All previous disclaimers apply

"What the fuck do you mean she won't tell you?" John Slink was walking alongside his friend, Sam Yalarad, towards the Hogwarts Express that would take them back home. Sam was carrying a box wrapped in brown paper and twine.

"I'm saying Bellatrix won't tell me what I said to her before I kissed her," Sam repeated himself.

"Weird," Slink put his hands behind his neck as they walked over to the carriages. It was lightly snowing, and there was a nip in the air. Both Hufflepuffs were dressed for the occasion. "And she didn't kick your arse?"

"No. She didn't, and I'm starting to wonder, if maybe she liked what I said to her?" Sam looked at his friend. "What do you think? Is she teasing me?"

Slink scoffed, "It's a weird way to be teasing you. When I tease Tom, I do normal shit, like bite his neck or suck on his ear…"

"Okay, okay, okay! I don't need to know your foreplay!"

Slink grinned, "It's natural, Sami."

"I know that, I just want the mental image of my friends going at it like two lovers in one of those dime store romance novels!"

"His muscular arms gently embraced his lover's body. Their bare chests touched in the moonlight…" Slink teased his friend.

Sam clasped his hands over his ears and began blocking out his friend's recitation, "Fuck off!"

They shared a great laugh when Sam noticed Lily waving at them. "You coming?"

"No, I'm going to join my lover boy in another cabin. Ta-ta for now!" Slink guffawed before leaving his friend.

Sam walked into the train and over to Lily's cabin and walked in. He saw Severus, and Xeno was in there as well.

"How's it hanging guys?"

"It hangs," Severus said, he was bundling up in his cloak for comfort.

"Like low bearing fruit," Lily quipped. She was in an old brown winter jacket that must have been a hand me down from Petunia.

"Any news about Bella," Xenophilius asked his friend. Xeno was wearing what appeared to be a thick grey woolen jumper.

"No, nothing." Sam looked at Severus who was damn near shivering. He took his box and put it in Severus' arms. "Here."

"What's this?" Severus asked his friend.

"I got this for you. I wanted to save it for Christmas, but I figured you could use it now," Sam explained.

Severus looked at the package and undid the twine before carefully undoing the brown wrapping paper. He opened the box, and was amazed at what was inside.

Lily peeked at what was inside and marveled at it. "It's gorgeous!"

It was a leather jacket, it looked completely brand new. "Whoa." Severus was near speechless.

Sam smiled, "This is special. The leather is actually dragonhide. Sourced responsibly from dragons that die from old age and natural causes. It'll probably outlast you Sev!"

Severus held the leather jacket in his hands. The leather jacket was immaculately handcrafted. This must have taken many hours to make this. "Where did you get this?"

"Down in the Golden Circle, there is a Goblin leathercrafter. He specializes in leather goods, clothing and the like."

Severus looked at the leather jacket, "Does this mean when I die the jacket goes back to him?"

"Ah, that's a very good question," Sam said. "The answer is no. You see if this was a piece of jewelry, some other item made of a fine metal, or a weapon then yes. But Goblins don't hold leathercrafting in the same regard as their metallurgy."

"Ah," Severus looked over the jacket, and decided to put it on. It looked black, but in the sunlight traces of the dragon's colored scales came out. The dark brown of the hide shone. "What kind of dragon made this hide?"

Sam smiled as they felt the carriages begin to move forward, "Hungarian Horntail."

"Shut up!"

"Hand to the lady!"

Severus felt the wind through the open window, and closed it immediately. He decided to put it on. The leather jacket fit him like a glove.

He felt himself get warmer just by putting it on. "Oh that's nice!" Severus leaned back in his seat and got comfortable.

Lily asked Sam, "How much did that set you back by?"

"Well, not a lot from where I stood…"

Lily smirked, "But from Xeno's and my shoes, it'd be quite a lot."

Sam shrugged as he shook his head.

Severus laid back and looked out the window. The snow was falling gently in the sky as the students traveled back home after the finals and for Christmas Holiday. He listened in on the conversation between Lily, Sam, and Xeno.

"...but she invited you to her parents New Year's Eve party?" Lily asked Sam.

