Yule

It was two weeks before the Holidays. Father informed me that I would be going home with Uncle Moony for the first week of the holidays. The second week Aria would be staying with us. The third week of Christmas break Aria and I would be staying at the Burrow. I was excited to be going home for Christmas. For the first two years we stayed in the castle. It would be my first real family holiday. Technically my second but I couldn't remember much from last year.

Fred and Arabella had been having weekly picnics in one of the abandoned classrooms since Hogsmead. Arabella was quite impressed with the effort he went through. He added a fox charm to represent him on the bracelet. They also now did their homework together. He had officially asked her to be his girlfriend and she said yes.

Everything was going smoothly until Alicia Spinet one of the Gryffindor Quidditch players decided to flirt with Fred. Fred being his usual flirty- self flirted back.

Alicia twirling her hair smiling said. "So Fred how come you are the more handsome twin?" She asked.

Fred chuckled. "Think George has muscles like these?" He teased pulling up his sleeve and flexing his arm.

Alicia touched his arm appreciatively. "I doubt that." She giggled.

Arabella watched the scene in fury. "GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY BOYFRIEND!" She said in a menacing voice.

Alicia stared at her in horror. "Calm down sweetheart its just flirting a little flirting never hurt anyone." Fred said.

Arabella narrowed her eyes at him. "So it would be perfectly fine for me to flirt with Ron, or George, or some other boy?" She challenged.

"No." He said.

"Why not?" She demanded.

"Your mine I don't want anyone thinking your available." He said.

"But its acceptable for others to think that of you?" She challenged.

"Yea guys are just flirty." He said shrugging.

"So because I am a girl I can't flirt around but because you're a guy you can?" She asked.

"Yeah." He said not hearing the warning in her voice.

What happened next taught Fred not to anger his girlfriend. She sent a stinging hex at him then another hex. The second hex put in big letters across his forehead Property of Arabella Black! He was left groveling for days and became a laughing stock. He couldn't remove the words no matter how hard he tried. She smugly told him since he insisted it was ok to flirt the girls needed a warning. However, if he rethought things perhaps she would take off the spell. It took three days before she finally removed it.

Everyone was impressed with her magic. She proved once again she was a force to be reckoned with. Arabella and Draco were of course going home to Malfoy Manor. The rest of term flew by and before they knew it they were getting on the train. They played exploding snap sang Christmas songs at the top of their lungs. Moony had some last-minute grading to do so he would be meeting them at Kingscross. All to soon they were full of sweets and exciting the train.

Aria and I hugged everyone goodbye. We sat on a bench to wait our trunks at our feet. Athena in her carrier and Caspian in his cage. I watched as Brayden Prewet came through the barrier. He came over to them and set down next to Jamie with things.

"Hey Jamie." He said.

"Hello." She said.

Aria was looking at them. "You two could be brother and sister." She giggled.

I snorted. He looked at her like she was mental. We looked at each other and beside having the same eyes I really didn't see any similarity. We both shrugged and ignored her.

Soon Moony came. "Hello girls sorry I am late." He said smiling.

"Who is this?" He asked frowning when he noticed Braydon.

"Braydon Prewet sir." Braydon said.

"Right you're a first year right?" Lupin asked.

"Yes Professor." Braydon said.

"Are you waiting on someone?" Lupin asked.

Braydon smiled sheepishly. "My mum she is a healer probably got caught up at the hospital. You can leave me here sir." Braydon said.

"Nonsense we are in no hurry. We will just wait with you." Moony said.

We all started chatting and Braydon said he lived in Australia. His mum had moved there after his dad died but she was originally from Britain. His mum after having him had taken up studying to become a healer so she could help people. You could tell that he loved his mother. I felt a twang in my chest I could tell Aria felt it two. We missed our mums.

Before we knew it there was a witch coming through the barrier. She was wearing healer robes. She had red hair and emerald green eyes. My eyes went wide as I looked at her. She was hurrying towards us. Braydon was smiling. We both said "MUM!" Mine was surprise and disbelief. His was excitement and joy.

