Standing There By You
Chapter 48- Of Waffles Topped with Strawberries
A/N: Hello! First of all, let me explain that a crazily large family dinner is taking place at my house (which fits my family of four comfortably, but certainly not 46) this Saturday, and so this chapter may cut off a bit shorter than I intended purely because I wanted to get this chapter out before I was forced to do nothing but clean. Now after that terrible run on sentence, I present this fascinating…
MUST READ:
Precisely 26 chapters ago, James explained the process they'd have to undergo to become Animagi, but seeing as that was very long ago, I've added an excerpt from it to help refresh your memory.
---
...James found the beginning and read aloud, "Being an animagus involves many dangers if performed improperly... could be lethal... blah blah blah... ah, here we go. Well, we'll need a potion, to start out. Here's a list of ingredients-,"
"Why do we need a potion?" Peter interrupted. "I thought it only consisted of muttering a spell."
"It does in the end," said James. "But first you need a potion, as to avoid Deversor."
"Deversor?" asked Sirius. "What's that?"
"Hm... let's see, oh, it's acquiring the process of adflictatio."
"Adflictatio?" Remus repeated. "That doesn't sound pleasant."
"It's not," James said, grimacing. "It means getting lodged between the animal and human form. Says here you can remain there for up to two hundred years, and that's where the potion comes in. It's for beginners- if you screw it up, the potion, if concocted correctly, should prevent that."
"Er.. right," Sirius began slowly. "Well, we'll concoct it correctly then, eh?"
James nodded, and continued skimming the pages. "But using the potion also means we won't transform. A successful attempt will be recognized by a strong violet light instead of the animal form, but once we've achieved the light we can move on to just using wands, and eventually no wands at all."
Looking back up at his friends, he said, "Well this should be pretty simple. Nothing the Marauders can't do, right?"
---
Okay, so basically just know it goes: Make a potion to secure their safety until they successfully produce a violet, indicating light, use wands to transform into animagi, and then finally no wands at all. Just wanted to get that cleared up, thanks : )
"Here's the way I look at it," James said, from his spot on their dilapidating wardrobe- years of holding dungbombs and suffering spilt experiments were finally getting to it. "She's a woman, and women change their minds. They've got this way of looking at things," he waved his wand and the jelly bears began to march away from their spot on the bookshelves and towards the open door. "You've just got to be imaginative."
---
James hung his head mournfully. "What kind of girl turns down marching Jelly Bears?"
"The crazy kind," Sirius said, empathetically patting his wounded mate's shoulder. "And you even taught them those songs," he eyed the multi-colored bears, "maybe their tunes were off… Do'ya think their tunes were off?"
The Jelly Bears crooned louder, as if to prove their tunes were far above adequate. James glared at them. "They're mocking me," he said heavily.
Sirius reached forward and grabbed a handful of the animated treats. "There," he said, swallowing the lot. "All gone."
James moved towards the mirror. "I just don't get it," he said, shaking his head in bewilderment as he slowly scrutinized his features. Next to him Sirius gulped hard, trying to push down the mournfully singing bears that resided in his throat.
"Right, well, take Cathy to Hogsmeade then," he suggested, voice a bit strangled as the bears tried a new tactic- yodeling. "She's quite the looker, and she's always fancied you, you can tell."
"Cathy?" asked James vaguely, still worried with his reflection. "Lofters? Nah… She's got that weird thing, by her left ear. I can't go out with girls that have weird things by their left ears."
"She hasn't got anything weird on her left ear," Sirius protested. "You're just being fickle."
"No I'm not," James insisted. "Would you go out with someone that's got something weird on her left ear?" He paused and winced, remembering Sirius's two week affair with Cathy just before the holidays. "Right, well, you're not very hard to please, you've got to admit."
"Fine," Sirius sighed, folding himself irritatingly onto their desk, not remembering or minding Remus's neatly stacked books and parchments. "Go with Angela then. No doubt she's keen on you."
James made a face. "She's so… enthusiastic. And perky."
Sirius stared dubiously as his friend. "Since when is that a bad thing?"