"Yeah," Sam answered.

Xeno scratched his chin, as Xerxes made an appearance from underneath his jumper. "I'm stumped."

The train made its way out of Hogsmeade and soon the students were on the way home.

The United soon gathered in a cabin to all talk and commiserate.

"What's the plan for this Christmas break," Sbeastian asked Tom.

"Well, I'm not too sure. I know that we all want to get together for a party, but I don't know where we can all meet," Tom admitted.

"I don't think my father would be willing to host us all again so soon," Sam sighed.

Severus leaned back in his seat, "Maybe my grandfather would be willing to host us."

"Duskhaven?" Sam looked at Severus, "Are you positive he'd be willing to do that? You should ask him first."

Severus shook his head, "I will, and I'll keep you all informed."

Tom looked around, "Any other news, or comments?"

Lily stroked her chin, "What are we going to do about Potter? He's going to be back after the holidays."

"We'll take it a day at a time, if he bothers you again. Macbeth can just kick the shite out of him," Slink grinned.

Macdonald grinned as he sat next to Michael. "It would be my utmost pleasure."

"James Potter is a disease, he's had it coming for the longest time," Michael said as he leaned back in his seat.

"Problem is with cretins like him," Riley started.

"They are hard to get rid of," Maxwell finished.

"But hopefully he's gotten the message," Tom looked up from his book that he was reading.

"If not, then we'll have to teach him that lesson again and again if need be," Sam frowned.

"What about Black and Lupin," Jessica asked. "From what I heard you guys were able to cut a deal with each other."

Sam shook his head. "For the moment it appears as there has been a fracture in the Marauders. Whether or not it will be permanent, I have no idea, but as of now Black and Lupin aren't going to give us any trouble."

For now The United would not have to worry about Potter. Sam looked around, "Okay enough about that. It's time, who's got a hat?"

Nate pulled out his wizarding hat and gave it to Sam.

"I appreciate it, Nate." Sam looked over at Lily. "Could you write down the names of everyone here?"

"Sure, but why?" Lily asked as she got out some parchment and her quill.

"We always do a gift exchange when we meet up over Christmas holiday. We draw names from a hat, whomever you pick is the person you get a gift for."

"Yes, but there's a ten Galleon limit," Sebastian interjected.

Severus asked, "That's fair, but why ten Galleons?"

Sebastian looked at Sam who was twiddling his thumbs, "Because someone always spends far too much money on gifts for other people and made it impossible to get an appropriate gift for!"

Severus fiddled with one of his buttons on his new leather jacket, "That'll do it."

Lily finished writing the names and ripped up the parchment and gave them to Sam. He folded the names, put them in the hat, and shuffled them.

"Okay, starting with Xeno, and going counter-clockwise, everyone draws a name and you have to keep it a secret who've you got."

One by one, everyone drew a name from the hat. When the hat came round to Severus he reached in, and drew a name from inside the hat. He read the name.

'Nate.'

Severus looked at the name and then his friend in question. Nate was a nice guy, and a loyal ear to talk to. For he didn't have much to say.

Lily looked at her boyfriend, "So who have you got, Sev?"

"Uh uh," Severus shook his head. "It's a secret!"

Lily harrumphed playfully, "Fine, be like that." She then stuck out her tongue.

He smiled and gave her a kiss on her cheek. Lily giggled and gave him a small kiss back. "All right."

The train ride back was smooth sailing back to Kings Cross Station.

In the cabin down the train with Remus Lupin and Sirius Black, the same could not be said.

Remus was reading a book on Advanced Charms while Sirius was watching the snow fall upon the passing landscape as the train passed by.

Remus turned the page as he continued reading. Without looking up from his page, he asked Sirius, "Where are you spending Christmas at?"

Sirius shrugged, "I'll find someplace to hunker down."

Remus put his book down, "You don't have a place to go?"

Sirius looked away from his friend, "I wrote to James to see if I would be staying the break over at his place again." He pulled out a letter from his bag, and handed it to Remus.

He took the letter and read the bold red lettering emblazoned in front of the letter.

'Return To Sender.'

Remus sighed, what in Merlin's name was James doing? He looked up to see Sirius' eyes start to tear up.

