A/N: Guess who's back? It's Mary and friends! One has to wonder what the "unofficial Marauders fan club" has in store for our heroes ^^ Oh, and I think a few people might have been wondering about this (or not, lol). . .this story takes place in the Marauder's fifth year.

Shining Star

Chapter 8: Mismatched Love

While the Marauders were off having a splendid weekend over at Hope Springs, the other Hogwarts students were left to bear with the heat without running water. The weekend weather however, was merciful compared to the long, hot school week that led up to it, so many students were studying outside, enjoying the cool, spring breeze as opposed to the oven-like temperatures within the castle.

It was a pleasantly warm Sunday afternoon when Mary Lynn Hayther and her friends were spending time together chatting outside on the Hogwarts grounds. Mary, being the oldest, was unofficially the leader of their little group, who were all admirers of the Marauders and their antics. She sat in the center of the old wooden bench where their group often hung out, with Brenda and Ivy sitting on either side of her while the others sat in the grass or on the concrete ledges nearby. Mary's group consisted of about five core members who were nearly always by her side, and twenty peripheral members who tagged along with Mary on a less constant basis. Mary, being popular, friendly and open to everyone at Hogwarts, had attracted girls from all four houses to be part of her group, which was often referred to by other students as 'Mary's posse' or 'The Marauders Fan Club.'

"Ahh. . .I'm so glad the weather has cooled off a bit!" exclaimed Brenda Hall of Hufflepuff, who sat on Mary's left.

"Me too. . .and I heard they were going to have the water back running by tomorrow!" added Ivy Lee of Gryffindor, who sat on Mary's right.

"My, my. . ." Mary said in her usual all-knowing tone. "Come now, girls. . .you all know how the Marauders beat the heat, right?"

"I heard they snuck out again this weekend!" called a Slytherin girl.

"That's right, Elisa." Mary smiled and continued. "And they returned yesterday afternoon from. . .?"

"Hope Springs!" several girls replied at the same time.

"Excellent!" Mary beamed. "I'm so glad you all keep up with current events. Now, does anyone have any more intel on that note?"

"I heard from Lily Evans that it all started with James's great idea," Ivy began. All eyes turned to her as she recounted her story. "They took their brooms out to Port Hope and stayed at a luxury room in Hope Springs! They did exploring, shopping, had delicious food, and. . ." Ivy lowered her voice in anticipation. ". . .they even bathed together in the hot spring!"

Several girls squealed at this last comment. Mary smiled her praise towards Ivy, who grinned back proudly, glad that she was able to contribute some new information to the group.

"'Tis a shame really, that Lily won't join us," Mary added sadly. Many girls in the group sighed wearily at this comment.

"She's practically got James Potter wrapped around her little finger!" Erica Glenwich of Gryffindor exclaimed.

"He does see her as quite the fit bird," Ivy agreed. "Speaking of crushes. . .you had something to share with us, right, Erica?"

"Oh, Erica!" Mary said gleefully. "Please do. Tell us everything! Remember girls, the secrets one reveals in our little circle stay within the circle."

"Well. . ." Erica began, blushing furiously as all eyes turned towards her. "I. . .sort of have a crush on Remus Lupin." At this, the group gasped in excitement, but Mary motioned for Erica to continue. "I often come across him in the library and he's always so polite to explain to me the things I didn't understand from Charms class. I think he's quite brilliant and he has such a kind smile."

"Yes, mmhmm, yes. . ."Mary nodded in agreement. "So. . .have you thought about asking him out?"

"Well, I thought I would talk things through with all of you first, you know, to check to make sure it's okay with you and all. . ."

"Nonsense! We may all be admirers of the Marauders, but that doesn't mean they're not fair game to any of us, truly speaking," Mary explained with a reassuring smile.

"Right!" Brenda supported Mary's words. "We're all open and honest about our feelings here. I think of Remus as quite brilliant as well! But Erica, I think you should totally go for it! If it's you, I'm sure he'll say yes!"

"Yeah!" Ivy gave Erica a sly grin. "I'll even help you out. . .how about you confess to him after dinner at the Great Hall tonight? That way, we'll all be there for moral support and we can sit together and plan out what you're going to say while we eat!"

"Ohh. . ." Erica smiled gratefully towards her friends. "You'd all do that for me? Thank you so much!"

It was only a few hours later when it was finally dinner time, and Erica found herself being coached by Ivy at the Gryffindor table on what to say to Remus. While they talked, they discretely kept their eye on a certain copper-haired boy in hopes of catching him on his way back to Gryffindor once he had finished eating. When Remus got up from his seat and put away his tray, Ivy nodded to Erica, a sign that it was time to start their plan. With a wink from Mary and a thumbs-up from Ivy, Erica smoothed her skirt and followed Remus Lupin out as he left the Great Hall after finishing his dinner.

"Remus! Wait up, Remus!"

"Oh, hello Erica," Remus greeted her politely with a gentle smile. "How are you this evening?"

"I'm well, thank you. . .how are you, Remus?"

"I'm doing alright, it's good to see you."

"Ah! Good to see you too!"

They continued walking together in silence until Erica tugged at Remus's sleeve, who turned and looked at her questioningly.

"Umm. . .Remus. . ." she began.

"Hmm? Is something the matter, Erica?" Remus met her gaze with a concerned look.

"It's just. . .Remus, I. . ." Erica grabbed Remus's hands tightly in her own and locked gazes with him. There was a silence between the two before she continued, "I really like you. . . Remus. . .will you be my boyfriend?"

"I. . .I'm very flattered, Erica," Remus spoke slowly, unsure of where to start. No one had ever confessed to him before, and he couldn't help but sympathize with the beautiful girl now standing before him, who had summoned the courage to act on her feelings, all for his sake. His mind flashed to Sirius for a moment and he hesitated. 'Erica is a nice girl, but the one I really love is Sirius!' he thought. 'But. . .Sirius is loved by so many girls, I could never stand a chance. . .nor would I ever be able to bring myself to act on my feelings anyway. . .'

"Remus?"

"Oh. . .umm. . ." Remus closed his eyes and rubbed his brow, realizing that Erica was eagerly awaiting an answer and that he was probably making her uncomfortable by not responding for a while. "Of course, Erica." Remus opened his eyes and smiled his kindest smile. "I would be honored to be your boyfriend."

With that, Remus could not help but feel his heart sink.

End Chapter 8