Standing There By You

Chapter 51- An Abnormal Affection

A/N: Phew... Made it through fifty chapters. Thanks for the much needed motivation, guys!

Also, 'brassed off' is another phrase for ticked off, or peeved, and bundimuns are a creepy-crawly green sort of creature. Just fyi ; )

---

The first difference Lily noticed was the peculiar monochromaticity of the room.

While her own common room was decorated with a majority of their house colors as well, this one was like stepping into a sea of blue; sapphire pillows and cobalt rugs, wherever you glanced your eyes were sure to meet that persistent color.

The second thing she noticed was the bookcase.

"Wow," Lily breathed, absently shoving a red strand out of her eyes; she brushed past the half-arch they had entered through and moved towards the colorful spectrum of volumes and paperbacks. The shelves were rickety and aged: some sort of magic must've been holding them together.

"Oh, yes," Kirk said, doing his best to keep up with Lily as she flew along the shelves. "That's been here since Hogwarts was founded, I believe; my housemates are known to bring too many books with them."

Lily gave a slight nod in response, but her eyes remained scouring the novels. "Some of these are muggle," she commented, mostly to herself. "Oh... The Scarlet Letter, and ooh, all of Fitzgerald's works-- they don't have this kind of literature in the library."

"Nope," Kirk responded, looking rather proud. With a start, however, he noticed the dawning sun in a nearby window and looked up at an elaborate clock. "Don't you think we should get started on our homework? We only have an hour or so until dinner."

Lily frowned, but decided against reminding him that their essays weren't due until next Thursday. "Yeah, suppose so," she said, reluctantly turning from the abundance of books. Though, before Kirk could move towards the area they had set up for homework, Lily caught the sleeve of his robe. "Do you think I could perhaps... borrow a few? I promise to return them to you in top condition."

"Well, I suppose so," Kirk said. He chuckled quietly to himself. "Just don't tell the others."

"Right," Lily replied vaguely, spinning back to face the bookshelf. Frowning, she opened the flap of her carrier. "Hm... I do wish my bag was bigger."

---

"They were walking down the corridor together, blatant as two squawking parrots," James related that afternoon's nauseating events. He shook his head, looking as if he might be sick. "And they didn't even have the decency to duck and hide when I walked by!"

"How horrible," Sirius tucked a carefully wrapped piece of pie into his pocket and gave his friend a consoling punch in the shoulder. "And Lily seems like the exact sort of person that would go out of her way to make you feel better."

James smirked at the sarcasm, rubbing the tender muscle Sirius had so boorishly cuffed. "He's not even intelligent," he informed him. "The only reason he gets good marks is because he cheats off of me."

"Really?" Sirius said, eyes widening with feigned astonishment as he licked mulberry remnants from his fingertips. "Well that would explain why he gets higher marks than you in Charms." He cocked his head at James, "Oh wait, no it wouldn't."

"You spend too much time analyzing the technicalities, that's your problem Sirius," James informed his friend knowingly. "You see, he's just very, very good at cheating. That's what happens when you get a lot of practice."

Sirius yawned, deciding that counting the tiles they currently clambered over was a much more entertaining pastime than listening to his very repetitive friend. "Right," he said distractedly, concentrating hard on the quickly passing ground.

"It wouldn't bother me so much," James continued, oblivious to Sirius's lack of attention, "if I knew what sort of trick he pulled over her. That's the only possibility, you know. There's absolutely no way she would willingly choose him over me."

Twenty-six, twenty-seven, "Eh, I'm not so sure," Sirius said absently, careful not to neglect any of the flat stone tiles. Thirty-two, thirty-three, "I mean there is their similar, and not to mention disgusting, interest in studying."

James frowned. "Irrelevant."

Thirty-five, "And his remarkable blue eyes-,"

"Mine are blue." James scratched his head. "Almost."

Thirty-seven, thirty-eight-- Sirius skidded to a stop as a pair of black patent shoes stood in his way of counting the next tile. "Oh," he said, eyes traveling upwards and meeting a toe-tapping red head. He grinned. "Well here's a pretty little number."

Remarkably, Lily offered a good-spirited smile in return. "Sod off, Sirius," she replied cheerfully.

"Aren't you in a good mood," Sirius remarked, raising a brow at the curious demeanor.

"Don't be brash," she chided, before brushing past the boys and setting off down the hallway, a bit of a spring evident in her step.

