Hey. It's been a while. I'm so sorry I've just been super busy. I'm graduating tomorrow so lately I've been having essays and projects and finals. It got a little crazy.

Anyways…

Squeaky-monkey: Thanks for such a long wonderful review bae :p

Rlassie: Thanks so much for the compliments! I appreciate your reviews so much!

Rosesinjamjars: Thanks!

Musia888: Yeah it was a lot of fun. Thanks so much for the review!

SourElf: Thanks so much

Kissmedraco: "People like you" means people who are fantastic writers with super popular stories. Thank you so much for the review!

Prankster-at-heart: Ahahaha that might have been a little longer opposed to a little sooner. Lol sorry. Thanks for the review though!

IchoseSlytherin: Sorry it took so long for me to update. Thanks for the review!

Mytwistedview: THANKS!

Here ya guys go….

The common room glowed orange in the light of the roaring fire, the frosted windows sweating from the heat. Aubrey carefully closed the portrait hole door behind her, disappointed when she realized the room was empty. Most students were bundled up and traipsing about the Hogwarts grounds, or enjoying the last half an hour of lunch wrapped in sweaters with a mug of hot coco. Remus had escorted her to the portrait hole, and then mumbled faintly about homework to do and scampered off.

Aubrey sighed, squaring her shoulders and starting up the winding staircase that led to the boy's dorms. She trailed her fingers against the cold glass of the windows as she stepped quietly up the stone steps. When she reached the top landing she sucked in a deep breath and pushed the door to the dorm open.

Calcifer was sitting hunched over on his bed, surrounded by parchment, broken quills and textbooks, scratching furiously with an unbroken quill on a piece of parchment. Aubrey watched silently as the spindly stalk of the feather was bent more and more aggressively, until it broke this a resounding snap.

"Merlin's hairy balls not again," Calcifer snapped to him self, looking up for a new quill. Upon spotting Aubrey he froze, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. She blushed looking at her feet.

"Er, Aubs, didn't see you there," he muttered, sweeping aside the explosion of homework, and patting his bed. She gingerly perched her self on the end of his bed, still silent.

"I suppose I owe you an apology," Calcifer sighed, "I'm sorry Aubs, I was just embarrassed, and I took it out on you." She tilted her head, surveying him.

"It's okay I suppose," she said softly, not sure what she had expected. He grinned brightly at her.

"Fantastic. Want to go to Hogsmead tomorrow together?"

"Erm, actually, Lily, Alice and I were sort of planning a girls day out. Sorry," Aubrey said quickly, surprised at how quickly the lie had come out of her mouth. Calcifer's smile faltered, but then returned, becoming more of a smirk then a grin this time.

"Next time then," he said, and Aubrey felt tingles at the low, raspy tone he had adopted. His hands slid out and wrapped around her hips, rubbing small circles on her lower back. She leaned forward brushing her lips against his. As he rolled her over, trapping her between his arms and the soft blankets, Aubrey wondered briefly wondering why she had even lied at all.

…

"I haven't seen you two in ages," Lily exclaimed, her cheeks pink in the wind, hands deep in her coat pockets as the three of them headed down the icy path to Hogsmead. Alice laughed. Her short hair had been boarding on longish lately, falling in her eyes at its awkward length that stopped an inch short of the bottom of her neck. Her bangs were growing out and lately the pretty brunette had been sweeping them to the side, leaving just a glint of her dark eyes exposed. Aubrey sighed, feeling rather plain next to her stunning friends.

"Sorry Lils, I have just been spending every waking moment with Frank," Alice grinned; her cheeks pink from something other then the cold. Lily's green eyes shined excitedly.

"Oooh I swear on Merlin you two were made for each other!" Lily giggled, hip checking Alice lightly. Aubrey smirked.

"So what have you two been up to?" Aubrey questioned.

"Oh well he's very romantic, we are always roaming the castle and grounds in between classes and finding hidden rooms and such to talk in." Alice replied brightly, tucking a piece of hair into her beanie.

"And?" prompted Aubrey.

"And to kiss in, obviously," Alice giggled, "And we always are finding new little shops in Hogsmead whenever we go together. I love talking to him; he's just so smart. His family lives in the outskirts of London, some remote hidden mansion that's apparently full of his super strict, rich and talented family." She paused, looking nervous, "I do hope they'll like me.

"What, are you meeting them?" Lily asked excitedly as the three of them entered Hogsmead. Alice smiled.

"Yes actually. Frank invited me for the first long weekend of Christmas break. Then I'll floo to your place Lily for Christmas Eve, just a tad later then usual." Alice smiled, looking thrilled. Lily squealed while Aubrey grinned.

"Omigosh you better spill everything that happens when you get to my house!" Lily exclaimed, green eyes wide, "Aubrey, is your Dad letting you come to my house this year." Excitement bubbled in Aubrey's stomach.

"I just received a letter from my Dad this morning, and he and Mom are vacationing in France this Christmas and visiting some distant relative. He said they don't have enough money to take me along, and would I please find someone to spend break with, or I'll have to stay at the castle." Aubrey spit out quickly. Lily squealed yet again, if possible, a pitch higher.

