The Marauders and the Year it All Began

Chapter Five: A New Year

Rain fell down in heavy sheets as the boys trudged up to the Astronomy Tower and the group was shivering despite being wrapped up in their sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats. Being a mere 5º C outside, the boys were absolutely miserable, it was days like this that the students wish it was snowing, but unfortunately, it was just wet and freezing. Ascending the stairs, the boys felt like the tower couldn't possibly be any taller, as they reached the last few steps, they were met with the harsh cold of the open Astronomy Tower.

They were early for their midnight Astronomy class due to Remus' incessant nagging to ensure they weren't late. On the positive side, Remus got his wish and no one would be receiving detention for tardiness, however, on the negative side, the boy would have to stand in the cold weather longer than necessary. With the wind picking up and the temperature not budging an inch, even Remus was regretting their early arrival.

"I'm freezing my arse off up here," Sirius grumbled. "Hope you're happy Remus"

"We might've left a tad bit early," Remus admits guiltily.

"A tad?" James stated incredulously "If we'd left an earlier it would still be light out."

"Think you're being a little dramatic, James" Remus snorted.

"Whatever, mate." James laughed. "But you can't deny that you're freezing too."

"Of course I am! It's bloody five degrees out here!"

"Will you two stop bickering," Sirius cut in. "We need to grab a telescope before everyone else gets here or we'll have no chance of getting our homework right."

"Not that you do your homework," James muttered, laughing.

"Oh, and you're so much better?" Sirius snapped back. "You haven't turned in work since the first week of class."

"That's not true!" James defended.

"Yeah, c' mon, Sirius. That's not true" Remus agreed. "He made it to the second week at least." Both Remus and Sirius busted out into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. After a minute even James joined in. Calming down, the boys heeded Sirius' advice and found a telescope. They walked over and waited for class to start.

The lesson that day was particularly boring. The entire class period was dedicated to just looking at the star patterns they could see and the assignment that was given was to write ten inches about the change in patterns they had seen in the past month. This was not a strenuous task, but that didn't stop the boys' complaints. Back in the common room, the boys—which was really just Sirius and James— were still whining about the essay until nearly two in the morning, much to Remus and Peter's dismay.

"Would you give it a rest you two?" Remus sighed. "You can complain until you're blue in the face, but it won't do you any good"

"You have a whole week too" Peter piped in. "So you don't have to worry about it that much." Despite their undying need to 'protest the unfair burden that is their schoolwork', it appeared the boys were going to let the matter rest for now.

"Alright, it is late anyway." James relented.

"More like early" Remus muttered without the others hearing, but then spoke up in appreciation for the boys finally being quiet. "Thank you, and goodnight."

"Goodnight" The rest of his dorm mates responded and with that, finally, all was quiet in the dorm.

The next morning, all of Hogwarts was in the Great Hall for breakfast. As the students munched on their breakfast, the flurry of owls came in to deliver mail. A letter arrived for James from his parents, a parcel of treats for Peter from his mother, and the newspaper arrived for Sirius. It was a habit for Sirius to read through much of the Daily Prophet every morning at breakfast. James reckoned that Sirius was turning into a crotchety old man already, but Sirius could not help his interest in the happenings of the wizarding world. Today, he was especially displeased with the news and it was apparent by his facial expression.