Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize from any Harry Potter book. If you don't recognize it: Hey it's mine!

And the 'give him some slack...' line is from Disney's Hunchback of Notre Dame. God I love that line… (Although in the movie it is her and not him.)

Contrary to the past few chapters, not much added here.

Ok – I got this chapter out when I wanted to!! WOO! Over 250 reviews! And I have all you wonderful people to thank for that! ;)

… Right then.

As I sit here and watch my Beta fish, Cyprus, swim around in his vase (Yes that's right – he's in a glass vase), I think to myself: "What kind of boring life do I live?" But no really – I really have nothing to say… kind of odd for me at the beginning of a chapter, isn't it? So with all that said and done…

*     *     *

Lily and James listed twenty-seven names that they had recorded on a sheet of parchment, and gave it to McGonagall. Despite the situation, she gave them both a proud look, and sad smile.

"I will report to the Headmaster how well you two have handled this." She told them before addressing the students. All of Gryffindor was now with her in the Common Room. "Gryffindors. This morning there was a mass slaughter in Diagon Alley." Cries were started again from a few students. McGonagall took a deep breath. "Many of your parents, older siblings, or other such relatives were there, I assume. There was a meeting to be held in a Ministry banquet hall that afternoon, heavily guarded, to talk about the fight against Voldemort." A few flinches went through the crowd unnoticed. "Voldemort attacked before they even entered the hall, while they were outside the building. It is estimated that around ninety to one hundred witches and wizards were killed, and many others injured." The students hadn't known all the details and were now too shocked to do anything but stare and wait for her to continue.

"I am deeply graved and you all have my most heartfelt condolences. There is to be a moment of silence at dinner tonight. I suggest you all to come, even if you are not ready, not feel it important, or are not even hungry. The Headmaster will inform you all on any more matters that he feels you all need to know. Please try to be there for 5 o'clock this evening. Thank you for your undivided attention." She turned away. "I have matters to deal with concerning funerals and transportation home for all the students involved." She added in an undertone to the Prefects. "If I am needed, please do not hesitate to get me in the teachers lounge." They nodded and she left.

They looked over at their friends, and inwardly sighed. Lily went to lock the window shut, as it was letting in a slight draft, when an owl caught her eye.

'Oh no…' she thought as the bird flew towards her. I wasn't an owl after all, but a black bird of sorts. A raven upon closer inspection. 'Oh please not now…'

It perched itself on the window ledge and stared at her through its black eyes. She slowly opened the window. The bird dropped the letter inside, and took off with a horrible screech. That drew peoples' attention. Lily didn't know what to do. Everyone was watching her. 'What would the Prefect do if her parents were killed?' They wondered.

"Lily? Is that about-"

"It can't be, Ara." She said loud enough for others to hear. "My parents can't get into Diagon Alley. They're Muggles." People turned away. Lily sighed and sat down. James went over to her, and locked the window. He sat beside Lily, putting an arm around her. "I don't want to open it, James." She said quietly to him. Jen made a move to join her, but Lily shook her head barely noticeably. 'It would make the others come…' she thought desperately. Jen obeyed, but watched wearily from where she sat with Arabella and Remus. She let out a deep sigh, and went back to comforting the two.

Lily, grateful for Jen, opened the letter and read:

Evans,

            My pet, how are you this fine spring day? I do hope you have heard the lovely news. All those magicals dead at once. I surprise myself sometimes.

I've heard that your friend still talks to you. Quite disappointing, really. I'd have thought that she'd push the murderer out of her life. Because that is what you are, Evans, a murderer. You are no better than I. If you just let them be, then all the loss would stop.

I do hope some of your friends were affected by my latest doings. I'd hate for you to feel left out. Singled out, even.

I also know on good account that your birthday is soon. Well, I wish you an exciting, and tear-filled seventeenth birthday, Lillian.

I wish you farewell, and remember – if I cannot have you – no one will.

