Disclaimer: Anything you recognise does not belong to me it belongs to JK Rowling.  I'm not making anything from this, so please don't sue me.

A/N:  Here's chapter 41, hope you enjoy?  Thanks for all the reviews, made it to 700!

Thanks to Allie for working so fast and doing a great job at sorting out my grammar, punctuation and spelling.

ANOTHER HAPPY CHRISTMAS

Waking up in the Infirmary Aggy smiled as she realized she was still being held in the warm embrace of Remus. For the first time she had actually got to wake up while he was still holding her and it was the most wonderful thing she could remember. Aggy snuggled closer to him but in the process managed to disturb the sleep of the sandy haired boy.


Opening his eyes Remus smiled as he saw the top of Aggy's head and said a silent thank you to Madame Pomfrey for letting him stay. Gently tightening the grip on his girlfriend Remus kissed the top of her head and smiled into her hair as he rested his cheek against her soft dark curls.


After staying like this for a while Aggy carefully raised her face and smiling up at him she said, "Good morning," and lightly brushed her lips against his before saying, "I love waking up with you."


Returning the kiss Remus added, "Not half as much as I just love being with you."
The next kiss didn't get as far as either teenager would have liked as they heard the familiar clip of the Medi-witches shoes on the white tiled floor. Pulling apart just in time as the curtain surrounding the bed was opened and the kind face peeked through.


"Good morning, I hope you slept well," watching them both nod at her. Checking Aggy over Madame Pomfrey then said, "I think you can go back to the Gryffindor tower after breakfast."


Smiling Aggy said, "Thank you for everything."


Looking at the smiling face of Remus before she responded Madame Pomfrey smiled, "Your welcome."


"Madame Pomfrey will it be alright if I have breakfast here as well and then I can escort Aggy back?" Remus asked.


Folding her arms in front of her the Medi-witch just raised her eyebrows at him and said, "I suppose it was a good job I ordered enough for two then wasn't it."


But before they could answer her she was gone, leaving them looking at each other and laughing.


******
In another section of the castle the temperature was decidedly chillier. It had taken James twenty minutes to persuade Sirius to get out of bed and get dressed. He knew how Sirius felt he and Lily had been through this more than once.


"Padfoot, come on mate lets get down stairs and go to breakfast," James said.
Then Sirius said something James thought he would never hear, "I'm not hungry, why don't you go on without me."


James was worried this was not normal Sirius behaviour the boy never missed a meal not for anything.


After another ten minutes of trying to convince Sirius he needed to go to breakfast James decided to try a different track.


Looking at Sirius for a second he said, "How the held do you expect to talk to Marie if you are in here?" Getting no response James went to step two and grabbing the front of Sirius's robes hauled his friend up, saying, "Does she mean so little to you that you are not willing to go and fight for her?"


This hit the mark and pushing James away from him Sirius said, "What the bloody hell do you mean? Of course she is!"


Now smirking James said, "Well then stop acting like an idiot and get down to the great hall and show her, instead of feeling bloody sorry for your self in here."


Sirius just stared at James open mouthed and sliding his hands through his hair he said, "Sorry," and slapping James on the shoulder he said, "Come on lets go."


In the back of his mind James prayed that the girls would be waiting for them in the common room but he decided not to hold his breath. It was a good job because as they got half way down the stairs the sofa in front of the fire was empty and James saw Sirius's shoulders drop slightly at the scene. Slowly James got Sirius down to the great hall and as they entered James was grateful for the thunderous noise that suddenly surrounded them. Students all over the hall were busily wishing each other Merry Christmas and chattering about the upcoming holiday.


Quietly the two boys slipped into the empty seats next to Lily. Deciding to take 'the bull by the horns' James smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek. At this Lily just rolled her eyes at him and then smiled.


James sighed in relief and said, "Good morning."


"Morning James," came her reply.


Lily glanced at Sirius and then looked up at James, who with a quick flick of his eyebrows told Lily all she needed to know.


With a slight shake of her head at James Lily said, "Good morning Sirius."
Raising his eyes from the table Sirius gave a smile as he said, "Hi Lily."


