The Marauder's Tale [MOONY, WORMTAIL, PADFOOT, & PRONGS]

XXIV. Fourth Year

"You behave yourself at school this year," Mrs. Potter admonished as she hugged James good bye at King's Cross. She released him, and looked deep into his eyes. "I don't want to get anymore owls about you being in detention."

"I'll try," James grinned, winking at Sirius.

"James, you need to get your head on straight," his father sighed. He gripped James' shoulder. "You need to focus on your future. You can't spend the rest of your life hexing people just for the fun of it."

James grinned. "I know, Dad."

Mr. Potter sighed again. "Sirius, I'd tell you to keep him in line, but I'm sure you're not much better."

"He's not," James said helpfully. "Every time I'm in detention, he's there with me."

"Actually, that's not true," Sirius grinned. "We usually get assigned separate detentions now. They've figured out that we're friends."

Mrs. Potter sighed, and looked past him. "Well, maybe this one can keep you out of trouble, then."

James and Sirius turned to see Remus walking toward them. They both grinned, and waved enthusiastically.

"Hey!" Remus said as he joined them. "How was your summer?"

"Great," James grinned. "It wasn't as much fun after you and Peter left, but I think we had a good time."

"We did," Sirius agreed.

"Remus," Mrs. Potter said, smiling at him, "it's wonderful to see you again! We really enjoyed having you this summer."

"Thanks again for everything," Remus smiled.

"Oh, it was nothing," Mrs. Potter said with a wave of her hand. "Next summer, you'll have to stay longer."

"If I can," Remus said, his smile fading a bit. He had stayed until the last possible moment, leaving the day before the full moon.

"Remus' parents keep him pretty busy over the summer," James said quickly.

Mr. Potter nodded. "That's good." He smiled. "Look, Remus, do you think that you could keep James in line this year? These detentions are getting a bit absurd."

Remus grinned. "I can try, Mr. Potter, but I don't think I'll be able to do much good."

Mr. Potter sighed. "I was worried about that."

The train's whistle sounded, reminding everyone that they only had a few minutes before it left. Mrs. Potter handed Owl's cage to James.

"Boys, you'd better get on the train," she said. She hugged all three of them. "We'll see you at Christmas! BEHAVE, James!"

James grinned, and waved one last time as he stepped aboard the Hogwarts Express. He turned from his parents to follow Sirius and Remus to the last compartment at the very end of the train. They didn't even have to discuss it anymore; they all knew that was where they were going to sit.

"Fourth year," Sirius sighed as they settled themselves in the compartment. "Can you believe it? We're old, guys."

"Speak for yourself," James laughed. "I like to think of myself as being quite youthful."

Remus looked from one to the other, and rolled his eyes. "You're both ridiculous, and you know it."

"And we're proud of it," Sirius grinned. "Where's Peter?"

"Right here." Peter appeared at the door, dragging his trunk behind him. "Hey, guys."

"Hey!"

They helped Peter store his belongings, and sat down again just as the train started to move. James stared out the window, watching the family members waving farewells to the students on board. As they left the station behind, he turned back to his friends.