~     *     ~

By half past five, every student that could go was in the Great Hall. Some needed to stay in the Hospital Wing for the night. One student, Alessandro Bettino, was at home visiting his sick mum. This fifth year Hufflepuff had gone to Diagon Alley that day to pick up his mothers medication, and had gone to see why all these adults were assembling outside one of the Ministry buildings. Voldemort knew no bounds that day, and all in his house will sorely miss him, and all that knew him.

Dumbledore looked across the four House tables. Green, blue, yellow, and red. He sighed and stood up. Every whisper stopped abruptly. Every face turned and watched him. Every child wanting to hear it was all a lie.

"Students of Hogwarts," Every child to be disappointed, "What has occurred this morning is just as much a shock to the staff as it is to you, the students. I extend my deepest condolences to those affected by this tragedy. It is therefore that I extend them to everybody in this Hall. We are all affected by this, and all need each other for support." He stopped and let his words sink into all the hearts and minds there.

"In two days time, students who have lost family, or have family hospitalized, may board the Hogwarts Express and make their way to any such funeral arrangements that your remaining family may have made. I wish for all of you to return in a week at the most. Please owl if that will be a problem, or tell the Head of your house before you leave.

"The train will be leaving Platform 9 ¾ every morning at ten o'clock from the day after you leave. We will now have a moment of silent for all of those lost to us today." The Hall went deathly silent, and every head in there was bowed in sadness and respect. After a few minutes, Dumbledore spoke once more. "If you have any further questions, feel free to ask the Head of your House, or myself. Thank you all very much and do try to eat some of this magnificent food." He sat down and watched as some students still watched him, some ate, some cried, some comforted others, and some that hadn't even moved since they arrived.

"They're only children." Dumbledore said to no one in particular.

"It is such a shame, Albus. To think one man can ruin so much." McGonagall said to him, shaking her head slowly, and buttering herself a roll.

"Only children." He repeated slowly. He glanced at Lily and James who were talking quietly together. Lily looked at a loss for anything. Words. Thought. Feeling. "Minerva, you tell me that Miss Evans and Mr Potter took control of their House superbly?"

McGonagall swallowed her roll. "Yes Albus." She pulled out a folded piece of parchment from her robes, and handed it to him. "They got the names of every Gryffindor affected. Most of them have the family that was killed beside their name, and the people they expect to be staying with. Excellent job, especially considering the circumstances, if I may say so."

"You may." Dumbledore said as he looked over the list. Although it wasn't a list made up for good reason, or under good conditions, it was well put together. He noticed that Lily's name wasn't on the list. 'She still looks grieved.' He thought, glancing back at her. 'He has written her again.' He looked back at the list. "I will keep this in mind when regarding next years' Heads."

~     *     ~

Classes were not cancelled the next day because of the majority of students not being personally affected, and were in need something to do. Other students who had been personally affected also took this opportunity to distract themselves from the thought of the train ride the following day.

Both surprisingly and unsurprisingly, not one point was taken from any House. This was not just because teachers were being generous given the circumstances. Quite the opposite – there was just no reason for them to take any points.

Each class seemed to be subdued. If any points were to be taken away, it would have been for too much silence, or creeping the teachers out.

But the day passed, nonetheless. Too agonizingly slow for some. Too frighteningly fast for others. And to some – time seemed to stand still.

The next day no student missed the train. No one who was leaving Hogwarts could get much sleep anyway, so all were up. Many ate breakfast as early as seven, and a bunch even in at six.

Our eight friends left the school. Gus stayed back because, even though he had become friends with them, he still never met their families or even knew much about them. He would have been there as moral support for Mel, but this was not her family, and she needed to spend time with her friends. He did see them off, though.

The train ride was unbearably slow. There was no before school jitters and prank forecasting. There was no vacation talk or keep in touch planning. There was, however, anxiety blanketing every compartment occupied. Sadness, emptiness, loneliness, grief, denial and guilt ate at the students aboard who had not much else to do but play with their sub-conscious.

