Betas for this chapter are: LittleDrummerGirl2010 and Literatifan4eva. You guys are great.

Also thanks to Prongs Smitch for looking over this even though you didn't find anything wrong.

Chapter 5: All About Halloween

"Good morning, Peubert," Mandy said as sunlight filtered through a crack in her curtains.

"Morning, love," a voice answered.

Mandy pushed up on her hands as she was lying on her stomach and looked down to see it was not her teddy bear on her pillow. Instead it was her boyfriend.

"Well that's a beautiful sight to wake up to," Sirius said, gazing up at his girlfriend lovingly.

"You are not my bear. What are you doing in my bed? Only my bear is allowed to be in my bed," Mandy snapped.

"It's not your bed, love," Sirius said, tucking his hands behind his head.

"What do you mean it's not my bed?" Mandy asked. Her eyes slowly slipped away from Sirius's face and trailed down his neck to his chest and realized he had no shirt on. "And how come you're not wearing a shirt?"

"I'm not the only one," Sirius answered.

Mandy's eyes dropped to her own body and her face flamed. Then she dropped back on the bed and rolled onto her side pulling the covers around her.

"Padfoot, if you're talking to Mandy she better be leaving before James gets up in an hour," Remus called. "You know how he feels about you sleeping with her with the four of us in here."

"Give me your shirt," Mandy hissed in Sirius's ear.

He gently kissed her lips quickly and reached over the edge of the bed handing Mandy what looked like her sleep shirt. Mandy pulled it on and realized it had indeed been the shirt she was wearing to bed the night before. Even though it wasn't the shirt she asked for it would work better. "If you're so good find my knickers and my sleep pants," Mandy huffed. Sirius did indeed come up with a pair of sleep pants but no knickers. "If I find out you've taken my knickers hostage and plan on keeping them for some perverted reason, I will not kiss you for a week," she said as she pulled on her pants.

"But you'll still do other things?" Sirius grinned wickedly.

"Let me rephrase. I will not touch you for a week," Mandy answered then slid out of Sirius's grip and bed. She turned to leave but found James sitting on his trunk. "Remus said you wouldn't be up for an hour."

"Glad you took that as a cue to leave instead of round two," James said.

"Oh please, round two was at like midnight," Mandy said then slapped both palms over her mouth to keep herself from saying anything else. The hangings around Sirius's bed flew open behind her but she didn't pay it much thought.

"I'm ok with you sleeping with him; I just don't want you to flaunt it," James said gently. Mandy blushed then nodded. "Don't forget, Hogsmeade this weekend," James finished with a grin.

"Right," Mandy said. She had reached the door when another thought hit her. She turned to look at James. "Do you think my slip is still valid since my parents are, you know ...?"

"Dead?" Peter asked from where he was making his bed. Suddenly he was hit with two pillows and a t-shirt. "Sorry," Peter said, tossing the pillows back to Remus and Sirius and the shirt back at James.

"Naw, it's fine," Mandy shook her head.

"I'm sure the Headmaster and McGonagall will be just fine with you going after what happened to your parents. If not ..." James trailed off, grinning his trademark Marauder grin.

"Thank you." Mandy nodded knowing exactly what he was thinking. If they thought the slip wasn't valid Mandy knew several secret passages out of the castle.

"If not, what?" The Marauders' fifth roommate and Mandy's ex-boyfriend, Talon, asked, exiting the bathroom looking freshly showered. He was also Mandy's sister's current boyfriend.

"That's for me to know and you not to find out," Mandy smirked. "Quidditch practice?"

"Tonight after dinner," James nodded as he was Quidditch captain for Gryffindor.

"Why can't you just tell me? I have as much right to know as anyone else," Talon said.

"Well if you hadn't treated her like scum on the bottom of your shoe a month after you got here last year, we wouldn't keep things from you," Sirius spat at Talon. Talon's family had moved back to England from the States the summer before Talon's sixth year. A month after school had started; Talon had begun sneaking around with Parker.

"But I'm dating your friend now, shouldn't that count for anything?" Talon asked.

"Not when it's a Marauders' secret," James said.

"And since when is Mandy a Marauder?" Talon asked.

"Since she came up with the nickname in what? ... First year?" James asked.

"End of first year," Mandy said. "After you four stole all of my knickers."

"The Marauders marauded and nicked your knickers." Sirius laughed.

"He wouldn't stop saying that for like a month after we came back from summer hols," James said.

"Don't I know it? My mum was a little frightened and concerned when I came home without my underpants," Mandy said. "Now I must go get ready for breakfast and classes."

