"True friends stab you in the front."
-Oscar Wilde
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the Harry Potter universe. Those belong to J. K. Rowling. Only the plot is mine, and it's an overdone one at that. But it's one of my favorites, so sue me. Er... let me reword that... please DON'T sue me.
Warning: Slash (m/m relationship) will be present in this fic. Also, I won't point out a change in P.O.V. but I believe it is quite obvious who is telling the story at which time.
*still in desperate need of a beta, preferably one who would help me we with the more *ahem* 'heated' scenes to come*
I'm still waiting for those drabbles those of you who offered to be my beta were asked to email me. Please email me as soon as possible.
Sorry about the delay again but it seems I'm going to have to do the same as Amber Evans Potter (one of my friends who I had been co writing a fic with) and update every two weeks. I'm sorry, but my junior year is really starting to get to me.
*** direct quote from ch. 25 or 26 of HP and the OOTP
***************** dream sequence
Chapter Four: Friendship Blossoms
1976
The night before the ball, Evan was having a restless sleep. He was tossing and turning, murmuring agitatedly under his breath.
If the others in the dorm hadn't been asleep as well (it was the middle of the night) they would have heard Evan repeating one word over and over, becoming more frantic by the moment.
Evan was having his first nightmare since he had arrived in the past and because he hadn't had one in over a month he had foolishly stopped putting silencing spells around his four poster bed.
*****************
***"Come on, you can do better than that!"*** an overconfident voice taunted.
Evan turned towards the voice and his breath caught.
No, he thought over and over. Not this dream again. But the dream continued without a care for the tormented young man experiencing it.
There, before him, was a scene that his subconscious made him relive too often.
His godfather and his bitch of a cousin were dueling and although Evan knew the sad outcome, he still fruitlessly tried to warn Sirius.
His efforts were once again in vain, and he watched transfixed as Sirius' once confident look turned into one of ***mingled fear and surprise as he fell through the ancient doorway and disappeared behind the veil.***
"NO!" Evan yelled as he tried to rush forward, but he was held back.
He turned, expecting to see an older Remus, but was surprised to see Severus instead.
Severus was looking at him in such a concerned and caring way, that rather than struggle like he had with the older Remus on countless occasions, he slumped into his new captor's arms.
Severus held him tight as he sobbed for the first time in months over his godfather's death and he continued to repeat one word over and over.
"No. No. No." he nearly whimpered as he slowly awoke.
*****************
His eyes still closed tight, Evan was surprised to find himself still held in a pair of strong arms.
He turned in the embrace and saw that it was indeed Severus.
He was ashamed to be found in such a humiliating state by the other Slytherin and tried to remove himself from the comforting embrace, but Severus only held him tighter.
He sniffled and in a voice filled with such anguish that it shocked Severus he whispered "Please, Severus. Let me go. I don't want you to see me like this."
Evan once again tried to remove himself from Severus' hold, but he was too weak from the strenuous nightmare to put up much of a fight and slumped against Severus like he had in his nightmare 'At least I'm no longer sobbing' Evan sneered inwardly at his weakness, however, he did make sure that the other boy could not see his face.
Severus gently took his face between both of his slender hands and raised it so that he was looking into dark eyes filled with concern and worry, rather than pity and disgust.
Seeing such a caring look directed at himself, he once again began to cry, softly this time, and finally allowed himself to be held.
This continued for a few minutes, until Evan finally fell into a fatigued and thankfully dreamless sleep.
Severus gently laid Evan down and just looked at him for a moment.
With a jolt, Severus realized that he was no longer only infatuated with his friend, but falling in love with him. He was both saddened and relieved by the fact that Evan seemed so oblivious to his attentions, but he was more than willing to wait, or if Evan didn't 'swing that way,' he would be happy, if not satisfied, to just remain his friend.
Severus leaned down, placing a tender kiss on Evan's forehead (there is no scar, Evan took care of that the moment he was let out of the Hospital wing over a month ago by placing a strong concealing charm upon himself every day) and smiled softly when a small smile appeared on Evan's lips; before retuning to his four poster bed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, an unspoken agreement was made between Evan and Severus that what had occurred the night before would not be discussed.
