Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize from any Harry Potter book. If you don't recognize it: Hey it's mine! So you all know – I own Moon-me, Sperm Whale, Tampon and Thongs. Just thought I'd add that somewhere! Songs are Stairway to Heaven – by Led Zepplin, and Pinball Wizard – by the Who. No infringement, yadda yadda yadda.
*sniffs* This is the second last chapter… Oh where did the time go? Well, onto other things. Fun chapter ahead folks. So read on and have fun. Don't forget to review, and tell me what you thought!
* * *
The two final weeks before exams came… and went. Students stopped lolling about and got cracking on last minute studying. Every night the library was filled until closing, and the hours it was open were extended. Students showed up at 6 am, waited for it to open at 7 am, and left at closing, which was 10 pm. Madam Pince wasn't thoroughly happy with the arrangement. What with no time to put books back that the students left lying about, or organize the new ones she got in.
On this particular day, June 18th, our friends had two exams: History of Magic in the morning, and Defence Against the Dark Arts in the afternoon. But as it was only 7:30 in the morning, they had yet to be put through the gruelling torment.
"Good morning Sunshine!"
"Merlin!" Jen screamed, falling out of bed. "What the bloody hell-"
"Happy Birthday!!" Ara, Lily and Mel yelled, hoisting Jen and having her stand on her weak morning legs.
"Oh…" Jen groaned. "Well, thanks I guess." She gave them a smile, which soon resembled a yawn.
"Shower time!" They chorused, half-carrying Jen into the bathroom. They turned on the shower and left Jen in there, leaning on the counter.
Jen stood there confused. She scratched her head and looked around. The big white fluffy towels from the Prefect bathroom were in there, as well as her clothes for the day.
"How sweet…" She mumbled. She undressed and stepped into the shower. Jen lifted her face into the down pouring water, and accordingly woke up. As she washed her hair she bounced and swayed a bit, singing a song in her head, humming lightly. She finished and wrapped the soft towel around her body. Jen hummed to herself as she casually dried her black hair, leaving it a bit damp, deciding on a hairstyle for the day. She kept it down and did a handful of barely noticeable braids in it. She only braided the red highlights.
Smiling at her reflection, she began to sing instead of hum. It was her favourite muggle song.
"There's a lady who's sure
All that glitters is gold,
And she's buying a stairway to heaven."
She started changing into her clothes, moving with the rhythm of her voice.
"An' when she gets there she'll know
If the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for."
She was nice and slowly fixing her blouse and tie. Hell she could take her time; it was her birthday after all. Well, Sirius' too… but really – she was born first. He's the moocher.
"Oohoohooh oohoohoohoohooh
And she's buying a stairway to heaven…"
She finished applying her mascara and looked at herself in the mirror. She had fully dried her hair and put on a light layer of make-up. She smiled and winked.
"Absolutely lovely, dearie." The mirror replied.
"Thanks." She opened the door and saw she was alone. "Hmm…" She glanced around, made sure she was by herself and that the door was closed. Around the room, lupins still grew from the windowsills. Jen had cut some; put them in a vase, and then on her bedside table. With Lily's permission of course…
"There's a sign on the wall
But she wants to be sure
Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings."
She rummaged through her trunk, looking for her History of Magic and Defence Against the Dark Arts notes and textbooks.
"In a tree by the brook
There's a songbird that sings
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven."
Shouldering her bag, she left her dorm. She trudged down the stairs singing the words barely audibly.
"And it makes me wonder…"
Sirius' morning…
"Get your ass up Black!"
Sirius spazzed, fell out of bed and landed in a heap. "Bloody inbreds…" he muttered, twisting out of his bed sheets that accompanied him to the cold floor.
"Up you get laddie!" Remus, James and Peter yelled, gripping Sirius by the arms and dragging him into the bathroom. They stopped before the shower stall, and let him go, causing Sirius to fall to the floor. They turned on the water.
"Happy Birthday, mate!" They said, ruffling his hair.
"Yea thanks." Sirius grunted, attempting to kick them all in the shins.
"Shower time." The guys said, and left, closing the door.
Sirius sighed, undressed and stepped into the shower. Ah yes; now he was awake.
He started shampooing and began to sing. Loudly. He sang out his favourite muggle song from recent a musical.
"Ever since I was a young boy
I played the silver ball.
From Soho down to Brighton,
I must have played them all."
He rinsed and repeated.
"But I ain't seen nothing like him
In any amusement hall.
That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball."
He rinsed and conditioned.
"He stands like a statue,
Becomes part of the machine
Feeling all the bumpers
Always playing clean.
He plays by intuition,
The digit counters fall.
That deaf, dumb and blind kid,"
He rinsed.
"Sure plays a mean pinball."
Sirius grabbed the bar of soap and began to scrub himself clean.
"He's a pinball wizard
There has to be a twist.
A pinball wizard
S'got such a supple wrist."
Sirius brought the soap up to his face and sang into it in a high-pitched 'feminine' voice.
"'How do you think he does it?"
He sang normally.
"I don't know."
He sang high once more.
"What makes him so good?'"
Sirius gave himself a final rinse, and turned off the water. He stepped out and wrapped one of the Prefect towels around his waist. He smiled. That was nice of them. He walked up to the mirror and kept singing, although this time he was much quieter.
"He ain't got no distractions,
Can't hear those buzzers and bells.
