Same disclaimer as always...This is a weird chapter but I hope you like it. The ending is... well not good if you ask me. Oh well, let me know what you think. Thanks!

Christmas Delight

The Great Hall was already full of students eating an early breakfast. The four young men walked towards the Gryffindor table. Courtney had already been up and headed down for a very, very early breakfast. Lately she was having trouble focusing and sleeping.

A burst of giggles sounded as the group walked past the other tables. A group of girls were blushing and giggling like mad, waving to Sirius. Sirius waved back with a handsome smile and blew them a kiss. This drove the girls to no end. Several started to squeal and blush more. James attempted to wave to the group, but did not receive any notice.

"That's right. Get 'um all riled up." Courtney glanced up from her plate as Sirius and James sat on the opposite side of the table. Remus sat down at her side, giving her a side glance.

"Does it bother you?" He asked scooping some eggs onto his plate. When she did not answer he added with a wink, "You know you will always be my girl, Courtney."

Courtney rolled her eyes and glanced over her shoulder. The group of giggling girls were sending hellish glares at her. Weather they hoped she would burst into flames or just leave, she was not sure. Seeing that neither was going to happen any time soon she turned around to face her food.

Quidditch practices were really wearing on her. Not only was her sleep and leisure time fading, but her homework always barely got finished. At first she considered quitting the team. Sirius and James immediately told her that it was a horrible idea. They did not know how she could ever suggest it.

She had to admit that being Chaser was fun and she would miss it. The team was not good, it was absolutely great. There was a sure chance that they would win the cup this year. Even though practices were basically play time for James and Sirius they were really good.

The captain, Chris Taylor, was not thrilled with the duo's crazy stunts and dares at practice. Nor was he impressed with James' brilliant idea to catch the snitch at the last possible second their first game. James thought it would not only be a good show but worth putting the team in second, or possibly, third place if he let the other Seeker think that he could not catch up to the snitch. He did finally after Chris yelled at him and threatened to remove him from the team after the game.

Courtney stood up from the table. "I am going to walk around the grounds. Come on out if you want to afterwards." She walked out of the Great Hall. The group of girls' eyes following her with glares and rude comments.

Courtney wrapped her heavy winter cloak around her tighter. The cold winter air filled her lungs as she inhaled. Snow had fallen on the grounds to decorate it with what looked like an overabundance of glitter. When the sun peaked through the grey clouds on those rare occasions the snow glimmered beautifully. A puff of foggy air rose in the air as she exhaled. Defiantly a cooler day.

She loved the winter. She was not sure why, but she had an idea that it was because Christmas meant lots of people. Lots of people meant lots of empty bellies, which meant loads of yummy food. A smile spread across her face at the thought of Christmas dinner with Severus. The thought stopped abruptly. How could she be so stupid and forget? So Christmas was going to be different this year. She would learn to deal with it when it came to it. The thought of spending Christmas alone in the large castle did not seem too appealing, but it would not be a first.

"Gotcha!" She screamed as arms engulfed her and picked her up from the ground.

"Sirius! Put me down! I'm going to kill you!" She shouted at the top of her lungs.

James laughed at Remus' side as Sirius spun her around in a circle. "I think you are going to make her sick, Padfoot."

Sirius set her down with a wide grin. She huffed with a frown. "I should beat you to a pulp."

He raised an eyebrow at her, "I don't see that happening, little miss."

Before anyone could blink, Sirius was on the snowy ground with Courtney trying to stuff snow into his mouth. Remus and James rushed forward. Remus held her back as James stood over a very snowy Sirius. Sirius looked up at her shocked, as if he were violated.

"You look alright, Padfoot. Are you?" Sirius nodded his head to James, spitting out snow and wiping off his face. James pounced on him trying to finish Courtney's job. Before their eyes was a full out snowball fight. Sirius had managed to spring lose of James' hold and was hiding behind a snow drift. He hurtled large, icy snowballs at James, who was finding shelter behind a rock.

Remus grabbed Courtney's arm, pulling her back, as a snowball came whooshing past, missing her head by inches. With embarrassment, she smiled up at him. As her eyes traveled she noticed a small chain glittering in the sunlight, what little there was. Around the young man's neck was a beaded necklace with a Celtic-looking cross at the middle. It was plain, yet stood out beautifully.

"Nice necklace," she commented offhandedly, turning to watch the match.

He looked down at his chest to find that it had slipped over his shirt in the commotion. With thin gloved hands he tucked it back into his shirt.

"I mean it. It's cool." She wanted to make a point not to offend him.

He swayed back and forth slowly on his heels, his hands stuffed deep into his pockets. "Thanks. My mom gave it to me. A gift." When he saw that she was paying full attention, he added, "It has several charms and spells that are supposed to protect the wearer."

"So, does it work?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "I guess so. I'm still here, aren't I?" A small smile spread across his face when she laughed softly, a wicked grin on her face. It only meant that she had some sarcastic comment that she was dying to say. He loved that smile. It was usually worth waiting to hear.

"Go on, say it."

She laughed out loud. It filled the cool air with a certain warmth that spread through him. With glistening eyes she shook her head.

"I'm waiting," he urged.

"Alright! I was going to say: Unfortunately, yes. I should take it away from you. I don't mean it, though." She added quickly, a smile still in place.