Presently, the students in the N.E.W.T. Defense Against the Dark Arts class (Dumbledore somehow seemed to know which classes Evan should be in) were working on their term projects.
Because the class was a mixture of all four houses and Dumbledore had recently been insisting upon improving inter house relations, each person was partnered with a member of another house. Severus was partnered with Lily Evans and Evan was partnered with Remus Lupin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Evan hadn't seen very much of his mother, because like his know-it- all friend, Hermione, she always seemed to have her nose stuck in a book. She became so absorbed in her reading at times, that she didn't notice her surroundings; and Evan knew better than to surprise someone when they were so engrossed in something. But, the few times Evan did manage to get a glimpse of her, he had to hold back tears.
Lily Evans was a beautiful girl. Fiery red hair, lightly tanned skin, sparkling jade eyes and a sweet, serene smile that could make nearly anyone comfortable around her. She had a slightly strict personality that reminded some of McGonogall, but she was liked by most – Slytherins not included.
Evan hoped he would have the opportunity to get to know his mother better in this time since he had very little hope that his father would so much as look at him unless it were to make a scathing remark.
It hurt, but he accepted it.
He knew his father hadn't been the epitome of goodness that most made him out to be, and although his father's prejudice shamed him, he was certain that had his father lived, that James Potter would have made Evan proud; because he hoped that his mother as well as time had allowed his father to mature.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus and I are a bit behind in our project because we were supposed to have chosen a topic about a week ago and we have yet to decide.
I am becoming quite frustrated with our arguing over such a petty matter when an idea suddenly strikes me.
I sigh and cut off Remus' reasoning for choosing lethifolds short "What about werewolves?" I suggest.
I feel a bit bad at his clearly startled look and the sudden pallor to his face, but I continue "I had a friend back in American (short for American Academy for Witches and Wizards) who got bitten when he was a little boy. He didn't tell me until our third year for fear of losing my friendship, but I could care less."
A bit of color returns to Remus' cheeks as his eyes widen in surprise "He was still the same person that I had been friends with for over two years, and just because something happened to him once a month that he couldn't control, didn't mean that I would abandon him."
I give Remus a contemplative look "You remind me of him a bit, actually."
I see Remus' eyes – which had calmed considerably – fill with anxiousness, but I ignore it. I put a hand on his hair lightly for a moment before smirking "Premature gray hair."
His eyes once again widen in surprise before he lets out a slightly nervous chuckle "A-Alright." I arch an eyebrow at his unusual lack of eloquence and he clears his throat "Werewolves it is then." He says in his soothing voice while giving me a small smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus and I had a difficult time becoming friends, but we became friends nonetheless.
The biggest opposition to our friendship was actually not the rest of Slytherin House, but the Marauders.
The rest of Slytherin House had quickly learned that I was someone that they should respect, but the Marauders learned soon enough.
One day, I could no longer withstand their criticism towards Remus' and my friendship, so I decided that words were no longer a sufficient defense.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was after a N.E.W.T. Tranfiguration class (a week into my time in the past) and Remus and I, along with a scowling Severus a bit behind us, were discussing the similarities and differences between transfiguring objects into animals and the process of becoming an animagus, when the bullying once again began.
"When are you going to learn, Daniels, that no one in Gryffindor House wants anything to do with a slimy Slytherin like you?!" my godfather's voice rang loud and clear throughout the corridor.
That was the only warning we received before a hex was shot our way, but it was more than sufficient for me.
I quickly grabbed both Severus and Remus and pulled them down swiftly but not too forcefully, so they wouldn't be hurt, in the likely event that the hex wasn't on target. I then rolled a bit to the side, landing in a crouch and pulled my wand out far quicker than most could - I had gotten a wand holster on our last Hogsmeade weekend.
"Petrificus Totalus!" I nearly whispered. I no longer had to yell spells, or even pronounce them in a conversational tone. I had caught Sirius off guard. He went rigid and toppled over.
As I began to stand, my father shot a hex at me, but I easily dodged it.
He was about to shoot another hex at me, but I was tiring of this ridiculously easy duel 'I thought my godfather and father would have done better, I was under the impression that they had been Aurors at one time' I thought confusedly, so I decided to disable him.
