Chapter 6! I'm so sorry that it took so long for me to finish this. I was gone at camp for two weeks and just recently returned. And tonight, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows comes out!!!!!!!!! I am so, amazingly excited! But I'm a little sad too. Harry Potter is going to be over now. But that's what fanfiction is for! Let me know what you guys think of the book once you read it! So sit back and enjoy the chapter! And don't forget to review…xD

Sirius looked out the window of the Hogwarts Express, trying to ignore the sinking in his stomach. Snow was falling lightly from the sky and creating a beautiful postcard out of the disappearing castle, but he felt like he was drowning in darkness. He was going back to his house for Christmas holidays.

"– isn't that right Sirius?" Sirius spun around to stare at James sheepishly. He plastered on a smile, determined not to drag his friends down into his mire of depression.

"Sorry, mate," Sirius smirked, "your babbling nearly put me to sleep. What was that?" James threw him a dirty look.

"I was just telling my wonderfully attentive friends, Remus and Peter here," James said slowly, as if that would drill it into Sirius's head, "that we all have to keep in touch over the holidays. We can use owl post."

"He's not stupid," Remus said, gesturing toward Sirius, "he just wasn't listening. I don't think talking slow will help any." James just made a face.

Sirius suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to throw his arms around his friends. They wouldn't forget him; he was quite sure of that. If he could simply survive the two weeks with his family, he'd be free to return to his real family at Hogwarts.

"Of course," Sirius choked out, quickly turning to stare out the window again. He could feel his throat tightening and the view through the window was becoming blurry.

The rest of the ride passed in relative silence. James and Remus played a game of exploding snap while Peter watched avidly. Sirius stared out the window, not noticing the furtive glances James and Remus stole at him.

Finally, they reached Platform 9 ¾ and it was time to get off the train. They grabbed their trunks and began to leave the compartments. Peter and Remus left, but as Sirius was about to leave, James grabbed his arm.

"Hey," James began as Sirius looked at him in surprise, "don't think I can't tell that you're dreading this." James paused awkwardly, but Sirius knew exactly what he was trying to say.

"Just," James continued, scuffing his foot on the floor, "just don't be too hard on yourself, okay? Make sure you write." James stared at his feet.

"Thanks," Sirius muttered gruffly, wishing he could reassure James somehow, "I will." James caught his eye and they smiled, as if they weren't about to be apart for two weeks.

"Let's go," James said, "Remus and Peter probably think we're planning something horrendous without them." Sirius cracked a grin and they went to join their fellow Marauders.

xXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

To Mister Sirius Orion Black

Number 12 Grimmauld Place

A dark, dank corner of rot

My dearest Siri-poo,

How's my darling doing locked away in the horrors of the Black family home? Are you being force fed bat brains and cricket legs to lead you away from the path of light and good? Really mate, I hope their treating you alright.

I'm having a right fine time here at home. My mum and dad are a little overly happy to have me home again. I mean really, I'm eleven years old. They don't need to act like I've left them alone and decrepit while I go have the adventure of a lifetime.

It's only been a day, and I'm already missing Hogwarts. Sad, isn't it? It's not the same without you mates. I changed all the silverware so that my mum tried to serve us soup with toothpicks, but it didn't feel the same without you.

You should come over next year, or maybe even this summer! My mum makes a wicked Christmas pudding. I know you won't be able to resist the delicious temptation of a Christmas pudding. You know you want it!

So how're you doing? Hope you're hanging in there. Write me soon. The boredom is going to kill me if you don't, and you wouldn't want me to die. Then who would you be able to bother Snape with?

The Lord of this World, James Potter

To Mister Remus Lupin

Somewhere in this world

Probably eating chocolate

Sir Remikins,

How's it going mate? I miss you, even in all your studiousness. How's your family? And where do you live anyway? I hope Geridyn, my owl, manages to find you. If this isn't Remus, please ignore this letter and all its insanity.

