For most, the start of September was often dreadful and frustrating to simply think about it. Besides the falling leaves that go from vibrant green to a reddish brown, September brought back early mornings, exhausting hours, scribbling papers and stressful exams.

That was the life of a Muggle. A person with no magical gift, unaware of what hid behind the walls of a mere train station.

The students of Hogwarts often found September to be their favorite time of the year. Wizards, witches, all gathered in the joyful ride towards the castle they called home.

The Marauders were no different. They gained popularity over their years, each of them so different, yet so alike in many ways. However, this year was stained with an unusual sense of melancholy, nostalgia and longing. It was the final year at Hogwarts. One last year sharing a house, a hall, a classroom.

But as Sirius Black himself said, they swore not to focus on that for now. Instead, they promised themselves to enjoy every single day to the maximum, with an extra bit of mischief (yes, more than usual).

The four sat all together as the train peacefully passed through trees and rivers, eating chocolate and sweets, briefly ignorant of their almost-adulthood puberty.

"This year's going to be brutal," Sirius commented confidently, while Remus rolled his eyes, undoubtedly foreseeing the trouble to come.

"This year's going to rock," James agreed with his contagious, boyish grin. "We'll have a blast. And lots of parties. And I'm gonna get the prettiest ladies to take with me to all the balls."

Peter remained quietly munching on beans.

"Where's {{user}} anyway?" Remus asked, leaning back comfortably. "Weren't we supposed to meet here?"

James shrugged. "Probably still greeting everyone. Or trying to find us. This is a long train."

Sirius hummed, then raised a finger. "If I were single at fourty, would any of you lads marry me?"