"Expelliarmus!" I said a bit louder this time; 'Just for dramatic effect' I smirked inwardly, and easily caught his wand.
I examined it momentarily as if I were examining my nails for dirt before making eye contact with my father and shaking my head "Tsk, tsk, Potter." 'Gods, it was odd saying that' I thought with well concealed pain. "Overconfidence is never conducive in a duel. I do hope you've learned something today." I smirked.
By now, he was fuming, so I decided to cool him off "Abunde Aqua!" (profuse water in Latin) and he was soaked.
I chuckled – as others in the corridor began to laugh – and arched an eyebrow "Cooled off yet, Potter?" I could tell he was about to attempt bodily harm upon my person, but I continued conversationally "No? Well, alright then. I suppose this is necessary then." I raised my wand yet again as he was about to charge "Stupefy!" He froze and fell flat on his face.
I walked over to his form and flipped him over onto his back "I do hope I didn't break those lovely glasses of yours. Oh, dear me, it seems I have. Allow me to fix them." I plucked his glasses off his nose as he glared daggers at me "Repairo!" I placed them back upon his nose and sauntered back over to Severus and Remus.
Severus seemed to have enjoyed my little display immensely and Remus seemed a bit torn between amusement, anger and worry.
"Oh!" I looked over my shoulder at a cowering Pettigrew. I had completely ignored him. Really, it's not as if he would have put up much of a fight. "Do give this to Potter once you've revived him." and I tossed the wand over to the rat, he fumbled with it a bit before dropping it. 'Worthless traitor' I sneered inwardly.
I turned back towards Severus and Remus and noticed that although Severus still had a maliciously amused smirk upon his face, Remus looked truly upset.
"I'm sorry, Remus. But I had to do something; I cannot continue to allow them to get away with certain things." I apologized quietly so that only Severus and Remus could hear me.
Remus looked at me with slightly upset but understanding eyes "I know." He responded simply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Since then, we have been careful about our friendship, but we have not ended it.
Author's Notes (Thank yous): NEMATI, BLUEBIRD161221, LADY LIGHTNING ~ Thank you. MINERVA-SEVERUS- DUMBLEDOR ~ I do hope the perspective isn't that confusing. I had some other complaints at the beginning of my fic, but they seemed to get used to it. If you still find it confusing after a time, please tell me and I'll try to improve it. NECROMANT, ZAIRA-DRACO, LILLINIFIELDS, SQURLIE JACK ~ Thank you. ATARAXIS ~ :) They're all mentioned in the fifth book. BONNIE4, FUZZY-BUMPKINS, SLASHYYAOIFANGIRL, PENNY, NERD-GIRL ~ Thank you. ETERNAL COSMOS ~ *pouts* I liked the descriptions and so did most, but some didn't. I think I'll only do something like that one more time, so no worries. MIKITO, ARIA, ROSE_OF_THE_NOBLE_CASTLE, REMA CYPHERS ~ Thank you. SERPENT OF LIGHT ~ :) Heh. My friend has muses but I don't, I still appreciate the little interaction between them though. I find it quite amusing. SOPH5232 ~ Really? That's the first time my fic has been compared to an HG/SS fic. I do hope it isn't too similar. I've only read HG/SS fics where Hermione is a Hogwarts professor so I wouldn't know. I'm sorry for anything that may seem copied, but I assure you it wasn't my intention. Y401-F4N ~ All I can say is 'Huh?' and thank you. SAPPHIRE STARLET (twice) ~ If you could send me a little 500-1000 word drabble that you could see happening at some point in my fic it'd be much appreciated and I'll tell you if I'd like you to be my beta. As for the descriptions, thank you for the suggestion. KRISTEN (twice) ~ Thank you.
TO EVERYONE ~ Sorry about the delay again but it seems I'm going to have to do the same as Amber Evans Potter (one of my friends who I had been co writing a fic with) and update every two weeks. I'm sorry, but my junior year is really starting to get to me.
Author's Notes (Oops): This was meant to go up to the ball, but I got a bit caught up in the dream and duel. Next chapter will have the ball, and I'm not sure, but you might finally have some slash action. No promises. See you in two weeks and possibly (but not likely) sooner. *waves* Ciao.
