Losing Time [OPEN]

[310000509]

Skill. Power. Essence. it wasn't enough to simply know they existed in your aura. You had to feel them, utilize them, become them. Age may temporarily limit, but lifetimes are long and everyday is a chance to get strong.

Reid Avery was temporarily limited by his age, but only just barely. He had women swooning at his feet, looks for which others would kill, inferiors kissing the soles of his feet, a reputation that stretched past many others. Age did not limit his success, it seemed, but his accessibility. This was a real shame because he had so much to offer to the world, but for now he'd have to live with making the occupants of Hogwarts flock at his presence.

This wasn't hard for him--all he had to do was show up, which I guess could be considered hard for something he considered below worth his time--and he only had one more year to suffer through until his true chance at potential came along. After all, it was one more year to hone up his skills. First years made excellent targets for new spell trajectories. And he still had a few more acceptable girls left in Hogwarts he hadn't messed around with.

And it was with these thoughts that Reid Avery entered the Hogwarts Express, not with nostalgic thoughts about his other six first days of school or plans to make this "the best year ever!!" that would fail miserably, but with an air of being forced into something he didn't want to do and bidding his time. Maybe if he was lucky, the school year would go quickly.

Hopefully at least it wasn't too painful, but his luck so far pointed him in a sour direction. Where was the whole group he usually sat with on the train? So far he'd passed many first years discussing how the sorting worked (he told them it was decided by throwing them all off the north tower in turn and the severity of their injuries would decide their houses. Near death injuries indicated weakness, which meant they were a shoo-in for hufflepuff), second years trying to kiss up to older students (he kicked one until he cried out of boredness), and third years comparing their new signatures on all of their Hogsmeade permission forms (a simple flick of his wand and a tiny gryffindor girl's paper burst into flames, rendering her formless and quite charred. How was she going to Hogsmeade now, stupid brat?). But as for his fellow Slytherins? Nada. Nothing. With a groan of annoyance, he pushed forward.

Finally, he just gave up and pushed his way into an empty compartment. They could just come find him for all he cared. The compartment, of course, had someone else's luggage, but Reid could care less who had decided to try and save a compartment. Finder's Keepers, mates. But it turned out that he could sigh with relief. The luggage belong to Lucius Malfoy, meaning he was at least one step closer to decent company. But it was unlike Lucius to have a compartment alone and especially to not be in it. Where was he?

Poking his head out of the compartment, a smirk began to grow on Reid's face. How had he missed this upon entering the compartment? Lucius must have been really bored to waste his time on these blithering idiots so early into the school year, but Reid wasn't complaining. Temptation was staring him straight in the face and his wand was itching to try out some spell work he had been playing around with over the summer.

"Wasting your time on mudbloods and bloodtraitors? You must've been real bored mate or itching for some justice. Need some help? Because I'm looking for something to do, and hexing a few idiots would definitely perk up my day."

[narcissa]

Being a pureblood meant that you were clean of all muggle blood. That you were specifically "pure". Mudbloods had dirty blood. They did not come from magical blood, but had little magic in them. In Lilith Rayne's eyes, purebloods were superior. They didn't have to hope that magic would come to them, it ran through every cell in their body. They weren't tainted with muggle blood. They had the upper hand in the magical world, whether the mudbloods were willing to admit it or not. Eventually, they would.

Hogwarts housed both purebloods and mudbloods. To any logical pureblood, this was an outrage. People of pureblood were not to mix with those who had dirty blood. It was the most disgusting thing anyone could ever do. To marry one was worse and to have a family with one was the biggest crime to magic. People with pure blood needed to keep some sanity in the world, but with the lines slowly dwindling, there wasn't much left for purebloods to do. Except get rid of the mudbloods so that the blood traitors realized they didn't have many other options.

Lilith Rayne, Slytherin pureblood, strutted past many mudbloods on her way to a decent compartment. They simply looked filthy to her. It seemed they didn't even have any discretion for themselves, their hair going every which direction, their faces covered with acne, or stuffing their faces until their already larges stomachs showed from under their shirts they had bought at the beginning of the summer. Lilith tended to just crumble up her nose, knowing she was easily outnumbered.

Going back to Hogwarts reminded Lilith of many things, such as she would be with other purebloods, though she would be with many mudbloods as well. It was a give and take sort of relationship, but with the other purebloods, they could outnumber (or outpower) the mudbloods. It was a war that the purebloods could not and would not lose. The mudbloods would be gone if Lilith and the other purebloods had anything to do with it. And they definately would.

