Mmm. 'Ello. So I took a bit of an absence from writing, didn't I? Well…do you want the long, drawn out explanation, or should we just forget it since it's in the past and just move on? Yes, that's what I thought. moving on

Wow. Everyone's reaction to Chapter 7, Accepting Fate was…is speechless So many of you said it brought you to tears! I'm…still speechless Well, thank you kindly to all the sweet and wonderful words each of you have given me. I hope that chapter gave you just the smallest insight into both Lily and James' emotional character. Now that I think my bit of a writers block is gone whistles, I'm excited and where I plan on going with all of this.

Erica huggles I LOVE your write 'em as you read it review technique. And thank you sooo much! You always make me so giggly and blush so much. blushes And, now, I'm not going to tell you yes or no to any of your questions, or let you know what's going to happen, but I must say, you have WondErfuL insight…and you pick up on so much of the little things I want you to. wink And, Erica, if it's the last thing I do, I'm going to find you a James. One all for you. =)

Danz Ah! I'm so excited that you've read this! Thank you so, so much. blushes I really appreciate it, and everything you said. Thanks about the dialogue…I always think I write too much talking scenes…I get carried away. LoL. I never realized that they weren't an easy thing to write until I started getting compliments, so THANK you. Aw, you aren't stupid for not having read this sooner! You were busy writing a wonderful fic, yourself. pokes Yes, and now that I've updated, I do insist that you update as well. winks Aw, thanks for adding me to your faves! huggles

Cindy Now why didn't I know that you'd simply love the big love shape we apparently have going? giggles and pokes Love Octagon. Sounds like a very dramatic story…nice title…Next time. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Okay, and well, here it is, you updated, so did I. wink Thank you, doll. tugs on leash Luv ya.

Lydia Lily and James? Are you sure? But she thinks he's an egotistical, conceited prat, why would she like him? wink Mm, you might yell at me for this chapter then….hides behind a rock Be nice. We've still a loooong way to go, remember that. And thank you, about the Peter thing. He plays a huge part in our duo's end so I think he must have played a rather big part in events leading to it, whether anyone noticed or not…..wiggles eyebrows Thank you, m'dear. Always love to read your crazy comments. hugs

Kelly Ooo, cat fights, huh? Who do you think would win, Lily or Izzy? Or the good one, Lily or Pandora? Mmm. So many questions. LoL. Yes, I know that Peter is a traitor. Makes you mad, doesn't it? He seemed to have looked up to James so much…why would a person do that? coughs Read on, m'love. You think you hate him now…ohmy…there's so much more to go with it. wink Thanks, doll. hugs

Pia Did you really almost cry?!? Aww! hands over a box of tissues Just in case. Thank you, love. I'm glad you love it so much. I'm sorry I'm so late in updating this, I really am. So much was going on and then I had this sort of blockage of creativity…and…well, here we are. Another chapter. And the next one is about to get started. Promise. I will try not to ever make you wait over a month again. nods Forgive me? hugs

Lizaloo Aw, thank you. That was so sweet. Thank you, though, this would not be happening with out you, you pusher and prodder and beta-reading fool. Yes, you are picky and weird, but that's WHY you're AIM window is permanently glued to my own. wink Thank you. hugs

KaitLyn Just…one word from you made me all…yeah. Thank you. Love you. hugs I'm so totally thrilled that you're reading this. I don't think my drama and angst will EVER compare to Twisted, but that's okay. I wouldn't want it to. Twisted is in a boat of its own. Bittersweetlove is just that like that little kid that follows you everywhere, tugging on your shirt, saying, "Notice me! Look at me!" Twisted is like my Bittersweetlove's big sister. =) Yeah, it's like that.

Kelli (with an i) Eee! Thank you for reading, you lil sugar plum! Wow. It's like, way coolio awesome?!? blushes You are too kind. Thank you so much. Aw, that's what everyone seemed to say about the cemetery chapter…it was…emotional to write, but it came out very easy. I was listening to that Garth Brooks song, only without the words, it was just the music. Lemme tell ya, that music and set a sorrowful mood. Well! I'm so glad that you're here! offers welcome cookies Thank you!

