Cat, Rat, and Dog

By Matelia-legwll

A/N: Last chapter, Peter and the rest had just noticed Snape.

"What do you think we'll be writing?" I asked curiously. "There's not that much she can really go on, is there?" "I will not perfume the Slytherins so that they smell better than they usually do," said Sirius. "Speaking of Slytherins…" said James over our chuckles. He was looking steadfastly down the side corridor. I turned to see what he was looking at.

"Snivellus," said Sirius, a sly grin creeping on his face. "Genius."

I looked between the approaching Snape and the still scrubbing Filch. "This should definitely be interesting."

CHAPTER TWENTY NINE: Lily

This was one situation I really did not want to be in.

I thought James would take the hint. I really did. How foolish I was to think that that would actually happen in my lifetime. I should have known he'd be as stubborn as all get out.

As much as I wanted to see my best friend again, I definitely had held certain expectations for our next meeting. I had rethought my initial desire of getting him to recognize me for who I was. I had prepared my alibi, but now I needed to act like a cat to prove the innocence of the situation.

And really? Being found by Sev to be in James's arms again is not the best foot to start off on. Even if James was technically the one that cared for me.

Why did James have to notice him coming down the corridor anyway? I mean, the Marauders were supposed to be messing around doing something else, not torturing the Slytherins.

"Hey Snivellus! Looking a little greasy there, aren't you?" called Padfoot, twirling his wand idly.

"Little dirty, more like," corrected Remus softly, to himself.

"Too true!" chortled Peter.

"Hey Filch!" Prongs said quite loudly. "Aren't you supposed to be cleaning up messes like that one over there?"

Severus took a threatening step towards the Marauders, but Filch glanced up disgusted, and exclaimed, "Another one! Been tracking that mud all the way from the dungeons I expect. Hours more cleaning for me! And Dumbledore—Yergh!"

I was confused watching Peter look around, startled for a moment, before falling into fits of laughter. Another person wearing a confused face was Severus.

"Mud, did you say, Filch?" Severus closed his eyes and opened them again. "How is it physically possible for me to have tracked mud throughout the castle?"

"Oh you're just dripping with it, Snivellus, didn't you know?" shot Potter.

Yes! I was actually able to call him 'Potter' again, without even trying too hard. Admittedly, I also used two Marauder nicknames within the last couple of minutes, but let's not discourage ourselves, shall we?

After all, I can't expect perfection. Since I've slid into the first names and nicknames over the duration of a week, I can give myself a week to correct my tongue-slips without it really mattering one way or the other. Right?

Why does the idiot git choose this moment to start stroking my head? I'm in a situation I want to ignore completely because I can't do a blasted thing about any of it, and the dunderhead brings me completely back to my surroundings with a couple of pats on the head. Really, he should know better—oh! Ohhhh, that feels nice… a little to the left there… that's the spot; keep scratching right there.

I would have been thoroughly embarrassed, and I think I will be if I ever look back on this moment, but I didn't feel anything but comfortable as I contentedly closed my eyes and let James peacefully scratch my neck.

Did—Was that—I do believe I've started to purr again. I smiled, then ruefully thought, I really should be able to control myself better. My smile didn't drop.

At least be able to pick the time and the place. Still beaming.

And the company I'm currently in. Maybe those thoughts will help to make me stop.

Does Sev realize how uncomfortable his staring is? I don't believe he's taken his eyes off me since Potter whipped off his last quip. I really don't want to do this. I don't want to be here. Phew, I've quit purring.

If there was a place I'd rather be right now, it would be home, in my regular form, talking with Petunia over the garden. That would be the ideal. Mum could come out of the house to give us some lemonade and chat, and Dad could bring home some little present for me or Tuney.

Of course, since life isn't always ideal, I'd even take the option of fighting with Petunia, Mum telling us both to shut it, and Dad coming home stressed and tired from a case at work.

Is that last situation honestly too much to ask for? It's not much, truly. What exactly would make it better than the one I'm in currently?

