Disclaimer: I own nothing that you recognize from any Harry Potter book. If you don't recognize it: Hey It's mine!
Alright, since I forgot to do this last time (*rolls eyes*): Thank you Janna, for giving me the cooking class idea for Chapter 10. You truly are one of a kind.
Anywho – now that that's done ;) I've got this chapter up and I'm quite surprised I did.
Onto chapter eleven!
* * *
One might think that "Muggle Day" at Hogwarts would go smoothly. Students must wear muggle clothing in King's Cross or what other station they use to get to Platform 9 ¾ during the beginning of the school year and at the end of it. But surprisingly (and non – what with the whole 'Dark times' thing going on), not all the students dressed up for it. Slytherins, mostly, had worn their normal robes, and so did a handful from the other houses whom lacked school spirit.
Tuesday was better. As many of the students in Hogwarts were teenagers (starting at third year and going till they graduate), getting an extra ten minutes of sleep was greatly accepted. Half the girls and more than half the boys did not do anything to their hair that day, but just woke up, possibly brushed it, and then headed down to breakfast. Tuesday was, of course, Pyjama Day. Teachers dressed up (or down – depending on your view of things) and Dumbledore was seen at his seat in the Great Hall wearing his lurid purple gown spotted with bright yellow stars and silver moons. His cap draped halfway down his back and ended in a silver tassel. His fluffy purple slippers were continually glanced at during breakfast with high amusement.
One amusing story from that same morning was Sirius' choice of clothing. As previously guessed by some – Sirius slept not in pyjamas. Sirius slept not in a gown. Sirius slept not in much clothes.
Sirius slept in boxers.
Sirius slept in boxers with large Bludgers knocking into each other on a vibrant red background.
He, apparently, also slept with a small stuffed bunny (cream with a white tail and underside) by the name of Mr. Bunns. Whether it was his actually stuffed animal or he was dared to by his friends, no other student would ever know.
McGonagall, dressed in her nightgown of pale gold with a matching cap, had thrown a small fit. As McGonagall stated: "Pyjamas are clothes that are worn at night and cover more than half your body, Mr. Black."
But Sirius had rebuked with: "That wasn't in the fine print! Trust me, I read it all thoroughly. Never did it say what pyjamas were – so technically, I'm allowed to wear just this." He had barely refrained from bringing up, no matter how subtly, the prank on him and his friends last year. No doubt McGonagall wished to keep that in the back of her mind. Hopefully.
Later in the day, however, Sirius had put some pants, a t-shirt and morning robe over his 'pyjamas' once he realised that the November weather in Scotland did not permit boxer wearing outdoors for Care of Magical Creatures.
Half the school dreaded Wednesday. Teachers, it's safe to say, did not participate in this day at all – with the exception of a couple of the females. This day was where each house gained only a few points. Each female gladly wore slacks for the day and put little if no make-up on (although some girls dreaded a day without lipstick and mascara, many went without). The boys however… oh the boys. Although a good portion of the 'brave' Gryffindors put on lipstick, a couple went with the actual skirt and some let their girl friends put mascara and eye liner on them – still only a small amount of points were awarded to them. Sirius was (bribed into) wearing a stuffed bra the entire day and gladly reminded everyone who made fun of him what Thursday's day was. Mouths were shut after that with the thought of what Sirius Black would do to them if they kept up their jesting. James had worn a skirt and kept pulling it lower down as it would ride up every so slightly. Lily mocked him senseless when she'd see him sit uncomfortably during class or attempt and fail to sit with his legs together all day. Remus hadn't let anyone put anything on him that day and neither had Peter. School spirit was one thing, and so was pride. Jen had wondered if he would have worn a headpiece of daises if they were in bloom for her to make. Everyone had sniggered and laughed when Sirius was caught adjusting his bra or stuffing it with more tissue. McGonagall had gotten tired of him playing with the thing and Adams couldn't help to laugh whenever he looked at Sirius during Advanced Muggle Studies. Ara, the only other Gryffindor who took that same class, had a ball with Sirius and kept offering tips to him whenever he'd get fed up with it."They're always in the way!" He would complain.