MeyaroseThank you. LoL. You're lil review scared me, I was messing in my email, sending out parts of this chapter to one of my beta's and I eventually saw I had a new email. When I saw it was a review, I really just sat there and stared. It was freaky. But thanks! I do hope that you enjoy the rest and that you've made it this far to see this! offers welcome cookies

Any readers who've NOT reviewed cough Mmhm, this is to YOU. LoL. Thanks for reading it, though, I do appreciate it. Although….you know that button down at the bottom left of the screen? I really do appreciate reviews….whistles innocently Ah, just playing around. Thank you for reading, though. throws out cookies to the crowd

Well, enough Missy-babble, don't you think? You came here to read a story, not read me endlessly talk about nothing…This chapter is a bit on the short side, gulps I do apologize. I leave you hanging for over a month, only to finally update and with a short chapter. BUT, the good news is I'm currently on vacation from work so aside from a few planned activities, I do hope to get to sit and write bunches.

Also- An extra shout out to LIZALOO, for forever helping me and keeping me on my toes to get to writing. Without her, I don't think you'd be writing this. AND a shout out to Sel—darling, you are such a sweet heart and I thank you SO much for the help you've given me and have offered me. You are a genius with words and grammar, something I do so admire. hugs to you both

Anyways- LoL, on with the show. gives out popcorn, cookies and soda

FYI Scarab Beetle: The dung beetle is an Egyptian symbol of recarnation and of Beelzebub, Lord of the Flies (A.K.A. Satan). It was worn by occultists to show that they had power and was a source of protection.



Chapter 8

October 1976 - "Secrets Ensue"

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She sat in the big window, alone, hidden behind shelves upon shelves of books. No one would think to walk this far back into the library. She was in a far corner, just past the restricted section. It was a place she would often go to and think.

Not that she enjoyed thinking; it usually gave her quite a headache. But every once in a while, it helped to straighten out all of the plans in her head and regroup. No one missed her when she disappeared. No one ever had, anyways.

The sky was gray; an impending storm on its way. The dark clouds and racing winds made the quiet library almost eerie- just how she liked it. It was evening, in the middle of the week and almost every student was busy working on projects and homework. She was sure the Marauders were taking advantage of the storm for some prank.

This left her time to herself without explanation.

Halloween was approaching; it was only a matter of days. She'd hardly began to accomplish anything she'd set out to do this term. Too many things were holding her back, although, she had found the month-long argument between her roommates rather amusing.

Her biggest problem was that the Marauders seemed to be spending much more time with the other Gryffindor sixth years. Something she hadn't thought would occur. It was putting a damper in her plans. A smile crept across her face- it could all very well work to her advantage.

Yes, she thought, there would be more at stake, of course. More pain, more misery.

She stared down at her fingers and her silver ring. She turned it around so that the top faced up. The black and golden-brown jewel formed the shape of a Scarab Beetle. No one knew she wore it.

She turned it back over, the silver band shining against her pale white skin, and as quietly as she had been sitting, she wondered off.

Peter got up and opened the window nearest his bed; it was stuffy in the tower. He took a deep breath of the rain-soaked air and his stomach growled.

With a sigh, he tossed his quill on his bed and headed out of the dorm. The other boys were all down in the Common Room. Remus and Izzy working on their DADA paper together, Sirius getting tutored by Calista again, and James…actually, Peter didn't see James anywhere.

No one noticed his escape to the portrait hole. He walked out and glanced around the hall. He still had about an hour before curfew took hold. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and headed for the kitchens.

As he strolled down the now dark hallways, his mind wondered. This year had started off peculiar, in Peter's eyes. Of course, the obvious was his mates' family deaths, but just the feel of the year was off. He'd hardly gotten to spend much time with the other Marauders.

Peter was just about to round the corner and sneak down to the kitchens when a glimpse of long dark hair caught his eye. She was standing near a window, gazing out to the gloomy night. She stood so still, Peter could barely tell she was breathing.

"Pandora?" His nervous, squeaky voice cracked upon saying her name.

She slowly turned to face him. Her head cocked to one side, she smiled at him with her gray eyes almost boring into his soul.

"Good evening, Peter. Where are you off to tonight?"

"Oh, I was just…I mean…well, I'm hungry," he sputtered out.