Well, for one, I would be human and not a cat. Honestly, one doesn't consider the benefits of being human until one is forced to live as another creature. The next time I hear someone complaining about being a human, I think it would teach them a very nice lesson to spend the day not as one. Or maybe just an hour or two. I definitely wouldn't make them spend any more time than just a day, though. I couldn't be that cruel. And certainly it would not last as long as a fortnight. No, sir.

Two, I would not have to be taken care of by my previously declared enemies, and therefore wouldn't have to worry about any feelings growing whatsoever. Feelings are overrated anyway. It doesn't matter that James thinks I'm the most wonderful person in Hogwarts, though I do treat him a bit harshly. It wouldn't matter anyway. Even if he does smell like peppermint.

Three, can I express my lack of desire to have Severus see the way in which my assumed trust of those he considers mortal enemies leads them to take care of me? Yeah, I can think of so many better things than betraying the loyalty in a friendship by befriending your friend's enemies. Just like the friend of your friend should be close to you, the enemy of your friend should be your enemy too. That's just basic loyalty principles. And I'm blatantly flaunting my lack of loyalty. At least, that is the way it probably is appearing to Sev.

Wait. Just. One. Minute! What the newt was that?

What just happened here? I mean… Filch was over there instead of right there. Severus is… looking mad and covered in mud for some reason. I didn't notice that before. All the Marauders, even Remus and Peter, have their wands out, and they're just twirling them around idly. And I swear I just saw a flash of light hit the wall beside James.

Alright, now I wish I had been paying attention. At least then I should have had a chance to process what was actually going on around me. I hadn't thought the taunting would have progressed to dueling this quickly.

"Filch, ever tried a cleaning charm?" piped Peter.

"Oh he probably tried it, it just didn't work," commented Sirius.

"And it definitely wouldn't have had any effect on Snivellus anyway," added James. "He's much too dirty for any charms to produce results."

That's it. Since these boys will insist on needling and teasing Severus, I shan't stay and condone it. Perhaps if I left, they would find something else to do instead. And hopefully nothing will progress to dueling in the corridors.

I leapt out of James's grasp, I think taking him by surprise, and started strolling down the corridor away from the commotion.

"Lils!" exclaimed Potter (Cheers! I called him Potter) as he dashed after me. Perhaps I should have started out at a faster speed. It will look dreadfully suspicious if I start running now. Rats.

He caught me, and now he's mumbling, "Evans would kill me."

I'd like to point out the fact that yes, I probably would kill him, but not for leaving me alone! In fact, leaving me alone might actually result in a kis—eurgh. Ew. No. Was that a hairball I almost coughed up? Definitely will take a couple steps back from that line of thought.

And that was marvelously uncomfortable.

Apparently, cats don't always land on their feet.

And obviously, tails do not like to cooperate with literally walking out of someone's grasp.

Ouch. My side hurts. Still.

I would protest James picking me up again, but he is stroking that side very lightly and being all comforting and nice. Plus it is much easier on my muscles to be carried rather than walking everywhere. And it never hurts for him to smell of peppermint. How in the world does he manage that, anyway?

I mean, I'm aware of the peppermint shampoo or whatever that makes his hair smell good, but today I noticed that his shirt smells all pepperminty too. What, does he have the house elves soak it in peppermint before putting it in his clean laundry? Or does he spray some kind of perfume? Perhaps he purposefully spilled the shampoo in the place where he keeps his shirts.

I'm proud of myself. That last one actually sounds logical.

Does Severus have to resort to staring at me? I know it's hard to believe that I'm actually letting Potter (good job, Evans) get away with some of this stuff. But it's hardly under my control anyway.

I blame Sirius Black!

Except, he might actually like being blamed, and all that. Considering that he put the fortnight extension on mainly for his own perverted pleasure.

Fine, then!

I blame Peter Pettigrew!

I made sure to grin evilly at said person as I thought this, and was pleased to make him jump and quaver in fright. Ha! There! The blame rests on Peter, see? And I am so going to torment him for it when I'm back to normal.

I wonder how many tongue twisters end as questions?

Bwahahaow. One should not attempt maniacal laughter when one has just injured her side. I winced.