Anyway, what mischief have you been getting up to? Although, knowing you, you're probably reading. Reading for goodness sakes. Why would any sane person do that in their free time? Which just proves that you're insane. It's all right mate. You blend in better with us!

Write back soon! I'm fading away here at home. No Slytherins to play with in my free time. I've been reduced to wandering aimlessly through my house.

Your dearest James Potter

To Mister James Potter

Number 32 Chestridge Way

In a never-ending hallway

Dear James (or should I say Jamie-poo?),

I've been fine. I miss you mates too. I didn't realize how much I missed Hogwarts until I was reading in silent peace and was bothered by it. I guess I've spent too much time with you and Sirius never letting me get a moments peace. It's a scary thought, really.

Reading is a wonderful pastime that enriches the mind. You should try it sometime. And I'm perfectly sane, thank you very much. It's you and Sirius who are the insane ones. At least I don't go around talking nonsense to walls, or go wandering aimlessly through my house.

I live at Number 13 Wrenshire Lane. Sorry, I didn't realize I hadn't given you my address. And your Geridyn found me without too much trouble; she only had a few ruffled feathers. I'm going to keep her overnight to let her rest and then return her to you with this letter. Hopefully this will help alleviate your boredom, if only for the few minutes it takes you to read it.

Slytherins are not your toys. You have way too much fun tormenting them; I don't think it's a healthy addiction. I hope you're doing well and aren't causing too many problems for your folks.

Yours,

Remus

To Mister Peter Pettigrew

Number 67 Pentrone Drive

Picking feathers out of his pillow

Dearest Petey,

How's it going mate? Life treating you alright? How're the folks? Why am I asking you all these questions?

I miss you! Home is not the same as Hogwarts. I'll be glad to see you when we get back. Write back soon or I will suffer from a long death from boredom. And what would you do then? So you must write soon. Let me know how your holiday is going.

I'm off to eat some Christmas pudding now! Remember, you must write to me.

Your Lord and Master, James Potter

To Mister Sirius Black

Number 12 Grimmauld Place

Eating down his poor mum's house

Dear Sirius,

How are you mate? How's the holiday treating you? I hope you're enjoying your time off of school. Don't forget to do you holiday work.

My mum and dad are really happy to have me home. They're even more happy that I've made friends. It's really nice to see them again, but I miss you mates too. I can't wait to see you again at Hogwarts.

I've been reading a really interesting book on enchantments recently. I know you hate reading, but you really should read this. You might get some ideas for pranks, if you don't fall asleep first.

Anyway, write back soon! I hope you're doing all right.

Yours,

Remus

To Mister James Potter

Number 32 Chestridge Way

Wonderfully bored at home

Hi James! I'm good, thank you for asking! Sorry you're so bored, mate. Wish I could do something but I'm stuck at home. My mum is way too excited to have me here. She won't let me out of her sight.

I miss you too.

Peter

To Mister Sirius Black

Number 12 Grimmauld Place

Hopefully alive still

Hey mate, how are you? I still haven't heard from you. Maybe your owl has your sense of direction and got lost?

Well, I hope you're doing alright. I miss having you around and I'm soon going to die of boredom here. There's nothing to do except help my mum around the house and I am truly terrible at that.

How was your Christmas? I got some awesome presents. The best was from my dad, but I'll wait until we're at school to show you. It's absolutely amazing though. I know you'll love it. I think I ate just a tad too much pudding; I actually had to change clothes because I no longer fit in my jeans.

The Fat Pudding Monster, James

To Mister Remus Lupin

Number 13 Wrenshire Lane

Reading a horribly boring book

Remi-poo,

Haha! We have corrupted you, you good student you! Now, you can no longer concentrate and study like the good child you used to be. Mwahahaha!!

Books are evil. Evil I tell you! They eat your mind and then you become insane and talk to walls. Soon, Remus, you too shall be one of the terrible talk-to-wall zombies. We must save you from that terrible fate! And we do that by bothering you.