Can't see no lights a'flashin,
Plays by sense of smell.
Always hits the replay
'n' never tilts at all…"
He brushed his hair, which was getting a little shaggy. He tried different styles. Spike it? Flick it? Wings? He could do the wings… his hair had finally grown long enough for them!
"That deaf, dumb and blind kid
Sure plays a mean pinball."
He smiled and began twisting the ends of his hair by his ears and neck, flattening his short bangs over his forehead. (A/N: you know the skater style?)
"I thought I was
The Bally table king.
But I just handed
My pinball crown to him."
He smiled at his effort and spell dried his hair. He looked around and saw his robes. That was a little… too… nice of them. Ah well. He shrugged and started getting changed.
"Even at my favourite table
He can beat my best.
His disciples lead him in
And he just does the rest."
He fixed his tie, and looked himself over in the mirror. He smiled and winked at his reflection.
"Go get'em tiger." The mirror growled.
Sirius laughed and left the bathroom after putting on some cologne. No one was in the dorm… ah well. He grabbed his bag, already stuffed with his books, and headed out the door. He finished his song quietly.
"He's got crazy flipper fingers
Never seen him fall…
That deaf, dumb and blind kid-"
He jumped the last few steps and sang loudly to the bunch of students in the Common Room:
"Sure plays a mean pinball!!"
Sirius looked around and smiled, he saw Jen had already descended from the girls' staircase just seconds before himself.
"Happy birthday!!" People yelled to the both of them – their friends leading the ensemble of 15 or so students.
Sirius and Jen thanked everyone and headed towards each other.
"Happy birthday, love." They said. They gave each other a quick peck on the lips and big hug.
"Love your hair, Sirius." Jen said, playing with one of the flips.
"And I, my dear sister, enjoy your braids." He said dramatically, tugging one. "Too bad we have exams…" He scrunched his nose and stuck out his tongue like he just ate something rancid.
"Yea, well we're having a party at home like usual." Jen said. "Whoa!" She yelled as Remus' arms encircled her waist and hoisted her up, spinning her once.
"G'day love." Remus said, putting her down and kissing her neck lightly.
Genie came over and hugged Sirius. "Happy birthday." She said. "Like your hair."
Sirius smiled and kissed her. "Thanks." He looked around at his friends. "What say we go down for some breakfast? Got an exam in-" he checked his watch and groaned "-one hour."
They headed down for breakfast, Jen and Sirius receiving lots of 'Happy birthdays' always mixed with giggles, and sometimes blatant laughing and pointing in their faces. Sirius stopped walking in front of the Great Hall.
"Alright," he said, "I know the signs of a prank… what'd you do to Jen and I?" He looked at his and Jen's clothes, hair and faces.
Everyone glanced at everyone else. They all shrugged, smiled and entered the Great Hall for breakfast.
Sirius and Jen looked at each other, and he put his arm around her waist as a 'we can tough it out if it's bad' squeeze. Jen smiled, and they confidently strut through the open doors to the Great Hall.
They stopped dead in their tracks, smiles gone.
Above the Head table was a giant photograph of them.
Jen stared at it and covered her gaping mouth with her hand. She gazed with wide eyes. Sirius' eyes bugged as well. His arm around Jen's waist dropped and hung limp by his side.
The 10x12 metre photograph was of the twins at the age of 1 ½ or 2 years. They were both clothed in only diapers, and were playing by a pond near the back acres of the Black Manor. Well… playing might not be the word…
Sirius was sitting on his bottom in the shallowest part of the pond with ducky floaties on his pudgy arms. He didn't need them – the water was only a couple of inches deep – but few people knew of Sirius' paranoia of water as a child.
Jen was briefly seen in the picture, time and time again. She would run from right to left, than left to right of the picture, holding her diaper up. Behind her trailed Anubis, their Doberman puppy, who was holding onto her diaper with clenched jaws. Jen was crying while Anubis tugged on it, dragging him as she ran to get away. Behind Anubis trailed three white ducks that would follow Jen where she ran, waddling in a line.
Sirius soundlessly laughed and splashed about, as Jen appeared to be screaming. Sirius clapped for her entourage and simply loved the parade she was giving him.
Above the photo were large black glittering words:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIFER AND SIRIUS BLACK!
Everybody in the hall laughed at the birthday twins' stunned silence.
Sirius all the sudden gave a bark of a laugh and shook his head. He took Jens hand in his and threw it in the air in a victory stance. But a victory of what, Jen wasn't sure. Was it that she didn't pass out from embarrassment? Sirius brought her hand down, kissed her cheek and dragged her to their friends at the Gryffindor table. Jen stared at the picture the whole way.
"You bloody bastards!" Sirius laughed. "Did our mum send you that?" He asked, sitting down. Jen sat and stared at her friends and their 'innocent' faces.
"Actually yes. Your dad was home when we sent the letter, and wanted to send us one of you and Jen in the tub." James said casually.
Jen choked on her toast. "Did he send it?"
"No…" James said, upset. "But your mum made him settle on this one as long as we got a picture of your faces and how it looks up there." He nodded to the giant picture that kept replaying Jen running, screaming and crying, and Sirius laughing, splashing and clapping. Lily was putting her camera back in her bag.
"Dumbledore going to punish you for this?" Jen asked, glaring at them all, and slapping Remus' hand away as he tried to slip it around her waist. Remus chuckled and rubbed his hand.