Now Lily shared James's worry, the smile had not reached Sirius's eyes and this was definitely not normal Sirius he was usually so full of life he bristled with it. Lily picked up her glass and took a long slow drink of pumpkin juice.


James took in the solemn looks on the other two girls faces before saying, "Morning Annie, Marie."


At the same time both girls said, "Morning James."


Sirius watched the exchange of pleasantries and his heart ached as he saw the eyes of his girlfriend minus the usual fire behind them.


Sirius's gaze shifted as he heard Annie say, "Hi Sirius."


"Hi Annie," he said before pausing and adding, "Good morning Marie," but his greeting was met with a stony silence.


The petite blonde pushed a few remnants of breakfast around her plate for a second before standing and moving back away from the table.


Looking at Lily she said, "I'll see you later."


But before any reply could be issued she was gone and as Marie fled the room the only thing anchoring Sirius to the chair was James's hand on his arm.


Sirius slumped back into his chair before leaning forward, resting his elbows on the table and burying his head into his hands. The three remaining friends shared worried glances, as they watched the handsome boys in despair.


Each knew that they were, yet again, going to have another rough Christmas.
Marie swiftly made her way back to the tower; most students were either still at breakfast or finishing off their last minute packing. Going into the common room Marie headed for the safety of the window seat. Curling her legs under her Marie lent back and stared out across the grounds, watching the carriages arrive and wishing she were going home.


A little time later a small tap on her arm brought Marie's eyes back into the common room. Catching sight of the smiling second year Marie couldn't help but smile back at Tara.


Biting her lip Tara said in a quiet voice, "Marie I have to go and Sirius hasn't come back," pausing she held a brightly coloured package out to Marie as she asked, "Can I leave this with you, its his Christmas present?"


Marie touched the small girl's face gently before taking the parcel from her and setting it next to her on the window seat.


"Yes of course I can. I hope you have a great holiday," Marie smiled at her as she said, "Merry Christmas Tara, I'll see you soon."


"Merry Christmas Marie, " Tara said as she turned to leave but quickly changing her mind and spun back throwing her self into the seventh years arms.


Marie caught Tara and hugged the girl tight to her.


Stepping back out of Marie's embrace Tara smiled, as she said, "Please don't be mad at Sirius too long."


Marie watched Tara dash out of the common room and returned to the solitude of the window.


******
Up in the Infirmary Remus and Aggy were ready to leave, they had already wished Peter a merry Christmas as he had dashed out to the carriages for the return journey home. The pair was totally unprepared for the silent battlefield they were about to join.


Leaving the great hall Annie had left the other three to go over to Danny so that she could help him bring his stuff up to Gryffindor tower for the holidays.


The scene they walked in on in the common room had Remus and Aggy confused to no end. Marie was still ensconced in the window seat, Sirius was huddled in one of the armchairs and Lily and James were sat on an adjacent sofa.


Lily smiled as her friend approached and getting up she hugged Aggy, whispering, "I'll explain later."


Aggy nodded at her as she noticed James standing just behind his girlfriend, as Lily let go of her James moved in to hug her but let her go as Sirius stood up. Sirius glanced briefly at Aggy before turning his gaze to the floor, he mumbled, "I'm sorry," and then left the room.


Four sets of eyes glanced over at Marie who had not moved a muscle except to go back to looking out of the window as Sirius headed up the stairs to the seventh year boys' dorm.


Turning back to Aggy James said, "Aggy I am really sorry."


But before he could get any further she cut him off saying, "James, I don't blame any of you. Yes, you are all a load of bloody idiots but this was going to happen sooner or later."


James was stunned but Aggy smiled at him touching his face affectionately before turning her eyes to the stairs briefly and saying, "I think I'll just go up stairs for a moment."


Remus pulled her into his arms and kissed her as he asked, "Do you want me to come with you?"


Aggy shook her head saying, "No, I'll not be long."


Walking up the stairs Aggy wondered what had been going on while she was in the Infirmary but reaching the seventh year landing she turned to the boy's dorm. Pushing open the door Aggy found Sirius lying on his bed. As she entered the room, closing the door behind her Sirius stood up.


Aggy watched him as he put his wand on the chair next to his bed before coming closer to her.


