[A/N: So! Ahem. I've just spent the last two hours of my life, lying in bed, trying to fall asleep, to no avail. I am absolutely exhausted, and I could not figure out why, oh why, I cannot go to sleep. Then, about… twelve minutes ago, it hits me. I need to post. Why? Oh, my beloved readers, I knew I could not really leave you in suspense in the middle of a L/J fic. Who am I to deprive you of your L/J fix of the day? But you must know that on my way through the kitchen (for sustenance, of course), the oddest thing happens. I'm walking by the creepy, dark, tall window (at some point past one in the morning) when the power goes out. There is no storm, lightning, thunder, rain… anything. Hmm. Magic? Yes, I believe it was destined that I post again, instead of waiting months until I add a new chapter. Okay, now I'm just being an idiot, so I'll let you get to your reading… *giggles* But I do love being an idiot. Cheers!
Actually, there's one more thing. I realized I've never put the fic's full title anywhere! How Many Ways doesn't really make much sense, does it? Well, that's because it isn't the full name. Hmm, I'm becoming quite the dolt in my old age (17...lol).
*
How Many Ways Can a Heart Break
Seven… A Day to Remember (Or Forget)
"You know, I feel like I've been forgetting something…" said Michelle vaguely, looking around the Great Hall with interest, as though seeing something there would remind her of that which she had forgotten.
"Try looking across the table," I muttered bitterly. I hadn't thought it would bother me so much, having them not remember my birthday, but Merlin, was it ever! I was even to the point of being slightly cross with my friends, though I almost felt bad for it… It wasn't their fault. We were all a little more preoccupied, with getting ready to go home for the hols and… homework… and the Hogsmeade trip… Even though we weren't actually going to Hogsmeade.
The only people left in the castle, really, were the first and second years, and four or five Ravenclaw seventh years, who, I assumed, were as unimpressed with Hogsmeade as I was that day. I rather liked the school being so empty, really. It made me wish I had put my name down on the list of people staying for those two long weeks… Doubly so when my two long weeks were to be full to the brim of Petunia's fake Christmas cheer, Petunia's jagged insults, Petunia's annoying nosiness, Petunia's sickening adoration for her new husband-to-be... Pretty much, it would be two long weeks full to the brim of Petunia. It made me nauseous just to think about it; I was already dreading Sunday, when I would ride the Hogwarts Express home.
"I can't think what it is. It feels like it's something important… Why can't I remember?" Michelle sighed discontentedly, eyes back on her plate.
"No clue." I forced a smile. "I hope you remember soon, though."
"Me, too…" She twirled her fork between her fingers. "Anyway, are you finished?" She gestured to my empty plate. I hadn't even tried to eat.
"Guess so." I raised my eyebrows.
Wordlessly, I got to my feet and picked up my bag, leading the way from the Hall.
"So what are your plans for today?"
"I think I'm going to go to the Library, or Owlery, or something… Not sure yet." I forced a smile. "Not to mention my detention later."
"Ah… I see. Let's go up to the Owlery, then. I need to send a letter, anyway." Michelle nodded, opening her bag as we walked.
"Okay…" I shifted my bag so that it was a little more comfortable.
Feeling slightly depressed, I started counting the marble steps as we climbed… Eight… Nine… Ten…
I could remember my tenth birthday only faintly… Too bad I hadn't known then that I was to be a witch… I would've had so much to look forward to…
Eleven…
Oh, my eleventh birthday was… special. I could never forget it. It was my first birthday at Hogwarts. It had been a fun day, even when I had reluctantly agreed to allow James Potter to give me a "gift." It had turned out to be a sprig of mistletoe… Above my head.