-Oscar Wilde
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or the Harry Potter universe. Those belong to J. K. Rowling. Only the plot is mine, and it's an overdone one at that. But it's one of my favorites, so sue me. Er... let me reword that... please DON'T sue me.
Warning: Slash (m/m relationship) will be present in this fic. Also, I won't point out a change in P.O.V. but I believe it is quite obvious who is telling the story at which time.
*still in desperate need of a beta, preferably one who would help me we with the more *ahem* 'heated' scenes to come*
I'm still waiting for those drabbles those of you who offered to be my beta were asked to email me. Please email me as soon as possible.
Sorry about the delay again but it seems I'm going to have to do the same as Amber Evans Potter (one of my friends who I had been co writing a fic with) and update every two weeks. I'm sorry, but my junior year is really starting to get to me.
*** direct quote from ch. 25 or 26 of HP and the OOTP
***************** dream sequence
Chapter Four: Friendship Blossoms
1976
The night before the ball, Evan was having a restless sleep. He was tossing and turning, murmuring agitatedly under his breath.
If the others in the dorm hadn't been asleep as well (it was the middle of the night) they would have heard Evan repeating one word over and over, becoming more frantic by the moment.
Evan was having his first nightmare since he had arrived in the past and because he hadn't had one in over a month he had foolishly stopped putting silencing spells around his four poster bed.
*****************
***"Come on, you can do better than that!"*** an overconfident voice taunted.
Evan turned towards the voice and his breath caught.
No, he thought over and over. Not this dream again. But the dream continued without a care for the tormented young man experiencing it.
There, before him, was a scene that his subconscious made him relive too often.
His godfather and his bitch of a cousin were dueling and although Evan knew the sad outcome, he still fruitlessly tried to warn Sirius.
His efforts were once again in vain, and he watched transfixed as Sirius' once confident look turned into one of ***mingled fear and surprise as he fell through the ancient doorway and disappeared behind the veil.***
"NO!" Evan yelled as he tried to rush forward, but he was held back.
He turned, expecting to see an older Remus, but was surprised to see Severus instead.
Severus was looking at him in such a concerned and caring way, that rather than struggle like he had with the older Remus on countless occasions, he slumped into his new captor's arms.
Severus held him tight as he sobbed for the first time in months over his godfather's death and he continued to repeat one word over and over.
"No. No. No." he nearly whimpered as he slowly awoke.
*****************
His eyes still closed tight, Evan was surprised to find himself still held in a pair of strong arms.
He turned in the embrace and saw that it was indeed Severus.
He was ashamed to be found in such a humiliating state by the other Slytherin and tried to remove himself from the comforting embrace, but Severus only held him tighter.
He sniffled and in a voice filled with such anguish that it shocked Severus he whispered "Please, Severus. Let me go. I don't want you to see me like this."
Evan once again tried to remove himself from Severus' hold, but he was too weak from the strenuous nightmare to put up much of a fight and slumped against Severus like he had in his nightmare 'At least I'm no longer sobbing' Evan sneered inwardly at his weakness, however, he did make sure that the other boy could not see his face.
Severus gently took his face between both of his slender hands and raised it so that he was looking into dark eyes filled with concern and worry, rather than pity and disgust.
Seeing such a caring look directed at himself, he once again began to cry, softly this time, and finally allowed himself to be held.
This continued for a few minutes, until Evan finally fell into a fatigued and thankfully dreamless sleep.
Severus gently laid Evan down and just looked at him for a moment.
With a jolt, Severus realized that he was no longer only infatuated with his friend, but falling in love with him. He was both saddened and relieved by the fact that Evan seemed so oblivious to his attentions, but he was more than willing to wait, or if Evan didn't 'swing that way,' he would be happy, if not satisfied, to just remain his friend.
Severus leaned down, placing a tender kiss on Evan's forehead (there is no scar, Evan took care of that the moment he was let out of the Hospital wing over a month ago by placing a strong concealing charm upon himself every day) and smiled softly when a small smile appeared on Evan's lips; before retuning to his four poster bed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The next morning, an unspoken agreement was made between Evan and Severus that what had occurred the night before would not be discussed.