"Well, cross your arms beneath them to pronounce them more… or overtop of them when you want people to leave you be." She told him, not once thinking how odd it was to be helping Sirius through this 'transitional faze' of his, as Gus had called it. "And when you want to slouch over a desk just sort of move like this – there you go, and they're out of your way."
"I have so much respect for you right now." He said by the end of the day.
Thursday, however, had gone on remarkably four of the male Gryffindor seventh years. Although each of them were a tad upset about not having potions that day, they made it out alive – and with a few new enemies to boot. Booby traps were placed in corridors, along the railings of the moving staircases, in knights, atop statues and once and a while triggered once you stepped through a door to enter a classroom. Some students were dyed a completely trashy hobo-orange – head to toe, including the white of their eyes eyes, nails, clothes, and anything else that might have been a different colour. Other students wished their classmates a 'Happy and festive New Year to you, your dog and your mother's mother this fine apocalyptic day!' or 'Give your arse a kiss for me!' every five minutes, and never repeated it to the same person. Other pranks were not so well thought out and just included small spells to shoot at them as they passed certain areas of the castles. Although those were simple ones, more were affected, and most of the school was happy to have Friday come.
Friday, ah glorious Friday. It marked the last day of a week full of school spirit, cheer, happiness and a new perspective of what Hogwarts was all about. This simple day consisted of 'House Colour Day' and no student was seen not wearing the colours of their Hogwarts House. Beneath their black robes, students were permitted to wear any clothes (robes or other) that were of their pride of Hogwarts. Each Gryffindor was clad in red turtlenecks and shirts; Ravenclaws with vests and slacks of blue; Slytherin had many of its peoples with green robes beneath their Hogwarts' black ones; lastly the Hufflepuffs wore bright yellow shirts and jumpers.
The teachers wore the colours of their houses from their school time. McGonagall, Dumbledore and Lupin each dressed in their best scarlet robes with gold somewhere on them. And even Hagrid had a dyed red cloak while he tended the grounds. Flitwick, Beleoni (Arithmancy) and Pomfrey each wore blue and bronze robes. Estacle, and the Medical Magic teacher, Spencer, each wore deep green robes and trim of silver. Sprout, Trelawney and Phoenical wore yellow robes for the occasion, and Trelawney even dared to adorn herself with black beads around her thin neck. There were other teachers who wore the colours of their native schools proudly. Professor Gaizer, originally from Australia, wore deep purple robes etched with small designs in azure. Rah-Sün, with her schooling in Egypt, had many layered robes of thin material that seemed to fluctuate between gold and white. And lastly there was good old Adams. Although he had pride in his house, it didn't mean he had enjoyed the colours he was destined to wear that day. Although the navy blue was fine, he didn't care to wear anything with pink. Ara had, on every occasion she saw him, commented on the lack of his second colour.
"Oh but Professor – surely there wasn't just one colour in your house at Beauxbatons?" She'd say. "Here, you may borrow this for the day." And then she'd hand him a pink carnation for him to put in the breast of his robes.
Every time he would politely decline and speed walk away, ignoring the queer looks and small laughs. He took it in stride and rolled his eyes every time she'd comment.
The points were totalled for complete school spirit for the week and Hufflepuff came on top. Loyalty is one of their traits, after all. Gryffindor was second, with Ravenclaw beating Slytherin by only a handful of points.
The end of the Spirit Week was to be celebrated by a Quidditch match between Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. The two teams were in a bit of a feud after last year's close call. Not only were the teams evenly matched in the previous year's game, but also their House's were off by 12 points. This match was sure to be fought with passionate competitiveness and well thought out plays.
