Gloria stood at the edge of Platform Nine and Three Quarters, her heart racing with a blend of excitement and anxiety. The bustling crowds of witches and wizards swirled around her, but she focused on the Hogwarts Express gleaming in the sunlight. She straightened her shoulders, channeling the newfound confidence she had worked hard to muster.

"Alright, Gloria," she whispered to herself, "you've got this."

Her parents stood nearby, their expressions a mix of pride and worry. Her mother, with her kind eyes, leaned down to give her a hug,

"Be good darling, and write as often as you can."

Gloria nodded, a smile on her lips, but her stomach twisted with uncertainty, "I know, Mum. I just... wish Edward could have come with me. Can't believe he finally landed himself a job."

Her father, tall and comforting, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "You'll do great, kiddo. You already make us proud. Just keep your chin up. Hogwarts is a magical place, you never know how you find yourself."

"I know," Gloria replied, though she still felt the flutter of nerves. She turned to look at the train, taking a deep breath, she whispered, "I am sorry I can never be as good as you all...."

It went unheard.

She turned around and smoothened her perfectly pleated skirt, clutching on her handbag tightly. As she strode towards the train, she noticed the Marauders' compartment through the glass window. The sight of James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter laughing together made her pulse quicken with excitement. Oh, who didn't know them and their antics. 

But just as she stepped onto the platform, she tripped over a discarded bag—James's bag, as it turned out. She stumbled forward, arms flailing, and landed with a soft thud, the wind knocked out of her. The laughter around her faded, replaced by a chorus of concerned voices.

"Hey! Are you alright?", came a voice that belonged to none other than James's parents, who had just arrived to see their son off. They rushed over, worry etched on their faces.

"Ugh, I'm fine," Gloria managed, pushing herself up and brushing off her robes, though her cheeks burned with embarrassment, "Just a little... ungraceful."

"Oh dear, we're so sorry! James is always leaving things lying around. He should have been more responsible!," Mrs. Potter said, looking genuinely apologetic. "

"Yeah, he'll hear about this," Mr. Potter added with a chuckle, though his eyes were kind. 

"It is completely fine. Thanks," Gloria said, forcing a smile, "I'll just—uh—go find a compartment." 

With her confidence slightly shaken, she turned back toward the train, determination bubbling beneath her embarrassment.

As she approached the train, she noticed a crumpled piece of parchment lying on the ground where she had fallen. Curiosity piqued, she bent down to pick it up. Unfolding it, she squinted at the strange markings and doodles that seemed to fill the page.

"What on earth do I keep stumbling upon?", she murmured, flipping it over. It looked like a map, but not just any map. There were names written all over it—some that she recognized, others that were foreign to her. The name "Moony," "Padfoot," "Prongs," and "Wormtail" stood out, but she shrugged it off as a pranking item from Zonko's.

"Well, finders keepers," she said to herself, tucking it into her pocket. 

Conveniently, by the time she actually got inside the train all the compartments were packed with students, laughter and chatter spilling into the aisles, each group lost in their own stories. But then she spotted it—the Marauders' compartment, its door slightly ajar and holding just four students. This was her chance.

With a determined stride, she pushed the door open. Inside, James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter looked up in surprise, their animated conversation pausing at her entrance.

"Mind if I join or are you all to busy planning world dominatiom?", Gloria asked, her voice laced with a sass she didn't quite recognize.

The pause was deafening, with the four mischievous Gryffindors staring as if she had grown two heads. Her stance faltered a bit, breaking them out of their surprised trance.

"More like planning an epic beginning of the year prank but sure, come on in!" James grinned, exchanging glances with Sirius, who raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

Gloria plopped down on the empty seat, crossing her legs with a flourish,

 "So, what's the gossip? Should we be looking forward to something explosive or just another prank?"

Sirius chuckled, leaning back against the window, his trademark smirk spreading across his face, "A bit of both, actually. But you don't look like you're here for the usual Hogwarts chit-chat. Where's your book? You are never seen anywhere without it."

"Book? Please," she shot back, a playful smirk on her lips. "I decided to take a break from all that"

Peter, who had been drinking his ginger ale, spit it all out right on Remus's face.

Gloria's hand flew to her face as she hurriedly handed him her handkerchief,  her older self slipping into such habits.

Remus exchanged a glare with Peter, though clearly used to it. He was surprisingly calm as he went on to say,

 "Bold choice, Gloria. Most people wouldn't dare step in here without a solid plan."

"Well, I've never been one for plans," she replied, however nothing could he farther from the truth. The timetable stuck on the top of her desk back at her dormitory being the biggest piece of evidence.

James leaned forward,  "You're not what we expected, aren't you always around Evans? The only time we have heard you speak if when you answer in class, else Evans does the talking for the both of you. Not that I am complaining, I like this side of you but I am still curious, what's with the sudden change?"

The question caught Gloria of guard as she fidgeted with her fingers and frowned ever so slightly,

"I, wanted a break, like I said."

The others decided to drop but Sirius being Sirius decided to push it,

 "Wait, you're telling me you're not one of Lily's shadow followers? That's impressive. What's your secret?"

