Hello my favorite people! How is everyone? I know that it has been like two weeks since I last updated and I deeply apologize for keeping you waiting. However I have a good reason as my grandmother has recently fallen ill and I have spent much of my non-working time with her and doing odd things for my parents. So try not to be too mad at me. It's been a real crappy week so far, but don't even get me started or I won't be able to stop.

On a happier note, I am absolutely ecstatic that 36 of you reviewed this chapter! I don't know what to say and for once I am speechless..........but I keep typing so I guess that it is a figure of speech.

Just as a side note: I will try to read those stories that you have sent in/written, but please do not get offended if I don't anytime soon. This is for several reasons; 1) I don't like to read other people's stories when I am writing in fear that I will plagiarize something and 2) With everything that is going on I just plain do not have the time right now. You are lucky to be getting a chapter lol. But when things calm down I will give it a gander.

(Sings) It is shout out time! It is shout out time! It is shout out time! It is shout out time! (In order of review)

Charming Visions – Thank you for the compliment and not thinking that my story is lame. I appreciate it and I hope that you will keep reading.

Flyingwind 33 – Hey Nestle! What's up girlfriend? To answer your questions: I am looking for an island with some nice, tan cabana boys to give me drinks; I think it was a dream?; Your two best friends did review and I am so happy that you told them; I love James and Lily but it is tragic to know what is going to happen to them.

AnniePADFOOT – I understand how feel about Australian stereotypes. When people find out that I am American they use the usual cliques about Westerns or else they think I live in New York City and make fun of my accent and so on. But I believe that if everyone in the world ate Fun-Dip, the world would be a better place.

EvilExpressions- thank you for the review and I hope that you keep on reading and reviewing in the future.

Amanda- You hit the nail right on the head. It is the calm before the storm. And what a storm it is gonna be lol. Keep reading and reviewing and hopefully I'll talk to you soon.

MissSiriusBlack- I can up with Marvin the Puma off the top of my head. I think that it is a noble name for a puma lol. And as far as Lily's dream.........muwhahahhahahha!

Kittyofwonder- If last chapter seemed like a year to update than I am really sorry for the time it took for this one. But I hope that it is worth it. What happened to Marvin?

Sammy Sammy Sammy Solo- What's up girlfriend? It was Liz! Dun, dun, dunnnnnnnn! But why did Faith say it? It's all confusing to me. Operation Spam is in effect so don't worry about Marvin. Hehehehe.

Vampchick001- What to do with a whole box of cookies? I would crumble them up and put them on ice cream or make ice cream sandwiches or make a pie out of them or crumble them up and put them in my brothers bed hehehehehe. But then again I am demented.

Padfootlet – Okay, okay! I'll mention you in the story soon! I am totally up for a Sirius support group! We should get members! This is our new mission! ANYONE INTERESTED IN A SIRIUS SUPPORT GROUP LET ME KNOW! There I think that worked. Oh and p.s. I have a new pet. He is a monkey and he has gastrointestinal problems hehehehehe. I hope your tigers can handle massive amounts of poo!

Padfootedmoony – I loved writing the leave scene because it was so fun to imagine. Especially having Sirius throw me in leaves......(drools) Oh sorry! Where is Marvin?

Swishy Willow Wand – I have updated! Hehehehehe I hope that you are pleased!

Julia- What's up girlfriend! I'm so glad you liked the chapter. The new J.K. Rowling site is www.jkrowling.org. That should help you out. Ciao!

Luthein- Hey girlfriend what's up? Hey have no fear, I will still send you a box of cookies for just being cool. I hope that you like my 'girl talk' session just as much as the leaf war.

LJstagflower4e/JCtigerwolf4e – Hey what's up Rebecca? Don't worry I will put you in the story as a non-slutty character this time. I'm afraid that I will need Hoolie. Marvin is a trick puma and I'm afraid that my operation was unsuccessful. But all I can say is that I love you! Your review is why you are my favorite reader. You pick up on stuff so quickly! I hope everything is well and drop me an email or IM sometime.

