Harry Potter and the Time Potion

When the Moon Rises

"Took you long enough," Lily sighed when they finally came down the stairs. "Breakfast will be over soon, come on!"

"Yea, whatever," Harry yawned. "Hope Ratboy's not there, I don't know if I can stand to see his ugly face again..."

"I hope he is there, so I can squash his ugly face in," Sirius growled.

"And if Michaels knows what's good for her, she'll cower under her rock for the rest of eternity," James growled.

"Oh come on already," Lily sighed.

They walked down the steps. Remus was still silent.

"Cheer up, Moony," Harry said.

Remus nodded silently. "They're gone. They're really gone."

"It's all right, Moony," Sirius said, giving his friend a hug. "Everything will be okay."

Remus choked back a sob. James patted him on the back. "You can come stay at my house for the summer," he said.

Lily kissed him on the cheek. "Your parents wouldn't want you to cry for them. Please don't."

They were approaching the Great Hall. Remus wiped his tears away.

"Took you guys long enough," Draco sighed when they came over to him.

When they sat down, an owl came swooping down onto Lily's head.

"The mail's come and gone already," Draco frowned. "What are you doing here?" Lily opened the letter that the owl had dropped. She choked.

Suddenly an owl dropped a letter on Sirius's head too. "Oh no," Sirius whispered. "Lils, it's not-"

Lily nodded tearfully. Sirius opened his letter in dread. Harry read it over Sirius's shoulder and gasped. It read:

Sirius-

The fulfillers of the prophecy shall be killed. Everyone who has ever made the mistake of calling you 'friend' shall be avenged. One by one they shall shatter, giving in to reality. Let that make you see. You cannot hinder your destiny.

-Father

Harry gritted his teeth. "Bloody hell, Padfoot."

Sirius bit his lip. "Yea," he squeaked.

Harry took the letter out of Lily's hand and read:

Dear Miss Evans:

We regret to inform you that your parents/guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Evans, have been murdered by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.

Lily's lip trembled. Harry handed the letter to James and gave his mother a hug. "Come on, Lils, I'm sure Dumbledore will understand if you don't go to classes today... you too Remus..."

Remus, having already seen Lily's letter, nodded, staring at her blankly.

Remus and Lily left the Great Hall for Gryffindor Tower, not speaking but holding hands tightly. Patricia Patil rushed over to them.

"I saw the Prophet," she said. "How are Remus and Lily?"

"Not that good," Draco said. "What happened anyway?"

"Lily's parents were killed," Harry whispered. Draco ground his teeth.

"This is all my fault."

"Oh please, Draco, don't start that again," Harry said. "What were you supposed to do? Let him take over the world?"

"Yes."

"This conversation is becoming repetitive."

Patricia cleared her throat to let them know she was still there. James said quickly, "They really aren't feeling that good, Patricia... let them be alone for a while, maybe talk about it with each other. Then I'm sure Moony would be happy to see you again."

"All right then, bye." Patricia went back over to her table.

Sirius put his face in his hands. Draco did the same. "Draco, Sirius, cheer up," James said. "Sirius- there is no reason whatsoever for you to feel guilty. Same with you, Draco. Draco, like Harry said, you had to do it. You couldn't just let him take over."

"I was supposed to."

"Yes, I know. And I, for one, forgive you, but only for your peace of mind, since there's nothing to forgive you for in the first place."

"Agreed," Harry said. "And Sirius, your reason for feeling guilty is even worse than Draco's! Because you don't even have a reason! Just because your father keeps telling you things doesn't mean they're true!"

Sirius sighed. "I guess you're right, Beaky. But still- the fulfillers of the prophecy shall be killed. It's - I don't know - creepy. What do you suppose he meant by that?"

Suddenly Harry's heart dropped a thousand miles when he realized what that meant. "Draco, there's something I have to tell you."

"Well? Talk!"

"In private."

"Oh."

Harry and Draco walked out of the Great Hall. "What is it, Harry? What's wrong?"

Harry bit his lip. "Do you remember that prophecy of Iona Voldemort was talking about?"

"I tried to forget," Draco mumbled. "Something tells me it's no good..."

"It's not. Have you ever heard it?"

Draco shook his head. Harry said, "It goes like this:

Son of the flower and son of the longing,

Foes in ways that are unbecoming,

Coming together to fulfill the past,

Then become friends 'til the last.

Son of the flower, bold and bright,

Never giving in to fright,

He shall beat evil back unscathed

And he shall set them free.

Son of the longing, sad but strong,

He shall face a terrific wrong,

Beating back the evil,

That brought the flower down.

Now friends forever, they will join

The order that was lost.

They shall be friends forever,

At whatever cost."

Draco bit his lip. "It's us."

"I noticed."

Draco paced for a minute. "What does it mean, 'the order that was lost'? What is it talking about?"

"I have a guess," Harry admitted. "No real proof. I think it's the Order of the Phoenix."

Draco nodded. Apparently he had heard about the Order of the Phoenix already. "So- it's us. Dumbledore is going to reinstate the Order, and we're going to be in it."

Harry nodded grimly. "That's my guess."

"Now, I'm sure you'll agree Divination is for idiots," Draco said, "but Iona was definitely a true Seer."

"Unlike Trelawney."

"Yup. Most definitely."

"And Voldemort knows all this. He knows we're a danger to him. And that's what it meant in Sirius's letter."

Draco nodded and bit his lip again. "So, to put it in short term, we're dead meat."

"Not exactly," Harry said. "I've been the top of Voldemort's wanted list for as long as I can remember, and I'm still here."

"You're different."

"How?"

"Er..."

"Well, we're not in any new danger," Harry said. "But we will be if we're late for Potions."

"Damn, we've got Theorax first today? Wonderful way to cheer me up," Draco said sarcastically.

"I know, isn't it?" Harry said.

The two of them walked back into the Great Hall. The dishes cleared. Sirius grinned at them.

"Cheer up!" he said. "It's time to go to the torture dungeon!"

"Oh, well when you put it that way..." James groaned.

Harry and Draco picked up their books. At that moment Wormtail and Michaels walked in. Michaels scowled at them, then walked out, seeing the dishes had cleared themselves already. Wormtail, however, was steaming. He walked over to them menacingly.

"Harry..." he breathed. Harry gritted his teeth. He gave the others a stand-back-or-else glance. They could only stare menacingly and crack their knuckles.

"Hello Peter," Harry said coolly.

"You fool," Wormtail hissed. "You think you can-"

"Obliviate," Harry whispered. Wormtail stopped short.

So, what do we have first?" he said gleefully. Harry winked at them.

"Potions," sighed Sirius, winking back.

"Dang," Pettigrew sighed.

"Let us go and be tortured," James groaned.

"Yea, whatever," Sirius yawned. "More like we're off to go to sleep."

When they finally got down to the dungeons, the class was just taking their seats. Thankfully Theorax didn't see them slip in. She was writing Potion ingredients on the board. By the time she turned around, they were seated quietly.

"Potter, where are Evans and Lupin."

"They are indisposed, Professor," James said sweetly.

"They are resting."

"Resting? You had the whole day off yesterday to rest. Twenty points from Gryffindor."

James sighed. He had tried, even though it was a hopeless try.

"Now, today we will be making Pooping Potions. They help people who are constipated."

The whole class burst into laughter. Professor Theorax took twenty more points from Gryffindor.

Professor Theorax droned on about Pooping Potions. Harry sighed and looked around the room. He had been thinking about what Remus had said. It would be nice to go the ball with someone. If he could keep his mind off his past... or was it his future? Anyway, he anyone who could keep his mind clear of his own time for just one night, they would be welcomed with arms wide open.

Harry looked around the room. Most of the girls seemed... well, ordinary. Lily would have to be the prettiest out of all of them. His eyes lingered on Narcissa for a moment longer than they should have, and she started to turn around. Harry looked away quickly.

Harry glanced up and down the Gryffindor side of the room. He couldn't bring himself to date a Slytherin. Sirius and James (not to mention Ron) would never forgive him for it. That left Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. No, dating a Hufflepuff would make him seem too desperate. Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were pretty big houses, right?

Suddenly Harry saw the one. It was a girl. A pretty girl. No, a really pretty girl. On the Gryffindor side of the room, Harry noted. She was sitting in the back, all alone. She had sparkling blue eyes and wavy brown hair. She's just like Hermione, Harry thought.

When Professor Theorax asked what the first ingredient to a Pooping Potion was, the girl sat on the edge of her seat. Theorax called on her.

"Powdered root of asphodel," she said firmly. Bloody hell, she even acts like Hermione! Harry poked his father.

"James?"

"Mmm?" James came out of his glazed trance to look at Harry.

"Who's that girl?"

"There are quite a few girls in here, Harry, it would help if you would specify."

"That one, way in the back."

"Oh, her? That's... damn, what was her name? Oh, Laura Hillman."

"You're sure?"

"Positive. Why?"

"Er- I was thinking of asking her to the ball, and it would help if I got her name right."

James smiled. Harry grimaced. "I definitely should not have told you that."

"No, you shouldn't have."

Harry groaned. "Drat."

"Oh, Harry, you could have told me if you were in love..."

"Who ever said I was in love?"

"You did, just now."

"I said I was going to ask her to the ball. That doesn't mean I'm in love."

"Yes it does."

"Listen, the one and only reason in the world I am asking her to the ball is that she reminds me of Hermione."

James grinned. "Yea, whatever you say, Harry."

Harry groaned again and went back to looking at Laura Hillman.

Meanwhile, Sirius was bored. No, he was really bored. He was so bored, in fact that he resorted to listening to Theorax.

"The Pooping Potion should only be used by the constipated," Theorax was saying. "The effects may be very dreadful otherwise.

