Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, only Jane, Adea, Kayla and any other characters not in the book belong to me

A/n: This is the first of two Christmassy chapters.

Almost there

November came and November went without any disruptions from either group. The two groups had almost merged but not quite. Even Waqar was becoming better friends with them and James was finally convinced that he was a decent guy. The Christmas Holidays were drawing nearer. Lily, Kayla, Adea and Peter intended to go home. The girls realised that since only Jane would be left in the castle they had better do some Christmas shopping. Lily managed to rig a visit.

'Ok, where do we need to go, well I say Honeydukes' Lily said simply

'I need to go to Gladrags' Kayla said

'I'm with her' Adea said as Kayla put her elbow on Adea's shoulder.

'Well I need to do a bit of sending home, so I'll be Post Office, oh yeah and then Zonkos' Jane said simply.

'Right ok, Dee and Kayla, you're on Gladrags, knowing you two, it'll take you ages in there' Lily said bossily. Jane nodded in agreement. 'Jane and I will head off to the Honeydukes street and work our way up from there'

'Where should we meet?'

'I say, Three Broomsticks at 6' Kayla said. Lily rolled her eyes.

'Yes that's all very well but we can only stay out 'til 4' Now it was Kayla's turn to roll her eyes and she said using the same condescending tone Lily had donned only a moment ago 'Yes but dear, you have yet to get used to your Head Girl perks' Lily looked quizzical, Kayla dropped the voice and continued 'On Hogsmeade days, you can stay here until curfew and as long as we're seventh years and with you, we can too.'

Realisation dawned on Lily's face 'Oooohhhhh yeah' and she looked at Kayla 'you know you're very good at nitpicking, you'd make an excellent lawyer'

'Huh? What the hell's a lawyer?' Lily laughed.

Adea cleared her throat. 'Guys, as much as I'd love to stay out here, I don't think it's very sensible' Lily nodded. 'She's right, you get all sorts of nutters going up to the Hog's Head and that's just in the day!' Kayla sighed exasperatedly. 'Yeah but we're going to the Three Broomsticks' she exaggerated the name of the pub. Adea shook her head.

'Yeah but to get up there, they have to go through here' Kayla looked to Jane for backup.

Jane pointed to the sky. 'Cygnus looks pretty, don't you think Cygnus looks pretty' Kayla had 'what the hell' look on her face and turned back to the two who presumably 'with it'.

'Hey Lily!' she heard a voice call her name and turned around. She spotted two bespectacled hazel eyes; she turned to her friends and smirked.

'Hey James, hey guys' the guys all said hi. 'So are you guys planning to go up anytime soon?' they nodded. Sirius spoke up ' Yes we have some major Snape sabotage to be getting on with. Adea poked Kayla and whispered frantically, Kayla nodded.

'Reeeeemus' Remus looked up and raised an eyebrow. Kayla walked up to him and put her arms around his neck. 'You see the thing is we wanted to stay here longer, only we can't unless we have some big strong men to protect us' -Ugh, I can't believe I'm blurting this crap- 'Yeah, but Kay we need to…' but he couldn't finish his sentence because Kayla had grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him full on, leaving Remus no choice but to comply, within a few seconds they were going at it feverishly.

James and Sirius looked outraged. The girls looked gleeful. 'You cheating little, little…I'll say it, bitches' Sirius cried (not that he didn't swear, he just didn't think he'd get away with calling the two most, mentally, dangerous girls in the school, bitches). Lily merely laughed 'Aaaaaahhhh the joys of being the fairer sex'.

By now Kayla and Remus had stopped. Kayla was pulling her top down, which had ridden up in the ordeal, and smoothing her hair. Remus looked to his friends 'Guys we're staying' James and Sirius groaned, the marauders could only plan as a four. Remus continued. 'Well do it later on tonight' he looked expectantly at the girls.

Lily took charge again. 'James you go with Kayla and…Kayla' James smiled a secret smile. 'Peter you wanna come with us or go or what?' the redhead asked uncaringly. Lily didn't like Peter much. 'I think I'll go up thanks, if I go now the Elves will be able to give me a feast before dinner' he licked his lips and set off in the direction of the castle.

'Remus and Sirius you come with us' Sirius looked delighted but Remus was far from it. He turned to Kayla. 'So, what? How come I can't go with Kayla?' Lily and Jane exchanged nervous glances. 'Because we need you here to control Sirius'

'Why can't James and I swap?'

'Because…because…because we don't trust James and Sirius together' Remus looked suspicious still.

Kayla took over the reigns. 'Remus, come on, if you do this, I'll promise we'll find a broom cupboard or something' Sirius laughed. 'Nice offer Simmons, Kayla sorry, but Remus is a gentleman, he'll never agree to that' Kayla looked back, 'Fine we'll go to the library, anything you want, you'll get' Sirius cheered. Kayla glared at him.

'ALMOST anything, honestly you are so perverted' Kayla said in a disgusted tone Sirius stuck out his tongue. Remus kissed Kayla's cheek and went to stand beside Lily. 'Right so we'll meet at the Three Broomsticks at 6. Okay?' both parties nodded in affirmation and set off.