"Nope. Said it was exam week, and something about it being what you deserved." Mel said.
Ara looked at Jen. "But we don't think he meant you, dear." She said, reaching across the table and patting Jen's hand, grinning like the Cheshire cat.
"Well then, I think I should get something for it. Bonus marks on my Potions exam maybe?" Jen said, sipping some pumpkin juice, and glancing over her History of Magic notes with Remus.
"That was a lost cause, that was." Peter said. "Bloody miracle if I pass."
"I thought it was pretty good." Mel said thoughtfully, flipping through her notes.
Gus looked at her with an eyebrow raised. "Says the sixth year who's top of the class behind Snape." Mel smiled, and kissed his cheek.
"Off we go, I guess…" Remus said, closing Jen's book and standing up. "Oh honestly – it starts in half an hour. Takes us ten minutes to get upstairs, and put our books away; than fifteen to head down to the class from there." He was looking down as he spoke, putting everything in his bag. "So basically – we have five minutes." The others groaned and followed suit.
~ * ~
Exams passed and now it was in the midst of the last week before the school year was over. Other than Christmas, this was the Marauders favourite time of year – even beat out summer break. During the summer no magic was allowed, and at Hogwarts they were with their friends, girlfriends, had no parental supervision, and could sneak off to Hogsmeade.
"So who's in the running for the House Cup this year?" Peter asked as Lily charmed the daisy petals red and gold.
"Gryffindor and Ravenclaw." James replied, transfiguring the long blades of grass into different flowers and giving them to Lily to charm. Ah yes – they were back to their rock.
"And who's up for Head Boy and Girl next year?" Peter questioned again.
"Lily and Patrick Boot." James answered, the grass blade in his hand spontaneously combusting. Sirius, Remus, Jen and Ara had to fight to keep their laughter inside. The blade turned to dust, and flitted off with the light breeze.
"Ah Thongs – you'll to get it." Remus said. James glared at him – you couldn't mistake the humour in his voice. But James didn't reply, he kept on transfiguring grass and Lily would mindlessly take it.
"Eeew – James!" She yelled, jumping up, shaking her hands and hoping on the spot. "You… you – eeew!"
Everyone looked down and saw a slug in her pile of flowers. They burst out laughing.
"Sorry Lils." James said as she ran to the lake and scrubbed her hands. "I really didn't mean to…" James said to the others, not catching Sirius and Ara high-five.
"It's ok bud." Sirius said, ruffling James' hair, and smirking.
"But I was doing the same spell every time… I don't have any slime on my hands-"
"Yea well, you win some, you lose some, right?" Ara jumped in.
"Guess so…" James said, in some sort of stupor.
"James, what's wrong-" Remus asked, furrowing his brow.
"-you bloody great prat." Lily added, sitting down, and getting Sirius to transfigure the slug into the rose it was supposed to be.
"Just my dad." James said. "Expects me to be Head Boy. What if I don't get it?"
"You will." Lily said, patting his knee. "Remember what I said at the beginning of the year?" James shook his head, causing his hair to fall in his deep blue eyes. "That I would hate to be Head Girl without you as Head Boy." James smiled. "And I still mean it. Everyone is so adamant about me being Head Girl – well, how well would I get along with Patrick?"
Sirius laughed. "Bloody hell you'd kill him!"
"Exactly." Lily continued, still looking at James. "He's too… serious. And I don't think 'Murdered Head Boy' would go very well on my resume, or the teachers end of the year reports for signing us up together." She rubbed James' back. Right when it started to feel good, and he closed his eyes, Lily dropped a slug down his shirt.
"Merlin Lily!" He screamed, jumping up and shaking his shirt. He danced around for a while, trying to reach the little bugger. He finally resorted to ripping off his shirt and getting Remus to take the slimy thing off.
"Eeew…" James squirmed as he felt it peel off. "That felt so gross…"
Remus laughed and tossed the slug over to a different patch of grass nearer the forest. "And now there's a lovely trail of slime down your back."
Everyone chorused an over-exaggerated "Eeew…"
"Well, I'm going swimming." James said wryly. "Anyone is welcome to join me." He took of his glasses and put them down on the blanket. He walked the short distance to the water, took off his jeans ("Ow! Go James! WOO!!" – girls) leaving him in his boxers. He pointed his wand at his boxers and muttered a few words, turning them into swimming trunks. He threw his wand back to the others. James walked into the shallow water, and dived into the dip. He swam back up and waved to the others.
"Come in guys!" they all glanced at each other and the guys quickly got up, ripped off their shirts and pants, and transfigured their boxers too. Remus did Peter's, and put little hearts on them (request of Sirius) and joined James in the lake.
"Come on!" Sirius yelled. All the girls shook their heads.
"We don't have our bathing suits!" Mel yelled.
"Do what we did!" James yelled back before being dunked by Sirius.
Remus swam to the shore and showed Jen the spell. "… and just think of what you want it to look like." He finished.
"And you want us to strip to our knickers with you lot watching?" She asked sardonically.
"… That was our goal, yes…" Remus admitted, getting a slap on the arm.
Jen walked back to the girls. "Everyone behind the rock." She ordered.
"Ok no. It couldn't cover one of us." Mel chided as they walked behind it.
Lily pointed her wand at it. "Engorgio." They heard groans and protests from the lake area as the rock grew in size.