Slytherins are my toys. That's all they are good for, and you can't dispute that. And they're fun to play with! I look forward to tormenting them when we return to school.

Have you heard from Sirius? I know I might just be overly suspicious, but I've sent him two letters and he hasn't responded at all. Maybe he doesn't want to talk to me, but he was really happy when we mentioned keeping in touch. I hope his folks are treating him alright.

Your letter helped a little with the boredom. I was interested in something for about thirty seconds! Let me know what else is up.

Less bored than before,

James

To Mister James Potter

Number 32 Chestridge Way

Dying a slow death of boredom

Jamie,

No! I can feel myself slipping away. Where has the studious me gone? What have you done to me? I'll have to use the rest of the holiday to regain my good old self.

Books are a wonderful thing that make the world go around. I don't understand how you get along with never reading a book. Maybe if you read, you wouldn't be the insane one who talks to walls. I'm the sane one here.

I give up. There is no way I'll be able to convince you not to toy with the Slytherins. Oh well, at least I tried.

I haven't heard from Sirius either. I would say he's just toying with us, but I don't think that's the case. I think he might not even be receiving our letters. He'd probably write back if he did. I really hope he's alright.

There are only three more days until we return to Hogwarts, so we will see Sirius then. And we'll all be back together! I look forward to seeing you again.

Yours,

Remus

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

James waited impatiently on Platform 9 ¾ for the rest of the Marauders to arrive. He had already saved a compartment on the train but was now waiting outside with his parents for his friends.

He bounced impatiently, never staying still for more than a moment. He knew his mother was talking, but it seemed like no more than background buzzing. His eyes scanned the crowds.

Finally he spotted Peter nearly being dragged across the platform by his mum. James waved excitedly, cutting off his mum in mid sentence. Peter waved back but was scrambling after his mum so didn't stop to say anything.

Then he saw Remus walking along with his parents and his shabby trunk. Remus was heading straight for him with a spring in his step.

"Hey mate," Remus said shyly as he reached James, "how are you?" He then turned to James's parents. "Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter," he said as he inclined his head.

"Oh no, dear, just call us Arlene and John," James's mum said, bending down to hug Remus. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Hello Mr. and Mrs. Lupin." She shook Remus's parents' hands.

"Hey," James grinned thumping Remus on the back, "I'm good, now that you made your slow way over. How have you been? Reading those evil books again?"

"Yep," Remus smiled, "and I've learned a ton from them. And I'm still not talking to walls." James made a face.

"Have you seen Sirius?" James asked quietly. "I've been looking and I saw Peter, but I haven't seen Sirius." Remus shook his head, looking worried.

"I know I arrived late," Remus said, "so it can't be good if he's not here yet. But he'll get here, I know he will."

James and Remus chatted about their Christmases while their parents talked. But their eyes were constantly scanning the crowds, looking for a familiar head of shaggy hair.

Eventually, the train's whistle blew, and Sirius still wasn't in sight. James and Remus looked at each other anxiously.

"You go on the train," James said, "I'll wait for a little longer." Remus nodded uncertainly and boarded the train. James stood on the platform, almost the last student not yet onboard the train.

With reluctance, James turned to board the train as it began to blow smoke. He wanted desperately to wait but couldn't let the train leave without him. Turning to look once more, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

A shaggy black-haired figure was weaving through the milling crowd toward the train. Sirius had finally arrived!

James jumped down and ran to Sirius. With a grin, he clapped Sirius on the back and grabbed a handle of his trunk. The two boys dragged the trunk to the train and boarded just as the wheels began to turn.

"Whew," James gasped as they made their way to the compartment, "that was close. You're a man of excitement, eh?" Sirius didn't answer as James slid open the door.

"Hi," Remus smiled, "I thought you were going to be left behind." James grinned and ran a hand through his hair. Sirius put up his trunk and then sat in the corner.

Remus raised an inquisitive eyebrow at James who just shrugged. James flopped into an open seat and looked at Sirius carefully from under his bangs.