If thoughts were sounded, the listener would have gone mad in minutes.

What if I went home at Christmas? I never said I loved them… I'm nobody's princess anymore… What if I was there for Easter? Did they get my last owl? Why my family? Did they think of me? I never got to say I'm sorry… Why me? I'll never forget them. Where will I go? Did they not have other errands to run? I think I'm going to be sick. This is my entire fault. I will never see them again… I no longer have a mum. I no longer have an aunt. I no longer have a dad. I am now an only child. I have one less aunt, and three uncles who are no more. My brother is gone. I will cry. I will not cry. I will be there for my friend. I will unconditionally love my friends and rest of my family. I have no more family. I will never forget them. I will avenge them.

But as these thoughts are only repeated in the mind, the silence was nearly unbearable. But what can be said to break the silence? Any rustle of clothes was like a crack of a whip, rippling the waters that surrounded everyone's thoughts.

This was exceptionally hard on some of the more exuberant students. This meant that Sirius was going mental.

'I am slowly going crazy. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 switch… Crazy going slowly am I. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 switch… I am slowly going crazy. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 switch… Crazy going slowly am I. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 switch…' Sirius looked around as he sung those words over and over in his head. To the untrained eye, Sirius looked placid, calm, and slightly bored.

But to the trained eye, ex James, he was itching to say something, do anything, and would pay lots of money to say and do it. 'He's singing that damn song again…' Sirius caught his eye and gave a small smile. James smiled, shook his head and looked away. He looked at Lily. To the unknown stranger, Lily would seem tired, bored, and possibly anticipating something. Anything. But to James, the ever observant, she was dreading the whole day. Anxious and worried. James himself was more worried about her than any of the others, including Arabella and Remus. They had lost family, but Lily is facing losing friends. Or at least that is how she looks at it. He knows they would never do such a thing… but he could never prove that to her without letting the others know, and having them judge from there. As James looked at her by his side, she turned and saw him examining her. She gave a 'here goes nothing' look and squeezed his hand.

He squeezed back, and Lily was thankful for it. She looked away, knowing he could read her like a book. 'A very frightened, scared, antsy, disturbed book, yes – but still a book.' She gave the smallest of sighs, and everyone looked at her. "Sorry." She mouthed to them. They all smiled at her and looked away. She kept her gaze on Arabella. 'I'm so sorry Ara…' she thought as she studied her friends face. She seemed relaxed and tensed at the same time. Sad about life, but grateful for her friends. Ara looked at her. Lily smiled and turned her attention back to James who was now stroking her hand. Ara looked away.

She looked at Peter. He seemed deep in thought although she couldn't tell what about - it seemed serious. He was the most withdrawn Marauder. 'If ever there was such a thing…' she thought amusedly. Neither she nor the other girls knew much about him. There are certain things you learn when knowing someone for six years… but that was all he seemed to let out. Anything else they knew was from eavesdropping or from the little tidbits they got from the boys. Right now though, he seemed closed off from the rest of them. Ara looked at Sirius and caught him looking at her. She raised an eyebrow and he gave her a 'hang in there' smile. She looked away, not wanting to look at him for long. She'd rather have had him come over and hold her. 'No – no I would not. Not by that dim prat.' She looked back at Peter. He had heard her scoff, and looked to see her scowl. She gave him a small-breathed laugh, closed her eyes, and leant back into the seat.