"What was that?" James scrunched his nose in confusion. "I've never seen her so... happy."

Sirius began to shrug in response, but before he could finish he broke out into a series of mild chortles. "I know what could make her so happy," he said deviously.

James's gaze flicked on either side of him in thought, before his eyes popped wide behind his glasses and he stumbled backwards ever so slight. "She's been--,"

"Snogging," Sirius finished for him, tone astonished and marked with disbelief. "Huh. Never would've thought the Ravenclaw had it in him."

---

"Flushed cheeks," Grace stated with escalating excitement, crawling across her bed to better view her friend. "Eyes brighter than normal... That dazed, dreamy look upon your face... Why Lily Evans, could it be true?"

"Yes," Lily replied earnestly, lips stretched as broad as they were capable as she nearly busted with delight.

"Wow," Julie said, hurrying over to her elated friend as well. "I can't believe you--,"

"Found all of these books!" Lily finished triumphantly, almost giggling in excitement as she un-did the flap of her carrier. "It was wonderful, as soon as I saw them I just couldn't contain myself--,"

Grace stared back at her friend as Julie stifled a giggle. "Books?" Grace admonished, mouth dropping in disbelief. "That's why you're so happy? We thought you'd been snogging!"

"Ew," Lily declared, almost dropping her bag in surprise. "That's disgusting! I've barely just met the boy and you want his spit to touch... mine?"

Grace sighed and fell back onto her bed, a small smile tweaking her lips. "Right, right, the mere thought is perplexing."

"Absolutely," Lily shuddered involuntarily. She shoved the topic aside. "Well anyway, have you given the ah... retribution any more thought?"

Julie smiled. "I still can't believe you want to do something." She tutted teasingly. "And a Prefect, after all."

Lily frowned at this remark. "Well... I can't just break my promise to Potter," she contended. "I guaranteed him we would provide just payback, and so I've got to follow through. It's for the sake of maintaining justice, after all."

"Right. And I was thinking," Grace continued, "that for an idea... we could ask one of them."

Lily and Julie both winced at the proposal. "Ask one of them?" Lily repeated. "Well that would sort of defeat the purpose, don't you think?"

"Not if they weren't aware of our motives," Grace interrupted swiftly.

Lily frowned. "But who would be dim enough…"

"Hey," Grace greeted, a slight smile noticeable upon her lips as she slid onto the tattered scarlet couch closest to the fire.

Peter jumped, eyes widening as they fell upon the familiar blue-eyed girl. "H-hi," he returned, scooting as far as possible towards the other end of the couch.

Grace bit back a laugh. "So, what're you doing? Homework?"

"Yeah," Peter crossed his arms uncomfortably, gripping his quill. "Erm, weren't you trembling with anger last time I saw you?"

Grace refrained from rolling her eyes at his bluntness. "Oh no, no," she assured him. "I'm completely over that. So, where are your friends?"

"Oh. Good, then." Peter smiled, obviously relieved she wasn't going to stick a dungbomb up his sleeves or anything of the sort. "Well Remus, he's," he cocked his head towards a large window facing the grounds, and Grace frowned, nodding knowingly. "Yes, and I think James and Sirius are in detention."

"Right," Grace nodded slowly. Another grin grew across her face and her eyes danced deviously. "Why are they in detention, do you know? Probably for some massive prank, right?"

"Er, no actually," Peter shook his head. "I think they just brassed off McGonagall."

Grace frowned. "Oh."

Peter's face suddenly brightened. "But speaking of massive pranks," he said, a smile spreading wide in recollection. "James and Sirius were just talking about-," suddenly his nose scrunched up suddenly, and after a few tantalizing huffs of breath he let out a vast sneeze.

"Bless you," Grace said hurriedly, leaning forward in anticipation. "So you were saying-,"

"Sorry," Peter said, blowing his nose in a dull white handkerchief. "I've caught a terrible cold."

"Really? How awful. So, that prank-,"

A large bout of coughs suddenly erupted from Peter; Grace groaned, thumping him impassively on the back. "All right there, Pettigrew?"

He nodded, clearing his throat. "Really should stop by the Hospital Wing. But that Madame Pomfrey, she really does tend to-,"

"Peter," Grace said sharply. Closing her eyes, she softened her voice, continuing, "So that prank, remember you were saying? Sorry, I just find it fascinating the way your brilliant mind works."