"And Potter dives!" Remus commentated that bright, chilled Saturday afternoon, way up in the teacher's box. "Has he seen the Snitch? Ravenclaw's Gibson chases Potter through the Ravenclaw Chaser's formation! Oh and it was all a fake!" Cheering boomed from the Gryffindor stands as James succeeded in diverting Ravenclaw's chances in scoring. "Very clever of the Gryffindor Captain. Ravenclaw regroups down on the field and Potter's teammates congratulate him, still airborne."
"Good job, James." JJ commented, flying up beside his Captain. "Ravenclaw is certainly giving us a run for the trophy again…"
James nodded. "They're doing quite well." He agreed. "The score is low but they've been attacking Taylor on the goals the whole game. This game will probably depend on me catching the Snitch to win. I don't think we can keep the Quaffle long enough to top them adequately."
"We're trying, James, but they're quicker than we expected." Jen told him, breathing hard. "The game's been on for a couple hours already and we've only scored twice."
"Melissa, Sirius – keep those Bludgers coming." James said to his Beaters. Mel and Sirius nodded. "Break up as many plays as you can, intercept, and hit the Quaffle with a Bludger if you can."
"If we could get Yurt and Hunter off our backs – we'd do just that." Sirius said.
James nodded grimly. "Seems as though their early training has helped them." He turned to their new Keeper. "Taylor – don't be frightened of the Bludgers. Sirius or Mel will keep them from you so don't be afraid. I think Ravenclaw has seen that as your weakness and are hitting it hard. Janna has Sophie and Charlotte trained well, don't let their size fool you. They're fast and know how to handle the Quaffle." Taylor looked determined and nodded her head. "You're doing great for your second game, though – especially with Ravenclaw."
"Thanks." She said quietly with a blush.
"And Ravenclaw is dispersed and ready to continue the game!" Remus said into the microphone, alerting James and his team.
"Good luck everyone – and let's try our hardest." The team cheered and set out once again.
"And Gryffindor joins Ravenclaw in the centre of the pitch. Hooch tosses the Quaffle up and they're off once again! Black to Malter. Malter takes it straight down the pitch, tosses to Schmitt. Schmitt shoots – oh and it's blocked by Windbourne!"
The Ravenclaws were cheering on their Keeper, shouting her nickname: "Go Garet – go Garet! Don't dare it when we've got Garet!"
"I can't believe they made that up." Sirius commented quickly to Taylor as he hit a Bludger away from her as Ravenclaw's Chasers were coming their way.
"I preferred your poem from last year." Taylor said, still watching as Janna zoomed towards her with the Quaffle and other two Chasers by her side. Taylor shot up and blocked a shot from Janna only by seconds. The Gryffindors cheered her on and Sirius was off before he could shoot back a comment at her.
"Lovely save by Glascock, and Gryffindor is back in possession. Malter passes to Schmitt; Schmitt to Malter; Malter to Schmitt – and last minute pass to Black! Black shoots and she scores!" The Gryffindors were screaming and stomping their feet in the stands.
"Get back! Get back!" They cheered on a sixth year's conduction. "Get back cause we have Black!" They ended it with screaming cheers and waving of Gryffindor flags.
Jen was laughing on the field and told Sirius to remember that it was for her – not him. "You just wait…" He told her. "They'll be singing for me."
Remus was barely containing himself from joining the cheering for his girlfriend. "Excellent shot by Black. Score is 30 – 50 in favour of Ravenclaw. And Gibson spots the Snitch!"
James' head swivelled around and he saw Gibson chasing the golden ball across the field. With a loud swear, James sped off as fast as his broom would fly him. He leant flat against it and flew straight to Gibson.
"Gibson is closing in on the Snitch – and watch out! A Bludger shot by one of the Gryffindor Beaters catches him off guard!" James slowed down as the Snitch shot out of sight and Gibson swore.
"Where's my song?" Sirius asked Mel as they high-fived. "I told Jen I'd get a song and I damn well want one!"
"They weren't watching you Sirius – they were watching James and Kristopher." Mel told him as they flew off. "Don't do it for the glory, Sirius, do it for the game." She parted to chase a different Bludger and left him with his tongue sticking out.