"Well you'll stay with me of course! Mum and Dad won't be from their business trips until the day before Christmas, so we'll stay in the castle until then. When Alice arrives on Christmas Eve we can all floo to the Potter's house for their annual Christmas Party, anybody whose anybody will be there, and then spend the rest of break at my place!" Lily had clearly been planning this for a while.

"This is going to be great," Alice sighed as they pushed open the door to The Three Broomsticks. Aubrey glanced back at the snowy street filled with bustling students before shutting the old door behind her.

Warmth immediately spread over Aubrey and her fingers quickly started tingling uncomfortably as they adjusted to the change in climate. She stuffed her mittens and hat in her pockets and then hung her coat up after Lily and Alice. The three girls quickly found a table, and Lily offered to go get drinks. Alice smiled at Aubrey.

"So what have you been up to?" Aubrey shrugged.

"Just hanging with Cal," she replied casually, "But I told him we had plans today." Alice frowned.

'But this was totally last minute. Why did you lie?" Alice had always been shrewd.

"Eh. Needed a break," Aubrey replied casually.

"Needed a break from the whiney bottle blonde overgrown baby?" questioned a lazy voice from behind her. Aubrey moaned, turning to glare at the clump of grinning boys, the main offender at the front smirking victoriously down at her.

"Do you actually have a life, Sirius? Cause you must not have much free time after you finish bothering me," Aubrey snapped. He didn't miss a beat.

"It's my favorite activity," he replied sliding into the seat next to her.

"Go snog Vane," Aubrey glared.

"I've recently had an epiphany. Vane is a hot racist, needy, slutty bitch," Sirius replied pleasantly. Aubrey and Alice exchanged glances, rolling their eyes.

"Recently? I applaud you, Black. I didn't think you were capable of train of thought." Alice remarked snidely.

"Touché, Brown," Sirius laughed as the rest of the Marauders yanked chairs up to table.

"Did we invite you?" Lily was back, hands filled with three steaming mugs of butterbeer.

"Ouch," James laughed, standing up and helping her put down the mugs, pulling out her seat. Lily flushed and sent him a weak glare before sitting.

"Pete!" roared Sirius, clapping the frightened looking boy on the back, "Be a good man and get your good old friends some drinks!" Peter nodded quickly and evacuated his seat, waddling swiftly toward the bar. James snickered.

"He's not your servant," Aubrey said, concerned, watching the slightly plump boy sweating profusely at the bar as he neared the attractive bar tender, Madam Rosemerta.

"He enjoys it!" Sirius, wincing slightly as the six of them watched him stumble over his words. Remus shook his head slightly at Aubrey. She reached for her mug; taking a sip of the delicious liquid and feeling it warm her from head to toe.

"So what creature are you lot choosing for the essay?" Alice asked disinterestedly, sipping from her mug as well.

"Hippogriff," Lily said immediately, and the others nodded approvingly.

"Tricky," James remarked, earning a distained look from Lily, "I went for your average plain Jane dragon. Needed an easy A, plus it was funny watching Pete try to figure something else out to research." Lily's frown deepened.

"I think he settled on a shark. Somebody needs to break the news to him that it's not a magical creature," Remus chuckled good naturedly, "But me and Aubs are both doing the Hlinkle. Professor Kettleburn said it was alright since we are his top students." Sirius shot Remus an odd look as Aubrey nodded in agreement.

"Braggy are we, Mr. Mooneypants?" Sirius said in a slightly cool tone, bright smile still in place, "I think I'll do those Merpeople or whatever they're called." Tension was like a taut rope between the two boys, and the others looking confused by the icy undercurrents to Sirius's pleasant tone.

"Ah well, I'll suppose we'll be twinning, James," Alice broke the silence, "I'm giving in to the norm as well and picking the unicorn. Don't need to worry about my above average intelligence friend's stealing it from me, just need to get to class and claim it before those other stupid sluts in our year." Lily gave Alice a withering glance.

"For the last time, Alice, your perfectly smart, you just won't accept it," Lily prodded the brunette's shoulder. Alice rolled her eyes playfully.

"Four butterbeers!" Peter announced, haphazardly placing the sloshing mugs in front of his friends.

"Thanks Pete, I owe you," Sirius smiled, and Aubrey observed no snide tone. Peter shrugged, but looked pleased as he sat down. Aubrey gulped her butterbeer, watching the first flurries of snow dance around outside as her friends engaged in more playful banter about why are the Marauders still here, trying the keep the moment burned into her mind forever.

…

Aubrey massaged the shampoo through her hair, letting the warm water wash it out before she stepped out of the shower. She was glad the mirror was fogged and obscured her reflection as she quickly pulled a fluffy towel around herself. Aubrey quickly dried off and then threw on an oversized tee before pulled her wet hair up into a bun. She wipes the remains of that day's makeup off her face, moisturized with some cream, and then concluded her simple bathroom routine by brushing her teeth.