The thought that other presumed her to be Lily's shadow hurt her, causing her frown to deepen.

"I like to forge my own path and Lily is my best friend, so don't talk about her like that." she snapped, locking eyes with him,  "But maybe you could help me find my way around Hogwarts, if you're up for the challenge.", the words escaped her mouth in a whisper like an after thought.

"I like the sound of that," Sirius said, leaning closer, his voice teasing, "Though I can't promise not to lead you into a bit of trouble along the way."

"Trouble is my middle name," Gloria shot back, her heart racing as she matched his gaze, "I might just end up leading you into more than you bargained for. I am Edward's sister after all."

Remus chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the banter, "I'd pay to see that."

Sirius grinned, clearly delighted by her quick wit, "So, what's your plan for this year, besides wreaking havoc?"

"Honestly? I was hoping to learn from the best," she replied, flashing a mischievous smile. "And maybe keep a few secrets of my own."

James chimed in, "Secrets? Now you've got our attention. You know the Marauders love a good mystery."

Gloria leaned back, feigning nonchalance, "Let's just say, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But I'm not ready to reveal everything just yet."

"Secrets are best shared in good company. And we're the best company you'll find."

Oh, I don't know about that. I might be too much for you to handle."

As the laughter faded, Sirius casually leaned back, his gaze fixed on Gloria. 

You know, I've always had a weakness for a girl with a bit of sass."

Gloria met his gaze, a teasing smile forming on her lips, "Is that so? Well, then, you might be in trouble. I've got plenty of sass to spare."

Sirius chuckled, leaning back slightly, clearly enjoying the banter, "I like a girl who can keep me on my toes. Think you can handle that?"

Gloria smirked, crossing her arms playfully, "Oh, I can definitely handle you. The real question is, can you keep up with me?"

The conversation flowed easily, laughter echoing in the small compartment, and as they shared stories of pranks and adventures, Gloria felt more at ease. The boys were animated and charming, and she found herself drawn to their energy.

"Tell me," she said, leaning back in her seat, "what's the best way to survive a year with you lot?"

"Easy," Sirius said with a wink. "Just keep your wits about you, listen to James whine about Lily without any complaints and never trust Peter with your snacks. He's a notorious snack thief."

"And," Remus added, "always be ready to run. You never know when a prank might go wrong."

"Or when we'll need a decoy," James added, laughter bubbling up again.

The compartment door suddenly swung open. Lily peeked in, her eyes searching until they landed on Gloria.

"There you are! I have been looking everywhere for you!", Lily exclaimed, stepping inside.

James straightened, his eyes lighting up, "Ah, my dear Lily-pad. Care to join our little party?"

Lily smirked but shook her head, "Thanks, but I'm just here to rescue Gloria from your charming clutches."

Sirius leaned forward, his best grin plastered on his face, "Rescue her? I thought she was enjoying herself. Right, Gloria?"

Gloria smiled but could sense Lily's irritation, "I'm having a great time, but Lily's right. We need to change into our robes before the entering Hogwarts."

"Yeah, we wouldn't want to keep the Sorting Hat waiting," Remus chimed in with a friendly smile.

Peter nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! We'll be here plotting our next big prank if you wish to find us."

James took a step closer to Lily, leaning in with a wink, "Come on, Lily. You can't resist my charm forever. How about we share a pumpkin pasty later? Just you and me?"

Lily rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "James, can we not do this right now? It's getting old."

Sirius snickered, clearly enjoying the dynamic. "Looks like you've met your 151st rejection, James."

"Very funny," James shot back, though it didn't seem like he would be backing down anytime soon.

Gloria looked at him with pity,

"I will talk to her for you, alright?"

His eyes brightened with joy.

With that, she turned to the boys, her grin wide, "I'll catch you later. Don't have too much fun without me!"

Sirius leaned back, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "You'd better come back. I'm counting on that mischief."

As Lily led Gloria out of the compartment, she glanced back, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Let's go, before they try to convince you to pull a prank on the first years."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the castle, Gloria settled into her dorm room, surrounded by the familiar scent of old books and polished wood. While others were bustling off to the feast, she felt a tug of responsibility. This year was important, and she had some catching up to do.

Pulling out her books, she tried to focus on her notes, but her mind kept drifting back to the train ride. The laughter, the teasing, and especially the easy banter with the Marauders played over and over in her head like a favorite tune. 

"Ugh, focus!", she muttered to herself, shaking her head.

Hours passed, and the castle grew quiet, the sound of laughter and feasting fading into the distance. Gloria sighed, glancing at the clock. It was late, but her heart felt restless. She set her quill down and leaned back, staring at the ceiling, thoughts swirling.

"Maybe I should have gone to the feast," she mused aloud, "But studying is important too."

 Yet, a part of her knew that this was just an excuse to hide from the fun. With a reluctant sigh, she picked up her quill again, trying to push her thoughts aside. But every time she wrote a line, the memory of Sirius's grin or Remus's easy smile would creep back in.

As the evening wore on, Gloria finally closed her books, deciding that tomorrow would be a new day. A day to step out of her shell a little more. 

"I'll see them again," she whispered to herself, a sense of determination settling in. "And maybe next time, I'll be ready for something more."