A/N.....

Again I'm very sorry about taking so long to update. Truth is this part is actually what took so long... But updates should be much more frequent now.

I hope you enjoy!

Fundraiser Aftermath – Maia's POV

I had been somewhat surprised that my dad had let Len stay over. He was in a foul mood since that awful, revolting prat not only danced with me. But kissed me!

Now I'm not sure but I think that kiss is actually outlawed in several European nations.

My father was furious with me. He kept me by his side most of the night. When I told him what really happened. He calmed down, some . . . I left out some, it seemed only right, not wanting to worry him any.

I so need to talk to Len. But I can't right now. She came in and cried herself to sleep. I know that my friend needs me, but all I can think about is what if Remus found out? I want to hide. Ohhh Merlin . . . what about Remus?!

Malfoy's actions . . . were well expected, sort of. He was after all a prat! A mean, little jerk, who only cares about himself. But how could Snape have done that to Len. She'd stuck up for him. She'd defended him. Len had truly considered him her friend.

Why had he done those things to her? Said those things?

I gave up trying to sleep. I went to my desk.

Dear shit-heel:

You suck!

No that wasn't right! I shook my head, deciding that writing to Malfoy would only encourage him. I change my focus.

Dear Severus;

As Lenore's best friend I must ask you, why?

Why did you hurt her like that? Why did you say those things?

Perhaps you could explain to me your reasons. I know you to be a logical fellow. So I assume that you have some logical reason. If you could please share this, it would be much easier to understand.

Maia crumpled the letter. Maybe, Snape had employed the same counter treatment that Len had earlier. It was all for show. Then he'd be writing to her soon, right??? To explain things, wouldn't he?

I look over at Len. She's still in sleep. I feel so selfish worrying about me, Len took that really bad. She had really gotten to like him. I wonder if that had anything to do with her hesitation with Sirius.

There's an idea of how to cheer her up! I smile, pulling out a new strip of parchment.

Dear Remus;

How are things? I hope that last night wasn't too horrible for you. If it's any constellation the fundraiser . . . was vile. A part from the usually inedible food (it taste like chewing on my quill) and the boring music, there was society "politics" being spewed everywhere.

I missed you. It would have made my night immeasurable better. Len's too. Why you may ask; well the thing is that blechk Malfoy jr. took it upon himself to make sure that we had an absolutely miserable night.

First he tries to push Len into a fight. Which with the bill her dad has up right now would just be ... so typical of him. She didn't jump at his bait, so then he comes and forces me to dance with him. Okay, he tricked me. Then has the gall to kiss me in the middle of the dance floor!!!

I'm sorry. I didn't want him to, but I was taken by surprise.

Anyway, then as if that weren't enough, he corners Len and I in the gardens after Len's been sick! (Apparently it takes practise to stomach that so called food.) She collapsed into tears as soon as she got in. Got any ideas of how to cheer her up?

Oh, I'm not sending a similar letter to any of the other guys; I figure that they'll likely still be with you. Feel free to show this to them, or tell them.

HUGS Maia

PS I'm starting the "I-Hate-that-PRAT-Malfoy" club, want to join???

I re-read my letter nodding in approval. This covers telling and apologizing for what had happened and shows concern for Len too. Very nice! The Marauders have a way of bringing on cheer to disheartened people. With luck, Remus would not only have suggestion but so would the other guys. If we went out as a group, it wasn't like it was a date. So Len wouldn't have any reason to freak or back out. Sirius was much better choice for a romantic interest than Severus Snape anyway.

I roll the letter, and tie it to the leg of my owl, Pep. He took flight. I thought of how long it would take to reach Remus. I sink back in my chair and looked out the window.

It was still dark, but the moon was setting. Poor Remus! He'd likely need most of the day to rest. For that matter, I should at least try and get some rest. Yeah, right! Like that was going to happen.

Maybe, Len's folks would let her stay longer. She likely wouldn't want her siblings asking her questions of things until she regained her focus, I thought. I sigh; it's too early to take a shower. I take some of my summer reading out and curl up to read until the world wakes up.