The game continued for another half hour with both teams scoring once, respectively. The Keepers were being worked hard, but not as bad as Taylor. For her second game, she was doing more than her share of saving and took a minute to fix her hair that was falling out of its hold as the Gryffindor Chasers sped across the field.
"Bloody game's going to give me a heart attack." She said to James as he circled her goalposts.
"You're doing great, Taylor – keep it up. I'll try to get that Snitch soon." He said as he flew towards the middle of the field.
"On no – just take your time!" She yelled after him, getting a laugh from her Captain.
"Skeffington passes St. Clair, St. Clair to Skeffington. They're heading towards Glascock at record speed. Skeffington fakes, passes to Rosado. Rosado drops the Quaffle to St. Clair, she shoots low and it's saved! Gryffindor's new Keeper is certainly having her work cut out for her. Gryffindor back in possession…"
Sirius and Mel were having a hard time shaking Piotrek and Hunter. The two of them were sticking to the Bludgers like a Sticking charm and rarely let the Gryffindors get a hit in edgewise. Sirius was getting fed up and hit the Bludgers harder than he normally did when he was presented with the opportunity.
"Good hit from Black." Remus said as Sirius' latest hit caused Ravenclaw Beaters to stop their assault on the Gryffindor Chasers. "Gibson has spotted the Snitch once again!" Remus told the witches and wizards. "Potter is close behind him and gaining but Gibson is too close. Chasers and Beaters have stopped to watch, hopefully, the final race!"
James was slowly gaining on Gibson and was now head to tail with the fourth year's broomstick. Gibson reached out a hand and wasn't swayed by any Bludger shooting past him. He grasped the Golden Snitch, and the crowds cheered as he raised his hand in victory. James halted his broom right away and sighed, out of breath.
"Good game, Kristopher." He said loudly, over the yells and screams. He put out his hand and shook Gibson's hand.
"Great game, James." The blond haired boy said to him before being engulfed by his teammates.
"And Ravenclaw wins the match: 40 – 210." Remus said over the microphone. "Next match, Slytherin versus Hufflepuff in March."
James flew down to the pitch and met his team near the Gryffindor goal posts. "Good game team." He said, patting a couple backs. "Great game – but now we train harder to beat Hufflepuff later in the year. We don't play them until May, so we have five months of practice ahead of us."
Janna came up to James and his team and stuck out her hand. "Good game, James, good game. You certainly had me doubting our chances of winning once or twice there." She said, green eyes twinkling and hair all a mess, escaping its elastic. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold. "But now I think a hot bath and party is in order."
James congratulated her and left with his team to the Gryffindor locker room. Lily, Remus, Peter, and Ara were all waiting outside once they were done changing.
"We nearly won." Ara said, ruffling up Sirius and James' hair. James didn't really need her help in that area, though. "That was a good hit earlier, Sirius, I saw you hit it towards Gibson."
Sirius grinned. "Watching me were you, Arabella?"
She rolled her eyes and stated flatly: "Oh yes Sirius – you light up my life."
"I knew it…" He whispered to himself. "I'll make sure to get you an extra big present for your birthday then." He told her with a wink.
"Which is in a month." Jen said from behind them, Remus' arm circling her waist. They neared the school and began up the stone steps.
"Ooo – party then?" Sirius asked.
"If you're all so inclined to throw one." Ara said to them, entering the school after Lily and James.
James turned his head and grinned. "We just might be, Ara, we just might just be."
~ * ~
Mel and Gus were walking through Hogwarts' corridors in early December. The first snowfall had come and gone, leaving nothing but hard ground behind and a crisp wind. It was just after lunch, and students were still leaving the Great Hall and heading to class. Mel, the other girls and Gus didn't have a class (the boys were in Divination) just yet. Gus had asked to take a walk, and Mel had agreed. They were somewhere on the fifth floor, eastern corridor. They were walking side by side, yet not holding hands, even in the chilled hallways of Hogwarts.