"Oh shut it!" Ara yelled from behind the rock.
"I bet you they're thinking of shrinking the rock as we strip down." Jen said.
"But Remus'll probably stop them-" Ara started.
"Aw Remus you're no fun!" They heard Sirius and James yell. "Get him!" Then they heard yelling and splashing. The girls burst out laughing.
"Ok…" Lily said as all four of them stood there in their bras and underwear. "So what's the spell? I don't want to do it myself… God knows my bra will become coconuts or something…" The girls burst out laughing. Transfiguration really was her worst subject. "I'm serious!" They leaned on the rock to support themselves as they laughed.
"Need help back there?" They heard James call.
"No, coconut girl is ok!" Jen yelled back, Mel and Ara laughing with her.
"Guys, let's just do this." Lily said, hands on her hips.
"Ok, ok." Ara said, getting on her feet. She pointed her wand at herself and transfigured her underclothes into a blood red two-piece.
"Nice." Mel commented. She changed her own into amber coloured bikini. "Match my eyes."
Jen smiled at her, and glared at Ara. "I was going to go red." She made hers burgundy, and the top piece of the bikini tied around her neck.
"Sexy." Ara smiled.
"Sirius'll kill you." Mel chimed in.
"If Remus doesn't eat you first." Ara put in, nudging Jen with a wink.
Jen blushed as the others laughed. "Yea that's it – yuk it up." She reprimanded. "Now you Lily."
"I'll do it. You're too testy now." Ara pointed her wand at Lily, about to open her mouth, than burst out laughing. "I can't do it! All I see is the coconuts!" Mel laughed and Jen shook her head.
Lily glared. "I'd appreciate it if you did not give me a coconut bra."
"Here Lils." Jen said calmly. She pointed her wand at Lily. She then burst out laughing with Ara and Mel.
"Jennifer Black!" Lily screeched. "I said no coconut bra! This is so uncomfortable…" They heard the boys burst out laughing.
"But you never said no coconut bra and grass skirt!" Jen squealed as she laughed. The boys laughed even harder. Over the rock a ukulele was thrown, and Lily caught it.
"I hate you James Potter!" Lily shrieked. Everyone else was rolling with tears of laughter pouring down their faces, even though the guys couldn't see her.
Mel calmed first and quickly turned Lily's ensemble into a forest green bikini. "There you go Lily." Mel said, wiping her eyes.
"Thank you Mel." Lily replied curtly. They shrank the rock and walked out.
All the boys catcalled and whistled. They were on the grass with their clothes and wands, waiting for the girls.
"Took you long enough." Sirius said, staring at Arabella.
"You should have seen her…" she said, still wiping her eyes.
"You look good." James said, wearing his glasses and reaching out to put his hands on Lily's waist.
She smiled sweetly at him, holding the ukulele behind her back. "Really?" She asked flirtatiously. Almost everyone was watching them.
"Yea…" He bent down to kiss her and she whacked him in the back of the head with the small instrument. "Ow – jeez Lily." James rubbed his head and looked at Sirius who wasn't laughing with the others. "Uh oh…" He said quietly so that only Lily would hear.
Lily followed James' gaze to Sirius. She followed Sirius' glare to Jen. Jen was standing in front of Remus, both laughing, his bare chest against her near bare back.
"Well it's nothing he hasn't seen." She stated, shrugging.
James stopped laughing. "What?" He asked, shocked. "They've…"
"Oh no – but they've been going out for eight months now. That's about as much as he has seen though… Of what I'm told."
"He never said-"
"Oh honestly James." Lily rolled her eyes. "You expect him to say that where Sirius can hear?" She started to walk to the water where Ara, Mel, Gus, and Peter already were. Sirius was talking to Jen, and Remus was still holding her. They were arguing again, all their faces red. Remus wasn't joining in, but was still flushing a nice pink.
"Oh honestly Sirius! It's nothing he hasn't seen!" Jen yelled. Remus put his forehead on Jen's shoulder, banging it repeatedly, his shoulders lightly shaking.
"What'd I tell you?" Lily said, going back to James. "Just leave them." She took off James' glasses and pulled him to the water, and tackling him over the rim.
Back with Sirius, Jen and Remus…
Sirius was rendered speechless. He glared at the top of Remus' head. "You-"
"He is just like you Sirius – a teenage boy. You've gone pretty far with girls. I daresay with Genie at least. Most of them are pretty much someone's sister. This is no different." Jen hissed.
Sirius still glared at the top of Remus' head, which was still rested on Jen's shoulder. Between his honey hairs Sirius could see his scalp going redder and redder… and his shoulders shaking. Remus looked up and tried not to laugh.
"Don't you smirk at me boy." Sirius growled, pointing at Remus' face.
"Oh hell Sirius," Remus sighed, really trying not to laugh, "you sound like her father or something… Don't worry." Remus and Jen smiled. "Now let's go have some fun." Jen patted Sirius on the back and walked away, Remus' arms still around her.
"Come on back Sirius!" James yelled. Sirius ignored him. He whispered something to Arabella and she smacked him upside the head. "Cause you're the only one here who's not taken!" He whispered fiercely.
"Peter's single!" Ara pointed out.
James would have laughed if Gus hadn't crashed into him.
"Sorry about that, James." Gus said, helping James resurface.