Pandora laughed, a light-hearted and genuine chuckle, "Care for some company? I could use a snack myself."

"Um, yeah, sure. This way," Peter nodded and trudged forward. He held his head just a bit higher, proud that he was leading someone somewhere, even if it was just Pandora to the kitchens.

"You aren't normally sent off to gather food alone, where are the rest of the boys?" Pandora asked as they snuck through the secret portrait to the kitchens.

Peter shrugged, "Not getting food for anyone else, just me. The other three are busy as usual."

Pandora nodded, "Yeah, I've noticed the last few weeks have been rather…quiet, shall I say?"

Peter stopped suddenly and looked at Pandora.

"What?"

"You noticed?"

Pandora gave him a look of dismay, "Well, yeah, I noticed. You four are always together. And the first few weeks back you were all working on something rather secretive. And now," she shrugged as she started down the steps again. "I see you off and about alone all the time. It was just a simple observation, Pettigrew."

Peter stared at her long, flowing, straight, black hair for a moment before continuing his way down the steps. He felt flush in his cheeks. He'd never known to be noticed by a female before.

Pandora stopped as the reached the end of the staircase. She put her hand back towards Peter to make him stop as well. She was peering around the corner, watching something.

Peter, ever curious to what was going on, crept towards her as quietly as he could. He'd been down to the kitchen many times. The house elves knew him so well, he wouldn't get in trouble. He couldn't figure out what Pandora was waiting for.

Pandora grinned at him and waved him closer so he could look too. Peter crept up next to her so he could glance around the corner.

"What are they doing together?" Pandora whispered.

Peter shrugged; a disheartened look on his face. Of course he'd run off with her. He'd been spending all of his free time with her; taking her places that only the Marauders went before, studying, talking, and discussing Quidditch with her. Peter was beginning to wonder if he'd forgotten his six year crush on a certain red head.

Pandora didn't miss the expression pass Peter's face, "Hmm. Well, let's go dig up some dirt, shall we Peter?"

Before he could respond, Pandora had taken his hand in her own and bounced around the corner. A few house elves came bounding up to them, asking them what they needed, saying hello to Peter and offering a place at the small table where the other two guests were already seated.

"Well, look who's here!" Pandora smiled too cheerfully. "Out for a late night snack, Potter?"

James nodded his head towards Pandora, noticing the fact that she was holding Peter's hand, "'Evening, Dora. Hey, Pete."

Peter nodded towards his friend while Pandora made her self comfortable at the table across from James.

"And what is James having for a snack tonight?" Pandora glanced at the food in front of him.

"And what is James having for a snack tonight?" Pandora glanced at the food in front of him.

James looked up at Peter with a speculating look before answering, "Fresh pie and hot chocolate."

Pandora smiled and looked to the house elf standing near her, "We'll have the same, thank you."

Peter finally found his manners and took a seat next to Pandora. Silence overwhelmed the four. Peter started tapping his knuckles on the table, feeling out of place and awkward.

"Oy, Wormtail, sit on your hands if you can't keep from fidgeting!" James looked annoyingly at Peter and he immediately ceased the noise and shrugged.

"So, how is Quidditch practice going, James?" Pandora asked as a house elf brought two more mugs of hot chocolate.

"Pretty well, actually. I think we've a decent chance at beating Slytherin next week," he told her proudly.

"Well, it warms the hearts of your fellow Gryffindors to know that winning means so much to you. I mean, you've been out on the pitch so much these last few weeks. It's a wonder you're not failing any of your classes," Pandora added, taking a sip of her drink.

James cleared his throat, "Well, we had a lot to work on."

"Mmhm, I guess you've improved your game well, then. Especially since you stay out so much longer than the rest of the team. You too, Kineta."

Kineta glanced at James quickly before replying, "Well, James is the captain, Pandora, and we're always revising plays and changing things. It's a lot of work. Particularly when you're determined to win."

Pandora smiled, "I'm sure you both are very determined."

James stood up with a sigh, "Nice chatting with you, but Kineta and I were just getting ready to head back to the Tower. Charms essay to finish."

"Of course," Pandora nodded. She smiled conceitedly and gave a pristine wave as the two made their way up the stairs. As soon as she heard the portrait close, Pandora broke out into chides of laughter.

