A/N: Okay, okay, I know I said this would be out by the end of May. Feel free to flame and all that good stuff. (Just please make them interesting. I need a good laugh.) I'm sorry I didn't have this out until now. I had most of the chapter finished until almost the end, which was when we got out of school and I suddenly found myself playing Minecraft and Pokemon every moment I got, not to mention wasting a bunch of time on Pottermore. (WHY WON'T IT UPDATE ALREADY?) So, procrastination, plus general writer's block, are the excuses this time. Why do you put up with me? Siriusly, PM me if you want the chapters out sooner, guilt trips and knowing I'm dissappointing people is a very good motivation.

Anyway, you probably can't expect part three (Black Moon) to be up any sooner. I have the general plot already planned out, and the first six chapters planned in detail (AND the Sorting Hat's song, which is pretty good if I do say so myself), but my boyfriend of a year and eight months is moving to Florida on the seventeenth, which is like a two day trip away from where we live, so I'm probably not going to be feeling up to writing. I'll probably be wallowing in self-pity and trying my hardest not to pull a Bella Swan and go catatonic on you guys.

If you can't tell, I'm pretty upset. So if the angst comes out in part three, you know why.

Anyway, enough of my moping! The overdue final chapter of War Upon Us is here for your enjoyment!

Disclaimer: I'm not a genius like J.K. Rowling. I'm just borrowing her characters for the time being. Thanks, though, JKR!

As they entered the last month of term, finals loomed on the horizon, their threatening presence sending Liz, Remus, and Peter into a frenzy of studying. James and Sirius were absolutely no help. The only time Liz could remember them ever being worried about tests was for the finals last year, and they had apparently decided it had been a waste of their time since they always found the loudest, most obnoxious things to do while the others were studying.

Liz had to grit her teeth to keep from yelling when the two boys got into what might have been their biggest fight yet.

"Your mum's so old, she babysat Dumbledore!"

"Your mum's so ugly, when a dementor Kissed her, it died!"

"Your mum's so fat, her Patronus is a cake!"

"Shut up!" Liz yelled, slamming her Charms book onto the table. "Some of us are actually trying to study!"

Sirius balled up a piece of paper and lobbed it at her. "Aw, c'mon, Liz! We were jsut having fun. You should try it sometime."

Remus sighed. "Would it be so difficult to have fun somewhere else? Or, you could try being quiet- how about you guys see who can keep their mouth shut the longest?"

James and Sirius looked at each other for a moment. "I lose!" they yelled at the same time.

Remus pinched the bridge of his nose. "I'm going to the library."

"Wait for me," said Liz hurriedly, gathering her books.

"Me, too!" cried Peter.

"Have fun in the library," Sirius mocked. "Try not to get overexcited."

"Let's go," Peter said quickly before Liz could yell again.

It was a relief to escape to the library, with its silent, dust-filled air and general unrowdiness. Liz almost felt content as she settled herself at the Marauders' usual table, but worry still gnawed at her insides. What if she failed Charms again?

She focused her attention to the spell she seemed to be having particular difficulty with: Charming a book so it would grow legs and walk around. Maybe it was just because she really couldn't think how a book could walk without muscles, but she hadn't had much success with the charm, even when Professor Flitwick spent ten minutes in their last class trying to help her. Liz sighed and began to doodle absently on a bit of parchment, half- watching Peter as he flipped though his Transfiguration notes.

Liz looked back at her little stick people climbing on various structures she'd drawn for them. Remus had said she just needed to find connections between things in order to cast her spells better... People had legs, so what did they also have that a book-?

Liz grinned. A spine. Books had spines, so it made sense, to her, at least, that that was where the legs would grow. She focused on the book in front of her, trying to imagine it with legs.

"Librus Locomortum," she said, and prodded it with her wand. Liz quickly stifled a whoop and yanked on Remus' sleeve, feeling like she would burst with happiness as she watched the book march around on its stubby legs.

"I knew you could do it," Remus said, smiling. Liz swelled with pride, and she almost missed hearing the footsteps that were approaching from behind a nearby bookcase.

"Someone's coming," Peter whispered. Liz snatched her book and shoved it into her bag, where it kicked its feet in protest at the treatment. The three children leaned over the table, putting their heads together conspiratorially. It was a close call.