"The Pooping Potion, when drunken by the non-constipated, will cause the subject to poop uncontrollably."

The class rolled over in laughter. Sirius chuckled. Suddenly he sat up straight. He had an idea!

"Draco!" he hissed. "Pooping Potion plus Slytherins equals..."

Draco bit his lip to hold back his laughter. "Quite a few hysterical Gryffindors," he whispered back. He conjured three glass vials with his hand under the table and showed them to Sirius.

Sirius winked at him. This was going to be the best prank ever.

"Now, I will put you into pairs," Theorax said. "Snape and Potter..."

The two enemies scowled at each other. Harry grimaced. This was not the best pairing Theorax could have done.

"Black and Harlem..."

Sirius bit his lip. Narcissa scowled at him. Harry saw Sirius look away from her quickly and wipe his eyes. And I thought she couldn't get any worse, he thought.

"Malfoy and Malfoy..."

Draco growled. Damn, he thought. Lucius looked as if he was daring anyone to talk to him.

"Finnigan and Hillman..."

Harry smiled to himself. This was the perfect time to ask her... He looked around to see Laura's reaction. She was blushing. Harry bit his lip. A full memory of the time he asked Cho to the Yule Ball came into his mind...

This wasn't going to be as easy as he had hoped.

After Professor Theorax finished calling out partners, Harry walked over to the cauldron Laura was sitting at. She pulled over the chair on the side of her, not looking up. Harry sat next to her.

"So..." Harry said. Oh great. This isn't going any better than last time.

"I'm Laura Hillman."

"Harry P- Finnigan."

"We'd better get started," Laura said meekly. Harry nodded.

"Yea- right."

They worked in silence for a while. Suddenly Harry blurted out, "Do you want to go to the ball with me?"

Laura looked up at him in surprise. "Umm..."

"I mean, if you don't want to that's fine," Harry said quickly. "Or if you're going with someone else..."

Laura shook her head and bit her lip. "No, I'll go with you."

Harry relaxed visibly. "So- so I'll meet you in the Common Room at 8 on Saturday?"

Laura nodded. They worked on the potion quietly for the rest of the lesson.

Meanwhile Sirius and Narcissa weren't getting along too well. Mostly they worked in silence. Apparently Narcissa didn't want to waste any more of her breath on Sirius. When they both reached for the same ingredient at the same time, Narcissa withdrew her hand quickly in disgust.

"Keep your filthy paws to yourself, Black," she hissed. Sirius bit his lip as he poured in the ingredient.

Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, she'll only laugh at you, don't cry, don't cry, don't cry... he thought. Nevertheless, he looked away so that Narcissa wouldn't see the look of hurt on his face. "Sorry," he mumbled.

Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Just don't try anything funny, Black."

"Oh, don't worry," Sirius said. "I won't." NO YOU IDIOT SARCASM ONLY MAKES IT WORSE!! Said a voice in his head.

Well, it's better than moping around like a baby, the other side of his head snapped. Neither way is going to bring her back, so it doesn't matter which method I choose. Plus, Harry and Draco are going to take care of her in there own time, so I'm going to have to wait a while anyway. There's no use in moping.

Sirius Black had made a decision. He was not going to tolerate Narcissa pushing him around any more. He wouldn't hurt her, his heart wouldn't let him, but he was not going to lay down and let her trample all over him. And if she came back, then GREAT! He wouldn't have to do any more acting.

As far as he knew, he stunk at acting. But that was the old Sirius Black. That was the guy who let Narcissa trample all over him. This Sirius Black stood up for himself. Sirius had made a decision, and once a Black made a decision, no power on earth could stop them from fulfilling it.

Narcissa looked at him surprised. "Finally come to you senses Black?"

"Oh, you wish, Harlem," Sirius said. "I'll bet you wonder what it feels like to come to your senses."

Narcissa raised her eyebrow, but didn't comment. Sirius gave an inward sigh of relief. He really needed to work on that acting thing.

Meanwhile, Draco and Lucius were on the brink of insanity. Still, being the smooth Slytherins, they didn't show it.

"The Wolfsbane goes in first," Draco said coolly.

"It's the quicksilver," Lucius insisted.

"Look, it says it right here. 'Add Wolfsbane, then quicksilver.'"

Lucius scowled but realized he was right. "You put it in."

"Oh no, I insist."

"Just do it, you lousy Gryffindor."

"Oh no, Slytherins first."

Lucius finally gave in. He added a sprig of the flower into the potion. "You do the quicksilver."

Draco bit his lip. If he put it in, he might die. If he didn't, he would look like a chicken. Ah, well, chicken over death, he thought.

"No, I insist."

Luckily Lucius did not fight back. "You Gryffindors are such lousy Potion brewers," he muttered. "You're so lazy..."

Draco breathed freely again. All of the other ingredients were lycantort-friendly. Malfoy made him put in basically the rest of the potion. Draco retorted.

"Oh, Gryffindors are lazy, eh?" Draco said. He had no idea why he was making fun of his own house, but it felt so good to get on his father's nerves.

Lucius sneered at him. He looked away to talk to some of his fellow Slytherins. Draco quickly filled the three glass vials with Pooping Potion. Draco smiled coolly. Could be worse, he thought.

In James's situation, however, it was worse.

Snape was being unbearable. Again. What else is new? James thought miserably.

"Potter," Snape spat, "put in the Wolfsbane."

"You do it, if you're so afraid I'll mess up."

"Oh please, just do it."

"Oh, well if you don't think you can handle it without messing up..."

"With that attitude, Potter, you'd think it was you instead of your friend," Snape whispered. He poured in the Wolfsbane. James clenched his fists.

"One word, Snape, and the whole world will see you and Zabini."

Snape smiled at him sarcastically. James could tell behind that smile he was really worried. Good, James thought. At least we've got something on him.

James picked up the quicksilver and poured a dash in. "Happy?"

"No, I'm not. I'm still stuck with you."

"Good. Not that you're stuck with me, obviously, that you're not happy. I'd rather be with anyone in this room than you. I think that's the one and only thing we can agree on."

Snape nodded. "Yea, so don't get used to it, Potter."

"If I did get used to it, I'd be scared, Snape. Very, very scared."

"Shut up Potter."

"Shut up yourself Snape."

"Class dismissed!" Professor Theorax called. "Homework- I want at least two rolls of parchment on Pooping Potions, due Monday!"

The Gryffindors groaned. Professor Theorax took ten more points. Harry grinned at Laura.

"So- I guess I'll be seeing you."

"Yea," Laura blushed. "Bye, Harry."

"Bye, Laura."

Harry grinned happily as he watched Laura's back. "Yes!" he whispered.

"Did you get your date?" James teased, coming up beside him.

"For your information, James, I did," Harry said. "I see you survived."

"Only just," James said woefully. "Poor Sirius, I wonder how he's doing..."

"For your information, Prongs, I happen to be hunky-dory," said Padfoot, coming up to them. "How are you?"

James looked at him surprised. "Sir."

"Jamsie."

"How many times do I have to say it, Padfoot? How many times?"

"Fifty bazillion."

"Don't call me Jamsie, don't call me Jamsie, don't call me Jamsie..."

"Oh shut up, Jamsie."

"AHH!!!" James cried. "Where's Boa, Beaky? Maybe he can save me from this idiot..."

Draco sulked over. "Howdy," he said grimly.

"Howdy," Harry said back.

"Oh, Jamsie..." Sirius called.

"Boa, save me from this idiot!" James cried, kneeling at Draco's feet.

"Why would I want to do that," Draco grinned evilly, "Jamsie?"

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" James cried. He ran away from them. Sirius ran after him.

"We've got free period, guys!" Harry called. "There's Advanced DADA next on here..."

Draco gulped. "How about we go see how Lils and Moony are doing?"

Harry nodded. "Did you make out all right with the ingredients?"

Draco shrugged. "Father's such an idiot, didn't even notice that I didn't touch the Wolfsbane and quicksilver."

Suddenly Harry thought of something. "Draco, when Moony touched the Clitoral Band it hurt him. Why doesn't it hurt you?"

Draco smiled grimly. "It's only liquidized silver for me," he said. "No heavy silver chains or anything like in those stupid Muggle movies."

Harry grinned at him. "It's not your fault, you know."

Draco sighed. "I know."

"ATTENTION ALL WEIRDOS!" Harry yelled at James and Sirius. "WE'RE GOING UP TO SEE HOW LILS AND MOONY ARE DOING!"

"I am not a weirdo!" James called over his shoulder. He was now chasing Sirius in the direction of Gryffindor Tower.

"That's what they all say, James, that's what they all say..."

Draco suddenly raised an eyebrow at Harry. "You're telling him this?"

"Draco! I am not a weirdo!"

"That's what they all say, Harry, that's what they all say."

Harry opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. "Shut up, Malfoy."

"Thank you for letting me know I have successfully aggravated you."

"Oh, you're welcome," Harry said sarcastically.

"HEY!"

The four of them stopped dead. "WHATEVER IT IS, I DIDN'T DO IT!" Sirius yelled. Wormtail chuckled as he came around the corner.

"Grown used to saying that, haven't you, Padfoot?" he chuckled. "I've been trying to catch up with you guys since you left."

"Oh, right," James said. "Sorry." He gritted his teeth.

Peter laughed. "We're going up to see Lily and Remus now," Draco said coolly. "Come on."

They walked up in silence. Or rather, Draco, Harry, and Idiot head walked up in silence. James started chasing Sirius again.

"Could they be any more immature?" Peter sighed.

"Yes," Harry and Draco said as one.

"Fred and George could give them a run for their money," Harry said.