James groaned, slinking onto the bed nearest to him. "It's just-- Oh, I don't know. There's still a month to go, I've still got time to try and… persuade…"
"She dumped tuna on your hair," Sirius reminded him.
"No," James corrected, "she charmed the bears to dump tuna on my hair."
"While singing 'I Am Woman' by Helen Reddy," added Sirius. He began to hum the catchy tune.
James acknowledged the addition with a grunt. "She's weakening," he persisted.
"She's not," Sirius assured him. "Go on, Angie's blonde, you like blondes." James grunted again but didn't voice his objection that red-heads were rather more what he preferred. "See," Sirius said enthusiastically. "Do I know you, or what? Now come on, go wash your tunaesque hair before you smell up the room, and I'll meet you downstairs. Won't it be nice to go with a girl that doesn't dump sea-products on you?"
Without waiting for a reply he leaped off the desk, and with one last clap on James's back disappeared out the door. James frowned at the spot Sirius had previously been. "Well maybe I like smelling like sea-products," he muttered.
It was exactly 4:08 p.m.; I know, because my hair had set in curlers for exactly an hour after school, and I had just gotten up to catch a bite to eat…When it happened. I can't remember much, mostly the vague smell of fish and someone humming a catchy muggle tune, but I don't doubt I'll ever forget it. My knees wobbled dangerously-- Lucky I was wearing my fuchsia stockings; they're the sturdiest-- as his nearly edible voice surrounded and entranced me. The look in his eyes was pleasant, but not surprising, and filled with adoration as he gazed upon me hopefully, eyeing his chances and most obvious good fortune. I was an old lady smashed against the window at a Grand Opening sale at Macy's, trapped, trapped where I stood by his eyes and supple-lipped grin. Before I knew it he was speaking directly at me, and knowing but not fully comprehending, all I could do was nod. And then we departed, he holding my hand to secure me from the harshness of the outside world, and below us our shoes striking the floor ever-so-perfectly, his brown leather against my lovely gold Nostalgias.
"Wow," Val breathed, limbs nearly melting at the fantastic depiction. "That sounds amazing…"
"It was," Angie assured her, leaning against her dresser with a loud and dreamy sigh. Too happy to even care her head had clunked the side of it, she continued, "Just like we imagined, Val, except, like… better."
Val nodded with vigor, placing her hands on her knees and leaning forward. "Tell it to me again," she pleaded.
A hazy look came over Angie's face. "It was exactly 4:08 p.m., I know, because my hair had set in curlers…"
Remus leaned against the base of the common room fireplace, muttering softly to himself as he leafed through his dog-eared text book.
"Remus," Peter said, itching his right brow. "Are you on number three yet?"
Remus paused and looked up at Peter, deciding not to let him know he had completed all ten questions, the bonus, and was now mid-way through his Transfiguration assignment. "Sure," he said, "just about."
Peter had barely opened his mouth to ask for his assistance, by the time Remus had shifted his books aside and stepped over to over-look his work. "That was an example problem in class, Pete," he said, trying to stay hearty. "Flitwick gave us the answer."
"Oh," Peter glanced down at his paper. "Really? I didn't catch that."
Remus sighed and lifted Peter's paper in search of the notes he had taken in class that day. Spotting them, he sent an accusing glance at the boy below. "It's got tic-tac-toe doodled all over it," he said.
"Oh," Peter said again, "right," he nodded here, remembering. "James and Sirius borrowed it for a couple of games; I was the referee!"
Sirius plopped down on the gold patterned couch just as Peter spoke this. "Good games," he said, grinning. "I beat James four times."
"Not true," James argued, appearing next and sitting on the floor beside Peter, as Sirius had taken up the entire couch. "We only played three and I won two of them."
"You guys," Remus said, rubbing his eye jadedly. "You can't-,"
Sirius wagged his finger at James. "That one game counted as four," he said, "Remember? Peter even said so, and he was the referee."
Peter nodded proudly. "I was."
"That's only after you threatened to turn his dinner into dirty socks," James countered.