Twelve…
When I was twelve, I was hoping more than anything that the cute Ravenclaw a year ahead would notice me… I was head over heels at the time, especially when he smiled at me during breakfast… That, at the time, was the best birthday gift ever…
Thirteen…
At thirteen, I was more worried about my annoyingly red hair that I thought frizzed too much, eyes that were too round and too bright, skin that was too white, and freckles that were too noticeable…
Fourteen…
My fourteenth birthday was huge. We were out for the holidays by the time it came around, so Nora, Michelle, and I were staying at Kendra's house… er… mansion. One night, people started showing up- by the dozens. I don't know if there was anyone who attended Hogwarts at the time who wasn't there (except the Slytherins, obviously), even out of the upper years. It was one groovy party…
Fifteen…
That year, we were still in school there was a Quidditch game on the day of my birthday… Even though it was the middle of December. James had specifically requested the game for that date. Everyone thought it strange that he would do such a thing… Until he had Remus, who was commenting that game, to remind all that it was indeed my birthday… Upon hearing this, everyone clapped for me and demanded that I got into the middle of the pitch, where James was waiting. Of course, he only wanted a kiss… That didn't go too well…
Sixteen…
Had it only been one year? It was a Friday… I remembered it especially well because we were on our way home for the hols. I had thought it wasn't going to be anything big, just a normal birthday on the Hogwarts Express, with my friends… until they all followed me to my parents car- Michelle, Kendra, and Nora, that is. They all ended up going home with me… and staying for the entire holiday. I could hardly believe my parents permitted it, but it had been their idea. I hadn't ever had so much fun on my holiday at home…
Seventeen…
As I stepped up on the seventeenth step, I stopped. Seventeen steps; seventeen birthdays…
I didn't have much to think about this one, yet. It was going to be my last birthday at Hogwarts. "This time next year, I won't even be in school…" I muttered, staring at the marble.
Saying this must have sparked a thought in Michelle, because she jumped and put her hand to her mouth. "Lily!" she gasped and snapped her fingers. "I've just remembered what it was!" She grinned at me.
I felt my heart jump. Had she finally…?
"I forgot to get my little brother a Christmas present! If I don't get it today, I won't have a chance to get one for him before next week. I'm going to have to run down to Hogsmeade… Care to go?"
There was a moment of disappointed silence. "No… I don't want to be late for my detention." I smiled patiently. Oh, well.
"All right, then," She turned on her heel and ran back down the steps… Seventeen steps. "see you at dinner!" she called over her shoulder, closing her bag as she ran.
With a sigh, I turned to look back at step number seventeen.
"Nothing special."
I spent the rest of the afternoon, reading and napping in our secret room (the one Michelle and I found… er- heard about and found). I felt that if no one wanted to remember my birthday, I wouldn't be in their way, or try to remind them.
Books and sleep were fine and all, but I did miss my friends, and, although I would probably never admit it to them, I felt neglected and unimportant, because they had forgotten my seventeenth birthday, the day I was to come of age. Really, to me, it was a very important day.
"But not to them…" I sighed, putting my favourite book, Pride and Prejudice, back on the shelf. It was getting late, and even though I'd purposely missed dinner, I wanted something to eat… A quick trip to the kitchens wouldn't hurt.
But as I left the secret room from the back of the castle and wandered through the cold rain, I felt my hunger diminishing. I didn't want food. I didn't even feel like twirling in the rain… Unusual.
So, instead of taking the door that would (eventually) lead to the kitchens (or the Hufflepuff common room, where I had been on many occasions, with Michelle), I went up the marble stairs (yes, I counted the steps as I went, eyes lingering on the seventeenth one, wondering if I would have the same opinion of it all year… On the last day of school, would I be able to walk up these steps and look fondly at the seventeenth? Who knew… they were just marble steps, anyway… Or were they?).
But no, I didn't want food…
I wanted my friends.
I had never been more relieved to find myself rounding the corner to the Gryffindor Corridor.
I had been a little nervous as I wandered through the halls; it was too empty. Sure, I liked not having people shoving past me or stepping on my toes as they hurried past, but it was rather eerie to see only five people on my way up to the tower… especially when all five were Slytherins (it made me wonder what they'd done to the rest of the school). On any other night (or every other night), people would still be coming back from the Great Hall; dinner had only just ended a few minutes before.
I was so relieved to see the familiar portrait of the Fat Lady, in fact, that I might've even hugged her, had she been… real.
Especially when she smiled warmly at me. It made me feel a little better, though I wasn't exactly sure why. It was a comforting smile.
"Pickled Toad Skins…"
I wasn't so upset anymore that my friends had forgotten my birthday, it wasn't that big of a deal, anyway. Just, you know, my seventeenth birthday. It wasn't like it should have been a big deal that I was coming of age. Huh-uh.
Not that I would turn down a "Happy Birthday" if anyone decided to remember.
Well… "Happy Birthday" is exactly what I got when the Fat Lady opened the portrait hole.