Peter looked at him blankly. "Oh- friends at Beauxbatons," Harry said quickly. "Pickled herring."

The Fat Lady opened up. The two boys and the ugly rat climbed through the portrait hole. Sirius and James were waiting for them, looking worried.

"They're gone," Sirius said, shaking slightly. "They're gone. We checked the Marauders' Map and the lobby. They've disappeared."

Harry didn't even stop walking. He just turned around and walked right back out of the portrait. The others followed him. Harry started jogging.

"Where are we going?" Draco asked, struggling to keep up with him.

"The Shrieking Shack," Harry said. "You idiot, Padfoot, why didn't you look there?"

"Well, I'm not a genius," Sirius said, shrugging as best as he could while running.

"Boy, do we know it," Peter sighed. Sirius growled at him.

"Shut up, Wormtail."

"Why should I?"

"Because I said so, you dufus."

"Is that supposed to stop me?"

"Yup. Now shut up."

Wormtail sighed. Harry rolled his eyes.

James caught up with them. "Where -are- we- going?" he panted.

"Shrieking Shack, duh," Harry said. "You and Sirius seriously have some issues if you didn't think of that right away..."

"Who says we didn't?" James panted.

"Oh, maybe 'We have no idea where they are' threw us off just a tiny bit," Draco said.

"Oh. Right."

Harry sighed. "Come on, we're almost there..."

Remus and Lily left the Great Hall for Gryffindor Tower, not speaking but holding hands tightly.

"Everything will be okay, Lily," said Remus, more trying to comfort Lily than believe it.

"Why, Remus?" Lily asked, tears in her eyes. "Why?"

"I don't know Lily," Remus said, hugging her. "I guess it was just meant to be."

"It's too strange, Remus. I can't really imagine them dead."

"We're strange people, Lily. We can't help it any more than normal people can help being normal."

*

Sometimes I get so weird

I even freak myself out.

I laugh myself to sleep, it's my

Lullaby.

Sometimes I drive so fast,

Just to feel the danger.

I wanna scream,

It makes me feel alive!

Anything But Ordinary- Avril Lavigne

*

"Let's go somewhere, Remus. Somewhere where they won't find us," Lily said, dapping a napkin at her eyes.

"But where, Lily?"

Lily thought for a moment. "The Shrieking Shack," she said finally.

So Remus and Lily, still holding on to each other tightly, steered towards the Whomping Willow.

Lily felt like she was floating. Nothing seemed real anymore. How can they be dead? Lily thought. How can they?

Remus, on the other hand, did not feel disbelief in any sort. He had grown accustomed to believing in horrible things. He was barely feeling sadness. No, he was feeling blind fury. How could he? How could he? Remus thought.

Lily and Remus sat down on the bed. Ironically enough, it was the same room that Peter would reappear in twenty years later. The room in which Sirius would lose almost all hopes of ever being cleared. It was also the room where Harry had stormed off to... was it only two weeks ago? Harry had stormed off to this room when he had thought he had interfered.

Lily looked at Remus with sparkling green eyes. "I'm leaving tomorrow to- to go to their funeral," Lily choked. (A/N: Yes, I get the point that some of my reviewers thought people cried too much in this fic. Sorry, but this is a sad fic. Everyone gets hurt a lot. I've been trying to make the boys all big tough men, but Lily's still a girl, and girls cry easily. I mean, what would you do if your parents died?) "Are you going too?"

Remus gritted his teeth and shook his head. "Why not?"

"Because of my grandfather," Remus hissed. "My grandfather scheduled the funeral on a full moon. I can't go."

Lily gasped. "Oh my gosh, Remus."

"It's not a huge surprise, actually," Remus said with a sigh. "Grandfather always hated Romulus and I."

"Who's Romulus?"

Remus bit his lip. "My brother."

"I never knew you had a brother."

"He- he's a Squib," Remus said. "And he hates me."

"How could your own brother hate you for what you are?"

"What? Oh no, it's not that. He's a werewolf too. He was bitten a- a month after I was." Remus gulped.

"But then why would he hate you?"

Remus looked up at Lily with his pale, shining blue eyes. "Don't you get it, Lily? I bit him. It's because of me he has to suffer like I do."

Lily's heart almost broke in half for Remus. "Remus, you could have told me."

"I- I thought you would be afraid of me," Remus whispered painfully. "All I ever wanted in life was friends, Lily. A few good friends were all I ever asked for. And I got them. I don't want to lose them. I really don't."

Lily squeezed her friend tightly. "We will never abandon you, Remus. Never ever, until the ends of the earth."

"Lily," Remus choked. "I need to breathe..."

Lily giggled and let him go. "Sorry, Remus."

"It's okay," Remus said, rubbing where she had hugged him.

"I'll always be here for you, Remus. Always."

Remus looked up into Lily's welcoming eyes once more. "You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for."

Lily and Remus sat in silence for a long, long time. Finally Lily said, "I wish there was something I could do to help you, Remus."

"There's nothing, Lily. I'm destined to be a monster for life."

"That gives your grandfather no right to keep you from your parents' funeral. You've been through so much, Remus. You don't deserve this."

"Do any of us deserve this? You don't deserve it. Harry doesn't deserve it. Sirius doesn't deserve it. Peter- no, he's a bad example; he deserves every single suffering and more. Draco doesn't deserve to be a lycantort. James- you know his parents are next, Lily. And all of us will be in danger when we leave Hogwarts. There are evil people in this world, Lily, and they ruined all of our lives with things we by no means deserve."

Lily nodded and closed her eyes. "The worst thing about it is there's nothing we can do."

Suddenly there was the sound of footsteps in the hallway. Remus sighed.

"Sometimes those guys are too clever for their own good."

Lily laughed. "They're clever?" The door burst open and James and Sirius stumbled in. Remus raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know how worried we've been?" he said.

"Aw, you worried about us?" Remus said. "How sweet."

"We didn't know you cared," Lily said.

"We've been looking all over the castle for you!" Sirius yelled in frustration.

"Oh please, Sirius, you were only looking for two minutes," Harry laughed as he walked in. Sirius stuck his tounge out at Harry. Harry stuck his tounge out in return.

"Could you guys be any more immature?" Peter sighed.

"Hmm... I'm not sure, wanna find out?" Sirius said.

"I would definitely pass on that one," Draco laughed as he walked in. "You're bad enough as it is."

"Are you guys all right?" James asked.

"We're fine, James. Fine. You should really look the word up in the dictionary some day," Remus sighed.

"What's a dictionary?" James asked blankly.

"Jamsie is feeling a little out of it today, Moony," Sirius informed Remus. Remus nodded in bemusement.

"SIRIUS!" James yelled. "You are going down!"

The rest of them watched bemusedly as James attempted to beat up his mentally challenged friend.

"Oh Jamsie, stop it, that hurts..."

"PADFOOT!"

"JAMSIE!"

"ATTENTION ALL PSYCOS!" Harry yelled. "SHUT UP!"

"Oh, that's nice," Draco said sarcastically.

"I know, isn't it?"

"I am not a psycho," Sirius said defiantly.

Ready?

How could I not be?

What are you guys talking about?

You'll see.

"That's what they all say, Sir, that's what they all say," Harry and Draco said together, grinning like maniacs. Sirius stuck his tounge out at them.

"So Harry," Remus said, "did you get that date?"

Harry went red. "Yes," he mumbled.

"Ooh, who is it?" Lily said.

"Get this: Harry's going to the ball with Laura Hillman!" James said. Harry scowled at him.

"She's okay," Remus said.

"She's really nice," Lily said.

"And her nose is dead center too," Draco said.

Harry shot Draco a look. Eloise Midgen isn't that bad.

And Snape's out buying you a Christmas present.

Out loud Harry said, "Shut up Malfoy."

"Why ever would I want to do that, Harry?"

"Because your face is ugly enough as it is."

"Point taken," Draco said, backing away.

"Who's Eloise Midgen?" Lily asked.

"Who's who?" Peter said.

"Don't pay any attention to this idiot," Harry said, pushing Draco away from the rest of them. "Picked him up on the side of the road... worst mistake of my life..."

"Oh sorry for being normal, oh great Harry P- Finnigan," Draco said, bowing down. "I mean, with your fantastic broom and all that junk..."

"Malfoy?"

"Yea?"

"Two words. Care to guess?"

"Umm... pickled herring?"

"Nope. Shut up."

"Rats."

"I for one don't appreciate the way you speak that word," Peter said defiantly.

"One word, Peter," Sirius said. "Care to guess?"

"Umbrellas?"

"Nope. Tough."

"Shucks."

"Whoa, wait a minute, it's time for lunch!" Lily said, springing up from the bed. "We'd better go... we'll be late for Transfiguration!"

"Oh no, we wouldn't want that," Draco said sarcastically.

"Shut up, Draco," said Lily and Harry at the same time.

"Go Lily!" Harry said. "Now you can join SUFAMS."

"I can join what?" Lily said.

"SUFMAS- Save Us From Annoying Malfoy's Stupidity," Harry said proudly. "I made it up."

"HARRY!" Draco bellowed.

"DRACO!" Harry yelled back.

"You are such an idiot!"

"No I'm not!"

Draco grinned. "That's what they all say, Harry, that's what they all say..."

Harry groaned. He turned to Lily. "You wanna join?"

Lily shrugged. "Why not?"

"Okay great," Harry said, pulling out little slips of parchment from his pocket. "Now this is your membership card... yea, just sign here..."

Lily took out a quill and scribbled her name. "LILY!" Draco screamed.

"Sorry Draco," Lily shrugged.

"Hey, I want to join!" James said.

"PRONGS!" Draco said.

"Don't forget me!" Sirius said.

