Black, eyebrows furrowed. “The spell isn’t here.� His finger was tracing the spidery crawl of Professor Flitwick’s book, paused in-between posthab tog and pota.

Remus sighed and slowly got up to see where Sirius was looking. “You probably just skipped it over or something…� Skimming the page, a puzzled look came over Remus’s face. “It’s… not there.�

“What did I just tell you? Do you not believe me?� Sirius appeared offended, but then turned serious again. “I don’t know how the heck we’re ever going to find James now.�

“It must have been a spell not in use anymore,� mused Remus, still rereading the page in hopes of just missing the enchantment. “I think they might have it in the restricted section in the library, so we could check there.�

“You would know all about it, you’ve been in that library so much,� muttered Sirius, but still didn’t reject the idea.

“How would we get there? It is called restricted for a reason, Moony,� interrupted Peter.

He could almost see the gears clicking away in Sirius’s mind. Sirius’s eyes were half way closed and finger perched on the side of his mouth in a thinking manner, making strange humming sounds that were obviously for laughs. When Sirius’s eyes snapped open and lips twisted into a full grin, Peter started to tremble. “We have our ways… I don’t believe James would mind if we used his invisibility cloak for a while, would he Moony?� Sirius lifted one of his eyebrows and wiggled it, implying an idea.

Remus quickly caught on and smiled back. “Not at all, Padfoot, not at all.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lupin was on his way to the Whomping Willow when he felt a stare. Not an obvious, “I’m just looking around� kind of stare, but a stalker one. Looking over his shoulder nonchalantly, he saw nothing but the darkening sky and the castle looming under it. Shaking his head, he plundered on, listening to the owl hootings and howls in the distance.

The Shrieking Shack will again be haunted tonight, he thought and smiled sardonically at the thought, but he had another one in his head. Why did Dumbledore want me to come here? He could have sent me to another place, maybe the Forbidden Forest. Again he shook his head.

Stop thinking! he chided himself, and continued on faster this time. The sun was already swinging down low and brilliant hues danced across the sky when he heard a twig snap.

This time he took no hesitation in whirling around, where he saw a deer pawing restlessly on a spot of ground. Its head was reared majestically, pronged antlers balanced atop the fearless stature. Remus’s face whitened, appearing almost bloodless. It can’t be a ghost! he thought wildly. No- wait- James is here. He traveled back here- it’s all right. “James,� he said, his face returning back to just regular pale, breathing deeply. “What are you doing?�

At once the stag transformed into a laughing James. “Moony, you should have seen the look on your face! Like you’d seen a ghost, or something.�

“I thought I did,� he murmured slowly, then recovered and replied in a louder voice, “Just startled, that’s all. And I believe I asked you a question?�

“You seemed so old back there, Moony! I thought I could lighten you up… you know, to have some fun! It looks like you haven’t seen that in a while.� He could almost detect a flicker of a smile on Lupin’s face, but he couldn’t be sure.

“I suppose it has been a long time. You’d better get back to the castle now; Lily and the rest are probably looking all over for you, I’ll be fine.�

“No, not Lily,� James muttered. “She’s not looking for me. We got into a fight. It was about something stupid too- God, I can’t even remember!�

“I can assure you, it will blow over,� he said, stopping to sit down.

“How do you know?� questioned James. “Did you turn into a Divination teacher?�

“I suppose everyone nowadays is a future teller for you, Prongs,� said Lupin, purposely using James’s nickname. It felt surprisingly good, and apparently James liked the name too. He slid down beside Lupin as they both stared off into the fading sun.

There were several moments of silence until James gathered the courage to ask his question, one he knew would not please his friend. “What happens?� he asked.

“I’m not quite sure I understand what you mean,� Lupin responded, voice strained. He understood the question perfectly, but he was trembling inside. He couldn’t tell James… but wouldn’t his younger self had liked to know?

“In the future, I mean,� James continued, ignoring the tight face of Lupin. “It’s so tempting… just to know what happens. Tell me one thing, just one, and I promise I’ll be happy.�

Lupin shifted and seemed to be profoundly immersed in his thoughts. He finally managed to let out, “The Marauder’s Map is in the hands of an expert troublemaker- used to be in the hands of the possibly worst ones. We did our duty.�

James smiled delightedly when a flurried call sounded from the castle. “James! Where are you?� He started to leave but then looked over his shoulder at Moony, who struggling to get up as fatigue overwhelmed him. “Thanks, Moony. Do you think we can have a get together with the Marauders? You know, see what Padfoot and Wormtail are up too.�

“I would if I could, James. I really would.� His voice sounded more haggard than ever, and James helped him up to his feet. “I’ll try to get onto the charm tomorrow,� promised Lupin as he leaned against the trunk of the tree for support.

“Thanks- and please don’t kill yourself down there,� replied James, his face almost completely enclosed in darkness.

“I won’t.�

“James!� shouted Lily again, only her voice seemed closer this time. “Are you over there?�

“Yes… I’ll be back there in a minute,� he assured her and turned his head back toward Lupin. But he was gone, gradually making progress to the Whomping Willow.

What happened to you, Moony? thought James as he began to jog up to Lily.

“I’m sorry James,� apologized Lily as soon as he had approached near, “I was a complete idiot. I know you didn’t mean to get us into this situation… and I know we can get out of it.� She smiled, but her eyes conveyed the regret of her former actions.

“It’s fine,� he replied, winking to show her, “but I was the one that was the jerk. I did get us into this position in the first place, right?�

Hermione felt some of her stress let go as she watched the two make up. Finally, at least one problem was solved. Ron appeared to have gained some anxiety, however, as his eyes suddenly bulged and he made rapid hand motions.

“Go ahead and brand me, Evans,� James joked. “Write jerk all over me! I’m fully willing to admit my guilt.� He bowed low, gliding backwards into the castle as the heavy wooden door creaked open.

Lily was walking with him, ready to joke along too, when she felt a tug at her neck. Gasping, she realized that someone must have jerked on her cloak from behind her as she violently looked for the attacker. Instead, she only found Ron who had whisked her behind the looming doors.

“What…?� wondered Lily as Ron put a finger to her mouth.

“Look there… through the crack,� he whispered and Lily dubiously peered through the small split from the doors.

Bump. James had backed into someone, someone rather tall and wearing masses of robes. At once, he thought up of a plan to get Evans laughing, as he slowly spun around in a lounge fashion and drawled lazily, “I know you’re ever so fond of me, Miss Smith, but please refrain yourself from such… inadequate… behavior.� It was a word he’d heard from Moony, and he secretly congratulated the intellectual boy for teaching him so many words. Prejudice, inadequate- why, he’d be the next Merriam Webster! “We can do this privately, if you’d like, but not while my fans are watching,� he smirked while praising himself under half closed lids. Gazing up in what he thought would be a devil may care attitude and arching a brow; James received the shock of his life.

“What exactly did you mean by that, Mr. Potter?�

“Ow!� Of course he’d already known what it felt like, to be tugged around by the ear. But this time, it was much tighter and her fingernails dug into his skin. James tried twisting around and explaining to McGonagall about how it was a mistake, he really wasn’t trying to hit on her, yet her angular face never turned to look at his.

“Mr. Potter, you have broken two rules,� she would say whenever James attempted to speak up. “One, you were out of your dormitory when you were supposed to be in. Two, you deliberately flirted with a teacher.� Her thin mouth would barely move and her square glasses remained firm on her nose.

“I didn’t mean to… ouch!� He cringed as she pinched him harder this time. James recognized this hallway; it was the one that led to Dumbledore’s office. He’d been here enough, but not as many times as Sirius. James made a mental note to give himself one more tally on his Headmaster Visits sheet, and he would only be one more behind Padfoot.

“Here we are,� she announced. “Butterscotch toffee. Potter, what has gotten into you? I would swear, you’re getting more and more like your fath…� She failed to finish as she urged him toward the steps and left with her back straight as a rod.

James didn’t say anything, but went up the winding stairs instead. He was confused, and quite rightly. Who was Harry Potter? Was he a troublemaker or not? And would Dumbledore know it was him, James Potter?

“Erm- Professor?� He entered quietly, trying not to disturb anything. The office looked the same as always, except there was no Dumbledore. James plopped himself down on a chair opposite the Headmasters and stared at the bookcase. This provided limited enjoyment as he fidgeted and started to get up and walk around. Thoughts started to enter his head, ones he rather would not have heard.

Do they miss me, the Marauders? I think they should have found us by now. Could Lily and I really be stuck here forever? At least I have Moony… but it’s not really him. Sure, he looks the same, but he’s an adult... and different. Is Padfoot an adult? Well, I guess he is, but I can’t picture him. I still imagine him going around the school, declaring his undying love to McGonagall… A smile broke across his face as he sat down in Dumbledore’s chair, conjuring an image the popular Sirius Black. A twinge of curiosity struck him just then as he looked down at the Professor’s desk. It stood, stationary and full of secrets.

Wouldn’t the Marauders just die if I got into this desk? he thought impishly. Glancing around the room, he saw nothing, just as always. Grasping the knob of a drawer, James pulled gently. Surprisingly, it rolled open.

The contents were rather dull; there was nothing except some paperwork and an assortment of sweets. James shifted through these, hoping to discover something more interesting. Sirius certainly would scoff when James would boast how he had gotten into Dumbledore’s drawer if there was nothing exciting. “What’s so fascinating about that?� Sirius would say when James told him. Determined to find something, James moved the papers around more vehemently when his blood stopped cold. A picture, filled with waving people started back at him. His nose wrinkled in confusion, he could see a handsome man that looked like Sirius Black around the age 20. Actually, James supposed, it was Black. Next to him was Remus Lupin, smile genuine though he appeared ready to faint. Through the shining sun, the moon was still faint in the sky, near to being full. Well, that explained it. A fat, shifty eyed man stood a little closer to the camera, and James knew instantly it was Peter Pettigrew, and even closer to the photographer was James himself. It was obviously him, the untidy black hair and hazel eyes marked him so. He didn’t look so different, which was a tremendous relief to James and to his delight, at his right was Lily Evans, more radiant than ever. Something was strange about it though… he noticed their shoulders were touching. Zeroing in on the two of them, he saw something even stranger… their hands were clasped. He couldn’t hide his perplexity. Rifling through the drawer some more, he saw more photos of him, the Marauders and Lily, until he reached some newspaper articles. Hands trembling, he picked one up. It was the Daily Prophet, and its headlines screamed “FIRST PRISONER TO ESCAPE FROM AZKABAN!� Below was a particularly dirty man, blinking at James slowly. His hair was matted; his eyes haunted and empty. Skin stretched across his face tightly, giving the aura of gauntness. James skimmed the paragraph and managed to catch the names of himself, Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black. Maybe he should read this more carefully.

Setting it roughly down on the desk, James could hardly stop his heart from beating this fast. Why was he mentioned, and Sirius too? What did they have to do with an escaped convict, much more Peter Pettigrew? And they couldn’t mention the Marauder’s; Remus’s name would have been involved also. His eyes scanned desperately across the paper, forgetting his promise to read it nice and slowly.

“Wanted for murder… twelve muggles… James and Lily…Peter Pettigrew… betrayed… Harry… is working for the Dark Lord himself… Sirius Black… escaped.� That was all he caught before a creak at the door was heard. Stuffing the paper quickly back into the desk, James hurried to his seat when Dumbledore walked in. He prayed his heart would stop thumping as the Professor glanced down at him. His eyes were shining broadly and his long white beard almost shimmered in the moon light.

“Up to some mischief, James?� he asked.

“How do you know I’m… well, me?� James asked in return. Dumbledore smiled again, this time perhaps savoring a secret.

“Mr. Lupin has already informed me. Very trusted man, I can assure you.�

“That’s probably why he went up to talk to you. Anyway, I got sent up here for hitting on Minnie. Fifty points is probably all I need, and then I’ll be on my way. Thanks, Professor.� James inclined his head toward Dumbledore and started to get out of his chair when Dumbledore chuckled.

“Ah, I had forgotten how Minerva was Minnie for seven years… to the Marauders at least,� he grinned and his blue eyes twinkling. “We also have a little more to discuss- about this situation. No, not about you and Professor McGonagall… that was just one of your old tricks I presume. It is more about this future circumstance.�

“Oh.� James sat down again, unhappy to be in the office longer than necessary. “I see. Kind of. Couldn’t we have this another time?� He wanted to look back at that paper; he knew it held answers only he could have dreamed of. What turns would his life take?

“No. This is urgent, James. We don’t want you finding out any more about the future than we have to. For example, you’ll need to know that Severus Snape is Potions teacher- no pranks.� But he gave a sliver of a smile, granting at least a tiny one. “Minerva is Transfiguration.�

“Still after all these years? Wow, I swear, I thought she would have discovered her love for Sirius and married him.�

“Professor Sprout is Herbology, Charms is taught by Professor Flitwick, and Defense Against the Dark Arts is currently teacher less, but we do have a substitute in. That’s Mr. Lupin- I am almost positive you know him from your Hogwarts years? I suppose I should call him Professor…�

Inside, James was exhilarated. Honestly, the practical jokes he could get away with when Moony was teacher… Dumbledore seemed to sense this thought as he added, “I’m afraid he will teach you as a pupil, and you will see him as a teacher.�

“Aw, I know him, and he was our friend! I just can’t imagine Moo- I mean Remus being so… well… strict.�

“He’s changed,� said Dumbledore, staring directly at James. “We all have, since the old days.� There was no hint of a smile now, and James was rather perturbed. He had never seen Dumbledore like this, ever. “Oh, he’s still the same person, but some of his views have changed, and he’s matured since we knew him. Like you did.�

“Me?� James could hardly let this out; it was only a wheezing breath. “What… am I like? Who am I?� He was crazy for information, anything. He was like a starved animal, reaching for the tiniest piece of food in sight.

“You’ll see in a good twenty years,� smiled Dumbledore, though it barely reached his eyes. “All you need to know will come with time.�

In an instant, he knew the Headmaster was not just talking about who James was, or how he had changed, but everything, from the newspaper article to whether his hair would ever sit flat. “I understand, Professor,� replied James, hoping to convey comprehending in his eyes. “I really do.�

Dumbledore acknowledged this with a small nod and he went on to say, “You and Lily will take regular classes under different names. We don’t want everyone to know about this, right?�

“I think Minnie already suspects something,� James admittedly rather abashedly, but keeping it down to a mild level.

“I trust Minerva. I will tell her later… would you like a lemon drop?�

James narrowed his eyes and said, “Did you jinx these?�

Dumbledore laughed and handed him a small sweet from the drawer James had opened previously. “Somehow I don’t believe you would mind if they were.�

“Hit me right on the nail, Professor,� replied James and popped it into his mouth. “Right on.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“I can hardly see a thing!� complained Sirius as he almost crashed into an overturned chair in the restricted section of the library.

“Don’t worry, we’re almost there,� Remus assured him, holding the invisibility cloak a little higher than before, hoping to let in some light. The pitch dark library held only fear for poor Peter as he barely said a word throughout the whole journey.

Peter squirmed uncomfortably and gazed out at the looming bookshelves, staring eerily down at him. “I don’t feel so good about this,� he moaned, nervously shifting his eyes about. They decided to carry out their plan later that evening, near midnight when no one would be up for sure.

Sirius rolled his eyes as he slid out of the cloak. “Let me look around. I’ll have that book in no time. What would the book be under again… Charms?�

“Try Ancient Charms,� called back Remus. “Here, let me help." Turning to Peter, he whispered, “It’ll only be a few minutes. Madam Pince shouldn’t even be here, she’s lying in her bed asleep, like most normal people should.� At this Remus looked at Sirius with irritation as it was his idea to execute this in the darkest of night, but Black only laughed. With that, Remus slipped out from under the cloak and looked on with disproval at Sirius’s flurried searching, calling out advice quietly.

Remaining in the robe, Peter shivered as his eyes roved around. He couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was there. “Guys!� he squealed, hopping from one foot to another, “Madam Pince! She’s…�

Sirius turned around sharply as the librarian drifted through the halls, approaching their location with dangerous precision. “Moony, get under the cloak! Peter, get out here and transform, because I’m going to need all the help I can get.�

Remus dashed to the cloth and threw it over his head as a rat scuttled from beneath it. He looked for Sirius, but only saw a black dog where the handsome male once stood. He hoped Sirius had a plan, because otherwise they could get in big trouble.

“Get awakened from a nightmare and this is what I get!� he heard her mumbling, “Intruders, probably that Black boy no doubt…� She gazed across the room, holding up her lumos-ized wand to guide her weak eyes through the restricted section.

Remus held his breath. Don’t get caught… don’t get caught… he found himself praying as he edged his way slowly toward Sirius and Madam Pince.

A sudden shriek from the librarian confirmed that she had seen the dog. “A dirty… no good… dog!� she hissed, her face contorted. “How did you get in here? Well, go away! One of those children’s pets, I suppose… filthy creature! I said, go!�

Sirius stood his ground, wondering whether to leave or stay. He’d never seen the librarian worked up into such a fury, and personally, he liked it. Eventually his mischievous side got the better of him, as he went up to Madam Pince and rubbed her leg. (Does Sirius have a side that’s not mischievous?) He growled low, showing pleasure as Remus looked on with exasperation.