When she exited the bathroom she was slightly mortified to find Lily, Alice, Marlene, Rose, Mary, Frank, Calcifer, Remus, James, Sirius, Peter, Simon, and David, the other boy who roomed with Calcifer and Simon, all sitting cross-legged on the floor of her dorm. She flushed a violent red, tugging her shirt down over her legs. It made her feel the slightest bit better when she noticed that the other girls were wearing similar sleep attire, save Lily, who was wearing pajama shorts.

"Um…" Aubrey managed to stutter out. All eyes turned to her.

"Aubrey!" Lily smiled at her, "The guys filched some snacks from the kitchens, and then suggested we play truth or dare! Want to join?" Aubrey searched for an excuse, but then a hand wrapped around her ankle and she was quickly pulled into Calcifer's lap.

"Hey Aubs," he grinned into her ear. She felt her shirt ride up and she pulled it down firmly. Alice was nestled with Frank, Marlene with Simon, and Rose with David. Lily sat as far from James as possible, and Mary sat huddled quietly next to her. The rest of the boys sat sprawled out on the floor, feasting on the numerous sweets splattered on the floor. Aubrey could feel eyes burning into her but she didn't dare look and see who was watching.

"Hey Cal," she faked a smile, thoroughly uncomfortable with the situation.

"Who wants to go first?" Sirius roared from behind her, and Aubrey slid off Calcifer's leg in shock. She leaned into his shoulder, making herself as small as possible.

"I will," James said smugly, turning to a tense Lily, "Lilykins, truth or dare?"

"Do not call me that," she said through gritted teeth, eyes flashing, "But truth if I must."

"Would you rather be all snuggly like Aubs is with Grug with me or Snape?" James asked, a wicked light in his eyes. Lily rolled her eyes.

"Well honestly I would prefer the giant squid, but seeing as that's not an option, I'd go with Snape," Lily replied loftily. James flushed, and the boys erupted into snickers.

"Ha, likely. You would probably be consumed by his greasy hair," James muttered under his breath, a pink tint still in his cheeks. Aubrey was glad Lily hadn't heard this snide comment, she wasn't in the mood for a screaming match.

Once the commotion had died down, Lily turned to Marlene, "Truth or Dare?" Marlene smirked and peeled herself off Simon, her messy curls still perfect.

"Dare," she said casually. Lily grinned devilishly.

"I dare you to bring the boy of your choice into that closet over there after I blind you and let him do whatever he wants to you," Lily smirked, and Marlene rolled her eyes.

"Sure. Come on Black," Marlene yawned, smiling at the disappointed look on Simon's face, "Aw Simon love, I get to have you all the time. This is for a dare." He pouted, but looked pleased after she reassured her. James was patting Sirius on the back as Sirius stood, casually shaking hair out of his eyes.

"Make sure you tie it tightly," he grinned at Lily, who was tying a shirt around Marlene's eyes. Aubrey's heart thumped, and her stomach twisted strangely. Lily led Marlene into closet shut the door, than smirked at everyone.

"See you fine chaps in a couple of moments," Sirius smirked rolling up his sleeves and disappearing into the closet. The group crowded into the bathroom to give them some privacy. They continued playing the game, and Aubrey knew she should be listening carefully to her friends' and enemies' embarrassing truths and roaring with laughter at the dares, but she found herself drifting into oblivion, catching every moan that was loud enough to travel from the closet, and feeling her stomach knot tighter.

"Aubrey? Aubs? Earth to-" Aubrey blinked out of her daze, gazing stupidly at Alice, who had said her name several times. The dark haired girl laughed.

"God you're spacey. Rose asked you truth or dare."

Aubrey turned to meet the blonde's cold ice colored ice, blurting out before she could stop herself, "Dare." Rose's smile widened. Aubrey paled. Why had she said that?

"I dare you to go as far as you have gone with Calcifer right here right now in front of us. No further, no less." Everyone's eyes turned to her, and she could feel her neck heating up.

Gently Calcifer brushed lips with her, and the catcalls and sniggers faded as the kiss intensified. He pulled her closer, and she could feel his hands inching downwards, but she didn't redirect him. He pulled her into his lap, and her fingers gripped his hair fiercely. He trailed kisses down her neck, kissing at a spot above her collarbone. Her eyes rolled open and she caught a flash of her laughing friends, clapping and whistling.

The door to the bathroom banged open just as she felt Calcifer's hands inch under the hem of her oversized shirt. No further, no less. As Aubrey pulled away, she felt Calcifer retract his hand, his fingers angry against her skin. She could tell he was mad that his friends now knew the furthest he had gone with Aubrey was make out, but didn't say anything, just sat quietly next to her.

Marlene and Sirius stood in the door, buttons missing, hair tousled, and lips puffy. Marlene laughed and started whispering quickly to the girls as the laughs died down and the attention turned to Sirius and her. Sirius sat down next to James, nodding to him and smirking, but his eyes caught Aubrey's for the briefest of seconds, narrowing and taking her appearance. She was sure she looked just like him. She took in his appearance. Then he turned away and fell into chatter with James, and she fell into Calcifer's warm arms.

OOooh some Aubrey and Calcifer action. Sirius is jealous, don't ya think?

Again, sorry for the wait. If I don't post again before I go to camp, it's because, well, I'm busy packing and stuff.

I'll try to get another chapter out ASAP

-Soph