"Need some help? Because I'm looking for something to do, and hexing a few idiots would definitely perk up my day."

Lilith heard the voice of an old time friend, Reid Avery. A very attractive fellow, but that slid past Lilith's mind for the moment. As she approached the scene, she saw two Slytherins she recognized, looking into a compartment. Lilith approached and saw them looking in upon a group of Gryffindors. She immediately sneered and looked down at them. "Ugh. Knew I smelt filth. Tainting the wizarding world, the lot of you." Lilith hissed, knowing that this was what Lucius and Reid had been aiming for when approaching this lot.

[Sirius Black]

"Time came a-creeping,
oh, and time's a loaded gun"

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The tension in the compartment was palpable. Despite the way Sirius tried to portray himself as easy going at that very moment it took every ounce of restraint he had not to pull his wand on Lucius and jinx him a couple hundred times. He knew his lack of discipline would overcome him eventually but for the moment he tired to seem as lazy and nonchalant as possible, just because he knew it drove Lucius straight mad.

“Ohhh…ouch,” Sirius mocked as Lucius rage took the better of him. All Sirius could do was roll his eyes at the comment about his family. If Lucius thought bringing that lot up would make him reconsider everything he had a different thing coming. Sirius had long since dropped his Black family connection. He was only related by blood, not by heart.

“The only trash I see in this compartment is you Malfoy so how about you shove off and find Snivillus. I’m sure you two can bond over the grease in your hair or something,” he snapped. Despite his casual disposition, each muscle in his body was tense, ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

He hated the fact he had once been a part of what Lucius called a life. His pureblooded family and their ideologies were positively vile and they had tried and failed countless times to brainwashing him in thinking it was the right way. If it hadn’t been for James and the rest of the Marauders Sirius feared it would be him standing alongside Lucius with an evil sneer and a pompous attitude.

Just then the door opened again and in stepped Sirius’ best mate, James Potter. His Head Boy badge shining as he moved Sirius couldn’t help but smirk.

“Prongsee, you’re just in time,” Sirius said jubilantly, “I was just going to show our good pal Lucius hear the door. Would you like to do the honours or shall—“ Sirius was cut off almost immediately as the compartment door again opened.

The voice of the calming and sensible Remus Lupin entered as he tried to diplomatically excuse Lucius from the fold. Sirius shook his head. It was classic Moony to try and end a conflict with words instead of brawn. He had always been the sensible one. Sirius felt even better now that the reinforcements had come and they had turned out to be his best mates. With James on one side and Remus on the other Lucius really didn’t stand a chance. It was almost sad.

“Oh come on Moony, we can’t blame the guy for wanting to hang out with us,” he said with a laugh, “I think we’re a leg up from his usual company…can Crabbe do anything besides grunt anyway?”

Sirius’ sarcasm was getting carried away without him once more. This was not the usual hotheaded Sirius everyone was used to seeing but it worked just as well. Lucius had hated Sirius since before they had arrived at Hogwarts. His disregard for his bloodline and apparent “proper ethics” did far worse than any spell Sirius knew.

Lily was still going off in the background about badges, or Snape, or something. Over the years Sirius had become rather good at tuning the girl out for the most part. It wasn’t that she was annoying or anything---okay so maybe it was, but really who can find the energy to lecture as much as she did? Sirius’ attention was already on the compartment door. He knew Lucius not to be stupid enough to go looking for conflict without his band of lackeys to do his fighting for him. He moved his hand onto his leg so it was closer to his wand in his pocket. Still keeping it painfully casual, Sirius’ eye never left the door.

As if on cue the rather big Reid Avery bounded into the room, his large, square shoulder barely finding room in the now tightly packed compartment. He mumbled something Sirius knew Reid thought was witty retort as he sided with Lucius. Sirius again found himself rolling his eyes.

“Takes one to know one eh Avery?” Sirius said with a knowing stare. He had never thought Reid was the most clever of the Slytherins, “ But it’s nice of you to defend your boyfriend I’m sure he will thank you later.”

He let out a laugh as he looked over at his Marauder mates. Sirius had an idea of where this was going. He figured if he stayed quiet like Mary who had seemingly gone invisible on the seats, or spoke up and made a arse of himself like he was already doing there would be a fight at the end either way. He felt like he might as well get a few shots in before he beat them at their own little game.

"Ugh. Knew I smelt filth. Tainting the wizarding world, the lot of you."

And as if it were now a running joke another voice entered the fold. The small, dark haired girl known as Lilith Rayne tried to get her two cents in as she came to Lucius’ and Reid’s side. Sirius never had much contact with the girl but he knew what he heard. Despite her good looks, she was a vile thing.

