Hermione gasped as the double doors opened into the banquet hall. The simple shell of a room had been exquisitely transformed into a magical winter wonderland. A glistening silver frost covered the walls and the ceiling. A small amount of realistic looking snow ran the perimeter of the room. It was all just so beautiful. Hermione laughed to herself as she thought of Harry for a moment. He would dread an event like this, after the debacle at the Yule ball in fourth year he would gladly never dance again. However, Hermione's favorite decorations had to be the large eight garlands of mistletoe, holly and ivy that draped across the ceiling and over the impressive dancefloor. All eight of the wreaths gathered by the impressive chandelier that looked like it was made from icicles that hung in the center of the room. She was taken aback by the opulence and hedonism or it all as a large classically trained orchestra and singer offered a pleasing esthetic to the grandeur that laid before her. She had not noticed how much she had been smiling until James leaned in to whisper in her ear cockily.

'You seem happy. Told you it would be worth coming didn't I?' looking at James his eyes were alit with happiness as he looked at Hermione. It filled her heart with happiness that James was enjoying himself.

'This cockiness does not become you James, besides I am reserving judgement until the end of the night. Then and only then will I tell you if it was worth it' James laugh was guttural as his happiness peaked. Hermione's hopes were high that this night was going to be magical even though it had just began. Leaning in once more James

'Deal, now get ready for my Dad's introductory speech, it can be a bit stiff but still after that we can party. Oh and because I am escorting you, you have the delightful duty of coming up in the stage with me. Sorry Vix but them be the rules.' Before Hermione had time to protest James helped her up the few steps and onto the stage where the orchestra had been playing. A bright spotlight shone on the family and all Hermione wanted was to run off the stage. If she had known picking, James would end getting her up on a stage in front of a room full of people she did not know then Hermione would have gladly taken Sirius or even Remus' arms. Tapping on his glass of what looked like champagne the room fell. Charlus' voice carried through the room as he began his speech.

'Ladies, Gentlemen and honored guests I thank you for your attendance this evening to the annual Yuletide Gala. This event has been a tradition since my wife Dorea and I married twenty-five years ago.' The room erupted with applause for the Potters. If they had been, doing this for so many years, Hermione wondered just how much good they had done for the wizarding community. It also made her think of the pressure such things would put on James. What must it be like to be the son of well-known blood traitors but also extremely distinguished parents? Raising his hands the room fell silent once more as Charlus continued 'Each year we hope to raise money to help those witches and wizards in our community whom need it the most. This year's recipient is St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries so do give liberally. As in previous years, a silent auction is underway so do bid on any number of the wonderful things donated from generous partners in tonight's event. My personal favorite is the rare first edition. It would be the perfect edition to anyone's personal library. Do not miss any of the marvelous items; get your bids in now, as it will close once our meals commence. Lastly, I would like you to please raise your glasses to my beautiful wife Dorea for her efforts in planning this affair. You have truly out done yourself this year my love, though I may be biased. On behalf of my family, I implore you to enjoy yourselves and give to those whom need our help.' Raising his glass and taking a sip the room filled with applause, friendly banter and the band commenced with their instruments.

Leaving the stage James held his hand out to her. Hermione could not help but notice the air of difference in dear Prongs. Gone was the juvenile jovial boy. The person in front of her was a distinguished, well manner young man. If only he could show Lily this side of him and then maybe Harry might have a chance at being conceived. As they made their way to their table Hermione was delighted to see Remus and Sirius already seated there. As James pulled her seat out and Hermione graciously took her place at the table. James took his place next to her and for the first time Hermione was able to take in the details of the table settings. The table linens looked like exotic marble with hints of light blue grey and white swirling together. The centerpieces were crystal candelabras wrapped in a smaller version of the garlands that decorated the ceiling. Looking down at her plate Hermione wondered how many courses there would be, that would constitute the amount of cutlery in front of her. There was three spoons, two knives, three forks, three plates, a bowl, and three glasses (two for wine and one for water). Her mind spun about how in the hell she was supposed to use all of the utensils properly. Remus leaned in and whispered in her ear.