He looked at her for a moment longer before turning away. He looked out the window. 'She'd never like you. None of them would.' He glared sadly out the window at the passing scenery. He seemed to be the un-fancied Marauder. He thought back to his new group that he signed himself up with. He had not been branded yet, and was grateful for it. He was still at school – too risky. He didn't want to hurt anyone… except his Grandfather – but that was done. He just needed a safe hold. To be something that his Grandfather never thought he could be… He unconsciously rubbed his left arm slowly, as if in a daze. A mannerism he obtained from the constant beatings of his Grandfather. That arm was always gripped. Thrown by that arm. It had always needed healing. 'No more.' He thought, somewhat pleased. He saw Sirius watching him from the corner of his eye, and looked at him. Sirius glanced at his left arm suggestively, and Peter looked down at it, than back at Sirius. He let go, smiled sheepishly at Sirius, who in turn gave him a supportive smile and looked away. Peter looked at Jen. Her and Sirius were so alike, yet so completely different. 'She has sense, and thinks of the consequences before she acts.' Peter thought perceptively. 'Sirius can't fully grasp danger until it's presented to him head on…' Jen looked at him. He stopped his train of thought.

Jen felt eyes on her and turned to see Peter looking at her amusedly. She gave him a questioning glance, and he just shrugged it off. 'Whatever.' She thought as she looked away. She looked about the compartment, and kept her eyes on Remus. He looked so tired, so exhausted. 'Right.' She remembered. 'Full moon in five days. Poor bloke.' She rubbed his hand that she held with her thumb. He didn't seem to notice so much and kept on looking out the window. She kept looking at his face. His features that were just so – Remus. His always tired blue eyes that cared so much for her. His soft skin and small laugh lines that he only recently required after meeting Sirius and James. His little kissable mouth that she loved so much. 'Hang in there, love. I'll always be here for you.' She told herself in her head as she gently touched his face. This startled him a bit and he looked at her.

He smiled, and not a fake or depressing smile. Jen smiled back, and they shared a brief kiss. Remus let Jen rest her head on his shoulder, and he rested his own head atop hers. He thought of her, and it made him smile again, and sigh quietly with contentment. Sirius looked at him, and tilted his head. 'Much like a dog would.' Remus thought lazily. He pointed to Jen with his eyes, and Sirius replied by rolling his eyes, and looking away. Remus shut his eyes and just thought about the past few days. He replayed that one-day over and over again in his head. He felt the tension in the air as they spotted the owls flying towards the school. His heart went out to Arabella as one flew to her, and his stomach dropped as one stopped in front of him. He swallowed hard at the memory. He opened his eyes and looked across from himself at Mel. She seemed to be brooding over something. Remus bet that the recent events brought back all her thoughts of her own family. He smiled and nudged her with his leg.

Mel jumped from the touch. She looked to Remus and gave him the 'you ass' look before smiling along with him. Mel shook her head at him, and closed her eyes again. That distraction caused her to lose her train of thought. 'Where was I…' she thought back a bit. 'Ah yes – reminiscing.' She thought back to her own family, and loved ones. She knew what Arabella and Remus were going through, and sympathised with them. She felt they may have had it easier, 'If there is such a thing,' when dealing with their parents death because they were in it together. 'And another 60 or more students in the school.' Her family was picked purposely. Her family was targeted at, not a gathering of people trying to make a difference. She fought back her own tears, thinking it very melodramatic if she were to start crying when it wasn't even her family this time. She took a deep breath, which caused the others to look at her. She didn't know they were watching her, and didn't want to, so she kept her eyes shut. Remus shook her from her thoughts once more.

"We're here."

~     *     ~

Remus wasn't sure whether he had ever been happier or sadder when he first saw his brother, Troy, at Kings Cross Station. 'Oh I've been happier…' he thought glumly to himself, as he stood outside the limousine, in the Church graveyard. James, Sirius, and Peter were all with him. He wished Jen could have been there, but Arabella needed her as well.

Troy, Remus' older brother, got out of the limo, and put an arm over Remus' shoulders. "Too bad Romulus couldn't be here with us today." Troy said to him. "Too short notice. He does work with tracking vampires in Southern Australia. Couldn't get in touch with him."

"Just hope he doesn't stake you when he finds out he missed it." Remus said, trying to lighten the mood.

