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Author’s note: Yes, I like Harry Potter. Got a problem with it? Okay, this is a crossover between Harry Potter and Beast Wars. Don’t ask me why, I just thought it would be interesting to write. For those of you Beast Wars fans that haven’t read the Harry Potter books, I’ll give you a couple hints. James Potter is Harry’s dad. This is set when James and his friends are at school. I don’t really wanna go into a long explanation ‘cause there’s a lot to say. But if you wanna see some really good fanart about James Potter and his pals, I recommend going to google.com and typing in "Slytherin House Webpage". Go to the ‘Links’ button on the left side and go into FictionAlley.org. Click the girl with red hair and the purple outfit. It’s labeled Artistic Alley. Once you get into it, scroll down the page until you reach a section where they list the different options. Click on ‘Groups’ and once you get into that, click ‘Marauders’. I recommend these artists: Kristin, LMRourke, Monica Starling, Tinaling, Magsby, DarkCyradis (DC), and Alicey. I really hope you find their artwork as wonderful as I do. Just so you know, Tinaling’s drawings of the Marauders are what I believe them to look like. I still like Kristin’s animation for them as well. Check out their websites! Anyway, enough rambling. On with the story!

It was a perfect day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The sun was up, it was almost the end of the year, and all the students were complaining about the most recent prank that James Potter and his pals had done. The Marauders were the all-time greatest pranksters and they consisted of James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew. During their seventh year, something unexplainable happened that the four never forgot.

Remus Lupin was the one in the group who actually studied for his exams, unlike his friends. One night while they were in the Gryffindor common room, he had taken out a Time-Turner that Professor Dumbledore had given him. "Hey, what’s that, Moony?" Sirius asked coming to see.

"Nothing," Remus muttered putting it away in his cloak quickly. "Really Padfoot, you should start studying. You guys all have review tests coming up if I’m not much mistaken."

"Moony, old chap, you study too much," Sirius said with a grin, calling his friend by his nickname again.

"No, I study the exact right amount. But if my calculations are correct, all of your grades are dropping because of your lack of concentration."

Sirius blushed angrily and was about to retort, when James stopped him. "Sirius, calm down. Remus is right. We have been ignoring our studies. If my parents found out, I’d be dead in a minute," he said.

"But studying is so boring," complained Sirius with a pout.

"Yeah," Peter agreed.

"Okay, I’ll agree with you guys on that," said Remus. "But I think you still need to study, even if you find it boring."

"I just have one question to ask you, Moony," Sirius stated. "What’s that in your pocket?"

"Huh?" Remus said. Sirius dug his hand into his friend’s pocket and pulled out the Time-Turner.

"Moony, is this a Time-Turner?" Sirius asked dangling the item in his hand.

"Y-yes," he stuttered. "Professor Dumbledore lent it to me."

"Why?"

"You guys know I’m taking a few more subjects than I usually do, right? Well, Dumbledore thought this would help me get to all my classes on time."

"So why do you keep it hidden?"

"Because no one is supposed to know about it," Remus snapped trying to grab the Time-Turner from him.

"Well, why don’t we give it a try?" Sirius said with a devilish grin. "Let’s turn it and see where it brings us, shall we?"

"No!" Remus cried, but it was too late. Sirius had turned the Time-Turner and all of a sudden all four of them disappeared from sight.

***

As if life couldn’t get any harder, Dinobot had scout patrol with Rattrap. Under normal circumstances things would be okay. But lately the tension between them seemed to have become more…vibrant. They had started trying to blow each other up, and swearing at each other until Optimus had ordered them to stop or wash their mouths out with soap.

Scout duty was by far the worst punishment Dinobot could think possible to give. No one, not even Megatron himself, deserved this kind of torture. The raptor looked over at his companion. Rattrap was probably thinking the same thing. Being stuck out on scout duty with the person you hate more than anything really sucks.

All of a sudden, the two Maximals heard four numerous moans. They both listened closely when they heard voices speaking. "Great job, Padfoot! Look where that thing landed us!" cried one voice angrily. Rattrap and Dinobot identified the voice as male and British.

"At least we’re alive!" answered the one called Padfoot more cheerfully.

He sounds like the vermin, thought Dinobot resentfully glancing at the rodent beside him.

"Yeah, alive and tangled in a knot!" said another voice. "My god, Wormtail, could you please move your elbow? It’s kinda digging into my ribcage!"

"Sorry," mumbled the one called Wormtail.

"Where are we anyway?" asked the first voice. "This doesn’t exactly look like Hogwarts anymore."

"I think we’re in a jungle," said Wormtail.

"Thank you, Captain Obvious," snapped Padfoot. "If we’re in a jungle, we could only be in one place."

"Where’s that?" asked the first voice.

