WARNING! Don't read stuff after the Disclaimer, the one before the story proper: contains author's opinion on HP and the OotP! Might be a spoiler if you haven't read book five!

Disclaimer: I do not own the magical world of Harry Potter! Never will! Don't rub it in! ^_^

SCHOOL'S STARTED, AND IT'S THE FIRST IN A LONG TIME I'VE BEEN IN THE MOOD TO WRITE; PLUS I've only A SMALL AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK (not to mention a FREAK OF AN OLDER BROTHER to help fire up my already fired-up attitude) SO HERE IT IS: CHAPter eiGHt

June 25, 2003, officially four days after the release of the much awaited Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

This chapter is dedicated to…Sirius Black *SNIFF*

Yes, I know. I'm not mentally stable. *WAILS IN LAMENTATION*

Chapter Eight: STRIPDANCE

            Flying crumpled paper, like thousands of meteors ruled the air. Levitated objects, such as huge textbooks, a few quills, three chairs and someone's shoe filled the air as well. Shouts, laughter, and other sounds of merry-making could be heard everywhere. Why?

            Well, why not? No teacher was in sight in the sunny Charms classroom, and together, the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws could not help but hold a party, with the Marauders in the lead. Sure, Remus was probably the most conservative in making noise, grinning widely as he sat on top of a nearby desk instead of a chair, while Peter stood in the corner, making weird faces at everyone. James was singing a rude song at the top of his lungs, while wouldn't you know it; Sirius busied himself, strip dancing in the middle of the classroom.

            An exasperated Lily, however, put a palm up on her forehead, shaking her head at the riot all around her caused by the mere absence of the teacher, which, for many, called for a celebration, as the tough research on the concept of Illegal Charms would then be of no need to hand in. And she had worked so hard on her assignment…tsk, tsk, tsk.

            Sure, she knew how to lighten up when it came to schoolwork, but this was ridiculous! It was only their second morning subject; the first one being Care of Magical Creatures, where the teacher had allowed them to have free time after being called to a very important meeting, puzzling Lily as to why he didn't bother calling for a substitute, opting instead to accept James Potter's offer to make sure the class was not too rowdy. Ri-i-i-ght…James Potter, leader of the Marauders, keeping the class under control.

            Lily's attention was now averted to Sirius, whose shirt was now halfway unbuttoned, making the girls hoot loudly, while James and Peter smirked and Remus started crumpling more parchment to be thrown by himself and countless others, who had a more powerful aim. 

            Lily stifled a laugh, trying to stop herself from standing up and joining the battle to contributing to the boys' side (instead of the girls), in throwing parchment (and a good few hardbound journals) at Sirius.

            The continuing giggles and shouts, however, were just too tempting…

***@***

Future/Present*

            Bright, emerald-like orbs framed by a pair of glasses watched dully, a hand resting atop a History book, the other serving as a chin-rest. Had Prof. Binns chosen another occupation, Harry could have sworn he'd have made a wonderful baby-sitter, rocking children to sleep as he read them about possibly the ten-thousandth Goblin rebellion since the 5th century A.D.

            Okay, so that was a little far-fetched. Harry didn't really care, as he was already smiling at the mental image he had given himself.

            Beside him, Ron had already fallen fast asleep, his own book serving as a pillow; contrary to Hermione, who was practically taking in each and every word which escaped their teacher's lips.

            At first, Harry had tried very hard to keep himself focused on the day's lecture, scribbling down as much information as he could, but as the minutes passed, his hand felt as if it was ready to fall off from his arm; too tired to continue writing. He had started to yawn, and little by little boredom was creeping into his body, which was in dire need of stretching from sitting too long inside the ancient-looking classroom with an absolutely ancient professor.

            It was only the second subject of the day, the first one being Transfiguration, where Prof. McGonagall had enlightened them all with a twenty itemed quiz which left majority of the House a majority of a headache.

            Maybe he could take a little nap…just like Ron…No! What was he thinking! What if Prof. Binns caught them! 'Oh, what's the use?' Harry asked, feeling his eyelids droop.

            Sleep would have come for him; however, a painful sting from his scar jolted him wide awake.

***@***

            Remus felt as if his sides were going to burst. He held on to his stomach, which was aching from all the laughter he'd been doing, watching as Lily waged war against Sirius and James.

            Finally getting a hold of himself and now deciding that he had let his classmates enjoy themselves enough, Ramous uncovered the prefect badge he usually kept beneath instead of outside his robes, being the humble student that he was. He cleared his throat and walked over to Lily, laying a hand on her shoulder, the other outstretched to Sirius while he directed his gaze from James to his other schoolmates.

            "Er, okay, everyone…if you could just get back to your seats now? We've got eleven more minutes until the bell rings; so you guys can start polishing your other homework and prepare for your next classes." He gave everyone a sheepish, but otherwise adorable smile. "I daresay I've let you people experience sufficient amusement to last for the rest of the day?"

            Everyone nodded approvingly and started gathering their things, a good few helping Remus clean up the mess he himself had helped to make. "You know, you could have let me take my shirt off first before calling it off!" Sirius complained, though there was a grin on his face. Remus shook his head. "Like Lily would have let you…"

            Sirius nodded and pointed with his thumb at James. "Yeah, my 'best friend' sure wasn't any help in trying to fight Evans off! You disappoint me, Prongs, mate!" He shot James a look of pure mockery. "Crumbling to your knees while trying to debate with Evans about me keepin' me clothes on…"

            James opened his mouth to reply, trying to keep a cool, almost uncaring look on his face, but failing quite miserably. "I wouldn't use the term 'crumbling,' Siri…"

            "You're right…" Remus patted him jovially on the back. "It was more of like…melting?" James opened his mouth in indignation. "HEY!!! Which side are you on, anyway?" Remus sighed, laughing softly to himself, leaving James and Sirius to bicker mildly. He was quite sure the amusement would most definitely last for the rest of the day.

A/N: Don't read if you haven't read HP5, this has a spoiler, too…Sorry; it's for your own good! Really!

Okay, all you guys, I want reviews! And if by chance you are as huge a fan of Sirius Black and would like to vent your thoughts on me about his death (Or if you think he is still alive or anything at all), I'd love to hear from you.

            Either you e-mail me, or review, but the latter is more greatly recommended, okay?

See you! God Bless! Hope you liked that chapter! And I just wanna say that I agree with a certain reviewer…I never would have thought it possible, but there is actually a teacher in school who is just like Dolores Umbridge…yes guys, such people actually exist…

Comments! Suggestions! Well-rounded criticisms!

Oh, and not to mention a little bit of empathy concerning that situation of mine about an Umbridge in my school…