Only the Good Die Young

Part 2: Sixth Year: Bathrobes and Book Boys

The five Marauders stepped off the Hogwarts Express, the crisp September air greeting them like an old friend. "It feels good to be back." Iris mumbled happily as she breathed in the scent of early fall, the cool breeze slightly sobering her up.

"Sixth Year is going to be bloody epic, I can feel it in my bones." Peter giddily stated, acting as if he already had pranks in mind, which many wouldn't be surprised if he did. The Marauders were known for their pranks, and they had a bet going since first year for which of them could get the most detentions in one year. Iris had won two years in a row, which she made a point of rubbing it in the boys' faces as much as possible.

"Come on you lot, I'm not walking all the way to Hogwarts." James rolled his eyes as a small smirk grew on his face. The Marauders continued their walk to the carriages. Most students didn't know what pulled the carriages, but Iris had always been able to see the thestrals, magic like creatures that people could only see if you had witnessed a person's death. The group got into the last available carriage, just making it in time.

As the group made it to Hogwarts, they noticed pristine carriages pulled by ethereal winged horses. "Who the bloody hell is that?" Sirius exclaimed, confused expressions were plastered across all of the Marauders' faces.

"Haven't you heard? The Triwizard tournament is happening at Hogwarts this year." Lily Evans, one of Iris's best friends, strolled over to the group along with Mary and Marlene, all of Iris's roommates for the past 5 years. Ever since James was introduced to Lily by Iris, he's been head over heels in love with her, much to Lil's dismay. Iris found it bloody adorable.

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"Welcome students to another very special year at Hogwarts. I'm very pleased to welcome all of you back to another school year." Dumbledore stated after the gruelingly long sorting ceremony.

"This year, Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Triwizard tournament where three students will be chosen to compete in multiple trials. One student will be chosen from Hogwarts, one from Beauxbatons and one from Durmstrang, " Dumbledore implored, curious eyes looking up at him, "Students who would like to compete will place their name in the goblet of fire, but it comes with a cost, they have to be sixteen years of age or older."

 A collective groan rolled across the great hall as some students realized they couldn't participate. The Marauders smirked with excitement, for they were all of age to participate in the tournament. 

"Now will you please all give a warm welcome to the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy." Dumbledore projected his voice across the hall, and the students all turned their heads towards the open doors.

Young girls all dressed beautifully in blue uniforms twirled towards the front of the room gracefully. Boys and girls stared alike as they took in the mesmerizing sight before them. 

"And now," Dumbledore announced, " for Durmstrang." 

Boys stomped in sync through the doors wearing what Iris thought looked like bathrobes. It was a laughable sight, really, but still they demanded attention across the room. 

 Apparently, Iris wasn't the only one who found the sight of the Durmstrang boys' uniforms funny, because as she turned her head, she found Sirius laughing along with her. They met eyes across the table and Iris couldn't keep it together, she burst out laughing, causing many students to turn their heads and stare at the disturbance. A flush of embarrassment bloomed on Iris's cheeks, which made Sirius laugh even harder. Iris looked away from embarrassment and turned her head towards Dumbledore as he began to speak again.

"Starting tomorrow, students will be able to place their name in the goblet. But now, let the feast begin!" Dumbledore shouted over the students who had already begun chatting with their friends.