**Chapter 2: A Shocking Encounter**

The sun cast a warm glow over the Hogwarts courtyard, illuminating the vibrant colors of the students' robes as they went about their daily activities. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, punctuated by the distant clang of swords and the murmur of students practicing spells. Harry and Hermione stood out amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, their modern attire and hairstyles drawing curious glances from the students of the past. As they tried to make sense of their surroundings, a group of four students approached them, their faces a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew eyed the newcomers with interest, their eyes scanning Harry and Hermione's clothes and hairstyles. "Who are you two?" James asked, his tone friendly but inquiring. "You're not from around here, are you?" Harry and Hermione exchanged a nervous glance. "I'm Harry," he said finally, "and this is Hermione. We're... um... from... a different school." Sirius raised an eyebrow. "A different school? That's a pretty vague answer, mate." The group closed in around them, their eyes sparkling with curiosity. Harry felt a sense of unease, but before he could respond, a loud shout echoed across the courtyard. "Hey, what's going on here?" The group turned to see Professor McGonagall, then a much younger and more energetic version of herself, striding towards them. Her eyes narrowed as she took in Harry and Hermione's strange attire. "Ah, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, I see you've met our... visitors," she said, her tone dry. "I trust you're being civil?" James grinned. "We're just trying to figure out who they are, Professor." McGonagall's eyes lingered on Harry, and for a moment, she seemed to see right through him. "I think it's time we got to the bottom of this. Harry, Hermione, come with me." As they followed McGonagall to her office, Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that their presence here was going to have consequences. He glanced at Hermione, who was watching him with a mixture of concern and determination. The office was small and cozy, with shelves lined with books and strange artifacts. McGonagall gestured for them to sit down, her eyes never leaving Harry's face. "So, Harry, Hermione," she said, her tone firm but gentle. "Tell me about yourselves. What brings you to Hogwarts?" Harry hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But before he could respond, a loud crash echoed from outside, followed by a series of panicked shouts. McGonagall's eyes snapped towards the window. "What in the world...?" She strode to the window, throwing it open to reveal a chaotic scene. A dark-robed figure was casting a malevolent curse at a group of students, who were desperately trying to defend themselves. Without hesitation, Harry raised his wand, and a blast of white light shot out, deflecting the curse with ease. The dark-robed figure stumbled back, his eyes wide with surprise. The courtyard erupted into cheers as Harry stood frozen, his wand still trembling with power. The group of students stared at him in awe, their faces pale. McGonagall's eyes locked onto Harry's, a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Well, well, well. It seems we have a very special student on our hands." As the group approached him, Harry felt a sense of wonder and trepidation. What did it mean to have such power? And what would be the consequences of using it? He glanced at Hermione, who was watching him with a mixture of pride and concern. The Marauders, it seemed, were about to become a part of his life in ways he never could have imagined. And as they gathered around him, their faces filled with excitement and curiosity, Harry knew that his journey was just beginning.