Kerrybear- Hey Kerry what's up girl? I loved your review and I am so glad that you liked the chapter. I figured that the leaf bit was a good way to break some of the tension. I know that it is hard to figure out who, if anyone, is going to die. But I will never tell my secret muwwhhahahahhaa....cough...cough... Damn hairball. Keep letting me know what you think and I hope you like the chapter.

Charmed girl33- Hi Hope best friend of Nestle! It is nice to meet you. I am very glad that you are enjoying the story and I truly hope (no pun intended) that you continue to read and let me know what you are thinking about the story.

Alicia Spinnet – I feel bad for Sirius also. If I had a cousin like Bellatrix I would 'get rid' of her quick and make it look like an accident. But if I were in the story I would take away Sirius's pain. Opps, did I say that out loud! How embarrassing! J.K. Rowling said that Ginny's full name is based on King Arthur's Guinevere. I think that is beautiful too. Keep reviewing and letting me know what you think!

devil-aimee – Hey Aimee! I got your email and it made me remember to post this chapter. So everyone should thank you for the update because I totally forgot about it. I will mention you in an upcoming chapter........hmm, one of Lily's relatives perhaps? Something to ponder while planning the goat revolution. Phase One is about to commence. It's code named Goat Charmer. I have sent you an email about what to do. You have your mission, good luck!

Ashes and Emeralds- I am so glad that you like my story! It is always nice to hear from a new reader! I hope that the rest of the story lives up to your expectations and if it starts to get lame I hope that you will tell me!

AurorLIna- Order of the Phoenix is $50! Man, send me some money and I'll ship it to you for a heck of a lot cheaper! But I totally understand about budgets and college so I am with you there man. I visited your journal role play site and I'm not sure on how to enter it or register. If you can send me an email on how to get started and stuff I would appreciate it. (Weffles81hotmail.com)

Val – Hey girlfriend what's up! I'm glad that you liked the chapter and the dream has keep you guessing hehehehhehe. I have been really busy with everything that is going on right now, but you are right that busy is better than being bored. I hope that everything is going well for you and that hopefully school will wrap up soon. And I want to let you know that I am holding you responsible for all of the bad weather we have gotten here in Rochester. It has rained and t-stormed almost every day since your review (I'm not kidding, it really has). But this week is suppose to be nice so don't jinx it!!!

limbo-gal- Hey Emma! Thank you for the cool review. I love it when fresh blood writes me a review! I appreciate the nice comments that you made about my story and I hope that you continue to read it as it progressed. Talk to you soons!!!

MooningOverMoony- Hey Claire what's up girlfriend! It is so funny cause I was just thinking the same thing about the love factor. When you work so close on something it is easy to forget that it has only been a month since L and J started dating. But hopefully you'll like this chapter because it deals with the 'L-factor'.

blueviolinist33- Hello Eilyn best friend of Nestle! How are you? It is nice to meet you at last. Thank you for the lovely review and for adding me to your favs list. I am honored. I hope that you continue to review my story and that I get to know you as well as I know Nestle.

M- thank you for the review. I hope that you continue to read and review.

Jack Robinson- All I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I loved your review! It just means so much to me when new people review!! I have to be honest and I did think for a minute that you were the only male guy I've ever had review. But guy or girl, you are an awesome reviewer and I hope that you continue to review and read my story.

Pigwidgeon188 – Thank you for the sweet review. I am glad that you liked the leaf war and the story.

Sakurablossomz- Thank you. I try. But seriously I am glad that you are enjoying the story and I hope that you review soon.

Lady Friday- I know that it's really long but I hope that it captures you enough to where you won't get bored with it. I hope that you keep reading and reviewing to let me know what you think.