James nearly winced as he studied his best friend. At first glance, Sirius looked a little thin but otherwise in good health. Maybe he had a few scratches, but he was an active boy.

But James knew better. Sirius might seem physically fine, but he wasn't completely there. The Sirius that James knew was lively and upbeat. The Sirius sitting in the corner had dull eyes and was despondent. Something was definitely wrong.

"Let's play a game of exploding snap," James suggested. "It'll be me and Sirius against Remus and Peter." Peter instantly agreed, and after a glance at Sirius, Remus agreed as well. Sirius continued to stare out the window.

"Oy, mate," James said. When Sirius didn't respond, James decided to change tactics. "Sirius," he nearly yelled, "get your bum over here and play the game!"

Sirius flinched at his tone of voice but complied without ever meeting his eyes. James frowned; this wasn't what he had expected. The game passed awkwardly and Sirius barely said a word.

James was almost relieved when the train stopped and they hopped on the horseless carriages. But the silence still wasn't broken. Finally, James couldn't take it anymore.

"Did you receive our letters?" James asked Sirius. Sirius finally looked up.

"You wrote?" Sirius asked, looking interested for the first time on the entire trip.

"Of course you pig-head," James scoffed. "You didn't actually think I wouldn't write after what we said on the train did you?" When Sirius didn't say anything, James's eyes widened. "Oh blimey, you did."

"My mum must've intercepted them all," Sirius muttered. "I thought that might be it, but I wasn't sure." He trailed off into silence again.

James was fuming. He hated Sirius's parents; he truly did. What else had they done to Sirius? But he didn't think jumping off the train and returning to London by foot to strangle the Blacks would do any good.

"So mates," he said with forced calm, "how about the lovely weather we're having?" Remus stared at him blankly and Sirius burst into sniggers.

"That is the worst try at small talk that I have ever heard," Sirius chortled. James pretended to be offended but was rejoicing inside. The rest of the trip back to Hogwarts was filled with laughter as the boys caught up on everything they had missed.

They hopped off the carriages and worked their way up to Hogwarts. Sirius hadn't felt so happy since they had parted. He was finally able to push the events of the past two weeks to the back of his mind and just enjoy himself.

But as they climbed up the steps to the front doors, a reminder of his family reared its ugly head.

"Watch it, scum," sneered a cold voice. Lucious Malfoy brushed past the four boys, shoving Sirius and nearly knocking him over.

With a snarl, Sirius charged before anyone could react. Lucious went flying, landing with a satisfying thud on the hard, stone steps.

"You're the scum, you piece of –" Sirius began.

"Really?" Lucious hissed. "Because I thought you were the one who was a disgrace. I heard your dear mum had a field day when you returned home."

Sirius's face paled and his eyes became murderously black. Without hesitating, he began to beat Lucious's face into a bloody pulp. A crowd had formed around them, but at Lucious's shrieks, several Slytherins tried to attack Sirius.

But Sirius was beyond fear now and was blind to danger. As a burly friend of Lucious grabbed Sirius's shoulder, Sirius decked him straight in the nose. The boy stumbled back and fled from the fight.

This continued until three fifth year Slytherins converged on Sirius and dragged him viciously off Lucious. They held him tightly and carried him over to a cold voice.

"Well, well," sneered Bellatrix, "look what I have here." She smiled cruelly as Sirius tried to break free of the three boys and got punched for his efforts.. "I'm sure your mum will thank me for this." She raised her wand, and that was when James jumped in.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" yelled James. An unsuspecting Bellatrix was raised in the air, and with a flick of his wand, James sent her flying to the side. He then turned his wand on the three boys, who looked at him with terrified eyes and fled.

James rushed to Sirius who had a bloody nose and lip. He was about to ask how he was when Sirius shoved him to the side. James gave an indignant yelp but was silenced when Sirius when flying ten feet back.

James turned and saw Bellatrix with her wand pointed at where he had been standing a second ago. Her hair was a mess and her eyes were burning with a deranged light. Sirius was sprawled on the floor with Slytherins surrounding him.