"You can't play tic-tac-toe in Charms," Remus said quickly, before anyone else could interrupt.
"Why not?" Peter asked.
"Stop being such a Prefect," Sirius griped. "It isn't becoming."
"Because," Remus said, addressing Peter but eyeing Sirius and James. "You can't concentrate that way."
"Sure we can," Sirius piped up. "We're-- oomph!" He rubbed the spot on his stomach where Remus's elbow had purposely collided. "What was that for, you hag!"
Remus frowned, unsure of what to do, but then let out a breath of relief as James caught on and stared back. Remus signaled with his head to Peter and then at a pillow; several moments later James was diving at Peter, pillow securely in his hand and manic, yet determined grin set upon his face.
"Gnagrth!" Peter exclaimed, confused by the fluffy object that now covered both of his ears.
"You can't play tic-tac-toe in Charms," Remus repeated hastily, "because he can't concentrate." He thrust a thumb at Peter, who was struggling with his pillow duress. "You and James are quick; you know Pete, any distraction and his grade is doomed."
"Don't try to change the subject," Sirius accused. "Even your tone is Prefectish."
"I'm not the one that changed the…" Remus sighed and rubbed his eyes again, reluctantly admitting defeat. "Better take that pillow off of him, James; he's starting to look a little off color."
James did so. Looking wilding around, Peter asked, "Why'd you do that?"
Remus answered for James. "New game," he explained, "called, er…"
"Cover Your Mate's Ears with a Common Room Pillow," James supplied, flinching afterwards at the lameness of it.
"Oh," Peter said, just as Sirius let out a gleeful laugh.
"Sounds like fun!" he decided, bouncing up and grabbing a pillow. His eyes narrowed dangerously at Remus. "My turn!"
Remus jumped up. "No, sorry, but I've got to go," he said. "I've got a Pre- erm…" he paused, catching himself just in time. "Er… Tuna meeting." He glanced at James, "Oh," he said, walking backwards, the swinging portrait his clear destination. "That's ironic, no?"
James grumbled something about disobedient Jelly Bears and no refunds as Remus stepped through the Portrait hole. "Bye then," he bid, as he disappeared into the hallway.
"Bye," Sirius replied, before turning to face Peter and James. "Maybe there is something good about him being Prefect," he said slowly, grinning. "C'mon, I'm sure Fluent's not in his lair-- Hup to!"
---
Lily breathed softly on her parchment, waving her hand swiftly in an attempt to dry her spilt ink. "Bugger," she muttered under her breath, trying in vain to both listen to Victoria Tritor and clean up the work of her clumsy hand.
"Problems, Lily?"Victoria smiled, not cordially in the least but rather cool and, she was sure of it, positively simpering. Lily noted thoughtfully that when she smiled her nose sort of squished like a turnip. "Being Prefect is a big task, I know," she drawled, "but do try and keep up."
Lily frowned, commenting to herself thatVictoria was the exact reason Slytherins shouldn't be made Head Girl. "Nope," she said, voice laced with false cheerfulness. "I'm doing fine."
Victorialooked her up and down as her co-head continued speaking. Just as Lily bent over to take notes on the patrol schedule he was speaking of, she realized her ink dish had emptied entirely onto her bag. "Don't worry," a voice whispered beside her, just as her panic attack was due to commence. "I'll lend you my notes."
Lily turned jerkily at the offer, and wasn't all that surprised to see Remus Lupin peering down at her from the row behind. She thanked him silently with a grateful smile, before turning back to face the front. Can't have turnip-face heated again, after all.
---
"Persona Agito!" his voice echoed throughout the frigid dungeon. A clap of thunder boomed behind him, illuminating the quarters for a haunting instant and silhouetting his hunched and crooked figure.
A strangled squeaking noise sounded beneath him, and something rough brushed up against his arm. "Persona Agito!" he boomed once more.
A bat began flapping madly behind him, scraping the tightly secured doorway. "Persona Agito!"
Silence. And then,
"Oh,--,"
"Watch the language," James said, his face suddenly visible as he flicked on the tall candlesticks that surrounded the room. "Or at least the volume, you know Fluent creeps around here at night."