You know, I believe the whole problem with this situation is that I never have any time to myself to just think about what I'm doing. I'm always impulsively acting or reacting to something or someone else. Perhaps if I could get a few spare minutes I would be able to concentrate enough to analyze my own behavior. But then I would probably be so utterly embarrassed, I'd hide under a bed for the rest of my sentence.

Ooh, what an interesting string hanging off Remus's cloak.

And thus distracted once more, I was able to leave James's arms in order to bat at Remus's cloak in an effort to catch that string.

It's hypnotizing, that's what it is. The string gets just close enough that I think my hand—paw can reach it, so I lift it and extend a claw to catch the string and the cloak swirls further away again. Thank goodness Potter's (good job, Lily) the only one that seems to have noticed my presence here. I don't know how I'd explain myself to Remus if he ever turned around and noticed me.

Of course, Remus wouldn't understand my cat talk, anyway, so it might not matter that much.

"Lils, haven't you been bothering Mr. Moony enough?" was the soft whisper from behind me that made me jump.

"Eh? What?" said Remus, turning around for the first time since I had started playing with his cloak.

I ignored James, and chased the string so I was behind Remus once more.

"Apparently you might want to cut that string," suggested James, rising from his crouch. Cut it? How dare he? I was enjoying myself and he wants to take away my fun.

"What string?" was Remus's response.

Peter, having looked over at James and Remus and me, burst in, "Hey, Moony!"

"Don't forget, Mr. Wormtail. We are currently in a pranking situation," reminded James.

"Are we having steak for supper?" continued Peter.

Remus paused. "That sounds like a really good idea to me. Now, Mr. Prongs, what were you saying about a string?"

"Because I overheard the house elves saying we'd only have mashed potatoes tonight," added Peter nervously. "Who ever heard of mashed potatoes without steak to go along with it?"

"Me," said Sirius. "We're actually having shepherd's pie."

"That would definitely consist of mashed potatoes and no steak," agreed James.

One is subjected to listening to the oddest sorts of conversations when one is no longer able to voice her own opinion in response. I would have surely pointed out that beans on toast is an excellent meal, that requires neither steak nor mashed potatoes.

Peter, in spite of the certain lack of steak at tonight's supper, was beaming.

"Er, Mr. Prongs?" said Sirius with a perfunctory glance around.

"Yes?"

"Where's Lils?"

"She's batting at a string on Mr. Moony's cloak. Why?"

"She's what?" said an alarmed Remus, twisting in order to glance over his shoulder. "I didn't feel a thing."

James laughed once, and commented, "Well it was only your cloak, and not your trousers or anything like... that..." he trailed off, having circled Remus once and not spotted me on the ground.

The silence that met the realization that I wasn't anywhere near Remus's cloak was only broken with Severus's protests to Filch that he hadn't gone outside in the last twenty-four hours. I grinned contentedly from my perch.

The Marauders hurriedly searched the nearby area for me. It was absolutely hilarious. They were trying not to draw attention to their search, trying to keep an eye on Severus and Filch, and trying to add to the arguments whenever they could. But worrisome glances were cast at all the doors, and all the passageways, and even some parts of the walls and portraits that I was sure didn't have any actual secrets.

I was wondering who would be the first to look up. Sirius was looking at too many portraits and doors to notice me. Peter was occupied with the floor in hopes that he might spot me there. James was methodically checking everything from one side of the corridor to the other. And so my current bet was Remus. His eye line was higher than the other boys. He happened to be glancing at the various windows in the corridor.

Hey, Sev! Now would be a great opportunity to notice me up here. See, I'm not letting James and the Marauders take care of me all the time. In fact, I'd let you take care of me, if you'd just notice that I'm trying to escape.

Hang on. Would Severus actually care properly for a cat? Would he even know what exactly is needed? He's too much of a loner to ask for advice from his housemates like the Marauders did. And I wouldn't want Slytherins providing him with items I'd have to live with anyway. I know Severus has never had a pet to care for in the past, though. It's too much of a risk of an expense.

Is that a logical enough argument to convince him why I didn't consider leaving the cat with him?

Wow.

I love my brain.

"There she is," muttered an exasperated Sirius.