"You dare," she hissed at Sirius, "you dare to try to thwart me?" She took a menacing step forward. Sirius flinched involuntarily, fear in his eyes for the first time that night. Bellatrix noticed and gave a shrill laugh.

"You risk yourself for your worthless friend, and now you'll have to pay," she trilled coldly. "Scared?" She took another step forward, wand held in front of her.

And she suddenly went flying as a dark blur tackled her. James knocked her wand out of her hand and pinned her to the ground. He raised a fist to hit her.

"STOP!" yelled an authoritative voice. Everyone froze as they were; James with a fist in the air and the Slytherins ready to attack Sirius.

Professor McGonagall stepped out from the doors to the Great Hall, her eyes shooting sparks of fury. She walked down to where the fight had frozen.

"A fight?" she asked, voice trembling with anger. "Not even inside the school doors yet, and there is already a fight?" She pointed at all the students in the fight. "All of you, detention for two weeks. You too, Mr. Malfoy. Meet me at seven tomorrow."

She turned and swept back into the school. People began to slowly follow her. James stayed with Sirius and the other two Marauders until they were the last ones outside.

"Care to tell me what that was about?" James asked angrily. He looked hard at Sirius, who stared at his hands, blood dripping from his nose.

"You should both go to Madam Pomfrey," Remus interjected softly into the silence. James glanced at him in surprise. Remus pointed to his forehead, and James touched the spot to find warm stickiness. He had been cut when Sirius pushed him out of the way of Bellatrix's curse.

James looked at Sirius and noticed that he was much worse off than he had been earlier. Aside from the bloody nose and lip, Bellatrix's curse and his fall had torn up his robe and he had a black eye and numerous cuts and bruises.

"Yeah," James said quietly, "we'll go. Why don't you and Peter go the Great Hall to eat? We don't want to keep you from dinner."

"We don't mind goi –" Peter began, but Remus cut him off.

"Sure, we'll go," Remus said. "And Sirius, don't be too hard on yourself." Sirius tried to give Remus a smile. Remus grabbed Peter's robe and dragged him into the Great Hall, looking back over his shoulder at Sirius and James.

Sirius continued to stare at his hands, heedless of his injuries and the blood dripping from his nose. He could feel James still staring at him, and he was almost more afraid of James's questions than of Bellatrix.

"You're bleeding," James finally said. Sirius glanced up. That was all James was going to say?

"Really?" Sirius responded sardonically. "I didn't notice. And you're bleeding too." He grinned slightly.

"You're not going to tell me what happened are you?" James sighed. Sirius looked down again. What could he say? He didn't want to alienate his friends but he couldn't talk about his family.

He nearly jumped in surprise when a hand touched his shoulder. He looked up at James and then down again.

"It's fine if you don't want to talk about it," James said. Sirius felt his throat burning. "Just don't let what your mum or the Slytherins say get to you. They're all bloody idiots, and you're better than all of them."

James stopped and coughed awkwardly. He was knocked off balance and Sirius threw his arms around him hugged him hard.

"Thank you," whispered Sirius. He didn't care if he looked like a fool or seemed weak at the moment. All that mattered was that James cared about him. He didn't deserve such wonderful friends.

"No, thank you," James retorted, hugging Sirius back. Sirius stepped back and looked at him in confusion.

"What for?" he asked.

"For pushing me out of the way," James replied. "I would've been blasted pretty badly by Bellatrix if you hadn't."

"Oh," Sirius said softly, "no problem." James smiled.

"Alright," James said, "let's go the Hospital Wing and get fixed up. I can't have a scratch marring my beautiful face!" He ducked as Sirius took a swipe at his head.

"Self-obsessed moron," Sirius grinned. James wrinkled his nose, but then broke into laughter.

"Fine then, Mr. Black," James said suavely, "let's go to the Hospital Wing so that we can fix up that pretty boy face of yours." Sirius rolled his eyes but followed James into Hogwarts with a light heart.