"S'ok." He turned to Ara, who stood in front of him, hands on her hips. "I don't think Peter can coax Sirius back in. Just use some… charm." He added with a wink. He swam away before she could protest or hit him again.
"I hate you Potter." She growled to no one in particular. Ara walked back to shore, and to where Sirius still stood, glaring at the rock. She stood beside him and stared at the rock too. Sirius didn't look at her.
"Yes, I've head it is common for rocks to be the base of the problem. Hard, heavy, and damn stubborn to move. And when you do move them, they're underlined with shit, and it just creates a whole new problem. Even dirtier." She glanced at Sirius who hadn't moved. "So destroying it with your laser vision will save many people from a lot of problems."
Sirius sighed, but still didn't move. "Is that supposed to be a metaphor, Figg?" He asked coolly.
"Shit, who lit your fuse, Tampon?" Ara rebuked.
Sirius turned to her with a smile.
"That was pretty good, wasn't it?" She asked. "Come on back." She put on her best puppy-dog face. "Fow me Siwius?" she asked, wringing her hands and toeing the dirt.
Sirius ran a hand through her hair, looking at Arabella beside him. "Fine… for you Arabella."
Ara jumped, clapped and grinned. "Oh good! Thank you Sirius." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and a hug. "I didn't want to resort to desperate measures." She said when she pulled back. Sirius cocked an eyebrow; she laughed and began to walk away. When he didn't follow, she turned back around.
"What're you doing now?" Ara asked, crossing her arms.
"Making you resort to desperate measures."
Ara sniggered, picked up the ukulele that lied near her feet and hit it in her hand threateningly. "Don't make me…" She warned, starting towards him.
Sirius laughed and ran, Ara chased him, dropping the ukulele. When he reached the water and went splashing in, Ara jumped on his back. With two screams they plummeted into the deep water.
"Looks like she used her charm." Remus said to James under his breath. Remus grabbed Jen by the waist as she ran by and spun her around in the water before falling in with her.
'Well that was a spur of the moment thing to do…' James thought, looking at the blurred images of his friends beneath the cool lake water.
"Looks like everyone's snogging underwater." Lily said, referring to Ara and Sirius' flirting and Remus and Jen's teasing, coming up to James out of breath from chasing Jen.
James grinned and pulled her down with him.
~ * ~
"Welcome everyone to our final dinner here at Hogwarts. Another year gone, and with it friendships prevailed, love bloomed, and animosities grew. No matter what happened during your stay this year, it is over and two months of free time awaits you." Everyone applauded and cheered Dumbledore's final statement.
"Now I believe it is time to award the House Cup." Gryffindor table exploded with applause, banging on the table, and stomping their feet. The Gryffindor Quidditch team was decked out in their game uniforms: Sirius and Mel pounding their bats in the table instead of their fists.
Dumbledore chuckled and held up his hand to silence them. "The points stand as follows: Slytherin with 247 points." A polite applause from the teachers, Slytherins, and a few others sounded. "Hufflepuff with 286 points." More people applauded. "Ravenclaw with 360 points." A loud applause and cheering went around the Hall. Ravenclaw had nearly won the Quidditch cup this year, also. "And congratulations to Gryffindor, with 372 points."
The Hall shook with the cheers. The Gryffindor banners that hung quaked with the reverberating applause. Four Filibuster Fireworks shot from the proud table ('inconspicuously' from the Marauders area) and soared around the Hall, weaving throughout the red and gold banners etched with the rampant lion.
"Yes, congratulations to all Gryffindors. I have only one more word to say. Enjoy." And with a wave of his hands, a magnificent feast appeared before everyone's eyes.
~ * ~
"Will everyone who has not changed into muggle clothing please do so now. Thank you, and we will be arriving at Platform 9 ¾ in just a short time. We hope you enjoyed you stay at Hogwarts, and that the ride aboard the Hogwarts Express was comfor – Hey – hey let go! Marauders forever!"
"Get out! Out of here boy!"
"Woo! Summer break – peace!"
"Get – beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep -"
Everyone on the train covered their ears and bent over their knees, screaming for the interference to stop. Two minutes went by before the incessant screeching subsided, leaving a ringing in everyone's ears.
"Sorry about that folks. Please change, and we will be at our destination soon."
Everyone uncovered/plugged their ears, and those who hadn't changed, did.
"Will the Prefects ensure that no trunk, animal, dungbomb (and the like), or student is left aboard once it has been evacuated? Thank you." The conductor's voice rang in just the Prefect's compartment.
Lily and James were still laughing.
"God I love Sirius." James said, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "Wonder where he ran…"
"If he got away." Lily joked. The Head doors opened up and Amanda and Marcus stepped through.
"We're never coming back." Marcus smiled, stretching.
Amanda wiped her eyes. "I said I wouldn't cry… then Black there had to pull that stunt… God I'll miss him." She sniffed.
"Oh wow, that's nice. Not like you worked with me, not him, the whole year, but me and him did all those stunts together." James said, crossing his arms.
Marcus laughed. "True – but did you help with this one?" He asked, pointing to the ceiling, meaning the announcement.
"Uh, no." James said, uncrossing his arms.
"And the Valentine's Day prank?" Amanda asked, eyes flashing.
Marcus bit back a laugh. "Oh don't still be upset. He even gave us both a copy of the pictures."
