"Fine mess you got us into! Restricted to the castle grounds during holiday. Everyone else goes home, but not us. Nice plan, James!"

"Sirius, need I remind you that the race was YOUR idea?"

"You're both idiots, now shut up." Remus snapped at them while putting the finishing touches on the tree in the Gryffindor Common Room. "In any case, I'll be here to keep you company. I don't really want to travel home with my… 'furry little problem' popping up tonight."

"What about you, Peter? Heading home?" Sirius asked as he lay splayed out on one of the couches.

"Nah. My mum and dad took a trip, so I would be home by myself. And they don't really trust me in that kind of situation." Peter explained as he kept moving the ornaments Remus put on to keep them evenly-spaced. "Besides, it's kind of my Christmas wish come true. Spending more time with friends over the holidays."

James looked at Peter. "Hmm. Mine is to kiss Evans under the mistletoe."

"We know." Remus, Sirius and Peter grumbled, having heard the sentiment MANY times during the month.

"Personally, mine would be to have my 'furry little problem' put to good use for once. What about you, Sirius?"

"…I want to kill a monster." he stated which got him looks from the others. "…What?"

James walked to the fireplace. "Well, I am bored out of my mind. What say we go explore?"

"McGonagall will kill us if she finds us wandering around." Remus remarked.

"So we use stealth." James snapped back, pushing against the fireplace. The mantle folded in, making a tunnel appear in the chimney. "Gentlemen, our chariot awaits."

"A pleasure to scheme with you as always, my good man." Sirius mocked and walked down the tunnel.

"And once more, my fine fellows, INTO THE FRAY!" Remus added, following Sirius.

"I got the map!" Peter muttered, grabbing the folded piece of parchment and following the others. James followed behind, pressed against a brick, and the fireplace folded back in, giving the illusion that nothing had occurred.