“Yeah I know eh?” he said to Lilith, “They’ve been stinking up the compartment for the better part of the afternoon.” He added as he nodded towards Reid and Lucius.[/blockquote][/size]

[James Potter]

.

Ah, Remus, a nice addition to their ever-growing compartment. Now if only Peter could tear himself away from those delicious snacks - surely by now he was running out of room and gold? He didn't usually have much to offer a conversation like this one anyway. He would probably be huddled up close to Mary who had gone nearly invisible in her body's natural camouflage. He made a comment regarding James' badge, making his smile bigger. He pulled the badge up and kissed it "passionately." Well, as passionately as you could kiss an inanimate object. "Very much so. We're thinking of getting married in the spring. She says she's ready now, but I keep telling her the weather will be much nicer then. What do you think?"

Sirius looked all too serious right now. Well, it wasn't so much his looks that made him seem so angry, but shoulder-to-shoulder like this, James could feel his rigid body. He took one look from his friend to their mutual enemy and felt there might be a duel coming on very shortly. What a way to start a year off right... if it weren't for him being Head Boy and his Head Girl sitting right across from him. James probably could get away with causing a bit of trouble if Lily hadn't decided to join the compartment, though he surely wasn't going to complain. "You hear that, mate?" he asked, nudging Sirius in the ribcage. "Your best friend is getting married and I haven't even received a congratulations yet! What's this world coming to? And to think, I was going to ask you to be my best man!"

Lily's face had contorted. She didn't seem human at the moment, though she was attractive as ever. She had gone from some emotion that made her resemble a ghost, to this angry and bitter composure. She was in every way possible appearing to be a wolf in sheep's clothing right now. She had just looked so fragile, and yet here she was now looking like she might break her wand in half and tackle James. He almost started laughing at her sudden transformation out of that sickly appearance, but refrained. "Come now, Lily... if this is about the wedding, there's still that little part where the audience asked if anyone objects... you'll still have a say then." He nearly reached over and patted her leg, but thought it was best to keep his hand intact in case he needed to use his wand.

So many Slytherins had somehow filtered through and into the compartment. James was feeling too confident right now to let them bother him, but he had his eyes on the three of them. Lucius had seemed to check for a wand for a split second and it made James check for his as well. It would have been just his luck if he had left it in his trunk. "Ah, Avery, Lilith, it's so nice of you all to join us. We were just having a little party in celebration of the competence of Gryffindor!" he said, ignoring their previous statements. He pointed at his badge, giving a goofy smile of fake excitement. "See? Two Gryffindor Heads. What a surprise, right? I really did think it was going to be Lilith and one of you two guys... your academic behavior as well as your incredibly likeable personalities exceed Lily's and my own. It's a shame they consider looks in the matter, isn't it?"

[Lucius Malfoy]

.

Sirius looked far too relaxed to be in this situation, and Lucius' anger was written all over him - over his face, his body, his words. And here his adversary was so calm and collected, at least from what he could see. Making jokes while the insults continued to pile up just like the garbage. He watched as Lupin sat his happy self down next to the Mudblood. "Watch your mouth, Remus. My fight is with your pal here, not you. Stay out of it," he warned, turning attention once again toward Sirius, still seeming completely removed from the entire situation. It made Lucius want to throw his wand down and punch him in the square in the nose.

At that moment, Avery joined. He had spoken to Lucius, who seemed to still be a little off in his own world, because most of Avery's words had made little to no sense to him. "I don't need any help with this lot... just look at them," he explained, gesturing toward all of the Gryffindors. "They aren't exactly threatening, wouldn't you agree?" His gaze fell back toward Sirius, still causing him to consider pulling out that wand of his and throw some lovely little hex on him. He wondered who would be faster to the draw if it came down to it, and judging by Sirius' bland expression, he guessed it would be him. "But it’s nice of you to defend your boyfriend I’m sure he will thank you later," Sirius responded, making Lucius grit his teeth.

"Speaking of boyfriends," he said, shooting a look in James' direction, "if you think that yours will keep you safe, you're dead wrong. Your type deserves to be in the ground, and you will be soon enough." He fidgeted a little in his place, wondering how Lily might react to his threatening words. He guessed she liked to stay out of this sort of conflict as much as possible, and he knew she was never really impressed with Sirius Black, but it didn't change facts. Lucius had made a deliberate threat toward him in her presence, and as Head Girl, she might have a thing or two to say in light of the situation.

