AN: I don't own anyone or anything you recognize (except the story - it's mine). What a pity...

Hello everyone. I'm finally back after 3 exhausting months. I promise to update my other fics before Christmas.

Now enough of my babbling and onto the story. Don't forget to review.

Chapter 6: A Bit of Truth

Next morning the Great Hall was full of students who were eating their breakfast. The prefects were handed out the timetables.

''Oh great. The Potions with Gryffindors.'' Groaned disgusted Draco.

''Weasel, first thing in the morning. This isn't good.'' said Theo.

''I lost my appetite.'' Exclaimed Michael and pushed the plate from him.

Remaining friends nodded in understanding. They left the Great Hall in favour of Potion. They entered the classroom and immediately paired – Draco and Michael, Theo and Crys and Blaise, Bast and Ria. They were quietly speaking with each other when the dungeons were slowly filling with other students. First it was rest of Slytherins, followed by Gryffindors. When they were all sitting Professor Snape strode into the room.

''I am Professor Snape. Here you will learn the art of potion making. I don't expect all of you to pass my class since it takes steady hands and a sharp mind to brew potions, which I'm sure many of you, lack these qualities. I will not tolerate any disobedience, child play, or any unnecessary talking.'' The entire class was caught by Professor's voice. ''Weasley! What is the main ingredient for Wolfsbane Potion?''

Weasley redden and whispered: ''I don't know, sir.''

''Let's ask another question. What is the main ingredient in the deadliest known poison?''

''I don't know.'' Repeated Weasley.

''Last question Weasley.'' Said Snape maliciously. ''What do you know about monkswood?''

Weasley hung his head and didn't answer.

''15 points from Gryffindor.'' Announced Snape gleefully. Then he turned to the Slytherin side of room. He observed them and picked Michael, who wasn't present yesterday, when he gave his annual speech for first-years. ''Montgomery, answer the questions.''

''But which one?'' asked Bast bravely. ''There are four of us.''

Snape closed his eyes in annoyance: ''Michael.''

Michael replied. ''First answer is Wolfsbane. The answer on second question is Basilisk poison because of nature of the snake.'' Snape nodded approvingly. ''Monkswood are also called aconite or Wolfsbane. There are many uses for the plant but most important is in Wolfsbane potion, which help werewolves with their transformations.''

Snape was surprised by the knowledge of muggle-born Slytherin and eyed him suspiciously. ''Why aren't you writing it down?'' He barked. All students, who were staring at Michael, started abruptly writing some notes. The rest of lesson was uneventful. They were brewing simple boiling cure. Nobody blew their cauldron but some Gryffindors potions turned interesting colours.

---

In the Transfiguration with the head of Gryffindor house Professor McGonagall warned the first-years Ravenclaws and Slytherins not to mess with such dangerous branch of magic such as Transfiguration. Then she turned herself into the cat. All young students were impressed but at the same time disappointed when they learnt that animagus transformation could be taught in seventh year only on the special request and with headmaster's approval. Professor McGonagall taught five only people who became animagi in last forty or so years.

The rest of class first-years were trying to change their matches into the silver needles. Seven friends were among the first who completed the task and by the end of lesson they changed their needles back into the matches.

---

During the lunch Slytherin siblings were quietly discussing possibility to teach their friends animagus transformation:

''But we need a lot of space for that.'' Whispered Ria.

''And Animagus-reveling mirror.'' Added twins.

''I get an idea.'' Whispered Michael. ''Surly you remembers when Cathy told us about the Marauders Map of school. It was confiscated by Filch but I think small summoning charm take care after it.'' Suggested Michael.

''You are genius.'' Shouted rest of siblings. Then they noticed that the rest of their Slytherin table turned their attention at them. The four blushed fiercely.

After the lunch classes continued with Astronomy for Slytherins in the evening. Until then the siblings had enough time for planning. First the four found an abandoned classroom. Then they created a circle and started chanting ancient summoning charm. Multi-coloured light enveloped them.

Something strange happened and the four felt another presence in their connection. It wasn't threatening, but welcoming warm. The feeling of acceptance washed over them. The four woke up from their trance and saw an empty parchment floated before them. The parchment slowly descended and Michael caught it.

''People, remember someone the password?'' asked Ria.

''No. Cathy didn't say it. I think she said that if you pour a drop of your blood on parchment and wrote in invisible ink 'The new generation of troublemakers seek the password for the Map.' The parchment answered in some way.'' Said Bast.

''I'll do it.'' Declared Michael. He took the needle he transfigured earlier in class and sting himself in one of his fingers. When the drop of Michael's blood fell on the parchment he wrote the sentence, which Bast said earlier. Rest of siblings were observing his actions.

When Michael was finished the four waited for the password. After few minutes appeared on the parchment:

Welcome troublemakers. You were granted the right to use the Marauder's Map. For the activating the Map you must say I SWEAR I'M UP TO NO GOOD and for the deactivation MISCHIEF MANAGED.