Sara Potter- Oh stop, you're making me blush! Well you can keep going if you want. Seriously, thank you for reviewing and I hope that you continue to read and review to keep me updated.

Copyright: This story is mine all mine! Copiers of this story will answer to Marvin!

The Disclaimer: The Continuing Side Story of Marvin the Puma

(An unconscious Marvin the Puma rests in one of the Stephanie's beds with a bandage on his head.) MARVIN: Where am I? What happened? (Stephanie enters the room as a nurse.) STEPHANIE: Aw, Mr. Jones you are awake and it's about time too. You've been unconscious for nearly two weeks now. MARVIN: Two weeks? Has it been that long? (Stephanie nods her head and prepares a needle full of 'medicine') STEPHANIE: What is the last thing you remember Mr. Jones? MARVIN: (After thinking for a moment) I don't remember much. I remember writing something and then going into a room. Then it was darkness. STEPHANIE: (Evilly smiling) Yes Mr. Jones you are correct. You are the victim of a freak accident. MARVIN: Freak accident? What happened to me! I demand for you to tell me! STEPHANIE: (Heaves a big sigh) Well although it is against the doctor's orders I will tell you anyway. You took a nasty spill down the stairs and unfortunately while you were tumbling lifeless down the two flights of stairs you were shot with several poison tipped arrows and cut by a lightsaber. Then you fell into a pool of flesh eating piranhas and finally straggled with a pair of fat mans underwear. It was solely a freak accident that could have happened to anyone. MARVIN: But I survived! STEPHANIE: (With a slight bitter tone) Yes you did. MARVIN: It is a miracle! But can you tell me Miss, who am I because I don't have any recollection of who I am or what I am doing in this house? STEPHANIE: Why you are Samantha Jones. You are my servant. Don't you remember me? MARVIN: (Looks down shamefully) No 'mam I am afraid I don't. STEPHANIE: (Smiles evilly) Well then it will return in time. But for now you must take your medicine so you can get well. (Sticks needle in Marvin aka Samantha's arm) There you go. Now you just sit there and rest for a while. We need to get better so you can continue your work. MARVIN: Thank you kindly Madame. (Ponders something) Are you sure my name is Samantha? I don't feel like a Samantha. STEPHANIE: Of course I am sure. You are Samantha Jones the happy manatee servant of the house of Stephanie. Now get some rest. (Marvin nods and goes to sleep). (Stephanie closes the door) Ha! The fool is mine! After two months of being under his command and being his slave he is finally mine. Although his survival wasn't part of my plan I shall use it to my advantage none-the- less. He will write my story and do my every bidding! If J.K. Rowling or Warner Brothers sues me, which I highly doubt because I am using this for profit, Samantha will take the fall! It is so wonderfully and evilly brilliant! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAHA!!! (insane laughter!) I AM BACK!!!!!

Chapter 21: Complications

Slowly over the next week or so those students that had lost family in the raids made their solemn return back to Hogwarts. The mood of the students began to reflect the weather outside as the crispness of October turned into the dark coldness that announces November. Everyone in the castle was in surly moods either due to the aftermath of the raids, the annoyance of the overly joyful Slytherins or the load of homework that was being pressed upon them. It seemed like nothing was able to lift the students out of their moods. Not even Quidditch practices or matches cheered them up. The Slytherins, however, were not only instigators of the dark mood but also benefactors of it as they were now ahead in the running for both the Quidditch and House cups.

"I can't believe that Hufflepuff lost to Slytherin," stated James at the table after witnessing the massacre of the game.

"I've never seen Hufflepuff look so bad," agreed Remus.

"Well it isn't exactly surprising is it," said Liz. "I mean their house was the hardest hit during the raids."

"Can we NOT bring that up again please," said Faith. "I am so tired of constantly talking about it. I would just like one meal where we talk about something else."

As much as she hated to admit it, Lily had to agree with Faith. She too was tired of talking about it, but she couldn't help but feel guilty as she looked over at the students that were suffering so much.