Sirius cursed bitterly again, slamming onto a stool. "I don't care about bleeding Fluent," he brooded.
"I thought you said you had it," James said, smirking at his sulking friend. "You didn't even need the potion. Thought you said… What was it now… The light was as bright as the sun on a--,"
"Alright, alright," Sirius grumbled. "I said I thought I had it. Maybe the lighting was better there, or something."
"Maybe," James ribbed. As he crawled up onto counter and scooted over to face them, however, he face swiftly turned serious. "We've got to make some progress on this; at the rate we're going, we won't become Animagi until we're thirty."
"Fine by me," Peter gulped, holding up one of their reference books. "Look at this guy-- He got caught in-between his human state and a rabbit… Ugh, look where the ear is!"
"Well don't think about that," James said, hopping off the counter and slamming the book shut. "We're in it for Remus, remember? Besides," he cracked open the book, venturing another glance, "It doesn't look that painful…"
"Come on," said Sirius, waving them impatiently to where he stood. "We're not going to get anything done by just standing here."
James brandished his wand and took his place beside Sirius, retrieving a crumpled piece of parchment from his pocket and laying it flat on the table. "Ready."
Peter gave a defeated sigh, before scrambling next to Sirius and retrieving his wand as well. "Ready," he nodded his head reluctantly.
James reached forward for the three glasses behind him, wincing at their contents. "We really have to find a way to make this taste better," he said. "I've drank this same stupid potion for two months, now, and I'm still not used to it."
"If you pinch your nose like this," Sirius advised, "it's not nearly as bad. Or, pretend you're eating a waffle topped with strawberries, that always works for me."
James made a face. "Waffles topped with strawberriesdon't have slug bits and spider legs in them."
"On that pleasant note," Sirius said, rather jolly given the present situation. "Drink up!"
---
Lily tucked her hair away, annoyed at its mere presence as she dug through her half-inky schoolbag. "Sorry," she apologized, still searching. "I know it's in here."
"It's all right, really," Remus assured her, "I'm not in a hurry." She nodded and continued tossing her books aside, blanching several times when her hands meant the gummy presence of resolute ink. He watched her, mystified at the unusually cluttered state she was in; hard to comprehend, but true, she was often more organized than he.
"I'm not usually this disoriented," she replied to his unasked question, following it up with a short, self-disparaging laugh. "Things have been a little crazy lately and I haven't had the chance to organize my things or replace my old supplies with the new ones," she spoke very fast; even her words radiated chaos, "Moving around loads this summer was mad, you know, I don't think--,"
Lily clamped her lips shut as she realized that no, he didn't know. Not at all. She was talking like a mad woman. "Sorry," she apologized again, as Remus stared back at her with musing eyes. Not sure what to follow that with, she ducked her head and hastily began searching through her bag.
"You moved?" he asked, looking down at her with round eyes of ignorant thoughtfulness. "Are you near Derby? I've heard that area is fascinating."
"What… Oh, no." Lily kept her eyes glued to her blotchy schoolbooks. "No, never mind, I didn't mean to-- Ah, here it is!" She held up a planner, its edges soggy with ink but the rest of it certainly usable. "Great, could I see your notes then?"
Remus held the parchments out distractedly, studying her peculiar actions. "Is…" he began hesitantly, "Is something the matter, Lily? You seem a bit--,"
"Everything's fine," she assured him, smiling as she passed back his notes. She shoved them at him quickly, hoping he wouldn't notice the inky thumbprints she had left behind. "Thanks Remus," she lifted her bag and flung it over her shoulder, forgetting the small pools of ink inside. "See you tomorrow."
Remus watched Lily leave, wondering if it were James's new enticement tactics that had had such an adverse affect on her. Shrugging and noting to advise James not to make his latest infatuation go bonkers, he bent down and mopped up the blotchy mess she had left behind.
---
"Perhaps…" James rapped his knuckles against the desk, eyes brightening. "Apples! No one can resist apples. Can you imagine; the scent of apples and then, well," he chuckled a chuckle rather deeper than need be, "me."