Braydon and the witch both looked at me funny. As she approached Moony and Aria were both staring at her in shock. I could barely contain myself. I was shaking I was feeling so many emotions. Shock, awe, joy, hope, fear, dread. If she was alive where had she been all these years? Why did she just leave me? Why did she leave dad?

"Lily…?" Remus whispered.

The witch smiled. "Sorry? You must be mistaking me for someone else. My name is Rose Prewet. Who are you?" Remus inhaled deeply through his nose.

"Remus Lupin I teach defense against the dark arts. You look a lot like a woman I used to know." He said.

"Nice to meet you Professor Lupin. I am Braydon's mother. Are these your daughters?" She asked looking between the Aria and I.

"No Aria is my goddaughter that I am raising. This is her friend Jamie Snape." He said.

"Nice to meet you both what year are you two in?" She asked kindly.

"Third." Aria answered while Jamie just stared at the witch.

"Mrs. Prewet if you don't mind me asking could I take you to see someone? I… just can't get over how much you look like my old friend." He said.

"I guess… I can't stay to long though we must be getting home." She said.

I wondered who he was taking her to and what would happen. Remus told us that he would have Mrs. Weasly pick us up. He sent off his patronus and disapparated with the woman.

Several moments later Arthur and Molly Weasly came to take us to the burrow. Both of them looked extremely worried. All the Weasly children were happy to see us even Ron. He had actually made an effort to hang out with us. The next morning we still hadn't heard anything from Remus and we were starting to get worried. Braydon was especially worried. It wasn't until late afternoon an owl arrived.

Dear Aria, Jamie, and Braydon,

You will be staying at the Burrow for the remainder of the week. I am very sorry. I can't explain what is going on in a letter. I will be there first thing Monday morning to bring you back to Hogwarts. I will also tell you what is going on when I arrive. Do not worry everyone is fine. Braydon scowled at the letter. He didn't like this and neither did Aria and I.

That night I decided to show Braydon my photo album. He deserved to know why his mum got the reaction she did. What I did not expect was for Braydon to blurt out. "Why do you have a picture of my parents?" Braydon asked.

"That's my mum and adoptive dad James." I said.

"My mum has that same exact picture in her room." Braydon said scowling.

It was weird. If his parents were my mum and James and his mum was alive… how did she survive that night. Was Rose Prewet really Lily Potter? Was Braydon Prewet really my little brother? If so how did that happen. We all had so many questions and Monday seemed so far away.

The days were filled with quidditch matches, chess matches and the occasional snowball fight. Monday came quicker than I thought possible. Braydon and I tried to get to know each other. We learned each other's likes and dislikes. Traded stories from our childhood mainly his. I told him about my escapades of my first two years.

Monday morning came and Mr. and Mrs. Weasly apperated Braydon, Aria and I to Hogsmead. Remus met us at the gates and led us into the castle. We walked in silence all waiting for an explanation. After growing tired of waiting I asked.

"Uncle Moony?"

"Yes cub?"

"Are you going to explain now?" I asked.

"When we get somewhere more private." He said.

We continued in silence until we reached his quarters. He sat each of us down on the sofa. "Well?" I demanded impatiently.

He sighed. "Your mother survived that night." He said.

My eyes grew wide. "You mean….how? Why did she leave me? What happened?" I asked rapidly.

Braydon and Aria were too shocked to speak.

"Well someone took away her memories. They made her believe she was someone else. This past week your father and I have been helping her get her memories back. The headmaster stole her memories. We don't know why but knowing this we can't trust him." Remus said.

"Where is mum?" Braydon and I asked at the same time.

"We felt it best to give her some time to adjust. You can see her in a bit. You must realize she has had quite a shock." Remus said.

"Does she remember what happened that night?" I demanded.

"She does and it led us to another problematic situation." He said looking at Aria.
" What is it Uncle Moony?" Aria asked.

