Marauders And Dragons.

Hogwarts Express

Now they were all piled in, suitcases tucked away above their heads, Cassi could finally relax. Sherlock climbed grumpily back into her lap, but was quickly soothed with pats. The four of them caught up enthusiastically about their holidays, and soon the conversation turned to the year ahead.

"I've got a great idea for a grandscale prank, involving frogs, and another smaller one before Christmas-time." James said with glee. The rest of them grinned in response, and bombarded him with questions. Wild plotting ensued, and they were deep in conversation when the door to their carriage opened. The trolley lady stood cheerfully behind an enormous collection of sweets and food. Her face seemed to almost fall upon seeing the marauders, but she held tight to her smile.

"Would you like anything from the trolley dears?" The group exchanged looks. James got up and fiddled with his bag, fetching a small wallet.

"Yes please," he said politely, and disappeared into the corridor to arrange his needs. He returned a few moments later, with a small feast. The four of them surveyed it.

"Thanks James," three chorused, and dove into the pile. A grin spread across James's face. They ate until their stomachs were full, and chatted amiably. The train click-clacked along the track, a constant comforting sound as they continued to Hogwarts. Sherlock  was dozing, his whole body vibrating with the force of his purrs. The four friends sat in contentment. That was until a sudden screeching noise interrupted their peace.

"Bloody hell, what was that?" Sirius yelped as he and Cassi were slammed backwards into their seats. The remainder of the food slid towards her and Sirius, with James and Remus nearly on top of the table, having been thrown forward.

"The train's stopped." Remus said in confusion.

"No sh-" Sirius began to reply, when he was stopped by the loudspeaker.

"We apologise for the disturbance. There appears to be a fault in the tracks, and we are contacting Professor Dumbledore. Please be patient." The unemotional message ended with two chirpy beeps.

"Goodness. Now that is odd," Remus stated. The rest looked at him blankly. He explained. "They wouldn't drag our dear Albus out here unless they're seriously concerned. And obviously, an engineering problem is easy to fix, we are magic after all, although the tracks shouldn't have a fault in the tracks to begin with. The problem is: if they want to get Dumbledore, they must think that this has been done intentionally, and someone has attempted to sabotage the Hogwarts student population."

"Shoot. We'll be stuck out here for a while then, I imagine even Dumbledore can't overcome his own anti-apparition spell." Cassi added. James and Sirius groaned.

"Alright, shall we go bother everyone since we've got some extra time to kill?" Sirius suggested.

They had only just entered the corridor when they were met with a worried Charlie. He locked eyes with Cassi as he came rushing up.

"Is everyone okay?" He checked them all and spotted the mess inside their carriage. "Oh dear, that's no good."

"We are perfectly fine, no need to stress." James said calmly. Everyone nodded their agreement.

"Are you quite alright Charlie?" Remus sounded concerned.

"Oh me, I'm fine, but this has never happened before you know. I just wanted to make everyone was safe."

"Look, why don't you come in, and we'll arrange a cup of tea," Cassi suggested, to Charlie's relief.

The group cleaned up a little, so by the time a tray of tea had arrived, the carriage looked presentable. The loudspeaker chirped, and the bored voice spoke clearly.

"Blankets and pillows will be delivered to each carriage shortly, and professors have arrived to assess the situation. We expect to arrive at Hogwarts by 3am, so feel free to get some sleep."
Almost immediately there was a sharp knock on their door. Sirius invited Professor McGonagall inside, and she dropped a few blankets and pillows from a large pile on the ground unceremoniously.

"Everyone alright?" She sounded a little tense.

"Yeah, we're fine. Is everything okay?" James spoke for the group.

"Absolutely. Albus has it all sorted, it's an easy fix. I shall see you in class later." With that, she turned and left the carriage, taking her pile with her.
Cassi shrugged and started handing out the pillows and rugs. They talked a while longer, but as the outside light faded, they soon fell asleep.

A few hours passed quickly, and a light knock rapped on their door. Cassi lifted her head from the table. James had stolen her pillow from the other side of the table and was sprawled over  two. The carriage had reverted to chaos in the hours everyone had been asleep. She started shaking the people closest to her gently.

"Wake up, the trains moving again, and people are at the door." She whispered, and the boys began to rouse themselves. She stood up, dislodged Sirius's head, which was on her arm, and carefully stepped over Charlie as she made her way to the door. Opening it revealed Lily with her friends, Marlene, Alice, Dorcas, and Mary. Cassi smiled at them, she must have looked quite a sight, on side of her face red from the table, her black hair sticking up in various directions. The disgruntled boys exchanged looks behind her before squishing over to make room. Cassi moved aside to allow the girls in.

"Sorry for waking you up, we just wanted to say hi before we arrive," Alice said cheerfully. "We also thought you might be asleep, and decided it would be better if we woke you, seeing as plenty of people would love the opportunity to catch you out like this."

"Thank you, I guess" Cassi spoke sleepily. The boys repeated the sentiment as the newcomers made themselves comfortable. "How have you all been?"

"Not bad," Lily said, "Sev's been driving me insane." James looked up hopefully and Remus kicked him.

"That sucks Lily, are you alright?" Remus asked in sympathy while James rubbed his leg ruefully.

"Yeah, just glad that I'll get some more space away from him now, and can focus on more important things, like schoolwork." Everyone nodded in agreement. "I'm excited to meet our new Care of Magical Creatures teacher."

"What?" Cassi said with mild interest.

"Kettleburn is taking leave, his wife is about to have a baby, according to Marlene."
Marlene nodded, it was common knowledge that her family and Kettleburn's were close friends.

"He's being replaced by some guy named Darcy Anderson." Cassi froze. She knew Darcy. She knew him very well.
He was her racing coach.