What is he doing? Remus wondered, a slight grin on his face. You’d better get out of there, Padfoot, before she does anything…

Madame Pince was in pure shock as the dog licked her hand, its adoring eyes looking up at hers. “What in the world…?� she muttered, as she took her free hand and slid off her shoe quietly. This’ll teach that dog a lesson, she thought with a grimace as she began to hit the dog square over the head fiercely.

Remus started to laugh in spite of himself, but kept it silent as Madam Pince hit him a few more times. He remembered that she had never liked dogs, especially larger ones. ‘Never trust them,’ she once told him bitterly. ‘Petted one of those grimy creatures, and it bit me.’ He recalled himself accepting her advice and carrying off his book, but never thought of the information again. Until now.

Sirius grinned as well as he could in his canine form, showing his gleaming teeth. He found it unbelievably funny in the least. “You… you… smiling demon you!� The librarian’s face had grown quite red as she stuffed her foot back in her shoe. “Scamper, dirty mutt!� Next thing Sirius knew, he was being kicked with a sharp high heel in his side.

“Take that!� she cried as she booted him again, much to the amusement of Remus, but he cringed when she did it again with more force. He had to do something, or Sirius would end up looking like him after a full moon.

He sneaked over to a stack of books in the regular section as quietly as possible, still watching Sirius be kicked by the mad librarian. Groaning, he leaned against them with all of his might and it swayed dangerously. One more push, and the pile had fallen to the ground with a mighty smack.

“What in the…? I’ll be back,� she snarled at Sirius as she dashed over to the overturned pile, leaving him on the ground with sides heaving, but not without one last well directed kick.

“Jesus! Sirius, are you all right?� demanded Remus, running over the spot where he was residing and watching the woman step over the rope that separated the restricted section from the regular.

“That… was… so… goddamn… funny!� wheezed Sirius, tears streaming down his face as he turned back into a man.

“I think you need your head examined,� Remus sighed, offering a hand to the struggling Black. “That was pure idiocy.� When Sirius had managed to get back in the cloak, Remus whisked them briskly back to the portrait of the Fat Lady.

“Let’s not do that again,� he muttered, obviously shaken at the near exposure as he opened the portrait.

“I object to that!� yelled Sirius, still laughing.

Authors Note: I hoped you liked this chapter, I worked extra hard on it. (Note that this is long, sort of odd for me. Consider it an apology for the short chapter before this.) Happy Easter!

Harry was pretending to be asleep when he heard the door open and then shut softly. Turning around as if troubled by a dream, he took a peek through his half shut eyes to see who it was. In the darkness, he could make out a tall figure with a long face and he immediately flipped to his stomach. It was Ron. The person he hated most in the world, for betraying him and his trust when he needed it the most. When Sirius died.

“Harry?� The voice was unsure, and wavering. He couldn’t bring himself to look at his friend, but he opened his eyes as he stared at the pillow. “Are you awake?� No sound, he reminded himself. Not one movement.

“Listen… I’m sorry,� said Ron softly. Was that really going to help? Harry thought angrily. Those miserable two words won’t fix anything between us. He felt his bed sink from beneath him as Ron sat on the edge of it, gazing off toward the window. “Something scary is going on, Harry. Something none of us understand…� Ron trailed off.

What was he talking about? Harry thought.

“There are some things we’re too inexperienced for, have too little knowledge about. I could be ruining your life right now, by being attracted to her,� Ron continued, still looking through the window as if the moon could give him answers. “I just don’t know, Harry.�

He sat up so suddenly, Ron jumped off the bed. “Well, I know, Ron. I don’t care if you love that girl, what hurts me is you not telling me! You never tell me anything anymore! Since the fifth year, when I came to Number 12. Why can’t you tell me?� shouted Harry.

“I can’t!� cried Ron desperately. “I… just… can’t… tell.� Harry remained rigid on the bed, hearing his former friend’s words but not comprehending them. Why not? He wanted to ask.

“I just wanted to come up here to apologize,� he finished lamely and started to leave when Harry piped up, “Wait.� Ron turned around; face still covered in the darkness. “Maybe some things should be kept hidden,� he admitted.

Ron waited a couple more minutes when he realized Harry wasn’t going to say anymore. “Well… I’ll be going then,� he said and went through the door, being careful to shut it quietly.

Harry soon slid out of his bed and sat on the floor, propping himself up against his trunk. He’d made a mess of things, a terrible mess. He needed friends more than ever with the prophecy in his mind at all times… and Sirius…

Moaning, he buried his face in his hands and thought, If my parents were alive, none of this would have happened. None of it. Through the silence, he heard a wolf howl from outside as he drifted off to sleep, dreaming nightmares of his godfather falling… falling into the veil…

-

“What did you want to talk to me about, Albus?� asked Minerva McGonagall as she strode into his office. “It’s late at night... is this really that important?�

Dumbledore smiled and gestured her to the chair opposite him. “Important enough.�

She glanced at him sternly but sat down nevertheless as the Headmaster swiveled his chair around, the back rest toward her. “Do you believe in the impossible, Minerva?� he asked.

Her eyebrows knit together as she pursed her lips. “I’m not quite sure I heard you.� She didn’t like the way this conversation was going, not in the least.

“I know you did. What is your answer? Don’t be ashamed, I just want to know the truth.�

“It’s called impossible for a reason,� she replied stiffly. Minerva McGonagall didn’t like to admit that sometimes she had reasons to doubt this, reasons she would never tell.

For a moment, Dumbledore stayed silent before saying, “What if I broke that foundation? What if the impossible… were possible?�

She gave a brittle laugh. “And what do you mean by that, Albus? Surely you don’t think of people coming back from the dead and what not.�

“No,� he said slowly, “I meant time travel.� There was an awkward pause as McGonagall gave a questioning stare. But that was not possible! Or… was it?

There was a slight sigh on the Transfiguration teacher’s part as she whispered, “Are you trying to tell me something?� She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know, but curiosity had gotten the better of her.

“James and Lily are here from the future,� he explained gently. “We aren’t sure how, but they are here. I’ve seen them, Minerva, with my own two eyes.�

“Don’t do this to me!� she found herself yelling. “We all miss them, but this isn’t the time for… for hallucinations! Pressing matters are at hand, we don’t have much time left… please… just don’t say this…�

“But it’s true,� stated the Headmaster. “I have Remus Lupin’s word on it, and I have proof also.�

“Remus Lupin,� she replied, voice cold, “is a troubled man. Surely he might see them, for some friends after what happened at the Department of Mysteries last summer. He would do well to console Harry, but apparently he hasn’t made the effort…�

“He has. Harry seems to be grief-stricken; however; and whatever Remus does only worsens his pain.�

“I would like to see your proof,� she cut in, abruptly changing the subject, not wanting to talk about Harry. Already too much time had been wasted on the boy’s misery and Sirius’s death.

Lightening slashed across the sky, illuminating the room. Dumbledore’s voice carried clear through her as he spoke softly, “Look, Minerva.�

Her eyes followed his as it landed on two silhouettes entering the room, one of a man and a woman. McGonagall’s breath caught in her throat. “It can’t be…� Shock overrode her calmness and persistence as she watched in horror and joy as James and Lily stepped closer to the teacher.

“Professor McGonagall?� she heard a soft voice ask, a musical voice that could only belong to Lily Potter.

“I heard you haven’t married Sirius yet… I’m sure he’s devastated,� a masculine voice added, and Minerva could almost see the smirk on James Potter’s face.

“Stop James,� Lily replied with a note of humor in her voice. “When you talk to a professor, you don’t start off with their personal life!�

“I was just wondering,� he defended himself as he turned toward McGonagall. “So. Are we evidence enough for you?�

The only sound besides the rain and thunder clapping was soft sobs, followed by a series of short, choppy breaths. “Lily’s… right you know,� Minerva managed to choke out. “If you want to… be on my good side, Potter… you don’t… ask about… about…� By this time, Lily and James couldn’t make anything else out as a fresh cry arose from the teacher.

“Since when are you so happy to see me?� demanded James jokingly, while McGonagall struggled to compose herself.

“Just be ready on time for my class tomorrow, Mr. Potter,� she finished, and Dumbledore stood up.

“James, Lily, go to your common rooms, you will need some rest for your classes. And, please, try not to spend the night thinking of ways to harm Severus Snape, James,� Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling merrily.

“Well, goodnight then,� replied James offhandedly.

“Goodnight!� Lily called back cheerfully. When the door had closed, McGonagall faced Dumbledore with trembling jaw.

“They’re here… they’re really here…� she whispered, rapture clearly on her face. “But I have a question.�

Dumbledore stopped short and looked up at her from his desk. “How am I going to punish James, when I’m so happy to see him alive?� she wondered.

-

“I don’t want to sleep on the floor!� protested James adamantly. “Why don’t you?� They were standing in the Gryffindor boys’ dorm, watching the five beds in the room with troubled glares, four of which were occupied.

“I don’t either! Besides, it’s my bed,� shot back Ron.

“Hey, who’s the one that just time traveled twenty years into the future?� James asked cockily, tilting his head to one side. Sighing, Ron threw his hands up in the air.
“Fine. But tomorrow, you’re sleeping right here on the floor.�

“Agreed.�

Ron laid himself gently on the floor, hoping to find it softer than usual. To his displeasure, it was still as hard as ever. What’s the use of being a wizard when you can’t conjure up a bed? Ron thought irritatedly as he stared at the ceiling, glancing occasionally at James who was quite content in the bed. His shoulder was hitting the ground in an awkward way, and his eyes seemed unable to close. He shifted to his side and huddled in a ball to get warm. Why hadn’t he noticed it was so cold without a bedspread?

“Here,� the voice came from above him, and Ron twisted his head to see who it was. “Do you have it?� The blanket James had thrown to the red haired boy was now draped over his head rather bulkily as he tore it off his head.

“Thanks,� muttered Ron as he arranged it over his long frame. “Next time you might want to warn me.� At least his staying warm wasn’t an issue anymore.

There were several creaks from above; Ron guessed it was James turning toward him. “So you’re friends with Harry,� he commented. It was more of a statement then a question, so Ron responded nonchalantly, “Well, I used to be at least.�

“What happened? A fight?�

“Yeah, but he’s been kind of depressed since Sirius…� At once Ron bit his tongue. What had he been thinking, talking about Harry’s Godfather’s death?

“Sirius? He knows Sirius, as in Sirius Black?�

Ron gulped. He’d gotten himself into a situation- a big one. “Yes.�

“So you know him too!� There was a note of excitement in James’s voice, one he hadn’t heard the whole time Harry’s father had been here. “What’s he like now?�

“Kind of… reckless… I dunno.� He didn’t want to bury himself in this conversation. “He was nice…. In a weird way…�

James laughed out loud. “I’m sure he’d like to hear that. What about Remus?�

“You mean Professor Lupin?� Ron asked, smiling. “The best bloody Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher we ever had!�

“He was your teacher?� James sounded surprised. “Was always good at DADA… just never fancied him a teacher, you know?�

Shaking his head, Ron replied, “No. If we had had a teacher like him for all of our years at Hogwarts, I would have gotten Outstanding on all my NEWTS. We rarely used parchment anyhow, which was new.�

“Really?� A tone of respect sneaked into James’s voice. “That’ll be good, since he’s our teacher this year.�

“No!� gasped Ron eagerly. “That’s brilliant!�

James grinned, happy to discover his friend was well liked, when he heard Ron clear his throat and say, “Hey… I’m sort of tired… I’m going to sleep now.�

He muttered his approval as he watched Ron doze off rather quickly. Must have been bushed, thought James, listening to the boy’s snores. What a day. Closing his eyes, he waited for sleep, but it never came. It often eluded him, especially since he started falling for Lily. Lily…

James imagined her hair and her eyes, the startling green that reflected the grass. Suddenly, he wanted to talk to her, just to see her. That’s it, he assured himself, swinging his legs over the bed. That’s all. Rumpling his hair with one hand, he reached out with the other to grab his glasses when a groan was heard to his right.

“Ron?� asked a voice, slurred with sleepiness. James froze. Was that boy talking to him? “I’m sorry…�

James stayed on the bed, eyes glued to the floor. Maybe if he ignored the voice, it would go away. He didn’t want to be found out.

“I had that dream again,� the voice continued. James replied softly, mind racing, “Oh- that dream?�

“He was falling,� whispered the voice drowsily. “I couldn’t stop him. Lupin was holding me back. I tried to get him… I did… he said he was gone, that there was nothing I could do…�

He felt as if he had pried into the boy’s life, the boy sleeping next to him. He had no right to, but here James was, eavesdropping. Or was he? James was being directly addressed, well at least a little. “I miss him,� said the boy, tone curiously light as if having just realized the truth.

Shocked at the emotion in the boy’s voice, James still said nothing. Normally he might mock the person for missing their relative, or friend of some sort so openly, but this time James felt he had no right. This boy was really going through a hard time. For some reason, he wanted to comfort the boy… to tell him it would be all right. But for now, he stayed silent, ear cocked toward the voice.

A shuddering breath was heard from the bed, perhaps trying to clear his mind of the sleepiness or tears. “Could you quiet down, Harry? Some of us are trying to sleep- and you too, Ron,� came another voice, further to James’s right. It had an Irish brogue to it, dulled a tiny bit to sound more normal. It also had the same tone of sleepiness to it as Harry’s had, giving the impression of being half awake.
James let out an, “All right,� in a voice that hopefully sounded like Ron’s. The boy next to him, Harry, he was called, replied back dazedly, “Sorry.�

Finally, all was quiet again. The soft breathing of Harry on his right and the loud snorts of Ron on his left were enough to keep James up, though. He could only stare at the ceiling and think, That was Harry. That was the boy I pretended to be.

-

“Hey! That hurts!� Sirius Black put a hand over his aching bruise, mottled purple and a little green.

“Hold on,� muttered Remus as he bandaged the wound, carefully twisting the linen. “There. Now, repeat after me. I will not do something that stupid again.�

“Nah, I don’t feel like it,� Sirius replied as he sat up. Remus rolled his eyes as he leaned back into the common room sofa, sitting in front of the crackling fire. All the Marauders were there, hunched over the fire like some cave people, except they were sitting in a circle. Not something cave people did everyday.

Sirius glanced around before leaning in the middle, and whispered, “We need a new plan.�

“You got that right,� snorted Remus as Peter kept fidgeting in place. “We have no leads. Zero.�

“Well,� smiled Sirius, “I have some… brain food, they call it.� He quickly reached into his robes and pulled something out, which he hid behind his back before anyone could see.

“What is it, Padfoot?� moaned Remus, knowing when Sirius was up to something.

“Don’t get defensive on me!� Black held out his hands, showing he had nothing to hide. “I just brought the…�

The item was tossed into the middle of the circle, which Peter eagerly crawled to. “The Sacred Mix Match!�

Remus began to groan. “This is the stupidest thing…� But it was too late. Peter had already ripped open the packet of “Sacred Mix Match� and devoured one easily.

“I already told you!� Remus said to Sirius, who was grinning wildly. “No matter what you and Prongs say, these are not Sacred Mix Match. These are Oreos.�

“Oreos!� he scoffed. “Silly word for a cookie like this. Come on, just eat one. We have nothing else to do, and besides, I had to raid Dumbledore’s office to find one. You don’t get muggle stuff like this from the kitchens.�

Remus sighed but obliged, taking one and twisting it apart. In his hand was two halves of Oreo- or Sacred Mix Match- with frosting on one and none on the other. Finally caving into the looks of the Marauders, he grudgingly ate the two halves separately.

Sirius had done the same, but licked the cream first and sandwiched the two remaining cookies together, popping it in his mouth with a loud crunch. It had been a tradition since the third year, when James filched a pack from the muggle born Sandra King. Immediately dubbed “Sacred Mix Match,� despite Remus’s previous knowledge, they ate it only when out of ideas or pranks.

Peter was chomping them whole, and had eaten more than the rest of them put together. “Come up with any ideas yet, Padfoot?� asked Remus, turning toward Sirius.

“Yes, actually quite a few,� he lied and ran his fingers through his long hair. “But before I tell you, I’m going to have to think of how to phrase them. What? They’re complicated.� Remus shook his head as all the Marauders reached for another Sacred Mix Match.

Author's Note: Yes, as you suspected, the Marauders were for comic relief since the story was so dark. I will also only be updating on Fridays.

James never thought he’d find himself rushing to get up, but that was precisely what he was doing the next morning. “Get up before anyone sees you!� Ron had urged, hurrying to get into his robes. “Quick!�

To his utter annoyance, Lily was already up when he got down to the common room. “What made you so eager to get up today, Evans?� he had asked her. “Seeing me, I presume.�

Something that sounded like a snort had come from Lily. “Is he always this arrogant?� wondered Hermione. The question was left unanswered as they drifted toward the Great Hall, which is where the story starts.

James sat where the Marauders and he always sat, propping his feet up. It still felt normal, surprisingly- but what did he expect? It was still Hogwarts, after all.

Preparing to sit down, Lily heard a distinctive cough. “Pardon me, Miss Evans, but where are you going?� inquired James in an exaggerated tone of dignity.

