This is my first story originally posted on Death-Curse.

A/N: I'm trying to post up to chapter 15 which is the end of the first year.

Rated: R for language and mature themes to come.

Both Sides of Life

Chapter Ten: Separation

It was the last day before Christmas holidays and no one was paying attention in class. In Transfiguration Professor McGonagall tried in vain to the class to settle down and work. "Quiet, quiet now!" No one heeded her and they continued to talk.
James sat down in an empty desk in front of Lily. Strattling the chair, "So Lily you want to know what I wished for this Christmas?" he asked grinning.
A pin to deflate your huge ego?" Lily tossed back.
James put his hand to his chest "You wound me! No, I wished that you'd be my girlfriend next year." He made sad little puppy eyes at her.
Lily just rolled her eyes and pushed him off his chair.
Remus, Sirius and Peter watch from across the room. "When is he ever going to learn?" Sirius said resignly.
"He is persistent; you have to give him that." Remus added.
James was still trying to talk to Lily.
Over in Charms, Isobel sat huddled in the corner with the other Ravens; Titania, Ursula, Undine and Medea "So what's the plan? How are we getting home tomorrow?"
Titania checked to see that no one was listening before speaking "We're going to go back through the Embassy in London. I thought this way we don't draw attention and we draw out the homecoming as long as possible."
Ursula looked resignly around the room "What will they be told if...if we don't..." her voice broke.
"If we don't come back?" Isobel finished for her "I suspect something like they were told with Marcus' death." She answered her own question while fingering her locket. 'Marcus why did you have to leave? Why did you have to leave us to them? I wish I didn't have to do this. I wish you weren't dead.'
"Hey Isobel it's not going to be like that. No one's going to die. You're not going to meet your brother's fate." Undine fiercely. "None of us are."
"Let's just worry about this if and when it happens. OK?" Medea said to everyone.

The next day came all too soon for Isobel and Remus. The Marauders were spending the holidays at Hogwarts and at the last moment so did Remus. The Entrance Hall was a mess, students ran around, bringing their trunks for the trip home. Others said goodbye to their departing friends and laughing and joking with those staying. Remus stood next to Isobel just out of the way of the other students.
Holding each others' hands, not knowing what to say and not wanting to say goodbye, they just stood. "I have to get going, you know." She whispered into the side of his neck.
"I know." He answered back not letting go.
"I promise to write often. And I'll send your gift to you." Isobel said hugging him close.
"You don't have to do that. All I want is for you to be here for Christmas, but since I can't have that, I'll settle for your address so I can write to you too."
She lifted her head and smiling looked at Remus' eyes. "Oh, I think I can do that." She slipped out of his arms and rummaged for some parchment "Here." Isobel said after scribbling something on the paper. "Your owl should be able to find me this way."
The piece of parchment read:
Ms. Isobel Lupe
The Marches
Lia Fal
c/o Mr. R, Finn
1422 Queensway Row
London

Remus looked at her quizzical "What's with this address?" he asked.
Isobel smiled "Well out house is really remote. I mean really remote. So we have a mailing service deliver out mail to us. That's why there's two addresses on it. Don't worry
your love letters will stay secret." She laughed quietly. "Come on now I really do have to leave now."
Remus pulled her into a deep embrace "I'll miss you."
Isobel looked into his eyes "I'm only going to be gone for three weeks! You're making a big deal out of nothing!" she huffed even though she had a big grin on her face. She was secretly worried that it wouldn't be just three weeks. "I'll miss you too." She whispered kissing his cheek "No doubt about that."
They heard Ursula call over "Hey Polaris we've got a train to catch!"
Isobel turned to look at the students heading out the door "I guess I'm going now." They kissed one last time before Isobel grabbed her trunk and followed the others to the train waiting in Hogsmeade.

All during their trip back to London, Isobel stared out the window. She let out a deep sigh.
"Oh please don't start with that!" hissed Lydia who sat across from her.
Isobel glared at the Slytherin girl "Why don't you shut up!" She got up and stomped out of the compartment and headed to where Medea sat.
"Hey there girl." Medea whispered to her after looking at her face.
"Alright, but I don't want to do this!" Isobel whined.
plopping down on the seat beside Medea.
Medea smirked at her "It'll be fine and in three weeks you'll be back with lover boy."
Isobel gave a derisive laugh.