The Marauders & The Metamorphmagi

Fourth Year Studying

Returning to Hogwarts for the fourth year was different from the previous three. Perhaps it was being halfway through the education or the new expectations placed upon each student. Or maybe it was the dark shadow of the growing threat of war hanging over the entire wizarding world. Voldemort was growing in power—no one could deny that. His followers were growing in numbers, and his influence was getting stronger with every passing day.

"Alright, Pumpkin Head," called James, throwing his words to Allegra and her group of friends, reminding them of the chaos at the end of last year. The last week had been filled with students standing up to the group of girls; the older students hadn't done much in the way of stopping it; prefects had turned the other way with a quiet chuckle while the head boy and girl of the houses had simply instructed the younger students on their method. By the time the professors had come around to investigate, it was as if nothing had happened at all.

"Shut up, Potter," yelled Allegra in response. Her voice was harsh and colder than normal. Tucked under her arm were a few books on Dark Arts. Since returning to school for the fourth year, Allegra had changed too. Spending her time studying Dark Arts, Charms, Potions, and dangerous Magical Creatures. It wasn't uncommon for Allegra to be in detention now, openly being mean to others around her outside her little group of friends. Everything about her had changed, as if she'd undergone a dark makeover during the holidays, something Isolde had confirmed.

"What is it with all the changes lately?" asked Peter, noticing others had also begun to change. Marlene had lost her mind filters over the summer holidays when she'd once been polite with her wording. She was anything but to those who dared torment her now. Lily and Snape had become more distant as if a rift had formed between them. Isolde had gained confidence now, where she'd once been afraid to show affection to those she loved both romantically and plutonically. She now pridefully displayed it.

(Y/N) was about the only girl to remain the same; although more sensible than before, she was still as clumsy as ever, mischievous, and curious about everything. Hunter still needed to keep her on track and out of trouble.

"We're older now, mate; we're expected to start acting like it," began Sirius, recalling McGonnagal's visit to the tower mere days after the welcoming feast. She'd made it clear that she expected those of the fourth year and upwards to set a good example for younger students; they were young adults, after all, and it was time they began to act like it. "Plus, some are vying for Prefect next year."

"Pfft, who wants that responsibility?" James said, acting offended by the idea of being a prefect. All the responsibility, no fun, and having to run around after younger students. Nothing about it appealed to him, although the idea of winding one up was something he'd enjoy doing. "Sounds like a nightmare to me. Can you imagine chasing Wolffe around the castle?"

"Don't we already do that?" asked Remus, a chuckle flowing from his lips mere seconds later. "She's not called the Bane of Hogwarts for nothing."

"Never did find out how she got old Peeves to listen to her," commented James, recalling witnessing the chaos the poltergeist caused at (Y/N)'s request—everything from popping out of blackboards to following people around making farting noises. A few unlucky ones had been locked in suits of armor or had things dropped on them.

"Speaking of Wolffe, we've barely seen her since the holidays," stated Peter, recalling (Y/N) hadn't been in the train compartment with them. Most of the time, he'd seen her during breakfast and dinner, but after that, it was as if she just disappeared entirely. Immediately Remus glanced over to Sirius, suspecting the pureblood could shed light on the mystery. When his eyes found Sirius, however, the fizzy-haired wizard seemed lost in thought; sadness swam in his icy eyes.