“You’re not going to let me sit here, are you?�

“If you’re one of the Marauders, you may. But you’re not.� He made a large show of gesturing, showing her the back of his chair. Carved in gold letter, it read “Prongs.�

She narrowed her eyes and sat down, ignoring his statement. Jumping up, she exclaimed, “It shocked me!�

James shrugged. “I told you,� he replied in a teasing tone. “Marauders only.�

Lily was about to retort when the Great Hall doors were pushed open by Remus Lupin, looking rather pale and tired. Quickly crossing the room, he sat down across from James, apparently not seeing the irritated look on Lily’s face that the table let him sit. Normally, Lupin would never attempt to teach after a full moon. But today was different.

Leaning on his elbows, Lupin said quietly, “James, I’m going to have to warn you about a few things.�

James nodded, smiling slightly as the back of Lupin’s chair carved “Moony� into the wood.

“First off, absolutely no pranks on Severus or myself. I know what you’ll do… I’ve been watching your tricks for the past years.�

Watching the first few people trickle into the hall, James grinned as they crowded around Remus to look in confusion at his chair. This was going to be good.

“Next, please do not mention Sirius Black… don’t ask why, but I assure you, it will cause a commotion.�

“Professor Lupin?� asked an unattractive looking Ravenclaw hesitantly, hugging her books.

“Yes, Miss Carr?� Remus said, turning away from James to look at the girl.

“Why does your chair say ‘Moony?’�

At this, Lupin leapt out of the chair as if poisonous. James had already gotten the better of him. In the meantime, James laughed quietly, covering his hand to his mouth.

“I’m not quite sure, but I will figure out. Thank you for noticing that,� said Lupin courteously. He couldn’t help but add, though, “That young man behind me was eyeing you… but he’s a bit shy. I think he would appreciate it if you talked to him a little.�

James’s mouth dropped open. No, he didn’t want to talk to this girl! Oh, Moony, the war is on…

Smiling rather mischievously, Lupin went up to the Professor’s table. He couldn’t help it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“And I am pleased to inform you that our previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is back for another year- Professor R. J. Lupin!� announced Dumbledore.

The Great Hall filled with thunderous applause and loud whooping from the Gryffindor table, much to the delight of James. Good to see his friend was well received. Glancing over to the Slytherin table, they all sat sullenly and seemed depressed. Figures. As the clapping died away, James stood up and yelled, “Go Moony!�

Several heads swiveled in his direction, but he ducked as Hermione shot him a glare. Lupin had started blushing and sat down quickly at sound of the nickname. Ron immediately began to talk to Harry and hoped he hadn’t heard anything at the other end of the Gryffindor table.

“Someone has also told me that last year a pair of our most… mischievous… troublemakers made a dramatic exit involving a swamp, broomsticks, and a rather ill- spirited Defense teacher. The staff and I would like to present an award to these young men, which, may I remind you, is not an accomplishment, and has only been given out once in the past,� continued Dumbledore.

James started to chuckle. Oh, he remembered that award- Moony had been blushing like crazy and Padfoot was smiling manically when having received it at the end of their fifth year.

“Fred and George Weasley please step up!� smiled Dumbledore, a twinkle in his eye. The twins, who had obviously been informed of this earlier, came up with large grins on their faces, a piece of parchment sticking out of Fred’s robes. They needed the Marauder’s Map for luck- Harry had given it up as soon as they asked.

Once again, the Hall applauded for the graduated boys, looking a little sheepish.

“You know, I cannot say who worse- the men who received this award previously or Mr. Weasley and Mr. Weasley over here. Do you remember the Marauders, Minerva?� he said to her.

“How could I forget? Those boys- called themselves the Marauders- well, one of them always asked for a kiss… he proposed to me in the seventh year you know… started to gag when I said yes- Oh, I didn’t hold him to it. He was just joking... they were the worst boys I’d ever seen.� She smiled fondly, eyes drifting to James and to Lupin.

“The Marauders?� Fred asked interestedly as George continued, “They actually were our inspiration. Sort of.�

Dumbledore gave a small quizzical gaze as he replied, “Oh?�

“Well, we didn’t know them personally, but they left something of… practical use lying around the castle. Right, Fred?� The other twin nodded in agreement.

“Right. How could we forget Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs- helping troublemakers every step of the way?�

Lupin, who had just taken a sip from his goblet, began choking in surprise as James beamed with pride.

“Are you okay, Professor?� asked George. Lupin waved a hand and said, “Just fine. Please, do continue.�

“Anyway, they were our idols back while we were in Hogwarts-� began Fred reminiscently, but McGonagall cut him off abruptly.

“It wasn’t that long ago, Mr. Weasley.�

“Yes, you do have a point. Well, we never imagined the Marauders actually went to Hogwarts… that anyone actually KNEW them- they seemed kind of like mysterious figures- you never knew who they were.�

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled again rather merrily. “Oh, I believe Professor Lupin and Professor Snape did,� he added offhandedly. “They were in their same year.�

Fred glanced at them interestedly. “You knew them? Wow.�

Trying to keep calm, Lupin replied, “We’ve met.� Snape snorted and dug savagely into his food.

“Who were they? I mean, Fred and I bet that Moony had more common sense than the lot of them, Padfoot was the totally irresponsible and wacky one, Prongs was just like Padfoot, just keyed down a notch and Wormtail… well, we had a hard time figuring him out,� explained George quickly.

“You guessed right,� Lupin said simply.

Fred smiled cockily as George slipped in one last question. “Did you ever… hang out?�

Lupin seemed to be pondering before he answered, “Oh… a little.� A faint crease had appeared between his eyebrows as he realized James had disappeared. Where had he gone?

It should be here somewhere… right under that board. God, he hoped it was still there…

Yes! It was! Buried under a loose board in the closet and a large sheet of dust, the video camera laid tranquilly on the ground. James smiled and brushed off it off. Good as new… Hogwarts, meet the Marauders!

Hermione knew something was up when a video camera floated through the hall. Something to do with James. Reason number one, the Potter wasn’t here. Point number two, Professor Lupin looked as if someone had just kicked him in the gut.

It floated toward the center of the hall, and then stopped, almost settling on the air. A click was heard and Lupin took a sharp breath. He remembered this… how long Sirius and James had worked on it…

The lights turned off, and most students gasped. A light swirled out of the camera, reminding Lupin of a film projector- which it mostly was. This had to have been James’s doing. An image appeared on the wall behind the teachers, though simply a black square. Suddenly, voices were heard. Ron glanced up, confused, while Harry didn’t look. In the matter of fact, he tuned it out. What did anything matter?

“Is this working?� came the voice of James.

“I think so. After a year of work, we actually got this thing done!� shouted the voice of Sirius excitedly. “The Marauder’s talent shines again! So can they actually see us? I mean, it took a while to get this powered by magic and not batties…�

“Batteries. Actually, they can’t see you, Padfoot,� a slightly hoarse voice laughed. “The cap’s still on.� Lupin froze. It was him.

“There’s a subject! Let’s talk about ourselves! I know you’re good at that, Prongs,� joked Sirius, still not having unscrewed the cap.

“You know I am. Anyways, as you already know, we are the famous Marauders. Obviously, you’ll want to hear about our amazingly vast career in troublemaking. Motto, Padfoot?�

“Causing mischief and mayhem wherever we go, Snivellus Snape will get stepped on the toe!� exclaimed the voice of Sirius.

A large sigh was heard as the cap was unscrewed and everyone craned their heads eagerly to see the Marauders. Oddly enough, they could only see the bottom of the bed and two pairs of shoes. The hoarse voice to the left of the camera moaned, “That was the worst rhyme ever, Padfoot. I thought you would get better as the years went by, but I was proven wrong.�

“Thank you, Moony. So, everyone can see the amazing me now?�

A snort was heard from Moony. “You do know they can only see your shoes- the center of vision comes from that glass circle.�

“This?� A finger was poked at the glass, clouding the attentive audience’s vision. “The things Muggles come up with. Oy, Peter! Can you hold this camera up?�

A mumbled, “Sure,� came from behind them, and after a few seconds of swaying blurriness, the Great Hall was able to see the Marauders. James, with his untidy black hair and glasses, handsome Sirius with that cocky smile and relaxation exaggerated in every limb while Remus was in the background, back toward the camera, looking at something. There they were, sitting on the bed that hadn’t changed twenty years in the future. Same room, same décor… different people.

“Introductions… the man that you see here is the incredible-� started Sirius, tossing back his long, dark hair.

“Insane-�

“Arrogant-�

“Padfoot,� finished Sirius, giving a glare at James and Remus.

“And I’m Prongs… leader of the pack, best out of all,� boasted James jokingly, holding his head high to the ceiling.

“Just so you all know, I’m not the only one who’s arrogant,� Sirius whispered, pointing a finger at James.

“I heard that. Mr. Moony, would you be so kind as to explain who you are?� James said, turning to the figure in the back.

Moony sighed again and slowly got up, facing the camera, looking pale and exhausted. Hermione didn’t know how anyone couldn’t see this was Professor Lupin, but apparently they didn’t.

“I’m Moony… the sane one of the Marauders. Mostly, I keep them in check and warn them about things.�

“You don’t JUST do that! What about that time you turned McGonagall’s hair red and gold, Mr. Prefect?�

“Or that time that you turned the Slytherin common room into a swimming pool?� insisted Sirius.

Rolling his eyes, Moony replied, “They had it coming. If you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to work…�

Sirius and James shot a look at each other before one muttered, “I thought he was going to say get back to sleep.�

Laughter was heard around the Great Hall, at what the mysterious Moony had done and by Padfoot and Prongs’s comment. Lily was watching in pure disgust at the confession on tape. That was Remus that made the common room full of water? So much for a rule-abiding Prefect. James slipped in next to her, grinning like mad. “Like our tape, Evans?�

“Hate it,� she said levelly.

“Thank you. Such a rare compliment,� James replied and went back to watching the video.

McGonagall frowned at Lupin, who was calmly watching the film. If she would have known it was him, he would have gotten two weeks of detention for that prank. The color took forever to get out- regular scrougify charms didn’t work, nor did putting it in a bun- everyone still noticed.

Fred and George, however, were looking extremely awed. Their idols were right here on screen, relating all their experiences. Why hadn’t they thought of doing the swimming pool prank…?

A small, squeaking voice was heard on the clip. “Can I…?� Sirius and James shrugged as Remus obligingly went behind to hold the camera.

“Be our guest, Wormtail.� A slightly chubby, round faced boy made his way to the camera, pausing, as if at loss of words to say.

“I’m… I’m Wormtail… the… less famous one.� This produced a bark-like laugh from Sirius, making Harry’s head snap up. He remembered that laugh. Peter and Remus once again went back to their original positions while James attempted to turn Sirius’s hair purple, but gave up quickly.

“I believe it’s time to show our audience of our greater accomplishments… like a prank. What are you working on back there, Moony?� asked James, rather devilishly.

“It’s still in experimental testing, Prongs. It’s supposed to make a person sound like an animal… for example, ‘Bark, bark,’ but right now, it’s…�

James threw this comment off with a flick of his hand. “Good enough. Let’s call it…�

“Moony’s Not Yet Perfected Prank,� interrupted Remus, glancing up at the two Marauders.

“…Excellent!� James cried, not realizing that Remus was rather dryly joking. Stepping over to the werewolf, he swiped his wand over the cylinder shaped item, inscribing, ‘Moony’s Not Yet Perfected Prank.’

The Weasley twins’ mouths dropped open. They’ve used that trick before, right in their first year. Watching the men who made it almost blew them away…

“And who shall we drop it on?� asked Sirius rather innocently, though everyone could see through his gleaming eyes he knew exactly who.

Remus shook his head. “Not Snape, Padfoot. You already know we caused him enough trouble with that Whomping Willow… I’ve apologized about a billion times, but he still thinks I was in on it…�

“Fine. Whoever enters here first, agreed?� Sirius asked, obviously guilty over tricking Snape into the tree.

“Agreed,� said James firmly. Remus looked extremely hesitant, but nevertheless nodded.

“Perfect… toss me one of those, Moony,� commanded Sirius. For a while, nothing happened. Sirius Black stood, poised at the door, waiting equipped, while James was also armed with the prank and standing on the other side of the door. Remus was shaking his head and went back to scribbling on a piece of paper.

Several girls in the Great Hall were giggling over Sirius, while the teachers were staring at Lupin in amusement. Harry watched eyes wide and Ron was totally disbelieving. This was Sirius Black? That was Professor Lupin? Wow, life sure changed when you got older…

Finally caving into the temptation, Remus stood up and joined the armed Marauders at the door. “If it’s McGonagall, I’m killing you,� he said briefly.

“You would never do that to me, Moony old friend… exception when you’re a man eating beast, of course.�

“Shut up.� At that moment, the door creaked open. The Marauders gave each other mischievous grins before Sirius casually flipped the Moony’s Not Yet Perfected Prank out the door.

A shout, exclaiming, “What the…?� Then, a quack.

Sirius was laughing so hard, he was on the floor, soon accompanied by James. Remus, on the other hand, dashed out to see who the unfortunate victim was. When he came back in, he appeared rather dazed.

“You idiots,� he breathed. “You just… turned…� Suddenly, everyone noticed the duck resting in Remus’s hands.

“Quack!�

The hall exploded with laughter, as did Sirius and James on the video. “It’s not funny,� protested Remus, but he began to chuckle helplessly anyway.

“Who… was it?� gasped James, struggling for air. The whole rest of the Hall listened attentively.

“Frank Longbottom,� Remus said. “He’s a seventh year PREFECT, Prongs! We turned a seventh year prefect into a duck!�

Neville went into a state of shock. These men turned his dad into a duck. A duck.

“We’ve got to turn him back…� murmured Remus, still laughing slightly. “A duck! I never knew…�

Abruptly, the door to the boy’s dorm was flung open. “Siri… I’ve been looking for you everywhere, I…� The attractive girl stopped mid-sentence as she took in the flapping duck and the boys rolling on the floor.

“Siri?� choked Remus, almost dropping Frank. “You let her call you that, Padfoot?�

“That’s me mum!� shouted Seamus suddenly, much to the surprise of everyone in the Great Hall. Sure enough, Padfoot’s girlfriend did indeed resemble Seamus’s mother.

“Maggie! You have now officially witnessed the Marauder’s newest prank…�

“Turning people into ducks?�

“Turn off the camera, Padfoot!�

“A duck!�

“Quack!�

“I can’t hear anything!�

“Aren’t you proud?�

“This is chaos.�

“This prank is going straight in the book, Moony!�

The last scene the Hogwarts students and staff saw was Moony rushing over and turning off the camera, looking rather exasperated.

Fred and George stared at the wall where the image once was, gazing hungrily at it. Their idols were everything they imagined them to be and more.

Author’s Note: This was just a really twisted chapter that came into my head. The plot will progress after this, I promise. Was the duck thing too weird? Please, tell me in your reviews!

Author’s Note: Hello, and sorry it’s been so long! Good news… I have some polls up in my bio about this story, hoping you can help me decide whether Sirius should be alive or… never mind. You’ll have to look at it yourself. Also, to clear up a few things on the last chapter due to some confused reviewers, I will clarify this- Harry was at the end of the Gryffindor table, while James and Lily were at the front. According to the movie, the tables were pretty darn long, so I figured that Harry wouldn’t notice them. About the ‘GO MOONY!’ I like to think that James said it loud enough for the teachers to hear… not the back of the room. More news… I figured out the ending to the story!!! Yay!!! I think it’s pretty good and not very *ahem* predictable. Anyways, onto the story then.

Harry had thought the video was over, much to his disappointment. Seeing his father and Sirius again had been refreshing, almost exciting to see his late Godfather so young and happy. But that was before Peter had betrayed them. Ron was staring at Harry apprehensively, as if trying to make out whether Harry was all right. “Are you…� began Ron, but a sound broke through his comment. James’s voice sounded from the camera.

“Can you believe it’s still here, Padfoot?� muttered an older James, looking curiously into the camera. The present day James’s mouth dropped open. This version of him was older, slightly taller and joy lit up his face.

“Idiot, of course it is! I didn’t see Moony stealing it, though he could use it. He needs the money,� laughed Sirius, appearing to be about twenty. “Besides, shouldn’t you be at the alter? Your lovely bride awaits the noble deer.� James pushed Sirius, but it was obvious that he was too happy to let anything affect him. My… bride? thought James, dumbfounded. Lily smirked at him, green eyes sparkling.

“Glad you stopped chasing after me and got yourself a wife,� she said, flipping her hair.

“It could be you,� he retorted angrily. Her cheeks puffed out as she tried to contain a laugh.

“In your dreams,� she muttered, turning back to the screen. Remus was entering the dorm, smiling disbelievingly at the camera, but in an instant the image went dim. The figures of Sirius, James and Remus could be seen no more. Students moaned in annoyance, while the teachers looked slightly confused. The only one that seemed to betray no emotion was Remus Lupin, who was slipping his wand back into his robes.

Dumbledore coughed loudly, making everyone look up. “Well, then, it appears that all of you… do know the Marauders, and we can all safely assume that they received this award without doubt.� Ripples of laughter went through the hall, and Harry joined in. Looking back on his father made him surprisingly light-hearted, much to Ron’s and his own astonishment.

“Professor,� interrupted George. “What happened to the video?� Dumbledore gave a smile, eyes twinkling.

“It’s time for classes to begin, and I’m afraid no matter how entertaining this is, we’re going to have to have them.� Fred sighed impatiently, subconsciously fingering the faded parchment he had in his robes. Good old Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs… why was Lupin staring at the map like that? Growing more uneasy by the second, Fred shifted, showing his discomfort. The teacher’s gaze lifted, much to his relief.