"Your father…. He is….. innocent." He said.

"WHAT?" Aria yelped.

"I do not know if the headmaster knew that Lily remembers certain things but not everything yet. Regardless when we go to the ministry with this Sirius will most likely be set free." Remus said.

"Sirius doesn't know that though… we have to find him." I said.

"Look lets take this one step at a time ok?" Remus said.

"Right." I said taking a deep breath.

"Can we see mum now?" Braydon asked.

Remus nodded. "Jamie take Braydon to your fathers quarters she is staying there." He said.

Braydon and I got up and I started leading him to the Dungeons. Neither of us knew what to say so we walked in silence. When we got to my father's quarters I opened the door and we headed in. They were sitting on the couch close together my mother looked anxious. My father was trying to reassure her of something.

My eyes welled up with traitorous tears that I tried to fight back. "Mum!" Braydon said launching himself at her. She wrapped him up in her arms. I was frozen to the spot. My father got up and pulled me into his arms. "Hello Eli." He said. My mother's attention turned to us. My father let me go and turned me to face her.

My mother was looking nervously at me. Tears were forming in her own eyes. "You've gotten so big." She whispered.

"Mum…" I whispered before launching myself at her much like Braydon. We were both clinging to each other and sobbing. She ran her fingers though my hair and I marveled at how wonderful it felt. I couldn't believe this was real. This was a moment I had dreamed of forever. My mother was actually here. She was holding me. I kept expecting to wake up and it all be some cruel dream.

Finally we both calmed down and I sat down next to her. "What happens now?" I asked.

"Well I have to go back to Australia for a while." She said.

I clung to her. "Don't leave!" I begged.

"Work needs me Jamie. Also, I need time to adjust to this. We can write I promise and I will see you during the summer. Your father and I agreed you will spend your summer with me since he sees you during the school year." My mother said.

I didn't like that plan. "Can't we just stay together? Stay here mum please!" I begged.

"Sweetheart I want to but I have a lot to figure out. I promise I will write you. I won't just vanish." She said.

"When are you leaving?" I asked sulkily.

"Today." She said sadly.

"WHAT?!" I shouted.

"I wanted to see you first but I have to get back to work. I need to process and think. I love you Jamie. No matter what your my daughter and I love you." She said giving me a hug.

"Come on Braydon." She said.

I tried to grab onto her but dad held me back. He quickly silenced me. He silenced me just before I started screaming for her. He held me tight as she walked out. Braydon grabbed her hand and looked back as they left. I hugged dad and broke down again.

"Shhhh Eli its ok." He said although his face betrayed that he was feeling the same way I was. I couldn't believe I got her back just for her to walk back out again. I felt so lost.

"Will she ever come back?" I whispered.

"I am sure she will." He said unsure himself.

Dad and I were rarely touchy people. Unless I needed we needed comfort. Which we did in this moment. We both just stood there a moment my head on his lower chest arms wrapped around him. His arms wrapped around me as he stared at the fire. After a moment I trudged to my room collapsing on my bed. I just stared blankly at the ceiling. A few moments later Aria crawled into bed next to me. She put her arm behind my shoulder.

"You ok?" She asked.

I shrugged. "You?"

"Its weird to think my dad will be free. That he is innocent." Aria said.

"That's right! We have to tell him!" I said. I ran to my desk and grabbed the mirror.

"Sirius Black!" I called.

He didn't answer. How were we supposed to tell him he was free if he wouldn't pick up? Frustrated I put the mirror away. Aria and I decided that we would have to find a way to get to him. Until then we would have to wait.

The days flew by and we still couldn't contact Sirius. My mum and Braydon arrived two days before Yule. Mum and Braydon stayed in one of the guest quarters that the house elves set up. I enjoyed having them there. I only wished it was permanent. Maybe someday it would be. Remus came over and we all spent yule together. It was like finally having a real family the only one missing was Sirius.