"So Mel…" Gus began, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
Mel looked at him and stopped walking once they reached an archway. "Yes…?"
Gus gave a nervous laugh. "I knew this would be more difficult than I thought…"
Mel's ear perked up. She had an idea as to what he was talking about. She had thought about it too, if she was completely honest with herself. "And…"
Gus took a breath. "And… and well, what I want to say is-"
"You want to break up?" She asked him quietly. Gus gave a small nod. "You don't think the relationship is going very far, we've both changed over its course and aren't matching quite well…" She trailed off when she saw a small smile dawn on his lips.
"You noticed that too, did you?" He asked, his hazel eyes serious.
"Yea I did." She continued to speak quietly. "You're a lot different than when we first started going out." She told him. "And I don't really think we fit so well anymore."
Gus nodded. "Well, I must say that this is going over much more smoothly than I would have expected." There was an awkward silence where neither knew who should speak, and if they did, what they'd say. Do they part ways? Both go back to the Common Room or keep talking about things? Anything?
"Well, I'm going to go meet up with the other guys…" Gus said slowly, not sure whether she wanted him to leave, or stay and talk.
But she nodded. "I think I'm going to go back to Gryffindor Tower. I think I have an essay to read over for Ancient Runes."
"Good luck with that." He leaned over and gave her a chaste kiss on the cheek, and Mel pulled him into a hug.
"We'll still be friends though, right?" She asked him, as they pulled apart.
"Of course." With that and a wave he turned and left down the corridor.
Mel turned and left the way they had come. Within ten minutes she was walking back into Gryffindor Common Room and saw a few students working on the tables, including Lily and Jen. "Hey." She said quietly, they looked up and smiled at her. "I'm going to go get my essay and come back down, alright?" They nodded and she left up the stairs to her dorm.
Inside she met Ara who was searching for her essay amongst the rest of her parchments.
"If either of you took it…" She said warningly to Bastet and Iphigenia. A soft call from Cupid made her look up. "Oh hello Mel, back so soon from your talk with Gus?" She teased.
"Seems like it." She said, walking over to her bed and taking her parchment from her drawer that she made her 'homework to hand in this week' drawer.
"Is something wrong?" Ara asked, sensing her friend's melancholic behaviour.
"Mundungus and I broke up." She stated simply and quietly.
"Oh dear…" Ara said, forgetting about her essay and going to Mel. "How are you taking it?"
"Honestly?" Mel asked, finding her essay, closing the drawer and sitting on her bed. "Better than I thought I would… but in no means well."
Ara sat beside her friend. "Was it a shock to you?" She asked, a little surprised herself.
"Not really…" Mel said slowly, thinking about it. "I mean, we were spending less time together, and any time we did spend together felt more like routine than it did of our own free will. Kisses were more robotic and less passionate, and I think we lost some of that spark.
"It's an odd feeling, really. We spent the better part of a year together and now I just feel… odd without him. You know? I guess it's not settled yet or something. Maybe I'll need to wait out a few days before it sinks in."
"Did you love him?" Ara asked, remembering the poem Gus wrote for her last Valentines and how he had told her that he loved her.
Mel nodded slowly. "I think I did. Whether it was smouldering love at any point, I don't think so…"
"But you loved him?" Ara clarified.
Mel gave her a soft, wry smile. "I was 16, Ara. Everyone's allowed to fall in love at 16." There was sadness in her voice that Ara detected, but didn't push upon.
Ara had nothing to say to her last comment. Together they found Ara's essay and headed down to Lily and Jen. Mel briefly told them about Gus and her. They offered hugs and supportive words before they finished with their essays and headed to Ancient Runes.
~ * ~
"So we have that essay to do for Professor Lupin," Peter listed, "a star chart for Gaizer for next Astronomy's class, a numerology assignment for Trelawney next week, and an essay about Exploding Fluid for Estacle by Friday." Peter stared at all the books in front of him. Sure, there were other assignments to be done, but these were the big ones that needed to be completed soon and required research and time.