"ARGH!" Draco yelled. "I AM GOING TO GET YOU FOR THIS SOMEDAY, BEAKY!"

Harry just grinned as Sirius and James signed their names. "That," he said, "was for those Potter Stinks badges last year. In your face, Boa."

Peter grinned and took a slip, pulling out a quill. "NOOOOO!!!" Draco yelled, making a dive at him. Peter scribbled his name quickly, and then stepped to the side. Draco landed on the floor with a thump. Sirius and Harry laughed.

Draco bared his teeth at Harry. I am going to get you back for this, Harry.

Bring it on!

Oh please, you two, don't do that...

"Why not, Lily?" said Harry and Draco at the same time. "He deserves it."

Lily sighed. "Never mind."

Remus smiled and patted Draco on the back. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm not joining."

"Go Moony!" Draco said, smiling at him. "Now Remus has got potential, unlike some people I could mention," Draco said, glaring at Harry. Harry stuck out his tounge.

"Aw, come on Moony," Sirius said.

"You get a pretty piece of parchment," James said, holding up his membership card.

"No thanks, Prongs," Remus said.

"Oh, and before I forget..." Harry said, handing Lily, James, Sirius and Peter little packages.

"What's- oh, awesome!" James said. It was a chain (pure gold, Harry had learned his lesson) with one charm, the word SUFAMS.

They were all the same, except Lily's. Harry had made a special one for his mother. It was a (still pure gold) ring, with the word SUFAMS adorned with tiny emeralds. Lily smiled.

"It's beautiful," she declared. "Thanks, Harry," she said, giving him a peck on the cheek. Harry smiled.

"You're welcome. I thought you'd like it. I hope you keep it after Draco and I go back to -er- Beauxbatons."

"I will," Lily smiled. "If I ever forget about you, I'm sure I'll find it too pretty to throw away."

You're so good at speaking in code.

It's a gift.

I am so going to kill you, Harry...

Harry smiled at Draco. "You guys really like them?"

"Ooh, I want one!" Remus said. "I'll join!"

"REMUS!"

"Sorry Draco," Remus answered as he signed the slip and received a package. "But these are just too good." Remus put on his chain.

"I DON'T BELIEVE ALL OF YOU!" Draco cried. "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU'D- ooh, wait a second, can I see that?"

Harry burst into laughter. "Sure you don't want one, Draco?" he said mischievously. "All you have to do is sign the form..."

"Of course I'm not going to join you idiot!" Draco cried. "Of course, I could tell everyone it stands for Save Us From Adorable Malfoy's Sweetness..."

"So do you want one?" Harry said. There should be a law against grinning that widely, Draco thought. Draco started to shake his hand, but Harry waved his hand at him, and he stopped midshake.

His head started to nod. HAROLD JAMES POTTER, YOU UGLY GIT, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME? Draco thought wildly.

"Ouch, Draco!" Lily said, rubbing her head.

Harry winced, and then said, "Don't know what you're talking about Lily. Okay, Draco wants one everybody! Just sign here now..."

Draco heard the rest of the boys crying from laughing so hard. Draco watched helplessly as he signed the form.

"HARRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING???" Lily screamed.

"Nothing," Harry said innocently. "Good, Draco, now you're in. Here..." Harry took his wand and locked the chain around Draco's neck. Harry muttered a spell, and a jet of light came shooting out of his wand. Harry waved his hand again and the spell on Draco was released.

"I AM GOING TO KILL YOU FOR THIS ONE DAY, HARRY!" Draco screamed, fumbling with the chain. "Hey... it won't come off."

Harry fell to the floor with laughter. "I - I fixed it - so that it - would never- come off!" Harry choked from the floor. "Only I can take it off you... and I'm not gonna!"

Sirius, James, Peter, and Remus fell to the floor laughing. Lily chuckled. Draco glared.

Harold James Potter, you are dead. Dead. Dead.

Ah, well... Save us From Adorable Malfoy's Sweetness, remember?

You guys are so immature...

Thanks.

(A/N: In case you didn't notice, when it's underlined and bold, it's both Harry and Draco, okay?)

Lily sighed. "Come on, let's go guys, we've got ten minutes until Transfiguration... thanks a lot, Harry, for making us miss lunch..."

"You're welcome," Harry said automatically.

"Yea, come on, let's go," Remus said.

The group left the forsaken building and headed up to the castle. From there they found people walking out of the Great Hall to go to their classes. They ran up the flights of stairs, and when they finally came into the Transfiguration classroom the bell rang.

"Safe," Draco sighed as they walked into the classroom. Professor (I got it right!) Weasley smiled at them.

"Good afternoon," she said. "Today we will be doing... let's see... oh, right, since this class did so well on their last Animagi course," the bots grinned at each other, "we will be doing advanced Animagi for the next few weeks."

"Now, can anyone tell me the three parts involved in the making of an Animagus?"

Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, Draco, and Harry raised their hands automatically.

"Harry?"

"There is a potion, a charm, and of course, the bit of transfiguration at the end," Harry recited.

"Very good. Five points to Gryffindor."

Five points for breaking the law? Not bad, not bad...

Not bad? It's not just not bad, it's great!

Great... yea... right. I'm still not that happy about you guys breaking the law.

Shut up Lily.

"Now, does the Animagus-to-be get to choose his or her form?"

Again, the whole group of secret Animagi (and Lily) raised their hands. "Sirius?"

"Yes," he said a bit too firmly.

"Correct. What would you choose, Sirius?"

Sirius pretended to think for a moment. "A big black dog," he said finally.

"Interesting. Narcissa, if a wizard dies in Animagus form, what will happen to them?"

"Hmm," Narcissa said in mock thought, "why am I supposed to care again?"

Most of the class stared at her in shock. Next to Lily, Narcissa was almost the top of every class. Professor (I'm getting the hang of it!) Weasley looked at her discouragingly.

"Narcissa, can I see you after class?"

"I've got plans," Narcissa said huffily. "No."

Professor Weasley said quite sternly, "Your plans can wait."

"No they can't."

"Thirty points from Gryffindor!" Professor Weasley shouted. "You are going to stay after class, Narcissa, or I'll make it a hundred!"

"This is me caring."

"ONE HUNDRED POINTS FROM GRYFFINDOR!" Professor Weasley shouted. Harry had only seen her this mad once before: when Fred, George, and Ron had been caught flying Mr. Weasley's car while trying to help Harry escape from the Dursleys' house. Harry winced at the thought of that memory.

"COME AND SEE ME IN THE HALL, NARCISSA!"

"Why should I?"

Professor Weasley grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her out of the room. James groaned.

"130 points from Gryffindor?" he moaned. "We're in last place, with negative 3. Which means Slytherin's in the lead."

The whole class, even the Hufflepuffs, groaned.

"Negative three???" Sirius said. "No- that can't be right... are you sure?"

"Actually," Lily said miserably, "it's negative thirteen, but plus the five points she gave James... negative 8."

The Gryffindors groaned again. "We're toast," grumbled Renee Googol, a girl Gryffindor in their year. "You're sure, Lily?"

"Positive," Lily said sadly.

"Narcissa is dead," Renee said angrily. "To even think she could do that to us... all she had to do was answer the question!"

Professor Weasley entered the room without Narcissa stiffly. "You can go," she said with difficulty. "No homework. I'll see you Friday. And I'm sorry I had to take so many points."

"Molly," Lily said, coming up to Professor Weasley, "what happened?"

"Narcissa has been suspended."

"What?"

"Failure to cooperate," Mrs. (ah, well, you can't have everything...) Weasley said. "I'm sorry, Lily, but I really don't want to talk right now... I think that was the most points I've ever taken in one sitting..."

"Nope," Sirius said. "You took two hundred from the Marauders last year for messing up the graduation, remember?"

"Oh, how could I forget?" Professor Weasley said, smiling slightly. "It took a whole bottle of Mrs. Skower's to get the pink off my robes."

Peter grinned. "Hey, we couldn't let them forget us, could we?"

"Oh, I can't think of anything worse... Hey, what's that chain?" she asked, pointing to Draco's neck. Draco blushed and tried to hide it. Harry howled with laughter.

"Don't say a word," Draco said. "Don't say it, Harry... I mean it, I'll hex you..."

"Oh, it's- it's-" Harry breathed.

"HARRY!"

"DRACO!"

"It's SUFAMS!" Sirius said. "Here, look, I'll show you mine..."

"SIRIUS IAN BLACK!" Draco bellowed, but Sirius had already showed it to her.

"See, its SUFAMS, stands for Save Us From Annoying Malfoy's Stupidity, want to join?"

"I am going to kill you, Sirius!" Draco screamed. "Do you want to buried or cremated?"

"Buried, cremation is nasty..." Sirius said sarcastically.

"Fine, then, I'll cremate you, and see if you can stop me!"

"Whoa, wait a minute," Professor Weasley said, "You joined this... SUFMAS thing, Draco?" She looked bemused.

"He sure did," Remus said, grinning.

"He was so enthusiastic, really..." Lily said, grinning.

"It's SUFAMS, not SUFMAS," Harry said, grinning at Draco. "And Sirius said it, not me, Boa..."

"I'll kill you both!" Draco said. "I'll pull out your fingernails one by one, then I'll roast you over an oven fire, and then I'll put the Jelly Legs hex on you, then I'll hand you over to Snape so he can laugh at you..."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" cried Harry and Sirius. Professor Weasley watched bemusedly while Draco tackled Harry and Sirius.

"Yea, they usually act like that," Lily said, casting an eye on the boys. "You get used to it. How long is Nar suspended?"

"A month," Professor Weasley said grimly. "Honestly, I think there's something wrong with that girl... I sent her to see Dumbledore."