Let the Fun Begin -- Remus POV

I wake feeling rather exhausted, which was entirely normal. One would have really thought that I'd be getting to this monthly occurrence, after all I've had it for almost half my life now.

But then does one ever get used to the pain caused by their bones breaking and reforming to those of a wolf? To all the muscles in ones body tearing free and bunching up to accommodate the smaller form the wolf? Granted if my skin didn't feel on fire as the thick fur grew, I might not be so . . . hostile . . . jealous of all those humans around.

I wonder if it hurts like this to become an animagus?

If it does, I can't understand how James, Sirius and Peter could do this, just to be with me. There is no way I can thank them enough, even if it doesn't.

It is early in the afternoon when I finally manage to regain some of my senses. Well, that is that my hunger drove me from bed. The boys seem to be up, mum greets me warmly, no mention of the time, and hands me a plate full of food. Oh how well she knows me!

Sirius plops himself beside me, throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Good to see you, sleepy head."

I look at him suspiciously. Knowing Sirius, he's up to something. I notice that James is shaking his head. "Let him wake up." He pulls Sirius away, and rolls his eyes. "Sirius has been dying to open your mail for hours now."

"Mail?" I ask confused.

"Yeah, a letter arrived for you this morning." Peter replies.

"It looked like Maia's owl." Sirius says. "So what's your girlfriend got to say?"

Mum drops something, I cast Sirius a shut-up look. "Girlfriend? Maia, as it the girl's party that you went to." she asks worried.

"Maia's not my girlfriend." I reply. I hope Sirius has enough sense to keep his big mouth shut for now. "We're just friends."

Mum doesn't look convinced but nods and leaves us alone. I guess it her way of trying to normalize my life. She worries about me, I know. James hands me the letter.

"Do I need to read it, or are you three going to tell me what it says?" I ask playfully.

"James wouldn't let me." Sirius pouts. "So open it!"

"Padfoot, why are you so interested? It's not like it's from Len or anything." I reply.

"What's my girl doing writing to you." Sirius sounds confused. "I mean . . . I just want you to be happy. Besides you get all bashful and red regarding Maia."

"That's not nice now." James replies. "Just because you can't get Len, doesn't mean that Moony is having the same problem with Maia. In fact it seems directly opposite."

They start to laugh. I try not to go red. I think I fail badly. However just to torment Sirius I tuck Maia's letter away in my robes.

"Hey!!! What's the deal?" He protests.

"I'll read it after I finish eating." I reply innocently. Now I try not to laugh, but with James and Peter laughing it's rather difficult.

"Then I'll read it for you." Sirius offers as he makes a lung for me. Fortunately, I have quick reflexes, an advantage of my condition, and manage to get out of the way. We seem to engage in a game of can't-get-me, around the kitchen.

My mum comes in, standing in the doorway she yells, "Hold it! Just what do you two think that you're doing?"

James and Peter, try desperately to stop laughing. Sirius and I look about and survey the mess we just made. We look to each other, each try to plaster an innocent look on our faces as we turn to look at my mum. "Nothing mum."

"Sorry Mrs. Lupin." Sirius replies. "I was just trying to help Remus with something."

"Right!" She looks furious, except I notice that the corners of her mouth are being pulled up. "You can 'help' Remus by cleaning it up while he finishes eating." She turns to James and Peter, who have quieted, but look as if at any second they'll start again. "I suppose that you two had nothing to do with this?"

"No, mame." James manages to sound sincere. She nods.

"Next time. Take it out side dear." She shakes her head leaving. She barely gets out of the room before we collapse into laughter.

After I finish eating and the kitchen is set back in order, we four head outside. Best not to try my mother's patients too much for one day. I pull Maia's letter out and break the seal. I roll my eyes at Sirius who watches me intently, but a smile of mirth covers my face.

My smile fades as I read Maia's letter. This of course does not go unnoticed by my friends. They all crowd around me. "What?" Sirius asks.

I read them the letter. Sirius looks furious. I swear he looks as if Malfoy were here he'd have hexed him, or worse. Heck I'm not sure he wasn't planning on hunting the little prat down . . . wait that's my reaction.

"I vote we kill that stuck up little prat." James replies first. Considering that he's not even infatuated with one of the offended party, very strong words. However I agree.