The Great Hall filed out quickly with McGonagall stepping out briskly to lead them, leaving Fred and George alone in the room. Or, at least almost alone. Lupin strode toward them, facing them with a rather odd look.

“Where did you get this?� he asked, voice low.

George shrugged, glancing at Fred. “We asked Harry for it… Harry Potter. He leant it to us… it’s just a spare bit of parchment, really…� He couldn’t figure out why Lupin smiled like that, with his eyes rather thoughtful and soft. Suddenly, the teacher’s brow furrowed and he asked, almost urgently,

“May I see it, please?�

Fred turned up his mouth doubtfully, trying to think up an excuse. “It’s just a piece of…�

“I know it’s not just a piece of paper. I really need the map, now, Fred,� said Lupin. Ignoring the protesting looks from George, Fred weakly lifted it out of his pocket. He’d borrowed the map for about a minute, and now he’d got it confiscated. Great. He was not looking forward to seeing the map taunt Professor Lupin.

“I solemnly swear that I’m up to no good,� whispered Lupin, and the twins stared in disbelief as the sacred ‘Messrs. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs proudly present to you the Marauder’s Map’ slowly made its way across the paper.

“How did you…?� breathed George in absolute amazement, watching as Lupin skillfully scanned the map. Fred was watching just as intently, never breaking his gaze from Lupin’s face.

The teacher groaned as he saw two small dots labeled, ‘James Potter’ and ‘Lily Evans’ moving across the hallway. Why did they always have to make the map tell the truth? He started to leave, still holding the map, when Fred grasped his arm tightly.

“How did you know?� he asked. “We never told anyone how to work that, except Harry. And I doubt he would have told you.� Lupin glanced up at the Weasley boy’s face, his brown eyes studying him.

He seemed to be thinking, almost debating. Finally, Lupin said, "Do you really want to know?"

The twins nodded, suspicion clouded over their brows. Lupin sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Don't consider me a kindred spirit... but I wrote this along with my friends in our fifth year."

George’s mouth dropped open. Professor Lupin was one of the Marauders? He must have been Moony, the pale one on the video… it made sense… Turning to Fred, he marveled, “Fred! Can you believe it?� But Fred wasn’t there. Or at least not standing up. George almost laughed when he realized his brother had fainted.

“What do we have first?� asked James, running through the schedule Dumbledore had given him. Lily and he hung rather inconspicuously (or so they hoped) behind every student, praying not to be noticed. So far, they hadn’t.

“Divination, Potter. If you could read, you would have been able to see that yourself,� she muttered, rolling up the parchment. About to retort, James opened his mouth, but just then Hermione swung by.

She breathed heavily, clutching her side and brushing a stray piece of hair from her forehead. “I’m glad… I caught up to you… before… you left… I just realized… people will recognize you… you need to get some aliases…�

James’s face lit up. “Can we choose them?� he asked excitedly. Hermione shrugged, not sure why he would want to.

“All right,� she allowed dubiously as James let out a whoop of delight.

“Get this,� said James eagerly, brushing back his hair. “Sirius Lee James.� There was complete silence and the boy hurried to explain the name. “Don’t you see? Sirius Lee James! Like, seriously James. Get it?� Lily started to laugh at the complete idiocy of it, but Hermione silenced her.

“Fine,� Hermione muttered. “Do you have a preference, Lily? You can keep Evans as your last name; I highly doubt anyone will notice it.�

Lily nodded slowly and said, “Fern Evans. I always liked that name.�

“Fern?� snorted James in astonishment. “FERN??? What kind of name is Fern?�

“What kind of name is Sirius Lee James?�

“Stop!� Hermione shouted, unable to take any more of their fighting. “Right now, I can’t handle this. So, Sirius James and Fern Evans…�

“Lee,� interrupted James. “It’s Sirius Lee James.�

“Fine. This is basically your day… You all just go up to Divination, try not to get in trouble, go to Potions, try not to get into trouble, go to Defense Against the Dark Arts, try not to get in trouble, then we’ll meet with Professor Lupin and see if he’s found anything out yet.� Hermione said this all in one breath, waiting for their answer. To her annoyance, James only shrugged.

“I don’t think I can do the ‘Don’t get into trouble’ part, but otherwise, it’s fine. What about you, Lils?�

Lily sighed, rolling her eyes at James. “It sounds perfect.� Hermione smiled at the cooperative girl and nearly glared at James, but decided against it. This was Harry’s dad, no matter how irritating he was.

The room’s air pressed heavily against James, who was fighting to stay awake. The perfume made him dizzy, and Professor Trelawny’s voice was making him sway slightly…

“James!� hissed Lily, poking him. “What are you doing?� At this, the Divination teacher lifted her gaze to the twosome, noticing them for the first time.

“Do we have some new students?� she asked, much to the relief of the Hufflepuff 6th years that Harry’s future parents were attending class with.

“We’ve been trying to ask you about that for the past five minutes!� protested Ernie impatiently.

“So you have.� Her large eyes settled on James’s face, and she inhaled deeply, appearing to be shocked. “In all my years… look at this young man! We have a gifted seer here. I can feel the power coursing through his veins, the predictions that he sees through horror-filled eyes… such strength! Tell me what you see, Mr.…?�

James held back a loud laugh. In his time, the Divination teacher had always called him ‘a soul that has never seen.’ It seemed that he was held in higher opinion in the future. “Mr. Sirius Lee James. And… wait… I am seeing the haziest of visions…� He leaned toward the crystal ball in the middle of Lily and his shared table, peering closely. Why not have a little fun in Divination for a change? “I’m seeing… no! It can’t be… but… could it? Could it possibly be… my stars… grass?�

Lily buried her head in her hands. How stupid could James get? “Grass?� asked Professor Trelawny interestedly. “Is there anything more?�

“Oh!� cried James, as if having a revelation, “No, it’s a meadow! It’s a meadow of green… erm… green grass! And there’s a beautiful, magnificent stag prancing through it…�

Some of the students looked extremely thrilled; hanging onto the boy’s every word. James cleared his throat, thinking of something to say. Well, why not describe the Marauders?

“There’s a big, black dog joining it… it looks extremely arrogant and I want to kick it, but I will refrain from doing so. Also, there’s a wolf… it’s pretty large and hungry, but inside, it's a very calm and... erm... not blood-thirsty. A rat’s running around the three of them, looking for food…� he trailed off, hoping that this left a good impression on the teacher. She remained impassive, almost waiting for more.

“Oh… and then they all change into people and start hexing the pants off Snape.� Roars of laughter were heard from the class, and Trelawny turned a lovely color of red.

“Since you do not take this class seriously, I would suggest you leave with your friend.�

“Thanks!!! I’ve always wanted to do that!� said James, practically skipping. “Come on, Evans!� Her face was one of pure horror as she was led out of the Divination room. She had been asked to leave the room during class. Lily Evans! Things like that just didn’t happen to her… they just didn’t!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“We’ve eaten an entire box of Oreos, fell asleep at random intervals and then cooked up new ways to torture Snape. I don’t think we’re helping James and Lily at all,� commented Remus, lying in front of the fire.

Sirius opened his mouth in mock outrage. “Of course we have! What about that plan when… oh, never mind.� Remus rolled his eyes and went back to gazing in the fire. He supposed he could tell Madam Pomfrey he’d like to know more about lycanthropy and needed to get into the restricted section, but she probably wouldn’t believe him. If you’re a werewolf, you’ve already read a whole library full of books about it.

Suddenly, the Animagus’s eyes gleamed. “Hold on. I think I do have a plan…� and he revealed it to his fellow Marauders right then and there. Remus looked at him blankly.

“That is the stupidest thing you’ve ever come up with. I mean, ever. There’s no way anyone’s going to believe it…�

“But McGonagall might be so charmed by our act that she gives the pass to us anyway! Think on it, Moony!�

“Padfoot, I really don’t know…�

“Well, at least that’s a start. Right now, I’m tired… Oh, hey, Frank!�

The Prefect walked by, but when he saw the Marauder’s, his eyes jolted wide. He started to back up, fell over the couch and tried to clamber back up.

Sighing, Remus stood up and gave his hand to the Longbottom. “I promise we don’t have any of Moony’s Not Yet Perfected Prank. We won’t hurt you,� assured Remus calmly.

“Yes, yes… sorry, I just got a bit carried away there. You know, after you turned me int-� began Frank, composing himself, but stopped abruptly when he heard a quack. Hurriedly, he went up to the dorm amidst Sirius’s bark like laughter.

“Sirius, why did you have to quack like that? You know he hates it!� moaned Remus in distress.

“Sorry, Moony, but it was just so funny…� Peter and Sirius erupted into laughs once again as the sane Marauder shook his head sadly.

How in the world did I get stuck with that lunatic? he thought, going up the stairs to his bed.

Author’s Note: All right, I finally updated! As for the poll, everybody (well, mostly) was in support of Sirius coming back… so YOU CAN’T STOP ME!!! Prepare for some Out of the Veil. As for the Elton John songs below… well… don’t ask me what I was thinking of when I wrote the Marauder era part. Just don’t ask. Also, I have about 20 story ideas brewing in my head, including 1st year Marauders coming to 1st year Harry’s time, Marauder Movie Night, and an AU where Lupin teaches Harry’s 4th year. Yes, my brain is in its creative process right now. The ending, sadly, will be coming soon… (4-8 chapters,) but the sequel already formed a plot... or something vaguely resembling it. Amazing.

“ARE YOU READY, MOONY?� shouted Sirius, jumping on top of a sleeping Remus. The boy attempted to swat Sirius away, but this only made him laugh harder and yell at the top of his lungs. “WE’RE GOING TO HAVE FUUUUNNN TODAY!!!�

“Go away,� muttered Remus, turning into his pillow. He had been having a lovely sleep, and right now, didn’t want to be disturbed.

“I CAN’T DO THAT, BECAUSE TODAY IS WHEN OUR PLAN GOES INTO EFFECT!!! WE DON’T HAVE A MOMENT TO LOSE! GET UP, OR ELSE I’LL SING!!!� This woke Remus rather effectively, as he sat up quickly.

“No… please don’t sing…� he found himself begging, as he swung his legs over the bed.

“If you insist,� smiled Sirius evilly as he let out a high-pitched note. “SOME… WHERE OVER THE RAINBOWWWWW….�

Covering his ears, Remus ducked for safety and found Peter cowering against the wall. “What happened?� he whispered urgently, watching Sirius wail out Elton John’s Your Song.

Peter whimpered slightly. “He was eating all those Sugar Quills… I told him not to, honest…� Remus shook his head slightly. Rule number two in Marauder’s world: Never leave Sirius alone with Sugar Quills.

“AND YOU CAN TELL EEEEEVVVVVVVERYBODY THAT THIS IS YOUR SOOOOOOONNNNG…�

“At least sing a better Elton John song then that!� shouted Remus desperately, trying to calm Sirius down. At first, it appeared to work. Sirius went silent, pondering something.

At long last, he opened his mouth, perhaps to say something intelligent but all that came out was- “BUH BUH BUH BENNY AND THE JETSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!�

Remus let out a choked sob, running his hands through his hair. What was he going to do? Get dressed, that seemed like a good idea…

Making his way to the bathroom amidst Sirius’s raucous singing, Remus found unexpected pleasure in shutting the door. Maybe he’d be getting some peace and quiet... best of all, maybe Sirius forgot about that stupid plan…

Turning on the tap, Remus surveyed his situation. After Sirius calmed down, everything would be fine, just fine… As he put some soap on his face, he felt himself smile as Sirius stopped singing. First sign that his insanity had subsided.

He reached out, in the usual spot, for his razor, and surprisingly, the space was empty. Frowning, Remus checked under the sink and above it, but found nothing. He didn’t remember putting it anywhere different. Suddenly, a horrible thought came to him.

“SIRIUS!� he screamed, flinging open the bathroom door. The accused boy sat innocently on the bed, that scheming 6th year… “What did you do with my razor?�

“Well, according to my plan of action stated yesterday at exactly 1:32 A.M, you had to grow a beard, while I had to wear panty hose, lipstick and a dress. Eye shadow’s optional.�

“I don’t recall agreeing to this.�

“Hmm. Odd. Well, it’s for the better anyway, Peter’s already found his doctor’s outfit. I got Maggie to give me some tights and the other stuff… so now it’s all your part of the bargain.�

“I don’t want to grow a beard!� he protested hotly.

“That’s out of my control,� Sirius sighed. “You’re already looking a bit scruffy, and obviously, you don’t have a razor in hand. Looks like you’re stuck there, mate. Besides, you’re the only one who could grow one on such short notice, being a werewolf and all. Yes, we figured out that you grow one faster because of your ‘condition,’ or whatever.�

“That’s blackmail,� muttered Remus, sitting down.

“Maybe,� shrugged Sirius, plopping down beside him. “But it’s for the greater good- getting back James and Lily.�

Remus couldn’t believe he was doing this… he absolutely couldn’t… “Let’s review this plan again… you’re a woman, I’m your husband, and Peter is a doctor. Somehow, this is going to get us into the Restricted Section in the library.�

“Yep,� agreed Sirius happily, stuffing all his needed accessories into his bag. “We’ll put it into action at Transfiguration.�

“I can’t believe I’m doing this,� muttered Remus, shaking some clean robes out of his trunk.

“I can!� Sirius trilled, clicking his heels in the air as he danced lightly out of the dorm room.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“So. What are we going to do?� asked James, lounging against a wall. The halls were deserted, due to the fact that classes were in session.

Lily moaned, covering her face with her hand. “I can’t believe this… I can’t believe this… we got kicked out of class! Mom’s going to have a fit.�

“Hey, look on the bright side. Your mum might be dead,� commented James, cleaning his fingernails idly.

With a fierce glare, Lily shot up and towered over James, fury rising in her. “THAT. IS. NOT. ON. THE. BRIGHT. SIDE,� she snarled, eyes crackling dangerously.

James laughed lightly and began to run down the halls. “Aw, poor little Evans and her mum…� Lily couldn’t help it; she dashed after the teasing Potter. After all, it was anger making her do this… right?

She stopped paying attention to where she was going, but only to find James. She could have sworn she saw his robes snap around that corridor…

It felt as if an icy bucket of water had been poured down her back. Gaping, Lily whirled around to see what it was. There, in front of her, stood Nearly Headless Nick.

“Good day, Madame, I…� the ghost began, but then trailed off. “Good Lord… is that…?�

Lily closed her mouth, trying to be polite. “Hello, Sir Nicholas. Have you seen-�

Abruptly, a sharp tug pulled her behind a wall. “What do you think you’re doing?� hissed Ron, looking at Lily urgently.

“I was just… wait. What are you doing here?� she demanded, turning the tables. Ron stared at Lily as though she were mad.

“Classes ended about a minute ago,� he stated.

“Oh, excellent,� she murmured. “Now I’m going to have to round up James and get him into Potions without killing anyone.�

“Erm…� Ron appeared rather nervous. “You do know that Snape teaches Potions… right?�

Lily felt her jaw drop. “Snape? As in Snivellus… I mean, Severus Snape?� Ron nodded, a large grin spreading across his face.

“I hope James does something really wicked… Oh, there’s Harry. I don’t want him to see you…�

Lily frowned slightly, gazing at the back of the black haired boy. Funny, his hair sort of resembled James's. “Why not?�

Ron opened his mouth as if to say more, when Hermione brushed by. “Hello Lily… Ron, I told you not to say anything! By the way, you have Potions next, Lily, and I just saw James running down the hall. You might want to catch him,� she explained hurriedly, clutching her books tightly. “Come on, Ron,� she muttered, gritting her teeth as she led the guilty Weasley away.

What was that all about? Lily thought, furrowing her brows. Well, if anyone can solve this, it’d be me. But for now, we need to get to Potions… oh, where are you James?

A rat scurried around her feet, and then quickly dashed into a hole in the wall. Lily sighed. Now, she also had rats to worry about as well as James. Turning the opposite direction, Lily set off in a jog to find Potter.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Remus glanced up from the parchment he was writing on. The Weasley twins were still here. They’d been there since his first class, and still waited eagerly when it was over.

“Do you need anything?� Remus asked lightly, gazing fixedly at them. Fred shrugged.

“We just wanted to observe a Marauder in its natural habitat. Don’t mind us, really.� Sighing, Remus went back to finishing his letter. He felt a little nervous though, having those boys watching your every move. Five minutes later, and the silence was still undisturbed. Something was going on…

Remus stood up quickly, only narrowly avoiding a large display of fireworks exploding where he once sat. Fred and George looked rather impressed.

“Those were our new stock… supposed to be undetectable. You’re the first to actually avoid it before it went,� commented George, folding his arms.

“Well, he is a Marauder,� said Fred.

Remus didn’t want to know who they tested it on… and how many people. “I’m sure that Professor Dumbledore has something that you could do,� Remus suggested. “Why don’t you go to him?�

The twins shrugged. “No, we like it here,� George decided, leaning against the wall. Remus sighed again and let out a soft groan. It was going to be a long day.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A little girl licking her ice cream sat on the bench. Great, he thought, slowly sitting down beside her. Just my idea of a partner.

The girl looked at him suspiciously, eyes narrowed. “Who are you?� she asked, innocently swinging her legs. The man snorted, slinging his arm over the headrest of the bench.