Peter just looked at her, "What was that all about? Why were you so rude?"

"Oh, please, Peter! It's so obvious there is something going on between the two. Why do you think they aren't telling anyone?" Pandora ignored Peter's other question and supported her head with her hand as she thought.

"Prongs is my best friend. You didn't have to make him feel so uncomfortable," Peter told her just as their pies were served.

Pandora's eyebrows rose, "Are you going to eat all of that? Yes, well, Peter, great best mate you have there."

"What's that supposed to mean? And what does that have to do with anything?" Peter looked at her, picking up his fork mindlessly.

Pandora shrugged, taking a bite, "Nothing, Peter. I have a question for you."

Peter took his own bite and looked at Pandora.

"Have you ever thought of not following Potter and Black around? Think of the things you could manage on your own, Pete. Just think."

"Why are you friends with her?" Kineta asked James as they headed back to Gryffindor Tower.

James shrugged and mumbled something under his breath. Kineta let the mumble go, thinking nothing of it. He often wondered off into his own world these days.

James suddenly stopped and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. He ran a hand up his face and through his messy hair.

"James?" Kineta looked at him, worried.

James adjusted his glasses, opened his eyes, and whispered, "Kineta…"

Yes?" Kineta moved closer to James, never losing eye contact with him. He had her worried now. He looked so nervous. An emotion she never thought he possessed. He'd always been the type to take things head on, especially in the last few months.

James sighed again. Kineta could feel his eyes boring deep into her own. The only thoughts swimming in her mind were of the past few weeks. Weeks spent with James flashed through her mind making her think of whom this man really was. This Gryffindor she once thought was a conceited prat like everyone else, who, she knew, was only interested in a good laugh; the one who'd taken time from his own grieving to console her. The messy-haired boy that made her laugh through her tears and helped her get focused on her school work; The dimple-faced Marauder who worked diligently to prepare his team to take on the best team at Hogwarts currently. This man, his warm, shallow breath whispering across her cheek, was staring right back at her.

Kineta licked her lips, moving her head just a bit closer to his. She closed her eyes and readied herself for that melting feeling she'd only ever dreamt about, only ever heard about.

Kineta leaned in, and kissed James.

"Oh, yeah, the Draft of Peace, we learned that last year. It was on our OWL's," Sirius nodded, at Calista, knowing the answer she was looking for.

"Sirius, why do I get the feeling that you really don't need help in Potions?" She sat back in her chair and looked at him.

Sirius looked up at her with a cheeky grin, "Well, we just haven't come across the potions I do need help on."

Calista laughed, "Okay, stop the grinning already. If you wanted to spend time with me, why didn't you just ask me?"

Sirius, fumbling for the right words to make his excuse, gave in to her suddenly gorgeous blue eyes, "Would you have said yes?"

"My, oh my, is the cocky Sirius Black not so sure about him self when it comes to asking out a girl?" Calista was enjoying Sirius' moment of speechlessness too much. "Why I thought nothing would stop Mr. Black and Mr. Potter from getting what they wanted." She leaned across the table and whispered, "And I suppose you'll never know seeing as you never did ask me."

Sirius swallowed hard. He just stared at the drop-dead gorgeous girl in front of him, wondering what game she was playing with him now. "Why haven't you dated since the beginning of fifth year?"

Calista wasn't expecting this question and blinked a few times. She put her quill down and cleared her throat. Sirius just watched every graceful move she made as she gathered her books and parchment and stood.

"I don't think that is any of your business, Sirius. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some real studying to do."

Calista walked away from Sirius, leaving him sitting at the table with his mouth hanging open. A third year saw his expression and started to giggle; until Sirius passed her a death look.

Sirius sighed and closed his own Potions book. He slouched back in the chair, his hair falling into his face just as Audrey and Lily were passing by.

"Sirius? Are you alright?" Audrey stopped and looked at him, concerned.

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Yeah. But I have a question. Maybe one of you could answer it for me?"

Audrey smiled at Lily before nodding to Sirius, "Sure."

"Why are women so complicated? Just when you think you can predict their next move, they go and throw something else at you. It can really put a damper on my nightly activities."