"Oh we're here!" Ava Marie Young, of Ravenclaw, said happily – stopping any further fights. "So it's any two of us eight for the Heads next year." She said as the Heads left to open the doors.
"No hard feelings for those who do make it?" Lily said, putting her hand in front of everyone.
James put his on hers, than Ava Marie, and the Hufflepuffs. Lily looked at Patrick and the Slytherins.
"Come on guys." She said.
Patrick sighed and put his hand on top. Juniper looked at her counterpart, Diego (A/N: Hehehe – sounds like Diablo) and put her hand on top. Diego grunted something and left. Juniper, embarrassed, apologized for him and left. Everyone else left the compartment, only to return if they made Head Boy or Girl next year.
Lily and James checked the last couple of cars, grabbed their trunks and left. They passed the barrier to King's Cross, met up with the others, minus Peter, Mel and Gus, who were already picked up, and waited for their families.
"So… onto our last year." Jen sighed. "I'll miss it." The others agreed.
"Loved the announcement, Padfoot." James said, clapping his best friend on the back. Sirius bowed. The remaining Marauders continued their conversation while the girls struck up their own.
"When's the party, Jen?" Lily asked.
"On Mel's birthday." Jen said happily. Mel's birthday, July 1st, was tomorrow. "Starting at 4 pm. No eggnog this time." She said, nodding her head in Sirius' direction. "So what are you dolls planning for the summer?"
Lily shrugged and looked at to Ara who grinned devilishly. "Carl Adams." She told them. Seeing their confusion, she elaborated. "Remember when I moved in, and you guys wanted to know about any cute guys…" Jen and Lily took in a breath and breathed out an "Ohh…" Ara's grin grew. "Janine said he's returned home for the summer from University. Says he's 'quite the looker' and is single, and waiting to see me again. God it's been so long…"
Jen whistled while Lily catcalled, nudging Ara. The guys looked over and in seeing the girls laughing, went back to their own conversation.
"Muggle of Magical?" Lily asked.
"Muggle. I think everyone else on the street is." Ara told them.
"Then how did we use magic there?"
"Oh I keep forgetting you wouldn't know about a Wizard home… magicals usually put wards up around out places." Jen told her. "Just to keep safe. And here's our ride." Jen said, tapping Sirius.
"And mine." Ara said happily. They 'goodbyed' and left; waving to Ara's Aunt Janine, and Mrs. Black. They, being Remus, James and Lily, overheard Mrs. Black explaining her rush because of a baby Kneazle that she just got to sleep and is in dire need of attention.
The three left sat upon the curb to wait for their families. Due to odd looks they were getting, James and Lily let loose Cupid and Psyche to fly home. Lily took Iphigenia out of her carrier and cuddled with her. James glared at the cat that ruined his favourite quill.
"Bet you my brother comes last." Remus joked, taking out two galleons.
"No, no. My dad is the king of forgetfulness." James said, adding two galleons to Remus'.
Lily laughed and threw in two of her own on Remus' brother. "His brother's not used to this." She explained when seeing James face. "And you lose buddy." She added as the Potter's Rolls Royce pulled up.
"Sorry about my lateness James." Mr. Potter apologized getting of the pearly blue, newly waxed luxury car.
"S'alright dad." James said, helping his father heave his trunk into the… er – trunk.
"I see I'm not the last though." Mr. Potter said proudly. "Hello Remus, long time, no see."
Remus shook his hand. "Good day Mr. Potter." He said politely, with a smile.
"And Lily." He smiled. "Good to see you're well." He kissed her hand and Lily blushed. James and Remus tried not to laugh.
"I am. Thank you for the champagne." James, Mr. Potter, and Remus laughed.
"Yes, James said you enjoyed it. Well we best be going. Either of you need a lift?" Remus and Lily shook their heads. "Very well then. Say your goodbyes James, and get in the car." Mr. Potter unlocked his son's door, and got in his own side.
"I'll see you two tomorrow, I believe." James said bye to Remus, with a pat on the arm, and kissed Lily.
"So we split the money?" Remus said when the Potter's car drove off.
"Well I didn't bet on myself." Lily said as she took three galleons. "And there's my car."
"And mine." Remus said. Lily kissed his cheek goodbye, and met up with her family.
They loaded their trunks, forgave their family for being late, and departed. Ah yes… it will be quite the summer…
* * *
So we're nearly done! Woo!
Hope you liked that chapter – and I know I did another 'water fun time', but why wouldn't you go in the lake more than once with beautiful weather, and nothing to lose? So yes – Summer begins, and a party to look forward to. And here are my thank you's!
everblue3: Actually – you were the first to review Chapter 28! Swimming with a laptop? I'd be more frightened for your safety than the computers! Yes – happy 19th to you! Yes – I did do a lot of research. Up till 2am reading up on lilies and lupins. Never, never, ever do that. Everyone is trying to sell you the damn things and all you want is a f*cking picture of them so you can describe them! Anywho – I'm happy it was appreciated! Well, I just searched my brothers book on word/phrase origins, and can you believe 'couch potato' isn't in there?! Amazing. Well, thanks for the review, like all of the others!
Narwen: Oh you noticed my homework, too, did you? Thank you so much. It's great doing it, and knowing that what you wrote is factual, but to have people notice it, and point it out – makes me feel so good! Happy you found the beginning funny! I hope it wasn't too confusing as to who was who. Although you could tell who Sirius was the whole time, eh? Thanks for the lovely review!
