The Marauders and the House of Black

Chapter Three: Back in the Swing of Things

The first week at Hogwarts had gone by quite smoothly and it seemed that all of the students, both new and old, were well-adjusted. The Marauders were genuinely happy to be back in the dorm with each other and in only a few days they were already back in their old habits– although Sirius was barely managing to wake up in time every morning.

Nevertheless, each day the boys managed to make it down to their classes only being tardy a few times. Today, the first class on their schedule was Transfiguration, a personal favourite of James'. Since the year had started, Professor McGonagall was secretly happy to have the Marauders back on campus as things always seemed more interesting with them around. But the love of a teacher, or mentor for that matter, is always one of structure and discipline, and in that regard, the professor never fell short.

"It is so nice that we have gotten back into practise with our spell work!" Professor McGonagall praised. "I would like to commend you all on the tremendous improvement from last year into this one. I do hope you all kept up your practicing in anticipation of this term. While many of you may find it unfortunate, I would like you to all hear me out." The students, even those who were not paying attention before, began listening now to hear what kind of bad news they would be receiving. "Before we continue learning tangible work, I would first like to discuss techniques and history for a few weeks. That being said, I will be sending you all away with written assignments."

Several complaints were murmured across the classroom, an uproar that was highly contributed by the Marauders. It seemed that all of the Gryffindor students were just itching to start learning newer and more complex magic. Their professor tutted in response to their audible disapproval.

"Now now! You haven't even heard the topic, what if it is interesting."

"All due respect, Professor." Sirius began, which was already a poor choice of words. "I honestly don't think anything you assign us will be all that interesting"

"Watch your tone, Mister Black!" McGonagall scolded. "I would hate for you to serve detention this early in the year."

"You better watch it," James whispered. "She might make you serve detention on the day of Quidditch tryouts."

Sirius' face ran pale in realisation. Quidditch tryouts were in only a few days and if he wanted to make it he would need to be on the straight and narrow until then. "Sorry, Professor!" He apologised quickly.

"Apology accepted, but you have been warned," her stern voice paired with the purposeful glare over the top of her glasses really made the message sink in.

For the rest of the class and the rest of the week for that matter, both Sirius and James were on their best behaviour, by their standards at least. When Saturday finally rolled around, the pair were on the Quidditch pitch with several other Gryffindor students.

"Hello! I am the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team," A tall and lanky boy was addressing the students around him, from the build the two Marauders present assumed he was a beater. "I am so excited to see so many of you out here, but you should know that we are pretty limited on spots this year. Actually, we are only looking for three positions: a beater, a chaser, and an alternate. Understood?" Everyone nodded fervently. "Any of you who came here in pursuit of anything else may leave now if they wish."

In the moments after the captain's speech, a few students decided to leave, the current seeker, a fairly tall girl with large cat-eye glasses, shouted after them in a cheery tone, "I hope to see you all next year!"

"Thanks, Margot," Their captain said with a smile. "Now with all of the introductions out of the way, let's get started."

"You never told them your name," A short boy interjected, the boys recognised him as one of the team's chasers.