"Hey, hey," Remus got up to console his best friend. "It'll be okay." Remus was lying of course.

"Can you tell me what I did to anger James so much? I've exhausted every avenue of explanation here!" Sirius grew frustrated as he wiped his tears away.

"Mate, I don't know. I've tried to wrestle an explanation out of him, but I'm in the dark as much as you are, I'm afraid."

Sirius sniffled, and racked his brain, trying to think of a reason James would be this angry with him.

"Have you asked Peter if you can spend the holiday with him," Remus asked hopefully.

Sirius shook his head, "He won't talk to me. Neither will those 'new' Marauders either."

Remus looked at Sirius, "You can stay with my family and I for the Holiday break. My parents wouldn't mind the extra company, and they know that you know...well that you know."

Sirius gave a faint impression of a smile, "Thanks Remus, but I don't want to impose on you. Your family lives in a house not meant for four people, barely three."

Remus and his family live in a house in the middle of nowhere. It was a simple house with a single story, and a basement designed where Remus could transform without anyone to disturb him during the transformation.

Remus looked at Sirius, "Have you thought about going back home for Christmas break?"

Sirius looked at Remus.

"I mean, from what you told me, things appear to have at least calmed between you and your mother."

Sirius rubbed his arms, "I don't know."

"Come on, it's your home. I'm sure your parents would welcome you back with open arms."

Sirius rubbed his neck. Remus could feel his apprehension. "Why don't you go talk to Regulus and feel it out?" He advised Sirius.

Sirius nodded his head, "That's not a bad idea." He got up and walked to the door. "Thanks Remus."

Remus smiled, "What are friends for?"

Sirius walked out of the cabin and walked over to the cabin where he was spending with his friends.

Remus went back to his book when the door opened again. He looked up to see Cavendish and Sedgwick stroll into the cabin like they owned the place. Following them inside was Peter Pettigrew, looking to be out of place in a position of power.

Remus cordially nodded his head, "Hello there."

"Lupin," Alexander Sedgewick said as he and Arnold Cavendish took a seat on each side of Remus

Sedgwick was a tall boy with gangly features, with oily hair, and a pimply face to match. Arnold Cavendish was a big boorish lad with broad shoulders and a big gut. He looked like he could step toe to toe with Macbeth, if he wasn't such a coward

Peter sat across from Remus, he looked to be content with his new role as the temporary leader, until James came back.

"How are you doing Peter?"

"Not so bad, Remus. I just wanted to drop by and just...have a word with you."

Remus cocked his head slightly to the side. "About what?"

"We just want to make you 'aware' of a few things," Cavendish grinned.

Remus paid no attention to Cavendish. "What's this about Peter?"

Peter cleared his throat, "We, Me, James, Arnold, and Alexander, have just been a bit concerned."

Remus looked back down at his book, "About what?"

Cavendish took Remus' book and flung it to the other side of the cabin.

Remus glanced at Cavendish who wasn't in the mood for games.

He then turned to Peter and gave him his full undivided attention as he crossed his legs. "About what," he asked, repeating himself.

"About 'where' your loyalties lie," Sedgwick grinned.

"Remus, James and us have just been worried. You're still hanging around with Sirius."

Remus shook his head, "Yes because he's my friend. Just like he's your friend as well."

Peter cleared his throat, "Well...James has said it would be to finish up with him."

"Finish up with him?" Remus looked a bit confused.

"Ditch him," Cavendish blurted out.

"Toss him aside," Sedgwick explained.

Remus looked at Peter, "Why?"

"After what happened between him and Yalarad in the bathrooms, James said Dumbledore told him to drop Black. Said that it wouldn't be good to have such a bad influence around."

Remus looked annoyed, "Bad influence?"

Peter shook his head.

"Peter, if I can be perfectly honest with you. James is a worse influence than Sirius "

Cavendish cuffed Remus on the back on his head, "For such a smartie pants you say some dumb things."

Remus rubbed the back of his head, "For such a tough guy, you leave yourself wide open."

"Huh?"

Remus elbowed Cavendish in the face, and pulled his wand out on Sedgwick.