"Oh it wasn't my-," Peter closed his mouth, reconsidering. "So it's really easy, right? But it's got a smashing result… Oh, I think I have some of our old notes here…"

"Brilliant," Lily muttered, shoving an unruly strand of hair behind her ear as she read and re-read Grace's hurried notes. "Getting them back with their own scheme… I love it."

"A taste of their own medicine, eh?" Julie remarked giddily, as she and her friends hurried along the dimly lit hallway. She peered around. "Where do you suppose we should do it?"

"Here," Grace said, stopping abruptly before their Defense Against the Dark Arts room. "The Ravenclaws always arrive here before the Gryffindors, because we're coming all the way from Herbology; all we have to do is hurry to get here before the boys do and we're set."

Lily gave an affirmative nod. "Perfect." She brandished her wand and lowered herself to the ground, examining the area underneath the doorframe. "All right," she said, raising her wand-less hand behind her. "I wonder how this spell works... Do you have the notes?"

Grace complied, setting the rest of the notes in her outstretched hand. "Peter wasn't quite sure which spell they were going to use," she said, watching as Lily peered over the confusing scribbles. "You might have to try it a couple times."

An hour later the girls stood back to admire their work, and even though 'a couple times' had turned into twenty or thirty, they felt accomplished nonetheless.

As her friends pocketed their wands, Grace scuffed her shoe across the gradually fading gold line. "As long as we're quick tomorrow, everything should go as planned." She grinned at the two other girls. "Just keep to your toes in Herbology!"

After a few very frightening episodes- Professor Sprout came dangerously close to holding back Grace for an accident with exploding soil, and Julie smacked right into their Potions Professor and his briefcase along the way- the girls made it to their DADA room right on time; the Ravenclaws had all arrived, and the Marauders were, as usual, lingering behind.

"Hurry," Grace whispered, ushering Lily on as she pulled out her wand and swiftly pointed it at the ground about the doorframe.

"You two head in there," Lily instructed hurriedly, eyes darting back in forth in search of their professor. She scooted along the doorway and ducked inside the classroom, whispering the incantation and watching as the same glittering gold line raced across the floor. Pocketing her wand, she allowed a few seconds to smile at her work, before scrambling back to her seat. The girls straightened up and attempted to look as nonchalant as possible, as their professor came striding in only a few seconds after.

"Hello ladies," he smiled cordially at the three, not breaking his stride towards the front of the room.

The girls grinned tight-lipped at their professor. "Hello."

Lily elbowed Grace, who in turn poked Julie in the side. "They're coming," she told them, as the hurried footsteps of soon to be tardy boys sounded outside the classroom. The girls craned their necks inconspicuously to face the doorway. They surely weren't about to miss this.

---

"Honestly," Sirius said, turning around and walking backwards to face his friends. "The Whipping Whimsies are good for a laugh or two, but those dungbombs'll last a lifetime. I'll bet they've been around forever."

"Probably," James agreed, "but we-,"

Smack

Sirius swiveled on his heel to see what had caused the sound and his friend to stop talking so abruptly, but only resulted in creating a loud 'thunk' of his own and slamming onto the ground at record speed, Peter right behind him as he barreled into the unseen force soon after.

James lifted his head dazedly, only to glance up and see a classroom full his gaping peers and a particularly stunned professor. He opened and closed his mouth unsure of what to say, before directing his confused gaze over at Sirius.

His friend appeared baffled at the sudden shock as well, but soon enough he shrugged it off and hopped up to stand back on his feet. "Hogwarts," he scoffed loudly, looking around him and grinning. "Tricky, tricky." Chuckling softly, he puffed up his chest bravely and reached out a hand towards his friend. "C'mon James," he said, before turning to wink back at the class, "don't want to miss any Defense!"

James complied and jumped up beside his friend. "Right," he said, grinning as well. He and Sirius grabbed hold of their fallen books and drew their feet forward to parade back into the classroom.

Sirius promptly flew back five feet and James bounced back straight into Peter's arms. "Why, hello," Peter said, smiling down at his thwarted friend.

Stifled laughter began to filter about their classmates, and even a grin became apparent on their professor's lips. "Having trouble, boys?" he implored, intrigue dancing across his face.