"Uh huh, I see." He tried to forced the smile away from his face and only succeeded in doing half way. James and Sirius' fight was becoming more violent. They had moved from snowball throwing to chasing each other around in the snow with wands pointed at each other. Of course, there was the occasional curse or violent threat. This was normal.

Courtney side glanced at the golden haired young man. She had never really gotten to know him as well as she would have liked when he was teaching. Nor did he get to know her, or so she got the impression. "I used to have a sign," she ventured, looking back at him. He took his gaze away from the Black and Potter Smack Down to look at her.

"What sort of sign? A cult, no doubt."

She snorted indignantly with a frown. "Oh, you know me. Always in those cults. I'm a cult-a-holic. I'm really trying to stop." He chuckled at her statement. "Actually, it was a sign my friend and I made up. Quite nice, if I do say so myself." Taking out her wand she drew a circle in the snow, with two vertical half-circles that joined in the middle, with a cross through the center. When she was done she stepped back to survey her work.

Remus' face was contorted with concentration. He bent down to inspect it closer. With golden eyes, he looked up. "What does it mean? It has a meaning, doesn't it?"

She nodded with a long sign. "Outcast. It was our sign. We... ah... weren't the most popular people." She waved her wand lazily, looking at the sign in the snow; it slowly faded in the slight breeze. "I want a tattoo of it when I get old enough..." She was going to continue and tell him why, but could not. A small part of her told her that she would be betraying her friend in doing so. She held her tongue.

Remus stood up, narrowing his eyes at her. "Isn't a tattoo permanent?" She nodded in affirmative. "I don't think you should get one. It..." He looked off in the distance as he trailed off. "You don't need one. You look fine without one," he mumbled quietly.

"I wouldn't say that, but maybe you're right. I might, I might not."

The day past by slowly with grey skies. A chill stood in the air and refused to go away. These conditions left many of the students inside to be cooped up. Only a few very adventurous and brave, or perhaps just plain crazy, dared to venture outside. Inside, the thick stone walls held in the heat from all the roaring fires that gave off a pleasant glow. Every common room was more than pack full of people and their built up energy.

Courtney had decided to take a walk around the large castle while the rest of the group sat in the common room devising Christmas pranks and "treats" for others. Normally she would feel the need to be in on the action, but today, however, she felt like spending her energy on other things. Ironically, the long, dark, and empty corridors seemed the perfect place to be.

A chill ran down her spine as she passed a large window. Its surface was covered in a thin layer of frost. She grabbed her robes and wrapped then closer around her. Perhaps the higher parts of the castle were not the best places to walk around. She turned the corner only to find that she was not the only one to be out and about.

Ahead was the silent black figure of none other than Severus Snape. An evil grin spread across her face. She crept closer, as quietly and quickly as she could. With all her energy she sprinted and jumped on his back. This sent him in a fit of curses and frantic spinning,and tugging. After a moment she shouted, with much enthusiasm, "Guess who!"

Severus stopped trying to dislodge his attacker and sighed. "You are going to get yourself killed one of these days, Miss Kipley." His voice was rough, but not to the point of unpleasant.

She hopped off his back and gathered herself properly, "Well, just couldn't help it. You were just there and not looking and..." She trailed off as he looked at her with amusement. "So, what are you up to, Mr. Snapely?"

He cocked an eyebrow at her. "Since when have I been known by that? I don't recall ever giving you permission to call me by that."

She smiled up at him with a bat of her eyes. "I said so." She turned quickly and shoved her arm around his, pulling him with her. He stumbled a few steps before catching the flow. "So, what are you doing for Christmas break?"

He had composed himself and looked like quite the gentleman. His posture was incredibly straight and he held out his elbow for her, steering around the halls. His expression abruptly changed when she asked this question. A small frown came onto his face, along with it the small lines that accompanied it. She recognized those line, but she remembered them being deeper and more full.

"I was going to go home and visit my mother and father. My mother wants to see me bad. Or so she said in her last letter. My father usually arranges a party for his friends and some relatives. It's a big joke." His voice was full of hatred and disgust. An uncomfortable silence followed. He finally straightened again saying, "What are your plans? I'm sure your parents want to see you. You being so far from home and all."

A sense of guilt swelled in her stomach. She could feel her cheeks growing warm. "Actually," she managed to say with a steady voice, "I was planning on staying here for the holidays." At his questioning look she added, "They, meaning my parents, usually go on a vacation to a... uh... cassino. A place where they pay a lot of money to play games. I don't usually go anyway."

His face was a mix of interest and confusion. Apparently he had never heard of a cassino before. He nodded his head, though, and held his tongue. It was evident that he was thinking long and hard about something. It was on the tip of his tongue, but he did not know if he should say it. A small smile crept on to her face. He was very amusing at these sort of moments.

"If you would like to do something for the holidays, I'm sure my parents wouldn't mind you coming home with me." He blurted out quickly as they continued to stroll down the corridors.

Courtney paused in her thinking. It was a nice offer. She had always wanted to know what her relatives were like, having never saw any of them. There was also the question as to how the gang would respond to her going with Severus. More than likely they would make a HUGE deal about it, and refuse to let her out of their sight. She could image the group, namely James and Sirius, climbing into the Snape house in the middle of the night to "rescue" her from Severus. Of course, Peter would be close behind mumbling to himself, and Remus would think it was a bad idea entirely... yet, still go along with it. The thought made her smile.