Well, I would have lost that bet.

"Where?" asked Potter anxiously.

Black pointed right at the statue I had climbed up on before disguising the point as a stretch. Drat him. I was supposed to have been able to stay hidden here for several more minutes. Traitor.

Oh, well that's just perfect.

Here comes James.

"Lils!" he hissed. "What the newt are you doing up there?"

I smiled infuriatingly at him, and watched his jaw clench in irritation.

"Come back down here," he ordered.

I tilted my head and lashed my tail. Does he really think I'm actually going to follow orders that easily? Does he mistake me for some vapid, loyal, obedient dog? Unfortunately, none of those adjectives describe me. Well, don't get me wrong. Obedience and loyalty are virtues, and ones that I usually try to display. However, I've just discovered my hypocritical nature on the loyalty issue, and that irritation is fueling a desire for disobedience.

"So help me Merlin, I can climb up there and grab you, Lils," he warned in a low voice.

I turned on the head of the statue to try and ignore him and his threats.

I wasn't stupid by any means. I had noticed Potter (cheers!) and his obsession with scaling the castle walls. But every time he had showed off those sorts of talents, he'd been outside. It just never occurred to me that those skills could be even slightly transferable to climbing a statue that was inside the castle.

At least, not until he was halfway up the statue.

What the newt does he want me to do? I'm not going to just sit here and let him catch me again. I'm tired of that game. Let's switch over to a nice game of Leave Me Alone, Potter. I haven't been able to play that one for a week.

Let's see, where can I go that James won't be able to catch me? Quickly now. I can't possibly be fine with jumping down to the ground. He could just jump down nearly as quickly and then where would I be? His mates would be able to help too. So, down is not an option.

Across doesn't seem to be much of an option either. Nothing really seems to be level with me, on the quick survey I made of the corridor.

So, up, I suppose. Is there anything above me?

Genius.

Rafters!

And the nearest one being no more than four feet straight up was a blessing in disguise. I could easily jump that distance from my perch on the statue's head, but James, even standing on the statue's shoulders, shouldn't be able to reach it. And considering that one of James's hands had just locked onto said shoulder, I should make my move. Fast!

I tensed, and coiled, before springing up and letting my momentum carry me up to the rafter.

I landed rather well, if I do say so myself. It was graceful, just like a scene out of a perfect picture, until my tail caused me to stumble as my last paw got its footing. At least, my tail didn't completely knock me off the rafter. Stupid tail. But anyway, successfully found myself on the rafter looking down at the minuscule ants that the other people seemed to be.

Well, I suppose Potter (cheers!) seemed a bit bigger than an ant. Maybe a cockroach in his case. I smiled smugly at them all. The Marauders were looking rather aghast, but Severus and Filch had yet to notice the drama that was surrounding the rest of us. Idiotic prats.

I wonder what I would have to do in order to actually win Sev's attention.

Looking down at the scene and then back at the statue made James seem dangerously close. And I was technically still just above the statue. I would probably be safer if I moved away from this spot.

I flaunted my decision as I crossed the rafter, my tail raised high. "Lils!" hissed James again. "Come down from there! Come on! Get back down here. I can't follow you up there."

Exactly the point. You can't follow me. I don't want him to even try.

Anyway, I wasn't going to listen to his advice.

My tail rose high as I gave a haughty pose in response, considering my next move. My rafter would end in a tapestry and the closest rafter was three and a half feet away but that was three and a half feet closer to the Marauders. The one on my other side was about four feet away and I thought I'd like that one instead. If nothing else, it would get on James's nerves. My tail lashed in anticipation.

I crouched low, then jumped for that rafter, and missed. Stupid tail. Why did it have to twitch up like that? The momentum carried me past my original destination and I had nowhere that I could actually latch onto.

"Lils! No! Evans will murder me!" I heard James shout. I also heard a thud, as I assume he jumped off the statue.

I went sailing through the air, not unlike the many times when I'd been swinging on the playground near home and jumped off the swing. I think that was the main thing that made me keep my wits about me as I flew through the air toward the arguing toe-rags. I instinctively twisted my body to land feet first, and pulled my tail in so it couldn't interfere, and extended my claws. Unfortunately, I happened to land on Filch's uplifted arm first, and gave him some scratches as my momentum carried me further and I landed on Severus's shoes.