"What are you doing?" Lily asked suspiciously. She shifted her armload of textbooks to get a better look at them.

"Nothing," they chorused.

Sarah sighed. "Let me guess- you're plotting."

"What? No!" objected Peter. "We're not talking about pranks-"

Liz elbowed him.

"I mean, er-"

Lily glared at them. "I know you're going to try something at the end of the year," she said, "And I don't intend to let it happen!"

"Lily, nothing's going to happen," Remus began, but she cut him off.

"I thought you were better than them," she said, gesturing towards Peter and Liz.

"Hey!" Liz protested, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. She began to stand, but Remus grabbed the back of her robes and pulled her don before she could do something stupid.

"Maybe you'd better leave," Remus said apologetically, "Before Liz tries to hex you."

Lily hesitated a moment, still eyeing them, but she turned and marched away. Sarah gave them a half-apologetic, half-warning glance before hurrying after her friend.

Remus turned to Liz. "You shouldn't have gotten so worked up," he said reproachfully. Liz turned her back to him, smarting at the fact that he was probably right.

They really weren't doing anything wrong, but Lily saying that Liz wasn't good for anything stung her pride.

Liz sighed and pillowed her head on her arms. Sometimes, it seemed like Lily was right. Her stupid visions were just completely useless, and her Charms block was not only hurting her in school, but indirectly hurting Remus as well. If she couldn't master the Patronus Charm, she'd have to do some extremely uncomfortable soul-searching, and she really didn't want that.

It might turn up some stuff she preferred to ignore.

"You know what? I'm done studying," Liz said abruptly. She stood, crammed her books into her bag, and headed back to the Gryffindor common room, hoping James and Sirius were still messing around. She laughed at the thought. Even when they were trying to be serious, they were never able to sit still for long. Of course they were messing around.

"Okay, enough messing around," James said as soon as the others left for the library. "Let's work on the map some more."

"Why don't you want the others working on it, too?" Sirius asked. "Or at least Remus? He doesn't have problems with Charms like Liz and Peter."

James shrugged as he pulled out several large sheets of parchment. "I dunno. I just kind of wanted to work on it with you- you know, just the two of us."

Sirius grinned. "Sounds good to me."

The two boys made themselves comfortable on the floor in the middle of the dorm, where they's have a clear shot at measuring the walls without having to get up.

"So, we're able to measure rectangular rooms just fine," James said, flipping through their stolen cartography book and pushing his glasses further up his nose. "Now we need to do circular rooms." He frowned at the book, trying to make sure he was reading it correctly. "It says, 'C equals two...two...' uh, I don't know what that symbol is." He pointed to a figure that looked like it had escaped from Remus' Ancient Runes book, with two curved legs supporting a wavy top line. "And then R," James finished. He sat back and looked at Sirius. "I don't suppose you know what that means?"

"Of course I do," Sirius said indignantly. James spread his hands in an obvious, 'go on' gesture. "It means... er, well, the C obviously stands for circle, and the R means round, and the squiggly thing is short for three, so a circle equals twice three rounds."

James just looked at him. "Really."

Sirius grinned and lay back on the floor, his hands behind his head. "Nah, I don't know what it means. Check the book, will you?"

James flipped though the pages, but he quickly slammed it shut in frustration. "It just says the circumference is twice the radius times that odd symbol! What the bloody hell is a radius?"

"Did you say Sir Cumference? D'you think Sir Cadogan knows him?"

James rubbed his forehead. "See, this is why I hate books. They always find a way to make you feel stupid."

"You are stupid," Sirius teased. James swatted him.

"Shut it, you." He opened the book again and found the page he'd been on, looking for anything that might further clarify. "Well, it says here that thingy can be used for large rooms, so you don't have to measure all the way around."

"Well, we're going to have to do that until we figure out what it means," Sirius said, shrugging. "We could probably ask Remus, I bet he knows."

"Yeah, but he's in the library." Both boys grimaced. "We'll just have to wait." James pulled out his wand. "Now, let's get started."

They soon found out, however, that it was impossible to measure the dorm room. Their beds were pushed against the wall, and the ceiling sloped upward so that it was narrower than the floorspace.

"Well, that's that," Sirius said. "Want to play a game of Exploding Snap?"