"Is that a 'no' then?"

She snapped out of her thoughts. He was looking down at her. She could see a slight hopeful gleam to them. "I... I don't know. It sounds like a good idea. Let me think on it. I will have to at least tell my parents where I am going and such."

A small smile came on his face and almost brightened his coal black eyes. "Alright, you think on it."

Remus sat in his usual spot fidgeting with his fork. Dinner had started ten minutes ago and there was still no sigh. He could feel something was wrong, he just knew it. It was a sixth sense he had, along with some other wolfish senses. He nervously tapped the tip of his fork on the edge of his plate. It was a horrible habit he had.

"Will you stop it, Moony. I'm sure she just lost track of time. Stop doing that!" He slapped the fork out of Remus' hand. It clanked loudly on his plate.

Sirius, who sat at the side of James, gave a toothy grin. It was full of mischief. "You know what I think," he began playfully, "I think old Moony here has a crush on little Miss Elf." His grin was incredibly large and showed his white dog-like canines.

Remus picked up his fork while keeping his eyes on Sirius. He narrowed his eyes slightly. "What a ridiculous suggestion! I do not have-"

"Moony's got a crush. Moony's got a crrrruuuusssshhh." He batted his eyes at Remus and blew him a kiss.

His taunting was only encouraged by James hushed giggles that slowly progressed into booming laughter. Soon the whole Gryffindor table, and several others, were looking at the small group with growing interest. They did not notice when Courtney came in the doors to the Great Hall, linking arms with Severus Snape.

They said a sort goodbye and parted ways. She watched amused as James about fell over his seat from laughing, and Sirius crying he was laughing so hard. Remus, she happened to notice, was about ready to jump at their throats with a butter knife and incredibly red faced. Holding back a smile, she sat down next to Remus.

"What have you done now?"

Remus jumped at her side. A look of horror on his face. James and Sirius quickly recuperated and sat up quietly. This was, to say the least, a little suspicious. She surveyed the group with narrowed eyes.

"Nothing," James finally decided to explain... or to the best of his ability. No one else said anything, or volunteered to add to his statement.

She scanned the group, nodding her head slowly. "I see how it is. Fine. Leave me out of it." With a snort she scooped some potatoes onto her plate.

"It's not like that, Courtney. We were... just picking on Moony, that's all." Sirius pointed accusingly at Remus, who narrowed his eyes once again.

Courtney smiled and looked at Remus. "Are they picking on you again? It's okay, I loves yous anyway." She laughed and went back to fixing the food on to her plate.

James and Sirius watched as Remus turned a dark shade of red. He caught their gaze and silently threatened them if they said a word.

Sirius turned to her as if nothing had happened. "So, why were you late, little Miss? I do not accept tardiness." He said this with a mouthful of chicken and pointing a spoon at her.

"I was walking around and ran into Severus."

The very mention of his name sent the group into chaos. As she had expected. James was busy choking on his pumpkin juice, while Sirius patted him on the back. He had suddenly taken on a very father-ish look. His face was stern as he spoke. "What? What were you doing with... with him?" He spate this out as if it were a worm in his food.

"What do you mean? I was simply having a decent conversation for once. Which is more than I can say for you." She rolled her eyes when his jaw visibly clenched. "Oh, come on. I was only kidding."

Relief washed over Sirius and he gave a nervous chuckle. "Oh, I thought you were serious. You walking around with Snivellus." James was still coughing softly as his eyes watered.

"Oh, no. I was serious about that part."

Remus took over as another fit broke out from the other two. "What were you talking about with him?"

She tried to shut out the sounds of what seemed to be a dying goose across the table. "I was talking to him about Christmas break. Other things too, of course, but mainly that. He asked me if I wanted to spend the break with him, since my parents are going to-"

A loud pound came from the table. Silverware clattered on plates and several drinks spilled over the rims of their cups. Sirius was halfway standing up. His face was contorted with rage and disgust. The chatter in the hall had momentarily paused before resuming.

"I-will-not-let-you-to-go-with...with that thing!" He pointed a shaking finger at her, as his voice wavered unsteadily.

Courtney had never seen him like this before. Not even when he was yelling at Severus. It scared her to see him like this. Her mind quickly came back through her fear. Her usually happy face turned sour. "That thing, Sirius Black, is my friend whether you like the idea of it or not. And another thing! You have no right to yell at me and tell me what I can and can not do! I will do what I want!" With that said she rose from the table and strode out of the Great Hall, shaking with rage.

Sirius slumped to his seat, a look of disbelief on his face. He hopelessly looked at the other two before resting his head on the hard table. Unaware to them a certain "thing" had seen, and almost heard, the whole thing.

Severus sat at his table making "small talk" and slowly eating his dinner. After the idiot group had settled, he rose to his feet and took his own leave. The scene playing in his mind continuously did nothing for his nerves. He gave the portrait of the snake the password half thinking. He should have expected it... in a way he did. He already knew that they would not allow her to go with him. Of course, she was a better person than the whole bunch of them put together, and then some. She had stood up to that air-headed dog-faced Black. It was now her own ideas that she was following. This thought gave him new hope as he got ready for bed.