Not exactly the attention ploy I was looking for, but I suppose it would have to do.

Unfortunately, I found I couldn't actually use it to my advantage, as I found I was in shock from the fall. I blame my tail for that too.

"Potter!" I heard Filch bellow.

"Sorry, Filch! She's just a kitten, you know."

I felt hands grabbing me and passing me over from person to person, landing me in James's arms in the end. Precisely the spot I was trying to avoid with the whole adventure. Still, I was shaking slightly from my fall, and I allowed myself to curl into a ball and close my eyes. Maybe that would allow me to control the adrenaline that was still pounding through my body because of the fright.

The first thing to penetrate my self-centered oblivion was Filch's near constant complaints. "Nothing less than I'd expect—a pet of those hoodlums—nearly took my arm off—"

"Hey, Filch, don't you own a cat?" was Sirius's rebuttal.

Filch sneered. "Mrs. Norris is much better behaved than that one."

James said patronizingly, "Surely you've still been scratched though."

"Wood paneling is far more likely to scratch me than my sweet," was Filch's reply.

I heard several noises of incredulous disbelief. James shifted his hold on me, and I opened my eyes to see him putting a restraining hand on Sirius's shoulder. I looked around farther, feeling slightly guilty over my current residence, but Severus had disappeared. He must have taken the opportunity to leave. I couldn't dwell on it too long though, as James spoke.

"Forget it mate. He's in love—with a cat. He can't be too sane."

Peter and Padfoot found this remark extremely funny. They bent half-over, cackling their heads off. I for one am not amused, because making witty comments is one thing. Making fun of the poor man for his pet pampering by laughing that hard, is just wrong. I think they even puzzled Prongs and Moony with their enthusiasm. Oh. Eurgh. Not another one. Alliteration is all well and good, but Moony doesn't even start with the stupid letter P.

Remus. Remus. Remus. Remus. His name is Remus. Honestly, I've fought his nickname this long, why should I succumb to it now? I've got to get my mind off this stuff.

"Out!" Filch was ordering now. Wow, they actually got him to turn red in the face. For someone as sallow as Filch, that was quite an accomplishment. "Out of this corridor before I give you all detentions!"

At that, Sirius had to pipe up, "I thought detentions were being restricted by Dumbledore."

"Dumbledore's restrictions only applied to cleanliness detentions! Not disturbing the peace detentions!" Filch nearly, well I would call it screeching, but he really couldn't reach the proper pitch for screeching. So I suppose I'll have to call it rasping. His face also darkened a degree.

"Are you going to give yourself one of those?" asked Peter innocently. "Cause you're certainly disturbing the peace with all that shouting."

That happened to be the last straw. "OUT!" Filch bellowed, and nearly chased us out of the corridor.

The boys stopped as soon as we were around the corner, and panted slightly. Peter poked his head around the corner to confirm that Filch had gone back to his cleaning.

"Mischief managed," puffed Wormtail.

"Mischief managed," agreed Sirius and James.

"Mischief managed. Think we should let up on the illusions all at once, or little by little?" asked Moo-Remus.

Great. Now he's a cow. I groaned.

The sound apparently was enough to focus unwanted attention on me. James shifted me around until he was able to hold me at arms length and examine me. Uncomfortable, embarrassing, and awkward. Need I say more?

"Are you actually alright, Lils? Did you hurt yourself anywhere? That was a huge jump. What were you thinking?" James started quietly ranting.

I answered with a shrug and a yawn. The shrug kinda got missed because of how exactly he was holding me, but the yawn was very prominent.

"You were bored?" guessed James.

I had thought he would understand that excuse easily, as he quite frequently used that one with me. I mean, surely there must be some validity, to him at least, if he used it that much.

"Great. She's bored," said Sirius sarcastically. "Let's see what we can do to entertain the cat, shall we?"

"Can't we do something else?" asked Peter.

"I'm actually starting to get hungry," mentioned Remus.