A blast (literally) issued from inside when it swung open, causing me to step back in surprise. I had never seen the common room more packed- surely those weren't only Gryffindors?
I just stood in the corridor, gaping.
The decorations were enough to take one's breath away… curly streamers and ribbons hung from the ceiling, balloons floated here and there (some limp on the floor), banners were draped around, saying things like, "Happy Birthday, Lily!" and "We didn't forget!" All in Gryffindor colours, of course.
If the decorations didn't do it, the tables lining the walls could have, as covered with food, sweets, and butterbeer as they were…
Or maybe all the people would be enough.
Well… whatever, it was, my breath was taken away.
"Bloody Merlin!"
That was all I could say. After all the work everyone had obviously done, all I could do was say, "Bloody Merlin."
Could've been worse… I think.
Suddenly, I was pulled into the common room (by only Merlin knows who, I was still in a half-daze), where I could see everything better. I watched the steady rain of confetti falling from the ceiling. Er… I think it was falling from the ceiling. Could've been from anywhere, I suppose.
"Are you sure the tower isn't going to fall over, with all these people?" I asked slowly.
It certainly looked as though it might… It was no wonder I hadn't seen anyone in any of the corridors or passages. They were all here, in the Gryffindor Common Room, which, by the looks of it, had been magically expanded, to hold so many. Normally, on Friday nights and such, when the whole of Gryffindor House was in the common room, there was just enough space to fit us all… It most definitely wouldn't hold that many under normal circumstances.
Suddenly, I grinned at everyone. It must have been a signal for them all to surge forward… because they did. I felt like a Quidditch star, the way people were so eager to hug me or pat my back… I would have almost believed myself to be one, if I could ride a broom.
"Happy Birthday, Lily!" I turned, but didn't know who said it.
"You're finally of age, yeah?" Alice Hale, a Hufflepuff girl in my year smiled. "Congratulations!" I smiled.
"Thanks…"
"You're old!" Zoe giggled; she was somewhere around…
There she was, trying to push her way through a group of Ravenclaw sixth years. With a smile, I helped pull her through. "Maybe, but you're still a turkey, kiddo!" I ruffled her hair.
I felt warm arms slide around me. Turning my head, I found Sirius Black grinning wolfishly at me. "You're old enough for me, now, babe," he winked.
I ducked under his arms and faced him, grinning. "Something like that."
"Hey, Frank! How about that music?" I could hear Kendra, but not see her.
Michelle pushed her way forward. "Where've you been all day? We've been looking for you everywhere!"
"Not everywhere, or you'd have found me…" I stuck my tongue out at her… Very mature of me.
"Did you think we really had forgotten?" Nora asked sheepishly from my left. Finally, I'd made it over to my friends. "I felt bad this morning, you know."
I shrugged. "It's okay."
"And me? I've had Josh's gift since November. I had to go pick up some more streamers…" Michelle grinned. She gestured around the room.
"Speaking of gifts…" Kendra nudged my arm and pointed… at something. I couldn't see for all the people.
At once, everyone started clapping and yelling… I really felt like a Quidditch star.
"Open them!"
"Presents!"
"Oi! Open 'em up, Lily!"
Michelle grinned and pushed me to the middle of the room. "You have to do what the crowd says."
"This… this is a lot of presents." I stood in front of a large table, staring wide eyed at the mound of presents… all for me.
"Well, we tried."
"The gift thing isn't supposed to be first, is it? What about… everything else?"
"Oh, we've already gotten started on snacks and all… There's a cake somewhere around. A bloody big one." Michelle snorted. "But it took you ages to get here."
"Well, what can I say? I was off wallowing in self pity." I winked.
There was a ripple of laughter.
"You were all in on this, weren't you?" I narrowed my eyes suspiciously, glancing around at the smiling faces… When really, I only wanted to see one… But didn't.
James.
It appeared that every person there had brought a gift- I lost count at twenty-eight… Of course, there were many, many more. I knew it wouldn't all fit in my trunk.
Not that I was complaining.