And it was just then that Lilith had fallen in behind the two Slytherins, and was beginning to feel just that much more comforted. Although he would never admit it out loud, it was starting to concern him that he was the only person fighting for his side. It was a little unsettling to have the two Heads at the school and another Prefect fighting for the opposing side, no matter who they were.

To anyone standing from a neutral standpoint, the Slytherins had very little argument to support their cause. However, to them, blood was all that mattered, and this was beyond reason enough to attack the lot of them. Sirius and James were both making their jokes, but still Lucius' attention was held steadily by Sirius. "Don't get me started. You reek of wet dog, Black. Some of us have families who can afford to let us bathe more than once a month." He pretended to think for a moment, and then hit his forehead lightly with his palm. "Oh, wait, that's right, you did have a family like that! So you should remember what it was like then? Bet you're regretting your silly moves now."

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[Remus Lupin]

& I WAKE UP EVERY EVENING
WITH A BIG SMILE ON MY FACE
( and it never seems out of place )

"Malfoy, I thought purebloods were suppose to be prim, proper, and perfect. Not rude, repulsive and ridiculous." Remus raised an eyebrow at Sirius and how he was encouraging the impending fight. A train, of all things, was the least perfect place to break out in a duel. First of all no fights ever did break out. Maybe bitter words but students usually contained them selves and were smart enough to know better. But this was Sirius and he was too headstrong for his own good. "Watch it mate, so far a majority here are prefects and even the two heads and I'm pretty sure some of us aren't afraid to give you the worst detention with Filch as possible," he said, in reference to both himself and Lucius. Remus' bad mood was not being helped with Sirius' speaking before thinking habit he had going on. Then of course, they had to be joined by two more Slytherins who were just as eager to fight. Maybe it had been best if Remus had just stayed with the younger years.

Now, James was snogging his head boy badge. The badge that should have been Remus'. Remus bit the inside of his cheek to keep from freaking out at his friend. "As long as you don't start honeymooning until then. Frankly I'd rather not see any honeymooning, at all," Remus kept from giving a pouty look. The last thing he needed was his friend to harp on him for being a sore loser; especially in front of Slytherin prefects or just Slytherins in general. Talk about going from being ignored by them to being picked on them and center of their cruel attention.

Lily had started going of on some rant. As usual. As much as Remus enjoyed Lily's one-on-one company, in a group she got rather loud and it was not very appealing. Over the years Remus had learned to tune her out very easily, which considering how loud she was, was not hard to do at all. Remus rolled his hands into fists and rested his chin on them as he glanced over at Mary. Truly, the girl seemed more worried than she needed to be. Lucius was just a small dog with a big bark. Lily was in the way, and if it was not for that factor Remus would have been offering kind words while everyone else was trying to talk them selves up. He wasn't sure why that was bothering him so much, but for now he was just going to say his bull shit detector was at full blast for now.

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WORDS,, 434
TAGGED,, all of you awesome cats.
OUTFIT,, there's no link because idk what zach gilford would wear.
MUSIC,, Rescued by Jack's Mannequin
NOTES,, holy crap these are some long post.
TEMPLATE,, by PANIC! ITS LAUZ of CAUTION

[narcissa]

Many people have to earn respect from others, they don't just simply gain it. Oddly enough, some people can instantly gain respect by their name. If you have a pureblood name with a reputation, people instantly look up at you. You could be a first year, but if your name is recognizable, people move out of your way in the halls. Then there are some who ignore your name and go off of how you acted on first impressions (which probably wasn't the best since you already thought you deserved everyone's respect).

Gryffindors were the type to go off of first impressions. Most everyone else was not like that (unless you were a mudblood and did not know any better). The prestigious Slythersin (like Lucius, Lilith, and Reid) clashed easily with said Gryffindors. That was why everyone was currently standing where they were standing, holding their ground. Both groups were strong and wouldn't dare to budge, even if wands were drawn. Which seemed to be the result if it kept up.

"Real rich, Black. Filth, that's what you are. Something nobody wants. Not even your own family." Lilith hissed at Sirius. It was natural for every Slytherin to dispise Sirius Black, even though they were supposed to be friends. Sirius was the blood traitor though, one of the largest, so no one seemed to give him the time of day. Just like his best mate, James Potter, he was dead to the pureblood world.

Lilith glanced at Potter's glistening badge and then at Evans's. Lilith always had hated authority figures, making her detest the two even more. "Congraduations, Pothead. Parents must be so proud. Digging yourself further and further into filth, being with that mudblood over there." Lilith nodded at the small red head and laughed. She was one of the biggest jokes around the Slytherin table. She thought she had authority, but everyone just laughed at her. The badge wasn't intimidating.