"Oh."

"Oh, and Lily, before I forget," said Professor Weasley, "there's a girl that's going to be staying in your dorm for a couple days... she's playing guitar for Celestina Warbeck at the Ball on Saturday. I thought it would be nice if you showed her around. She went to a private wizarding school in Scotland... she's never been to Hogwarts."

Lily nodded. "Okay. We've got... let's see... forty minutes until Divination and the boys Muggle Studies, so we're free for a while. We'll head back to Gryffindor Tower now. That is, if I can get Draco off Harry and Sirius," Lily sighed.

"Lily, I'm bored," Remus sighed.

"I'm bored too, Remus, come on, we're going to Gryffindor Tower... help me get Boa off these two before he does kill them..."

Peter, James, Remus, and Lily struggled to free Sirius and Harry from Draco's clutches while Professor Weasley watched smiling.

"Get me... away from him!" Harry panted. "Never get on Draco's bad side."

"Yea, it'll leave a mark," Sirius said, nursing a cut lip.

"Yea, that's right, don't mess with Draco Malfoy," Draco said. "Maybe if you get this thing off me, Harry..."

"You're not getting off that easy, Draco," Harry said, grinning.

"Shucks."

"Come on, guys, we're going to Gryffindor Tower," Remus yawned. "Lily's got a new victim for us to prank..."

"Remus!" Lily said. "That's not nice..."

"Ooh, let's go!" Sirius said, all thoughts of his lip forgotten. The group set off for Gryffindor Tower. "Pickled herring," Lily said on approaching the Fat Lady.

"Right you are," she said as she swung open. There was no one in the common room.

"She must be upstairs," Lily said. "I'll go get her. Stay here. As in stay in the common room," she said, looking at Sirius and James. They smiled at her sweetly.

"Who, us?" James said.

"No idea what you could be talking about..." Sirius said.

Lily sighed. "I'll be right back. Stay here!" Lily walked up the stairs and into her dormitory. There was a girl sitting on a bed that had never been there before. She looked about thirty. Lily could see a guitar case in the corner. Lily smiled.

"Hi. I'm Lily Evans, who are you?"

"Arabella Figg," said the girl, standing up. (A/N: If you didn't guess it was her right away, you have really got issues, man... I practically said so in chapter 5!) "Nice to meet you."

Lily shook her hand. "I guess you're the one playing for Celestina Warbeck."

"Yea," Arabella said, glancing at her guitar. "I've never been to Hogwarts before. It's amazing."

Lily laughed. "Yea, I know. There are 142 staircases, at least ten secret passages, and I even know of a bathroom that you can only get to at 5:30 in the morning." (Hint, hint: book 4.) "It's overwhelming at first, but you get used to it."

The door opened a crack. Sirius stuck his head in. "Idiot invasion," Lily sighed. "Do you practice not listening, or does it just come naturally?"

"Actually, Lily, this is not an idiot invasion, James is downstairs," Sirius said, stepping in. "And, yes, it does come naturally. You were taking too long... we want to meet our new victim- er, friend." Sirius smiled sweetly. Lily rolled her eyes.

"Oh, Arabella, this is Sirius Black, and yes, his brain's been lost for a while now, and this is Arabella Figg, Sir."

"Hi," Sirius said, smiling in an idiot-like way. Lily sighed.

"Don't worry, he's the worst one."

"Good. If he wasn't I'd leave."

Lily and Arabella laughed while Sirius scowled at them. "Nice to meet you too."

Lily, Arabella, and Sirius walked down the stairs. James, Remus, Harry, and Draco were waiting for them.

"Where's Peter?" Lily asked.

"Library," Harry said. "Probably looking for a book on how to keep his brains... hey, you look familiar," Harry said, glancing at Arabella. "Have we met?"

"I don't think so," Arabella shrugged. "I'm Arabella Figg, who are you?"

Harry's mouth fell. His eyes widened. "Mrs. Figg?"

Arabella raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"

"That's Harry," Draco said, elbowing Harry in the stomach. "And I'm Draco. Harry's -er- a little spaced out, as usual..."

"SUFAMS!" Harry said in Draco's ear. Draco slapped him.

"Nice to meet you," Arabella said.

"You're- you're Mrs. Figg," Harry said. "But- but Snowy... Mr. Paws... Tufty... cabbage..."

Arabella raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said Sirius was the worst one, Lily."

Harry, what are you talking about? Lily thought furiously.

That's- that's my neighbor!

WHAT???

WHAT???

"OWW!" said Lily, Draco, and Harry at the same time.

STOP IT! They all thought. NO, YOU STOP... OH, MY HEAD!

"Ow," Harry moaned. "Remus, can you get me an aspirin... ow..."

Remus sighed and fished the aspirin bottle he kept in his pocket for emergencies and handed it to Harry. He also gave one to Lily and Draco. "Thanks," they said as one.

"Are you guys okay?" Arabella asked.

"Y-yea," Harry said. "You just looked like someone from -er- Beauxbatons."

"Oh," Arabella said. "Nice to meet you."

"Yea, yea..."

"I'm James Potter," James said, holding out his hand.

"Jamsie is the idiot," Sirius said.

"ARGH! PADFOOT!"

James tackled Sirius. "How many times, Padfoot? How many times?"

"Fifty bazillion, remember?"

"Don't call me Jamsie, don't call me Jamsie, and don't call me Jamsie..."

"Oh shut it Prongs," Remus yawned.

"Nice to meet you," Arabella said, eyeing them strangely. "And who are you?" she said, nodding at Remus.

"Remus Lupin," Remus said, scanning her fingers for silver jewelry. He saw none, and shook her hand. Or he tried to, but his hand brushed against something on her sleeve... a flowery something...

"OW!" Remus said, pulling his hand away quickly. There was a large red mark on his hand. He put his hand in his pocket quickly.

"Oh -uh- I had a bruise there..." he said. James and Sirius looked at him strangely. Wolfsbane, Remus thought. Dang, dang, dang...

The Gryffindors all exchanged looks. Arabella raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, Remus, I know just how to fix that... just come up to my dorm and I'll put some lotion on it..."

"Erm - no thanks," Remus said. "I'm -er- have sensitive skin."

"No, I insist." Arabella dragged Remus up the stairs.

Arabella slammed the door shut. "If you're trying to keep it a secret, I've seen people do it better without trying," she said sarcastically.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Remus said quickly.

"Then what's this?" Arabella said, jerking Remus's hand up. It was swelling largely.

"Er..."

"Werewolves are strictly forbidden at magical schools," Arabella spat. "They're unworthy."

Remus bit his lip. This was the kind of reaction Snape had had. She's right, though, he thought. She really is.

"I know."

"How could - how could you lie to Lily and James and Sirius and all those other people? You're a monster. You don't belong here."

"I'm not lying," Remus said, his expression hurt. "They know."

"Ha. Nice try. They're smarter than that."

"I thought they were too."

"What?"

"Never mind. I'm just - not accustomed to people who keep Wolfsbane up their sleeves."

"Comes in damn useful," Arabella snapped. "Shows the liars. Shows the people who try to fit in with the upper class. Shows the beasts."

"You're right."

"What?"

"You're right. I don't belong here. I'm a beast. I am a liar - to most of the world, anyway. And I should leave. I should have left a long time ago. But - well, James and Sir threatened to hex me if I thought of leaving, so..."

"They don't know. They can't know. They're not idiots. Except for maybe Sirius and Harry."

"They're not idiots," Remus snapped. "They're twice as smart as you."

There was the sound of footsteps on the stairs. Lily walked in to see the scowl on Arabella's face and Remus's hand upturned.

"Arabella!" Lily said. "What are you doing?"

"Telling your 'friend' to go with his own kind," Arabella snapped. Lily took a deep breath at the expression on Remus's face. He was completely white and sweating. After what Lily had heard that morning, it took her extreme willpower not to walk up and slap Arabella right in the face.

"How could you apprehend him like this?" Lily hissed.

"Lily, please don't-" Remus said.

"How dare you talk to him like that? Remus is an admirable person- a much more admirable person than you, if you hold this against him."

"He's not an admirable person!" Arabella said. "He's a werewolf!" Remus closed his eyes.

"IT'S NOT HIS FAULT!" Lily shouted. "HE'S MY FRIEND, SO LEAVE HIM ALONE!"

"How can he be your friend???" Arabella shouted. "Look at him!" she said, hitting the sore on Remus's hand. The Wolfsbane came in contact with his skin again, and Remus gasped and bit his lip so he wouldn't scream. Whether Arabella had done that purposely or not, Lily was still seeing red.

"You- you- you," she stuttered. "Oh I'll deal with you in a minute, come here, Remus." Lily pulled out The Lycanthropes' First Aid Kit that Mrs. Lupin had given her the summer before. She selected a cream and rubbed it on Remus's hand. Remus's face relaxed visibly.

"Thanks Lily," he sighed.

"No problem, Remus," Lily said, kissing him on the forehead. "You," Lily said, pointing at Arabella, "You are a problem. You are a disgrace to the human race. Why don't you just crawl under the rock where you came from?"

"I'm a problem?" Arabella shrieked. "He's a problem! He's a werewolf for God's sake! Am I the only one here who sees that?"

"I KNOW!" Lily bellowed. "SO HE'S DIFFERENT ONE NIGHT OUT OF TWENTY-NINE! YOU HAVE TO JUDGE WHAT'S ON THE INSIDE, FIGG! THE INSIDE! YOU ARE THE WORST EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING I HAVE EVER BEEN FORCED TO COME IN CONTACT WITH, INCLUDING SNAPE! JUST GO!" Lily screamed.

