Phases 1.13.9

Wednesday the 26th – Boxing Day

Remus lay in bed and thought. He had had such a wonderful time yesterday. He was freed from the confines of the hospital wing and Sirius seemed to buy his cover story. Granted he could be suspicious. Remus smiled as he looked over at the sleeping figure in the bed next to him. Sirius was snoring and had the blankets wrapped around him like a cocoon. What did he do to deserve such a friend?

Sirius had gotten the tree to the dorm for him. Sirius had read 'The Fir Tree' to him. It meant the world to Remus to have Sirius as his friend. He was able to have adventures with him and still have quiet nights reading by the fire. He thought about all the things Sirius had done for him in the short time they knew one another. He was baffled that someone would care so much about him. Remus started to chew on his bottom lip. What would happen if Sirius found out? Maybe Cassie was right and Sirius wouldn't mind at all. Remus found this hard to swallow; anyone in their right mind would always hold it against him.

The air still held the aroma of last night's feast. Edwina had him flummoxed. He pieced together the information he had on her. She is married to one Archibald Letcher – funny he didn't seem like an Archibald. Edwina met Sirius at Christmas Eve dinner and was pleasant company. She knew Remus was in the hospital wing even though Sirius says he never mentioned his name. She then accompanied Sirius to the hospital wing. She decorated the ward and had pulled the tree out of her handbag. Letcher arrived and added the chocolate ornaments.

Remus subjected his lip to more nervous chewing. This was mystifying. How did Letcher ever end up with such a sweet and wonderful woman? And more importantly why did she stay with him? He was puzzled by the fact that Letcher had in fact done something nice for Remus. Remus always thought Letcher was without a heart or generosity. And he thought it was important to note that the chocolate ornaments were not poisoned.

Remus was again shown Edwina's good nature when she brought Christmas dinner. The panicked state she was in when he bit into the silver sickle was genuine. She really had not meant for it to happen. Did Letcher sneak in the silver sickles? Remus did not think this was the case. Letcher would not risk upsetting Edwina and he seemed to care very much for her. Remus could smell jasmine perfume on his blankets, so he assumed she had put him to bed. He flushed slightly at the thought of Edwina getting him in his pajamas. Why was she so nice to him? Should he really care? Remus decided to just go with it and except the mothering nature of Edwina. It was after all very nice to be a part of.

Remus emptied the contents of his Christmas stocking onto the bed. It had been stuffed to the brim with goodies. There were oranges, chocolates, every flavour beans, chocolate frogs, three galleons, and a small stuffed light grey wolf. He picked up the wolf and wondered if this is what he looked like when he transformed. Remus couldn't help but grin like an idiot. Edwina was so kind to have left him this stocking. He wanted to do something for her to let her know how special she was.

Remus had not noticed that Sirius was awake and rifling through his stocking. His stocking held the same goodies as Remus', except instead of a wolf Sirius had a small stuffed black dog.

After the two dressed and had breakfast, they headed to the library. Sirius didn't complain as he was with Remus. He enjoyed his company – even it was in the stuffy library. Cassie was in her portrait still wearing the shawl.

"Cassie," Sirius asked in his most innocent tone, "What do you know about Edwina?"

"Edwina is a wonderful caring and giving woman. She is the one of the nicest people I have ever met. She is married to Professor Letcher and lives in Hogsmeade. She visits here on holidays and weekends while school is in session. She doesn't like to be parted from her husband for too long. She loves quidditch and Christmas. Sometimes she seems very sad and withdrawn, I do not know why." Cassie's voice was near a whisper when she spoke the last sentence.

"Do they have any children?" Remus asked as he was curious I learning more about her.

"I have never heard her mention children. It's a shame she would have made an excellent mother."

"Yes she would be a great mother." Sirius brow furrowed, why hadn't they had any children?

Sirius' mind wandered with theories on the matter. Sirius scanned the library, as if the answers would miraculously appear. His eyes focused on one of the shelves. He read the titles of the books and found one that was all too familiar to him.

"Do you know what day it is Remus?" Sirius grinned from ear to ear.

"Yes its boxing day Sirius, why?" Remus looked up and his eyes went wide. Sirius had a cat that ate the canary look about him that could only mean one thing – a prank.

Sirius proceeded to whisper his plan to Remus. Remus soon adopted a matching look and started to head out the door. Sirius took the book off the shelf and followed Remus.

The two boys were busy in their dorm room most of the day. When dinner time came they went to the great hall for dinner. They filled their plates and ate quickly. The exited the great hall and headed towards Filch's office.

Sirius took a small package out of his pocket. He whispered a spell and a large gold box appeared – complete with silver bow. The boys hid behind a nearby statue and waited.

They did not have to wait long at all. Filch arrived and took notice of the present in front of his door. Filch not being the smartest bloke opened it. As soon as he opened the box a large fanged book sprang out. Filch jumped back in horror as the book lunged for him. The book seemed to only want to attack Filch. It snapped at him and tried to corner Filch. The boys could have sworn the book was growling as well.

Sirius and Remus watched as The Monster Book of Monsters chased Filch down the corridor.