"How can you be so mean Faith?" asked Liz looking at her with disbelief. "Those students had lost family and you are upset because it's ruining your meal?"

"No that's not what I meant," said Faith casually. "What I meant is that its been two weeks since it happened and us discussing it for the ten millionth time isn't going to solve anything and I would like to just enjoy my dinner for once." Liz shook her head in disgust and went to open her mouth in protest.

"I have to agree with Faith," James cut in before Liz could rebuttal and set off an argument. "I think its time to lay off the subject." Lily, Remus, Sirius and Peter all nodded their heads in agreement. Seeing that it was a hopeless crusade Liz reluctantly gave in and sat in silence.

Later that night the group sat at their now overly familiar study table in the corner and continued to pour over the mountains of homework that caused many seventh years to contemplate dropping out of Hogwarts or cursing their professors into infinity. After several hours and completing only a third of the homework due on Monday, the group decided to call it a night.

"I am so tired of essays and charts," groaned Lily as she opened the door to their room.

I know exactly what you mean," agreed Faith walking over to her trunk. "If I never have to read another thing on the dynamics of the uses for ox fat it would be alright with me."

"Hear, hear," sighed Liz; changing into a white long sleeve t-shirt and pink pajama pants.

"You don't know how great it feels not have to patrol tonight," said Lily throwing her hair into a ponytail. "I think I would have collapsed somewhere."

"Yeah like into the arms of James in a dark closet somewhere," teased Faith as she threw herself on her bed and looked mischievously up at Lily.

"Oh shut it," laughed Lily sitting on her bed to face Liz and Faith. "Oh, did I tell you that I got a letter form Petunia yesterday?"

"No! How is your dear darling sister?" asked Faith in mock concern.

"Retched as usual," said Lily as she opened her nightstand and pulled out two pieces of paper.

"How are the wedding plans going?" asked Liz coming to sit on the end of Lily's bed.

"Take a look for yourself," said Lily handing Liz one of the pieces of paper. Faith hopped off her bed and ran over to Liz to read the letter over her shoulder.

"She sent you a picture of the dress?" asked Faith curiously after a moment. Lily nodded. "Well then, let's see it."

"Okay, but you have been warned," said Lily; a slight apologetic tone in her voice. She handed the picture to Liz and Faith. After only a glance both girls erupted into laughter.

"It's horrible," laughed Lily.

"Horrible doesn't describe it!" laughed Faith staring at the picture.

"Oh Lils, I'm sorry!" laughed Liz shaking her head at Lily in pity.

"It's down right awful," laughed Lily leaning forward to look at the picture again. "I mean, who would find this beautiful?"

"What is this random piece of fabric there?" asked Liz pointing to the top of the dress. Lily shrugged.

"Your guess is as good as mine. But I think that if I make a sudden movement of sorts that I could loose an eye."

"Don't tell me that this is the color too?" laughed Faith. Lily nodded remorsefully. Faith and Liz burst into a fresh batch of laughter. "Oh God, it's worse then I thought!"

"What color is that anyway?" asked Liz studying the picture closely.

"It's gold and white," grinned Lily. Liz and Faith both made disgusted faces.

"No offense Lils but with your red hair and those colors you are going to look like Ronald McDonald as a woman," said Faith.

"Oh no I didn't even think of that!" laughed Lily. "Well if I get bored I can make balloon animals." Both girls erupted into laughter.

"Who is Ronald McDonald?" asked Liz curiously.

"A muggle clown that sells hamburgers on television," answered Faith. Liz looked at her with disbelief. "Never mind. Just picture Lily as a man in that dress and you'll be all set."

"I'm horrified that James has to see me in this," said Lily. "He is going to turn the other way and run for his life when he sees how hideous I look."

"Doubtful," said Faith. "I bet he is drawn to you like a moth to a flame and decides to confess his love and carry you of into the sunset for a good snogging."