Presently, the students in the N.E.W.T. Defense Against the Dark Arts class (Dumbledore somehow seemed to know which classes Evan should be in) were working on their term projects.
Because the class was a mixture of all four houses and Dumbledore had recently been insisting upon improving inter house relations, each person was partnered with a member of another house. Severus was partnered with Lily Evans and Evan was partnered with Remus Lupin.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Evan hadn't seen very much of his mother, because like his know-it- all friend, Hermione, she always seemed to have her nose stuck in a book. She became so absorbed in her reading at times, that she didn't notice her surroundings; and Evan knew better than to surprise someone when they were so engrossed in something. But, the few times Evan did manage to get a glimpse of her, he had to hold back tears.
Lily Evans was a beautiful girl. Fiery red hair, lightly tanned skin, sparkling jade eyes and a sweet, serene smile that could make nearly anyone comfortable around her. She had a slightly strict personality that reminded some of McGonogall, but she was liked by most – Slytherins not included.
Evan hoped he would have the opportunity to get to know his mother better in this time since he had very little hope that his father would so much as look at him unless it were to make a scathing remark.
It hurt, but he accepted it.
He knew his father hadn't been the epitome of goodness that most made him out to be, and although his father's prejudice shamed him, he was certain that had his father lived, that James Potter would have made Evan proud; because he hoped that his mother as well as time had allowed his father to mature.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus and I are a bit behind in our project because we were supposed to have chosen a topic about a week ago and we have yet to decide.
I am becoming quite frustrated with our arguing over such a petty matter when an idea suddenly strikes me.
I sigh and cut off Remus' reasoning for choosing lethifolds short "What about werewolves?" I suggest.
I feel a bit bad at his clearly startled look and the sudden pallor to his face, but I continue "I had a friend back in American (short for American Academy for Witches and Wizards) who got bitten when he was a little boy. He didn't tell me until our third year for fear of losing my friendship, but I could care less."
A bit of color returns to Remus' cheeks as his eyes widen in surprise "He was still the same person that I had been friends with for over two years, and just because something happened to him once a month that he couldn't control, didn't mean that I would abandon him."
I give Remus a contemplative look "You remind me of him a bit, actually."
I see Remus' eyes – which had calmed considerably – fill with anxiousness, but I ignore it. I put a hand on his hair lightly for a moment before smirking "Premature gray hair."
His eyes once again widen in surprise before he lets out a slightly nervous chuckle "A-Alright." I arch an eyebrow at his unusual lack of eloquence and he clears his throat "Werewolves it is then." He says in his soothing voice while giving me a small smile.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Remus and I had a difficult time becoming friends, but we became friends nonetheless.
The biggest opposition to our friendship was actually not the rest of Slytherin House, but the Marauders.
The rest of Slytherin House had quickly learned that I was someone that they should respect, but the Marauders learned soon enough.
One day, I could no longer withstand their criticism towards Remus' and my friendship, so I decided that words were no longer a sufficient defense.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
It was after a N.E.W.T. Tranfiguration class (a week into my time in the past) and Remus and I, along with a scowling Severus a bit behind us, were discussing the similarities and differences between transfiguring objects into animals and the process of becoming an animagus, when the bullying once again began.
"When are you going to learn, Daniels, that no one in Gryffindor House wants anything to do with a slimy Slytherin like you?!" my godfather's voice rang loud and clear throughout the corridor.
That was the only warning we received before a hex was shot our way, but it was more than sufficient for me.
I quickly grabbed both Severus and Remus and pulled them down swiftly but not too forcefully, so they wouldn't be hurt, in the likely event that the hex wasn't on target. I then rolled a bit to the side, landing in a crouch and pulled my wand out far quicker than most could - I had gotten a wand holster on our last Hogsmeade weekend.
"Petrificus Totalus!" I nearly whispered. I no longer had to yell spells, or even pronounce them in a conversational tone. I had caught Sirius off guard. He went rigid and toppled over.
As I began to stand, my father shot a hex at me, but I easily dodged it.
He was about to shoot another hex at me, but I was tiring of this ridiculously easy duel 'I thought my godfather and father would have done better, I was under the impression that they had been Aurors at one time' I thought confusedly, so I decided to disable him.