Mandy sighed and breathed in the strong smell of chocolate radiating from her mug. The Three Broomsticks made the best hot chocolate ever. "I don't know how she does it but each time I come here the hot chocolate is always better than the last time." Mandy took a sip and it felt as though her body was melting.

"It has something to do with—"

"Don't get all psychological on me, Remus. Just let me believe what I want." Mandy grinned as she and Remus sat in a booth at The Three Broomsticks by themselves. The boys were probably ransacking Zonko's and the rest of Mandy's girlfriends were all still trying to find the perfect costume when she had last left them in the wizard wear shop.

"Okay," Remus answered, sipping his chilled Butterbeer.

"Remus, do you already have your costume?" Mandy asked.

"I'm—" Remus cleared his throat uncomfortably, "I'm not going." He looked down at the table and knew he had just opened a can of worms.

"How can you not go? It's on the 30th and that's four days after you-know-what so you'll be feeling just fine and I know a couple girls, one in particular, that are just dying for you to ask her." Mandy's roommate Shelly was one of the girls that wanted Remus to ask her but was too shy to ask him. She had had a crush on him for ages and begged the other girls not to tell Remus.

"I'm not going because one of my good friends can't go and her best friend was a right bugger about it and forgot that she will otherwise be occupied that night."

"Remus," Mandy stopped and waited for him to look up. When he didn't, she touched his hand which caused him to look up finally. "That is the sweetest thing ever. Thank you."

"It's the least I can do. I don't want you to be alone that night but I can't go with you," Remus said as he flipped his hand over and squeezed Mandy's.

"It's not their fault. James is Head Boy, he has to be there. Sirius hasn't had a true ball since Valentine's Day and I know he's really looking forward to it. And Peter doesn't even know what my problem is, so he's of no help."

"That doesn't excuse Sirius and James from leaving you all alone. Especially not Sirius. You two are dating and he won't have anyone to go to the party with," Remus said.

"Rem, I'll be ok," Mandy said as said boys entered the pub followed by Peter, Talon, Lily, Parker, and Mandy's two other roommates, Shelly and Tiffany. Mandy instantly released Remus's hand.

"So this is where you've been hiding," Lily said. "We have to get you a costume, Mandy."

"You haven't gotten a costume yet?" Sirius asked as the boys took seats. Sirius slid in next to Mandy and wrapped an arm around her. James instantly looked down. It still made him uncomfortable to see the two of them together. "What does she mean you have to get a costume? You have to go. You can't not go. This is going to be the most epic party ever. You have to be there. Come on, we'll get you something amazing." Sirius stood back up and grabbed her wrist.

"Sirius," Mandy called as he tugged on her wrist and he stood. "Sirius ... Sirius ... Fluffy!" Mandy snapped the nickname out finally commanding his attention.

"I told you never to call me that," Sirius said, stopping to look at her.

"I already have my costume for that night," Mandy said.

"Oh? What is it?" Lily asked.

"You'll just have to wait and find out. Remus, Sirius, and James already know. Now if you'll let go of me," Mandy prompted, glaring at her boyfriend. He let go and Mandy turned to Remus. "Remy, you know you're my favorite Marauder."

"Besides yourself you mean?" James asked.

"Well, yeah. I guess it's good to know you include me in that group. Anyway, Remy!"

"Yes?" Remus asked, downing the rest of his Butterbeer.

"Walk with me to Honeydukes?" Mandy asked. His eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas Morning. Then he nodded and slid out of the booth. Once at Honeydukes Mandy shook her head and started ranting. "I can't believe they forgot. I mean it's one thing for Sirius to forget. That boy is hopeless when it comes to remembering dates but James; I don't know whether to be angry or upset. And—" Mandy looked around and saw Remus peering at the Bertie Botts. "And you're not even listening to me."

"I'm sorry," Remus said spinning around. "Were you talking to me?" He smirked like he knew exactly what she had been talking about and that he knew she knew he was ignoring her on purpose.

"Uggg. I should go rant to Peter; at least he listens to me."

"I am listening but you're basically saying that you're upset both of them forgot about you. Didn't I already say that?" Remus asked.

"Don't mock me."

"I wasn't mocking you, Mandy. You could always tell them, you know."

"No. I'll shut up I promise. So, chocolate bars," Mandy said. He grinned and they started looking at all the treats.

"Mandy! Mandy!" Parker hollered from the balcony that overlooked the Common Room a few weeks later. Mandy stood and went up the stairs to her sister.

"You hollered?" Mandy asked.

"Why aren't you getting dressed?" Parker asked. "The party starts in half an hour."