"Fuck!" Cavendish grapes his now broken nose as it was bleeding profusely.

"Oh wait," Sedgwick raised his arms up. Not expecting Remus to get physical. Nobody expected that

Remus looked at Peter, who was speechless.

"Tell James, I'm not leaving anything. Not Sirius. Not the Marauders. Not a thing. We are going to have a sit down, and talk this over." Remus pulled his wand away from Sedgwick's head, Accio'd his book back over towards him, and turned to the page where he was on. "Kindly see yourselves out."

Cavendish growled as his, stood up, grabbed Remy's by his collar, and pulled him up to eye level. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Someone who's asked you to fuck off."

Everyone turned to see Sirius with his wand out, twirling in his hand.

"How about you do the smart thing, and listen to the man, and leave." Sirius pointed towards the door as he ceased twirling his wand.

Sedgwick, and Pettigrew exited the cabin quickly. Whereas Cavendish took his time, as he staunched the flow of blood from his nose. Before he left the cabin he looked back at Lupin and gave him a nasty glare before Sirius shoved him out of the cabin and closed the door.

He turned back to Remus who was reading his book. "What the hell was that about?"

Remus looked at Sirius with a sad look. "Unfortunately, it was a moment of clarity."

After arriving at King's Cross Station everyone had gotten their things and we're making their way back home.

Seeing as how his Godmother, Minister Millicent Bagnold, still had his car. Sam was in no position to drive people home.

Luckily, the floo was an option. An option Sam was not looking forward to.

Severus was with him, along with a few of their other friends who were heading home via Floo.

Tom led everyone into the hallway where the Floo Fireplaces were located.

Sam was a few places behind the group. Xeno was with him as he watched on as his friends went into the floor, one at a time.

As they walked into the fireplace, only to be engulfed by the green inferno.

Sam felt his mouth go dry as sweat poured down his forehead.

Severus saw his friend, and knew the amount of fear he must have been feeling at that time. He leaned in to speak with him, "Sam we don't have to go by the floo if you don't want."

Sam looked at one of his best friends.

"We could just walk? Or maybe get a taxi?" Xeno suggested.

Severus balked at the idea of walking, "I'm not walking all the way home!"

"And a taxi would take too long and cost too much," Sam said

"This coming from Mr. Moneybags who spent 200 Galleons on a jacket for Severus," Xeno sarcastically asked him.

"200 galleons?!" Severus recoiled in shock.

Sam grimaced, "Look the jacket was originally 125 galleons, but I gave him an additional 75 for a tip for services rendered."

"Still!" Severus gasped, he looked at his new leather jacket. Granted Hungarian Horntail leather was probably not easy to come by, seeing as how deadly the dragon was.

Xeno looked back, "Could you guys catch a ride with Lily and her family?"

Severus shook his head. "Macbeth is spending the holidays with them, and trust me. We wouldn't be able to all fit in there."

Sam was biting his fingernails. His stomach was in knots.

"We can take the Knight's Bus," Severus offered.

"You hate the Knight's Bus," Sam pointed out.

"I...can tolerate that infernal machine," Severus lied.

Sam shook his head, "Let's just get this done."

Sam and Severus walked towards the Floor. Sam was taking a few deep breaths, preparing himself.

Severus took a handful of floo powder, stepped into the fireplace and announced his destination. "Snape Residence, Spinner's End."

He dropped the floo powder into the fireplace, but surprisingly nothing happened.

Severus blinked, "What the…"

Sam and Xenophilius were surprised.

Xenophilius asked aloud, "What just happened?"

"I'm not sure* Severus examined the fireplace he was inside of.

Sam, who was not too thrilled to travel by floo was intrigued by this mystery. "Try, try again, Sev."

Severus did as his friend advised, and tried again. Once more, to no avail.

Severus was growing more and more concerned. Something was amiss

"Something is wrong," Severus stated.

"What?" Xeno asked, afraid of the answer.

"My mother would never close the floo," Severus began to panic.

Sam went over to Severus, "Maybe she got into a row with your grandfather and shut the floo off.

"Maybe, I don't know…"

Xeno was deep in thought, "Hey, is Lily's place close to yours? Why not use her floo?!"