"Well, I'm happy I didn't take Divination, then. One less to do from your list, Peter." Jen smiled.
"Yea, but we have an essay on Dragon Pox for Spencer by his next visit to the school." Ara told her, diminishing Jen's smile. Professor Spencer, PhD no longer taught a weekly class at Hogwarts, but visited on certain weekends to tutor students who wanted to know the simple spells and potions needed for quick healing. "Apparently there's a quick way to make the potion, and with simple ingredients if the pox is only in its early developments."
"Let's not forget Transfiguration." Lily added. "Big assignment there."
Sirius groaned. "Why do they pile so much work before the holidays?" He asked, dropping his quill.
"Sirius, it's only the sixth of December." Remus stated. "Holidays are still a couple weeks away."
"Does it really sound like I care?" Sirius asked him. Jen swatted his arm and Remus ignored him. Sirius looked around, seemingly looking for someone. "Lily – Lily my love, how much would you just love to do my star chart for Astronomy?"
Lily raised the corners of her eyebrows. "Certainly you're not asking the Head Girl to cheat for you?"
"Cheating is such a strong word-"
"And the correct one. No Sirius – you will do your own work," She said to him, than looked to the others, "and none of you will do it for him either."
Sirius' mouth dropped. "You can't do that!"
"I can and did." Lily replied, going back to her own work on a table before a window. It was nighttime and the moon was at three-quarters with stars shining all around it in the clear sky.
"James, she can't-"
"Padfoot," James said slowly, "just do the work." He gave a small laugh when Sirius was at a loss for words. "Just go to the Astronomy tower to finish it, if you want. I don't think there's a class tonight and the sky is clear."
"It's cold-"
"Bring a blanket."
"And near curfew-"
"I'll come with you and say you're under my supervision."
"Oh Thongs – you're just being cruel now." Sirius said in a huff. "Plus, there's an bird at the window with a letter and it might be for me." This sentence caused all the friends to look at the window.
"Oh my God." Lily paled. "This is not happening, this is not happening, this is not happening…" But it was. She reached behind her and unlatched the window. It swung open in the wind, and the black raven was nearly knocked off. With an indignant screech, the bird dropped the letter inside the Common Room without entering and flew off. Lily bent down and grabbed the letter from under her table. "I don't want to see what it reads…" She muttered, and was well aware of her friend's eyes on her.
"Just burn it Lily." Jen said, seeing her friend's discomfort.
"Bring it right to Dumbledore before you read it." Remus interjected from beside his girlfriend.
"Write back to the bastard and tell him to piss off." Ara said hotly, glaring at the parchment in Lily's hands.
"I agree with Remus, Lily." Mel said quietly. "Dumbledore would want to know…"
Lily was staring at the letter defeat. She hadn't wanted this to start again. Somewhere in the back of her head, Lily naively thought that maybe one day Voldemort would wake up, repent for his sins, and then let the Ministry throw him into Azkaban… or maybe St. Mungo's. Although she knew it would never happen, the thought still came to her once and a while. With a swallow, Lily stood and packed up her bag. "I'm going to Dumbledore." She said quietly, picked up her bag and brought it to her room. When she went back into the Common Room, James was packed up and ready to go with her, Jen by his side.
"We decided that you should have some company." James said softly, but with a steel glint to his blue eyes.
With unspoken gratitude, Lily left with her best friend and boyfriend from the warmth of Gryffindor Tower to the cool halls of Hogwarts.
* * *
This chapter is a few hundred words less than my minimum… but I really don't feel like adding more, and I can easily end it here. *sighs* I really didn't want to ever go back on my rules, but I just don't want to – period. I'm sure none of you care, either way. ;)
So it's already wintertime at Hogwarts… and about time I do a Quidditch game, eh? Right then – review and tell me what you thought of this chapter: what you liked, didn't like, hated, loved, etc. I love reviews that tell me all that :) I love all my reviews, actually…
Lily Smith: Well, we didn't actually see him dressed again… but I think we got the general picture, eh? Thanks for the review!
penpunk: I never mind long reviews :) And yours, my friend, keep getting longer! Thanks for your opinions on my humour question :) Thank you so much for the review!