Romulus was Remus and Troy's older brother. Their parents had agreed that his mother would name the first child: hence Romulus. She was into mythology and studied Ancient Runes as a hobby. His father got to name the second child: Troy, after his own father. His mother got dibs on Remus, and felt it imperative to finish her little trend. Remus figured Troy might have felt a little left out getting the not-so-original name, but that became less evident as he grew.

Troy was more like their father was. Studious and hard working. His life had to have meaning and it had to have it now. He spoke what he thought, and didn't really care what people thought of him. Therefore becoming an Auror was what he decided to do.

Romulus and Remus were then more like their mother was. Quiet, reserved, but gentle and witty. It's a wonder Romulus chose the job he did. Their mother didn't always say something to you, but you could tell what her opinion was just by looking at her face. When she did say something, you were guaranteed to either think or laugh.

Shaking Remus from his thoughts, Troy led him to the graves, and the other people present followed. It was a short and nice funeral, but that was just what they wanted.

As the caskets lowered themselves into the ground, Remus vaguely wondered how Ara and the girls were holding up just across the bay from Mablethorpe, where Remus used to live.

Over in Hunstanton, Ara stood with her Grandmother and Aunt Janine. With a crumpled up tissue in her hand, she held her head high, and tried to look brave.

She glanced over at Lily, Jennifer, and Melissa who all had their heads bowed. She wondered why they looked graver than she.

Her Grandmother, who was holding her non-tissue hand, was crying as the preacher went on and on about her parents. She gave her Grandmother a gentle look, and then looked at her aunt.

She was to live with these two women from now on. Her aunt never married, and moved in with her Grandmother seven years ago when her Poppa-Gerald died. 'They had always been an odd couple…' she thought to herself. 'He was so much older that her.' Eleven years, if she remembered correctly, looking back at her Grandmother. Her aunt, on her father's side, looked very similar to Ara, herself. She was always a role model for Arabella, and will now be more than ever. 'At least she likes cats.' Ara thought as she drifted her gaze to her aunt. She brought herself to look at aunt Janine's face. She than looked in to her eyes the best she could with a side-wards glance.

Janine cried, but not like her Grandmother. Her tears fell silently and she had a determined look about her. Janine turned towards Arabella, and gave her a hug. The caskets were lowering, and Ara barely took notice. She returned the hug, and began to cry for the second time since she received the letter. She cried as it all sunk in. It wasn't her mother hugging her.

~     *     ~

Remus dropped a couple of boxes on the floor just inside the front door of Troy's flat. He stepped aside, slid down the wall and tried to catch his breath.

"Oh come on little brother. We took the elevator – the walk wasn't that bad." Troy said as he passed the nearly passed out Remus on the floor. He continued into Remus' new room, his old study, and put the boxes in there.

"Tell me again why we can't use magic." Peter said as he passed Remus.

"Muggle London boys." Troy said proudly. "Get up Remus – you can't leave those laying there for people to trip on."

James brought some boxes to Remus' room, came back and took Remus' boxes as well. "Sirius, help him to the couch." He said, nodding to Remus.

"Sure thing." Sirius said, crossing the room. He grabbed Remus' hand and hoisted him up. "Come up Moony – you just take it easy." Sirius said gently, and brought him to the couch. "Water?"

"Please." Remus replied as he sat down.

Troy came into the room and looked puzzled by Remus. He was about to comment on the fact that his friends were doing all the work, when James came up behind him. "Full moon in four days." He said quietly. Realization dawned on Troy's face, and her walked up behind him on the couch.

"I'm so sorry Remus. I never really follow the moon when you're not home." Troy told him, putting a hand on his shoulder.

"S'alright. I'll make sure to tell you when I'm here. Thank you, Sirius." Remus replied, taking the glass offered by Sirius, and taking a big gulp. Troy ruffled his hair and walked away.

"This going to be quite and experience." Remus said as Troy left to get the last of the boxes.

"And how!" Sirius exclaimed, eyes lighting up. "This is a bachelor pad! How groovy is that?"