The morning did not find Courtney in any higher spirits. The incident at the dinner table had hit her with full force and she was not about to forget it. Sirius tried to mumbled an apology but he was unable to force himself to do it with so many people around. Peter, who had heard the story after joining them in the common room late in the night, urged him to keep trying. The group did not feel the same without her. Of course, they expected her to react the same. She did not seem to be having any after effects from the small absence, though.

Courtney took a lone seat in the second row of charms. Sirius, James, Peter, and Remus sat on the opposite side of the room in the very back row. James was trying to get Sirius' attention with his elbow, but Sirius seemed oblivious to the jabs into his side. Instead he gazed past the teacher to the front of the room where two large windows opened to the grounds. Peter sat in the middle of it all, with Remus on the end. Remus caught her eye and gave a small, hopeful grin.

There was a scuffle of feet and a thud. The class burst with laughter. She looked towards the aisle to find a huffing Severus, his books, paper, and quills sprawled out on the aisle steps. She stood up, glaring at the laughing students, and started to help him grab his things. He mumbled a soft thanks and looked at the top rows for a spot. Glares and laughter met his eyes. He growled under his breath with a frown.

Sirius had finally caught on. His rich laugh could be heard above everyone else. Courtney grabbed his free hand. He jumped at her touch, snapping his head to look at her.

"Come sit over here, Sev."

He gave a slight nod and followed her to her seat, taking one next to her. The bell rang loudly and the professor entered the room with a whoosh of his robes. His voice was misty and really easy to get bored with. His voice always stayed at one volume, loud. After a few weeks the students had learned to just live with his uncommonly huge gestures, and booming voice. Courtney figured the trait might be because he was a charms teacher. It required a lot of flicks and such with a wand, and a precise pronunciation of spells.

"How have you been?" Severus asked leaning towards her, his mouth only a few inches from her ear.

She shivered. She put a smile on her face. "I have been good. How about yourself?" This was a lie. Though she would never admit to it. It would risk her position and space that she needed to think properly, and it would only complicate things for him. He had started to do that. Caring about her affairs and well-being with a true concern. She appreciated it very much, but it was unnecessary in her opinion. In truth she missed the gang and their fun. Though she also realized that changes were occurring and she needed time to herself.

He did not immediately answer her casual question. His broad shoulders slumped more, his head hung down. She took notice to this, and bit her lower lip. From the display at the beginning of class it was evident that it was not running so smooth. She smiled at him, reaching her hand to cover his on the desk. He turned his head to look at her. His dark eyes filled with pain.

"Don't pay any attention to them. They don't know what a great person you are." He turned to look back at his books and notes on the desk, nodding his head in the slightest bit.

After charms she followed Severus down the hallway. Mustering up the courage, she dared to mention her plans for the upcoming break "Severus, about the offer you gave me for break. I have thought it over, and asked mom and dad. They believe, though they will not see me, it is best that I stay here for the break. I'm sorry, really."

Again he gave a silent nod with a glum expression. She had thought about it for a long time and thoroughly. It was best that she did stay at Hogwarts for break. She could be with her friends and she would not be in the way of anything. She had not come to this conclusion to benefit Sirius. It was not his influence that made her decisions.

"It is alright, it is only a dumb party. It's not all that good anyway. I don't even want to go. I can understand." He excused himself when they reached the stairs leading to the dungeons.

Courtney felt a terrible guilt rise in her. She had just turned down her father, the same father that had given her so much when she had so little. Even though he had no idea that she was his daughter, it still hurt her to know what she had done. Throat tight, eyes burning, and gasping breaths she ran up to Gryffindor tower to be alone. However, the sight that met her assured her that there would be no time to be alone.

Tears had started to fall down her cheeks upon giving the password and climbing through the hole. Peter, James, Sirius, and Remus sat in a small circle near the fire place. The only ones in the room, the rest either outside, eating, or doing homework. She hastily wiped the stray tears from her cheek as the portrait shut with a click. It was too late.

Concerned looks came from the entire group as she tried her hardest to hustle to the stairs that led up to the girls' dorm. She gave a frustrated sigh when her path was blocked by James. His blue eyes searched her face, his hands on her shoulders holding her still.

"What happened?" He asked worried.

She shook her head, holding back tears.

At the time she was not in the mood to discuss what she knew about and they had yet to find out. Her emotions became overwhelmed at the sight of her friend standing before her. In only a few short years he would be dead. Leaving a wife and child behind. His friends in grief, and Peter to wander like the scum he was freely as they suffered, alone.

Unable to contain the new wave of sorrow tears flowed freely from her already wet eyes. She collapsed to her knees, sobbing. James stood in utter confusion and concern, gaping at the young woman at his feet. Sirius knelt down, wrapping his arms around her. He rubbed her back muttering soothing words to her, "Shhh... it's alright... it's going to be fine..."

Peter stood next to James watching as the two sat on the cold wooden floor. He saw Sirius' pain filled eyes watching over the girl, and his kind words whispered to her. He scowled in disgust. Turning away, he sat in an armchair next to the fireplace.