"Think at it logically, Moony. We’re in a jungle. How many jungles are there in the past?"

"A lot, but please continue."

"It’s obvious, isn’t it? We’ve gone back in time, right? Well, we’ve obviously been sent back to the time of the dinosaurs."

There was a long silence. "Moony’s been right about you since the beginning, Padfoot. You are insane," said the other voice, breaking the silence.

Dinobot and Rattrap could hear some chuckles coming from them.

"Thanks a lot, Prongs. I’ll be sure to mark you off my Christmas list along with Snape and Malfoy," Padfoot retorted.

"Ah, c’mon, I was only joking," Prongs said defensively. "But if we are back with the dinosaurs, shouldn’t we be running for our lives? I mean, what if a big dinosaur comes crashing through those bushes any second and tries to eat us?"

At that moment, Dinobot got an idea. Sometimes, he adored his raptor ability to sneak up on people. He quietly hid behind some ferns and glanced through them. He could see four young human boys, probably no older than seventeen, wearing long black robes. One boy had jet-black hair with blue eyes and black rimmed glasses. Another one had neck-length black hair with brown eyes and a wide grin on his face. The third boy had chestnut colored hair and honey-colored eyes. He looked somewhat fearful to say the least. The last boy was shorter than the others were. He had blonde hair and watery blue eyes. He was also slightly chubby.

Dinobot then decided to jump out. When he did, he saw the chubby boy faint as his friends all screamed and grabbed some type of stick from their robe pockets.

"Great prediction, Prongs," snapped the boy with black hair and brown eyes. "The thing just killed poor Peter." He motioned to the blonde boy on the ground being hovered over by the boy with chestnut hair.

The boy with jet-black hair and glasses narrowed his eyes. "I’m sorry, Padfoot. I wasn’t trying to make a prediction. You do remember how horrible I am in Divination, right?"

"Will you two stop arguing and just hex the thing?" snapped the other boy, which Dinobot assumed must be Moony.

The raptor stared at them for a moment, but the next thing he knew was that one of the boys (he was guessing Padfoot) had cried out something called "Stupefy!" and Dinobot felt himself stiffen and collapse on the ground. He heard Rattrap enter the clearing, transformed and ready for battle. He had his gun pointed at the human boys.

The three that were conscious screamed for help loudly. They stood transfixed on Rattrap. Dinobot moved his eyes from each person. He then heard his companion speak. "Who are ya an’ what did ya do ta ‘em?" he asked pointing to Dinobot.

"I-I’m James Potter, often called Prongs. My friend, Sirius Black also called Padfoot, just hexed your friend," stuttered the boy with glasses.

"Hexed?" repeated Rattrap unable to believe his audio systems. "Well, can’t ya un-hex ‘em?"

"Um, yeah," said Sirius. He lifted up his robe sleeves and pulled out his stick again. "Finite Incantantem!" he cried and a shot of blue light came out of his stick and hit Dinobot. The raptor felt himself able to move again and stood up.

"Now, I have some questions to ask you all," he said sternly.

"He talks!" Sirius said in surprise.

"Of course I talk, boy," Dinobot snapped. "I have brains like humans do. By the way, you didn’t introduce your other friends."

"Oh, this is Remus Lupin also nicknamed Moony and the one laying on the ground is Peter Pettigrew also called Wormtail," said James. "We’re known as the Marauders."

"A pleasure to meet you four," Dinobot said with a rare smile. "My name is Dinobot and my companion here would be Rattrap. Perhaps we should show you to our base, so that you can get to know the others."

James, Sirius, and Remus nodded. Dinobot volunteered to carry Peter on his back. The walk back to the Axalon wasn’t long as it usually seemed. When they entered the base, Rhinox and Optimus were at the scanners, as usual.

"Primal, Rattrap and I found some humans out in the jungle," Dinobot said casually.

Optimus stared at the four boys. Peter had regained conscious along the way. "Do they know how they got here?" he asked. "I mean, correct me if I’m wrong, but humans aren’t supposed to even be here until about 4 million years, right?"

James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter’s jaws dropped to the floor. "W-we’ve gone back 4 million years?" gasped Remus. He turned to Sirius. "Even more brilliant! First you accuse me of studying too much, then you go and take my Time-Turner, and now look where you’ve landed us! We have exams all week! And James, imagine what Lily must be thinking! She’s probably worried sick, not being able to see her future husband."

"Ah, got yerself a little girlfriend action, eh?" Rattrap teased giving James a playful punch. "Yeah, I used ta have a girlfriend…"

"When was that?" interrupted Dinobot. "When you were first brought online?" He cracked a smile, trying to contain his laughter. However Sirius found the humor quite funny and started laughing.

"Hey!" Rattrap protested angrily.