I got everything from new robes (sky-blue, jet-black, royal-purple, light pink, icy-white ,and dark green), to a set of muggle books (I let out a squeal of delight when I opened them- good books, those were. Of course, the gift was from Remus- who else? I'd talked about them non-stop during sixth year, so, as the other Gryffindor prefect in my year, he got to hear it all). I got enough sweets to last me until my eighteenth birthday, enough pranks (mostly from Sirius, naturally) to satisfy my rebellious urge (when/if it decided to show itself), enough fancy quills, colored ink, and scented parchment (which wasn't entirely bad, but was definitely a gift from the people who didn't know what else to get me, I suppose I did seem to be the studious-writer type) to write my own series of books, and enough perfume (from people who really didn't know me well… I never really liked perfume) to possibly improve the rest of everyone's year by drenching Snivel- erm… Snape everyday with a different scent (I even said so, as I found myself opening my twelfth bottle, much to everyone's amusement- no one minded hearing someone- even the Head Girl- saying something against a Slytherin, particularly Snape. Every person in the school had been insulted or annoyed by him at some point; it was normal for everyone but those in his house to loathe him).
As I opened my presents, I thanked each person (as it was directed by the card) and smiled my best smile at them, occasionally finding the person and giving them a hug, depending how close we were. I hoped, more than anything, that James would give me a present- not necessarily because I wanted a gift from him at all, but because I wanted to hug him.
I needed to hug him.
I needed to apologize to him.
I needed him.
I needed James.
"Alice, thank you for those robes… Merlin knows I've needed new ones for ages…" I smiled and hugged my friend.
Everyone was back to talking, laughing, and now, dancing, as all the presents had been opened and the music was going again.
"Well, happy birthday, Lily. You deserve all this, you know." Alice gestured around the room with a smile.
"Did you-"
"Erm… Lily? You forgot one present."
I turned to smile at Benjy Fenwick. "Oh… Hi, Ben." It was a real smile, too.
"Well, you didn't really forget it, I guess… I've been holding it, because I wanted to give it to you personally." He stared down at the silver and purple wrapped box, then up at me nervously. "Hope you like it." He grinned half-heartedly.
Alice touched my arm. "I'm going to go see Frank for a few, Lily, I'll see you, okay? Happy birthday, again."
"Thanks, Alice…" I said blankly, still staring at the box in my hands. It was a bout the size of a shoebox, but felt very light… and empty, like air. "Do you want me to…"
"Go ahead." Benjy tilted his head to the side to watch, a habit I'd noticed he did a lot, especially when thinking.
I untied the velvety ribbon and pulled off the lid… Inside, laying on top of a layer of pure, fluffy white cotton, was a beautiful white lily. It's stem was perfectly cut, it's leaves looked nothing less than fresh… The petals themselves almost seemed to glow, they were so white. "Benjy… It's… beautiful!" I breathed, unable to take my eyes from it.
"Well… It isn't much. I just bought the flower. It wasn't anything expensive… I did put a charm on it, though. I put a-"
"Long-lasting refreshing charm, basically." I nodded, finally tearing my eyes from the lily to look into Benjy's soft grey eyes. "It won't ever die, pretty much. Right? That's not a very easy charm, really… But you… and it's… I love it, Ben." I smiled, touching it lightly with my fingertip.
"I hope so. I wanted to get you something special… I just didn't know what. I know that they are your favourite flower- and not because of their name. I remember you saying something about it once… Anyway, I thought that if it had that charm, you could always keep it and have a pretty flower… It'll always smell good, too."
I looked back down at it again, before reaching up and pulling him into a warm hug. "Really, it's perfect." I whispered, kissing him on the cheek.
"So… friends?" he asked as we pulled apart.
I grinned at him. "Friends." And held out my hand.
He took it gladly.
"Speaking of which… Have you had a chance to talk to Potter yet?"
"N-o…" I said slowly, biting my lip. "But… Well, I'm going to…" I sighed. "Eventually." I added, as an afterthought.
"You should, before you go." He smiled crookedly. "Well, I've got to go… I only wanted to give you this," He smiled apologetically. "But happy birthday…"
I watched him walk out of the portrait hole before a thought occurred to me.
"Hey, Benjy! Wait!" But the portrait was already closed. I hurried after him, but made sure nothing could harm the lily. "Ben?"
He was already halfway down the corridor when I called out to him, standing half in the common room, half in the corridor. He turned back curiously, eyebrows raised.
"Yesterday in the library, when I asked you what today was, you knew, didn't you? You just said it was Saturday, because you knew about this." I waved behind me, toward the party.