"It'd be groovier if Remus was a bachelor." Peter said. "But other than that small set back – it's really groovy. A guys place – no woman to intervene." They all sighed, and obtained faraway looks on their faces.

"I'm screwed, aren't I?" Remus asked. They all replied with a "Yea…" Remus sighed. "I'll have to cook my own food, do my own laundry, get an alarm clock. This sucks guys…" Remus told them, putting his face in his hands, and leaning forward.

"Aw Moony, you can pop by our houses whenever you feel the need." Sirius said. "Right guys?"

"Exactly Rem." James said, smiling. "We'll always be here for you to crash with whenever you need."

"Where's the loo?" Sirius asked.

"Down that hall and to you left." Remus answered slightly muted by his hands, not looking up

James sat by beside him after Sirius left and leaned forward to look at his face. "You know Moony… your brother won't be here the whole time… And if Jen came over… you guys could have a lot more privacy than you would before." He nudged him for affect, grinning playfully.

"I know." Remus said, sitting up and smiling. "I wasn't going to say that around Sirius though. As much as I don't care what he thinks… it'd seem as though I was provoking him." James agreed. "But it is a perk."

~     *     ~

"I have my own bathroom!" Ara exclaimed as she checked out her new room. "And shower and everything!"

"You lucky dog." Mel said, leaning against the bedroom doorframe. "Good thing we can use magic around here. Merlin knows I wouldn't want to be dragging all your crap up here."

Lily came in floating two trunks ahead of her. "There are so many cats here now. Starting early with your Crazy Cat Lady plans?"

"Just glad my aunt is helping me along that path. Hope mine get along with hers."

"They're all spayed and neutered, right?" Lily asked, watching a couple of them cleaning each other.

"Yes, oh, except Alex over there, but we think he's gay. Never been interested in any of my girls before." Ara told them laughing.

"Maybe not your girls, but maybe your aunts'." Jen told her.

"We'll just have to wait and see, won't we?" Janine Figg said from the doorway, scaring Mel. "Sorry dear. There are some sandwiches downstairs if you'd like some, and some tea, as well. If you need anything, just ask."

"Thanks Janine." Ara said, emptying some boxes, and making her new room more Arabella like.

Flopping herself on Ara's bed, Mel sat up quickly. "A waterbed? You really are a lucky dog!!"

They laughed, and Jen moseyed on over to the window. "And cute guys around here, do you think?" Jen asked, sitting at the bay window.

"When I used to visit here, a boy called Carl Adams lived across the across the street and few houses down. Haven't seen him for a while. I think he's about 18 now, so he might be living somewhere else." Ara told them, lining up picture frames. "Besides, you're all taken, so he's mine if he's hot."

"That's what I was getting at. But don't jump him too fast. Give him some slack, than reeeel him in. Give him some slack, than reeeel him in." Jen said, imitating a Muggle fisherman.

The girls laughed. "I'm going to get some sandwiches." Mel said, getting up, and heading downstairs.

"Wait, I'm coming!" Jen yelled and took after her, racing her down the stairs.

Ara sighed and looked around. "It's going to be different here."

"But you'll get used to it, I'm sure. Mel knows the most about this kind of thing, she'd be you best source for advice." Lily said, piling up some empty boxes.

"Yea… let's get some grub, I'm starved."

~     *     ~

Remus and Ara sighed at the same time, hands on their hips. They looked at each other and gave a short laugh.

"So we're back at school like nothing happened." Ara said, looking around the Common Room. It had been a couple of days after the funeral, and only a handful of people were back.

"Not exactly. People would have read the names in the 'In the Memory of…' article in the Daily Prophet. Lots of people might know about us." Remus said, collapsing into a couch.

Lily, James, Mel and Peter were off to see what work they could catch up on. The twins (A/N: I've never actually referred to them at the twins before, have I?) were off to the kitchens to hoard some food for the bunch of them.

Over with Sirius and Jen… (A/N: the twins!! :):))

Grumbling sound.