The girls burst out laughing again at the mental image and continued laughing and conversing half the night.

"So how are things with you and Sirius?" asked Lily from the end of her bed, after finally deciding on a color for her nails.

"Alright," said Faith nonchalantly as she lay on her back looking at a magazine. "He amuses me for now."

"Faith you are horrible," grinned Lily, touching her wand to her nails and turning them a light shade of pink. "You try to hide it but it's written all over your face. You are practically head over heels in love with that guy." Faith turned to look at Lily with a big grin on her face.

"Well I'll be honest. I do fancy him a lot," shrugged Faith. "But look who is calling the cauldron black."

"Well what can I say," blushed Lily. "The guy is definitely one of a kind. He makes me laugh all the time and I cannot stay mad at him for a long period of time. And who would have knew that there was actually a brilliant mind behind those glasses and childish smirk," mused Lily.

"So have you said the 'L-word' yet?" asked Liz lounging on her bed twirling her wand casually.

"No," laughed Lily. "It's still too early to even tell if I do love him or if he loves me. It's only been a month. I think that if he said it to me I would be mortified because I wouldn't know what to say in response. I mean, I have strong feelings for him but as far as love........." Lily shrugged her shoulders.

"Well I would let him say it first," chimed in Faith from behind her magazine. "That way you know he means it and then you can either say thanks or say it back if you mean it."

"True," said Lily nodding her head. "Have either of you said it yet?" Faith snorted and Liz giggled.

"Now why would I go and make his head bigger than it already is," inquired Faith. "That would just make his day to hear that I've fallen in love with him. Can you imagine how appalling he would be? No thanks." Faith gave an over exaggerated shudder and put down her magazine beside her.

"Enough said," laughed Lily shaking her head. "What about you Liz?"

"Well.........," Liz's face turned beat red.

"Oh my heavens," exclaimed Lily. "You have said it?" Liz nodded her head in embarrassment.

"Alright then, give us the details," stated Faith sitting up on her bed.

"We only just recently started, like maybe a week ago," began Liz looking eagerly at her too best friends.

"Did he say it first or did you?" asked Lily getting off her bed to sit on the end of Liz's.

"I said it first. But it kind of slipped out," said Liz; her eyes twinkling happily. "We were walking around the grounds after dinner and we sat down near the lake. We were talking and stuff and then he leaned in to give me a kiss and when he pulled back it slipped out."

"Was he shocked?" asked Faith. "I mean you dropped the bomb on him there."

"No actually he smiled and said it back," shrugged Liz as a goofy grin spread across her face.

"I think that is so sweet Liz," said Lily happily. "I am so happy for you and Remus. You two are perfect together."

"Well most of the time," said Liz; the smile faltering slightly.

"What do you mean?" asked Lily concerned.

"Well, he has to go away and see his mother again on Wednesday," said Liz sadly.

"What is the matter with his mother? It seems like she is always sick at least once a month," asked Faith curiously. Liz shrugged.

"I don't really know. I ask him about it but he just says that she is very ill and that since there is no one but him, he has to go frequently." Liz shook her head. "I try not to ask too many questions because I know it makes him uncomfortable."

"Well illness, especially when it comes to a close family member, is never easy to talk about," concluded Lily. "I guess all you can do is just be there for him and hopefully he'll talk to you about it when he feels comfortable."

"That's what I plan on doing," agreed Liz.

"Well I would be careful. Who knows if it is contagious?" said Faith, looking at Liz with concern.

"Oh no it isn't. He told me that much," said Liz.

"Well that's good," concluded Faith. "That wouldn't look too good when you enter into Healer's School with several unknown diseases that you caught from snogging." Lily burst out laughing.

"Faith! Is your mind always in the gutter?" asked Liz slightly shocked and disgusted. Faith laughed and nodded her head.

"That's where it is the most comfortable," laughed Faith. Liz rolled her eyes.