"Lily?" came James's voice. "What's going on up here?"

Lily didn't answer; she was too busy deciding what curse would hurt Arabella the most. James opened the door.

"What's going on in here?" James asked, looking confused (as usual).

"Her- her- her- she- she- she..." Lily breathed.

"Lily, don't... please..." Remus said pleadingly.

"You stay out of this, you werewolf!" Arabella cried. James's eyes grew wide. He gritted his teeth. He made fists so hard he was surprised it didn't cut the skin.

"Go," he told the other two.

"James, don't..." Remus pleaded.

"JUST GO!"

Lily and Remus headed out. Lily gave James one backward glance and said, "Whatever you do, make sure it hurts enough for both of us."

James nodded curtly. Lily left. James turned to Arabella. You could practically see the flames in his eyes. Arabella backed away.

"You," he hissed, "are the most cowardly, insignificant creature that could even pass for a human being, Wormtail excluded. You are... you are... they haven't even made a word yet that describes what you are, but if they did, let me assure you, it would be the most offensive swearword in history!" James ended loudly.

The door slammed open. Three fuming figures came in. They were Sirius, Draco, and Harry.

"You," Sirius said, pointing a finger at Arabella, "are dead."

"Dead," James said.

"Dead," Draco hissed.

"Would you like to be buried or cremated?" Harry hissed.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?!" Arabella cried. "HE'S - A - WEREWOLF!"

"AND YOU," Harry said, "ARE SO DEAD!"

"You people are crazy," Arabella said, looking at the four wands now pointed at her. "Crazy... he's dangerous..."

"So am I, want to see how?" Draco said.

Arabella suddenly laughed. "Ha! You're fifth years! I'd like to see you try!"

"Okay," Harry said, "I challenge you to a duel. After Divination, in the Trophy Room. Draco's my second, who's yours?"

"I won't need one," Arabella huffed. "I'll see you later."

Arabella walked out of the room. Sirius and James tried to run after her, but Harry held up his hand.

"No," he said, "I'll hurt that- thing enough for all of us, plus Lily."

Sirius and James reluctantly fell away. "She is dead," Draco mumbled. "Dead, dead, dead..."

"Yea, Boa," Sirius said. "And I bet Jamsie thinks so too."

"How is it," James said, "that when I think I can't get any more angry, you always prove me wrong?"

"Umm... practice?" Sirius said.

James jumped onto Sirius. Sirius stepped aside. James fell to the ground with oomph!

"SIRIUS!!!!" James cried.

"JAMSIE!!!!" Sirius cried.

"YOU'RE DEAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"NO I'M NOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

"Oh shut up," Harry said impatiently. "We've got Divination, James, and Sirius and Draco have Muggle Studies."

The other three boys groaned in unison. "Professor Trelawney is so... so... boring," James sighed.

"I feel your pain, Dad," Harry said. "Trust me, I do."

"Come on, Lily will skin us alive if we don't get there on time..." Draco sulked. The others nodded in agreement and sulked down the stairs.

They found Peter, Remus, and Lily sitting on the couch. "There you are," Lily said, standing up. "Come on, let's get to class, we can beat Arabella up later..."

"True enough," Harry sighed. "Come on, I'm ready to die... for the millionth time."

"Me too," James groaned. "If I must."

"Yes, you must," Lily said. "Now, Draco, Sirius, and Peter, you go to Muggle Studies now, and I'm going to make sure you go," Lily said, pulling out a piece of parchment: the Marauders' Map. Peter, Draco, and Sirius groaned.

"Have fun," Lily said. "Come on, guys, let's go..."

The Gryffindors split up. Harry, Remus, James, and Lily set off to the North Tower, and Sirius, Peter, and Draco walked towards the Muggle Studies classroom. Lily pulled out the Marauders' Map and studied it.

"Good, they're already in the classroom... come on, guys, lead the way."

Remus and James slowly but surely navigated through the secret passageways and stairs on the way to the North Tower. When they finally got to the Divination classroom, James pulled down the trap door and they climbed up Grimly (Grimly, Grim, get it? Hehe). The rest of the class was already there. Professor Trelawney revealed herself from the shadows.

"Good day, my little ones," she said mistily. "Today we will be studying the planets..."

Harry, James, and Remus groaned, but Lily coughed loudly and that shut them up quick. Since the lesson was so boring, as usual, Harry spent most of his time trying to think of good hexes to use on Arabella and what would be the best way to hurt her without using Dark Magic. Lily, on the other hand, was deciding whether or not cremation was nasty enough for Arabella if she gave her son so much as a paper cut. James and Remus were whispering quietly.

"I hate this part of Divination," Remus whispered.

"I hate Divination period," James said. "Do you even have any idea what she's talking about?"

Remus shook his head. "Not really."

"I am really bored, Moony," James sighed.

"Join the club," Remus muttered.

Lily was gazing at James distractedly. "James, what do you think would be better, a slow and painful death or a quick and easy death?"

"For Arabella?" James hissed. "The first one."

Remus pinched his forehead. "You guys are the biggest prats on the face of the earth," he said. "I can't believe you'd even think of doing that just for me..."

"Two things, Moony," James said. "One; it's not just for you. Well, it's mostly for you, but it's for Draco too. Even if she doesn't know it, she's insulting him worse than you. Think, Moony: Draco is more like you than you."

"Oh, that makes so much sense, Prongs," Remus said sarcastically. "Am I surrounded by idiots, or is it just you?"

"Shut up, Moony, it does make sense... because you're a... yea... and a... Draco thing... is worse than that because it's... you know... more often, would make his... condition worse than yours."

"I think I actually understood that," Remus said. "Oh, that scares me."

James hit his friend playfully. "Be quiet, Moony. Anyway, the other thing is..."

"That there is no power on the face of the earth that can make you stop us," Lily said, gazing into James's eyes.

James gave Lily a quick kiss on the lips. "Right again, my angel."

Lily smiled at James. "We care about you. You're not the only one keeping a secret. Actually... damn, between all of us, we have a lot of things to keep hidden. The boys are Animagi, Draco is a... yea, I'm a mind reader, Harry and Draco are Bades from the future, Sirius's dad is a Death Eater, and Peter is an obnoxious git that the word traitor doesn't even begin to describe. Add the fact that we're all on the top of Voldemort's hit list and Dumbledore should just chuck us out for endangering everyone at Hogwarts," she finished.

"Yea, but no one but Draco and I are actually endangering anybody," Remus said. And Lily, that is if you can hear me, you can't pretend I can't, Remus thought, gazing at Lily.

Lily looked at Remus. "I thought we had established the fact that none of us care about that little detail earlier." Well they don't know, Lily, Remus thought. "They wouldn't." They would. They should. "But they don't care about everything else, Remus."

"You are both psycho," James confirmed. They ignored him.

They think I'm a tamable werewolf. But there isn't such a thing, Lily. Nothing can tame me when the moon rises.

"But it only rises once a month, Remus."

That's still a time. It's still a time I could hurt them.

"But you won't. You're safe."

No, Lily, I'm not. The whole school is unsafe on full moons. The Shrieking Shack is only a safehouse for me.

"Yes, it is, and it does it well. We are all safe."

That's what Romulus thought. He trusted me when no one else would have. And he proved too trusting for his own good.

Lily fell silent. "See?" Remus said. "You can't fight the truth."

"Psychos," James muttered.

"If you think I'm so wrong, why don't you just tell them and find out how they'll react?" Lily said out loud.

I can't, Lily. They'd hate me, was Remus's only reply.

"I'm telling you, they wouldn't," Lily sighed. "But, it's your life."

I'm telling you, Lily, they wouldn't understand!

Harry closed his eyes. "We understand, Remus. Or at least I do."

"Not you too, Harry!" James groaned softly, as not to attract Trelawney. "Am I the only sane one here?"

They continued to ignore James. "Harry?" Lily whispered. "You can- you can- why didn't you tell me?" she finished lamely.

Harry looked at her. "I've been hearing voices in my head for a while now. I tried to tell Ron, but he was going on about owling St. Mungo's, so I Memory Charmed him. Only just now I made the connection with people's thoughts." Harry glanced at Remus. "And I swear to you, Moony, that no power could make me hate you. I love you like a brother. Nothing you ever did, because it's all past now. I don't really know what you were thinking, but I'd follow you to the ends of the earth."

*

I don't care

Who you are,

Or where you're from,

Or what you did,

As long as you love me.

Who you are,

Or where you're from,

What you did,

As long as you love me.

Being a faithful BSB hater I have no idea what the name of this song is, but it is not mine, it belongs to the Backstreet Boys, who royally suck. Sorry BSB lovers. I only used this song because it seemed to fit the situation, kapeesh?

*

(A/N: To summarize that last paragraph in case you didn't understand it coughAlycough, Harry is a mind reader but he never knew. He kept hearing people's thoughts and thought he was hearing things (which he technically was, since thoughts are things, but that's a whole new matter.) Harry tried to tell Ron, but Ron, being so much like our poor, confused James is right now, thinks he is insane, so Harry Memory Charms him. Since Harry is so slow (but wonderful) he only just figured out that he's been hearing people's thoughts, since the things he was hearing in his head at the moment fit in with the conversation Lily appeared to be having with thin air. That summary really stunk since it was longer than the paragraph itself, but hopefully everyone understands now, because I know what it's like to be confused in a fic.)

"Would someone please enlighten me as to what in bloody hell you are talking about?" James sighed.

"Er..."

"Umm..."

"Ahh..."

"Never mind... I'm not sure I want to know," James said.

Harry, you great prat, how could you not notice something like that? Lily thought furiously.

What? What are you talking about?

Er...

Er...