Lillian*Loves*Lennon: Ok – I won't tell anyone but myself (over and over again). … Do you actually watch the Home Shopping Network? The only time I've seen it is when I flip, and they only ever sell jewellery. Thanks for the review!
Star: Thanks for the review!
kerry: Right… right you want to be in more chapters, eh? Um… sorry about this one. Barely any inserts were in this one, actually… Oh the key points – how I love you! Thanks for the review!
mystikalolo: lol – I like your hint. I don't think I've gotten it from the other two thousand people who've told me about the likely pairing of Ara and Sirius. Mind running it by me once again ;););) You think Lily's different from TGTYEL, or the first chapter of IJTL? I'd like you to explain it a bit more, but I think I get the gist of it. She probably is, what with the things that had happened to her and… stuff happening in her life. Thanks for the review!
Lexie: lol!! You want more "saucy stuff" with James and Lily, eh? Well, in time it might come – in time. But Remus and Jen are a special couple *cheeky grin* Thanks for the review!
jasmine Dark Angel: lol – you like the 'Reader Land' thing, eh? I thought it was cute. Thanks for the comment and for the review.
Daphne: Imagine accidentally eating a blood lollipop and thinking it was cherry? Ewww… You're a cheerleader? (*chants in head* I will not stereotype, I will not stereotype, I will not stereotype…) But you write good reviews – proper grammar and correct spelling – so that makes me doubt many stereotypes! Mushy people are fun :) Guess you liked chapter two of IJTL, eh? Thanks for the review!
TheSilverLady: lol – thanks for the comment on the humour thing. And thanks for the review!
oobergoober: One teaser per person who asks ;) No, Mr. Potter never mentioned anything about going into hiding. If you think of it – what Auror would go into hiding?! No one qualified to fight the war would hide himself or herself. Thanks for the review!
Fuunsaigi: Mmm – icing. Good stuff, it is. Thanks for the review!
nerdypurdy: I've gotten so many comments about being serious, but light-hearted as well. That's good to know. Oh no – in the stars is it? Well, Trelawney – I'd sure I updated this weekend! Thanks for the review!
Vega Black: Thanks for your comments:) *rolls eyes* I think I'll wait even longer to get Sirius and Ara together. I'm still not completely sold on that couple, so we'll see what happens. ;) Thanks for the review!
Luna Athena Moon: I really don't know if I'd call Jen naughty, per se. She had no idea that was she said was so… suggestive. We can blame it on Remus' dirty mind ;) We can blame it on him because it's so much easier that way… Thanks for the review!
running out of ink: You know I've always thought of that? How do people at boarding schools in general stand each other? You explained yourself just fine with the 'the older you are, the more mature reading material you want' thing. I got you just fine and I agree. I don't know why one of the previous chapters seemed so short. Every time I read it, I kept thinking I was missing a thousand words or something… Thanks for the long review!
Silmarien: Thanks for the good lengthy review and all the comments on everything. Yea, my thoughts are that they're having too much fun sometimes… but really – when I said that there was a lot of humour in my life, there is. So it's different for me to write about something bad and not have at least one joke in it somewhere. It's weird, but I can't stand not being happy. Remember in TGTYEL there were a few chapters of sadness? I could barely take it anymore so I finished it off quickly. Quicker than I probably should have, story wise, but that's just me – as you said. And I can't believe you actually wore matching outfits. I would have laughed myself silly if I saw your family. How could you let your mum do that to you? You have my pity.
Through Darkness: Well, I am a Canadian author, and I do go to a lot of hockey games… but I don't support the Montreal Canadians. Glad they have Billy Joel? Hell – I'm ecstatic they had the Jackson Five! ;) Thanks for the review!
