Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter


Guinevere didn't receive any post from her mother after her visit to the headmaster's office. Of course, the lack of contact just put Guinevere on edge, making her worry that her mother would appear at any second and snatch her away from Hogwarts. And despite her initial misgivings about the school, she could not bear the thought of leaving her friends. Not only that, she had finally memorized the route to all of her classes, become accustomed to her professors, and even managed to enjoy most of her lessons.

Charms was her favorite, though she was holding out for Care of Magical Creatures in third year. In fact, the only classes she didn't like were Defense against the Dark Arts and Potions; though Potions was due to the teacher rather than the subject. She quite agreed with Marcus that Slughorn was an insufferable suck up, who had his head up everyone's arse whom he could glean any importance from.

With all of this going on, it was quite a relief when the post did finally deliver a package. At first she was certain it was another howler, this time in a box to throw her off her mother's trail, but it was a care package full of her favorite sweets from her father. Affection swelled inside of her for the man as she took a bite out of one of the chocolate frogs, her frayed nerves finally calming.

There was a short letter inside, which Guinevere read over fondly:

Guinevere,

Your mother has finally calmed down. Enjoy the sweets.

Father


Time flew by as Guinevere was able to enjoy her classes, rather than fret over the unknown, and she was able to look forward to a parcel from her father every Thursday. Before she knew it the winter holidays were fast approaching, and she was left with the option of staying for the Holidays, or going home. Not that it really was an option. Her mother would have a conniption if she even considered staying.

"Come on girls, it'll be like an adventure!" Marcus was attempting to persuade Guinevere and Cerridwen to stay to no avail.

"Marcus, my mom is bonkers. She plans on tutoring me in potions. Bloody git Slughorn went and owled her, Oh, Cerridwen is failing miserably in potions, barely scraping by with P's. I had such high hopes for her, considering her brothers aptitude for the subject- bah!" Guinevere patted her back comfortingly, understanding completely.

"It's just, not everyone has to be great at potions. It's a stupid class anyway." Ceridwen proceeded to pout the rest of dinner, her lips puckered in irritation.

"Sorry Marcus. Mother would kill me."

"Ah, well, maybe next year." Marcus shrugged a smirk in place as he watched Cerridwen. "You know, I could tutor you in potions. I have O's."

"Potions can burn with that bloody shirt lifter Slughorn!"


Guinevere wasn't quite sure how getting sorted in Hufflepuff meant she didn't have to go to her parents Christmas party this year, but she'd gladly do all sorts of terrible things to get rewarded this way. Already her night was off to a fantastic start. Instead of foie gras and awkward introductions she was eating coconut crème pie and enjoying some light reading. She had finished her homework, and was able to relax.

Of course, she knew this was supposed to be a punishment. She even felt a bit guilty about enjoying it so much, just not guilty enough to tell her mother. Besides, she had to know if Christine chose Erik or not. Music began drifting through the halls, and Guinevere snuggled deeper into her chaise, knowing the party had begun and she would not be seeing either of her parents until morning. Hopefully with presents, though this was present enough in her opinion.

She had just finished the last page with a dissatisfied sigh and was about to slide into bed when she heard a knock at the door. Brows furrowing, she answered it only to find Sirius Black on the other side. "So this is where you were the whole time." Guinevere blinked at him, wondering if it was polite to invite him in. He made the decision for her, all but pushing past her when he caught sight of the cake. "I also see you've been keeping all of the good food to yourself." He sat down and helped himself to a slice, leaving Guinevere to close the door and pretend she entertained company in her dressing gown all the time.

"What did you do to for you parents to let you skip the party?" Guinevere sat next to him, and smiled slightly.

"I got sorted in Hufflepuff." Sirius chuckled, his mouth full of cake.

"It makes me wish I had been sorted there too. Well, almost." Guinevere giggled, falling back to look at the ceiling.

"So, what brings you to this part of my house? Not enjoying the party?" He chuckled, grabbing another slice.

"Hardly. I was looking for you though." Guinevere turned to him confused.

"Why? Not to be rude, but we haven't exactly been friendly before. And this isn't exactly our first party together…" She trailed off, turning back to the ceiling. Sirius was silent for a moment, and Guinevere wondered if he was even planning to answer.

"I know. But we're kind of the same you know. I mean, we both disagree with all of that pureblood rubbish, right?" He turned to her and she realized this was what he came for, to see if he did have an ally in her. She considered his question, and realized that she did in fact feel similarly. Both of her best friends were half-bloods, and most of her house mates were at least half if not muggleborn.

"I suppose we are the same." He stood then and walked towards the window.

"You know this tree makes it very easy to sneak out of the house, right?" Guinevere glanced over to where he was standing, and rose to join him.

"I never considered it." He scoffed, turning to the door and back to the window.

"Wanna try sneaking out?" Guinevere shook her head, not brave enough to even say the words aloud. "Not tonight of course, but tomorrow night. Me and some of my mates are going to something muggles do a lot. It's called the cinema." Guinevere considered it.

"I'm not sure…"

"Come on Prince, it'll be fun, live a little."

"That's kind of the point, I want to keep living." Sirius barked out a laugh and flung himself on her bed, making her blush indignantly. She wasn't sure if it would be ruder to ask him to move or let the impropriety stand, but she wished he didn't put her in these situations.

"It'll be my first time sneaking out too, if it makes you feel better." She sighed, sitting back in her chaise. Somehow, that admission did make her feel better, if only a tiny bit.

"Only if you meet me here to pick me up, and drop me off as well." Even in his first year, Sirius was known for causing trouble. She would die if this was all a prank. Sirius sat up, a huge grin on his face.

"Excellent! So, what do you do for fun in here anyway?" Guinevere was about to reply that she was quite fond of chess when the door opened to reveal her mother as well and Mrs. Black. Of course, her mother looked scandalized, which was infinitely better than the fury in Mrs. Black's countenance. She could hear Sirius gulp as he scampered to his mother's side. She said nothing, but Guinevere felt it would not be pretty when he got home. When they left her mother rushed to her, her nose almost brushing against her as she leaned down to her.

"You will not leave this room till you go back to school." Her voice was but a whisper, but it chilled Guinevere to the core. She nodded frantically and her mother turned and stormed out of the room, locking it behind her from the outside. Guinevere sighed, considering the nights events, and then giggled. It was still all better than going to that stupid party.