How DARE Malfoy kiss my Maia!!! I hear the wolf roar in my ears.

He should be sleeping. I rarely feel him the day after. Shows how up-set I really am.

Sirius has yet to say anything. Likely he is busy trying to calm himself down enough to form coherent thought, as much as he ever does.

"I second that." Sirius finally manages. He re-reads the letter. "I think that we should go and check on them. Make sure that they're alright."

"Maia doesn't really sound that up-set. She's joking by the end of the letter." Peter replies timidly. "Maybe she . . . that is they . . . just needed to vent a little?"

Sirius' eyes are icy. "Len does not over react."

I see Peter flinch back a little. Sirius is in no mood for that kind of thought. "You know that my folks'll never let me go. Especially after that 'girlfriend' comment."

"Moony has a point. I'll ask Lily to check on them." James replied more logically now. "It sounds like one of those girlie, 'lets cry and eat chocolate' things. Than something that we'd by good at anyway."

"I still like your idea of killing Malfoy." Sirius replied. "If Maia wanted Lily's help, wouldn't she just have sent a letter to her?"

"Maybe she did." I shrug. "Why don't we take them out somewhere fun. To cheer them up?"

"Like what do you have in mind?" Padfoot asks.

"Well, I over head the girls talking about . . .Star—something. How they were so looking forward to it." I reply.

"I remember Lily telling me about that. It's called Star Wars." James continues enthusiastically. "It's a movie."

"Hunh? Is that like a play?" Sirius asks. James nods.

"Sort of." James replies, he ponders for a moment. Then he gives up trying to explain.

"That's another muggle thing right?" Peter whines. When Sirius glares at him. "Don't get me wrong. I'd very much like to cheer up the girls, but . . . well . . . it not like Len seems too eager to go out with you anywhere."

Peter's eyes grew wide as he just realized what he'd said. Both James and I started to laugh. I do believe that was the most spirit I've seen from him. He and Sirius lock eyes. Peter lower his within seconds. "She might go if it's a group thing though." He replies quietly.

"Besides, that way Moony won't chicken out." James teases. I think it was to calm Sirius down. So I play along.

"I don't chicken out. I eat chicken remember; me Wolf." I tease. They laugh. Good, no fighting. Mum would never let them come back if they did, and I'd miss them too much.

"Right, but I suppose that Wormtail has a point. If we go as a group, then there is no reason not to go." Sirius agrees. Perhaps to ensure that I go . . . or maybe it was Len. "Apart from shopping, which I'm not ready to repeat, I don't have any ideas of what else we could do. Except maybe hunt down and punish Malfoy."

"Well James you write to Lily and I'll suggest that we go out together. Maybe meet in Diagon Alley for lunch or something?" I suggest a compromise. They nod in agreement.

Dear Maia;

I'm sorry to here your night was as bad as mine.

After discussing with the others, we decided that we will be happy to hunt down and Hex a certain little prat if you like. Barring that, I think that you have four new members to your club.

We thought that it might help you two to feel better if we took you out for lunch in Diagon Alley. What do you think? It was also suggested that you might like to see, Star Wars, which we'd be happy to take you to, if you like.

Remus

Ps. You sure that you don't want us to hurt him for you?

Let the Fun In - Maia's POV

Remus' letter arrived early that afternoon. I was re-reading it when Lily called; I guess that they wanted to consult her. Len was still at my place her folks said that it was no problem as Sebastian was home.

"Hello Lily."

"Hi Maia. James told me what happened last night. You two alright?" Lily sounded worried.

"We're . . . dealing. Len took things really hard. She's been in tears most of the night." I reply, trying to downplay my own emotional trauma. "Can you believe that the boys even offered to take us to a movie to cheer us up?"

"That's sooo sweet." Lily giggled. "You want me to come over? We could have a girls' day, with Malfoy bashing, ice cream, chocolate?"

"Sound's tempting." I motioned Len over. "Len what do you think of a girls day with Lily?" She shrugs.

"Whatever." Len replies. "By the way," She adds in a louder voice, likely in hopes that Lily will hear her. "I wasn't the only one crying. Which I'm done now. I'm on to the Mad-as-heck phase."