He shrugged. "I'm saying nothing on this one, love." He winked and put his hands in his pockets innocently. "See you after the holidays?"
"After the holidays…"
"Well, don't forget to talk to Potter… He's ready to forgive you."
With one last smile, I turned back around and let the portrait swing shut.
"Hey, Lily!" Sirius called.
"Mm?"
"Come here for a minute, please…" He looked innocent… too innocent.
I made my way warily over to him, carefully eyeing the "innocent" look in his eye. True, he normally had a little bit of a mischievous glint in his eye, like James, and only looked that innocent when he was in trouble or about to pull a prank. I would have been amused… if I wasn't so worried about what he was up to.
"What did I do?"
"Oh, nothing…"
At that moment, the lights went out and a slow song came on (Frank Longbottom was set up in one of the corners of the room, playing D.J). I raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "O-kay…" I said slowly.
"I would like the first dance with the birthday-girl, who is now of age." He smiled charmingly, looking even more Sirius-like than ever. Oh, I loved having him for a friend.
It was then that I noticed everyone had stopped talking to watch, as Sirius Black, one of the two biggest pranksters in Hogwarts led the prim and proper Head Girl into the very middle of the room, to dance… a slow dance.
I think most of them were wondering if Sirius really could slow dance. He certainly didn't look like the type.
He took my right hand in his and put his hand on my waist. Wow. I was already impressed. He pulled me closer and grinned at me.
"Surprised, aren't you? I can tell. You thought I didn't know how to dance." He feigned a look of deepest hurt. "You all doubt my abilities…"
"Ah, poor Siri…" I cooed.
"I know… poor me." He grinned again. "So what now? Do you think you're old enough for me?"
"If I was after you, Siri, you'd know it." I said suggestively, raising an eyebrow. "And I've always been old enough for anyone I want." I winked flirtatiously and giggled as he spun me.
He laughed. I had never noticed just how intense his eyes were… They were dark… yet light. Close… yet far away. So happy and playful… yet sad and serious (excuse the pun).
"Do all the Marauders have eyes that are-" I trailed off as Sirius's (seriously intense) eyes shifted to something (or someone) over my shoulder. His entire face brightened- including his eyes.
I swallowed hard, knowing who it was, before he even put his hand on my arm. I closed my eyes as a very familiar, very deep voice said "May I cut in?" in the softest, most welcome voice I'd ever known.
Finally, James had figured things out… And if not, he was about to. I was going to help him.
I had to.
"Of course!" Sirius said brightly, twirling me one last time-- into James's arms… But I didn't mind; I don't think I'd ever been happier to see him.
"James…" I breathed. I swallowed hard on the lump in my throat. It would be a very bad time to lose my words. "Hi."
"Hi…" He smiled sheepishly. I took this as a good sign.
"Look… I'm sorry-"
"No, you don't have to-"
"-it was all because-"
"-apologize, it wasn't you-"
"-and I hate it when we-"
"-I was just being a git-"
"-fight. I missed you."
The sad, apologetic look was replaced with a curious, disbelieving one, this time accompanied with a smile. "Lily, you-"
"Mr. Potter!"
James jumped and whirled around. The entire room went silent. McGonagall in the common room? It was certainly unusual…
We all silently wondered what James could have done this time; he was in Hogsmeade all day, wasn't he?
I felt guilty for a moment. Were we late for our detention already?
I leaned around James's shoulder. "It isn't time for our detention yet, is it, professor?" I asked, half-jokingly, hoping to lighten the mood. She looked too serious- the most haunted, lost look I'd ever seen on her face… It scared me.
McGonagall's eyes flicked on to me for only a second before she bowed her head and turned to go. Apparently, she was in a mood that was none too light. "Potter…" she repeated, this time not so loud. "In the corridor, if you please."
James's eyes widened. "I swear, professor, I didn't do it this time, I was actually-"
McGonagall shook her head solemnly. "This has nothing to do with a prank."
At this, everyone swallowed nervously.
Why was she avoiding my eyes?
James shrugged nonchalantly. "All right, then." He squeezed my hand. I hadn't even realized he was still holding it. "Don't have too much fun without me," he grinned around the room.
Everyone laughed-- once. We all knew something serious had happened.
But… If it had been some sort of attack on one of the nearest towns, or anything to do with Voldemort, Dumbledore would have wanted to see the Head Boy and Girl, not just one… If someone's parents had died, as was still too common, he would have sent for both of us, too…
Something was wrong.