“I’m an escaped prisoner that wants to kill everyone whom I meet, including you and your stupid ice cream, or at least according to the papers.� The girl stopped licking and stared at him for a moment.

“Yeah, like you understood a word of that. Listen; do you know where we are?�

The girl nodded happily. “We live in the world. Mommy taught me that.�

The man let out a grunt of annoyance. “No, I mean more specific! Like, you know, five-miles-down-the-road-from-Hogwarts-school-even-though-you’re-a-stupid-Muggle-and-doesn’t-know-what-the-hell-magic-is.� The man was interrupted from his rant when a prim looking woman tapped him on the shoulder.

“Excuse me, sir. You may be homeless, but that is no way to talk to a young lady,� she sniffed, wiping her fingers after touching the man.

Fire flared in his eyes. “I’m not homeless, for your information, I live in 12 Grimmauld place. Or at least I used to before I died.�

The woman looked absolutely repulsed. “Oh, you escaped from the insane asylum. I’d better call the police.�

“Hey! I’ve been called mentally challenged by a few of my closest friends, but insane asylum is taking it kind of far, don’t you think?� he said, facing her indignantly.

The conversation had reached the ears of others, who glanced over worriedly. One woman’s eyes opened in shock. “That’s the murderer on television.! The one that escaped!� she shrieked, backing away. “Someone, call the police!!!�

The girl could have sworn the murderer had whispered, “I knew I should have come as a dog,� before turning to her. He smiled rather amusedly, making a bow. “Well, I guess that’s my cue. Remember me… the evil murderer Sirius Black.� He wiggled his fingers to make a point, and the girl couldn’t help but giggle. He dashed away toward the woods, laughing loudly while the others shouted in panic.

Sirius cut through the leaves and bushes, still laughing faintly. It was sort of funny to see everyone scream in fright of him. When he got back to Hogwarts, or to Grimmauld place, or wherever he was destined to go, he’d write a book. How To Fall Into A Mysterious Veil, Come Back Out, And Convince All Your Friends That You’re Still Alive While Avoiding Muggles Who Think You’re A Heartless Murderer by Sirius Black. Yes, it had a very nice ring to it. He’d probably get Remus to write the book though; he’d always failed miserably at writing.

And Sirius kept running, thinking of how his book would be on the bestsellers list.

Another Author's Note: For those of you who are currently staring at the screen in horror, I apoligize. I will also include more info about how Sirius got out in later chapters... so keep reading!

“Ron! Watch where you’re aiming that!� Harry shouted, narrowly avoiding a jet of red light. The red head shook his head, as if to clear his mind.

“Sorry, mate,� he mumbled, turning a shade of red as he held out his wand again. If this had happened once, Harry would have thought it was just carelessness. But this was about the fifteenth time. Usually, he would have been ecstatic that Professor Lupin was back, just like everyone else. But Ron was acting so weird lately... and it wasn’t just Ron. He couldn’t help but notice Hermione’s eyes floating near the door frequently, as if she wanted out. Something was going on.

Lupin stepped by, watching students aim the Reducto curse at their hovering pillow, some successfully knocking it out of the air. “Try to point the spell a little more to the right, Neville,� he advised, watching the Longbottom almost hit Lavender Brown. “You don’t want Miss Brown to step in the way of that.� Neville smiled as he tried again, this time striking the intended target.

“Thanks, Professor Lupin,� he said. “And I’m really glad you’re back.� Lupin could see from the genuine grin on his face that he was.

Giving him a kind smile in return, Lupin said, “I am too. Now, remember- to the right.�

Neville gave him a nod, and Lupin strode on, looking over the students. Yes, he was glad to be back. More incredibly, he would actually be teaching James and Lily… The thought almost made him laugh.

“Watch out, Professor!� someone yelled, and Lupin instinctively stepped to the side. It turns out, not a moment to soon, for a Reducto curse sailed past seconds after. Everyone shifted around to see who shot this stray spell... but found only Hermione.

She looked extremely alarmed, voice rising to a high pitch. “I’m sorry, Professor Lupin, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to, I was just thinking about what they were going to do, I mean, Sirius and Fern, they don’t know anything, and I was just worried…� She trailed off, her gaze avoiding Lupin’s.

He sighed, rubbing his temples as he thought. So, that’s what’s wrong. Hermione is worried about Lily and James.

Finally, Lupin said quietly, “They’ll be fine, Hermione. But, before we proceed with the lesson, I am going to have to give you a couple lessons in aiming correctly with a wand.� Fred and George, who watched this in the corner of the room, sniggered, and Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. Lupin wasn’t mad, he understood. Well, of course he would, he always did. Why had she even doubted? She’d probably been around Umbridge too long…

“Are you alright?� asked Harry, coming over to Hermione. “Who’s Sirius and Fern, by the way?�

“Oh,� Hermione said, inwardly wincing. “New students... they don’t really know their way around yet. Ron and I were just worried about then. Will you practice the Reducto curse with me; you really do need the practice…�

Harry nodded, following his friend suspiciously. Something was going on. Why weren’t Ron and Hermione telling him anything?

Hermione lightly swished her wand, trying to look relaxed, but failed miserably. Harry couldn’t take it anymore; he had to ask. “Hermione,� he said slowly, standing in front of her line of vision. She had no choice but to listen to him. “What’s going on?�

“Nothing,� she replied, attempting to peer over his shoulder at her pillow. “Honestly, why would there be something wrong?�

“You’re keeping something from me,� he stated, not moving. Hermione bit her lip. “Why can’t you tell me?�

“I’m sorry, Harry!� she burst out, distraught. “It’s just not safe for you to know!�

“Why not?�

“I can’t!� she cried, beginning to sob a little. “I would be angry too, but we just can’t tell you…�

Harry was reminded forcibly of the summer he spent in Grimmauld place. “I thought we were friends! I thought you could tell me everything!� he shouted, eyes crackling very much like Lily’s.

“We are…� began Hermione, but Harry cut her off with a look.

“I thought you would understand,� he said disbelievingly, shaking his head slightly. Hermione, feeling guilt trodden, started to say something, but Harry wasn’t listening. No, he was ignoring her.

Sighing, she positioned her wand and did a perfect Reducto spell. Harry wasn’t speaking to her; she had James and Lily on her hands, and couldn’t say a word of it to Harry. What did her father used to say when she was so worried? Oh, yes, now she remembered. “Always look on the bright side of life, Hermione,� he’d smile, putting a hand on her shoulder. “There’s always a bright side.�

Grinning slightly to herself, she whispered, “Always look on the bright side of life,� effectively calming her nerves. Maybe there was a bright side… if she looked hard enough to find it.

And if anyone had noticed, Neville was softly whistling to himself as he blasted the pillow out of the air.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Transfiguration’s next, Moony. Meet me at Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom in a minute,� whispered Sirius as he hurried ahead of Remus, completely ignoring the suit of armor in front of him and toppling it over quite ungracefully.

Remus shook his head, thinking, What’s with the secrecy? but sighed and nevertheless waited a minute before following the passage to Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. He gave up fathoming the way Sirius’s mind worked a long time ago. Pushing the bathroom door open, Remus peered inside to see Sirius leaning against one of the toilets, flirting with Myrtle. Why Sirius had the urge to associate with every member of the opposite sex he set eyes on, Remus would never know.

Peter was already situated in the corner, wearing a green surgeon’s cap and coat. Latex gloves fit his hands snugly; his fingers drumming incessantly on the floor. Well, it looked like he was ready for Transfiguration.

“Moony! You’re here!� cried Sirius, noticing him for the first time. Jumping over, he began whispering in undertones while stuffing his hand down his bag. “Now, put this on, hurry, we only have five minutes…� Sirius tossed a few things out of his bag, amounting to a rather nice set of wizard’s robes, a pair of shoes made for work, and a tie.

Remus looked at his friend, eyebrow raised. “I hate it when you do that,� Sirius informed him.

“Well, that’s not affecting me in the slightest right now. Why are you giving this to me?�

“Oh, come on, Moony. You need clothes that a… hard-working husband would wear.� He smiled hopefully, and then let his eyes droop sadly. “Please? For James and Lily?�

Remus sighed, and then picked up the clothes carefully. “Alright, fine. But you owe me one, Padfoot.�

Sirius clapped his hands happily, shuttering Remus into a stall with the clothes. “Get dressed then! We don’t have all day!�

Remus thought it imperative to tell Sirius that he himself wasn’t dressed in his outfit yet, but decided against it. A loud bang echoed through the stall when Remus shook out the clothes, as if to get rid of the dust. At first, he was positive he’d broken something; but looking on closer inspection, it was a book. The golden title of the book had long worn away and the old leather covering the brittle pages creaked when he opened the book. Placing it carefully atop the top of the toilet, Remus turned toward his main priority- the clothes.

After slipping on all the required things, he looked down for inspection. Well, he supposed it wasn’t that bad. Stroking his chin subconsciously, he found he couldn’t really get used to having a stubble. Curse Sirius and his ideas.

When he got out, Peter was still sitting where he was previously, twiddling his thumbs. But where was Sirius…?

The missing Marauder burst out, glowing with happiness, though Remus could see no reason why. He wore a low cut pink dress that came to about his knees, with pantyhose underneath. Well, at least he spared them all the horror of hairy legs and a pink dress. With a similarly colored handbag and heels, Sirius seemed ready to go.

Remus felt like retching in horror and laughing uproariously at the outfit, but managed to keep both emotions in check. “Let’s just get this over with,� Remus said, resigned to his fate. Stumbling in the heels, Sirius caught up with him before gasping terribly.

“What is it?� Remus asked, genuinely concerned. Normally, Sirius was so… unserious. No pun intended. Nothing could get a rise out of him.

Sirius gasped a couple of sounds, looking terrified. “My… I… I… forgot…�

“Go on,� urged Remus.

“MY LIPSTICK!� Sirius wailed, bee-lining to the sinks. A disgusted looking Myrtle pulled away, as far away from Sirius as she could. Floating over to Remus, she whispered in low, scandalized monotones,

“You really should make sure he doesn’t have some fatal disease,� she said, watching in distaste as Sirius smeared a bright red shade on his puckered lips.

Remus shook his head slightly, muttering back, “He does. It’s called stupidity.�

“I heard that!� shouted Sirius, cramming the tube back into his borrowed purse as he clopped over to his friend.

“You forgot this,� Remus reminded him, sticking the book out towards Sirius. The boy gave a grimace of distaste as he stuffed it into his now empty bag.

“Well, I’m glad you found my missing birthday present from dear Aunt Meliflua,� he said, trying to keep up with Remus’s strides in the heels. “A book of dark Charms… honestly. You’d think my family would realize that I just don’t like that sort of stuff. Apparently, they don’t.�

The two stopped at the exit of Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom, eyeing each other. Finally, Sirius broke the silence. “Are you… going?�

“We’re going to be laughed out of Hogwarts.�

“It’s happened.�

“I don’t enjoy making a complete fool of myself.�

“I do.�

“We might be deemed insane if we go out there.�

“And rightly so.�

“How come I can never win an argument with you?�

“The things you think are stupid are completely normal to me.�

“Good point.�

Opening the door slowly, Remus took a breath. Well… it’s now or never. This is for James and Lily… James and Lily… he reminded himself as he stepped out into the bustling corridor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Severus Snape sat behind his desk, watching the door in silence. A double Potions with 6th year Hufflepuff and Slytherin was the next class, so this ought to be interesting.

He always liked to guess who would be the first to arrive. Ernie MacMillian? Draco Malfoy? Gregory Goyle?

But who entered the room first caught Snape completely off guard. It wasn’t someone he expected to see; or see ever again.

It was James Potter.

He supposed he should have been expecting Potter; Dumbledore had told him James and Lily had traveled here. But Snape didn't expect him that soon. Actually, he was hoping he'd never see him- and if he did, pretend he didn't. It was a little late for that now.

The boy plopped himself down on a seat and turned to greet Snape. “Snivelly,� he said, grinning widely. “Boy, you haven’t changed a bit. I really like the robes. They’re so…�

“Black?� offered Snape coldly, staring at James straight in the eye.

“How’d you know?� James gasped, acting amazed. If he was uncomfortable with Snape’s stares, he didn’t show it. “Nice place you’ve got,� he commented, gazing at the stone dungeon. “I mean, just the kind of place I’d like to live in.�

Snape scowled and nearly broke the quill resting in his hand. “Thank you,� he replied with gritted teeth.

“Oh, you’re welcome. Say, are you married?�

Snape shook his head.

“Good. Someone would have to be crazy to tie the knot with you. How come Sirius, Remus, Peter and I haven’t blown you up yet?�

He couldn’t take it anymore. Snape stood up quickly, knocking over his ink bottle. “You’re friends are dirt,� he hissed, eyes hard. “Black was an immature fool, Lupin is nothing but a bloodthirsty monster and Peter’s a worthless slab of scum.�

James didn’t notice the past tense on Sirius’s insult. “Ha, you’ve gotten creative! I’m glad to see that. Normally, you’d just name us all together. ‘Filthy fools, blasted idiots…’ These are much more entertaining to listen to.�

Snape was glad to see Justin Flinch-Fletchey walk in. Finally, Potter would have to sit down and stop annoying him.

“I don’t have to sit down and stop annoying you,� sang James, high-toned. Snape groaned and covered his face with his hands. He didn’t know if he could stand it much longer. If only Snape knew how bad things were going to get…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Author’s Note: Oh, and how bad they will get. *evil grin* I don’t have much sympathy for Snape, so right now; James has no boundaries on what to do with him. Yes, for those of you asking, this is where James went when Lily was looking for him last chapter. He’s gotten very responsible and decides to go to class on time. Well, only to play pranks on the teacher, but still. I know this chapter wasn’t that funny, but next one will be. I promise. James and Lily will find out about their fate in two or three chapters, I think. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter!

It was a strange sight, to say the least. Remus Lupin, the tallest, strode in the middle, who appeared to be attempting to grow a beard. Sirius Black, on his right, wore a bright pink dress that looked to be a size too small. Flesh colored pantyhose covered his legs, while his long dark hair almost looked... styled. Peter Pettigrew shuffled to Remus’s left, wearing a doctor’s outfit complete with an operating mask.

A boy with dark brown hair whistled as Sirius passed by. “Oy, Siria!� he called, jokingly. “You’re looking better than you did this morning!�

Remus looked at Sirius, who grinned mischievously. “No… No, Padfoot, don’t…� he moaned, but it was too late. Sirius had taken out his matching pink handbag and swung it around with all his strength. The bag hit Patil’s face with a satisfying thud, and the boy fell to the floor, surprised.

“That’s why you never mess with a lady, Patil,� smirked Sirius, dusting off his hands casually before striding away rather skillfully in the heels.

“He’s going to carry a grudge against you the rest of his life, Sirius,� Remus commented, stopping to let Sirius catch up. The boy shrugged.

“I’ll deal with it,� he said.

Too soon they reached the door to Transfiguration. Peter began to squirm and Remus glanced around apprehensively.

“Are you men or not?� Sirius asked. “Be courageous, my fellow Marauders!�

“Since when did he become a war general?� muttered Peter. Remus shrugged lightly.

“Whatever lies beyond the opposite side, we shall not cower in fear! If our enemies have bayonets pointed at our chests, do not tremble! We are the Marauders! They should dread us! When we enter the room, it is they who shall shrink in fear!� At this last statement, Sirius flung open the door and with something vaguely resembling an Indian war cry, hurtled into the room.

Peter bit his lips and looked at Remus, whose gentle mouth was struggling to contain a smile. “If you can’t beat them, Peter, join them,� he said, grinning widely. Letting out a wild scream that sounded uncannily like an Indian’s, Remus dashed into the Transfiguration room, arms high in the air.

Minerva McGonagall must be hearing things. Glancing up, she realized she wasn’t. There was Sirius Black, mischief maker extraordinaire, screaming at the top of his lungs. She wouldn’t settle for this… not in her classroom.

Now Black’s voice was joined with a hoarser one as Remus Lupin propelled himself into the room. She thought Remus had always been the calmer one… well, apparently not.

“Mr. Black! Mr. Lupin!� McGonagall demanded, watching as the two approached her desk. Suddenly her eyebrows furrowed. “Mr. Black… are you wearing… a dress?� She could barely disguise her astonishment as she took in the styled hair, the lipstick, handbag and pantyhose… not to mention the high heels.

Sirius giggled in an unusually high voice. “Oh, Minnie,� he began, blushing. “It’s so good to see you! Remmie and I-�

Remus’s eyebrows shot up so high, they could have reached his hairline. He shook his head violently, making his rather shaggy light brown hair fall into his eyes.

“Yes, Remmie,� Sirius accentuated, making Remus sigh and roll his eyes. “Anyway, dear Remmie and I have so busy lately, we haven’t the chance to come see you sweet old dear. I mean, just gotten married and all that… right, Remmie dear?�

Remus looked pointedly at Sirius before whispering out of the corner of his mouth, “I think we should have rehearsed this.�

Sirius shrugged. “Just wing it,� he advised in his normal voice, and then changed back into the high pitched one. “Right, Remmie dear?�

Remus nodded his approval.