Lily was ready to reach across the table and slap him. Audrey, however, tilted her head in a thinking motion, "Well, Sirius. It's not like men are any easier to figure out."

Lily gave Audrey a strange look, "Yeah they are. They obviously are only looking for one thing. And I can tell you this much, Sirius, if you're really interested in anyone, getting a snog out of them isn't the way to go about it. Neither is pretending something and tricking them. Perhaps if you'd just be honest, and stop being such a prat all the time, you wouldn't have any problems."

Sirius chuckled, "Thanks, Evans. You've cleared so much up for me. I mean, you would be the one I should go to for advice on dating. I mean, after all, you've so much experience."

"Sirius!" Audrey exclaimed. "That was rude!"

"So is she!" Sirius snapped back as he stood from his chair and gathered his books. "Merlin, I just asked a question. She didn't have to go all Lecture Lily on me."

"Lecture Lily?" Lily asked him, her face twitched with anger. "I haven't heard that one."

"Yeah, well, you don't hear everything, now do you little Miss Prefect?" Sirius shot her a mean and angry glare and walked off towards the boys' dorm.

Lily just stood there. Those that had been sitting near the table had all stopped what they'd been doing and were looking at Lily. She looked around her.

"Get back to work. You only have twenty minutes left till you better be in your beds!" She snarled and stalked off.

"LILY!" Audrey ran after her. She had to chase her half way up the stairs to the girls' dorms before she caught up with her. "Lily, Sirius was just…frustrated. He didn't mean that."

"Audrey, yes he did. Lecture Lily? How many times have you heard that one? I'd bet he or Potter started it anyways," Lily told her best friend. "I'm not blind to what goes on around me, Aud. And I do have feelings."

"Hey, Lily? Are you alright?" Lily looked down to the end of the steps and saw Remus looking up at her. She smiled.

"I'm alright, thanks Remus," Lily nodded.

"She's not okay. Sirius offended her. He called her 'Lecture Lily'," Audrey told Remus as he had started to turn away.

Remus turned back and looked at Lily, "He did what?"

Lily shrugged, "Really, it's not that big of a deal. I'm just going to go get ready for bed. Remus, make sure every one's tucked into the Tower by curfew for me?"

"Sorry, but I can't. I need another Prefect's help," he replied back.

"So go find Jenna, she's just reading," Lily sighed.

"I prefer red-heads," Remus winked. Audrey took a step past Lily and pushed her down a step.

Remus put out a hand to Lily to usher her towards him. She obliged, taking hold of his rough hands. When she reached the bottom of the step, Remus gave her a tight hug.

"I'd apologize for Padfoot, but if I did that, I'd be spending half my waking hours doing it. The other half apologizing for Prongs," he smiled. "Sirius leaves the teasing of you to James, so I'm sure something else was just bothering him and he lost his temper. He does that sometimes. Don't let it bother you, okay?"

Lily nodded as the two headed for a couch near the portrait door. Lily shrugged as she took a seat.

"It's just that sometimes I feel like people just think of me as this programmed witch walking around Hogwarts. I need some fun in my life, maybe."

Remus laughed, "Lily, you are a fun person. And those who know you know that."

"I guess. Thanks, Lupin. So, um, how are things with you?" Lily slightly blushed at her own question.

Remus sat back on the couch, "I think…I think things are going well, actually. How are you doing in Transfiguration this term?"

"The usual. McGonagall will give me an extra credit project and I'll squeeze by with a low A as usual. I get it, but…it just comes so hard to me."

"You know, seriously, you should have James help you out. He's really good in that class. He could use a bit of help in Charms. He's too busy sleeping in that class to notice much," Remus laughed.

"Um, that's okay; I try to stay away from Potter as much as possible."

"Lils…" Remus started, making Lily giggle.

"I know, I know I promised to try, but Reme! He's just so conceited and annoying! I'm not into that."

Remus thought a moment, "You know he's really only like that around Sirius and Peter. Sirius because, well, the two are always busy showing off and Peter just because he knows Peter worships him."

"Yeah, that's a bit obvious," Lily rolled her eyes. "Um, has he been doing okay? I've been meaning to…say something ever since he came back…to Kineta too…but they're always so busy with Quidditch."