Jen looked at Sirius as he looked at her.

"How can you be so hungry? We ate on the train!" Jen said, throwing her hands in front of her.

"Me? That was your stomach!"

"Excuse me? You're the one who suggested we get food."

"I suggested it so that Remus could have some. He's awfully worn down," Sirius said, with the tone of finality.

"Well that's why I'm here." Jen said, crossing her arms. "For Remus."

"Well it's good that we're here on a common purpose."

"Good." Jen said, looking forward, speeding up ever so slightly.

"Good. I'm happy if you're happy." Sirius said, not unlike a toddler, matching her speed.

"I'm happy."

"Good."

"Good."

"Oh honestly. All this for Lupin?" Sirius and Jen whipped around to find Snape leaning on a wall.

"It's called love, Snape." Jen said coolly. "Try it once an while." She turned around to keep going, hair gyrating (A/N: oooh – new word!) about her as she did so. Sirius stared at Snape a minute before turning.

"I guess it is about time." Snape continued. They kept going. "I had almost thought his sick mum would never actually die." They both stopped. "I mean, the amount of time he had visited her over the years – I guess we could call it… euthanasia."

Sirius turned to face him, and was in the git's face in six strides.

"Sirius, leave him be to wallow in his self pity." Jen called, staying where she was, arms crossed.

"Yes Black. Do what your sister tells you. It's not like you have a mind of your own." Snape said quietly, yet with no lack of hatred.

"And what does Snape, ruler of Hogwarts, mean by his oh so great words of wisdom?" Sirius asked, voice quiet, yet dripping with sarcasm and detestation.

"You're a follower. Be it of Potter or of Black female." Snape said, his lips curving into a sneer, while he nodded behind Sirius where Jen stood, trying to hear their conversation.

"And what about my mates mum?" Sirius asked teeth clenched. He was trying to keep his head about him, and stay on the topic at hand.

"I was starting to think that she'd never die. Either that or Lupin was really just lying. Maybe he's a follower, like yourself Black, but instead of friends, it's of Vol-"

"You want to know the truth Snape?" Sirius said, unable to narrow his eyes any further. "Tomorrow night, Willow. Press the knot with a stick, and you'll get all the answers you'll ever need." He resisted the urge to spit on him, 'Too Slytherin for me…' he turned, and went back to Jen. 'And let that fix your morbid tendencies you git…'

"I believe I will, Black." Snape called before leaving himself, and in much higher spirits than he thought possible after an encounter with the Blacks. He would find out all he needed to know and finally could have some hardcore evidence to get Potter and his followers. Sirius didn't think before he spoke when he was revved up. Many people knew this, and he had gotten in worse trouble for many things because of it. It was only his sweet-talking and suaveness that could reduce the end result of his punishment.

Jen and Sirius walked onward to the kitchens in uncomfortable silence.

"What did you say to him, Sir?" Jen asked, after a minute of glancing at his face and seeing that his glare wouldn't subside.

"Just to shove something abnormally large somewhere where it's anatomically impossible to shove."

Jen's eyes grew wide. "You told him to shove his nose where?" she mocked.

This got Sirius back to normal. "Can't fool you?" he asked, she shook her head. He ran a hand through his hair. "Just something to calm his worries about Remus."

Jen saw him stare ahead, and avoid her eyes. Deciding to beat it out of him after, they talked about other things.

*     *     *

Ok! Chapter done, and the next one will be out next week! And guess what (for all of those who care about my personal life!)! I've started a writing course. It's only 8 classes, and one's already gone, but it'll be really beneficial. So hopefully you'll see some better writing and thought in this. And if not – well, I guess you can't mess with perfection. ;)

Lol – anywho! It's taught by an Author/Professor up here at Carleton University. (No I'm not in University) And it's not a course, so no marks or anything – just simply for my own benefit! The reason I'm telling you? Because I love tooting my own horn (do do do doooo), and I… I thought you might care. *looks sheepishly*

Ok, and no – Peter doesn't like Arabella or anything. He just soaks in his own self-pity that no girl has ever liked him, like they had the other guys. Just clearing that up – No Peter/Ara or Peter/anyone we know action. Not sure whether he'll get a girl… anyone volunteering to be Pete's girlfriend? I'll put you in if you'd want that gruesome part! Lol.