“So, how long have Mr. and Mrs. Lupin been married?� McGonagall asked, deciding to play with the boys. The two gave each other a discreet glance before Sirius burst out,

“Two years.�

“A year,� said Remus at the same time. Once again they looked at one another, and Remus shook his head lightly. He’d do the talking from now on.

“A year and a half, actually. Poor Siria tends to forget things. Anyway, we ran into a doctor while we were in London on our… erm… honeymoon... and he needs some information.�

Peter wriggled a little bit, sweating inside his latex gloves. McGonagall took this all in, watching a solemn looking Remus, a cheery looking Sirius and a nervous looking Peter. What could they want…?

“On what, pray tell?� she asked, eyes narrowed.

“Stuff in the Restricted Section,� blurted out Sirius before Remus elbowed him.

“Be more subtle,� he hissed.

“I think I should take this up with Dumbledore… would you three follow me?� McGonagall said slowly, standing up.

The three boys shuffled behind her as she left the room, but before exiting, Sirius blew a kiss to the class and kicked up his panty-hosed foot. “What? My fans love me,� he explained as all the people looked at him oddly.

As they approached the entryway to Dumbledore’s office, Remus found one last hope. Maybe, just maybe, Dumbledore would understand. He clung onto this hope as he and his fellow Marauders climbed the stairs… One step… two step… He would understand… Remus knew he would…

Dumbledore sat in his office, thinking. James and Lily had been gone for almost a day now- and Filius Flitwick had found nothing on the charm in his books. Should he send letters to the parents of the two missing students? Or wait a bit longer? He was interrupted by an abrupt knocking at the door, and Minerva McGonagall appeared at his door, three boys in tow behind her.

“Albus, I will have you know that these three boys came into class hollering like Indians, while one was wearing a dress and the other a doctor’s uniform. They were trying to get into the Restricted Section of the library for some reason, I believe,� McGonagall stated stiffly, giving a glare at the three boys.

Dumbledore looked over his half moon spectacles, obviously amused. “It appears they were indeed, desperately after something in the library, to go to such extreme measures. Perhaps this has something to do with the disappearance of Mr. Potter and Miss Evans yesterday…?�

“We want to figure out how to get them back,� said Sirius hotly. “No one else seems to be doing a damn thing, and-�

“Watch your language,� McGonagall reprimanded, watching Sirius sternly.

“I mean, what if they never come back? James is like a brother to me, Remus and Peter. We need to get them both back. No matter what.� Sirius sat down then, as if that was all he had to say on the matter.

McGonagall glanced to Dumbledore, who was staring at Sirius with a pondering expression on his face. Finally, the Headmaster said, “I think we can arrange to have Messrs. Black, Lupin and Pettigrew visit the Restricted Section, yes?�

The Transfiguration teacher looked flustered. “I suppose… if you want… but…�

“Brilliant!� Sirius cheered as Dumbledore handed him the slip. “Come on, we don’t have a moment to loose!� He dashed out of the office madly, followed closely by Peter, who slammed the door loudly and nearly knocked over Fawke’s cage. Remus went at a more mannerly pace, but really only because he was in the presence of teachers.

“Would you hold on a minute, Mr. Lupin?� called Dumbledore, and the boy stopped and came back to the desk.

“Yes, Professor?� he asked, a bit apprehensive.
Dumbledore smiled. “You look rather distinguished with that beard of yours,� he said, blue eyes twinkling. Remus blushed and quickly walked out of the room, wondering if Dumbledore was just joking on account of his own beard or he really meant it.

McGonagall turned toward Dumbledore, puzzled. “Why did you give them permission, Albus? They barged into my classroom, disrupted it, and expected to receive allowance to go to the library!�

Dumbledore nodded in agreement and said, “But they did it for a friend. They risked their dignity, their time and detention-free afternoons to help James and Lily. They have loyalty to each other, strong and deep, but I doubt they even realize it. They’re friends, Minerva- true and faithful friends.

“So that is why I gave them the pass. Although, I’m sure, you are thinking right now that Professor Flitwick is researching all he can and has found nothing, how can these boys discover anything? Well, they have determination, Minerva. They will look however hard and long to find an answer. And…�

“What?� McGonagall asked, growing curious.

“I think we could find no better candidates for the Order.�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

James couldn’t stop grinning. Here he was, in Snivelly’s classroom- without Lily to control him. She was probably still looking for him all around the corridors…

“Hey.� A blonde haired boy leaned over to James, eyeing Snape carefully as not to get caught. “You’re that new kid, right… Sirius James?�

James nodded. “I thought so,� the kid said. “You know, you might think I’m kind of weird, but you look a lot like…�

“Mr. Flinch-Fletchley… do you have something you’d like to share with the class?� Snape asked, whirling around and stopping his lecture on flobberworm and their uses.

The Hufflepuff looked down and muttered something incoherent, then sat back in his seat.

“Thank you. Now, add the billywig stingers after four seconds of stirring the mixture counter clockwise ten times-�

James yawned. Boring, boring, boring. He had been expecting Snivellus to at least shoot an insult at him somewhere along the line- looks like he even stopped being rebellious. Well, he’d fix that. He’d get old Snivelly into such a rage, his head would fly off. Or so James hoped.

Sliding his wand out of his pocket, James thought of ideas to torture Snape. How about washing his filthy mouth out- no, he used that in his fifth year. Or making him silly walk the entire day? No, he’d used that a week ago. James really was running out of ideas.

Then, he thought of it. The most brilliant idea yet. He checked his pockets quickly. Yes, they were there. He began to chuckle to himself, not quite believing he was going to do it. The two pranks had never been combined before… Oh, well. They’d see soon enough what would happen.

Snape turned around to his cauldron, still giving instructions. James took out the two items and waited patiently until the time was right…

Snape was turning around to face the class… there couldn’t have been a better moment… James threw both of the items and watched eagerly, waiting to see what would happen…

Everyone stared in shock as their Potions master looked in horror at what had happened to him. Instead of his black robes, he was wearing something resembling a Vegas showgirl’s outfit… complete with feathers and purple sequins.

“POTTER!� he roared, completely forgetting James’s pretend last name, but no one noticed. They were too busy falling over in laughter. The scowl so prominent over Snape’s face suddenly disappeared, and an oddly blank look came over his face. That’s when the students completely burst- the moment Snape started chirping like a bird.

James shouted above the roar and Snape’s chirping, “This is what happens when you combine Moony’s Not Yet Perfected Prank- well, it’s perfected now, but whatever- and Padfoot’s new prank thing! The preplanned outfit is inside, complete with the permanent sticking charm on the inner lining! Only three Galleons each!�

Students kept laughing as Snape’s chirping dissolved into barks. James smiled at the chaos he had ensued. He loved his job.

Everyone stopped laughing the moment the door opened. The only sound that could be heard was Snape’s loud barks, as he jumped on the desk and squatted, vaguely resembling a dog on its haunches.

Lupin stepped in, looking a bit perturbed. “Is Professor Snape here? I have some papers that were supposed to get to him-� A sudden ruff cut him off short as he looked up at Snape. Snape in the purple sequined show girl dress, with large feathers in the back, squatting on his desk- was that really Severus Snape?

All the students watched Lupin for a reaction. His face was impassive, just the faint look of surprise in his eyes. Finally, the corners of his mouth twitched a little- and started to chuckle.

That was the signal for everyone to start laughing uproariously, which they all did. Especially James. He’d gotten the older Moony to laugh- something he probably hadn’t done in the past billion years! Score one for Potter- Snape- zero.

The loud barks changed into a distinguished squawking sounds as Snape began flapping his arms and running crazily across the desk. Another wave of laughter swept through the room. Lupin was shaking his head, but he still hadn’t stopped smiling. Yes, this was James’s greatest prank yet.

Lily burst through the door, only to stop and watch in shock as Snape flapped his way across his desk, making odd squawking sounds. She turned to James, eyes furious. “Couldn’t you stay out of trouble for at least one minute?� she yelled, stomping her foot. At least Lupin had decided to do something and was trying to help Snape off the desk, but failing miserably. Snape had just begun bouncing up and down, mimicking a kangaroo, and completely ignored Lupin.

“Apparently I can’t,� said James, grinning widely. “Apparently I can’t.�

Author’s Note: I hope you all enjoyed the Potions class! Oh, and to ink_heart- I finished the picture of Sirius in a dress, though I’m still putting some touches on it. I promise I’ll put it in a chapter before the story ends. So just keep watching for it! (It’s also done on lined paper due to lack of just plain white. Don’t ask why- it’s a long story involving packers, boxes, moving, and airplanes. Don’t forget frustrated mothers.) I was having trouble putting this chapter, it kept getting deleted! So if you’re reading this it finally got through. *breathes sigh of relief* Hmm… the Marauders have finally completed their goal! So it sort of gives you the hint that the story is ending… *sigh* I will have a sequel, no doubt. I apologize for this chapter taking so long; I was moving to Chicago. I’m dreadfully sorry. Anyway, I hope the chapter met your expectations. Next up in chapter 17: The long search for the right charm and Defense Against the Dark Arts class! Wow… this was a long author’s note. Sorry.

Author’s Note: Now, before we get onto Chapter 17, I’m going to need to give you a small insert of Chapter 15, for you to fully understand Chapter 17. Understand? Good.

*Before Potions started*

What was that all about? Lily thought, furrowing her brows. Well, if anyone can solve this, it’d be me. But for now, we need to get to Potions… oh, where are you James?

A rat scurried around her feet, and then quickly dashed into a hole in the wall. Lily sighed. Now, she also had rats to worry about as well as James. Turning the opposite direction, Lily set off in a jog to find Potter.

-

Peter Pettigrew couldn’t believe it. Here he was, at Hogwarts, trying to spy on Dumbledore and Harry Potter. At first, he cowered in the corners as Wormtail, just praying no one would realize it was poor, dead Peter Pettigrew. Eventually, he discovered that no one paid attention to the rat scampering close to the wall. Good.

In order for Potter not to see him on the map, he’d hide in the Forbidden Forest mainly after dinner, till morning. His plan was flawless.
But so far, he’d found out nothing for Voldemort. Well, until she ran by. The girl that looked like Lily. Was it really her? Could it be?

No. Lily was dead.

But then again, he had been declared deceased too.

Well, he couldn’t just keep running around her feet, could he? Peter ran into a hole in the wall, mind racing. She had looked at him as he fled, with those electric green eyes. There was no mistaking them. Lily Potter was at Hogwarts, somehow.

He should tell Voldemort right away… but what would it hurt, just to check it out? Maybe it was another girl that just happened to look like Lily.

In his heart, Peter knew it was impossible. But he had to find out why. Sitting down in the small area, Peter began to plan.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Sirius Black ran until his sides ached and his body forced him to stop. Leaning against a nearby tree, he panted, trying to catch his breath. Well, those people weren’t chasing him anymore- that was good.

He looked around the area, trying to decide where he was. Most likely a restaurant- he could hear the strains of music coming from the building. An Elton John song... oh, what was it called? It had been a while since he’d heard it.
Now he remembered. Bennie and the Jets… that song always reminded him of the time in his 6th year, when James had been gone.

He remembered tearing through the library, looking for the book… and how a scruffy looking Remus had to lead him to a chair and make his sleep deprived self catch a rest. He remembered looking through a book for the spell… what was the spell?

What was the book?

Why didn’t he remember?

Sirius frowned, trying to recall anything. But the only thing that came to mind was… nothing.
He would have tried to puzzle it out further if a couple hadn’t walked by, laughing loudly. He’d have to run again…

Sighing, Sirius began to sprint again, off to wherever he was bound to go. Only this time, one could hear him, unlike his last, silent, journey.

He was singing Bennie and the Jets.

And, I regret to say, singing as badly as he did when he was 16.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Good. The Gryffindor 6th years had left… and now to deal with the Weasley twins. Remus turned toward the two brothers, each wearing equally large grins. He was going to get them out of here if it were the last thing he did.

“Fred, George-�

“How may I be of service, Mr. Moony?� asked George, pretending to bow.

“Your mighty Marauderness?� Fred proclaimed, flourishing his arms.

Oh God. This might be harder than it looked.

“I’m very touched that you admire my friends and I… but what we were the Marauders a very long time ago. And I have classes to teach.�

“Professor, we’re not leaving,� said Fred. “You have so much to teach us! Like how’d you turn in the Slytherin common room into a swimming pool?�

“And turn McGonagall’s hair red,� reminded George.

Remus sighed tiredly and massaged his temples. He was regretting James ever showed that video to the Great Hall.

Finally, he thought of something. Yes, it wasn’t the best idea… in the matter of fact; he knew he was going to regret it. But right now, he needed them to leave.

For his sanity.

“Do you know how Madam Pince has always had a bit of a… phobia about dogs?� he asked, watching the twins. They nodded, looking eager.

“I’m sure she’d be happy to tell you a story about an encounter she had with one. Well, a certain dog called Snuffles, but she wouldn’t know that.�

Fred and George’s grins widened even further, if possible. In addition to Remus having to explain that he was indeed, Moony, he confessed that Sirius, James and Peter were also the part of the group dubbed the Marauders. So they knew exactly what he was talking about.

In an instant, they were gone. And Remus silently prayed for Hogwarts as he went back to his paperwork.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“It’s not here,� Sirius yelled, slamming the hundredth dusty book they’d pored over onto the table. He was incredibly tired… but he had to keep working. He had to find the spell James used.

Remus sighed and closed his worn out eyes as Sirius dove ferociously into the books. This was sounding strangely reminiscent of when they were in Charms…

“We’ve still got a lot of books to look over,� Peter reminded him. “It could be in there.� But Sirius just grunted in annoyance and tossed more books out of their rightful shelves.

“I’m hungry,� announced Peter, standing up. “Do you have any food?�

Sirius glared at him, eyes narrowed. “We’re looking for James’s charm right now, not food. Food! Food! Who can think of food in a time like this…? Is he mad? James is lost and you’re looking for food! Well, I’ll tell you something, food isn’t important, we have to keep reading, we have to keep reading... just keep reading and reading and reading…� Sirius’s unusually fast spoken speech was slowing down almost alarmingly as began to sway back and forth, repeating the same sentence over and over.

Remus knew Sirius couldn’t handle a night without sleep. He had to crash sometime.

“Come on, Sirius, sit down over here. I’ll look for the Charms book,� he encouraged him, leading the almost delusional Marauder toward his seat. Sirius mumbled incoherently as he slipped into the chair and his eyes closed shut.

Well, that took care of one thing. Sighing, Remus turned around, only to see Peter digging through Sirius’s bag.

“Hey, isn’t this that book James always used to read? Well, to get Sirius angry… you remember,� Peter said waving the book Remus had found in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. Actually, now that Peter mentioned it, Remus had seen James reading it a couple of times. More for mocking Sirius and his lovely book than for real reading, Remus had to add.

Why had he forgotten that…? Oh. Most likely because the day this was happening, he had been suffering from headaches and before transformation distraction. Suddenly, it hit him.

James had read this book.

Hadn't it been a book of Charms?

And hadn’t James used a charm to make Lily and himself disappear?

Remus was looking at the book in a whole new light.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lily decided that she couldn’t stand James. Here she was, leaving him alone for one minute, and he’d already gotten in trouble. It was like having a two year old on the loose. From that moment on, their shoulders were nearly glued together. There was no way she was letting him out of her sight.

“YES! We have Moony next!� James cheered, pumping his arms in the air.

“Remus will be a good teacher- unlike you would,� she shot back, unable to stop herself. James let his eyes droop sadly, looking a bit like Sirius.

“Do you really think I’d be that bad?� he asked, sounding offended.

Lily probably would have answered yes if they hadn’t reached the door to Defense Against the Dark Arts. She turned around on James, eyes narrowed. “If you blow up Remus or anyone else, I’ll…�

“I wouldn’t blow up Remus!� protested James. “I’ll be on my best behavior. I promise- for Moony.� Lily sighed, and pushed open the door, praying James would live up to that. Well, she could dream, couldn’t she?

Remus was at the front of the room, looking over some papers. Well, Lily guessed this meant that Snape was back to normal. Otherwise, he would still be attempting to help a certain Potions Master return to the ordinary.

So they were the first ones there… good. Running through the hallways did help get them there faster.

Remus looked up and smiled at the two. Lily had noticed that his eyes always seemed a bit sorrowful, the premature lines on his face and the gray hairs already mixing in with his brown, and couldn’t help but wonder, what happened? She didn’t say a word, though- she’d leave that until later. Something was wrong here, in the future…

“Hey, Professor Moony!� greeted James, smiling widely as he slapped his hands down on the shoulders of Remus, interrupting Lily from her thoughts. The professor winced, but Lily wasn’t sure if it was at the pressure of James’s hands or the nickname.

“Please, refer to me as Professor Lupin during the lesson, James,� he contradicted quietly, but then grinned. “Call me whatever you like after that.�

“Will do,� James agreed, and sat down in a seat.

Lily figured this was the time to ask a question, now that no one was there to interrupt them. “Remus,� she asked, trying to seem as casual as possible, “who’s Harry Potter?�

Remus’s head snapped up. His eyes seemed extremely scrutinizing as they looked at her face, as if trying to see something. “Why do you ask?�

Lily took a breath. She was going to have to tell him sometime. “Because, when I was speaking with Ron, he’d just mentioned…�

The future Remus nodded his head, as if encouraging her to go on. His dark brown eyes stared directly into hers, just as his younger self had always done. For some reason, this gave her a bit of reassurance. She wasn’t sure if what she was about to say was wise, but she was going to ask it anyway.