"Just a bit," Sirius grunted, rubbing his bum tenderly. "What the bloody-,"

James, adamant and not one to be outdone by an invisible force-field, threw his head back and growled, rushing determinedly towards the doorway. Sirius cringed even before the blight sent him tumbling to the ground and into an awkward pretzel-like position. 'Ouch,' he mouthed, looking sympathetically over at his friend.

If any students weren't laughing before, they most certainly were now; three girls in particular found it exceptionally hard to keep a straight face.

"Wait just a minute," Professor Fides said, just as James reared back in preparation of head-butting the invisible barrier. He held out a hand of caution, taking wary steps in their direction. "Don't hurt yourself, now."

James scowled at the remark as the class' chortles increased. "I could make it through if I wanted to," he muttered bitterly.

Professor Fides stopped two paces before the doorway, pondering his options. His stare fixed upon the wounded and quite grumpy boys, he exhaled and took a large step forward.

It took him a few seconds to realize nothing out of the ordinary had happened- he had made it across without any obstructions. Thinking now that perhaps the barrier only worked on those entering the classroom, the professor twisted around and stepped forward once again.

"Nothing happened!" Sirius said, jumping up and hurrying to follow his professor. "It's probably-," he cut off abruptly and landed on the ground with a resounding thud. "Nope... still there."

Professor Fides looked curiously upon the mysterious barrier, lowering himself to inspect the doorframe. He paused when his stare was met with a slightly fading, yet adamantly shimmering line of gold. "Oh," he said in surprise, running his finger across the faint line. "Looks like we found the problem; someone's conjured an Age Line." He looked up at the boys, "An Age Line is a powerful charm," he explained, "set up to prevent someone of a certain age from entering a specific area."

"Yes," James said slowly, glancing around at his friends. "We're familiar with it."

"This shouldn't be a problem," the professor assured them, "a simple reverse-incantation will take care of this. The line's a fairly weak one."

"Weak-,"

Grace kicked Lily hard in the shins and she cut off her protest, slumping in her seat in submission yet still appearing indignant. "Sorry," she whispered.

Professor Fides waved his wand and muttered a spell, effectively ridding of the line. "There you go, boys," he said, beckoning them over. "All safe now."

Sirius frowned. "You go first," he told Peter.

"What? Oh, no you- you go ahead."

James shook his head at the both of them, standing up and heading into the classroom. Instinctively, however, his body prepared for an immediate and harsh toss in the opposite direction, which caused him to stumble into the room unexpectedly and trip across the hard ground. "Yeah," he muttered gruffly, voice muffled slightly by the cool tile. "It's gone."

---

Remus despised hospitals.

Even though he couldn't clearly recall the previous night, the dull scent and stiff thin blankets told him exactly where he was. And as he regained feeling, harsh gashes and sore limbs reminded him exactly who he was.

He had been quite proud, actually, of his limbs this year. They seemed to have stretched over the summer, and while it provided more space for the pain to roam, he was particularly happy with the newfound stature. Now he at least roughly matched James and Sirius's heights, and he held a good three inches over Grace. He was admittedly very frightened last year when it had seemed she was growing at a faster rate than he.

He groaned inwardly as he thought of the latter party; this past weekend had been spent cursing name-brand ice cream and his remarkably large mouth. Brushing aside the less than pleasurable thoughts, he braved himself against the harsh sun, straining to open his eyes and propping himself up against his pillow.

The room seemed to be getting stuffier by the second, and so Remus decided with an achy stretch and a yawn that escaping to the adjacent and empty corridor for a few minutes was quite necessary.

Quietly, as to not alert Madame Pomfrey of his temporary departure, Remus slid out of his covers and began his journey across the cold tiled floor.

He managed to tip-toe safely along the length of the Wing, and let out a relieved breath as he entered the vast outside corridor.

Unfortunately, his happiness was short-lived.

"Mister Lupin," an all-too-familiar voice echoed across the halls. Remus sighed as the blur of stiff white cotton and clipboards came bustling toward him.

He considered bolting- he could easily outrun the overbearing nurse, and highly doubted he could earn a detention for refusing to stay in bed. There was the slight fact that he would have to go fleeing about Hogwarts in his night-wear, however.

He took too long analyzing this, and could only stumble back a few paces as Madame Pomfrey came upon him; it took him by surprise when he realized he had stumbled right over a silently snoozing body.