With the help of Remus, Sirius was able to lead Courtney to the old sofa next to the fireplace. There he sat her down, she had calmed down quite a bit. He did not sit down, instead he took to pacing around the front of the stone fireplace, his hand running through his shaggy black hair.

Remus sat down next to Courtney who was still shaking. Whether it was from her experience or the cold room he was not sure. He put his arms around her, pulling her close to himself. Her head came to rest on his chest with a shaking sigh. He nuzzled her head before placing a soft kiss on the crown.

"It was him, wasn't it?" Sirius finally growled, pausing in his pacing. Though he did not specify who he was, it was well known who he meant with his harsh tone. Remus pulled back and looked down to see her answer. It was a blank expression, but a definite no with the shake of her head. Sirius continued his pacing with a foul look on his face.

She straightened to a lazy sit against Remus thinking of how their future could be. If she just said one thing, one thing that would influence them in a certain way. Their lives might change for the better... then again, it could become a complete disaster. There must be a reason for her being here with them. She already knew there was, but what? Why wasn't it clear to her? She had thought about it, yes, but never seriously thought of changing their lives. It was possible that she could save them all. She glanced at the small, mousy man sitting in the chair. Perhaps even him.

Peter must have felt her gaze for he looked right at her with his watery beady eyes. The foul expression stayed and he turned to James. "Aren't you going to finish that?" He pointed to the place where they had been sitting. A piece of parchment and an envelope lay beside a nice quill and a container of ink.

James raised his eyebrows in confusion. Then it hit him and he snapped his fingers together. "Right, I have to finish my letter." He walked over and sat down on the floor. Crossing his legs together he picked up the quill and continued to scratch on the parchment. Every few seconds he would pause to read what he had wrote with a face contorted with immense concentration. He ruffled his already untidy hair and started to write again.

"What are you writing, James?" Courtney asked with a cracked voice and mild interest.

Without looking up he answered, "A letter to my mum and dad telling them I changed my mind, and want to stay here for Christmas."

Sirius ceased his pacing with a frown on his face. His mouth opened to say something, but shut. He turned his head away from her to look at Peter, who was still in an awful mood. "What's got your tail in a trap?" The statement would have been funny if it weren't for the unusually harsh tone of his voice, and the tension in the small room.

Peter narrowed his eyes at Sirius. It was only for a moment, but it said a lot to Courtney. She had never been witness to Peter looking down, or even attempting to, at Sirius. It could already be too late for him. Courtney snapped back when the young pudgy man said "Christmas Break".

"What?" Courtney asked in a rather stupid way.

James held up his finished letter as if it were a prized Quidditch trophy. "He has to go home for break. His parents wont let him stay, family get together," he filled her in as he set down his quill and once more looked over his handy work.

"Did you try writing and-"

"I already did that," Peter snapped savagely at her without making the effort to look.

Courtney sat appalled at the sudden attack. It was clear that she was not the only one either. Remus had lifted his head from its resting on the couch to stare at Wormtail.

"It's not going to be all that fun here, Wormtail. You wont miss anything big. There is no point in snapping at Courtney."

The room held an incredibly awkward silence. Only the occasional crackle from the fireplace was heard. Of course, there was also the oblivious James who mumbled fondly to his letter and scratched in more lines.

Courtney jumped when a soft voice whispered, "Won't you tell me?" in her ear. Sirius had slipped to the back of the couch and was leaning over to look at her, his face full of concern.

Courtney bit her lower lip as she averted her eyes to her hands that rested in her lap. "In time..." was all she could bare to say at the moment. She would, at some point she would. This silent promise to herself and to them was made there and then. She had to tell them, and possibly help them to better their futures if she could.

The small time that had remained came and went with immense speed. The hallways were busy with students and their small bags of luggage home for the long winter break ahead. Courtney had gotten up early that morning to have a quiet and rather uncomfortably lonely breakfast. To her great pleasure Severus was not mad at her in the least bit. He had abandoned his seat at the empty Slytherin table to join her at the equally empty Gryffindor table for a breakfast chat.

The two walked out of the Great Hall once they had finished with their meal. Severus had suddenly become exceptionally quiet, not that he was never that way in public. He paused after grabbing his small, elegantly designed trunk. His black eyes looked down at her then went to the floor before them as his free hand went to his pocket.

"I...I was hoping you would come see me...This morning, I mean. Before I left." He produced a small package that was expertly wrapped in golden and red paper. His eyes searched her face as he handed the small parcel to her.

Courtney took it with flaming red cheeks. She hated getting gifts. For some reason it was too much for her. A large smile spread across her face automatically.

"Open it," he said urging her on with a small smile.

Courtney, with very red cheeks, carefully tore off the paper and opened the box. Inside was a small silver chain necklace with a dangling tear shaped ruby sparkling up at her. She had no idea what to say or do... so she did the next best thing. She stood there gaping like a fish out of water as Severus, to her surprise, turned a slight shade of pink in the cheeks.

"Well? Do you like it?" He asked with slight amusement in his voice.

Courtney swore louder than she had planned, catching the eye of a few students and a scorn from a teacher. She nodded as she looked from the necklace to Severus. "Yeah, it's...wow. You really didn't have to get me anything."