I heard Lily laugh. "Sounds like you're both dealing well. But I think that a little cheering up still wouldn't hurt."

"Not at all. I like the lunch idea." I smile. I like the thought of seeing Remus. Len nods beside me. "I think that Len is agreeing more because she doesn't want to go home to face her family."

Len makes a shocked face at me. She starts to hit me in the arm. "Ow . . . got to go . . . ow . . Len is . . .ow . . . trying to beat me up." Between the ows and the giggles I wonder if Lily heard a thing. I hear her laughing on the other end of the phone, so she must have got the message.

"Maia, this just doesn't seem like your week." Lily giggles. "Lunch then. Tomorrow?"

"Sound's great." Len had seized the phone from me. "I wanted to go looking at the latest Demonology book, I heard that Krenshaw's new one was fascinating."

"Len you are the only girl I know who would say that." Lily laughs. "Its summer girl, you're not supposed to be studying."

"Excuse me!!!" we both chimed together.

"My apologize. I forgot for a moment that I was speaking to two Ravenclaws." Lily tries to sound serious, but fails. This causes Len and me to laugh. "Well, since your both laughing I take it that you're alright."

"We're fine." Len assures her. I go and ask my folks if Lily can come over too. They agree; I feel a twinge of pity for them. Three teenage girls, under one roof . . . they aren't going to be getting any sleep tonight. But then again, they can use silence charms.

"Hey Lily?" I take the phone from Len, well we're sharing it. "My parents say you can come over if you like. That way we can all go in to Diagon Alley tomorrow, together."

"Sounds great. Hold on, let me check." There is a brief pause, then Lily comes back sounding excited. "Alright I'll be there in half an hour or so."

"Great see you then." We chime.

I write back to Remus, telling him that we'd love to do lunch tomorrow. I also apologies for worrying them and wish them well until tomorrow when I'll see them.

Predictably we do the girl thing. We pig out and trash on Malfoy and any other boy that pisses us off as that moment. With fits of laughter long into the morning. We never do get to sleep.

Dad takes us in to work with him. Giving us money he bids us good-day, and tells me to get him if we need anything. I, of course blush at this, how embarrassing!

We have 3 hours before we're to meet the boys, which is no problem for us. Len gets her new book; I find a few that I like too. We go looking for robes, shoes, and boots.

I've been so jealous of Len's boots; I want a pair. But they just don't look right on me. DRATS!!!

We arrive early and get a table, large enough for eight, just in case Peter decided to ask Shanti to join us. We laugh at that, Peter's not that forward.

Lily jumps up and greets James, no surprise there. Len just smiles and say her greetings. I'm worried about her, something's not right with her. Sirius moves in beside her. Remus sits next to me, yeah, I didn't even plan that. James sits on the other side of Sirius, with Lily to his right. Peter sits between Lily and me.

I briefly wonder if they haven't done this to protect us. However that thought fades quickly as we order and regress to our normal chaotic multi-conversational round. I notice Len leaning toward Sirius. Maybe she just can't hear, maybe it's something else.

Many laughs and jokes later, we decide that going to a movie together would be fun. We arrange for next Saturday.

I'm a little worried that Remus won't be able to come, his folks are really being overprotective, but then they do have reason to be. Heck most people believe that the most humane thing to do is to kill a person, once bitten by a werewolf. I think that's just horrid.

"I should have no problem getting out." Remus assured the group.

"Right, You'll just go and tell mommy that you're going out with your ---" We never heard what. Remus had dove across Len to cover Sirius' mouth. James and Peter were laughing hysterically, I think that we girls missed something in this joke.

The waitress comes by. Remus is still lying across Len's lap fighting to keep Sirius quiet; Len is trying to extract herself claiming not to be involved; James and Peter are rolling with laughter. Lily is left to converse with her, as I find myself beseeched with laughter also, watching Remus and Sirius, well watching Remus mostly.

The waitress leaves. "Remus enough. Sirius that goes for you too. Please try and act your age for once." Lily orders. She looks to James for help but he's still convulsively laughing. She then turns to me. "I'll get Sirius, you grab Remus?" I nod, giggling.