"You are in no shape to be up and about," she continued her barricade of admonishment. Remus, however, was too concerned with the groggy girl at his feet to listen. Halting her screechy speech when she realized her patient wasn't paying attention to her, Madame Pomfrey took notice of the girl as well.

"Miss Shadron," she spoke with livid astonishment. "Classes are still in session, are they not?"

Grace had to blink a few times to comprehend her surroundings, but only seconds later bounced up beside them quick and ready with an excuse. "Sorry Ma'am," she apologized hurriedly, "but I just came to tell you of a dreadful incident in the greenhouses--,"

Madame Pomfrey crossed her arms. "You were just sleeping."

"Yes... That's the point! You see this plant, the er, Slumberous Maximus, escaped from its airtight package and now half the class is dead asleep-- I was only slightly affected, so Professor Sprout sent me to fetch you. I almost made it before that curse of a leaf overcame me..." She lifted her large blue eyes to stare at the skeptical nurse. "Well, what are you waiting for? Your assistance is dire!"

That was all the young nurse needed to hear; the very next second she was dashing down the hall, summoning a few ointments and bottles and a very large book on her way.

Remus turned to Grace. "Slumberous Maximus?"

"I was under pressure," she said, but the small sly smile that might've turned her lips quickly switched to a frown. "Wonder how long I'll be in detention for..." She shrugged it off. "Oh well, with her searching all of the greenhouses it should at least give you fifteen minutes to catch a breath of fresh air."

Remus stared back at her dumbly. "Why are you here?" he asked, but then winced at the unintended harshness. "I mean--,"

"You weren't awake this morning like you usually are," Grace told him. "I came back during lunch and then Muggle Studies, but you were still asleep and it seemed as if Pomfrey was never going to leave the Hospital Wing."

Remus gave an unsure frown. "But... Why are you here? I mean, I- I thought you were mad at me."

"So you thought I wouldn't visit you?" said Grace, crossing her arms across her chest. When Remus didn't respond, she continued, "Well really, just because I'm mad doesn't mean I can't be worried." She shifted her weight as her gaze flicked over his own. "You looked horrible this morning, you know."

"Worse than usual?" Remus joked meekly.

"Yeah," Grace frowned and leaned against the wall, sliding down against the coarse bricks. "And," she let out a short breath and half-smiled at Remus, who had quickly joined her on the ground. "I'm not mad at you, really. We did give your foolish group what they deserved during Defense Against the Dark Arts, after all."

"Oh," Remus said simply, trying to hide how very relieved his was. "Well that's good, then."

"Yeah," Grace's smile broadened, "I'm really going to have to be on the lookout tomorrow, though."

Remus shook his head. "No you won't," he assured her hastily, "I won't let them do anything back to you, I promise."

Grace was quiet for a few moments, before finally responding, "You know, that's all right; it's kind of fun now. If you want to throw a few dancing or jelly leg hexes at us, I think we can manage."

"Oh," Remus blinked in surprise. His eyes creased as he smiled. "Well I've got a few tricks of my own too, you know."

"Mmm, good," Grace drew her knees closer towards her. "But just... no more spying, all right? If you have questions you could just... you know, ask me," A lock of dark hair slipped across her face just then, but Remus could contend that before it had, a rare tint of pink had surfaced upon her cheek. No matter, his color was far worse.

"Right," he cleared his throat, as the squeakiness of his pre-teen voice unwillingly returned. Not surprisingly, he was especially grateful when Madame Pomfrey shouts greeted them from the other end of the hall, imposing upon and concluding their conversation.

---

"Defense Against the Dark Arts," James said, pacing the dormitory. "Gold shimmering line, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor- Peter, are you taking this down?"

Peter's head bobbed up to glance quickly at James. "Oh yes, yes of course..." He scrambled to reach for a scrap parchment and quill. "Go on."

"It was probably one of those pesky ghosts," Sirius suggested, staring at the pacing boy with an amused expression. He withdrew a tiny broomstick and held the lively thing tightly between two fingertips. "Don't get all worked up about it."

"Ghosts can't conjure incantations," said James, scratching the tip of his chin in concentration. He tilted his head. "Can they?"

"Remus!" was Sirius's response, straightening up on his bed and swinging his legs over the mattress.

James looked over at his friend. "Remus wouldn't do that," he said dismissively, continuing his spherical trek around the dormitory. He paused. "Would he?"