Finally meeting her gaze Sirius said, "I'm all yours, do what ever you want, hex me, hit me, punch me, kick me. I deserve it."


Rolling her eyes at him Aggy did the one thing he was not expecting, she put her arms around his neck and pulled him to her. Turning her face she kissed him on the cheek and held him tight.


Feeling him tense up Aggy said, "Sirius this is not your fault."


Letting him go she pulled him back to his bed and gave him his wand back before sitting down.


"Sirius I have no idea what has gone on since I went up to the Infirmary but you have to believe me when I say I don't blame any of you for this," Aggy told him.


"But if we hadn't," he started.


Running her hand over his hair she said, "I've been through it with Remus. The prank was a stupid thing to do but none of you had any idea it would lead to this and I know you would not intentionally or unintentionally want to hurt any of us. It was a mistake, plain and simple."


It was Sirius's turn to pull Aggy into a hug as he said, "Thanks."


Ruffling his hair up Aggy laughed at the disgruntled look on his face and said, "Come on lets go back into the common room," standing up she offered him a hand but when it wasn't taken she said, "Sirius, please come back down."


"No, I think I'll just stay up here for a bit," he said before adding, "I think Marie will be happier if I stay out of the way."


Sighing Aggy said, "Sirius I don't know exactly why you and Marie have fallen out but it will never get fixed if you stay in here."


A very sad pair of eyes met Aggy's this time as he said, "I don't think it is fixable," giving her a sorrowful smile he said, "I'm alright I just need some time on my own. Please go back down to Remus, honestly I'm fine."


Hugging him once more she nodded and left the room, Sirius slumped back down on his bed and raised his arm to shield his eyes from the light.


Later that afternoon Lily filled Aggy in on everything that had happened since she had been attacked, going to Dumbledore's office and the argument in the common room. While they were chatting Annie and Danny had arrived and it wasn't long before he was settled into the boy's dorm. Sirius had finally been persuaded to come back down to the common room but as he arrived Marie announced she was tired and went up the stairs to the dorms.


This set the pattern for the next few days; it seemed they were going to have a repeat of the previous Christmas just this time it was Sirius and Marie instead of Lily and James. Everyone hoped that Christmas day would be the clincher as it had been the year before but they were all in for a big disappointment.


Christmas morning had seen some reprieve as Marie and Sirius came to a silent agreement to tolerate each other. The unwrapping of presents even saw her say thanks for her gift but that was as far as the peace treaty went. Marie had also given him the gift that Tara had left for him and on opening it Sirius couldn't help but laugh.
Inside the brightly coloured paper was a hand made Gryffindor scarf with a little not attached.


Merry Christmas Sirius
Hope you like the scarf I made it myself just for you. See you after Christmas.
Your study partner
Tara


Sirius chuckled and passed the note to Lily as he wrapped the scarf around his neck and soon the rest of them were laughing as well.


Thankfully life eased up slightly after this, Marie still did not speak to Sirius but she would stay in the same room as him and the small group managed to salvage something of the Christmas holiday.


The one downside was that the other three couples got to spend less time alone than they would have liked due to feeling guilt at the Sirius and Marie problem.


New Year swept in with another flurry of snow and on the morning of new years day all was quiet up in Gryffindor tower. Sirius was asleep in the boy's dorm and Marie in the girls but what neither realized was that they were alone.  Annie and Danny had managed to find their way back to the Ravenclaw section of the castle and if anybody had checked they would have found them fast asleep in Danny's dorm room.  James and Lily were cuddled up together under a blanket on the couch in the room they had been assigned as an office. While Aggy and Remus were down on a sofa in the Gryffindor common room curled tightly together in front of a roaring fire.


The last two days of the holiday had past in frenzy for the boys at least, trying to complete the holiday homework they had been set. Lily and the other girls sat with smug expressions as they casually put the finishing touched to their essays.


Peace was shattered late one afternoon as the rest of the student body returned to school. As dinner approached the noise in the great hall was as usual at a fever pitch as friends exchanged holiday stories and greetings were being shouted across the tables.
Professor McGonagall tapped the glass in front of her to signal that Professor Dumbledore was about to speak. Slowly the word went around the room and a silence rolled over the students in a tremendous wave. Looking up at the teachers' table Lily decided there was something-strange going on.