"Expelliarmus!" I said a bit louder this time; 'Just for dramatic effect' I smirked inwardly, and easily caught his wand.
I examined it momentarily as if I were examining my nails for dirt before making eye contact with my father and shaking my head "Tsk, tsk, Potter." 'Gods, it was odd saying that' I thought with well concealed pain. "Overconfidence is never conducive in a duel. I do hope you've learned something today." I smirked.
By now, he was fuming, so I decided to cool him off "Abunde Aqua!" (profuse water in Latin) and he was soaked.
I chuckled – as others in the corridor began to laugh – and arched an eyebrow "Cooled off yet, Potter?" I could tell he was about to attempt bodily harm upon my person, but I continued conversationally "No? Well, alright then. I suppose this is necessary then." I raised my wand yet again as he was about to charge "Stupefy!" He froze and fell flat on his face.
I walked over to his form and flipped him over onto his back "I do hope I didn't break those lovely glasses of yours. Oh, dear me, it seems I have. Allow me to fix them." I plucked his glasses off his nose as he glared daggers at me "Repairo!" I placed them back upon his nose and sauntered back over to Severus and Remus.
Severus seemed to have enjoyed my little display immensely and Remus seemed a bit torn between amusement, anger and worry.
"Oh!" I looked over my shoulder at a cowering Pettigrew. I had completely ignored him. Really, it's not as if he would have put up much of a fight. "Do give this to Potter once you've revived him." and I tossed the wand over to the rat, he fumbled with it a bit before dropping it. 'Worthless traitor' I sneered inwardly.
I turned back towards Severus and Remus and noticed that although Severus still had a maliciously amused smirk upon his face, Remus looked truly upset.
"I'm sorry, Remus. But I had to do something; I cannot continue to allow them to get away with certain things." I apologized quietly so that only Severus and Remus could hear me.
Remus looked at me with slightly upset but understanding eyes "I know." He responded simply.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Since then, we have been careful about our friendship, but we have not ended it.
Author's Notes (Thank yous): NEMATI, BLUEBIRD161221, LADY LIGHTNING ~ Thank you. MINERVA-SEVERUS- DUMBLEDOR ~ I do hope the perspective isn't that confusing. I had some other complaints at the beginning of my fic, but they seemed to get used to it. If you still find it confusing after a time, please tell me and I'll try to improve it. NECROMANT, ZAIRA-DRACO, LILLINIFIELDS, SQURLIE JACK ~ Thank you. ATARAXIS ~ :) They're all mentioned in the fifth book. BONNIE4, FUZZY-BUMPKINS, SLASHYYAOIFANGIRL, PENNY, NERD-GIRL ~ Thank you. ETERNAL COSMOS ~ *pouts* I liked the descriptions and so did most, but some didn't. I think I'll only do something like that one more time, so no worries. MIKITO, ARIA, ROSE_OF_THE_NOBLE_CASTLE, REMA CYPHERS ~ Thank you. SERPENT OF LIGHT ~ :) Heh. My friend has muses but I don't, I still appreciate the little interaction between them though. I find it quite amusing. SOPH5232 ~ Really? That's the first time my fic has been compared to an HG/SS fic. I do hope it isn't too similar. I've only read HG/SS fics where Hermione is a Hogwarts professor so I wouldn't know. I'm sorry for anything that may seem copied, but I assure you it wasn't my intention. Y401-F4N ~ All I can say is 'Huh?' and thank you. SAPPHIRE STARLET (twice) ~ If you could send me a little 500-1000 word drabble that you could see happening at some point in my fic it'd be much appreciated and I'll tell you if I'd like you to be my beta. As for the descriptions, thank you for the suggestion. KRISTEN (twice) ~ Thank you.
TO EVERYONE ~ Sorry about the delay again but it seems I'm going to have to do the same as Amber Evans Potter (one of my friends who I had been co writing a fic with) and update every two weeks. I'm sorry, but my junior year is really starting to get to me.
Author's Notes (Oops): This was meant to go up to the ball, but I got a bit caught up in the dream and duel. Next chapter will have the ball, and I'm not sure, but you might finally have some slash action. No promises. See you in two weeks and possibly (but not likely) sooner. *waves* Ciao.