Miss Moony would like to dedicate this chapter to Fk306 animelover for being the first reviewer.

Miss Moony would also like to thank Luminous Star, Idril831, the-ravenhaired-one NikkyB, Twin Tails Speed, misstress of the flames, shazia Born confused, Kara Adar, purplepanda7, moonypadfoot, The Female Nerd, plutobaby494, 80286, siarah, maliaphire, pandasruletheworld, m-girls and Serendipity9 for reviewing.

To Serendipity9: Somehow, I don't think that's going to happen, considering the first scene in the last chapter. Hermione's not so good at teaching large groups of students who are too bored/tired to pay attention to her. But you needn't worry: Harry will manage to inspire quite a lot of respect in his seventh years (maybe even James, eventually). You can already see it happening with Sirius.

To siarah: I'm fine, just about. Thanks for asking.

------- I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good -------

Chapter 14

The weeks went by relatively quickly as their lives slipped into routine. Sirius soon found himself buried under a pile of letters from various family members, all telling him in no uncertain words that he would not be welcome at home this Christmas. Not that the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black celebrated Christmas, or anything, it being predominantly a Muggle holiday.

There was only one letter that he actually took an interest in: from his cousin, Andromeda.

Dear Sirius,

If Aunt and Uncle are bothering you, then ignore them – the howlers you sent them last year probably weren't the best ideas you've had. And if you must reply, then say something sarcastic and extremely Slytherin (to make them regret alienating you, see?).

The main reason I'm writing is to tell you that Ted proposed last weekend: the wedding will probably be next spring, and I've already bullied Nymphadora into being our flower girl, but Ted said he'd like it if you would be a page.

So, write back soon with your answer, and even if you'd rather not, then (of course) you're still invited, so I'll owl you soon to tell you the exact date.

Missing you loads,

Andromeda Black (Tonks soon!)

'Tell her "congratulations" from me, won't you?' Remus asked when Sirius passed on the news, and James and Peter were quick to say much the same thing.

Sirius nodded, and spent the rest of the day smiling to himself whenever he drifted off, earning quite a few odd looks from the rest of the school. Andromeda had always been his favourite cousin, and he was glad that she was happy.

-------

This was all Luna's idea, Harry had told them a week before, when his seventh years protested at the prospect of having to come up with a "positive comment of the day" before they were allowed to leave class.

'Three days until the holidays!' was one enthusiastic idea, and most of the others were much the same.

Following tradition, the Marauders were a little more creative, as was Lily's friend Alice, who said only, 'No black letters from the Ministry came today.' Black letters had been coming more and more regularly recently, and the students were constantly on the watch for them.

'I managed to finish my Christmas shopping on time this year,' James announced triumphantly. Harry was hard-put to refrain from laughing in surprise.

'Dumbledore's stopped serving blood jelly at every meal,' Lupin announced in relief. His nose was rather sensitive to such things.

Staring out of the window at the falling snow, Sirius said absently, 'Andy's getting married soon.'

Surprised at this piece of information, because, hasn't Tonks been born already? Harry slipped up, and blurted out, 'Andromeda Tonks?'

Remus' head was the first to snap up and stare at him suspiciously, but he was soon followed by James (Sirius barely noticed the mistake). 'How did you know her fiancé's name?' James asked accusingly.

Uh-oh, was the only thing that crossed Harry's mind. 'I- I heard about it,' he stuttered, aware that this was a very feeble excuse. 'Something about there being a massive scandal, because Andromeda Black fell in love with a Muggleborn.'

The two Marauders regarded him warily, but didn't question him further, and it was with great relief when he allowed them to leave the room, though, undoubtedly, they were merely going to drag Sirius off and meet Wormtail and then discuss their suspicions in private.

Hermione was going to kill him.