"Yes, and I put a dozen bundimuns in your pants as well," came Remus's joking voice from the rear of the room.

James spun around. "Oh, sorry mate," he said, running a hand through his hair in a frustrated fashion. "Pomfrey finally let you loose?"

Remus's eyes lifted to the ceiling in exasperation. "After two hours of assuring her I was strong enough to walk the two corridors to my dormitory, yeah."

"You looked dead this morning," Sirius said, hopping off his bed and promptly prodding his friend in the head. "I had to roll you over a couple of times to see if you were still alive."

Remus chose to carefully ignore his friend's comment- everything was still a blur, as always, and he would rather not think about why he had such a terrible night. Looking across the room, he found an easy way to evade the remark. "Why is our friend doing laps around the dormitory?"

The two boys glanced over at their methodically treading friend. "It was bad, mate," Sirius said, voice dark with recollection. "I've never had a Defense class that I've loathed so."

"Someone put up an Age Line!" James said, not pausing still. "Can you believe it? We all got beat up by an invisible wall in front of the entire class."

"Huh," Peter piped up softly.

James looked over at him. "What is it?"

"Oh, nothing," Peter said, lifting his quill to chew on the tip of it. Between nibbles, he continued, "It's just funny; I was just talking to someone about our plans for the Age Line."

Sirius's head jerked up and his lack of concentration caused the mini-broom to escape and zoom around his head. "You... told someone about that, Pete?" he asked slowly.

"Sure did."

James shifted his weight heavily, narrowing an eye at Peter. "And who exactly might that've been?"

Peter looked over at Remus. "Your girlfriend asked me about it," he said, and then smiled at the rest of them. "She said it was a very brilliant scheme."

Remus's lips twitched, but he managed to maintain a nonchalant expression. "Oh?" he asked, feigning surprise. It was quite humorous watching his two friends reaction to Peter's statement; the room practically echoed with the sound of the wheels turning in their brains.

James emitted a strangled, inhuman sound. "Bloody-- The girls were behind this?"

Sirius shook his head in disbelief, not even noticing as the tiny broom skimmed the surface of his hair and roughly tangled into it. "They went for the weak link," he sighed. "Very low, but admittedly, very ingenious."

"Weak link?" Peter looked from Sirius to James. "Who's the weak link?"

James gazed back at his friend, eyes glinting with that dazed, scheming sort of look. "You know," he began, lips turning to form that infamous Marauder grin. "We just may be able to use this to our advantage."

---

A/N: Hello again! Well, I have to say that I am torn. I received two reviews saying how much they appreciate the individual thank-you's, but then someone also requested that I scratch it. I was worried that the responses were getting a bit too much, so let me know what you think. I don't mind responding, but I don't want to do it if it bothers too many... Hm. A predicament indeed.

Sapphire039- Gah... They're still together. Every couple has their fights and Grace is just too cool to hang something like that over his head ; ) Ooh, good luck on your pyramid! (Even though it was due two weeks ago, jeesh I am such a procrastinator, aren't I?)

Dance-flirt- I know, it's sad when you can't hate the 'bad' guy. But don't worry : ) The situation will get better, I promise. Glad you liked it, thanks for the review!

Elven Dagger- Best review ever. See... No one's ever really said anything about the difference between my first and last couple of chapters, which had me a tad shaken because when I re-read the first year I was very disgusted : / But thanks very much for the astoundingly feel-good review, very much appreciated!

Kaibas-Rose- Your review was soo awesome... and it was completely contradictory to another review I received, too ; ) Well the majority of it anyway. I'm really glad you appreciate it because I'm kinda torn right now, but I guess you read about that in my A/N up there Thanks so much for the kind words!

Appleopolis- Hello! Don't worry, Grace and Remus are AOK. I'm glad you don't mind Kirk- I agree that she'd probably have more boyfriends. Thanks for the review : )

Padfootz- Ah, glad you liked it so much : ) Thanks bunches for the kind words as always, much appreciated!

Heather- Hello! Thanks very much for taking the time to review, I really appreciate it : ) Here's more for you, sorry I made you wait so long.

Erisedxdesire- Yup, red would be very cool too. Right, I'm glad someone else has recognized the fact that they don't date until seventh grade ; ) Thanks for the awesome words!