'I don't know about you but I thought there was only one kind of knife, fork and spoon. It is all a little fancy don't you think.' Remus smiled at her and she melted. They had been so caught up in keeping things normal and without drama, that Hermione forgot about his sense of humor and his uncanny ability to relax her.

'Let's just follow everyone else's lead and bluff our way through shall we.' Remus laughed at her joke. It had been a while since she had heard him laugh. It made her miss him, even more. Hermione knew they had done the right thing of course but it does not mean she had to like it.

'Do you want to dance Hermione, you don't have to if you don't want to but I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask.' Remus asked shyly shocking Hermione. They had not danced together since Sirius' party and even then, it was not the kind of dancing that would be appropriate here. It made her laugh though at the thought of grinding on Remus in the middle of the dancefloor in this dress. The older wizards may have a heart attack.

'It would be my pleasure' Hermione held out her hand as Remus led her to the dance floor. Only a few couples were dancing this early in the evening but the two of them aid little mind to anyone else. It surprised Hermione in how agile of a dancer Remus was. He glided her around the floor only stepping on her toes once or twice.

'I must say I am surprised you agreed to dance with me, especially given everything that happened between us.'

'Why?' Hermione asked genuinely.

'I know I hurt you Hermione and for that I will always be sorry. You showed me nothing but love and acceptance. A normal girl would never speak to me again, given the circumstances. I want you to forgive me Hermione but more than that I want you to be happy.'

'Remus it still hurts, but I can't force you to love me when I know the truth. Happiness will come for both of us. We just need the time to heal. Also, I want you to know I wouldn't change our story Remus, it was ours and it was beautiful. It just so happened our love was not enough for your wolf and I accept that. I just ask that you give yourself permission to move on and be happy.' She knew it would not happen overnight but Hermione hoped that the love she felt for Remus would change from the romantic love she still felt for him into the love of a friend she is unwilling to part with. However, it was going to be harder then she thought if he kept staring at her that way. His green eyes were alight with amber flecks and for the first time in a month Hermione felt like a weight was lifted from her chest and she could breathe.

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The party had been a success so far and Sirius was garnering quite a lot of attention from the young female guests. Not that he really cared, the only person whom held his interest had been dancing the night away with a great number of different partners. He did not even notice James' approach as he watched Hermione being paraded around the floor with Amos Diggory for the third song in a row.

'Enjoying the view Padfoot.' James asked cockily knowing that Sirius was gawking at her again. Her laugh was infectious as he twirled her around the floor. She looked on top of the world.

'More then you know Prongs' she was the belle of the ball and rightly so. It was hard not to be attracted to her. It wasn't just because of her good looks, but because of the lightness that shoe from deep inside of her.

'She really does look beautiful doesn't she?' James asked as they both watched her now. As the soon finished Amos finally allowed another to take his place. Her feet must be killing her by this point, but she still allowed the next boy to take her around the floor.

'Vix has always been stunning, mate. It's just tonight other people get to see it too.' Sirius cold practically hear the gears turning in James' head. He was going to say something that would be dangerous.

'You love her don't you?' and there it was. Love to Sirius was a loaded word, especially in the context in which James was asking. Did he love her…Is that what this was, the jealousy of her being with another…the flirtations that always ended with one getting too sexually charged…the valuing their happiness above your own… the need to protect her… the not being able to think about another even if you were with another. If this was love then, yes he loved her.

'I think she could be my Lily.' He meant this, more then he'd every meant anything else.

'You need to tell her, mate.' James implored him to tell her. Just because he felt this way did not mean he had to tell her. Besides was everyone forgetting the fact that she was with Remus. Because, Sirius certainly hadn't forgotten this gem of information.

'I'll make you a deal Prongs, when you get Lily to agree to go on a date with you will be the day I tell Hermione.' Sirius did not need to look at James' face to know for now he'd won the argument. However, he could have sworn that under his breath he heard James say deal.