“Why-�

“Professor Lupin!� shouted Hannah Abbott excitedly, entering the room. “You’re back!�

After much confusion, and people declaring they’d thought Umbridge was back, Remus had them calmed down and started the lesson. Lily wished she could have finished her question, but it could wait.

The lesson was enjoyable, until they had to pair up. Obviously, she and James were together in fear of someone figuring out their secret. But, much to her surprise, James was actually sticking to his promise and took the practice seriously. So, James could be solemn if he felt like it.

As the matter of fact, he was actually being… nice. She’d never really realized how cute his smile was… Wait! She couldn’t be saying that! She was NOT attracted to James.

Meanwhile, James blasted the pillow out of the air, craving to knock it into that Abbott girl. No! No pranks… he had to remember that…

James saw the Flinch-Fletchy boy coming towards him. Well, at least it was some company. Lily didn’t seem overly excited to be partnered up with him.

“Hey! Your name’s James… Sirius James, right?� James nodded, wondering what the boy was getting to.

“Well, what I was going to say in Potions, is that you look a lot like Harry Potter. I’m pretty sure you’ve heard that before.�

“No, actually, I haven’t. But thanks… I think… anyway…� replied James as Justin turned away.

“Do you know what the heck that kid was talking about?� James asked to Lily, after Justin was out of range. She seemed to be deep in thought, though, brows furrowed.

So this did have something to do with Harry! Lily knew it! Well, all she had were a few clues… Harry looked like James; Ron didn’t want Harry to see them… but why not?

Suddenly, it hit her. Why hadn’t it before? Could Harry be James’s son? They look the same… Ron didn’t want Harry to see herself, most likely because James was with her… Everything fits! She felt like doubling over and laughing at the sheer absurdity of it.

“What?� James asked, looking concerned. “What is it?�

Lily didn’t answer. She couldn’t tell James yet… she wanted to be sure her hunch was correct. She also wondered who the mother was, but she knew she’d never figure that out… unless she asked someone who already knew. Well. Lily was going to ask Remus a few questions before James and she left this classroom.

Finally, class was over. As the students filed out, she came to Remus’s desk and sat down in the chair. “Remus, what does Harry Potter have to do with us?� Lily asked, looking him straight in the eye.

For a moment, she expected him to deny Harry Potter had anything to do with James, but instead he sighed.

“I should have known you’d piece things together, Lily… all right. I suppose I do have some explaining to do." Remus looked utterly distracted, but finally gave in and stared her straight in the eye. "How to start..."

Author’s Note: Yay! Cliff hanger! I love those… *laughs at faces of readers who are currently moaning about the cliffie* The next update will be sooner, I promise. My writer’s block is completely gone. I hope to (main words, hope to) finish this before the Half Blood Prince comes out… but then again… alright. The last author’s note was almost a full page long, so I’ll leave this one nice and short. Look for the next update soon!

“Harry Potter… well, as you have already discovered, Lily, he’s not just… irrelevant to you,� Remus began, feeling extremely amateurish in his approach to the subject.

James could see that Remus was a bit uncomfortable; he always gave speeches like that when he tended to be nervous. But he was too curious to put Remus out of his misery and say, “Forget this whole thing!�

Remus felt that he had to do this. It was only right. But how would James handle it? Lily obviously hadn’t figured out she was the mother... If she had known, she probably would have been so horrified, she may have died. He finally said quietly, “He’s… Harry’s… Oh, how do I say this… well… your son.�

James’s mouth dropped open so wide; Lily could have sworn it dropped to the floor.

Lily smiled, a bit excited that she had deduced this right. “I thought so. He looks exactly like you, James! I think I saw Alice’s son, walking down the halls, also. They have the same face-�

James seemed to have shaken out of his reverie as he could only stare at Remus, shock all over his face. “I have a son? Wow- a son…� A dreamy sort of look came over his face, reminiscent of the one when Harry was born. “I bet he’s good at Quidditch… and he has to be a troublemaker… I’m sure he’s popular, and all the girls just have to look at him…�

“He’s not a miniature version of you, James,� Lily commented, rolling her eyes. “I’m sure he’s just perfectly normal.�

“No, my son’s special, Lily!� he protested wildly, looking half-crazed. “Wow- a dad… this is so weird… What’s Harry like?�

Remus smiled, a bit surprised at James’s enthusiasm at being a father. “He looks exactly like you, James. He even has the hair-�

“I feel sorry for Harry,� Lily said, smiling. “What an awful trait to have.� Inside, she wondered who the mother was, but didn’t dare say a word. James might think she was worried about it, or something completely odd like that.

James’s dreamy expression seemed permanent. “And Quidditch?�

“He’s the best I’ve ever seen,� replied Remus, now donning the same expression as James. “He was the youngest Seeker in the century- actually recruited in his first year, from what I heard.�

Jumping up, James shouted, “Did you hear that, Lily? My son’s the youngest Seeker in the century! And he got into Quidditch in his first year- you know, that’s nearly impossible!�

Lily smiled, nodding. She was happy for James, but she had a feeling there was something going on here… something she didn’t remember what she had heard about Harry Potter…

“Wow… I just can’t believe I have a son… God… Well, what about Lily? She’s still waiting to hear her future,� James pointed out, nudging Lily’s arm. “Does she have any kids walking around- a husband?�

Remus had a feeling James wanted to ask about Harry’s mother, but felt a little nervous- understandable. James was going to put it off until the last minute- or until curiosity overpowered his anxiety.

But then, Remus discovered he didn’t know how to say that Lily was married to James. Perhaps he shouldn’t.

James stared at Remus’s face, which was looking rather strained. He doesn’t want to tell us something…something about who Lily’s married to? Why would that matter? Unless… James suddenly thought of something. That had to be it. The thought was completely revolting- but it had to be true…

“Oh, my God, Moony,� he breathed, incredulity in his voice.

He knew.

“Lily’s married to you! That’s why you didn’t want to tell! Why didn’t you tell me? I mean, I did like her… but you could tell me! It doesn’t matter! So… how many kids do you have?� James said, blurting out everything he could say at once. Remus and Lily- oh, why hadn’t he been able to see it?

Remus, at first, appeared neutral. Then, he started to laugh- rather loudly, James thought. Hey, it was a mistake anyone could make! Finally, after Remus had buried his head in his arms on the desk and managed to calm himself down, he was able to speak.

“It wasn’t that funny,� James defended, which only almost sent Remus into another laughing fit.

“I’m sorry James… I’ve just… I thought you meant something else… Well, no. Lily and I are not married,� Remus finally said, wiping a few tears from his eyes. Lily and him… What could James be thinking?

“Well, then why were you so nervous?� asked James.

Remus went quiet again, then finally sighed. He was going to have to tell them sometime. “Because… well… because… just… Harry… he’s not just James’s son,� he managed to say, sounding incredibly stupid in his own ears.

“Of course he’s not just James’s son,� Lily said patiently, watching Remus turn bright red. Maybe he was more like his younger self than she realized…

“He’s sort of- well, Harry is you two’s son,� finished Remus, instantly regretting he said it that bluntly.

Lily’s eyes went wide, and James’s mouth went open so wide, he could have stuffed Dudley Dursley in there. “Harry’s… Harry’s my… Harry’s our WHAT???�

“Your son,� he repeated miserably.

“James and I would never get married… I don’t even like him!� she shouted, vainly trying to deny that she and James would get married- most of all, have a child together…

Remus gave a small smile. “Strange, I know. But you two fell in love in your 7th year and got married not too long after… a year or two.�

She felt oddly choked. This couldn’t be real…James and her? It wouldn’t work- but according to Harry, she supposed it did. Was she a good mother? Lily suddenly began wondering, thoughts flowing through her head a mile a minute. This is probably what James had been thinking not too long ago…

Then she remembered what she had heard about Harry’s parents. They- no… James and… What Harry had said… it sounded like Harry’s parents had committed suicide, the way he was talking. She would never do that- would she?

That’s why Remus looked so sad whenever he saw them! He saw what a mess they would be later in life, in their younger selves. She had to prevent this.

“We’re dead, aren’t we, Remus?� she asked quietly, looking him straight in the eye. Remus appeared startled, and then sighed deeply and gazed at the wall silently. He looked so much older, right then- the way the sunlight was falling on his already lined face and gray hairs.

“Yes. You are.�

James jumped up so fast, the whole room went spinning. “What? Lily and I- dead? How? What happened to Harry? What happened to us?�

“You were both murdered,� Remus said, his voice breaking.

Lily suddenly realized what Harry had meant, and immediately, looking back, chided her on thinking suicide. A murder… How horrible. How did Harry grow up without them? She felt that sinking feeling in her stomach when she realized she was dead. Much sooner than she ever thought she would be.

“How? Who did it? Where’d Harry go to?� James demanded, nervous energy running up and down his body.

“I… I can’t… I can’t tell you,� Remus said, eyes downcast. James felt a surge of anger.

“WHY NOT? Why is everyone trying to hide things? Just tell me! No one will tell us anything! Well, I’m going to find out for myself. I’m going to find Harry.� James turned around and started running towards the door, not caring about himself or any others. Just Harry. He needed to see Harry.

Remus closed his eyes and sighed. He should have known. Harry and James were so much alike.

Lily was torn. She wanted to go with James, but she wanted to stay with Remus, also. Finally, she decided.

James ran down the halls, ignoring the startled looks of passersby and Nearly Headless Nick, who declared rather angrily, “Watch it!� and began muttering about how some people have no consideration, like James, like Malfoy, or like that Mr. Wensleydale in the cheese shop.

When James felt a hand on his shoulder, he whirled around furiously. “Don’t stop me!� he shot at Lily, who looked rather frightened. “I want to see Harry, and that’s all I want to do. I don’t care if I’m dead! I just want to know Harry!�

Lily stared right back, looking determined. “I know. And I feel the same way. I’m coming with you.� James, a bit startled, looked back quizzically at Lily. She tossed her chin back defiantly, as if challenging him.

And he accepted. Together, they faced a strange new obstacle. Together, they faced Voldemort, the one who murdered them. Together, they faced the world.

Squaring his jaw, James took a step forward, Lily next to him. Together, they would prevail.

Author’s Note: The end. What a happy ending, don’t you think? It’s just powerful and emotionally stirring. I like it so much; I think I’ll just end it there. No sequel or anything. What do you think? No, I’m kidding. This isn’t the end. It isn’t even the end of the chapter. I just think this is a good stopping place. Shall I stop? *Listens to moans and screams of people wanting to get on with the story* Fine. I will. But I really liked those last two paragraphs. And there is going to be a sequel- and a couple more chapters.

Snape hated Potter. Yes, he hated him more than he ever did, since that outfit incident in Potions. Oh, yes, he hated him.

Making his way up the staircase, he paused a moment, just to think of an awful way to torture James. No, the rack was too good for James. And he continued.

Not paying attention to where he was going, he ran into a gaudily dressed figure, who immediately said, “I predicted this would happen!�

Inwardly, he groaned. Trelawny. He’d been avoiding her for the past day, since that odd feeling he had had last time they’d met. And he was feeling it again…

“Sorry,� he said levelly, trying not to meet her in the eye. “I just… well… I… would you come down to the Potions room with me? I have to talk with you about something…� Why had he said that? He didn’t want to! Or did he…?

“I predicted this too. And, of course, I accepted. But be careful of the fist step down, Professor Snape! I foretold you would fall…�

But Snape didn’t mind this nonsense telling. He was, in fact, eating it up. Gallantly leading her down the steps, he almost became a different person.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Professor Flitwick peered through the spindles of the staircase, small head barely brushing the railing. “It worked!� he crowed excitedly, calling down to the other teachers. “The love potion worked!�

Minerva McGonagall smiled, coming out from behind a door. “I thought it didn’t work! He didn’t appear to feel anything toward her when they met yesterday…�

Flitwick brushed this off with a wave of his hand. “Well, he loves her now. How wonderful this could be! Getting her out of our hair while Snape softens up… this was a truly ingenious plan!�

She nodded, patting her bun. “Now, how can we keep slipping it to him for the rest of his life?�

“You always worry about the obstacles Minerva- let’s not bother ourselves with that now. Just enjoy the peace,� he advised, making his way back to the classroom.

Reluctantly, Minerva agreed and went back to her classroom, feeling extremely freed of Trelawny. She must remember to keep close watch on the two lovebirds… She wanted a chance to tease Snape about his behavior towards Trelawny every living moment after the effects from the love potion wore away. She could hardly wait.

Another Author’s Note: Fast update, no? One more thing- special thanks to dumbly_door for being my beta! Everyone enjoy the Half Blood Prince!!!

Remus flipped through the book, excitement welling in his chest. This was the answer. This could be it! Each yellowed page held so much potential… one of them would be the key to getting James and Lily back…

In his immersion of the book, Remus didn’t see a shadow cross over the open book. A very large shadow.

“Hello, Remus!� greeted Slughorn, buttons straining uncomfortably against his belly. Remus wanted to groan, but instead gave a smile.

“Hello, Professor Slughorn,� he said courteously, feeling the irrepressible urge to read the book. Professor Slughorn was their Potions teacher- an okay one, but he always seemed to ignore students that didn’t have connections or weren’t extraordinary at Potions. Remus qualified for both. Actually, he had a sneaking suspicion that the only reason why Slughorn knew his name was because he was a werewolf. The only reason Slughorn had found out in the first place was because he heard Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore talking- much to Remus’s misfortune.

Now, whenever he was gone for the full moon, Slughorn would always comment, “It’s… that time again, isn’t it?� and shake his head sympathetically. Not only that, but Slughorn would always say- much to the horror of Remus and the delight of the Marauders- “You’re much too thin, Remus! Eat more!�

“Such a pity,� Slughorn began, shaking his head. “I can’t believe that James and Lily have disappeared. Lily was extraordinary at Potions, mind you.�

She still is, Remus thought, but kept his mouth closed. It’s not like she’s dead.

“I’m sure it’s taken a toll on all of you,� he continued, dabbing at his eyes. “Look at poor Black! Sobbing his heart out, no doubt.� He turned toward Sirius, who was sprawled on the table, snoring loudly.

“Yes,� agreed Remus. “He’s deeply and tragically upset at the moment. I think he needs some…�

“Time alone?� finished Slughorn. Glad that he took his meaning, Remus nodded gratefully. The Potions teacher sighed. “I see. I suppose I’ll leave now… classes to teach. But- one more thing, Remus…�

Remus turned dutifully toward Slughorn, hoping it wasn’t what he thought it was.

“You’re as thin as a rail! You must eat more.� And with that, Slughorn was gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Harry turned the corner, praying not to find Ron or Hermione. Thankfully, there was no one in sight. Harry sunk down on his feet and closed his eyes. Everything was going wrong. Voldemort was still after him- Ron and Hermione refused to tell him anything… sometimes he just wished his parents were there.

Harry felt a little shock seep into him. He hadn’t admitted it, but that’s what he’d been feeling all along. He had just wanted his parents. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon hardly qualified as being guardians, much less parents.

So maybe he hadn’t been feeling anger at them. Maybe it had just been at having to live with the Dursleys’. Having to live with the burden of being Harry Potter.

And Harry realized that he had to. He had to be Harry Potter. He had to bear the save the Wizarding World- because no one else could.

A few minutes before, Harry was a boy. Now, as he stood up and started walking, he was a man.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

James and Lily walked carefully, side by side. Everyone stared at them, brows furrowed, wondering who these people were. The Hufflepuffs were kind enough to point out they were Sirius Lee James and Fern Evans, but an aura of mystery still surrounded them. Where did they come from? Why did they just get accepted into Hogwarts now? And why, pray tell, were they walking around the castle aimlessly?

But, we must correct the confused above. They weren’t walking aimlessly. No, they had a mission. And that mission was to find their son.

Harry Potter.

They held hands, searching. In that moment, they were closer together than ever. Lily would have never thought she would be with James, combing the castle thirty years in the future for James’s and her son. But weirder things have happened.

Like what? her subconscious asked her. Lily ignored this as she and James plowed on, going past the Charms classroom and rounding a corner.

BAM. Next thing Lily knew, she was sprawled out on the floor, rubbing her head. She and James had obviously run into someone. Great. James was already up and offering a hand to her. Accepting, she stood up, and came face to face with James.

Hold on. Wasn’t James by her side? She had to do a double take. Sure enough, James was at her side, and James was in front of her also.

Suddenly, it hit her. Surely… this couldn’t be… She studied the James in front of her more carefully. His nose was shorter, cheekbones less pronounced. His eyes weren’t hazel, like James’s. In fact, they were…

Green.

Green like hers.

She took a step back in shock, while James’s mouth seemed to be hanging open. Harry’s eyes were wide as he stared back at them.

Silence swallowed the hallway as the family just stared. The first sounds weren’t even from themselves; they were actually from Hermione, running up to Harry. “Harry, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-� she began, wringing her hands, looking up at him until her gaze drifted toward the time-travelers.

“Oh… no…� she breathed, looking hurriedly from Harry, to James, to Lily. “Oh, no, no, no! This wasn’t supposed to- Dumbledore will- Lupin will… What will everyone..?�

Luckily, before Hermione had a breakdown, Remus appeared from behind Harry and Hermione, Ron in tow. He looked them all over as their eyes met his questioningly.