Severus frowned at her. "Of course I did. You are always the one who helps me and is nice. I just wanted to show my appreciation. I thought this would be the best way."

Courtney felt eyes on her as Severus grabbed the necklace and moved behind her to slip it on. She moved her eyes to the floor when one two girls pointed and started to whisper. One was a very miffed looking Slytherin. She secretly hoped the girl did not have some sort of crush on Severus.

"There, it looks wonderful on you," Severus said standing back to admire the jew around her throat. His face had returned to its normal shade, but he still held his small smile.

Courtney wrapped him in a tight hug. "Thank you so much, Severus. It's beautiful!"

He enclosed her in a hug as his smile grew. Closing his eyes he thought to himself, Thank gawd she actually liked it. His eyes snapped open quickly when he felt something press against his cheek. It had only taken a brief second, she was no longer close but it had been - possibly - the best moment in his life. He, Severus Snape, Snivellus Slytherin extraordinaire, had just received a kiss from the popular and incredibly pretty Gryffindor Queen...Or that is how he pictured her. (She would differ in opinion however.)

Courtney watched as Severus stood, dumbfounded, staring at her. A hand unconsciously, or consciously, she was not sure, reaching to the spot she had just kissed his cheek. The pinkish tint was slowly returning to his face.

"Students that are leaving for the break need to come this way with their things," the demanding voice of the charms professor rang over the Entrance Hall.

Severus snapped out of his daze, quickly lowering his hand and collecting himself. He bent down and grabbed the handle of his trunk before looking up at her again. "I will see you after break. I hope you have a good Christmas, Courtney."

Courtney watched as the carriages with the weird-looking horses traveled off into the distance. She sighed when she could no longer see them. Another Christmas coming and no family to spend it with. Of course she now looked at Sirius, James, and Remus as family- or at least close, close friends. Hopefully it would not be as bad as past holidays had proved themselves to be.

Upon entering the common room she found the three boys, Peter had gone home with his sour attitude, laying around like dead dogs. Sirius looked lazily to the portrait when it shut with a click. He moaned a good morning from his spot on the fluffy couch. James followed suit with a nod in her direction. Remus looked far worse then the two others. Apparently the full moon was not far off. Courtney felt a little better about staying. She was one more person to help Moony during their little romps in the moonlight.

Sirius and James, with a little help from Remus, had come up with the bright idea to play a prank on one of the teachers while break was on. The plan consisted of sneaking around into one of the teacher's rooms, a jar of some sort of creature or plant Sirius had spotted in the Herbology storeroom, and a nice hiding spot to watch the plan unfold.

Courtney had listened to a hysterically laughing Sirus and James as they laid the plan out to her. She did not think it was the best idea, though they had done most of their research and it did seem fool proof. Though she claimed she wanted nothing to do with it Sirius had managed to drag her along with them.

"Courtney, do you see anyone?" Sirius asked from his spot in the bedroom door.

Courtney stood in the doorway to the Muggle Studies teacher's main room. She frowned and put her hands on her hips as she spun around, leaving her lookout post, to glare at him. "Hmm, let's think about this. If I saw some teacher coming do you think I would be standing here, in plain sight?"

Sirius did not see her logic and shrugged quietly. "You do do a lot of odd things. It wouldn't surprise me."

Courtney snorted and turned back to the hallway that she was supposed to "guard". She didn't see the sense in it. There had not been a teacher up here for the entire day, though they did not know why. The professor had been there the night before. They had all had a very unexpected run into her in the hallway after hours.

James ran out of the bedroom, knocking Sirius aside, with a wide grin on his face and an empty jar in his hand. "Let's go. When we see her coming to bed we can take the passage on the map to get to the extra closet next to the bathroom. We can sneak from there. She will be in too much of a panic to realize we are there anyway."

Alright, so maybe his entire plan was not fool proof.

Christmas slowly approached with more snow and more noise from the remaining students. They all seemed excited, especially Sirius and James. Courtney had never really been excited about Christmas. She had never really had a good reason to be, until she was adopted... but once again she was alone for the holidays. It was nothing new, she reasoned with herself, and she would get over it quickly enough.

Courtney sat in the common room looking over the homework that she had for potions. Though the entire class complained, even Severus and herself, the professor insisted on homework over the break. So they all did not get "sluggy" when it came time to do a potion after break. Whatever that meant, she was not sure. A tap on the large window made her look up from her large text book. A very large black raven sat on the ledge of the window, a letter attached to its foot.

She jumped up and opened the window letting it in along with the bitter cold air outside. James made a loud shout about how cold it was as he sat next to the roaring fireplace. Courtney quietly apologized sitting down to the table that she had been at. The raven's beady black eyes watched her move to remove the letter and unfold it. It let out a loud screech, demanding something for the long journey.

This caught the attention of the boys who were conversing in a circle. Sirius stood up to look over the couch. He raised his eyebrows at the large bird, "Presents already? Mine usually wait until the day before." He leaped over the couch's back with ease.

Courtney rummaged through her bag for a treat for the bird. "No, it's a letter... do you have a treat for a... raven?" She found a slice of cookie that James had nicked from the kitchens that morning. "There," she said shoving the cookie at the bird.