Under-the-Moonlight- Ah, hello Norbert/Carrots! Hehe that's okay, I change my mind a lot too ; ) Glad you like my ideas, thanks much for the review!

Newsieducking- Thanks much : ) I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I love your penname. Very cute.

Mystikalolo- Ah, sorry you didn't love it : ( I know, I know... but honestly, these are very strong-minded-I-am-woman-hear-me-roar girls, no? Hehe, well as you can see everything is AOK now. Thanks for the review!

Tears-Of-Love-Tears-Of-Hate- Hello : ) I'm glad you liked the Sherlock part (I think you spelled it right... Hopefully cause I'm just copying what you wrote : p) Thanks very much for the lovely review!

SeCrEt LiLy- Hm... Good question. Actually, I do not know yet ; ) But I'm sure we'll all find out it due time. Ah, glad we could share a similar pastime! Hehe, thanks much for the review.

Kylie- Lolio... Read further m'dear : )

Raven, Januarye, Key, Kaedae- Ah yes, she does sound like Hermione, doesn't she? Hm... Not sure if that's good or bad. Sorry about the poll thing, that was a little while ago ; ) Thanks for the reviews!

Windowseat Wonderer- Yes, how they got hold of Ben and Jerry's is behind me, as well ; ) Well we will never truly understand the depths of Hogwarts, will we? Hmm... Thanks so much for the inspirational words, as always they're very, very appreciated.

0,0- Hehe, rilliant works too. Thanks very much for the review!

Ninde Annare- Ah yes, I very much agree about Lily and James too. Thanks so much for the wonderful words, they're always appreciated and received with the utmost affection : )

Angel Street- Hey, what can I say... A busy life is a busy life. I tried to update a longer chapter, I hope it sufficed!

Sblomie- Ah, thanks for the round of applause! Hehe a best selling novel? Maybe one day... Gah, that is an unnatural hour, go back to bed.

MooningOverMoony- Oh yes, I've had those strange looks from my parents as well ; ) Ah, hope you did okay with that newspaper article, sounds interesting. And yes, you deserve a star : ) Oh... Hey I put a star by your name, but I just realized it won't show up when I upload. Well here, I hand you several cyber stars instead.

BlueSeal- Glad you took some time out to read my story, good luck with that homework thing.. yuck. But hey, we SO aced AP Gov! Boo yah to the max.

Emps- Glad you liked it : ) Thanks for the review!

Molly- Oh, hehe... Well maybe I meant to say that ; ) Thanks very much for the review, I'm glad you liked the British lingo!

Grey Fox- Hello! Spain, that's really awesome. I was supposed to go there for school but I think the trip got cancelled. Your English seems very good to me, that one saying is really close but it's 'in James's shoes'. Speaking of... Wow! You have a relationship like Lily and James's? I do hope it turns out okay in the end... James ended up with marriage and a baby boy, so hey you never know ; ) Thanks for the review, I think it'd be interesting to talk to you, too!

Jackyskipskip- Yes, yes, dumb indeed. Poor James and his dumbness : (

Whiskeygirl- Don't worry, Lily didn't drown James. Yet. : ) Lol yes, a sister would be a very big plot change. I'm not quite sure if I could put you in any time soon, I really have to tweak it a bit first. Thanks for the review though!

IamSiriusgirl- Hehe, hopefully this was your 'definition of long'. Thanks very much for the wonderful words (corking, I love it!)

Apotterlover- Ooh, glad you like Kirk! Thanks very much for the review : )

DobbyGrl- Ah, I understand about the too much homework ordeal : / Schools tough, blech. Thanks very much for taking the time to share your input, though, I appreciate it much!

Lily Jane- Hehe, it's okay if you despise Kirk, just as long as you understand : ) Ack, I'm counting down, too! Thanks very much for the review.

Jade- Haha, I don't think anybody else would like that very much ; ) Oh yes, I am a 'peace' addict. What can I say? Nothing. I can say nothing. Hey guess what: We had another snowday today! Tee-hee.

MissBlueAngel- 50!? Goodness gracious. I'm glad you got it down to five, that would have been very strenuous on your poor eyes. Ooh, I forgot you told me about that one-shot, I'll go check it out after I get a chance to upload this sucker.

Stridergal Silvertongue- Thanks : ) Nice name, by the way.