"What’s going on?" asked a new voice. The four humans turned around and saw an unusual sight. A young looking robot stood behind them. He looked slightly confused when he saw everyone in the control room.

"Big Bot, who are these guys?" he asked pointing to the Marauders.

"Well Cheetor, they claim to be humans from the future," Optimus replied.

"Actually, we’re wizards," Sirius piped up. His friends glared at him. "What?" he said innocently. "It’s not like they’re Muggles or anything."

"Yeah, but who knows if they welcome magic with open arms?" snapped Remus gritting his teeth.

"Magic, huh?" said Rattrap thoughtfully. "So…can ya make things appear out of nowhere?"

"That’s advanced magic," Sirius explained.

"Yeah, he’s too stupid to take that subject," snapped Remus with an angry glare.

"Hey!"

"Guys, stop fighting!" James interrupted.

Optimus looked at Rhinox. "They remind you of anyone?" Optimus asked with a grin.

"Oh yeah, and they’re standing right over there," the rhino replied pointing to Dinobot and Rattrap.

"Hey!" Rattrap protested. "Dat ain’t funny, Big Green!"

"Could we all just settle down?" Remus said after a while. Everyone stared at him blankly.

Sirius nudged James in the ribs and muttered, "Voice of reason in the human flesh." He pointed to Remus. James chuckled.

"I heard that, Sirius," Remus growled.

"Well, I guess I just have to blame your excellent hearing on your bloody animal senses."

"Look who’s talking? I’m not the one who can change into a dog."

"And I’m not the one who can change into a—"

"Guys, knock it off," James ordered. He glared at the two. "Padfoot, you know you’re not supposed to tell anyone about Moony’s…well…condition."

Sirius lowered his head. "I know," he sighed. "Sorry, Remus. It just kinda slipped."

"You mean it almost slipped," Remus corrected.

The five Maximals were giving them all puzzled looks. "Okay, would someone like to explain what the big fuss is about?" Optimus said sternly crossing his arms over his chest. "There are no secrets on this ship so I would prefer you four to tell the truth."

James glanced at his friends and swallowed hard. "Um, maybe Remus should tell you. He speaks from experience. We’ve only witnessed it."

"Witnessed what?" Cheetor asked with interest.

Remus sighed and took a deep breath. "It all began when I was ten years old. I was living with my mother and father in Wales. It was dark out, and being the mischievous boy that I was, I went lurking into a forest that my parents had told me not to go into. I heard growling and turned around. A larger than normal wolf charged me and bit me. I screamed with pain and ran home cradling my bleeding arm. A medi-wizard came by our house and told me that I…had been bitten by a…a werewolf." He closed his honey-colored eyes as if trying not to remember the pain he went through.

"A werewolf?" Rattrap repeated. "But dose tings only exist in fairy tales, kid."

"This was very real," Remus continued. "The doctor said I’d live, but every night of a full moon, I would transform into a werewolf. The first time it happened, my parents had to lock me up in a cage in fear that I would attack them. The transformation was horrible and painful. Then I got my letter to attend Hogwarts, our wizarding school. I was surprised I was being allowed. Werewolves usually weren’t able to be in the same company as witches and wizards. We’re shunned away. But the headmaster, Professor Albus Dumbledore promised me he would make my transformations easier.

"I met these four on the Hogwarts Express, which is the train that takes us to the school. We became fast friends. It wasn’t until maybe fifth or fourth year that they realized what I was."

"Yeah, I remember it as though it were yesterday," Sirius said. "James and I threw you into a chair, loomed over you and started yelling, ‘We KNOW what you are, Remus! Why didn’t you TELL us?! We’re supposed to be your FRIENDS!’"

"If I recall correctly, you also had a smudge of chocolate on your face," muttered Remus with a grin.

"That’s not the point, Moony," Sirius argued.

Optimus held up a hand. "Please continue, Remus," he said calmly.

"Right," he replied. "Where was I? Oh yeah. So, my friends knew about my secret but they didn’t abandon me, like I feared they would. Instead, they decided to help me. They wanted to learn how to become Animagi, which is the art of transforming into an animal. So they practiced until they got it right. When the full moon came out, the three of them walked out of the castle as animals up to the Whomping Willow, where I was located. See, a werewolf is only dangerous to humans. Animals are perfectly safe around me when I’m a wolf. Anyway, would you three care to show them what animals you are?" He nodded to James, Sirius, and Peter.

James was the first to transform. Where there once stood a tall teenage boy with messy jet-black hair, glasses, and blue eyes, was now a tall brownish-tan colored stag. Its eyes were deep blue and the robots could have sworn that the stag had winked at them. Sirius was next. He had transformed into a large, black dog. Basically, it looked a lot like a Labrador. He started wagging his tail around and barking. Peter was last to transform. At first, Rattrap thought he was seeing double of himself. There was a small gray rat standing right where Peter had been.