"Would you snap out of it?" Sirius pleaded. He turned around and grunted at James, tilting his head up to beckon him over. "And I could use a little help, you know…" he gestured with his chin to Peter, who presently stood before him, hunched over and arm trapped in a tremendous jar of petroleum jelly. The last animagus attempt had not been a good one.
James hopped off his desk, reaching out a hand to help. "Snap out of it?" he asked, sticking his tongue out a bit in concentration as he heaved at Peter's jelly-trapped limb. "I can't just let her win!"
Peter gave a small squeak as Sirius gave his arm a particularly forceful jerk. "Win?" he repeated through gritted teeth. "She doesn't even know you're competing! If your opponent doesn't even know the game's commenced," he attempted to explain blithely, "then they surely can't win."
"Oh, she knows," James assured him. He shook his head darkly. "She knows…"
Both boys gave Peter's hand a colossal tug and a loud squish sounded as the boy's hand went flying out of the jar, and, boy included, went flying across the dungeon. "I thought we went through this," Sirius said tiredly. "You're taking Angie. Lily's, I don't know, taking a book or something. All is well and particularly dandy."
"Angie? Oh- right, well, merely another tactic, my friend. I'm sure Evans'll be scrumptiously jealous, and--,"
"You just called her Evans," Sirius pointed out, looking over his shoulder at James as he kneeled down to help up Peter.
James made a face. "So?"
Sirius heaved Peter so that he was standing upright. "Well," he began to explain, brushing his hand on his trousers. "That means you obviously hold negative feelings towards her, so--,"
"Loathe," James corrected. "I loathe her."
It took all of Sirius's self control- which admittedly wasn't very much to begin with- not to strangle the deranged boy before him. "Then why in the world are you obsessed with getting her to go out with you!"
"I already told you," James replied swiftly. "The competition."
Sirius's frustrated face broke out into his typical grin. "Always were one for the taxing challenges, weren't you. Well, much fortune to you then, I've heard she bites."
"Really--,"
"No thoughts like that," Sirius quickly interrupted. "C'mon," he spun around and gestured to their empty glasses, "we've still got a good twenty minutes or so left till the potion stops working."
"All right," James said, returning to his spot in the middle of the room. He held up his hand at an odd angle above him. "Ready."
Sirius glanced sideways. "You look idiotic- that's never going to work."
James paid him no mind. Looking above his elevated elbow at Sirius, he replied, "Just say the incantation, would you?"
Peter joined them and held up his hand as well, doing his best to mimic James's position despite Sirius's claims of its folly. Unfortunately it ended up looking a like a limp pretzel, and could not have been pleasant from the look of pain on his face, but nonetheless he managed to affirm, "Ready," and the three boys voiced their incantations.
"Oh bloody-- This is never going to work," Sirius griped, slumping against the desk as his wand did nothing but give a pathetic poof.
"Ah," James began, voice lined with something that very much resembled shock. "I don't know about that…" A trace of mischief curled across his face, forming a slight grin as he peered over at Sirius amidst a strong bed of light.
Sirius's mouth dropped open. "The light!" he exclaimed, jumping up and attempting to touch the violet orb that surrounded James's head. "I can't believe--,"
"Wow," Peter piped up. "Guess the stance wasn't idiotic after all, eh Sirius?"
A/N: Kay, even though I didn't really agree with how close Lily and Remus were portrayed in PoA (the movie), I still think it has to be right, to a degree. They were very similar (in my book at least… heh, no pun intended) and most likely were bound to be friends, so this chapter was just a hint of that. Also, someone requested shorter chapters, so I'm wondering if more people feel this way. Let me know, as the majority's wish is my command. ; )
Foxyie xox- Glad you liked the dungbomb : p Thanks so much for the review, much appreciated!
Tears-Of-Love-Tears-Of-Hate- Aw, you don't suck at reviews! Your reviews are simply spiffing! Hmm… Maybe next time tell a joke. That would be an awesome review. But really, I love any feedback I get, and the kind words you so mercifully bestow upon me are ones I'm very grateful for.