Fine, don't tell me.

Why is everyone in such a bad mood today?

Oh, maybe it's because you're going to kill someone today. Other than that, no reason. Harry, what's a tellyvizon?

A television? Oh, how Dudley would love Muggle Studies Class... it's a big box that shows moving pictures on it.

Thanks.

No prob. Lily, I'm not a stupid prat.

That's what they all say, Harry, that's what they all say...

Shut up Malfoy.

Thank you.

"Have a good day, my little ones, and watch the stars!" Trelawney said mistily, staring intently at Remus, who yawned.

Lily, Remus, James, and Harry were the first to leave the classroom. "You three really have been hanging around Padfoot too much," James said, shaking his head.

"Oh shut it, Prongs, let's just get to the Trophy Room so I can beat the hell out of the idiot," Harry said.

"Yea, the stupid lying prat is right," Lily said.

"Lily, please don't get mad..."

"Don't get mad? Don't get mad? I have all the right in the world to get mad, Harold James Potter!"

"Hey, I didn't get mad at you when you told me, and you were actually lying, I wasn't!" Harry said, face going red.

"Yes you were!"

"It's not lying if you think you don't know!"

"I don't believe you. You knew the whole time," Lily said.

Harry shot her a furious glare. "You- you- you STUPID GIT!" Harry screamed. "Why can't you- why don't you- ARGH!" Harry snapped his fingers and all three of them gasped; Harry was gone.

James looked at Lily with a raised eyebrow. "What was that all about?"

"Prongs, you idiot, Harry just Apparated inside the school!" Remus said. "He'll get splinched!"

"He deserves it if he does!" Lily roared. "The idiot! Lying to me, to all of us, all this time..."

"Lily, WHAT IN BLOODY HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT???" James said.

"Harry's a mind reader and Lily just found out," Remus explained. "He said he had just figured it out, but Lily doesn't believe him."

"Oh. Lily, would we raise our son to lie?"

"But he wasn't raised by us, James!" Lily said. "He was raised by Petunia and that stupid prat she's engaged to!"

"Harry isn't lying!" James said.

"Yea," Remus said. "He's... well, don't take this as an offence, James, but he's really slow, like his father."

"Oh, thanks a lot, Moony," James mumbled, watching Lily giggle.

"You're welcome, Prongs."

"Shut up," James said.

Lily stopped giggling. "Well... Remus is right..."

"LILY!" James shouted.

Lily smirked at him. "So I guess Harry might be telling the truth..."

"Lily, how can you be so naïve?" Remus sighed. "Just read his mind, you idiot!"

"Oh yea," Lily said, seeing sense at last.

Remus rolled his eyes. James said, "Well, then, we still have one small problem."

"And what is that?" Lily asked.

"WHERE IS HE?" James shouted.

Lily smiled and pulled out the Marauders' Map. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," She said, tapping it with her wand. The map revealed itself. "Harry is... in the Trophy Room already," Lily said, slightly taken aback. "But- but- but he just Apparated inside Hogwarts! That's impossible!"

"That's my boy!" James roared.

"But- but Hogwarts, A History says.." Lily stuttered.

"Why is it that all your knowledge is based on that stupid book?" Remus sighed. "If you hadn't noticed, that book also says that werewolves will never come to Hogwarts."

"But-"

"Oh shut it, look, Figg's just getting to the Trophy Room now," James said. "And the others..."

"Are right behind you! MWAHAHAHAHA!" Sirius said, jumping onto James's back. "Aw, I missed you Jamsie-poo..."

James gave Sirius a punch on the head, and they all heard an echo. "I win the bet!" Remus said. "I told you guys it was really hollow!"

Draco, James, and Lily all groaned and fished out ten Galleons, giving it all to Remus. "Yes!" Remus said, stuffing all the money in his moneybag. "Cha-ching!"

"You guys had a bet on the size of my head?" Sirius said.

"Yup," James said. "And I was sure there were little aliens in it too..."

"YOU SAID THAT THERE WERE LITTLE ALIENS CONTROLLING MY BRAIN???" Sirius shouted.

"Well, there are, aren't there?" Lily said, smiling at him.

Sirius mumbled something under his breath that sounded like 'traitors.'

"Where's Pete?" Lily asked.

"Idiot land," Sirius supplied.

"Library," Draco said.

"Come on," James said. "Let's go watch Harry beat the hell out of Arabella before I get hopelessly confused again..."

"But I thought you were always hopelessly confused, Prongs," Sirius said innocently.

James slapped him. "You would be too, if you saw what Harry just did."

"Where is Harry anyway?" Draco asked. "Shouldn't he be with you guys?"

"He should," Lily said, "but it seems ordinary means of travel, such as -oh, I don't know, walking maybe- aren't good enough for Harry."

"Translated into English," Remus said, "Harry Apparated inside Hogwarts and he didn't splinch himself."

Their eyes widened. "Cool!" Draco said.

"Amazing!" Sirius said.

"And," James said, "he happens to be a little mad at Lily as well as Arabella, so watch out."

"Yea," Lily said. "Speaking of that... let's go."

The others mumbled varied forms of "Yes, let's," in agreement. They headed towards the Trophy Room.

Two minutes later they walked into the Trophy Room, where Arabella was polishing her wand, waiting for them. Harry was scowling at her. Arabella threw Remus a nasty glare, and Remus and Draco had to pull Sirius and James back as they jumped forward.

"Took you long enough," Arabella said, standing up.

"Yea, well, we got a little -er- sidetracked," Lily said, throwing Harry a glance he ignored.

Harry stood up. "We duel."

Harry inclined his head a fraction of an inch, while Arabella did only slightly more than that.

"Expeliarmus!" Arabella cried.

"Furunculous!" Harry cried.

Arabella's spell reached Harry before Harry's reached Arabella, and Harry's wand flew into her hand. Arabella dodged Harry's hex. "Petrificus Totalus!" she cried. Harry fell to the ground.

Draco gasped, but Harry looked at him sternly. I'm only acting, you idiot.

Oh.

Arabella twirled her wand in between her fingers. "Any other takers?" she said.

"Fat chance," Draco hissed, nodding at Harry. Harry leaped up and held out his hand. Both Arabella's wand and his own sped into his hand. Tossing them both to James, Harry whispered, "Freezius."

Arabella didn't move. How could she? Harry had hit her with the Freezing Charm.

Arabella's eyes watered from not blinking. Harry smirked at her. "Furunculous."

Boils erupted all over Arabella. She made a noise with her throat. "Any suggestions?" Harry asked his friends and the rat.

"Serpensortia," Draco hissed. A large black snake erupted from his finger.

"I said suggestions, Draco!" Harry said. "Not spells!"

Draco gave Harry a mock grin as the snake sped towards Arabella whose body stiffened.

"Stop," Harry hissed. The snake stopped and lifted his head to look at Harry.

"Yes?" it hissed.

"Keep away from her."

The snake slowly backed away from Arabella, who watched it with terror in her eyes. Harry muttered something under his breath and the snake disappeared with a pop!

Arabella relaxed visibly, but the boils still ached her. She whined.

"Any last words, Arabella Figg?" Harry said, taking the Freezing Charm off her head only.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" Arabella cried. "I give up! It's not his fault! I'm sorry!"

Harry glanced at Remus, who nodded, a look of pure horror on his face. "Finite Incantantem," Harry whispered. Arabella collapsed onto a pile onto the floor. Harry helped her up.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Really."

"Don't tell it to me," Harry said, gesturing at Remus. Arabella gave him a small smile.

"I'm sorry," she said, squeezing his hand. "Truly. I didn't mean to hurt you. It's not your fault."

Remus nodded. "Harry, you idiot, you stupid prat, I thought I told you not to do that."

Harry grinned at him sheepishly. "Well..."

Remus rolled his eyes. "Really, Arabella, it's fine," Remus said. "People have reacted worse. Take Snape, for example."

"Please don't ruin my day by mentioning him," James muttered.

"It hurts my eardrums, Moony!" Sirius moaned.

"Oh shut it you prats," Remus sighed. "Lily, I think you having something to tell Harry..."

Lily took a deep breath and looked at Harry, who was scowling at her. She heard Harry thinking, why doesn't she believe me? My own mother! I thought she might at least listen to my side. She probably hates me.

Lily's eyes filled with tears. "Harry, you great stupid prat, I could never hate you."

"Look me in the eye and tell me that," Harry said, pulling Lily's head up so that her eyes were equal with his own.

"I love you. I'm sorry for thinking you'd lie to me," Lily said, giving her son a hug.

Harry gave her a hug back and smiled at her. Arabella coughed loudly to remind them that she was still there.

"Oh, Arabella," Lily said. "I guess there's no point in lying any more..."

The boys nodded. "Everything?" Lily asked them.

"Everything," they said.

"Do you want to know the truth about us?" Lily asked Arabella.

Arabella's eyes widened. "There's more?"

"Oh, quite a lot more, actually," Lily said. Harry nodded in agreement.

"Yes, of course I do!" Arabella said.

"And do you swear," James said, "never to tell another living soul what we're about to tell you?"

Arabella nodded. "I swear."

Lily took a deep breath. "This might take a while... just don't ask any questions until we're done, okay?"

Arabella nodded, looking at them in fascination. Lily took another deep breath. "I'm Lily Evans, I'm a mind reader."

Before Arabella could comment, James stepped forward. "James Potter, I'm a half-Bade."

"I'm Harry Potter, I come from the year 1995, I defeated Voldemort when I was a year old, got stuck with this bloody scar," Harry gestured at his forehead, "and I'm an orphan. I'm also a full Bade and a mind reader."