"And there you have it," Remus announced. "These three became animals so that they could comfort me while I transformed into the hideous beast that I am."

The three animals changed back into humans. "Whew, what a rush," panted Sirius shaking it head. "That kinda gives you a headache, don’t it?"

James nodded as well. Optimus looked thoughtful. "So…did you choose what animal you wanted to be?" he asked.

"No," James answered. "I guess it’d be nice, but it doesn’t work like that. The animal is based on your personality. Take me for example. Stags are known to be brave, valiant, and get the does," he added with a grin.

"And you’re known for pulling pranks, wreaking havoc, and flirting with poor, unsuspecting girls," Sirius added with an evil laugh.

"Oh, very funny," James said sarcastically. "What about you? How did you become a dog with your personality? Dogs are loyal, trustworthy, and just about everything you aren’t. The only thing I think of why you’re a dog is because of your last name, which isn’t very creative, is it?"

"My last name has nothing to do with my becoming a dog. Am I not loyal to you guys? Have I ever betrayed your trust?" Sirius said in defense. "Besides, my first name is the name of a constellation nicknamed Sirius the Dog Star. Makes sense, doesn’t it?"

"Not really, but I think you prove a point."

"What about you, Pete?" Rattrap asked curiously. "Why are you a rat? I mean, I chose a rat ‘cause dey’re sneaky an’ interestin’ little critters."

"Well…" Peter began, somewhat fearfully. "I guess because I’m the smallest of the group and rats are pretty small. Also, I can be kind of sneaky when I feel like it. Besides, without me, the other two would never get into the Whomping Willow."

"That’s very true, Peter," Remus agreed with a nod. "I saw Dinobot here transform from a dinosaur to a…um…robot. I was wondering what you all are since you seem to have little bits of animal parts on you."

"I’m a gorilla," Optimus said.

"As you can tell by my name, I’m a rhino," Rhinox said smiling slightly.

"No question as to what I am," Cheetor added with a smirk.

"Already told ya what I was," said Rattrap leaning against the wall.

"I am a Velociraptor," Dinobot answered in a snarling voice.

"Wow. Those are some powerful animals," Sirius commented. "I think the most powerful Animagus to walk the planet was able to turn into a snake. A deadly snake at that. Was probably a Slytherin."

"Slytherin?" Cheetor repeated.

"It’s one of the four Houses at Hogwarts," James explained. "We’re in Gryffindor and its mascot is the lion. Slytherin’s is the snake, Ravenclaw’s is an eagle, and Hufflepuff’s is a badger. The colors are red and gold, silver and green, bronze and blue, and yellow and black."

"Ultra gear," Cheetor muttered. "Where did they come up with the names?"

"Come up with them?" Remus laughed. "They were named after the Hogwarts founders: Godric Gryffindor, Salazar Slytherin, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Helga Hufflepuff."

"That’s awesome," the young robot said.

"Yeah, but we really should be going now," James stated glancing at his watch. "It’s almost time for bed back at school. Everyone’s gonna wonder where the heck we are."

"Where’s the Time-Turner?" Remus asked Sirius. Sirius dug in his pocket and took out the item. He handed it to Remus carefully. "Well, bye then. Maybe we’ll see each other again sometime."

The Marauders waved as Remus turned the Time-Turner over a few times. "Hogwarts, here we come," Sirius mumbled before they disappeared in a puff of smoke.

The five Maximals stared in awe at the place where the human boys had once been. "They were pretty interesting people, weren’t they Big Bot?" Cheetor said.

"Yeah," he agreed. "Someday we will see them again. Maybe sooner than we think…"

***

James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter landed in the Gryffindor common room. They felt very dizzy, to say the least. A girl with green eyes and fiery red hair came striding over with her hands on her hips. It was Lily Evans. "James Daniel Potter!" she cried. "Where WERE you?! I was looking EVERYWHERE for you!"

"Sorry, Lily," he said sheepishly. "Didn’t mean to worry you."

"Well guess what? You did!"

"I’m really, really sorry and it won’t ever happen again. I promise."

Lily didn’t look like she wanted to forgive him, but it seemed she had no choice: he was giving her the innocent, charming James Potter look that no one could resist. "Okay, I forgive you," she said smiling sweetly.

"Boy, have you been Lilynized," Sirius grunted.

"Lilynized?" snorted James. "Sirius, why don’t you just sod off?"

"Fine. C’mon guys. We’ll leave those two lover birds alone." He pushed Remus and Peter away from James and Lily.

"So where were you really?" Lily asked James.

James raised his eyebrows and glanced at Sirius. Sirius nodded and winked back at him with a twisted smile on his face. "You wouldn’t believe me even if I told you…" James said bringing her to the fireplace to sit down in an armchair.

The End!