"Uh, well, don't worry about me. I like to make an entrance," Mandy answered.

"I hope you don't bugger this up. Lily and Potter have put a lot into this party. Their best mate better not blow this for them," Parker said.

"I'm not going to." Mandy went back downstairs and only to find Sirius on the couch. The rest of the Common Room contained a few third years in the corner and some second years by the window. Sirius grabbed Mandy's hand and pulled her into his lap.

"You're really leaving this kinda late," Sirius said. "Not even you usually wait this long. I'm about to go myself."

"Leaving what?" Mandy asked.

"Getting dressed. I know it's fashionable to make an entrance and I'm more than okay with that, but don't you think—"

"Sirius, what is today?" Mandy asked.

"The 30th of October. The day of the Halloween Ball," Sirius said slowly.

"And what happens on the 30th of every month?" Mandy spat practically livid.

Sirius froze, his head cocked like a dog then his eyes went wide. "Mandy, I—"

"Oh no," Mandy cut him off, extracting herself from his grip, "you don't get to feel bad for me now. You are going to that ball. Enjoy your night."

"Mandy, I can't leave you alone tonight," Sirius said standing.

"Maybe you should have thought about that, this morning." Mandy shook her head. Then she turned on her heel and left the common room.

That night she prowled around the Shrieking Shack her inner tiger going crazy knowing she was trapped in the building without anyone else. It seemed slightly odd to Mandy, the way Stripes was reacting as tigers were solitary creatures, but the next morning she just shook it off. Unlike Remus and most werewolves Mandy had read about, as a were-tiger Mandy kept her mind when she transformed but she couldn't control any part of the tiger's body. It was as though she was locked in a cage in her own mind; able to see and hear everything going on but unable to control her reactions. Stripes, as James had nicknamed her tiger form, wasn't a happy tiger that night and she made it known growling and moaning.

It had all started six days after her sixteenth birthday when Mandy had been walking in the woods behind her house looking for her cat Cyrus and had been bitten. From then on every month on the 30th and the 28th of February Mandy went from a sweet, teenage girl, to a snarling, black and white tiger. James had found out about her condition a month after the day she had been bitten when she had transformed in front of him and a couple months after that she had told Sirius. Mandy hadn't wanted to tell him but when one of her transformations had left James bleeding as she had clawed up his right forearm she had no choice but to get his help.

When she sat down to breakfast on Halloween morning, Remus sat down across from her and stared.

"What? I've had a rough night so talk quick," Mandy bit out, chewing on her toast.

"Can I ask you something slightly personal?" Remus asked softly. He knew her hearing would pick up on it even if no one else's would. Mandy nodded. "Are you pregnant? I know you've been sleeping with him and everything. You smell different and you're more grouchy than usual."

Mandy leaned across the table and hissed "I just spent 12 hours locked up in a supposedly haunted house as a were-tiger, alone, and you're accusing me of being pregnant? Are you really trying to make me angry?"

"I'm not trying to make you angry and I know what you went through; I'm just saying that it's possible and that I think you should go see Madame Pomfrey," Remus hissed back. "You know, just to be certain."

"Are you telling me what to do?"

"I'd never try to do that, I only want what's best for a member of my pack," Remus answered calmly. He stared directly at her and all Mandy could see were his pupils with no color left.

Mandy looked around the table as she gingerly sat back down and noticed that what students were there at the Gryffindor table were all staring at their plates. Then she noticed that the other three tables, to include Slytherin, were all glancing at her and whispering.

"Did something happen last night that I don't know about?" Mandy asked.

"I don't think so. However, I was asleep when the boys came to bed and they were asleep when I got up. And before you ask no I can't hear what they're saying," Remus said, his eyes back to their normal color. Both finished their breakfast and then headed out of the Great Hall and up the marble staircase. Two floors up Remus looked at Mandy. "Hospital Wing is down there."

"I'm not sure I'm ready to face that option. I have to work up to it," Mandy said slowly.

"Are you sure? There's nothing you'd like her to look at?" Remus asked.

"Unlike you, when I'm left alone, I don't hurt myself. I just pace like a caged tiger," Mandy said.

"It is what you are," Remus said. They went up one more floor and Remus shook his head. "Then this is where we part. I need a book and I'm sure you're knackered. Good night," Remus smiled.

"Thank you. Good day to you," Mandy said. She continued to the seventh floor as Remus continued down the fourth floor corridor to the library. When she reached the common room the portrait held her up.

"Where have you been all night?" The Fat Lady asked.

"My dear lady, safe and sound where I am every month." Mandy shook her head.