"Welcome back, I hope everyone had a happy holiday. Unfortunately I need to start this evening's dinner with some bad news. As some of you will already know there has been quite a lot of dark activity over the last two weeks," he paused and looked around the room before continuing. "It saddens me to have to tell you that in one of the latest attacks, a student was killed along with her parents. I would like you all to stand and raise your glasses in the memory of Tara Phelps, who was an outstanding member of Gryffindor and who will be missed by all those who knew her."


In silence the students rose and all but a few raised their glasses and toasted "Tara Phelps"


With a clap of his hands the tables were filled with food and the students returned to their seats for what seemed set to be the quietest dinner in the history of Hogwarts.
Sitting down Professor Dumbledore glanced at the Gryffindor table were their were many eyes filled with tears at the lost of one of their own, but what worried him the most was the statue like figure of Sirius Black.


Sirius had been talking to James while they waited for the Headmaster to make his customary speech, but his face seemed to freeze as he heard the news that Tara wasn't coming back. As the Professor spoke Sirius had scanned the table, sure he was mistaken but Tara's little face was no where to be found. He stood and raised his glass with the others saying her name but later that night he wouldn't remember doing it.


The seventh year Gryffindor's watched their friend carefully, the little one had wheedled her wait into all their hearts but each knew that Sirius would be devastated.
Eyes shadowed with despair and anguish looked up at them, he just couldn't believe this was happening, had he not been through enough. Sirius's eyes fluttered over to look at Marie who had tears running down her face but just behind her head on one of the other tables his gaze landed on another blonde.


Lucius Malfoy smirked at the face of one of his archenemies and true to form the Gryffindor was wearing his heart on his sleeve. Malfoy was disgusted at the lack of pride the boy had but it didn't stop him curling his lip at the other as he brought his right index finger to his throat and swoop it across in a dramatic manner. Malfoy laughed as he watched Sirius's eyes widen in horror at the gesture and then turned to talk to one of his fellow Slytherin's believing the exchange to be over.


Unfortunately for Malfoy this was far from over and before any one could grab him Sirius was out of his seat. Not bothering to go around Sirius jumped on the table and over the other side he looked like he was almost flying as within seconds he was lurching over the Slytherin table and dove at Malfoy knocking the other boy from his chair and on to the floor.


Before Malfoy could react Sirius had punched him twice and now had his wand pressed against the other boy's face. Soon the teachers had made it to the side of the two boys but nothing seemed to be working and they couldn't risk starling Black. Pushing her way through the crowd of students and teachers a petite blonde made her way to the front.


Professor Dumbledore smiled as he watched the girl manoeuvre her self to the side of Sirius Black.


Kneeling down next to him Marie placed one hand on his arm and the other on his face. Slowly she turned his face to her as her other hand slid down his arm and clasped around his wand hand. Gently she tightened her grip on his hand but her eyes never left his face.


Finally Marie said, "Come on Sirius, Tara would not want this. No matter what this piece of scum has done it's just not worth it."


Very gently she moved her hand under his and slowly but surely the wand rose away from the face of the silver haired boy. At that moment Professor Greenhalgh made a move but was held back with a wave of Dumbledore's hand and all in the great hall watched as the small Gryffindor pulled the dark distraught boy into her arms and away from the Slytherin who now had blood running down his face.


Professor Greenhalgh was about to open her mouth when Dumbledore spoke, "Mr. Potter could you please help Miss Devon escort Mr. Black up to Professor McGonagall's office," and with this he nodded at both James and Minerva.
Turning to the Slytherin still on the floor Professor Dumbledore waved his wand over the boy and said, "I think you will find there is no serious damage but after I have seen you in my office it would be advisable for you to visit the Infirmary." Turning to Professor Greenhalgh he said, "Could you please escort this student to my office."


With that the two groups headed off in different directions and Professor Dumbledore headed back to the teachers table. Once there he addressed the students, "A most unfortunate incident. Please return to your dinner and then I would advise everyone to go back to their dormitories."