"Great idea, Moony!" was the general consensus as they all trooped off to the Great Hall, and James lugged me along.

I wasn't particularly starving at this point, considering the way I stuffed myself for breakfast, and the cupcakes I shared with Scabbers, so I was more content to watch the four boys and nibble at the food they put in front of me.

I was far more interested in contemplating how long exactly it would take for Scabbers to tell Snuffles, and for Snuffles to have the chat with Sirius that would cause me to be changed back.

It wouldn't be reasonable for it to take less than a couple of days, considering the rat had to find the dog, and I hadn't been able to find Snuffles through my search of the castle. I kinda want to give Sirius a hint about Scabbers and Snuffles so he knows to be on the lookout.

I was in luck. I spotted a bowl of nuts.

It was easy work to drag the bowl back to where Sirius and Peter sat and dig out some almonds for communication devices. How did I not think of this before? This is so easy.

I had nudged the various nuts into the word 'FIND' before Wormtail noticed what I was making and elbowed Padfoot.

"Look! The cat knows how to spell," he whispered, impressed.

Sirius gave him a look, before whispering back, "Of course she ruddy does. Have you seen any of her essays?"

"She's written essays?"

"Yeah, they usually run about a foot longer than the professors ask for."

"Oh. Wait, what?"

"Just because she's a cat now, doesn't mean she was always a cat," Sirius explained softly.

"Right." Peter nodded, finally connecting the two ideas. Sirius sighed and shook his head.

"What are you two whispering about?" asked Remus, sounding surly for some reason.

"Nothing," Peter said quickly.

"What? No interesting conversations on your side of the table, Moony?" asked Sirius before Peter could say more.

Remus shot a glare at James before saying, "No, the narcissistic git is checking out his reflection. Again."

"Are you sure you can't see any white in there at all, Moony?" James asked, holding a spoon in front of his head.

"That again?" asked Sirius incredulously. "Honestly Prongs, you were exaggerating the effect the first time."

"No I wasn't!" pouted Potter.

"Yes you were," retorted the other three.

"Fine! Be that way," he grumbled, switching his spoon for the knife. "Ever find it odd that spoons turn your reflection upside down on one side?"

"Not really," said Sirius and Remus.

Unfortunately, Peter latched onto the question. "It really is odd, isn't it? It's like those funny mirrors at those muggle circuses, but even weirder."

He continued carrying on, while I set out trying to spell 'Snuffles' with the rest of the nuts. I do hope it's spelled with two F's.

I just got finished with 'Find Snuff' when McGonagall strode to the four joking boys with four detention slips. She passed them out, and the Marauders gave a collective groan.

McGonagall's lips twitched. "Don't tell me you've forgotten?"

"Of course we haven't," muttered Moony.

"How could we forget our date with you, Professor?" smirked Padfoot.

"Good. I'll see you promptly at seven then," McGonagall nodded quickly, and with a surprise pat on my head, she started to walk away.

"Oh, Potter!" she turned back, having remembered something.

"What, Professor?"

"No matter how well she spells, pets are not invited to detention."

"But Professor—" James tried to object.

"I'm not risking the disasters, Potter." McGonagall shook her head. "And certainly not after the broom incident."

"You've got to admit—" started Sirius.

"—the broom incident was all fun and games, though—" inserted James.

"—can't imagine how Aubrey ended up in the Hospital Wing—" continued Sirius.

"—completely not my fault—" defended James.

"Be that as it may," Professor McGonagall cut both of them off with a sharp look, "She's not allowed to come."

McGonagall left them at that point, leaving me to finish my task and pat Sirius's arm to get his attention. He distractedly looked over my note to him, and mouthed to himself for a bit before muttering under his breath, "Snuffles." Wormtail looked up and over curiously before he noticed my note. His eyes widened, and he gave a little chuckle, causing Padfoot to regard him suspiciously. "You know what she's talking about?" he guessed. Peter nodded. "Tell me about it later then," Sirius said, purposefully messing up the nuts before the other boys caught on to what was happening.