The Fat Lady stared at her. Mandy said the password and after a moment the portrait swung open and Mandy crawled into the common room. When she entered the room Lily was making her way down the girls' staircase as James read a book on the couch and Peter was scribbling on the parchment in front of him as he was sprawled on the floor. Mandy looked around the Common Room but could not see Sirius anywhere so she walked over to James.

"Guys, where's Padfoot?" Mandy asked.

"Upstairs, probably still asleep," James said distracted.

"Thanks." Mandy turned and headed for the stairs.

"Mandy, wait," James said, turning to look at her.

"Too late. In a hurry." Mandy bolted towards the stairs and suddenly found herself tripping forward. Mandy only stumbled and then righted herself.

"Mandy wait." James jumped up and rushed to his friend.

"Maybe you shouldn't go up there," Peter added as he too walked over.

"What's going on?" Mandy asked.

"Nothing, it's just—" Peter started.

"You're probably really tired and you should get some sleep and then see Sirius after classes let out," James said.

"Guys, I just had a really rough night, thanks for that by the way James, and all I want right now to see my boyfriend before he has to go to class," Mandy answered.

"Okay, but don't say we didn't warn you," Peter said.

Mandy went up the stairs and quietly entered the boys' dorm. She crept over to Sirius's bed and found he wasn't alone. Mandy swallowed and picked the mask up off the floor realizing it was pink. The girl's blonde hair trailed down her back as she lay on her stomach and Sirius's hand trailed up and down her bare back. Mandy sat down on Peter's bed and spotted Sirius's pirate hat from the night before on his nightstand. Then Mandy spotted the pink princess dress on the floor.

"Mmmm ... Mandy?" Sirius asked. Mandy looked up from the floor to see Sirius propped up on an elbow staring at his bed mate. His hand ran down her back then he pulled the covers back slowly. Mandy watched as he smiled in relief and sank back into the covers.

"How long?" Mandy asked, her forearms resting on her legs.

"What?" Sirius asked, his eyes landing on Mandy.

"How long?" Mandy asked, tossing the pink mask at him and glaring.

"Mandy—this isn't what it looks like." He stood from the bed slowly and walked around his bed to sit down next to her. He was still wearing the bottom half of his costume but his chest was bare. Mandy was grateful Sirius hadn't slept with her but she couldn't excuse her in his bed. Mandy's eyes narrowed as he got close. Sirius dropped to his knees in front of Mandy and clasped his hands together. "Please, let me explain," Sirius begged.

"What's there to explain? There is a girl in your bed. One who isn't me. One who is blonde. You know, the part of me that fell in love with you last May would have thought you would have been there for me no matter what I said. It wasn't easy becoming—"

"Mandy, please. I know nothing I say will ever make you forgive me. I just want to explain how we ended up like this."

"Fine, you have two minutes," Mandy sighed.

"Somebody spiked the punch. I know that's not an excuse. I'm not using it as one," Sirius said. "By the end of the party I was tipsy, I never drink more than I can handle, but I was blaming myself. I know it wasn't easy for you to be alone last night. It's never easy on Remus either. Anyway, I was blaming myself for going to the party and not coming to help you and she comes up to me. I don't know how it happened but we ended up kissing and making our way back here and before I know it, I'm sitting on my trunk shirtless and she's stripping in front of me. Mandy, I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. She tossed her dress to the side and then she passed out. I couldn't very well let her sleep on the floor," Sirius explained.

"So you put her in your bed and climbed in right beside her? That makes a lot of sense." Mandy rolled her eyes.

"I didn't have the energy to go back down to the Common Room or to drop to the floor. You know how I get when I sleep on the floor."

"And transforming?" Mandy asked.

"Look, I'm not proud of what happened and I know it's too much to ask for you to forgive me but at least I'm not lying to you."

"How will I ever know that? You come from a dark family, Black. Hippogriffs can't change their feathers overnight. How am I supposed to trust you now?" Mandy asked.

"I don't know," Sirius said. "Are you mad at me?" He looked so sad and despondent and his grey eyes pleaded with her to forgive him or at the very least not to be mad at him.

"Upset. Disappointed. My trust is broken. But I am not mad," Mandy said. "I have to go." Mandy stood and left the room.

Will Mandy ever forgive him? What will she say to James and Peter in the common room when she returns there. Will she ever-You know what I'm going to let you guys ask the questions. So since it's my birthday I'm asking for three reviews. Just three. That's all I want. Three reviews and I'll update again. If no one reviews then this will be the last chapter and you'll never find out what happens to Mandy and Sirius.