Ieyre- Yes, it does suck to be James : ( Even though he does have very wonderful cheekbones. Ah, and Sirius is much too... Sirius, and Julie is much too much of an underdeveloped character (which will hopefully change sometime soon) but either way, they're both heading in opposite directions. Nice and active imagination, though ; p

Yvonne- Hehe, glad to know I have support in my procrastination. Thanks very much for the kind words, they're always very appreciated : )

JKRobsessed- Yes, I realized that too : / I admit that chapter was written in a very rushed fashion, and even when I went to re-read it I didn't quite understand. Ah, and you flatter me about having the whole story written out... Sometimes I don't even know what's going to be in the next chapter until I sit down to type it ; ) Well anyway, thanks much for the review!

M-girls- Glad you like : ) Enthusiasm greatly appreciated!

Sister Golden Hair- I hope I finish this story too! Congrats about the guy... I can't remember if I responded to it last chapter because you reviewed chapter 49 with the info but it might've been right after I updated. Well anyway, thanks much for the review!

Ilirium- Thanks... I'm kinda astounded myself that so many people will take the time to review my story. Oh, and I'm really glad you understand about the whole dating-before-James thing... Chuck, I have an inside joke about that too! Ooh and I'm glad you appreciate the review responses; that is a topic I'm considerably torn on. Hey, you seem like an awesome person too : )

Sweet Sarcasm- Hehe yeah I know, school does hinder fanfiction goodness. Sorry Grace seems annoying, I'll try to tweak her a bit so she doesn't ; ) Give her a break though.. her boyfriend was just spying on her after all, I think I would wallop him with an umbrella too.

SilverWolf-Ryuki- Ah, well then I guess I won't be meeting Sam then ; ) I'm really glad you liked it, thanks much for the wonderful review!

DestinyofInsanity- Hello! ::Drumroll:: Grace has... Black hair. Who won the argument? I was going to make her have blonde hair, but she's pretty and the outgoing one of the group, so I thought blonde hair would make her unique and not so cliché. Thanks so much for the review!

Stargazer920- Lol, yes there's a lot to read through. Hope you liked it!

Luv-nave- Hehe, glad I could make you laugh so much : ) And yes, the first cut is the deepest (now that song will be stuck in my head forever) but anyway, thanks much for your review!

JSRfan- Thanks for wishing me luck, I really need it. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, thanks for the ongoing motivation!

Armith-Greenleaf- Wow, I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! Thanks for taking the time to read all fifty chapters and then review, I really appreciate it. Interesting penname by the way, does it concern LotR?

Abby- Hehe don't worry, I'm dodging the rotten veggies as well. I'm really glad you like Kirk, or at least the idea of him. Thanks much for the review : )

Sallymander- I'm really glad you enjoyed those chapters, and that I could provide you amusement : ) Yes, he does have wonderful friends, doesn't he? Thanks very much for the reviews, much appreciated!

Steph xp- I'm glad you liked the first section of this monster, thanks very much for the encouragement : ) I hope you enjoy the rest!

Milocachica- Ooh, your timing is impeccable m'dear. Don't worry, Snape will show up sometime soon. I'm really glad you're enjoying it, thanks much!

Dangerously-benign- Hm, sorry about the bad punctuation : / I'll get right on that. I am glad you think I've improved since the beginning, though. Wow, thanks for saying such kind words and expressing such enthusiasm... it makes me feel mucho great : )

Courtney83- Hello! I'm very glad you enjoyed the chapter, despite its terse length. Many thanks for the inspirational words, they really keep me motivated to write more : )

Lady Irony- Well, this is kind of odd writing a response to you, seeing as your review asked to shorten the excessiveness, but I didn't want to leave anyone out ; ) Thanks, though, because I really appreciate honest input. I'm glad you like the story as well, the contribution is appreciated.

Lizzi, Elizabeth- I'm glad you like it : ) Wow, your birthday is July 16?? What a wonderful birthday present... You can get the sixth book and have birthday cake on the same day! Hehe, well thanks very much for the review.

Piper-Loves-Leo- Wow, I'm very glad you enjoyed this chapter so much : ) It's always nice to know you made someone laugh. Your reviews are much appreciated, thanks!

RavenSiriusBlack- Oh my, that was a very crazy review. But that's okay, because you're one crazy chica ; ) Thanks for the delivering the wonderful wackiness that always makes me smile.