Sweet Sarcasm- Eek, well either way, I hope you're okay. Ugh, yeah I know about the metaphorical roller coaster… life's soo crazy this year. My grades are going down too, which sucks because I try about a billion times harder… You're not a Junior, are you? Cause I am and it seems like the hardest year…Thanks for the review, hope you feel better!
Dulcis Caelum- I'm seriously, like, twitching to go to Arkansas. Twitching. I need Arkansas, and it needs me. Metaphorically speaking, of course. Kind of. Where are you?
Sapphire039- Gaaaah I can't believe I forgot you! I'm so sorry, and will forever be in your debt. I bow my head in shame. And now for a poem!
Ode to Sapphire: I am sorry I forgot thee, But you see, it is dire, That you listen to this plea: You must, you must, forgive this lass, Or I am quite afraid, The humble lass will not surpass, And drown her self in lemonade.
(Sorry the format's all screwy)
SiriusJamesRemus'sgirl- Oh yes, Sirius is a very fantastic character, isn't he? Good thing he's not dead. Because he's not, you know. Dead. Psht. Muggles may be stupid but JKR can't fool us. Thanks for the review!
Potter-you-Rotter- Ha… I still get a kick out of your name. For some reason it's not letting me send any e-mails to you, did you change you're address? Thanks for the review!
Illirium- That's all right about the last chapter, I know, I'm mighty busy too. Ooh.. The college library? Where do you go? I have to start looking at those soon… Well anyway, thanks bunches for the review!
Dance-flirt- Hey! Every reviewer is special! You will always have a special place in my fanfiction heart, Abbi, fear not. You have to understand too that that was 5 or 6 chapters of reviews, so it looked like a lot more. Well, thanks for the review!
Dobby-Girl- Oh good, glad I could make you laugh! Tis the best medicine, after all. Thanks a million for the review, always appreciated!
Gaby-Black- Yay, really glad you liked it! Thanks very much, you know I love hearing from you : )
Padfootz- Happy I could please you with my measly work of fiction, thanks much for the review!
Locus- Wow, yes, you are very good at stretching a thought to its maximum capacity. I'm flattered you would take out so much time to write oh so much, and terribly sorry I didn't update faster. Thanks for the review! (And the biscuits)
Braveheart- I'm glad you enjoy my writing style, it's awesome to hear such wonderfully positive feedback (that's always the best kind, hehe) Thanks mucho for the review!
Angel Street- I'm happy you liked the last part, thanks for telling me because it really helps out when people specify which parts the preferred. Thanks very much for the review!
Sblomie- Hola! I, ami, am from the mysterious and exhilarating land of Ohio. Eh, exhilarating is a bit of a stretch, I suppose, maybe notch higher than dull would be a more fitting depiction. Where are you from, Watson?
QuixoticPear- Hehe, yes, you do love James. You're going out with him this chapter! You should kneel before me in gratitude.
NorbertheDragon- Oh yes, I remember you now. Purple carrots, hehe. Any particular reason you chose this new penname? Oh my… I can't even imagine Sirius on éclairs.
Soft N fluffy- I'm really glad you found my story, cause I really loved your feedback : ) At first my beta and I weren't sure about the summer, but now I'm glad we kept it! Thanks much for the review!
Soccerchc17- Hehe yes, though Grace is crazy all the time. ; ) I'm really glad you think it's funny, thanks for the awesome review!
Pottersgrl- Oh yes, I like the word spiffy too, very lovely. Hehe, does the friend you call Angie have the penname Insanity Flourishes? Cause she was telling me about that. I put 'us' in there, just for you guys! They've only got a little part this chapter, but there'll be more soon. Thanks for reviewing!
Ieyre- Ah… I heart Sirius too! I'm glad you like the way I depict him, but truthfully he's such an awesome character it'd be hard not to portray him in a great way. Hehe, glad to make you giggle, thanks for the review!
Purplereader- Lol, glad you're so excited! (Even though I had no clue what you were talking about.. hehe) Very happy you enjoyed the update, and even happier you enjoyed the Grace-on-éclairs ; ) Thanks for the review!