"I can't wait for the Slytherin match to be over with," Remus rolled his eyes. "Honestly, I think he's doing alright. Kineta and him have been leaning on each other, I think. With their parents having had been at the scene together and all."

"Oh, yeah?" Lily nodded. "That's good that they have each other to lean on."

Remus nodded, a thought creeping into his mind. James and Kineta had been spending quite a lot of time together. He wondered if there was more to it. And if there was, he didn't seem to think that Lily would have much of a problem with it.

Lily was just looking at him, "So, Remus…you and Izzy have been spending a lot of time together. It seems like the four of you have been going you're separate ways lately."

Remus stared back at Lily blankly, "We're not going our separate ways. We've just had things to do. Well, the others anyways, so I've been talking to Izzy. Why? Do you know something?"

Lily laughed, "I know that she enjoys spending time with you."

Remus smiled as Lily's own smile faded just a bit. There was no doubt in her mind now, Remus did like Isadora.

"So, what do you think about Sirius and Calista?" Remus laughed.

"Oh my," Lily shook her head. "They're both too headstrong. Calista's not really interested in dating anyways, I don't think."

"Oh? Really? Doesn't Audrey have a crush on Sirius?"

"Why do you think that?" Lily reacted to his question quickly.

Remus winked, "She tries for his attention awfully hard. But he's too dense to notice."

Lily was about to argue when she realize what Remus had just said, "What do you mean by that? You said 'he's too dense'."

Remus winked, "Tell her to be more forward with him. It might work out better. Better start checking for wondering students. I haven't seen Prongs come back yet."

Lily nodded, "Yeah. Hey, um, tell Sirius that I'm sorry I…lectured him earlier."

"Don't worry about it, Lils, he'll forget by the time he falls asleep," Remus told her. "See you in the morning."

Lily smiled and nodded. She watched Remus head towards the portrait and Izzy bounce in front of him. She was all smiles, happy to see him. She laughed at something he said and gave him a hug before practically skipping her way towards the stairs.

Lily sighed. Who needs a boyfriend, anyways? Especially one that's a Marauder.

"Padfoot, where are Prongs and Wormtail?" Remus entered the boys' dorm.

Sirius shrugged. He was lying on his back on his bed. His arms behind his head he lay staring at the canopy. "Maybe they're getting us food."

"It's after curfew now, the cloak is right there," Remus pointed out.

"Maybe they got the map to work right," Sirius shrugged.

"Padfoot, give up on her, already. She's not worth you being in a bad mood all the time. Besides, you have other options," Remus sat on his own bed.

Sirius rolled his eyes, "Aw, is Moony an expert in the love department now? Have you and Izzy done anything yet?"

Remus threw a pillow at Sirius, making him crack a smile finally. The two boys laughed for a moment before falling into a moment of silence.

"You know, we need to pull something huge for Halloween this year," Sirius mentioned. "We've sort of been slacking off recently."

Remus sighed, "We need to finish that map."

"So many things to do, so little time," Sirius sighed along with Remus. "All's well, we just have to prioritize!"

Remus covered his face with another pillow, "Oh, Merlin…"

"Yes, yes…I can see it now. Oh, Moony, this is going to be one Halloween Hogwarts won't soon forget. Yes…the Marauder's strike again. Dumbledore will be so proud. Except he won't ever know."

"You said that about the sticky stuff in the hallway," Remus reminded Sirius.

Sirius shrugged, that prank long forgotten. Leaving Sirius to expand on his thoughts, Remus left the dorm and went back to the common room. He looked around the almost-empty room and still didn't see neither Peter nor James.

He was walking past the couches, making sure the fire was going out when a gleam in the corner of his eye caught his attention. He glanced towards the couch and noticed a silver chain hanging out from under cushions on the couch. He tugged at it, but it was caught in something.

Remus lifted the cushion and saw the chain was a necklace being used as a bookmark. Not glancing at the title of the book, he opened it to see the necklace, hoping to figure out its owner.

The necklace was a paw print, a paw print like that of a dog. That didn't help him; anyone could have a pet dog back home. Remus placed the necklace back in the book and caught a line from one page.

"People started to believe that such creatures with the shadow of wolves were living among them. They named them Werewolves."

Remus dropped the book once he realized who had been sitting at this couch.

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