Halfway through their game, there was a knock on the door. "Can I come in?"

Sirius and James looked at each other. "Liz?" Sirius mouthed. James shrugged. "Sure, I guess."

Liz pushed open the door and crossed over to Peter's bed, where she fell backwards onto it, spread-eagle. "I just want this year to be over," she groaned.

"You need to take a break from studying," James laughed. "Here, we can start our game over-"

"It's not that- well, it kind of is- but Evans was being obnoxious and I decided to leave." Liz shot James a look. "Your prank idea is making her suspicious."

"Well, that's kind of what we're trying to do, isn't it?" James said. "besides, if we aren't actually going to do anything, why were you getting so upset?" He flicked a card at her. It landed on her stomach, but Liz didn't notice it until it exploded. "Agh!" she yelled. "James!" She brushed herself off and glared at him.

"Come on, Eb, what's wrong?"

Liz scratched the back of her head. "Don't worry about it. I don't think you want to hear me whining."

"Yeah, no," Sirius said. "Look, are you going to play or not?"

Liz smiled. "I guess so."

Finals passed quickly, to Remus' relief. It sucked, trying to remember the theory of relative equality for potions, list the stages of basic transfiguration, and write an essay on the past three goblin wars while recovering from the full moon. His right hand ached, his back still had several deep scratches, and he was dead-tired, but he insisted on taking the exams with the other students.

For once, though, Remus understood what it was like to be James and Sirius- at least when it came to not having to study. Defence Against the Dark Arts had been ridiculously easy for him this year, mostly because he could focus on the lesson instead of keeping an eye on the teacher's fist in case he had to duck. In fact, Professor Lovegood had been very encouraging as a teacher, and did her best to make sure the students were learning what they needed. Some of her lessons might have been...odd...but other than her imaginary creatures, Remus had to admit that the professor really knew her stuff. He was looking forward to having her as a teacher next year.

Remus, once again, was the first one finished with the exam, so he decided jis extra time would be best spent doing some last-minute studying for Charms, which was their next and last final. As the sand in Professor Lovegood's hourglass trickled into the bottom chamber, more and more students hurried to the front with their papers.

Once the last student had finished, Professor Lovegood stacked the exams on her desk, then leaned against it, surveying the class. She gave them a sad smile.

"Before you all leave for the summer, I'd like to let you know that I won't be coming back next year."

The students burst out with protests, Remus among them. The professor held up her hand, but it was almost a full minute before everyone had quieted enough so she could speak.

"One of my colleagues sent me an owl yesterday with news that there has been an increase in suspected monorian activity near the Congo, so as soon as the year is over, I'll be going back to Africa." Though obviously sad that she'd be leaving, Remus could see the excitement shining in her large eyes.

His hear sank; Professor Lovegood was a brilliant teacher. He didn't want her to leave.

He also didn't want her to be replaced with another nut job- the bad kind- like Dranseau.

"I'm going to miss all of you."

The bell rang and the classroom slowly emptied. Many students stopped by Professor Lovegood's desk to say their farewells.

Remus hung back, not wanting to be rushed by the line. Someone tapped him on the shoulder and he spun, but it was just James.

"You okay, mate?"

Remus shrugged. "I guess."

James gave him a searching look, but all he did was clap Remus on the back- not noticing his wince- and hurried to join the dwindling line.

Remus gingerly rubbed his shoulder, feeling the bandage through his robes. He gritted his teeth and forced himself to stop aggravating it, knowing it was already going to take long enough to heal.

Peter appeared next to him. "Do you...?"

"Go ahead without me," said Remus.

Peter gave him a half-smile. "We'll wait for you."

Remus hovered by his desk until everyone had left, then hesitantly walked to the front. "Erm... Professor Lovegood?"

"Yes, Remus?" The teacher looked at him questioningly.

Remus held his hand out. "I just wanted to say thank you for teaching this year."

"No need to thank me," she said, though she took his hand and shook it firmly. "I really did enjoy it." Remus tried not to flinch at her gripping his injured hand, but she noticed and quickly let go. "My apologies," she said, giving it a gentle pat. Remus shrugged self-conciously.

"Well, good luck on your expedition," he said. Just as he turned to go, Professor Lovegood gave him a gentle one-armed hug.