James followed his friend and jumped over the couch. Or at least attempted to, his foot hit the top of the couch and left him with nothing but his stomach, face, and hands to break his fall. Sirius burst with a roar of laughter as his friend made a wonderful example as how not to land on the floor. Remus, who seemed to be the most intelligent at the moment, walked around the couch. He stood at the side of the table inspecting the large but elegant bird.

"Who is it from?" He asked when he saw her name elegantly etched on to the parchment envelope. His stomach turned with his suspicion of who exactly it was.

"I think it is from Severus," she said nonchalantly as she opened the envelope.

With this bit of information James and Sirius lost all interest and retreated back to their spots by the fire. Or course not without the suggestion that they should roast Snivellus' bird and send it back to him as a Christmas present.

Courtney ignored the comment and started to read the letter.

Courtney,

I hope the idiots are not giving you too much trouble. It is exceptionally boring here with my mother's and father's friends showing up everyday. Of course, I hardly know any of them. Nor do I care to get to know them. I hope you have a good Christmas without having gone home. I still don't understand the whole casino thing that your parent's do on the holidays, but it sounds interesting. Maybe I am just talking nonsense. I will see you soon, or I hope to anyway. I already miss you.

Sincerely,

Severus

Remus turned back to the other two next to the fire. His mind flooded with new possibilities. Had she actually learned to like Severus for more than a friend? The way he always acted around her, it was evident what his intentions were. The real question was if she was willing to have the same feelings towards him. Personally, he could not- would not - picture her with him... ever. He sighed as he sat down in the armchair. His head propped up by his fist as he stared at the flames of the fire. Perhaps that was just wishful thinking.

A red gleam caught his eye from the table. His amber eyes adjusted to see where exactly the light had come from. Courtney was rereading the letter with concentration etched on to her face. With her free hand she twisted a necklace around carelessly. Its silver chain spun with her help, then spun the opposite direction without assistance. The red jew in the middle caught the light rays that dared to come into the room from the window next to the table. Again the moment of red glow made his attention alter.

He swallowed hard, taking up enough courage. "Is that your early gift from your parents?" he asked trying to sound uninterested.

She glanced up at him, then noticed that she had removed the necklace from its hiding place under her shirt. "No..." she said as she stuffed the letter away in her book that rested in her lap. "It was a gift from..." She slowly got softer as she talked, so much that the last words were no more than her mouth moving without a noise.

Remus frowned at her shyness. Courtney was hardly ever shy. If she was, it was for a reason. His subconscious told him not to presume his prodding. However, his other self wanted to know where this gift had come from. For some reason he saw it as his business, his personal right to know.

"What?" he asked quietly.

"It was a gift that Severus gave me before leaving." With this said she rose from her chair, collected her books and papers, and walked up to the girls' dorm. A blank look on her face.

Remus turned to the other two without a word, or added expression. Both James and Sirius had adverted their attention to their friend in the chair. Sirius wore a look of pity and concern, while James just looked on with disbelief. He had known this was going to happen. The one time he had a chance at anything it was usually messed up or interrupted. He could see now that there was no way that he could compete with the gifts that Severus was able to provide her with. He had nothing to give her, though he wish he did.

Christmas morning found the group with high spirits, and loads of noise in the common room. The Christmas tree was full to the brim with presents ranging from ones that could fit a pair of gloves, to ones that looked as if they could almost fit a stove. Of course no one was privileged enough to receive a stove for Christmas, but some awesome gifts were unwrapped.

Sirius had gotten a new broom, a new set of quidditch uniforms (custom made), a book of professional quidditch players and their career, and many other small and larger things.

James was pleased to show off a new set of quidditch boots that were made of dragon hide, a new cloak (his old one was burnt from potions class) a brand new snitch of his own, and some money from his grandparents.

Remus did not get presents that were quite as expensive, but he did get some pretty nifty looking clothes, books, and few candies and other goodies from his parents.

Courtney sat in the armchair and watched as the overexcited guys unwrapped their presents. She almost laughed at their reactions. They were almost like six year olds opening presents on Christmas. All had large smiles on their face and were showing off their presents to each other as if were a medal they had won for doing some heroic deed.

Then the tables were turned and Sirius finally notice, after opening all of the presents he had gotten, that she was not joining in. In fact, he also pointed out to the whole of the group that she did not have any presents that she had dragged out from under the tree.

"What's wrong with you? Are you mental? Come on, I will get your presents for you if you are too lazy to get them yourself." He turned to the tree and started to look through the rummage of wrapping paper, and other students presents- which were very few in number. He slowly turned to her, "You don't have any presents?"

She shrugged and looked around to the other two who sat in shock. "I didn't ask for anything. I really didn't want anything anyway, it's alright."

The three exchanged looks that ranged from concern to confused. They did not understand how she could be so calm about no presents on Christmas morning. They did not find it a good idea to press the matter, however.

After changing and putting their gifts away in the rooms they all decided it would be a good idea to head down for a large breakfast. Sirius talked excitedly to James about his new broom. They both started to make new, and rather dangerous sounding, stunts that they could not wait to try out. Courtney secretly hopped they had never heard of skiing or snowboarding. She did not want to imagine the crazy ideas they would create if they had that drilled into their heads.