Enough about me – let's talk about you! (And how you reviewed for me…) My thanks for chapter 23!

VoldemortsIllegitimateChild: Actually, enlightenment of your protesting… I would like to ask how Harry has become pregnant. Quite an interesting read it seems. ;) No tears eh? Damn. Ok – hope you liked this chapter, and thanks for the review!

Musicizdbest: Lol – I didn't try the Harry Potter week thing… but who cares? It was a good week without it! I know – the whole June 21st thing! I pre-ordered it last weekend after I posted! 40% off! Woo! Anywho – thanks for that review!

LoonyLoopyLisa: That's ok about the last chapter… but Vegas? Kick ass! Did you really cry? Alright – what I was going for! This one isn't as depressing, even though there are a couple of funerals in it. Time to learn about other people's families, eh? Hope you liked this chapter as well! Thanks for reviewing!

Lucky_719: Was there always an underscore in your name? No, eh? Hm… Lol – still with the no periods! It makes for a fun read. And yea… it's hard for me to write a lot of sadness, so you can see how I add humour here and there, and get out of it as fast as I can? Yea… not fun. Well, thanks for the review!

Zoe Lefebvre: Sorry I haven't checked out your other story yet! I will this weekend or something… I'll try! ;) And don't worry, no sex in my story. So if ever you think that's going to come – think 'No – Lamina said no.' But if I go after Hogwarts (what am I thinking? Of course I will!!), it is… assumed. But I'll not write any hard-core porn – so don't worry. Lol – on an off topic (sort of) – I won't let my friends read this, so they've all assumed its porn. So what do I do? Go along with it in my own sarcastic ways. But yes, back on topic – thanks for the review!

kerry: Yes – I know! Voldemort doesn't want to kill Lily – but I've got a good reason beyond that! And he doesn't really want her dead. It's hard to explain… but somehow it'll be in the story. He really couldn't care less whether she lives or dies, but it's how she lives. Does that make sense? Thanks for the review, like every time!

Nessie: Lol – squished starfish? Too fun. And the knots and crosses – you mean a Celtic design? I really don't know. But my tattoo is of a red Maple leaf! Woo – go Canadian pride!! And my friend drew it, so it looks like it's fallen from a tree or something. 2" x 2" (that's inches right? Not feet?) But yes – I love it so much! Sirius and Genie are on a time off for the grieving, but she'll be right back in the next chapter after the 'incident'… hehe. Thanks for the review! I always wait to hear from you!

I Have No Life: Yea, dreary. And I don't like writing unhappy things – hence the humour throughout my story! Gotta keep things light hearted! Thanks for the review!

shortydork: My name's Jen, too! Aren't we cool?? Nah, no S/A for a while. They've got other plans going on up here. *taps head* Thanks for the review!

jtyw: How did you know it was Voldemort?! Thanks for the review!

Moe23: Ah… so many disasters going on… hard to keep up, eh? And yes – pasty is definitely needed. I recall mentioning during the sorting that there was also a kid with blue hair, and one with red eyes that got sorted into Gryffindor… they should make a comeback… But anywho – thanks for the review! I love reading new names! (You know, like seeing new faces… ;))

AgentAAA: On Word, eh? Isn't it long! *phew* I thought I'd be near the end of 7th year by this length! Ha! Oh good – you're the second to remember Boognumba Weal from the beginning! It makes me proud. Oh thanks for the prophecy compliment! I think it's vague enough! ;) Thanks for the review!! :)

Ok, well! Here it is – and there you go! Off to review because I have all your deepest and most profound love! Love I say!

See you guys next week!