"Remus, I want you to listen to me," she said, suddenly sounding serious. "You're a very bright student, not to mention much kinder than most. Don't you dare listen to anyone, teacher or student, who tries to tell you you're a bad person. Promise?"

Remus was more than a little startled, but he nodded hurriedly.

"You take care of yourself," Professor Lovegood said. "Enjoy your summer."

Remus offered her a smile. "You, too."

OoOoOoO

The Charms practical was dull, but at least it was easy. Remus just hoped that all of Liz's studying had finally paid off for her.

When he exited the exam room, he found Liz and Sirius lying on the floor, arm wrestling. Liz was losing every time, but she kept demanding rematches despite the fact that she was obviously outmatched.

"Hey, Moony," Sirius said, glancing up. Liz was straining to push his arm down, but Sirius looked like he was putting forth hardly any effort.

"How do you think you did?" Remus asked. Liz didn't look upset, just focused on the match.

"I-" she began, breaking her concentration. Her arm slammed against the floor with a crack. Remus winced, but Liz just shook her hand and made a rude gesture at Sirius. "I think...I think I actually did okay." She sighed, obviously relieved, but her face fell after a moment. "But, even if I didn't, there's nothing I can do about it now."

"Cheer up," Sirius said. "Look, we're-"

The door to the exam room opened and Ravenclaw Mason MacMillan came out before Sirius could stop his sentence.

"-still going to pull our prank to...night... Crap." The three Marauders froze. Mason blinked several times, then hurried away, probably to spread the word.

"Way to go, Sirius," Remus said in a carrying voice. Mason glanced over his shoulder and quickened his pace.

"Could we have asked for better timing?" Sirius laughed. "I can't wait until this evening!"

Remus tried to hide a smile, but he had to agree. he was looking forward to their prank.

OoOoOoO

"Hey-"

"Nope," James said, sitting up quickly. "I don't know what Mason told you, but we aren't doing anything, nothing at all whatsoever!"

Mary crossed her arms and frowned at James. Remus lifted his book slightly to cover up a grin when James actually leaned back in his chair. The little first-year girl looked frighteningly similar to Lily at the moment.

"You're not really helping your case, you know," she said cooly.

"Look, Mary," Sirius said, swinging his legs off the couch and throwing a casual arm over the girl's shoulders, "Who would you be more inclined to believe? Mason, or your own housemate?" He grinned and ruffled Mary's hair, but she swatted his hand away and squirmed out of his grip.

"You're not really expecting me to trust your word, are you?" Mary huffed. "Why would you do this to Gryffindor on the last day of term? We're in the lead, but we're going to lose the House Cup AGAIN if you let another cage of pixies loose like Lily said you did once, or- or- ugh!" She threw her hands in the air and stomped away. "I'm telling Professor McGonagall," she yelled over her shoulder.

Liz and Peter, who had been playing chess on the hearth rug, buried their faces in their hands to muffle their laughter. "I swear, this just keeps getting better and better," Liz said. "Checkmate," she added.

Peter sighed and began to pack away his set. "Good game," he said. Liz looked like she was ask for another, but she shrugged and scooped up her own set.

James still looked a little worried about Mary's threat. "What if McGonagall bans us from the feast?" he asked.

Remus slipped a scrap of parchment into his book to mark his spot and set it down. "I really doubt that'll happen, since dinner is in five minutes," he said mildly.

The Marauders grinned at one another as they stood to go. "Y'know, it might not be the most disruptive prank we have done or will do," James mused, "But you can't argue that it doesn't have an aspect of psychological terror attached to it."

"I dunno, those bats were pretty traumatizing," Liz said. "How many students do you think are now terrified of them because of what happened on Halloween?"

"I thought that wasn't our fault," Remus said pointedly. Liz blinked, but when she saw what he was getting at, she grinned sheepishly.

"Do you have the cloak, James?" Sirius asked. James patted the front of his robes; Remus noticed they were oddly lumpy.

"Do you really need to ask?"

The Great Hall was already pretty full of excited students when they arrived. Everyone was in high spirits, as they would be returning home the next day. Remus smiled at the magnificent scarlet and gold hangings that celebrated Gryffindor's victory in the House Cup, but he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. The year had gone by too quickly. He didn't want to leave just yet.