Lily reaches across James and pulls Sirius away from Remus. I pull on Remus' robes to get him back into his chair. Len helps push the two of them apart. "That's enough . . . I'm getting squished." Len protested. "Please guys can't you just behave a little longer?"

"For you I'll try." Sirius replies. He looks at Lenore adoringly. I wonder if she notices, given recent events, not likely. Remus looks at me, he blushes. I think it's cute. James and Peter manage to get their laughter under control, after only a few pokes from Lily.

Alright, I know that I'm a slight bit . . . Slytherin in doing this, but it's for a good cause. I convince Lily to talk James out of going to the Movie, Star Wars, with us on Saturday. As for Peter, I get Shanti to ask him out, which comes at no small favour to Christen. So that it's just Sirius, Remus me and Len.

Len's just been in such a funk since that stupid fundraiser, I just want to cheer her up. I mean she needs to move on with things. So, Sirius will bring Remus and I get to make sure Len is there. Okay, so I didn't tell her that it would just be the four of us.

I arrive to get Len at her place Saturday, I'm to be staying over night. At least that's what I told my parents, wink. Sebastian greets me at the door. Becky hears me, and goes charging up, yelling for Len. I smile, I would so love to have siblings.

"Hey Maia." Sebastian smiles at me. "Come on in. Len just had to change, Suzy apparently doesn't like Peppermint Toads. She threw-up all over Len." I laugh a bit. "Umm, could I ask you something." He sounds worried.

"Of course." I reply, although I can't think of any reason he'd ask me something.

"It's Len, she's been . . . well . . . off, lately. Did something happen?" He asked. I try to cover my surprise, how do I not tell him?

"She's just, worried about stuff." I reply vaguely. Knowing full well that he won't take that as an answer. "Your dad's bill. Up coming school year, our OWLs."

"It's not like Squirt to worry. Not like this." He replies seriously. "Maia, you would tell me if it were anything serious, right?"

"If it were anything serious don't you think that Len would have told you?" I countered.

"I'd hope so." He smiled at me. Len came down the stairs. Still soaked from her shower, her hair dripping. She wore an army jacket over a halter top, shiny blue, and a converted pair of jeans into a skirt, about knee length and purposely frayed along the hem. "Squirt you look great. Here let me get your hair." With a wave of his wand Len's hair was dry.

"Thanks!" Len smiles at him. Giving him a quick hug. She looks at me. She takes in my mini skirt, black leather, and angle sleeved blouse; a loose cut, oversized blouses with "bell bottom" sleeves, all cotton natural beige colour. "I feel under dressed."

"You look great Len. Ready?" I reply. She nods. We try to make a quick get away.

"Len, will you be home for curfew? Or should I just cover?" Sebastian asked.

Len shrugged. "I'll try, but I make no promises."

"Fine. Dad and Cindy will be home by eleven. So after that just use the 'other' way, I showed you." He smiled. Len hugged him again.

"Thanks."

"Have fun!"

"We'll try." We called together.

End POV

"Maia, what's the deal?"

"Len, what are you talking about?" Maia asked innocently as she rushed toward the theatre.

"You. That silly grin." Len stopped. Refusing to move until she got her answers. "You don't smile like that unless you're scheming."

"I'm just excited about seeing Remus." Maia said. "Come on, we're going to be late."

"Not until you tell me." Len crossed her arms for effect.

"Fine, but come on." Maia pulled on Len's arm. "Please! I really don't want to loose this chance with Remus."

"Maia!" Len insisted. Still not moving.

"Fine, I'm playing match matcher again." Maia confessed. "I meant well. Just come on. Please, for me?" Maia put her hands together pleading. "Len please come on. If nothing else, just enjoy the movie."

"Fine. But I tell you, I'm not much in the mood for dealing with ....crap." Len rolled her eyes and fell into step behind Maia.

"Len, thanks much. You know I only want you to be happy."

"And to get your hands on a certain Gryffindor." Len teased.

"Well that to." Maia smiled. "Look, I really just thought .... well, you were all cute and jealous at the pool party." Maia teased back.

