Christmas morning dawned bright and cold.  Fred and George could be heard downstairs, singing uproariously.  Tyra could hear Charlie chiding them, and Ginny rolling over to look at her.  "Ready to get up?" Ginny asked her, wrinkling her nose. 

"Guess so," Tyra muttered in return, tossing her hair as she forced herself to sit up and pulled up her socks.  The girls wandered arm-in-arm down tha stairs, met halfway by Harry and Ron.  "G'mornin'," Tyra greeted them almost grumpily.  "If you two don't stop singing that horrible song, I will silence you both," Tyra warned.  The twins sang even louder, crooning in her ear as she sat down.  Fred jumped as Tyra landed a punch on his arm.  "Silencio Vocal," she said, pointing her wand lazily at them both.  Both continued to sing, but no noise came out.  This caused the whole room to burst into laughter. 

"Cute," Fred muttered after she had released them.

"I warned you both," she replied, mock-severity written across her features.  This caused them to burst into laughter again.  Molly conjured piles of presents from near the fireplace and stacked them in front of each person.  Ron pounced on his, revealing a set of Canon's Quidditch robes from Harry, the usual sweaters and treats from Molly and Arthur, a stack of Canary Creams and a new cauldron from Fred and George, a dragon claw necklace from Charlie, and a broomstick servicing kit from Tyra.  Harry received a book on dreams from Tyra, a bag of chocolate frogs and a sugar quill from Ron, a red sweater and dragon claw from Charlie and the adult Weasleys, and a huge slab of Honeyduke's chocolate from Hagrid.  Tyra received a Weasley sweater, blue and green striped, a sketch book and pencils from Harry and Ron, and from Charlie, a silver star on a chain.  She grinned as he helped her with it.  Fred and George had, naturally, given her a very nice broom.  Another package sat on the table, brought by owl that very morning, or so George told her.  She opened the attached envelope carefully. 

To Tyra,

        I trust you are enjoying your holiday.  This is a little something that once belonged to your mother.  I thought you should have it.

Severus

Tyra tore eagerly into the wrapping, finding a leather-bound book.  It was a copy of Dreams and Interpretations.  She opened the cover to find a single word written inside, "Faith".  Puzzled, she closed it and set it on the table, saying nothing.  "Well, time to start on dinner.  Why don't you all take a walk?"  Molly shooed them out, helping them collect their gifts and cloaks. 

"So, who was the secret admirer?" Charlie joked, elbowing Tyra.

"Uncle Severus."  Harry and Ron still winced whenever she called him that.  "The book was my mother's."  Everyone walked along in comfortable silence for a few long moments. 

"I have decided that Ottery St. Catchpole is most un-entertaining," Ron mumbled.

"I find it charming," Tyra replied, eyes taking in the grazing sheep that partially blocked the road.  She held Charlie's hand, stopping every once in awhile to really study something so she could draw it later.  Ginny had started a game of kick-the-rock with Ron and Harry, who all took turns kicking the stone.   Harry wished he could make the peace of the day last forever. 

The following Monday found the group once again waiting to catch the train to Hogwarts.  Hermione told them all about her long week with her parents.  Tyra and Charlie took a private moment and kissed each other goodbye.  Harry forced himself to look away, which was a horrible idea.  Cho Chang was smiling at him from across the platform. "Ugh, can't you take that somewhere else?" Ron teased, flushing.  Fred and George watched them with more than a little interest. 

"Look somewhere else," Charlie suggested, kissing Tyra one more time before watching her find a seat on the train. 

Hogwarts was same as ever, Harry thought as they climbed the stairs and made their way inside.  Draco, as usual, was performing his latest pantomime, which consisted of smoochy noises and pulling faces in Tyra's direction.  She actually laughed at him in passing, unphased by the possible slight.  "Measly-mouthed twit," she whispered, causing Ron to cough loudly to hide his laughter.

"Harry, there you are," Cho said, coming up behind them.  Tyra grabbed Ron's arm and led him off to prevent him staring. 

"Hi, Cho," he mumbled, reddening as he looked down.

"So, are you dating the transfer student or something? You guys are always together."

"No, Tyra is my friend.  She's actually dating Ron's older brother," he stated.  "How was your holiday?"

"Fine. Listen, Harry, I just wanted to apologize for last Valentine's Day.  One of my friends pointed out that I probably shouldn't only talk about Cedric with you," she said, eyes shining.

Oh no, she's going to cry again, he thought.  Instead, she kissed his cheek and ran off, leaving him standing there touching his face stupidly.  "That went well," he said aloud, heart palpatating as fast as it ever had when she was around.  He hurried to catch up to his friends.

"Well, how'd it go?" Hermione prodded excitedly.  Harry had ever known her to be gossipy or remotely interested in anyone's private lives before. 

"Fine.  Weird, but fine."  Tyra smirked before slinking off to the girls' dormitories.   "Is it me, or are things a little strange here?" he asked no one in particular, shaking his head.  Harry bent over his neglected Potions homework and tried to tune out the world around him.  IF it was going to be upside-down, he didn't want to be in it just yet.