Some of the students fell silent when the Marauders entered, and several heads turned to watch as they made their way to their regular seats.

Liz nudged Remus and made a show of looking anxiously at the ceiling. Remus copied her, though he tried to make it look more subtle.

"This is going to be good," James said as he and Peter sat opposite the other three, but he fell silent as Professor Dumbledore stood up.

"A shame to see another year draw to a close," he said. "Though it is sad, I ask that you remember the good times you had... as well as those whose lives were ended by Lord Voldemort."

A murmur ran through the Hall; several students actually flinched at the name.

"We mustn't forget the dead, just as we mustn't forget that life goes on," Dumbledore continued. "We mustn't forget that, no matter how dark times may become, we will always have something worth fighting for. I want all of you to have a safe summer term, and remember to tell those you love how much they mean to you.
"Now, I believe it is time to announce the point totals for the year," he said, and the mood abruptly lightened. "In fourth place, with three hundred and twelve points, is Ravenclaw. In third, with three hundred and fifty-seven points, Slytherin. In second, Hufflepuff, with four hundred points exactly, and in first place, with four hundred and twenty-five points is Gryffindor!"

The Gryffindors erupted into cheers; Remus was certain that he was the only one who noticed Dumbledore lean over to Professor McGonagall and say something that looked suspiciously like the words, 'Assuming nothing chaotic occurs within the hour.' Professor McGonagal's lips thinned in response.

"Congratulations for a very good year. Let us eat!"

"Okay, guys- scarf!" James ordered. Remus helped himself to a fat slab of steak, heaped a small mountain of potatoes to his plate, and poured gravy over the lot before digging in. He only spared a glance at the others to see how much time he would have to eat. Judging by the amount of food on James' and Sirius' plates, he'd have just a few minutes.

Their rapid eating didn't go unnoticed by the other students, who quickly decided to copy them. In response, the Marauders just ate faster.

Before he knew it, his plate was empty. There was nothing for it but to wait for the signal.

As soon as the food disappeared and was replaced by the desserts, James grabbed a handful of chocolates and nodded. The Marauders suddenly dived under the table, whereupon James yanked the Invisibility Cloak out and threw it over them. They managed to crawl out from under the bench before the panic set in.

"Go, go, go," James hissed, and they broke into a run.

"Our feet-" Peter started.

"Nobody'll notice, now come on!"

Students were lunging for the cover of the tables like it was Halloween, pushing each other so they could avoid whatever was falling from the ceiling- which was nothing. James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Liz watched from under the cloak as the frantic scramble began to die down as students gradually realized they'd been had. James, Sirius, and Liz were doubled over in barely-suppressed hysterics, Peter was laughing so hard there were tears in his eyes, and Remus was grinning broadly, a sense of elation swelling in his chest. It was disruptive, it was panic-inducing, and it was hysterical, but the best part was that they couldn't get into trouble. All they'd done was duck under a table. It wasn't their fault everyone else had freaked out. In other words, it was the perfect prank.

Well, for Remus, at least.

"That was brilliant," Sirius snickered. "We'd better go, before someone spots one of our feet on its own."

Laughing and feeling like his sides might split, Remus fled with his friends.

They raced back to the common room, laughing uproariously in a moment of wonderful childhood joy that would be few and far between in the coming months.

Despite the success of their prank, the mood in the dorm that night was hollow. A sense of emptiness filled the room, a sense that tonight was the last night they'd have to enjoy before they would have to face the real world.

"D'you know if we'll be able to come over again?" Peter asked James as they were packing their things.

James grimaced. "I have no idea. Mum might not want anyone over... y'know, in case of another attack." He glanced at Sirius. "But, erm, if your family gets to be unbearable, you're welcome to come over."

"So, I can just meet mum at the station and then just go home with you?" Sirius said quickly. Remus chuckled softly, but Sirius heard it regardless. "What are you laughing at?" he said with a playful growl.

Remus smiled. "Oh, nothing." He ducked his head, pretending to rummage in his trunk so he wouldn't meet their eyes and burst out laughing again. He had to maintain the appearance of some maturity, at least.

There was a soft knock on the door and Sirius perked up. "I bet that's Liz," he said, hurrying to open it.

"Can I come in?" Liz asked. "The girls are driving me crazy."