Nessie: Your aunt is obsessed with Aragorn, too? Doesn't it get annoying? Well… I guess it's better than my mum saying she likes the 20-something-year-old guy… Sorry the beginning took a while to know who was who – but I tried to add a few names to let you know… but I think Sirius spoke for himself. I was thinking of little butterfly clips in Sirius' hair – but I don't think they would have been able to hold in their laughter. And butterflies weren't cool (or should I say groovy) in the 70's – were they? Well – thanks for the review! You know I love them! (gave you some more bold. ;))
Star: Oh wow… one of the best you've read! Thanks so much! Happy you liked the nicknames. And for the 'Thank you for sharing your obvious talent.' I loved that line – made my day, and days to come. Probably one of the nicest things someone has written! *gives hug if she could* And yes, I will check out your story! I got a bunch of people requesting that of me – makes me feel special! Thanks for the review!
mugglewolf: You're welcome for the good chapter! And yes… a water war would be fun… and I have the knee deep in snow things too… Thanks for the review!
Moe23: Advertising is never shameless. But it's not always shameful is it? Damn… now I've confused myself… And yes – I'll read yours too! Just give me some time, ok? Got a few other requests – God I feel like the coolest person in the world. ;);) You're welcome for the character – thanks for reading and reviewing!
Lily Smith: Thanks for the review! Yea – I loved the lake thing, so I added it again. C'mon – water's fun! Thank you so much – and thanks for the heads up for when you add Hearth. ;)
kerry: Thanks for the review! I loved Lily's presents too. Flower binging could be fun. Go me… yea… :) Thanks again!
shortydork: Oh my God – being in that water fight… *drools* Yes please! Either of them really… Don't have anything planned for S/J/M party… but it will come… it will come… A little love for S/A? Maybe or maybe not. ;) Not too sure about them yet. Thanks for the review!! :):)
Agent AAA: Woo! Oooo – studying! Gotta suck! Glad I don't have to study anymore. *sticks out tongue childishly* One of the best!? Oh I love hearing that!! I really do. I know you people just say it so I update. Joking. Thank you so much. And I can't believe you tied me with Snapdragon and Prongs – honestly – that's a great story. She actually updated recently, eh? Good for her! (and us:)) Well – thanks for the reviews all the time!
Lizmarauder4eva: Happy you appreciate the long chapters. Sometimes I fight with myself on whether they're long enough… and *sighs* gotta be longer than 5000 words from now on. Crazy, isn't it? Thanks for the review! Your compliments mean a lot to me!
LadyArwen: Ok – in answer to your questions (I'll be completely honest as long as I don't ruin the story!): 1. Snape and Lily… you know – I'm wondering that myself. I changed Voldemort's goals part way through… and yea… not too sure – but since we never really get into Snape's psyche – we don't really know what he's thinking. I'll try to clear that up at some point. Maybe Snape will confront Lily or something, I don't know. Can't tell you about the stalking thing… but there are spies at Hogwarts – that's inevitable. They know Snape sort of fancies Lily – but she's with James. And they're just being cautious with the 'stalking' thing. 2. Sirius and Arabella… can't answer that one. I have an idea, but Genie is sticking around (as Sirius' g/f) for a while. Well… I don't know. But Sirius can be thick – remember that. And you love Remus and Jen? So do I. Love writing them. (especially cause my name is Jen too! Sorry – had to say that too.) Hope you liked this chapter too! Thanks so much for the review! Loved it!
fairypixie3: Thank you! I'm happy to be writing happy things for now. *sighs* God knows I'll have to angstify it sometime soon… but I don't know when. All in due time though. Thanks for the review!
penpunk: Oh! Thank you so much! And I don't know the Dennis Moore sketch from Monty Python. Was that in the Flying Circus series, or one of the movies? (I know it wasn't from Holy Grail, or Life of Brian… but I don't remember everything from Flying Circus) And you'd rather have snow than rain? *dies laughing* At least when it stops raining, the ground isn't always wet – like when snow just sits there. And the amount of salt that gets everywhere! But actually – I think I prefer snow to rain… so who am I to complain, eh? Thanks again!
Mooky: Lol – cute name. I didn't know lupins were flowers for a while. I think I saw it mentioned briefly in someone else's fic, than I researched. They're pretty. Thanks for the review! Hope you liked this chapter too!
song*breeze: 101 pleases! You can add 101 Dalmatians to that and we'll call it a deal. So yea… thanks for all the reviews you've given me! Always pleases!! And I can't believe you compared me to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by Ruskbyte! That is my favourite story – he really does a great, great job. That and his sequel! That was a huge compliment you gave me! Thank you ever so much!!
~sundust~: Yes, I do work very hard to keep the title of 'Master Of All That Is Harry Potter Fanfiction'. *Lol* - Ooo!! A Dragon! I love it! What kind is it? Welsh Green? Chinese Fireball? (I liked that one. *hinthint*) And thank you for your never ending flattery! I really can't get enough of it. Love it! Thank you again!!
jasmine: Sorry I haven't e-mailed yet – but give me what you want to work with, and I could give you some ideas. Like – characters, slash, love/hate, angst, humour. E-mail me those, ok? And I'll see what I can aid you with. :) Hm… your danger comment really got me thinking. I don't want them to ever really meet Voldemort in my story or anything… I'm not that kind of person to have Lily bitch slap Voldie or something… But I'll try more danger (although that's not my area of expertise *lol*), and see how it works! Thanks for the review!
tash: Oh too fun! My story is cute! *blushes* Love hearing that! Happy you enjoy my portrayal of Lily and James! I don't know if I'd use 'brilliant' to describe my story… oh hell – I would, but that's just me. It's hard to criticize your own work though. :P Thanks for the review!