I pouted of course, but very soon after I started pouting, James carried me to him and started petting me and such. It's extremely hard to stay mad at someone when another person is fussing over you in such a flattering way.

Unfortunately, my day started to catch up to me at that point and I was yawning more than purring. It had been an extremely long day, what with my escape attempts, wandering the castle, meeting Scabbers, ignoring the Marauders, playing with the string on Remus's cloak, and my run-in with Filch and Severus. See, it sounds exhausting just listing it at all.

So I only half-listened to the banter back and forth that the boys engaged in as they journeyed back to Gryffindor Tower. I couldn't tell you everything they talked about, just that it involved mirrors and detention. I do remember drifting into the conversation when James was being teased about constantly checking his appearance, and Peter, after much teasing, handed a small mirror to James. But other than that, I retained no details.

I was quite glad when they continued their trek by going up to the dorm room, rather than staying in the Common Room. I might have been able to catch a few winks if it hadn't been for James periodically stroking my fur or shifting me around. They eventually left me for their dinner and detention, and I rejoiced. Taking full advantage, I curled up on James's bed and was only roused from my slumber when Sirius came into the dormitory singing.

"Oh what a beautiful morning!" sang Sirius.

I heard a thwack as I assume someone smacked him, and an irritated, "Padfoot, it happens to be night," from Remus.

Sirius whined, "But that doesn't have enough syllables, Moony. I'd have to add 'time' to the end."

"And?" James asked, amused.

"Oh what a beautiful nighttime," demonstrated Sirius, then came a pause. "Then it gets boring because the only thing I could do is 'Oh what a beautiful night.' Honestly, Moony."

"What about 'evening' for the first?" piped up Peter.

So I managed to fall back asleep to Sirius singing, "Oh what a beautiful evening. Oh what a beautiful night. I've got this wonderful feeling, everything is gonna be all right." It made me smile for I could picture my dad singing the original song on the holidays.

And the only other time my slumber was disturbed was when James dragged me off his pillow and more into his arms so he could also sleep. And for the second time in as many nights, I slept in James's bed rather than my basket. Merlin, I wish I was awake enough to care.

Peter's List

Check. Item one: Hide the map.

Check. Item two: Tell Sirius.

Check. Item three: Laugh off any weird questions.

Check. Item four: But don't laugh when an ironic situation comes up.

Check. Item five: Take a deep breath if the subject comes up.

Check. Item six: Don't hyperventilate when others are discussing cats or Evans.

Check. Item seven: Just stop reminding myself that the cat is Evans.

Check. Item eight: Change the subject if it is hitting too close to home.

Item nine: Don't look suspicious.

Item ten: Don't tell anyone the real reason for this list.

Check. Item eleven: Don't show fear of the cat.

Check. Item twelve: Do be very, very careful around Moony.

Check. Item thirteen: Don't talk or have any conversation with Dumbledore.

Check. Item fourteen: In fact, avoid Dumbledore completely.

Item fifteen: Never look at Evans directly in case her glare makes you feel guilty.

Item sixteen: Make sure not to call Evans "Evans" around anyone who is not Evans.

Item seventeen: Don't let James figure out the cat is Lily.

Check. Item eighteen: Steal Remus's chocolate.

Item nineteen: Don't let Snape corner me about Evans or the cat.

Check. Item twenty: Interrupt Remus's thought processes as often as possible to prevent him from realizing the cat is Evans.

Item twenty-one: Don't hide any list or the map behind my back. Find a better hiding spot.

Check. Item twenty-two: Help Sirius get detentions to make him happy and keep him helping me.

A/N: And so the prank is finished at last... and the extremely long ramblings of Lily have been concluded.

Thanks to all my faithful readers for the reviews and the support. You really do have the ability to make my day! If anyone, and I mean anyone, has any ideas for Peter's list, go ahead and send me a PM or a review with your ideas. Cookies for reviewers! And yes, for those of you that did the math, 42 is indeed the answer to life's most important questions. Umi has taught me well, and I have made my chapter outlines. The question that has been asked since the prologue will be answered in chapter 42. As long as no other plot bunnies distract me from my goals, that is.

Enjoy! And thanks for reading!