"Shut up, Lupin!" Lilith hissed in Remus's direction. "Think we're afraid of some shiny little badge on your chest? Please. Let's see where you are with that at this time next year. Won't be so intimidating then, will you?" Lilith crossed her arms, expecting the two boys she was with to jump in and verbally attack Lupin. No one could be sure who was the second most detested Marauder: James Potter or Remus Lupin. They seemed to be at a dead tie at the present.

[Lily Evans]

just when you think that you're in control,
just when you think that you've got a hold,
just when you get on a roll,
here it goes again.

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How was a person to keep up? Threats slashing the palpable tension, jokes were thrown carelessly, looks of all varieties latched hands and swung around the whole room, switching partners and dance steps faster than was comprehensible. The odd thing was that, by themselves, any of these situations would be possible--more than possible, probable even. But the mash up was enough to give even the brightest a giant headache, being slung from one emotion to the next.Lily Evans, of course, just felt annoyance. It was several different kinds of agitation, but agitation altogether nonetheless. If she wasn't aware that the moment she stepped out of the compartment a giant fight would break out, she'd have left fifteen minutes ago--actually, she would have left the moment James Potter entered the compartment. Her presence barely mattered anyway--the fact that she was in the compartment only stopped half of the group from fighting. Though they pretended otherwise, the Gryffindors did have some reservations about getting into trouble...the Slytherins just thought they were better than absolutely everyone because of their blood. And they made it well known by calling her a mudblood...had it been five times the word had come out of their mouths? It stung, deep throughout the burrows of her emotions that she usually did not let others see. It had always been a problem to her. Why else had she worked so hard? She felt like she didn't belong in this wonderful world sometimes, and that only proving her worth could make the wizarding world accept her. Unfortunately, some audiences were tougher than others.

Though many occasions prompted little Miss Lily Evans would lose her temper, she did know how to keep her calm when it came to authority. After all, how could you put someone in charge said person couldn't even keep his or her temper in check? So it was with a deep breath and a delicate reply that Lily sucked up her pride and joined the conversation, because it felt like the better judgement. Sitting back and letting it all happen was just as bad as fueling the fires. And it was definitely not going to get any better on its own. Mary was hiding in a corner, Lucius had gained some companions to make a more even footing, Sirius seemed to be wired like a compacted spring ready to unleash (despite the demeanor he attempted to present), Potter was already entirely ignoring the actualities of his badge and instead only focusing on the glory of obtaining it, and even Remus, the mate she could usually count on to back her up when authority was needed, seemed very on edge. She noticed that, while a lot of it was pointed at the Slytherins, she could feel him tense up in the seat next to her any time Potter flaunted his badge. Curiosity struck, something she'd definitely have to look into later, but more important matters were at hand at current.

How was a person to keep up? Threats slashing the palpable tension, jokes were thrown carelessly, looks of all varieties latched hands and swung around the whole room, switching partners and dance steps faster than was comprehensible. The odd thing was that, by themselves, any of these situations would be possible--more than possible, probable even. But the mash up was enough to give even the brightest a giant headache, being slung from one emotion to the next.

Lily Evans, of course, just felt annoyance. It was several different kinds of agitation, but agitation altogether nonetheless. If she wasn't aware that the moment she stepped out of the compartment a giant fight would break out, she'd have left fifteen minutes ago--actually, she would have left the moment James Potter entered the compartment. Her presence barely mattered anyway--the fact that she was in the compartment only stopped half of the group from fighting. Though they pretended otherwise, the Gryffindors did have some reservations about getting into trouble...the Slytherins just thought they were better than absolutely everyone because of their blood. And they made it well known by calling her a mudblood...had it been five times the word had come out of their mouths? It stung, deep throughout the burrows of her emotions that she usually did not let others see. It had always been a problem to her. Why else had she worked so hard? She felt like she didn't belong in this wonderful world sometimes, and that only proving her worth could make the wizarding world accept her. Unfortunately, some audiences were tougher than others.