Allison: Wow! You're the first to not think Jen and Remus are the best couple! Kudos to you for being the first! Makes me joyful (had to use a different word than happy all the time!) that you love Lily and James so! And with Sirius finally getting a clue - *sighs* - yea that's a while off! But that's all I'm saying! It will be a 'fun' time tho. Still trying to figure out his exact reaction… Thanks for the great review!
Karrottop: Cute name. Loved your review. And what do you mean reviewing often would be annoying? I'd love it! Relish in it actually. Ok… any comments I have on any of your numerous comments… I think 'Meanwhile, back in the Ranch' is from the Simpson's… At least my friend thinks so. I think I noticed Abra Cadabra = Avada Kedavra … jeez, while I was reading GoF for the… 2nd or 3rd time. (I read them over to see what I can add to mine) And the Avada Kedavra just kept ringing a bell in my head. Yes, I know people don't like to use his name… but I know Sirius and Remus say it for a fact, and the teachers (or most) should… and yea – it might be early on for people to start fearing it. Thanks for the positive feedback on the Willow too. God – MSTT – I loved that part. Honestly – my 3am self is so ingenious. I can't believe how perfectly Wormtail and Sperm Whale rhyme! I think it's brilliant! Wonder if JK thought of that… I just find that amazing. And don't worry –I plan on finishing this to it's proper ending. No breaking off midway. But I'll have to pause while OotP comes out. Doubt anyone will be reading these for at about a month afterwards, eh? Good break to get far ahead with my writing. (and find out anything else about the MWPP (or mstt) years…) Anywho – thanks for the absolutely lovely review!! Hope you liked this chapter too!
RvnclwPrincess: Thanks for the review! Glad to know people think it's cute. Sort of what I was going for! ;) thanks!
Doc: Oh my – who could you be? I told you I updated Saturday or Sunday. I didn't read 'The Zen of Skating', and I probably don't intend to. It'd make a nifty bookmark though. Thanks for the review!! (You have to be like everyone else :P)
Liv: I can't believe you talk about my story at school! That is the coolest thing I've ever heard… So Sirius and Remus are your favourite? Sometimes I want to drop this and just write a Remus/Jen fic, and a Sirius/Arabella fic… but that won't happen! But it is tempting… And I intend to keep up my humour and such. Really, I'm all giddy that you said you and your friend read and talk about it at school! Thank you so much!! Hope you liked this chapter too!
And thank you to everyone else who reviewed other chapters! Such as: ~sundust~ (Gotta thank you here too! Remember – when you see that I updated – you may have checked it really soon – so check to see how many chapters it says I have, and see what my list says (with the chapter titles) – you can tell if the page is up yet), eudyptulaminor (I'm not even gonna comment on the name… but damn you for finding a fault! I know… Cupid/Psyche – but James' sister was 4yrs old. But thanks for pointing that out!), RavenclawPrincess (thanks for the L/J compliment!), TigerLily Loamsdown (I'd love to give you a long thank you – that's not my way – but I already have your character in the works! You're going to be a pioneer ;)), Black Sparkles (Gee – how did you know the name of my sequels!? Lol – cute.), song*breeze (Imagine me adding your name every time you reviewed!?), SlytherinQueen87 (Glad you liked the new nicknames – and it is good to have my humour back isn't it? I missed it…), Artemis (awed, eh? I've never awed anyone before…), Dani (yes – speeches made me cry while I wrote them. I basically thought of writing a eulogy for one of my friends. Hard to do. And for the French thing – I'm not from Québec, but I have been speaking French since I was 3. Damn school. I can't comment to all your reviews, but if you want, I can send you an e-mail about everything you want to know – I don't like leaving long thanks for these ones!), Frankie (When you get here – thanks for the review!), sayuri-chan (glad you liked the nicknames!), Vega Black (fave god is Eros, goddess is Aphrodite, monster is the Centaur, and hero… I liked Theseus), Veruwen (your review is one of my favourites! I'm trying to add more Snape, trust me. One of my best, if not my best review ever!), littelisa (Well when you get here – thanks! Glad to have new fans!), Dark Moon (I was laughing when you said that the family deaths were cruel and unusual. Don't know why… but thanks for all the reviews!)
WOO!! That was a lot of people to thank!! And honestly – thank you from the deepest regions of my heart. Past the aorta and everything! How about we do it again? *Lol* Thanks for everything guys, I really mean it. So review and tell me what you think and everything… whether you think I'm doing well, or just trying to take up space… *looks away bashfully* … *lol* Thanks guys! (I really can't stop saying that, can I) And if you want to be part of my mailing list: Just leave your e-mail in a review, and say: "Put me on your mailing list." Or "E-mail me when you update." Cause as I've said before – I'm stupid when it comes to interpreting vague people.
And my song of the week (second time I've done this!) is: Evanescence – Bring Me To Life. I'm buying their CD right after I post this!!
See all of you next week! (hopefully!!)