"Maia, I was... fine let's have fun." Len smiled. "I'll keep Sirius busy. He's fun...but..." They had arrived at the theatre. "They're not even here. I take it, that it's just us four then?'

"Yeah." Maia said. Len cast her friend an evil look. "Don't give me that look. Hey, I got a Lily to take James out. I even got a Peter a date with Shanti. I knew if I told you it was just Sirius, Remus and us, that you wouldn't have come."

"Right, so you make sure that I'm there and Sirius will make sure that Remus is there." Len shook her head. "You do know that the boy is crazy about you, right?"

"I could point out the same to you." Maia laughed. "But then, you are so smart that you already knew that right."

"The boy already had his chance." Len said seriously. "I... I .... don't know. One minute, he's cute and sweet and I just want to be near him. The next, I just want to hit him."

"Anyone I know." Sirius asked as he came up behind them. He wore jeans and a simple t-shirt, his hair loose in the summer night. Len couldn't help smile at him. He looked good, and fit in perfectly with all the Muggles around him.

"No." Len said blushing a bit. "We were starting to wonder if you'd forgotten about us."

"Hardly." Sirius smiled at her. "Someone just had trouble getting out."

"Did not." Remus said. "Sorry, I hope that we haven't missed .... anything."

"Just a little girl talk." Len smiled, noticing how Maia had momentarily become tongue tied. Remus looked hot, jeans and buttons pale blue shirt that highlighted his eyes. His sandy-blond hair was tied back except for an unruly strand that hung by with eye. "Nothing important."

"Really!" Sirius smiled. "So how does this movie thing work?"

"Ummm... Well it's like a picture doing a play." Maia said, taking a spot near Remus. "But you can't talk to them, they can't hear you." She blushed a little.

"Don't worry, Muggles sometime yell at them anyway." Len smiled. "It's really annoying, but you'll not be in any trouble." She looked at Maia, debating whether to embarrass her or not, but decided against such action. As best friends they had a lot of blackmail-able material on each other.

"So where are the others?" Remus asked, casting a look at Sirius.

"It was Maia's idea, not his. He was just an accomplice. I take it he didn't tell you?" Len replied sarcastically. Remus looked a cross between shocked, delighted, and scared. "Why would you do such a thing Maia?" Len asked innocently.

"I... didn't want to be distracted from the movie by Lily and James making out." Maia said innocently. Len tried not to laugh. Remus still looked as if he was about to asking why he hadn't been part of the conspiracy.

"And what about Peter?" Len asked again. Maia sent her a 'shut-up' look.

"I think that he got a date with Shanti, at the last minute and bailed on us." Maia replied, still looking innocent.

"Lucky coincidence." Sirius smiled innocently. "So I guess that it's just us four."

"How much involvement did you have in this little . . . scheme?" Remus asked.

"Who? Me?" Sirius feint disbelief. "I would never..."

"Be so clumsy as to get caught?" Remus finished. Sirius smiled at him.

"That to." He joked.

"Are we going to let them away with it?" Len asked.

"We are here." Remus shrugged. Looking at Maia.

"And I did want to see the movie." Len added.

"Besides you two look so very nice." He added. His gaze still lingering on Maia.

"Then it's decided, you'll keep us?" Maia asked playfully. She batted her eyes at Remus. "It was just a little deception. Nothing bad." She pouted. Remus nearly melted on the spot. Len rolled her eyes, wanting to laugh.

"Maia please, some of us have a violent gag reflect to mushy behaviour." Len gagged. "And since this was your little coup, you get to pay."

"Hey!" Maia sounded almost offended. Len gave her a look daring her to disagree. "True, fine." Maia smiled and took Remus' arm. "Actually, I think she let me off easy. She must be in a good mood. It must be the company."

Len cast her a look that was a cross between furious and amused. The amused won, when Sirius bowed and offered her his arm. "Remus, is right you ladies look lovely." He asked sounding rather interested.

"Thanks Sirius." Len smiled and blushed a little. Funny, he'd told her that nearly every time he'd seen her in the past 8 months, and she'd never had this reaction before. Maybe, he was finally getting threw her defences.