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As Hermione walked around the separate room for the silent auction, she had to admire the quality and quantity of things on offer. There was everything from jewelry to books, weekends away to exotic and romantic places and so much more. Though she could not bid on any of the items Hermione still admire each object. If she did have the galleons though just like Charlus she would pick the first edition but if it were just or for fun and for no other reason than it was shiny and pretty she would choose the beautiful charm bracelet with a single snow flake charm on it. She was so engrossed in her observations that she did not notice Sirius had come up beside her. When he whispered in her ear, Hermione jumped and in her startled state accidently hit him in the stomach.

'Oh my goodness Sirius I am so sorry. Are you ok?' she asked worried that she had genuinely hurt him. Harry had once complained that for a small girl Hermione pack quite the punch. He was breathing deeply trying to regain the air that she had knocked from his lungs.

'I am fine Vixen, I was going to ask you to dance but I don't know now after all you did just beat me' if he could make a joke, then Hermione took it that he was fine. He smiled that dazzling smile that made girls melt (and Hermione would be lying if she said she did not feel something when he looked at her like that). Biting her lip Hermione decided it had been far too long since he had played with Sirius' ego. After all, it was one of her beloved past times.

'If you are not too wounded after that beating by a girl I might add, I would love to dance' her tone resembled the saying the honey and the hatchet. She was sweet and lovely before she cut him down to size. Sirius however was a formidable opponent and would not give in so easily.

'See know you insult my character I have to dance with you and make sure I am the best partner you have ever had' his steel grey eyes were ablaze with mischief and flirtations. This version of Sirius was Hermione's particular favorite. He was so young and confident and very different from the version that she had known. She did everything she could to bring this side out in him. Sirius deserved happiness, fun and freedom. He had been there for her in times where she felt lost. She thought the two of them as broken things that took solace in their closeness.

'Do you think you can do it, if not I will not think much less of your manliness' she said biting her lip and stepping in closer to him. She knew that he could not resist the temptation of flirtatious banter especially when she stepped in close. It was like the rest of the world fell away leaving only them. Clearing his throat and swallowing nervously Hermione knew she had won this round. Trying somewhat successfully to regain composure

'Come on you crazy women before you bruise my ego or body any further' extending his arm Hermione gladly took it as he led her away from the auction room and into the hall to the large dancefloor.

Hermione had a feeling that with his pureblood heritage that Sirius would know how to dance properly. Placing his left hand on her waist and taking her right hand in his Sirius began leading Hermione around the floor in a waltz with such an ease it surprised even her. To onlookers it would look as though they had been dancing together for years rather than moment. Sirius' steely grey eyes were alight with passion and confidence. An electric current ran through her veins as her heartbeat quickened. All Hermione could focus on was him. The rest of the room fell away and all that mattered were the two of them. His strong frame protected and directed her around the floor. When the large sensual grin crossed his lips, Hermione's breath hitched in her throat. He truly was a beautiful looking man. Hermione had thought that about the older Sirius too, but this boy…this man was dazzling.

'Have you ever been fishing?' Sirius asked and Hermione was incredibly confused. Where in the hell did that come from? If she was completely honest the spontaneous and absurd nature of the question, killed whatever romantic tension that had accumulated between them.

'Why?' she asked her brow furrowed deep trying to figure out why he would need or want such a piece of information.

"Because you are quite the catch.' Hermione groaned as a Cheshire grin crossed his lips. She had walked straight into a stupid pick up line and it made her feel dirty. He had won round two and now they were even. For now.

'Please tell me that never works.' Hermione preyed that girls were smarter then she thought.

'Sorry to tell you love but it has.' Hermione laughed at the sorry state of her gender as Sirius dropped his left hand and raised his right leading her into an effortless (oh his part) underarm spin. She could not help but smile as it reminded her of the way her father used to dance with her at any family function. As Hermione spun back into him, she was not paying attention to her feet or her gown. It was too late by the time she noticed her foot on her dress and Hermione fell into Sirius' open and waiting arms.