Though many occasions prompted little Miss Lily Evans would lose her temper, she did know how to keep her calm when it came to authority. After all, how could you put someone in charge said person couldn't even keep his or her temper in check? So it was with a deep breath and a delicate reply that Lily sucked up her pride and joined the conversation, because it felt like the better judgement. Sitting back and letting it all happen was just as bad as fueling the fires. And it was definitely not going to get any better on its own. Mary was hiding in a corner, Lucius had gained some companions to make a more even footing, Sirius seemed to be wired like a compacted spring ready to unleash (despite the demeanor he attempted to present), Potter was already entirely ignoring the actualities of his badge and instead only focusing on the glory of obtaining it, and even Remus, the mate she could usually count on to back her up in matters of authority, seemed very on edge. And--she noticed sidehandedly, it wasn't only the Slytherins that seemed irk him at the moment. Lily felt his entire body tense from where it leaned gently next to her, his shoulder bumping hers. Curiosity struck, but it was a curiosity she'd have to explore later, as there were more important matters at hand.

Like Malfoy blatantly threatening the entire compartment.Your type deserves to be in the ground and will be soon enough? Obviously a blatant, blatant threat. A line had been crossed, and Lily knew she needed to step in.

"I can tolerate the names you throw," Lily began, ignoring Potter's relentless chatter over her, "I can tolerate the insolence and anger. I cannot, however, tolerate threats in my presence. It's simply against my moral code."

"--but I keep telling her the weather will be much nicer then--"

"You can do all you want to ignore us lowly heads and prefects because of our heritage or beliefs. You're right--there is really little we could do--"

"--I haven't even received a congratulations!--"

"--but real threats like this can hurt you if people who can control your fates hear word. So I suggest you head back over to your little compartment and be prejudice on your own time, not ours, and maybe we won't have to--"

"--I was going to ask you to be my best man!!!--"

"POTTER, WILL YOU STOP YOUR RIDICULOUS BOASTING PRATTLE ABOUT OBTAINING YOUR BADGE AND MAYBE UTILIZE IT FOR IT'S PURPOSE?!" she finally snapped, but he still hadn't heard a word she had said. Finally, as if he was just noticing she was in the compartment, he turned from Sirius to look at her as if she was some foreign species he was just discovering.

"Come now, Lily... if this is about the wedding, there's still that little part where the audience asked if anyone objects... you'll still have a say then."

As she had been trying very desperately hard to tune him out entirely, not a word of his last comment made any sense to her. All she could do to acquiesce his comment was to stare at him with her own blank stare.

"As soon as we get to the school, I'm asking the Headmaster what happened over the summer that caused him to lose his mind and make you Head Boy."

[/color] she muttered, shaking her head in disbelief. She was actually supposed to work with this nonsense all year? Trouble was cropping up right in front of his face and he decided that it was the time to bother the users of the compartment with his brainless, random, unnecessary yapping once again. The whole thing was absolutely ludicrous! Head throbbing in pain at the thought of a whole year with James Potter (that is, the prospect of a whole year until he messed up horribly in the first few days and someone else claimed the badge, but that was still more than too much time to Lily), she turned back to the real problem in the compartment. It was with a grain of salt that she did, because no sooner had Lillith opened her mouth, Lily was once again christened by her other nickname. She frowned uncontrollably, unable to let the sting slide past. Sometimes she felt like her plight was a pointless one...nothing she ever did would ever change what she actually was, and it certainly wouldn't change the prejudices against her. Holding her tongue was getting just too hard.

"At the present time, Miss Rayne, I'd like to remind you that there are very few positions of power we can obtain. Majority of this compartment has gained those positions of power, and you've been recognized for nothing, as usual. Its just up from here, but we've already got a leg up. We're already one step ahead of you. Don't be so sure things are going to change."

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i should have known,
should have known,
should have known again,
but here it goes again.

[Sirius Black]

"Time came a-creeping,
oh, and time's a loaded gun"

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It was a well known fact that Sirius had left his parents house when he was sixteen. The reasons were never widely spread but most people could figure it out. Sirius had never been like them and that was plainly obvious when looking at his brother or cousins in comparison. He had never been more thankful for this than he had been at that very moment when he saw how pathetic each Slytherin tried to hold onto the thought that they were better than them. It was truly pathetic in every sense of the word. Sirius didn’t know he was such a hot topic in Slytherin House, but apparently by the amount they were talking about him and his family he was. Well, he couldn’t blame them, he was rather devilishly good looking for a Black anyway.

Sirius’ mood was getting worse by the minute and it became increasingly harder to pull off his cool and collected demeanour. He felt his palm clench a bit of his jeans into a ball as he continued to listen to all that these Slytherin stereotypes had to say. It was, however, James who spoke next. He was as jubilant as ever, showing off his Head Boy badge. He was nudging Sirius and Sirius had half a mind to swat him away. It was when he saw the annoyance in Lily Evans’ eyes that he was able to calm back down and respond to James’ jokes about marriage.