Severus groaned in frustration, "Her parents haven't gotten her floor connected yet! They have been putting it off for ages!"

Sam pulled Severus out of the floo, "C'Mon Sev. The Knight's Bus it is."

They said their goodbyes to Xeno before they made their way out into the parking lot of the station. Sam carried his rucksack, and Severus carried his satchel and a rucksack.

Severus was dreading having to go on that wretched bus again. He and his mother went on it when he was just a kid, and he is still recovering from that trip.

As luck would have it, Severus would be saved from the ensnaring talons of the Knight's Bus by an unexpected somebody.

"Sam?"

He and Severus turned around to see Bellatrix walk up to him. She wasn't wearing her uniform. She was dressed in a pair of pants, pristine winter boots, and a grey turtleneck with a brown coat wrapped around her.

"Bella, umm. Hey!" Sam was still a bit shy, talking to Bellatrix.

"Snape," She acknowledged Severus.

"Bella* He returned the gesture.

"What are you two doing here? I expected the two of you to be flying off into the sunset in that car of yours," Bellatrix smirked.

"About that," Sam explained how his Godmother, Minister Millicent Bagnold, took his car away until further notice.

"That's rough," Bellatrix consoled Sam. "So, are you stranded?"

"In a sense," Sam admitted.

"We need to get back to my home," Severus said. He went to explain to Bellatrix the reason for his haste.

Bellatrix listened to Severus, "I see." She looked back over in the distance. "I think I might be able to help. Get your things."

Severus and Sam followed Bellatrix over to a parked towncar.

"Bella, what is this?" Sam looked perplexed.

The door opened to reveal Lucius Malfoy getting out. "For goodness sake Bella we will be...Sam? Severus? What are you doing here?"

"We're giving them a ride. If I remember correctly Severus' home will be on the way to our manor, so we will drop them off there. If that isn't too much trouble?" She put her hands on her hip as if to challenge Lucius to say no.

And Lucius knew better. "Of course not! Please, come inside and get comfortable!"

Sam and Severus followed Bellatrix and Lucius inside the car. They saw that this was not an ordinary towncar. Inside was magically altered interior, it reminded Severus of the interior of a limousine. There were seats that stretched around the opposite side of the door, a small minibar filled with refreshments of the wizarding and muggle variety, and plenty of legroom.

"Does this belong to you Lucius?" Sam asked him.

"No," Lucius went on to explain what this car was as Sam, Bellatrix, and Severus got inside. "I'm sure you two have heard of the Knight's Bus?"

"Unfortunately," Severus said as he sat down across from Andromeda and Narcissa, giving them both a wave.

"Well, the Knight's Bus is a service provided to the Wizarding Public in case they are stranded somewhere."

"Right, so what's this? The rich version of the Knight's Bus?" Sam asked sarcastically.

Andromeda grinned, "You are right on the money good sir!"

"Oh come on I was kidding!" Sam looked shaken.

Bellatrix laughed, "We're serious as a heart attack Sam."

The console divider lowered to show a goblin at the helm. "Where is the interest destination?"

"Spiritdrift," Lucius said. "But we will be making a slight detour."

"Where will this detour be?"

Severus spoke to the goblin driver, "Spinner's End is the intended detour, sir."

The Goblin nodded, as the partition raised back up. Soon, they were on their way home.

Severus tapped his foot repeatedly, his concern and anxiousness would not cease.

Sam tried his best to ease his friend's concern, "I'm sure there is a good reason for Miss Eileen closing your floo."

Bellatrix looked over at Severus, "Is...she seeing somebody?"

Severus shot his head up at Bellatrix, "What? No, of course not! She hasn't even seemed interested in dating again...but I mean I could be wrong.'

Andromeda shrugged, "I mean that's a possibility?"

Narcissa nodded in agreement, "She is by herself for a long time out of the year. It wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination that she would try to find some companionship."

Severus leaned back in his seat.

"Don't worry Severus, we will get to the bottom of this," Sam assured him.

Lucius went over to the little minibar and poured some tea for everyone. He handed out the teacups to everyone.