Hermione became aware just how close they had become. As she could feel his toned muscular pectorals under his white bottom up shirt. Her heart was now deafening as her breathing quickened. They stood still in the middle of the dancefloor dared to either move or break eye contact 'Have I ever told you that your eyes look like rich melted chocolate sometimes'

'And exactly much time do you spend staring into my eyes Sirius' she knew he stared at her from time to time, just like he knew she did him. The butterflies in her stomach were rampaging waiting for his answer. Running his thumb over her cheek Hermione leaned into his touch. Such a simple gesture felt so personal.

'As much time as I can possibly get Hermione. However, you know this already don't you clever girl.' Of course, she had noticed his tendency to stare. It was hard not to when he did it so often.

'What if we weren't together would you make your move?' her brow furrowed as he moved his hands to her lower back pulling her devastating close. She wrapped her hands around his neck as they began to sway.

'You are the second person to ask me that today Vix.' The second. Surely, neither James nor Remus would have divulged such information without her knowledge. The only person she could think of was Dorea. Clever and cunning, she would allude to such things, never fully revealing her hand of course. She would leave that to the others. Hermione could not fault her though. Dorea wanted him to figure it out for himself.

'Well what is your answer?' she did not want to appear too keen for then information. However, Hermione unfortunately was not the best at playing coy.

'Why so interested, it's not like you and Remus have broken up or anything so it is irrelevant. They would be wasted words.' Hermione's heart ached as she screamed in her head. Begging him to see the signs, to figure out the truth. He was so close yet so far.

'Call it curiosity.'

'You know snooping will get you in trouble one day.' There is was the humor to cover his ass and feelings. She wished he would just say something anything that was real. She wanted something real to hold on to. She would not be with him if he couldn't just say the words. Everything she needed him to say was there between them.

'Will you always avoid the question Sirius? You and I we flirt and have fun, but if you could make your move why do I doubt that you would.'

'You and Moony are a better fit Vix. Both brainy, compassionate and kind. You and I are more of an odd pairing. Besides, with my family being who they are, they would use you to get to me. I could not put you through that nor would I be able to live with myself. You are too important to me' he shied away from her now. She wanted to tell him the truth there and then. She wanted him to kiss her but she did not say a word. Hermione left the words unsaid, she knew where his story was going, and she knew what was going to happen over the coming summer. His life was tangled in darkness but his heart exhibited such lightness. He had told her that in his family love was a sign of weakness, but from what Hermione could see he was strong, brave and selfless. He would never tell her he loved her because he was trying to protect her from his family. She hugged him tight, promising herself that she would be there for him when the time was right. She would be waiting for him, with an open heart. When they were ready, she would be there.

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As the party drew to a close the group of four rambunctious friends gathered on the terrace each with a glass of champagne in hand to watch the spectacular fireworks. Seeing Vixen smile so wide made Sirius happy. That is all he wanted for her really…happiness. He'd never cared about a women as much as he did her. She was the kind of person he wanted to be. Did he love her…maybe but it was hard to say, he had never been in love with someone before. He had said too much to her tonight, he had over stepped his bounds yet again. If Remus were to find out he would probably kill him but it was a risk he was willing to take. It always came down to the same thing. She was with one of his best mates. Sirius had waited too long and that was something he had to live with. He did not know how long he had been staring at her now, probably an excessively long time. To others it would probably look creepy but he gave zero fucks. As if on cue, she looked over to him and smiled his heart melted. Her eyes looked like melted chocolate.

'Hey Padfoot, grab Moony and Vix I managed to snag a bottle of the good fire whiskey from the kitchen. I say we go and have a party of our own.' This was the reason James was his best friend. Grabbing the others Sirius, Hermione, Remus and James brought in Christmas day with the warm sensation of fire whiskey on their tongues and genuine (if not drunken) laughter.