“ Congratulations Lily,“ he teased, “ I guess that means we’re going to be related. Finally! Your dreams will be realized!” he said nudging James back and smirking devilishly in his tensed position on the compartment seats.

James and Sirius had long since moved from the realm of mere friendship. They had a bond stronger than anything Sirius had ever felt with any member of his family. The same could be said with any one of the Marauders. They were Sirius’ second family, and as the Slyterhins made it plainly clear how his real family abandoned him, the Marauders became the only family he had left.

Sirius had to restrain himself from lunging at Malfoy as he snapped at Remus and then at James. The prick always bit off way more than he could chew and it got right on Sirius’ last nerve.

“Watch your mouth Malfoy,” he snapped, his voice dark and menacing, “Or my wand might just slip and you’ll be walking with a limp for the rest of the school year.”

Sirius knew it was inevitable to have wands pulled. He had never tried to avoid confrontation or duels. He had always been rather good at them. He did not, however, pull his wand yet. He only alluded to it to get Malfoy back on track. His fight was not with James, Remus, or any of the other Gryffindors in the compartment. It was with him; it had always been with him.

“Regretting? Nah, it was a bit stuffy in that place. Plus the company was left a lot to be desired.” He said, though his words were light, his voice remained in its dark, defensive tone. There was no going back now, Sirius had already let himself get carried away, “ You should see my new place! The food is fantastic, and the company is much improved! I actually don’t want to gouge my eyes out every time someone comes over.”

He looked over at James and smirked again. Living with the Potters was a surreal trip that Sirius had never expected and would not soon forget. They were kind and caring people who treated Sirius as they would a second son. But Sirius did not have the time to sit an reminisce for a moment as there was too much going on in the compartment.

Lilith was again trying to assert herself and Remus was warning Sirius about his actions. He had always been a good sport about reeling Sirius in at times like these, but he feared it was a battle already lost.

Sirius stood up, ignoring Remus’ warnings. He glared at the three Slytherins, no longer able to hold his cool demeanour. They disgusted him on an entirely new level. He pulled his wand and pointed it at the group.

“Well, this little catch up session has been brilliant, it really has,” Sirius sarcastically announced, “But I think it’s about time you run back to the holes you lot came from---or better yet go back and say hello to my parents seeing as you are all so close with them—or obsessed, I can’t really tell what it is.”

Sirius tapped his wand on his chin for a moment as he pretended to contemplate the idea. He had enough of these people and their stupidity. They needed to be put in their place---no wonder most pranks he did targeted Slytherins. They just made it all too easy. Sirius knew that they weren’t going to leave even with his little nudge of encouragement. His wand was held a bit lazily in his hand as he made a point about it being there.

“It’s a pity I don’t have more than one wand because, believe me, it’s going to be the hardest choice to decide which git to curse first.”

Sirius could take them being pricks to him. He was used to it but when it came to his friends he was a different person and there was no telling what he was capable of.

He was about to send a jinx Lilith’s way when Lily spoke, her tone threatening and stern as she defended herself.

"At the present time, Miss Rayne, I'd like to remind you that there are very few positions of power we can obtain. Majority of this compartment has gained those positions of power, and you've been recognized for nothing, as usual. Its just up from here, but we've already got a leg up. We're already one step ahead of you. Don't be so sure things are going to change."

Sirius was a bit taken aback. Not only was Lily defending herself she was doing with a spunk that was a bit reminiscent of the Marauders. Had James already started rubbing off on her? Perhaps those two being Heads together wasn’t such a bad idea now, especially if James could loosen her up a bit.

He let out a breath as he started to laugh. He smirked over at Lily, a bit shocked, “ I didn’t think you had it in you Evans---You lot heard the Head Girl---we win so get lost!”

His devilish smirk was plastered on his face, his wand still in his hand. He had not expected Lily Evans to back him up in that kind of way but if it meant winning Sirius was all for it. It was sure to be an interesting year.
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[James Potter]

.

So many bad guys had joined to be able to handle, but there were a lot more good guys. It was getting hot in the compartment, really, and James wasn't sure if it was Lily's hatred toward him or Sirius' and the Slytherins' biting words. More likely it was just the fact that they were quite overcrowded in their compartment. If it didn't look feminine, James would have fanned himself with his hand, but it would just give the Slytherins more reason to pick on them. Lily was ignoring him as she went on and on to the lot of hooligans, Sirius was so in his own mind that he had completely misunderstood James' joke, Mary had disappeared in the midst of battle, the Slytherins were being obnoxious, and the only person who was even paying attention to poor Potter was Remus. What a relief... he had thought Moony might be a little put off by James, what with his newly acquired title.