"Thank you Lucius," Sam thanked the Malfoy heir.

"Thank you," Severus thanked Lucius as well.

"Don't worry Severus. We will get you home quickly," Lucius gave him his assurances. He noticed the leather jacket that Severus was wearing. "Is that Hungarian Horntail?"

Severus looked down at his jacket, "Yes it is."

"Where did you get it? It looks marvelous."

Severus smiled, "It was a gift. Sam gave it to me."

"A great gift indeed." Lucius sat next to his betrothed, and settled in. "No blade, even one forged by goblins can pierce it's hide. That jacket will offer you the best protection." He looked at Sam, "You know I have yet to thank you, Sam."

Sam looked perplexed, "For what?"

"For backing me up at the Ball. Giving me the push I needed to stand my ground against Parkinson."

Sam snorted, "You're mistaken, I had nothing to do with that. You did that all on your own, but maybe you should consider taking some boxing lessons. Your form was terrible."

Bellatrix and Andromeda blurted out laughing, and Severus' chuckled.

Narcissa huffed, but to her surprise Lucius began laughing along with everyone. "Maybe I will. I'd like to give Parkinson another punch to the face."

"I don't think he'd leave himself open like that again," Andromeda stated.

"No, I'm afraid the next time you find yourself at odds with him, you might be alone." Sam looked at Lucius, "If that's the case, you should be prepared to fight dirty. Cause he will."

"Just hex the bastard Luc," Bellatrix waved it off. "That's what I'd do if he came at me."

"Then that'd be hIs last day on this Earth," Sam said as he stirred a sugar cube into his tea. "I'd hex the bastard dead if he tried anything like that."

That surprised everyone in the towncar. Bellatrix blushed after hearing that.

Sam stammered after realizing what he said, "Ummm…"

Severus decided to save his arse by changing the subject. "So any plans for the winter break?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact." Lucius picked up on what Severus had done and obliged him. "My father is taking Narcissa and I to our familial property in Monaco. But we'll be back in time for her parent's New Year's party."

"Yes, Lord Abraxas owns a small estate just on the border of Monte Carlo. He actually owns a small stake in a casino in the Wizarding section in Monte Carlo.

Severus nodded as he sipped on his tea. He was feeling a bit more relaxed.

After an hour and a half, they were coming up to Spinner's End.

Severus was getting antsy again as the car pulled up to Spinner's End.

It stopped, and Severus got his things together and got out. He turned to Lucius, "Thanks for the ride Lucius." Then to Sam, "I'll write to you a bit later." Severus had Uriel fly to his home in Spinner's End. With luck he was here already

"Okay Sev," Sam nodded.

Severus got his things and exited the town car and rushed over to his house.

He tried opening the door but it was locked. "What the hell?!"

Sam walked up behind him with his stuff. The towncar had driven off back on track to Spiritdrift.

"What's going on Sev?"

Severus looked back at Sam, "The door is locked!"

"So open it with your key!"

Severus and Sam both looked behind them to see Bellatrix walk over to them with a suitcase of her own.

"Bella, what are.you doing here? Why aren't.you in the car?!" Sam was flustered again.

"Oh relax Sam, my parents are on the continent and won't be home until tomorrow evening. I wanted to see what this whole hullabaloo was about," Bellatrix grinned.

Severus pulled out his house key and unlocked the door. "Mum?"

He opened the door and the three headed inside. "Mum the door was locked, and the floo isn't working. Is everything…"

Severus stopped in his tracks when he saw his mother and Sam's father in what could only be described as a lovers embrace.

Sam and Bella walked in behind him to see what he was seeing.

"...DAD!" Sam yelled.

Silas and Eillen looked to see their kids, and Bellatrix Black of all people in Eileen's doorway. The two quickly separated as they grew redder than a roma tomato. Their clothes were thankfully on, but we're looking like they were minutes from coming off.

"Sam?! What….I...uhh…" Silas was flustered for the first time in what must have been decades.

Eileen was frozen, she was completely taken off guard. "I knew I forgot something today! They were coming back from Hogwarts!"

Bellatrix could only snigger as she tried to keep her composure. "I told you there was a possibility your mother was seeing someone!"