Either it was about me, and McGonagall wanted James to tell me, or it was about James, and she didn't want everyone hearing…
But then… why hadn't she looked me in the eye?
"Oh, Lily, stop worrying… He's been gone a total of about twenty seconds…" Michelle tried to smile.
"Try two minutes, actually." I snorted, plucking at a green string on my turtleneck.
"It can't have been too bad…" said Nora. We all noticed she didn't sound too sure of herself.
"Ah, well… I haven't had a dance yet!" Remus said suddenly. He smiled at me. "Please?"
I rolled my eyes and tried to look mad, though my thoughts were still on James. "All right… I suppose."
He took my hand and led me to the middle of the room, where I had danced with Sirius and James.
"I was wondering if you were going to ask me, you know…" I smirked at him, feeling playful, putting my other hand on his arm.
"Oh?" He grinned.
"I didn't think you were ever going to, as much as you've been hanging on Michelle…" I glanced innocently around the room.
"I wasn't hanging on her!" He argued, but was smiling all the same.
"Yes, you-"
"She was hanging on me." He said simply. "And I'm certainly not one to complain."
"Well… That's obvious." I chuckled, forgetting for a moment that James had gone… and the look on McGonagall's face when she'd looked at me. "But you two really did look cute together…"
"Course we…" A bewildered look crossed his face as he stared over my shoulder. We stopped dancing. For the second time that night, I looked over my shoulder… This time, however, it wasn't a happy look on James's face.
I don't know if Frank turned off the music and everyone went silent again, or if my ears stopped working… Whichever it was, I felt like a dam broke in my chest… Instead of the happiness that was there moments before, I felt fear. Cold, icy fear.
James bit his lip, swallowed (hard), and put his hand on my arm. "Lily… We have to go to the Headmaster's office." He wasn't meeting my eyes.
I felt like my entire body had been immersed in deep, icy water.
"Ah, Mr. Potter… Miss Evans…"
Professor Dumbledore looked very serious… His look even mirrored the one that Professor McGonagall had shown not seconds ago.
And I knew why I was there.
I'd known since I'd first seen McGonagall's face… the way she'd looked at me… the way James touched my arm when he came back… the way Dumbledore said my name.
You might even go so far as to say I knew that day when James and I brought Zoe up to the Headmaster's office… to hear the very same news.
"I… I know, professor." I said softly. "I know what you're going to tell me." I glued my eyes to the floor, not able to do anything else.
My parents were dead…
Dead.
"Miss Evans, don't you think…"
I didn't know what I thought, but I knew what I knew. I knew I didn't want to hear the old man before me apologizing over and over, it would be pointless. I knew I didn't need to hear it. I knew I didn't want to know exactly how they died…. If I did, I knew I would dream about it… I would imagine it, I would see it, I would hear it… I would be there when it happened.
I knew I didn't want to hear anything he could say to me.
So I did the only thing I knew how to do at the time.
I walked out of his office, not listening to what he was saying, or thinking about where I was going. It didn't matter.
My family was dead.
How I made it out of his office and down the winding stairs, I'll never know…
I don't even know how I made it all the way down to the first floor. All I know is that I when I finally had the courage to open my eyes, I found myself sitting on the seventeenth step of the marble stairs…
And James had his arms around me… He was crying.
Why couldn't I?
My family was dead.
I was the only one left…
And it was all my fault.
James pulled me closer, whispering something in my ear, though I didn't hear him.
I closed my eyes again and dug my face in his chest. "Well… happy birthday to me." I whispered, finally feeling the tears. He kissed the top of my head sadly.
That seventeenth step may not have been happy… But I wasn't going to forget it.
*
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A/N: Anyone care to congratulate me for posting so soon? Heh, well, I actually do mean that I will do it again. Within the week. Oh! I know, it'll be a shock to you all, but I can't help it, can I? Leaving you the way I did, I just feel terrible. Would you call that a cliff-hanger?
I've written the entire fic, in fact. It's not much longer, but I have to say… it's my favorite of all my fics (on the computer in my room, I have somewhere around… fifteen, or so--and that's the completed ones! The rest, I haven't been able to do much with, sadly).
And I will post a new chap within the next week! …Even faster for more reviews…?