WindAndFireQueen: Do you like how I used your 'trashy hobo-orange' thing in here? I just love that term so much. Ew… teacher and student relations? That's so wrong on so many levels… *snorts* Bit of a hypocrite, aren't I? But at least mine's understandable. Oh thank you – what touch do I put on Romulus? Other than his "college boy" attitude? I like your e-mail address, by the way. Thanks for the review!
Trish: Well thank you for reviewing after all this time of reading! I'd love read from you again!
Luna-Elentari: One of your friends is in an Arabella position? She flirts with her teacher? God… there were some girls at my school who'd do that… I think everyone likes the Jen/Remus paring. It wasn't written in the books at the beginning when I started… but then I spontaneously made them kiss while visiting Donna (a shock even to myself) and now they're nearly everyone's favourite couple! Thanks for the fun review!
Spider Fairyz: Did I update fast enough for you? ;)
Lyz: Aw, you cried? I was shocked so many people did. ;) Thanks for the review!
Heather: lol – I have this thing for Romulus too. Too bad he's going to die… kidding! I'm only kidding!! Lmao – that was a complete joke, by the way. Complete. I don't have a future for him yet. Hm… should get cracking on that. Hm- if I give Romulus a girl at any point… would you like her name to be Heather? *raises eyebrow* Oh yes – the wheels in my head are turning (and oddly enough, one of them is squeaking…) Thanks for the review!
feragho: I'll just leave it at feragho for now! Sorry about not putting you in again, but you know… I didn't really find a place… I could have – but then it'd been an obvious last minute insert and we don't want that, do we? And I did put in Quidditch – did you enjoy it? A lot more action in this one than the other one I wrote, eh? You didn't know that Jen was my creation? Yup – she is, along with half the teachers, Mel, Romulus, Troy and a bucket full of others! All my happy OC's :) What do you mean James is a sugar addict? I take two sugars in my tea. Sometimes 2.5 – depending on mug size or the strength of the tea. Thanks for the review!
SquirtCrsh: Yes, yes. I have the whole possible Ara/Sirius thing in my head if I decide to put it to use. Lots of possibilities with those two… so many ways to do things. Can't decide. Thanks for the review!
Padfoot101: I don't know how many laughs there were in this chapter… less than normal, I'd say – but I hope there were some. Thanks for the review!
LadySiri: Oh I know – there can be so many e-mails sometimes that it just drives me crazy. Thanks for the review!
Melissa: Aw… I wish I could have read the other review! That's why – with how ff.net loves to mess up – when I write long reviews or short, good ones – I copy them in case it doesn't let me submit it. Better safe than sorry, I say. Thanks for the review!
~sundust~: Well, I wouldn't really say it was the best chapter. I'm not the proudest of it, but it works. On your birthday - how cool is that? How old are you now? Don't worry – I won't let the boys touch my gift. ;) Thanks for the review!
She shoots, She scores: Wow Janna – you rock! And I gave you your little thingie up top. I hope you enjoyed it ;)
MandaB: Yes… them chiggers are awfully sneaky… Hm – no jokes in the middle of a eulogy? Well… there goes my favourite idea yet! ;) Thanks for the review!
Braney: Everyone says 'dun dun dun'. Lol – well, we can just say you're special. Thanks for the review!
Alej: Ew, cleaning time. That reminds me… I should clean my room. Thanks for the review!
Beaver Buddy: Hehehe – I have this love for McGonagall's humour. She's just so fun. *snorts* Who's going to die next? *shrugs innocently* Whatever makes you ask that? Thanks for the review!
Lexie: Thank you very much for the review!
Bic Papermate: And I hope you liked Spirit Week! Thanks for the review!
Now for people who reviewed other chapters or TGTYEL: nerdypurdy, Hazen, Moe23, Bic Papermate, Alej, lexie, and Katie Bell. Thanks everyone!
I'd like to thank everyone who answered my little question from the previous chapter. Thanks for your input, guys :) and I look forward to what you have to say this time around, and I'll see you all in two weeks!