Arabella's eyes widened as Sirius said, "Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, I'm a half-Bade, in Harry's time an innocent escaped convict."

"I'm Remus Lupin, and... yea."

Draco took a deep breath. "I'm Draco Malfoy, I come from the year 1995, I'm really a Slytherin, my father is a pompous git and my mother is under the Imperius Potion, like I was until early this year... er, that would actually be 1995. I'm a full-blown Bade, like Harry. And I'm a- a- a-" Draco's voice broke. Harry gave him a tight squeeze.

"It's all right, Draco. Mrs. Figg won't tell. And if she does, I will kill her. Okay?"

Draco nodded. "I'm a lycantort," he whispered. Arabella immediately backed away.

Draco watched her, biting his lip. Harry growled, but Draco thought, Harry don't, she's right to stay away from me... I'm dangerous.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Nice try, Draco," he said. "No, I take that back. Miserable try. Arabella, I believe we've had this conversation before," Harry said, rounding on her. "It doesn't matter what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside. Draco is one of the best people I've ever met."

"You of all people to say that, Beaky," Draco shook his head. "After what I did- what I was supposed to do..."

Harry smiled at Draco gently. I don't care. I never did care. I never will care. You are one of the best friends I ever had. I would follow you to the ends of the earth.

Draco smiled with happiness and looked into Harry's eyes. I know.

"Anyway," Harry said, "Draco is a great person, even if he isn't two days out of a month. He's not dangerous."

"Not at the moment anyway," Draco mumbled.

"Yea," Arabella said, running her fingers through her hair. "Er- sorry... just a... shock..."

"Yea," Draco said. "Right..."

"And- that's it," Sirius said.

"Wait, I actually think there is one more thing," Harry said. When they all looked at him, he flapped his hands like wings.

"OH," they all (minus Remus and Lily) said.

"Everybody on the count of three," James said.

"One..." Draco said.

"Two..." Sirius said.

"Three!" Harry cried. There was a series of pops and Arabella screamed.

"Shut up!" Lily said, putting a Silencing Charm on the room and locking the door.

Harry squawked and flew onto her shoulder. Arabella stared at him in shock. "Who- who are you?" she asked, trembling.

Harry flew down to the floor and transformed. "Beaky," he answered. Lily beamed at him. Padfoot barked.

"Oh shut it, Padfoot," Remus said.

Sirius transformed. "Why should I, Moony?"

"Because I said so, Padfoot!"

"And why should I listen to you, Moony?"

"Because you're an idiot, Padfoot!"

"Oh, thanks, Moony," Sirius said sarcastically.

"You're welcome, Sir."

Arabella stared at them. "Moony?"

Remus smiled at her. "That's my name, don't wear it out."

A large stag walked towards her and nudged her with its head. "You're- James?" Arabella asked. The stag nodded and transformed.

"Prongs at your service," James said.

"Also known as Jamsie!" Sirius called.

James slapped Sirius. "DON'T CALL ME JAMSIE!"

"Stop it, Jamsie, that hurts..."

James slapped him again and said, "Ignore the idiot."

"I'm not an idiot!" Sirius said.

"That's what they all say, Padfoot, that's what they all say..." Harry said. Sirius growled at him.

The snake hissed. Harry raised an eyebrow and said, "Why should I, Boa?"

The snake hissed again. "It is not your line!" Harry said.

The snake stuck its tounge out at Harry. "Shut up, Malfoy."

The snake turned into Draco. "And why should I, Beaky?"

Arabella's eyes widened. "You're a Parselmouth," she said faintly to Harry.

"Oh yea... sorry, forgot about that part," Harry said. "Everyone in 1995 knows..."'

"Anything else?" Arabella said, looking at all of them.

Sirius gulped. "Well... er... you see... my dad..."

James squeezed Sirius's hand. "It's all right, Sir."

"My father is a Death Eater," Sirius said finally. "He killed my mother."

Arabella gasped. "Are- are you okay?" she asked.

"I- I guess so," Sirius shrugged.

"And -er- my parents... Voldemort... yea," Lily said lamely.

"Er- me too," Remus said quietly.

Arabella looked at all of them. "Anything else?" she said.

"Er- I don't think so, but I'm not making any promises," James said.

"Yea... we're very secretive people," Harry said. "And now you can ask questions."

Arabella stared at Harry and Draco. "So... you're from the future?"

Harry nodded. "Yup."

"Yea."

"Cool. What was that whole 'Snowy, Mr. Paws, cabbage' thing?" Arabella asked Harry, who went a deep shade of red.

"Er... you see, in the future you have a Muggle house, and you're my neighbor."

Arabella raised an eyebrow. "Somehow I cannot picture Ted living in a Muggle neighborhood."

"Who?" they all asked. Arabella smiled and held up her hand.

"My fiancée," she said, showing them the diamond ring on her finger.

"But- you're not married," Harry said, seriously (A/N: That was my third attempt at spelling seriously- I kept spelling it Siriusly... that is a sign of HP addiction ) confused.

Arabella's face fell. "That would mean... oh darn... that means You-Know-Who... Ted's on the top of his hit list... oh dear..."

Harry shook his head. "No, Arabella, I'm sure there's another reason behind that. I've been the top of Voldemort's hit list for years, and I'm fine."

"Don't say his name," Arabella hissed.

"ou'll get over it," Harry said. "Fear of a name increases fear of a person."

"Anyway," Arabella said, "you two are Bades?"

Harry and Draco nodded. "And you two are half-Bades?"

James and Sirius nodded. "And you two are mind readers?"

Lily and Harry nodded. "And you two are two different forms of lycanthropes?"

Draco and Remus nodded. "And you're all, minus Remus and Lily, Animagi?"

They all (minus Remus and Lily) nodded. "Whoa," Arabella said. "And Lily, Remus, and Harry are orphans?"

Lily, Remus and Harry nodded. "And Sirius's dad is a Death Eater who killed his mum?"

Sirius grimaced and nodded. "And Harry's a Parseltounge?"

Harry nodded. "And Harry and Draco are from 1995?"

Harry and Draco nodded. "And Draco's a Slytherin?"

Draco nodded. "I think you've got it."

"Anything else?" Arabella asked. Harry thought for a moment.

"And James and I are the Heirs of Gryffindor and Draco is an indirect Heir of Slytherin," he said. "And Draco was supposed to kill me and I almost killed Sirius and Remus almost killed me and Sirius and oh yea, Peter is an idiot and an obnoxious git."

"That's quite a lot to forget," Arabella said quite truthfully.

"And I won the Triwizard Tournament in fourth year and I saved the Sorcerer's Stone and I opened the Chamber of Secrets and I'm the youngest Seeker in a century and I faced Voldemort four times and lived," Harry concluded grimly. "And that's why I'm the bloody Boy Who Lived, without going into details."

"And you've got the best broomstick on the market," Draco reminded him. "That's a plus."

"Yea, I guess so..."

"And Harry just Apparated inside Hogwarts," Lily said, frowning. "Which leaves his poor mother very confused."

"MOTHER?" Arabella screamed.

"Oh yes... didn't we mention that?" Lily said, going slightly red. "I'm Harry's mother."

"And I'm his father," James said, smiling at Lily and taking her hand. This was too much for poor Arabella. She fainted.

"Darn..." Harry said, waving his hand. Arabella sat up.

"Oh bloody hell..." she whispered. "Oh my gosh..."

"What?" Harry said.

"Well, if you're an orphan, and Lily and James are your parents... do the math."

"Yes, I did realize that," Harry said. "It would be kind of hard not to, don't you think?"

"Anything else?" Arabella said. "Are you sure? Because if I get another surprise like that I'll pass out again..."

"Everything important," Sirius said, shrugging.

"Okay." Arabella took a deep breath. "Wait a minute... you Apparated inside Hogwarts?"

Harry shrugged. "Yea. So?"

"Will you ever read Hogwarts, A History?" Lily sighed.

"Nope," Harry said profoundly. "You and Hermione have it memorized, so what's the point?"

"The point is," Lily said frustratingly, "You can't Apparate or Disapparate on the Hogwarts grounds!"

"Oh yea... I remember now," Harry said.

"Told you he was slow," Remus told James. James slapped him again.

"AND YOU JUST BROKE A LAW OF PHYSICS!" Lily cried. "DOESN'T THAT MEAN ANYTHING TO YOU?"

"Er- no, not really," Harry said quite truthfully. "I'll bet Draco can do it too... go on, try it, Boa."

Draco shot Harry a glare. "All right, but if I splinch myself, you will wish you were never born, Harold James Potter."

Harry shrugged and watched as Draco closed his eyes. He disappeared.

"Go Draco!" Harry whooped. In a split second there was a knock on the door.

"Oh Remus," came Draco's voice, "Someone's looking for you... now open the door you great prats."

James opened the door. Draco and a certain Ravenclaw girl walked in.

"I haven't seen you in ages, Remus," Patricia said, giving Remus a quick hug. Remus kissed her forehead.

"Sorry, Ricky."

"RICKY?" Sirius and James said as one. They looked at each other and cracked up.

Patricia slapped both of them. "Shut up you great gits..."

"Oh, sor-ree," Sirius said. "Blame Moony for calling you that in front of us."

"If you tease him about that you'll be sorrier!" Patricia snapped. "I'll meet you in our place later, okay, Remus?" Patricia said, stroking Remus's hair.

"Yea," Remus said. "I'll see you later."

Patricia gave him a kiss on the cheek, flexed he fingers at Sirius and James, and left, leaving a love-sick Remus behind.

"That was- interesting," Arabella said, glancing at the others, who raised their eyebrows at Remus.

"No comment," Remus said, holding up his hand. They all laughed. And they talked together like old friends for the rest of the day.