Aria and I got clothes, chocolate, and pranks. The biggest surprise though was when a Dobby popped in looking nervous. "I is having some gifts to deliver to mistress and her friends." He said. With another pop, he disappeared. Coming back, he had a broom in one hand and a black puppy in the other. He handed the broom to me and the puppy to Aria.

After disappearing again he popped back and this time he had a wrapped gift for Remus. Remus asked. "Who are these from?"

He shot a nervous look my way. "They is from mistress's friend. They is not wishing me to tells you." He said.

All the adults shared a look and then looked at me. "Don't look at me I have no idea." I said. I did though I was pretty sure it was Sirius.

"Tell them thank you Dobby and to please contact me ASAP." I ordered.

"Yes, Mistress Jamie." He said disappearing.

The adults were thoughtful for the rest of the day. Aria and I played it cool and spent the day playing with her puppy. She named him Midnight after his black fur. Overall it was an amazing day. The best Yule ever! The only bad part was dad took my broom. He said he had to check it for hexes and curses.

I was looking forward to this summer where I would get to see mum every day. I would miss dad though maybe I could convince him to come with me. I couldn't wait to finally be able to go to France with the Malfoy's. I wished the school year would be over already. I was more than ready for summer.

Too soon mum and Braydon went home and Yule break was over. Students came back and classes resumed. It had been a nice break. I was glad that this year there was no sign of the dark lord. Hopefully it would stay that way. At least until next year. The Marauder's celebrated new year's by setting off fireworks in the great hall during dinner and filling the great hall with snow and starting a snowball war. Needless to say Mcgonagall and my father were not amused. A months worth of detention was totally worth it though! Remus congratulated us and said that they had never pulled off something like that in his day.

"Well you also didn't have a secret room to plan." I said smirking.

Remus raised an eyebrow at me. "Where would that be?" He asked.

"Marauder secret sorry." I said. The look on his face was priceless. It was a mixture of pride and indignation.

This year instead of meeting in the abandoned classroom we had turned the chamber of secrets into a posh meeting room. We gave my dad the skin from the basilisk to use. He had also taken the venom and was experimenting with it. I nicked some from him. I just wanted it in case it was useful in a prank or something down the line.

The chamber of secrets was now clean and well lit. There was bookshelf with our marauder book. Remus gave us a book that they had written all their pranks down in. We wrote a short intro including the Marauders oath and what being a Marauder meant and about the map. We wrote down all our pranks. Next to our book was the book Remus had given us and that included the original Marauder's pranks. Lastly there was a book on Animagous and how to become one.

Next to those books were two framed photographs. The first was the original Marauders. On the bottom of the frame written in gold were their names. Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. If you turned the frame over it was their real names on the back. On the top was the year they graduated. Next was us in the same type of frame. The top we put the year Aria and I came to Hogwarts. Below us Shadow, Trouble, Phoenix, and Mischief. Ours also had our real names on the back.

The shelf below that was parchment, ink and quills. Along with eight small figurines. A stag, a rat, a wolf, a dog, then a phoenix, two foxes ,and another dog.. Next to that was a bookshelf filled with books. Theses were filled with books that had spells we had used in our pranks or just found useful. Next to that was a cupboard filled with potion ingredients. Inside were basic ingredients that we had bought and some random ones to experiment with. Including the Basilisk fangs and some venom we had taken from the Basilisk. There was also a cauldron and burner and a station with tools to prepare the ingredients. We also had phials to store the potions.

Remus helped us make our own copies of the map. They weren't copies really; the map couldn't be copied. We just followed what they did and made our own. But in case any of our personal ones were confiscated we kept the original down there. There were four comfy arm chairs. There were several boards for writing and planning on. The original map was on a stand on a table and we worked with Remus and expanded it to include Hogsmead.

Each of us could open the chamber. I taught them to copy what I said in parseltoung. Of course, they couldn't understand it like I could but it worked. We renamed the chamber of secrets the Marauders den. We would come here to plan or just do homework or talk. We couldn't spend too much time here but it was one of my favorite places in the castle.