InsanityFlourishes- Wow, those script thingies sound awesomely fun, if you ever type them up you'll have to send them to me! Oh btw, I tried to check out your friend's story but I searched it and nothing came up. If you could send me a link I'd greatly appreciate it ; ) Thanks for the review!
Jade- Hehe, very philosophical, very philosophical indeed. Thanks for the review, good luck with your House of Fancy Pants!
Espergirl04- Oh yes, hehe, very surprised. Nope, you spelled marauders right! Good job, that's a hard one to spell… I always screw it up :pats spell check fondly: Well.. can you really pat a spell check? Huh. Thanks for the review!
MissBlueAngel- Ahhh… Not Peter's girlfriend:gasps and grabs keyboard: such horrors… Thanks for the reviews!
Aerandir- How many days? Huh? Huh? That's right, you keep thinking that.
Sallymander- Glad you liked the chapter! Hehe, yes, dungbombs ; ) Thanks very much for the spiffing review!
Sun Kissed Rose- Poke poke poker polar polka p-i-z-z-a potatochips? Hehe, you crack me up. Very glad you liked the chapter, thanks mucho for the review!
Shanti-shiznigh- Thanks very much for the always appreciated inspiration!
Braveheart28- Thanks bunches for the wonderful words : ) Ah, the Sirius Black Fan Club… Well that's been sort of uh.. at a standstill, you could say, since school and junk is bogging me down. But as soon as it starts back up again, I'll let you know!
Emps- Glad you liked it! Well actually, I can tell you when they're getting together. Or Sirius can. Read the chapter (or two) after Snape's Worst Memory in OotP, and you'll be sure to find it : ) Thanks for the review!
Autumn Darkness- Lol, very glad you liked their reactions. Thanks mucho for the review, I really appreciate it!
Romulan Empress- Wow, your review was such a relief! First off, did not think anyone got that 'ooh-ooh' thing. Second, thanks for being so patient! It really makes me feel good that you're willing to wait for the next one. Thanks very much for the review!
Lilly4James- Wow, you're very generous with your compliments, thanks: ) About the shorter chapters, hmm, never thought anyone would ask that. Interesting…
Appleopolis- Hi! It's really great to hear from new readers, thanks much! I'm glad you like the review response thingie, I worry that people will get made about the space it takes up sometimes. Oh yes, I love Remus and Grace too, hehe : ) Thanks again!
Windowseat Wonderer- Thanks, glad you like 'em! I really appreciate the wonderful feedback, and don't worry, I won't stop!
Jess Eades- I'm really glad you like the way I portray James and Sirius… They're very fun to write. Hope you enjoy the rest of it, thanks for the review!
Messaluna- Glad you like the story! Don't worry, this is the year for major Lily and James. Sirius said in OotP that they get together in seventh year though, so nothing crazily romantic will happen till then. Thanks for the review!
EripMav- Hello! Friend of Ninde's? Ooh, tell her I say hi! Hehe, glad you could part from your usual pairings and venture on over to Lily and James; it's really quite fun. Thanks for the review!
Ninde Annare- Yuck, technological droughts are the worst : ( You are very much forgiven for reviewing late, it really doesn't matter. I'm really glad you enjoyed the chapter, thanks very much for the wonderful words! I promise I'll e-mail you an update of my crazy life once I get a spare moment, talk to you soon!
RavenSiriusBlack- Oh yes spoon, hum hum. Thanks for the long and quirky review, and yes, of course you should use it!
Lovesheart- Hi! Thanks for the awesome review (wow, caps, you must've been majorly excited, hehe) I'm really glad you're enjoying it, and I hope you liked this one too!
Blueseal- Ooh, just got your reviews! Thanks mucho... Ah yes, I know very well the burden of homework / Thanks for taking the time to read though!
Sirius-harry-n-remus- Wow! Thanks so much for reviewing so many chapters, it really means a lot to me. I liked to hear your comments on the different situations; it really helps when creating the new chapters and such. I appreciate it soo much... Thanks!