Is it really our son? begged James’s and Lily’s, while Harry’s asked, This can’t be my parents… can they? Remus didn’t want to answer. But he had to.

“James… Lily… Harry…� he started. “Well… Harry… meet your parents.�

Harry looked up at Remus, as if for clarification. He nodded.

“So that’s… that’s why… That’s why Hermione and Ron were avoiding me?� Harry asked, looking across his two friend’s faces. They both nodded.

“And that means you’re… You’re my… um…� Harry started, but realized he was unable to finish as he looked at James and Lily.

James looked just as uncomfortable as Harry, while Lily had a soft expression in her green eyes. No one spoke. Thoughts and emotions seemed to flow openly, no need for words to express them. Remus viewed the scene, a small smile playing on his lips while Hermione had begun to sniffle a bit. She leaned her head against Ron’s as he stroked her hair subconsciously, grinning widely at the scene.

Finally, James had the nerve to speak up. Tearing his eyes off Harry, and managing to look at everyone surrounding them, he gave a sort of wobbly smile. “This is the most bloody weird thing that’s ever happened to me,� he mumbled, and everyone cheered.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Trembling, Remus eased his finger down the paper.

Post

Postab

Posthac

Posthac Ab

Unable to suppress a cry of glee, Remus jumped out of his seat and began to shake Sirius furiously. “I found it!� he cried, ignoring Sirius’s groans of protest. “I found the spell!� He heard a clock ring 4:00… had they really been looking that long? But no matter- they’d found the spell.

At those words, Sirius seemed to awaken completely as he darted out of his chair and skimmed the page. “Posthac Ab… was that the spell?� he asked, turning to Remus. The werewolf nodded as Sirius let out a loud whoop.

“Well, let’s perform it then!� he cried, tearing his wand out of his pocket.

“I don’t think that’s the best idea-� Remus warned him, but it was too late. In a flash of blue light, the Marauders were gone.

Author’s Note: I think this might be the penultimate chapter… but I don’t know. Boy, I sound very organized, don’t I? No, I’m positive it is. Okay, 99%. Does that give you a good clue? I hope you’re enjoying the story, blah blah blah, let’s get to my main points here- Thank to dumbly_door for beta-ing again, and does anyone know what happened to Vincent Van Gogh’s ear after he lopped it off and sent it to his girlfriend? Is it buried in his grave? Is it in a museum? One last note- This is NOT the last chapter. One more left. So keep hanging in there!

“Where are we?� asked Peter, trembling as he stood up. The sunlight filtered in from dirt streaked windows, bouncing off the flooded floor. Remus could have answered Peter’s question, since it was quite obvious where they were. Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom- again.

“It didn’t do a bloody thing!� Sirius cried, leaning against one of the sinks. “We’re just in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. Is that where James and Lily were? Hiding in the bathroom stall?�

Remus sighed and looked around. “Well, it was the spell James and Lily used.�

“I know that-� began Sirius, but was interrupted by a large wailing noise as Myrtle flew out of one of the stalls. “Oh great,� he moaned.

Myrtle turned toward the threesome, face puckered into a disgusted scowl. “Oh, new students, eh? Coming to torture Moaning Myrtle, I guess. What are you going to do this time? Try and throw stones at me? Because it won’t work… because I’m… dead!� At this she started to wail again, and threw herself into a stall.

Remus furrowed his brow lightly. “Myrtle, we’re not new students.�

“Well, you have to be. I’ve never seen you around,� she sniffed, peeking over the bathroom door.

Sirus gave an inquiring look to Peter, who shrugged in response. They knew Moaning Myrtle knew them… so why was she denying it?

“You don’t remember us, Myrtle?� Peter asked, finally bringing up the courage to speak. The ghost floated over to him and began to peer closely into his face.

“Well,� she began, “now that you mention it, you all do look a bit familiar…�

Rolling his eyes, Sirius stepped forward. “Of course we do! This is Peter Pettigrew- remember him? And over there is Remus Lupin, you know, the only one who ever calls you Myrtle instead of Moaning Myrtle. Or Moping Myrtle. Or Miserable Myrtle. Or Mega-Whiner Myrtle. Or…�

“She gets the point,� Remus interrupted, giving a pointed look at Sirius. But Moaning Myrtle apparently didn’t hear this as she swooped closer at the two men Sirius named.

“Peter Pettigrew…?� she said wonderingly, getting unusually close to Peter.

“Holy crap, Pete, she fancies you!� Sirius howled, clutching his sides as he nudged the scared Pettigrew. “I thought you had it bad that you hadn’t hooked up with anyone yet… this is worse!�

Myrtle scowled at Sirius, glaring through her thick glasses. “That’s not why I’m looking at him. It’s just because…�

“Listen,� Remus said, turning to the ghost, “Myrtle. Have you seen James and Lily around? You see, what happened was yesterday; they cast a spell and disappeared. Now we’ve gone to find them. Do you know where they are?�

Myrtle giggled. “Oh, I see,� she said, smiling. Of course! It had been the talk of the day, where that Potter and Evans had gone. Then, the next day, the rest of his gang disappeared too. And now she knew the answer- they’d time traveled… right into the future. “You know,� she whispered, getting close to Remus, “I’d forgotten how adorable you used to look.�

Now, Sirius began to laugh even louder at that while Remus shot him a dirty look. “We’ll find James and Lily on our own,� he said firmly, practically dragging the howling Sirius out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

James, Lily, and Harry walked around the corridors, trying to ignore the growing silence between them. The halls were deserted (who really cares if you skip classes when your dead parents come back to life,) and it was a bit odd, walking around in broad daylight in empty halls.

“So, Harry, I heard you’re a really good Quidditch player,� Lily said softly, as Harry nodded. James beamed.

“Yeah… I mean, I guess I am,� Harry replied, blushing.

“Of course you are! You’re my son! You’re Sirius’s godson! You’re Remus’s something or other! Except that doesn’t really work, since Remus sort of sucks at Quidditch…� James trailed off, pondering.

Rolling her eyes, Lily whispered to Harry, “Please, ignore him. Sometimes he makes no sense.�

Nodding, Harry had to give a smile at James, whose brow was still furrowed in thought. Then, a thought struck Harry. “Hey,� he said, “how’d you know that Sirius was my godfather?�

James shrugged. “Remus told me.�

Harry accepted this as they walked around, each one silent. He wanted to say something, desperately. But would they think it was ridiculous?

“Um… you know…� he started, feeling extremely uncomfortable.

“Yes?� Lily turned her green eyes on Harry- unnerving, exactly like his eyes- and looked at him intently.

“I’ve sort of… missed you. A lot, over the years…� Harry felt more and more stupid as he went on. “It’s just like, a miracle. That you’re here. And I’m really glad.� He turned his head away for a second, as his eyes watered up.

James appeared a bit startled at all the emotion Harry was outpouring, but Lily understood. “It must have been hard, growing up without us. And I wish I could have been there,� she said quietly, while James looked on with tears in his eyes.

“Why does everyone have to be emotional?� he asked, wiping at his eyes furiously.

Harry once again grinned, when he saw something- or someone- he wished he hadn’t. “Oh, no,� he breathed, looking at the blonde haired head approaching them. “Great.�

“Who is it?� Lily asked, trying to figure out who it might be.

“Draco Malfoy,� clarified Harry, ushering his two parents into the door to the bathrooms. “I guess you could say my arch-enemy.�

James grinned wildly. “Cool- got to love arch-enemies.�

Snorting, Lily pulled James into the boys’ room, and was about to enter the girls’ room herself, when James stopped in his tracks. “You mean, LUCIUS Malfoy’s son?� he asked, turning to Harry. His son nodded, and then jerked his head toward the bathroom.

“No- I have a plan,� James said, an evil look spreading across his face. Shaking her head, Lily tried to reject the idea, whatever it might be, but it was too late. Harry had switched places with James already and hid the bathroom. Whatever James was going to do was going to be done. If that made any sense.

“Potter,� Malfoy said smoothly, greeting James as he leaned casually against the wall, looking at the sole of his shoe.

“Oh, hey, Malfoy,� James replied, waving his hand in greeting. “What are you out here for? I had to throw up.�

Harry, peering out of the crack in the bathroom door, could have died at the face Malfoy was making. A mixture between disgust, shock and something else that looked quite funny, Harry couldn’t tell.

“Anyway, you’re going down at the Quidditch match tomorrow,� Malfoy smirked, recovering from his shock. James raised his eyebrows, and then went back to examining his shoe.

“Cool,� he said.

Malfoy began to get a bit riled up, as he leaned forward heatedly and spat, “You’re a stupid, egoistic pet, Potter. Riding along on your little broomstick, saving the day. Oh, Potter! Come and save me!� Malfoy mimicked a little girl screaming as he dramatically put a hand on his forehead.

James scowled and said, with a thick, corny French accent, “You don't frighten me, English pig-dog! Go and boil your bottom, son of a silly person! I blow my nose at you, so-called Malfoy-boy, you and your silly hair… gel!�

Malfoy looked at James with the most quizzical expression on his face. “You know what, Potter,� he started, but then his voice failed. Finally, he found something to say. “Oh yeah? Why are you calling me an English pig-dog? You’re English too. And what the heck do you mean by- pig-dog? That doesn’t even make sense.�

Putting on a “look-at-that-idiot-I’m-much-smarter-than-he-is� look, James laughed out loud. “I’m not English, I’m French! Why do you think I have this outrrrrageous accent, you silly… um…?� For a moment, James fell out of character, but soon recovered and continued, “You silly Sllll-why-there-in!�

Malfoy’s face screwed up in complete disbelief at what James was saying. “I think you’ve finally snapped, Potter.�

James couldn’t have been happier at the way things were going. “I don’t want to talk to you no more, you empty-headed food trough wiper! You’re mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries!�

“My mother is NOT a hamster!� Malfoy said, still a little scared of James. “And how would you even know if my father smells like elderberries?�

Noticing the smirk on James’s face, Malfoy hastily covered up, “Not that he does… only sometimes… No! He doesn’t! Now… you’re… just… making… me… really…�

“Now go away, or I shall taunt you a second time-ah!� James flourished, and with a final dramatic pause, he stuck out his tongue and blew a raspberry while putting his thumbs in his ears and waggling his fingers.

“You’re really scaring me, Potter,� Malfoy whispered, and started to back away, faster and faster, until he had completely fled from sight.

While inwardly congratulating himself on a job well done, James saw that Harry and Lily had emerged from their hiding spots, one looking very pissed off and the other one grinning like mad.

“That was brilliant!� Harry crowed, eyes bright. “How did you do that?�

“He took it from a very messed-up movie, that’s how,� Lily responded, arms crossed. Apparently, she hadn’t liked the show.

“Hey, it’s not messed up!� James protested, but fell silent under Lily’s piercing gaze. “Alright. So it is sort of messed-up. But it’s the best movie in the world, and no one can argue with me there.� He ignored Lily’s snort.

“What movie is it?� Harry asked eagerly.

“Monty Python and the Holy Grail. We saw it when we were at Remus’s house, at the theaters. Those movie things are kind of weird, you know? Just like a photograph, only with sound, and it tells a story. Honestly. What kind of things will the Muggles come up with next?� James again became immersed in thought, before realizing that he had forgotten to finish his tale. “Oh yeah. Anyway, Sirius, Remus, Peter and I all saw the movie together - and when I saw the opening credits-� James put a hand over his heart. “I was in love.�

Lily once again snorted, this time so hard that she had to cover her mouth.

“I think we all loved it, especially Sirius, and Peter… I’m not quite so sure about him.� James frowned slightly, but then smiled at Harry again. “The movie’s 20 years old- no, more- by now, I don’t know if you can see it…�

“That’s very nice,� said Lily, and began guiding them away from the topic, as well as the place. “Now, tell us, Harry, who was that Malfoy boy?�

“Well, he sort of hated me right off the bat, I guess,� Harry started, and the threesome walked toward the Great Hall. “I never liked him, anyway. But he’s the one who started the whole, “arch-enemy� thing…�

“Like Snape,� James added.

“Sort of,� Harry said hesitantly. “Anyway, his mother is Narcissa Black…�

“No way!�

“I know I couldn’t believe it either. So, we met in the robe shop, where he started to ask about…�

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Remus and Sirius looked at each other. “What?� Peter asked, coming between them. “What did they say?�

The Marauders had hidden themselves in a small niche on the corridor Malfoy had walked through to approach the one where James and Lily were- they were thankful he didn’t see them. It had been a close call.

“If I heard correctly,� Remus said, brow furrowed, “James made it clear that we’re in the future.�

“What?� Sirius flew forward so abruptly, he hit his head on the wall. “I never heard a bloody thing about the future! James was just talking from the movie to Lucius Malfoy, not saying, ‘Oh, hi, look, I’m in the bloody future!’�

Remus shook his head. “No, no. If you’d been listening, then you would have heard James talking to another person… Harry, they called him… going on about the Holy Grail. And, if you’d been listening, he also mentioned that the movie must be ‘about twenty years old.’ Sirius! The movie’s barely 4 years old!�

“So? Maybe James got his facts mixed up,� Sirius shrugged, calming down. “I mean, all I heard was that we all loved Monty Python and Peter hates it.�

“I do not!� Peter protested, wriggling between Remus and Sirius. “See? ‘I DON’T LIKE SPAM!!!’� Peter screeched this out, making everyone cover their ears. If Peter continued this, there is no way they’d be able to be hidden for long.

“Look, Peter, we all know you love Monty Python too. So let’s figure out how to get James and Lily back,� said Remus patiently, stopping Peter from his screeching again.

“I bet I’m a world famous singer now,� Sirius said dreamily.

“What?� Remus said incredulously, not sure if this was a joke or not.

“A singer! You know I’m great at it…�

“And hippogriffs can fly,� laughed Peter.

“Actually… Peter... they can,� Remus reminded him gently.

“Peter, you’re just jealous that I’m a singer and you’re… like… a lumberjack, or something,� Sirius scoffed, turning back to his daydream.

“Lumberjacks are okay,� Peter said, seamlessly shifting into Monty Python. “They sleep all night and they work all day!�

“Will everyone stop?� Remus shouted, silencing Sirius, who had decided to test his singing ability and was wailing Philadelphia Freedom at the top of his lungs. “And Sirius, what is with your obsession with Elton John?�

“It’s the only Muggle music I’ve heard,� Sirius defended him. “Besides, he’s cool.�

Rolling his eyes, Remus set his focus on other things. “Okay, right now, we have to decide something to do. We’re in the future, and we need to get James and Lily here with us, without anyone else seeing us.�

The two wizards looked between them, deciding whether or not to agree with Remus. Finally, Peter nodded.

“Good,� Remus said, businesslike. “We can’t reveal ourselves, we could alter time. So, for now, we wait for James and Lily.�

Remus personally couldn’t believe they were in the future. Everything looked the same, but they could screw everything up if they showed their faces… He already decided he was going to tread very, very cautiously.

“So we just wait,� Sirius said slowly.

“Yes. I think that it might be safe to go out at night, just to see where James and Lily are. But it would be much safer staying in Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom. We’ll go there at sunset.�

Looking bored, Sirius leaned against the wall. Suddenly, his face lit up. Grinning manically, Sirius whispered, “Hey. Do you think our legacy has lived on?�

“It’s been twenty years from when we were here, Padfoot. I really don’t think anyone knows who we are, besides maybe our kids, if we have any,� Remus sighed, sitting down.

“Damn.� Suddenly, Sirius’s eyes lit up with inspiration. “I have an idea. I swear to you, Moony, we will not be forgotten. Not while I’m here. Hogwarts… meet the Marauders!� And with an evil laugh, Sirius had slipped out of his hiding spot.

Remus really didn’t want to know what those words meant.

THE END… OR IS IT?

Author’s Note: So this story has come to a close, finally. I finally was able to sneak in a full-out Monty Python reference, Elton John, and of course, more Sirius just being Sirius.

I wrote this story as a joke- my sister, who was obsessed with Harry Potter at the time begged me to write one. So I did. Never did I know people would actually review it… more the less, LIKE it…

But people did. And, I must say, thanks to all you readers and reviewers, this story kept chugging on. The only shape I had was that James and Lily were coming to the future, nothing else. Then, the Marauders became involved, and then the Marauders coming to the future… I suppose I was really just winging it.

Look for the sequel coming up in two or three weeks, titled, “Hogwarts, Meet the Marauders,� after Sirius’s last words.

Lastly, I must give credit to these people-

First, I credit the amazing genius that is Monty Python, for the text from the fight between James and Malfoy, (minus the hair gel and Slllllll-why-there-in part.) Also, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (Chapter 15,) and the summary for Chapter 19 (Vivien Smith-Smithe-Smith, etc. etc.).

So, in short, hats off to those loveable British Bruces!

Another credit goes to dumbly_door, who helped me beta the last couple chapters. Thanks so much!

And another credit goes to Elton John (who probably isn’t reading this, but then again, who knows) for giving Sirius something to sing.

Yet another goes to J.K. Rowling, for even inventing Harry Potter. Otherwise, this story would cease to be.

And, lastly, to my reviewers and readers. You guys have been great! Thanks so much for taking the time to read it and review it.

So, as my last words, thank you for taking the time to read this odd story which is Harry’s our WHAT???

Kelsid