the last chapter...tell me what you think of this story after you read this, k? I'd love to know

I drifted to sleep at some point. I had a wonderful dream about what could have been. I was awoken by someone shaking me. I opened my eyes and saw all of the Marauder's there. I smiled relieved and sat up.

"How's your head?" James' asks with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"Better."Remus handed me a cup. I eyed it suspiciously. What was it? Was he trying to poison me? No he wouldn't do that. He laughed.

\"Just drink it, it'll help." I sighed and gave in. I was surprised to instantly feel better.

"Thank you,"

"Your welcome," He said and sat next to me. They all were looking at me. I almost wanted to tell them to stop.

"What happened?" Peter asked, breaking the silence. They were looking at me curiously. I grabbed Remus' hand for support and just started to talk. I talked about the detention and then got a little vague when Annabel came in. I just talked and it felt nice. I believe it's called relief.

It was our free hour and I sneaked into the Gryffindor common room. Well not actually sneak since I walked in pretty freely. Anyways I was sitting on the couch with Remus holding my hand. We were talking in low voices and I kept laughing. Sirius was making gagging sounds, as if it made him sick. I think he was just kidding around so I gave him a small smile. James' was off to who knows where, but showed up about an hour later. For once he was without Lily.

"Remus Ann…" He started to say but Remus cut him off.

"I know," He said quickly and got up, letting go of my hand. He whispered something to James and he nodded. He left without saying goodbye. I stared at James suspiciously.

"What?" He asked but he looked guilty.

"What's going on?"

"No..nothing," He stuttered.

"Wait James tell me," Sirius said, looking just as confused. James came over to him and whispered something. It seemed to take forever, I swear. Sirius smiled and laughed.

"That's genius!"

"What's going on idiots?" I demanded, getting annoyed. They just smiled at me and sat on both sides of me.

"So dear Cotton tell us a story," Sirius said.

"Um what about?"

"The cat and the wolf, of course," James said as if it was obvious. I blushed. Oh they wanted that story.

"Oh it's that good huh," James nudged me.

"It's kind of personal," I admitted.

"And we're your friends," Sirius pointed out. As if that made everything ok to say. Sirius would only make it a joke, I knew him but maybe I'll tell them if they give me what I want…

"I'll only tell you if you tell me what Remus is up to."

"He's just…" James said, it looked as if he was searching for the right words. He was definitely trying to hide something.

"Tutoring someone," Sirius finished.

"Yes, just some Slytherin." I threw a glare at him.

"Yeah she paid him and it's kind of a secret but he told us."

"Ok," I said and got up.I made my way to the portrait but they stopped me.

"Wait where's your story?" James called, shocked.

"I never promised you anything," I said smiling evilly and left.

I went back to my dorm and closed the curtains. I Just sat there staring at the ceiling until I heard a noise. I opened the curtain and saw an owl outside the widow. I opened the window and it flew right at me. It was holding a letter. I thought maybe it'd be from Sirius or James but when I saw the hand writing my mouth dropped. It was from my mother.I couldn't bring myself to read it. I wasn't ready. Why was she writing to me? Did Annabel tell her what I said? I just stared at the letter as I sat on my bed. I knew I was missing dinner but I had lost my appetite. I never opened it that night.

The next day I got a note from James and Sirius asking me to meet them at The Room Of Requirements after lunch. It was a more free day today so I went since I had time. When I was about to walk in I heard a familiar voice. Annabel? Why was she here?

"Remus she hates me, she won't listen," She sounded so sad.

"She will," Remus assured her. Not a chance, she has nothing to say that will interest me.

"No, you didn't hear her. She was so serious."

"Well she didn't say much about it but I think if you just talk civilly things will work out." He has hung out with Lily to much. That totally sounded like her.

"Fine."

I waited a minute and then walked in, pretending to be surprised to see her.

"What are you doing here?" I asked acidly.

"I'm not here to fight," She said in a quiet voice. I ignored this and turned my attention to Remus.

"Why did you do this Moony? Why?" I demanded. He looked pale. Was there a full moon soon or was he just scared?

"Because you need this," He said and left. I called after him but he didn't stop. I heard him say some spell. Annabel did to because she looked at me, almost smiling.

"Well it looks as if we're stuck here, dear sister."

"I told you already, you aren't my sister." I suddenly didn't care if I hurt her. I wasn't ready for this.

"Let's not fight, ok? Why do you hate me?" She looked desperate, as if she needed this. Needed me. She didn't need me though, she's been fine without me but where did she get the idea that I hated her. I never said it, well yesterday yes I did, she said my first year at Hogwarts. I didn't abandon her, she abandoned me. She hated me…didn't she?

"Hate you? I don't hate you Annabel. I love you but there's no room in my heart for forgiving you," I told her honestly. She deserved nothing more.

"How about someday?" This question surprised me. Did she not want instant forgiveness?

"What do you mean?"

"I just thought maybe you could someday…"

"Do you ever think of anything but yourself?" I was suddenly furious.

"Yes, all the time! Right now I'm thinking of you and your welfare." She looked offended. God she still had to play the innocent even though I could see through it. She was transparent in my eyes.

"I don't need your charity. I've been fine without you."

"Marie, this isn't charity." The funny thing is it almost sounded as if she meant it.

"You know what? No, I refuse to give in to this!" I screamed and tried to open the door. It didn't open, of course. Remus did that locking spell but his plan backfired because I knew the reverse spell. I did it and ran for it.

I ran to the forest and that's where I sat for hours. I was deep in thought about…everything.I returned to the castle sometime early morning.

I went to the Marauder's dorm and crawled into Remus' bed. I must have woke him up in the process.

"What? Marie what are you doing here?" He asked.

"I don't want to sleep in my bed alone."

"You ran away, where did you go?"

"The forest."

"I was only trying to help."

"I know you meant well but I just can't."

"So you're not mad?" Not at you.

"No."He smiled and brought me closer to him. His lips gently caressed mine. I parted my lips to deepen the kiss but he pulled away and mumbled that he was to tired to kiss me properly. I smiled and leaned against his chest, wrapping my arms around him. He did the same to me. Eventually I felt his breathe get even. I pulled closer to him, trying to get warmth. I needed this love, this comfort so bad right now. That's how I fell into my slumber, listening to his heart, knowing that it belonged to me, too.

The world can be surprisingly cold but at least I have someone who loves me. That makes living worth it. That makes everything worth it.