Moonlit Bonds: The Tale of Moony and Snowy

Chapter 59 - Start of Year 4

The Hogwarts Express was a familiar sight as it chugged into view, its scarlet engine gleaming in the morning sun. The Marauders—James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Eliza—gathered on Platform 9¾, their summer tans and relaxed smiles belying the mischief already brewing in their minds. As they boarded the train, they found an empty compartment, their chatter filled with tales of summer exploits and plans for the coming year.

"We're really going to do it this year," James said, his voice brimming with excitement as he unfolded the Marauder's Map, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

Remus nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "We just need a few more passages, and it'll be complete."

Eliza, sitting close to Remus, felt a surge of warmth. Over the summer, they hadn't spoken about the kiss they shared at the end of last term, and it had weighed heavily on her mind.

"Remus," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly, "we need to talk."

He looked at her, his eyes reflecting a mix of hope and nervousness. "Yeah, we do."

They slipped out of the compartment, finding a quiet corner in the bustling train. The sounds of excited students filled the air, but in their small nook, it felt like they were the only two people in the world.

"I've thought about that kiss every day," Remus admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I care about you, Eliza. I just... I didn't know how to say it."

Eliza smiled, her heart racing as she reached out to take his hand. "I care about you too, Remus. I want to be with you, but maybe we should keep it between us for now. At least until we figure things out."

He nodded, relief washing over his features as he squeezed her hand. "I'd like that."

They returned to the compartment, finding the rest of the Marauders in the middle of a lively discussion. James's eyes were glued to the window. "Lily Evans," he muttered dreamily as the redhead walked by, oblivious to his gaze. "This is the year I'm going to make her see that I'm serious."

Sirius smirked, his arms folded across his chest. "Good luck with that, mate. She's turned you down every year."

James grinned, unperturbed. "Just wait and see. This year will be different."

Peter looked skeptical but hopeful. "Maybe if you stop showing off so much, she might actually notice you."

James shrugged off the comment, his confidence unwavering. "I've got a plan. Trust me."

As the train rolled through the countryside, the conversation shifted to their plans for the year ahead. They talked about refining their Animagus abilities, perfecting the Marauder's Map, and of course, the pranks they intended to pull.

"So, what do we have planned for the first full moon of the term?" Peter asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

"We'll explore that new passage we found last year," Sirius said, leaning back with a satisfied grin. "Remus, you'll lead us, as usual."

Remus smiled, his heart warmed by the unwavering support of his friends. "Of course. And with all of us in our Animagus forms, we can go places we couldn't before."

The train chugged along, the Marauders' compartment filled with laughter and camaraderie. The anticipation of the new school year, the challenges they would face, and the adventures they would have, created a buzz of excitement that was almost palpable.

"Here's to another year at Hogwarts," James declared, raising an imaginary glass.

"To Hogwarts," they all echoed, their voices mingling with the rhythmic clatter of the train tracks, as the familiar landscape of the wizarding world rushed past the window.