"I think it's time to turn in don't you?" said Lily looking at the clock. "It's nearly one." Liz and Faith agreed and before Lily knew it she was under the warm, soft comforter of her bed.

"Damn Pete! Do you have to set those off in here?" exclaimed Sirius as Peter had just set off a dung bomb.

"Sorry! It was an accident," pleaded Peter.

"Don't worry mate. No harm done," said James as he waved his wand over the infected area and immediately the smell was gone.

"Man I am exhausted from all of this stupid homework," declared Sirius as he flung himself on his bed and lazily stared up at the ceiling.

"I know exactly what you mean," said James, putting on a pair of pajamas. "Who knew that N.E.W.T.'s would actually be this hard."

"Well they don't call them Nastily Exhausting Wizarding Tests for nothing," said Remus as he too put on a pair of pajamas. "I am just relieved that there was no patrolling duty tonight. I don't think that I would have made it all the way through."

"Hear, hear," sighed James as he threw himself down on his four- posted bed.

"Well get all the rest you can now mate," said Sirius lazily looking at Remus. "Because the full moon is on Wednesday and we are going to have a little bit of much needed entertainment."

"Oh, yes," said Remus darkly as he plopped himself down on his bed.

"Is something bothering you mate?" asked James concerned.

"Is it Peter?" asked Sirius sitting up suddenly. "Because his odor problem is bothering me too mate."

"Hey!" exclaimed Peter, surprised at suddenly being addressed. "You don't really think that I smell bad do you Sirius?"
"Come on mate, I'm just poking a little bit of fun with you," said Sirius shaking his head in disgust. Remus gave them a small smile.

"It just that every time the full moon comes around I have to lie to Liz and tell her that I'm going away for a few days."

"Does she believe you?" asked James intently.

"Yes," shrugged Remus.

"Then you have nothing to worry about," said Sirius casually, lying back down on his bed.

"No it isn't that. Well it is partially that," began Remus. "I just hate lying to Liz. She is a wonderful girl and I feel absolutely terrible deceiving her about my problem."

"Then why don't you tell her if it bothers you that much," asked James cautiously. Remus shook his head.

"We have a good thing going on right now and I don't want to ruin it by announcing that I am a werewolf," stated Remus firmly. "Merlin knows what she would do. She would probably head for the mountains and never come down again."

"You don't know that," said James consolingly. Remus snorted in disbelief.

"Prongs, just because you guys are alright with what I am does not mean that everyone in the wizarding world is. You don't know how the world acts towards people like me." Remus put his head down into his chest and heaved a huge sigh. "I know how she'll react if she found out. She would pretend to accept it but then slowly she would move away and distance herself until finally she decides to call it off."

The four boys sat there in silence for a moment. They knew that Remus was right. People were deathly afraid of werewolves and treated them with extreme violence and prejudice. James knew how hard it was for Remus to accept and deal with what he was, but all James could do was be there for his mate.

"Well if she blows you off because of a little thing like that then she isn't worth it," stated Sirius from across the room. "I mean no offense mate but you are no different from any woman. Both of you turn into raging monsters once a month." James let out a loud laugh as Peter giggled in his corner of the room.

"That is very true," said Remus with a small smile.

"Well I wouldn't worry about it too much. You know that you can always count on us, Moony," said James with a smile.

"That is very true," agreed Sirius. "And if she ever does find out then we will deal with it when it happens."

"Liz is a very intelligent girl and if she is going to be a healer than she will have to deal with werewolves. So there is hope mate," said James reassuringly. "Don't count her out just yet."

"Alright," said Remus smiling appreciably at his best friends.

"Hey! Why don't we go and raid the kitchens?" asked Sirius suddenly. "I don't know about you but I'm starving."

"Sounds like a plan," said James reaching over and pulling out his map.

Don't forget to review! Stay tuned for a special on Monkey Elvis Impersonators!