"Oh, yes, honeymooning is well underway, but I'll refrain in front of you all - it gets a bit steamy when--" Just then Lily had turned on him and let him have it. It was really only a matter of time before she could not longer stand his chatter about receiving the badge, and he had obviously pushed her way too far now. He was startled when she snapped at him, and he even jumped a bit. Raising a brow at her, he readjusted himself in hopes that the Slytherins wouldn't have spotted that small amount of weakness, though he feared he had seen Lucius' eyes dart from Sirius to him for a split second. It wasn't long, but it was more than enough time for him to catch the jumpiness. He swallowed hard as he looked up at the group of Slytherins from the corners of his eyes, but none of them had moved.

At that very moment, Sirius had stood up, brandishing his wand out in the open and even going so far as to tap it on his chin. Of course, as a member of the Marauders and best friend of Padfoot, James rose to his feet immediately after. Although Lily was sure to say something about how he was Head Boy and needed to be more mature, he extracted his wand from his robes and poked Lucius with it in the chest gently, but with a little force. Lily spoke up, with threatening words for the Slytherins rather than James and Sirius (surprisingly enough), and both he and his friend dropped their wands to the side. It was wild how she might have that effect on people - such a small girl who could speak so calmly and just about put the fear of God in you. That was only partly true, though, as Sirius would draw his wand faster than one could imagine if it came down to it, regardless of Lily's warnings.

[Lucius Malfoy]

.

Lucius glanced around the compartment to get a good eye for all of its members. Sirius Black, though a star student in the art of hexing, was a blood traitor and couldn't be quite as impressive as people went on about. James Potter was mostly a show off, though he had decent marks and was skilled in the sport of Quidditch and the art of getting into trouble, he wasn't very frightening either. Mary Macdonald was hardly noticeable anymore, and his eyes skipped right over her in his hasty observance. Remus Lupin probably wouldn't harm a fly, though he could possibly prove to do a lot of damage if he put his mind to it. Lily Evans was a Mudblood, for God sakes - he didn't care about her stupid Head Girl title or her impressive marks, there was nothing, absolutely nothing impressive about a Muggleborn witch. He almost scoffed at the situation... the Gryffindors had them in quantity, but the Slytherins appeared to have them in quality.

Not to mention the Gryffindors were fighting amongst themselves during this tense and somewhat vicious (as bad as it could have gotten in the last maybe ten minutes) battle. The Slytherins had banded together, which they tended to do in support of each other if it were against a member or members of another House. Though in a struggle between two Slytherins, there would be no taking sides, unless there was a profound name fighting. Lucius had quite a few things on his side, but his main was the support of Lilith and Reid. He smirked as his eyes trailed back to Sirius, who had decided it was best he stand up. How dare he stand, as if the equal to a Pureblood wizard who actually valued his family name... and his life, which was something Sirius obviously did not have much concern for either. Dramatic as it might be to some, betraying a Pureblood family name was cause for murder. Though it probably wouldn't happen today, it would happen eventually, and Lucius hoped that he might be the one to place the final blow.

James, the stupid son of a gun, had stood up as quickly as Sirius, both of them pulling their wands out. Lucius pulled his own wand and tapped his on his shoulder, and then he felt a poking to his chest. His teeth clenched down and he grabbed James' wrist hard, making an effort to pull the idiot closer to him. "You really don't know what you're messing with right now. You were never on my good side, but now you've taken in this trash, and you admit it proudly? You disgust me. Don't touch me." It was always notable that Lucius' eyes were cold, but right now they were more than cold... they weren't icy blue, but grey, and they were almost like daggers on James' face. Lucius threw James' arm down roughly and Lily spoke up, causing his attention to once again be redirected.

"We aren't afraid of a few blood traitors with their batch of half-bloods and mudbloods. I don't care what your title is, blood doesn't lie," he said, his last words more snakelike than the rest. His eyes narrowed in on her, and he was close to attacking her first in this horrible lineup of competitors, but he chose to wait. Although it would be nice to attack Lily after James' stupid actions in poking him, it was best to hold his cool and wait for them to attack first. He doubted they would, which might avoid any sort of detentions or trouble completely... but Lucius almost hoped that they would throw some hexes. If they didn't do it today, it was sure to happen sometime during this year - and furthermore, as adults they would have quite a few run-ins... Sirius Black would be his first target.

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