Four siblings were pleased with themselves. They became new Marauders. Michael said the password and before their eyes the map of Hogwarts was uncovered. They discovered that on the map were all people labelled and map showed where they currently were. Michael noticed few comments on the top of parchment.

Messrs. Prongs, Padfoot, Moony and Wormtail

proudly presented

the Marauders Map

Mr. Prongs would like to welcome the new generation of pranksters and asked Michael if he knew that he was Michael's father.

Mr. Padfoot ask the same thing and add that although you are Slytherins you have the potential to become more infamous that the original Marauders.

Mr. Moony would like to remind future troublemakers that the Prankster's Ceremony has to be arranged.

Mr. Wormtail welcomes new pranksters and remind them to find their nicknames.

The siblings were stunned by the revelation that one of their idols was Michael's father. Michael tapped his wand on the map and asked what the Prankster's Ceremony was. The map revealed the Prankster's headquarters and the instruction for the Ceremony. The four Slytherins were ecstatic. They deactivated the Map and left the classroom to find their friends.

---

''Where were you?'' asked Blaise four siblings when they entered Slytherin common room.

Siblings only looked at their friends and nodded in the direction of the exit. All seven first-years left the common room. The four led Draco, Blaise and Theo in the Prankster's headquarters. Seven friends almost reached Hogwarts' kitchens when the wall with a Hogwarts insignia popped up before them. The four said together. ''New pranksters asked the permission to enter the Headquarters.''

The Hogwarts symbol changed in four small animals in circle and they asked. ''The password.''

''Pranks and mischief forever.'' Said Crys in soft voice.

The door appeared on the wall. Crys opened the door and Slytherin first-years entered the room. It was amazing. Large fireplace was positioned against the entrance. Before it were four comfortable-looking couches. On the left side of headquarters' room were two doors – one was leading into the Restricted Section of Hogwarts Library and behind second door was practice room. On the left side of room were four desks and worktables for cauldrons.

Bast interrupted the silence. ''It's perfect.''

''Our own common room.'' Added Theo breathlessly still in awe from the room.

''Why it is called Prankster's headquarters?'' asked Draco.

''Well…'' started Ria looking at Slytherin Trio. ''The Headquarters used to belong Marauders…''

''… legendary pranksters who attended Hogwarts about 15 years ago. And we…'' continued Crys.

''… decided to continue with their legacy – pranks.'' Finished Michael. Slytherin Trion agreed almost immediately.

''Good,'' declared Michael, ''now for the ceremony we have to make there pranks in two days without the map to prove that we are worthy. Next we have to find what your animagus forms are. And lastly we have to decide on our nicknames.''

''What do you mean YOUR animagus forms?'' asked Draco suspiciously.

The Four were terrified. They slipped the information, which could become dangerous for them. After quick discussion they decided to say their friends some bits of truth. Ria looked at Slytherin Trio and said resolutely. ''I, Adrienne Montgommery, evoke the Oath of Trust and Silence between Dracon Malfoy, Blaise Zabini, Theodore Nott, Crystal Montgommery, Adrianne Montgomery, Sebastian Montgomery and Michael Montgomery.'' Then the siblings looked at the Trio and asked together. ''Do you accept?''

''We accept.'' Replied Slytherin friends in slight trance. As soon as the Oath was sealed theu woke up from the trance.

''You tricked us.'' Stated Draco in new respect for the siblings.

''Yes.'' Admitted Michael. ''It was only way.''

''The Oath can't be broken. Anyone bound by it can't divulge any information we share. Even if we are questioned under any truth serum or truth spells, mind control, legillimency or any other way to gain information from us, we can't say anything.'' Said Ria. ''Don't be so upset. I tricked the Sorting Hat to the Oath of Silence too.'' Added Ria.

''So that's why you was sorted almost 20 minutes. And tricking the Sorting Hat… Now I see why are you in Slytherin.'' Said Blaise.

''Now our story.'' Started Crys reculantly. ''We were all adopted by the witch whose name is Catherine Montgomery. She made some ritual to make us her children by blood.''

''She taught us to control our magic before we started Hogwarts,'' continued Bast, ''because if our magic go out uncontrolled it could be dangerous for everyone.''

''We learnt a lot of things like wandless magic, telepathy or how to become an animagus.'' Informed Ria the Trio.

''She took us when nobody wanted us. She loves us, cares for us and teaches us. She is our mother regardless our origin. And we…'' said Michael passionately. ''… we love her and want her to be safe.''

'So this is why we were led to them on the train.'' Thought Draco

'So young and already so powerful. There is no doubt that they can't be muggle-borns.' Reasoned Blaise in his mind.

'No wonder that they ended up in Slytherin.' Thought Theo.

''Will you teach us?'' asked Slytherin Trio eagerly.

The mischievous smiles appeared on the faces of the siblings. ''Only if you become pranksters like us.'' Said Crys with laughter in her eyes.

''Agreed.'' Declared Trio almost immediately.

AN: Another chapter done. I can't believe it. Next chapter: Weasel, why can't you leave us alone?

Big thanks to my rewievers Fire of the night, lizzie5555555 and Isis's Rose.