******


Professor Dumbledore entered his office to find Professor Greenhalgh and Lucius Malfoy sat in the chairs in front of his desk. Slowly he made his way around the desk and seated himself looking at the two Slytherin's before him.


"Headmaster I feel I must insist on the immediate expulsion of Mr. Black for the blatant unprovoked attack on my student," Greenhalgh insisted.


Malfoy sat beside his head of house the picture of the perfect Slytherin pureblood.
Taking in the picture before him Professor Dumbledore said, "Have you anything you want to add Mr. Malfoy?"


Looking the older wizard in the eye Malfoy said, "No sir, its as Professor Greenhalgh said, Black just attacked me for no reason."


"I see, so you do not recall the action of drawing your finger across your throat at the news of Tara Phelps death," Dumbledore asked in a very calm voice.


All eyes were now on Malfoy his head of house was looking at him in disbelief at his stupidity. Malfoy squirmed in his seat for the briefest of moments and then a sneer crossed his face, as he said, "No, sir."


"Are you suggesting that my eyes deceived me in this matter Mr. Malfoy?" Professor Dumbledore asked again in a calm and even voice.


Malfoy knew he was sunk the glare from his head of house combined with the words of the Headmaster had sealed his fate and he shook his head.


"I am glad we agree. I must say I am very disappointed in your lack of respect for a fellow student and as such 50 points will be taken from Slytherin," Dumbledore paused to let it sink in before he said, "You are dismissed but believe me Mr. Malfoy if I hear of any more incidents like this again I promise you the punishment will be far worse than a deduction of points."


At this both student and Professor rose from their chairs and exited the room. Professor Dumbledore sat for a moment, he knew his potions Mistress was harsh and he didn't like to think about the other punishments she was likely to dish out in the privacy of the dungeons.


Drawing his hand down his long white beard he stood and made his way to the head of Gryffindor's office.


******


As they reached Professor McGonagall's office Marie turned to her head of house and her friend as she asked, "Would it be alright if I talk to Sirius alone for a moment?"
Opening the door Professor McGonagall said, "Five minutes Miss Devon."


Nodding Marie said, "Thanks."


Manoeuvring Sirius into the room Marie closed the door and pushed Sirius into a chair. Kneeling down in front of him Marie took hold of both of his hands as she said, "Sirius, look at me, please," and she waited for him to raise his eyes to hers, "I'm sorry, for everything. What ever happens I will always be there for you!"


Letting go of one of his hands Marie brought hers up to his face and rubbing her thumb along his cheekbone said, "I do love you Sirius. Always remember that, you may drive me crazy but I will always love you."


A tear slipped down his face and Marie moved closer to him placing her forehead against his but a knock at the door prompted Marie to move away from him. Still holding his hand Marie smiled at James as he entered the room behind McGonagall and pulled a chair up close to Sirius's for her.


The four Gryffindor's remained silent as they waited for the arrival of Professor Dumbledore. Marie massaged Sirius's hand to try and comfort the distraught seventh year.


Another knock at the door found James opening it for the Headmaster and Professor McGonagall rose from her chair behind her desk offering it to Albus. As he took the chair he quietly surveyed the room and the sorrow filled faces.


Sighing he said, "Sirius, I understand the sorrow you are feeling at the death of your friend but unfortunately I can not justify you attacking another student," taking a breath before continuing, Dumbledore said, "I'm sorry to inform you that I have no choice but to take one hundred points from Gryffindor and assign you another months worth of detentions."


Four stunned faces stared at the Headmaster, who in response said, "I have not expelled you this time because you were provoked while under extreme stress but I must stress, that I will tolerate no further altercations," looking at the three students he asked, "Have I made myself clear?"


All three nodded at him and he said, "Then you are all dismissed, may I suggest you go straight back to Gryffindor tower. One more thing, Mr. Black and Miss Devon you are excused classes until lunchtime tomorrow."


Marie smiled at the Headmaster and nodded her thanks to him as she guided Sirius from the room.

******

A/N: Before you start screaming for blood, I'm sorry but tragedy was needed and she was the prefect candidate.  I know this sounds harsh but life is and it makes for a good story.

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Thanks for reading

Madame Padfoot