At the small sat the few remaining students and professors. Dumbledore sat at the far end with a large grin on his face when they entered. The charms professor was still talking to him though he had removed his gaze from her. Courtney heard the end of what she said as she sat down to the table.

"...I swear I keep hearing a growing, or something in the room. Every time I go by... did Loraine leave a pet in there?"

She gave it no more thought as she sat down and stared at the wonderful looking food. This was a holiday for feasting, not giving, and that is exactly what she intended to do. The rest of the marauders seemed to have the same idea. Sirius and James were quickly stuffing eggs and bacon into their mouths, while Remus piled another pancake on to the stack of three on his plate.

This will defiantly call for a nap in the evening, she thought to herself.

That night, while the boys were still busy looking over their gifts, Courtney thought it would be good to go on one of her nightly strolls. She was passing the large hallway that led to the Entrance Hall when she heard hushed voices coming from the room. Quietly she tiptoed to the corner of the hall and peered around.

Dumbledore was talking to a student in black, and nodding his head. The old man did not seem to be mad in the least bit. With a final nod and quiet good bye the old man walked up the flight of stairs and down the opposite hall. The student grabbed a trunk and carried it towards the stairs that led to the Slytherin common room.

Courtney ducked behind the railing to get a better look. To her disappointment the student had quickly descended the stairs. She bit her lower lip, scrounged up her courage, and raced down the stairway to the smaller one leading into the dark dungeon. The hallways were dark, as always. She maneuvered around them with ease from her experience in the dank area. Though she did not like it all that well and preferred the tower, she had come to think of the place as home before.

At the portrait of the snake she saw the student standing alone, talking to himself. His voice was awfully familiar to her. She paused to think. It would help if she could actually she the person in the light and not just the silhouette in the pitch black.

His mumbles echoed in the small stone walls. They sounded frustrated and angry. He moved around inside his cloak or robe, she could not tell which, and produced what she guessed to be a wand. A small humming noise came after he mumbled, and the area before his wand was glowing with a soft white light.

"Severus!" Courtney gasped. Partially from surprise that he was back, and half the fact of the condition he was presently in. The small portion of his pale face that she could see had bruises and a angry-looking red scratch down the side.

He spun at her outburst to face her. His wand pointed directly at her chest, his own chest unsteady from the scare. He squinted from the light into the dark to see to her. "Courtney?"

She did not reply to his questioning stares. A hand had automatically raised to cover her mouth as it gaped stupidly. His left eye was blackish-blue, accompanied with several more bruises and scratches. What had happened to make him so beat up?

Within seconds he turned away, gave the password and disappeared into the whole it opened. Courtney followed suit, though she was quite sure this was not what he had wanted. She watched as he shot through the common room, up the few stairs and in the direction of the boy's dorms. His black traveling cloak billowed out behind his retreating figure.

"Severus, wait!"

This had the opposite effect she was hoping for. At her words he broke into a jog without looking back. A door slammed ahead of her, leaving her in the too quiet and too empty common room. With many second thoughts she slowly walked in the direction of the boys' dorm room. At the door she paused to listen. She pressed her ear against the wooden door. Inside there was not the slightest noise.

She tried the knob and found that it did not lock itself. The door creaked on its hinges as she slowly opened the door. The dark figure of Severus sat on the far bed, his trunk flung carelessly to the side, opened in the hurry. A small sob made her cringe. Through all her hopes she could see now that something terrible had happened.

With a deep breath to calm herself she walked over to the bed and sat down to face him. His shoulders hunched forward, and a gloved hand covered his forehead and eyes. Another quiet sob came from him and he shook with the effort to hold it back.

"Severus," she said reaching up and taking his hand off his face into her own cold hands. He did not look up, but the marks were still visible on his face as well as the tears that fell down his cheeks. "What happened to you, Severus?"

The young man shook his head before moaning and removing his hand from her grasp and wiping off his face. His black hair fell forwards as he sighed into a glove. "It is a long story... it's not that important."

"Bull shit!" she said with more of a snap then she had intended.

Severus looked up at her. She apologized before adding, "It has to be something important if you come back like this, and are this upset over it. Tell me... please?"

He bit his knuckles as a new sob came from him. A few tears fell down his cheeks again, but he made no effort to wipe them away. "My father got upset with me, that's it. It doesn't matter why... I don't want to talk about why..."

Courtney took his free hand from his lap in her own and smiled at him. She was not sure how much good she was doing or if she was making him feel worse but she wanted to help. When another sob came from him she wrapped him in a tight hug. She noticed that he flinched before relaxing.

"I'm glad you did not come with me. I don't know what would have happened if he... got pissed with you. I don't know why I was so stupid to even suggest it."

Courtney shook her head against his shoulder, "I don't care, Severus. I think we could have taken him on. You know, set his pants on fire or kick him in... well, where it counts."

A muffled laugh came from him and he tightened his hold on her. "Thank you," he whispered to her with a small smile that had been absent the good part of two weeks.

Alright... yes it has been over six months since I have updated this story. And if you are still reading it and are not mad with me I am very surprised but very grateful! I am sorry and all and know I really don't have a good excuse, but I do try. I hope you like this chapter, I will be wrapping this story up soon. I mean it! I have the whole thing planned out and I just have to sit my butt down to the computer and type it (that's the hard part) Thank you everyone!