"Yeah, sure. Hey-" Sirius looked around the room. "In fact, want to spend the night here again? It might be our last time together until next year."

"I suppose," Liz said. "I need to get my blanket and pillow, at least."

James, who had sidled over to Remus, said, "Why? Are you planning on sleeping on the floor?" I'm sure Re- ow!"

Remus stomped, hard, on James' foot before he could finish his sentence.

Liz wrinkled her nose. "I'd rather sleep on the floor. Your bed smells funny, Sirius talks in his sleep, and Peter kicks. Besides, it's be more than a little awkward, sharing, don't you think? Besides, the floor's, uh- fine." She kicked a dirty sock into the air and James reached out and caught it. He inspected it for a moment.

"Nope, not mine," he said. "Peter, catch!"

Peter ducked as the balled-up sock hit the wall behind him. "I think that's Sirius'," he said, eyeing it.

Sirius hurried over and grabbed the sock. He tossed it over his shoulder so it landed in his trunk. "There," he said, satisfied. "I'm all packed."

Liz stood still for a moment, then she smacked herself on the forehead. "I totally forgot to pack!" she cried. "Sorry, guys, I have to go!" And with that, she darted out the door. "See you tomorrow," she yelled as she whipped around the corner.

"Well, so much for that," James said. He rubbed his sore foot, glaring at Remus. "If you weren't so beat up right now, I'd get you back for that," he threatened.

"You might not mind embarrassing yourself in front of a girl, but I'd like to keep my dignity, thanks," Remus answered.

OoOoOoO

Before they knew it, they were back on the Hogwarts Express, going home. Remus could already imagine it; his mother would be there at the platform to take him home, where she would hug him tightly and ask him hundreds of questions about the year. He wondered if she'd have some cocoa waiting for him at home.

James' ego certainly got a huge boost during the ride home. Several Gryffindors looked in to their compartment to compliment on the Marauders' being able to scare the whole school and not lose any points. Even Lily, Liz had told them, had commented on it last night in the dorms. If the older students' praises didn't make James' head explode with pride, Remus thought, that certainly would.

As the trip drew to a close, the Marauders exchanged hugs, knowing it would be unwise to linger on the platform. Though they had managed to mostly put it out of their minds while they were safe at Hogwarts, they couldn't help but remember the attack on James' home. It wouldn't surprise them if the Death Eaters tried to hit the platform. It was the perfect target, after all; the defenseless children and quite a few muggle parents wouldn't be able to do much against cold- blooded killers, and Remus didn't know how well most of the wizard parents knew how to duel.

The Hogwarts Express pulled into the station, and Remus spotted his mother waiting for him by the exit. He turned to look at his friends.

"Keep in touch," James reminded him. "And we'll come visit you over the summer."

"I'd rather-" Remus tried to say.

"You can't keep us away, so don't even try," Sirius said firmly. "Look, I've figured out my Patronus, I'll bet James can get his while he's at home, but we're going to need to help Liz and Peter, and since you're the one who told us about Patronuses in the first place-"

"But I'm not an expert," Remus protested.

"I'd bet if you tried a bit harder, you'd be great," Liz said. Her eyes flicked to the window and she stood. "My mum's here," she said. She hesitated. "I guess this is good-bye, for a while."

She hugged all of them, then grabbed her trunk and began to haul it outside. She only looked back to give them a sad smile.

"I should go, too," Remus said. He hugged them as well, then made his way off the train.

He stopped in front of his mum, who caught him up in a hug. "How are you feeling, sweetie?"

Remus smiled up at her. "Much better now that exams are over," he said, grinning faintly. She kissed him on the forehead. Remus heard a wolf-whistle, and he turned to see James and Sirius hanging out their window, waving to him. Remus waved to them, then turned back to his mother. "Let's go home."

A/N: Whew! Finally finished! Now I can get started on the one I've really been looking forward to- Black Moon! It'll hopefully update a lot faster, as I'm much more excited about the plot I have for that one.

Again, don't know when the first chapter will be out, but there'll be a spoof chapter posted on here so you'll know I've uploaded a new story. So YAY-face.

Please review. I'm lonely. My little review button friend is lonely. WHY DOES WE GETS NO HUGGLES?

And I need the motivation. Siriusly, like you would not believe.

Until next time,

-Dndchk