'Hey Adea' James squeezed himself between Kayla and her. Kayla looked highly annoyed 'How come I don't get a hey' she said in a mock indignant voice. James sniffed 'Because, I don't like you Simmons, go away' and he stuck his nose in the air. He turned back to Adea. 'So we're pretty good friends now right?' Adea looked thoughtful. 'I suppose'

'So I can ask you anything right' she stiffened and her tone wasn't warm and pensive. 'No James, you can't'

'But why?'

'Because you just can't' and she became deathly silent, you couldn't even hear her breathing. Kayla looked determinedly onwards, not saying a word, but decided to intervene. 'James every group has their secrets, this is ours ok?' he threw his hands up in surrender and knew the matter was not to be pressed any further.

'So where are we off to?' he said grinning, the tension felt not two minutes ago completely forgotten. Kayla smiled and Adea shook her head. Kayla pinched James' cheeks. 'You are so cute, do you know that' James raised an eyebrow. 'So how's about you ditch Remus and come kiss me like that' he flashed her his adorable lopsided smile. Kayla patted him on the head. 'You're not that cute sweetheart' Adea laughed and looked pityingly at James who looked confused. 'Come on you two, off to Gladrags' James sped up to Kayla.

'Wait so you prefer Moony?'

'Yep, why, am I supposed to prefer you?'

'Well people usually do'

'And then you wonder why Lily calls you arrogant'

'Is this arrogant?'

'There's just no hope for you is there?'

'Nope, oooohhhhh look we're here'

'Right now before we go in, please don't do anything embarrassing'

'Does that mean I can't do my gay act'

'I'd prefer it if you didn't'

'What am I gonna do for entertainment'

'I dunno'

'Well we're here to get something for Lily'

'Oh ok' they walked right through the glass doors and a voice sounded 'Welcome to Gladrags'.

Kayla and Adea started off in a direction and James called 'Hey where are you going, the robes and stuff are this way' they turned round; each grabbed an arm and dragged him off in the opposite direction.

Once they were far enough in a secluded corner they whispered. 'James no shouting please?'

'Why?'

'You just don't shout here'

'Why'

'You just don't do it'

'Why?' Kayla screamed in frustration and then covered her hand with her mouth indicating for Adea to take over. Luckily the latter knew exactly which buttons to push.

'Because if you do the assistants will kick us out and if the assistants kick us out, we can't get Lily a present and if Lily doesn't get a present, Lily won't be very happy now will she? Don't you want Lily to be happy'

'You make a good point, ok no more shouting'

'Good and by the way you were acting like a three year old, now come on' and the three of them set off for the Muggle Wear section.

While those three were shopping in Gladrags, the other four were topping up supplies in Honeydukes. However, one of their number was not a happy bunny.

Remus stood in a corner arms crossed, his face showed no emotion but they knew he wasn't happy. Sirius noticed first. 'Aw Remmy cheer up your other half will be here soon' Remus looked at Sirius. 'Shut up Padfoot'

'No seriously mate, since you two started going out, you haven't spent but two seconds away from each other' Sirius said seriously (no pun intended)

'That's not true, you're over exaggerating'

'What's that you say? You need a second opinion? Why didn't you just ask my friend? Jane! Lily!' Remus rolled his eyes, as a redhead and a well Sirius didn't know what to call her, so lets say a chameleon head, headed their way.

'Ah Miss Evans, Miss Swales' Sirius said with his arms outstretched.

'Please don't do that, it's scary' Lily said as Jane laughed. Sirius smiled. 'Sorry, Remus here needs some convincing'

'Oh? About what?'

'I told him that since he started going out with Kayla they haven't spent barely two seconds apart and, if you'll believe this, he said that wasn't true in the slightest' Lily and Jane burst out laughing and Remus looked perplexed.

'I'm sorry but you two are attached at the hip, you'd even sleep together if you weren't Gryffindors' Remus smiled and then it broadened and he grinned. Sirius turned to Lily and Jane ' this wasn't supposed to happen. He was supposed to be surprised and then say something like "Oh Sirius I'm so sorry I deserted you"' Sirius finished in a high-pitched voice that was supposed to be Remus. Lily and Jane took no notice and looked on.

Remus started to hum. Lily and Jane sighed. 'That's so cute'

'Aaaaawwww, I wish a guy would hum when he remembered me' Sirius just shook his head

'And I thought James was whipped, this one's fallen hard'

Remus walked out of Honeydukes. Lily, Jane and Sirius ran to the counter, paid for their goods and ran after Remus. They sprinted to catch up with him; he was a much faster walker than they'd anticipated.

Lily and Jane panted whereas Sirius who was used to sprinting in James' militaristic Quidditch practises sailed right through. 'Moony where are you going'

'To a jewellers' Remus replied

'There's a jewellers here?' Sirius asked as he craned his neck to see.

'Yeah well that's why I slowed down, I don't actually know where one is' he looked expectantly at Lily and Jane. They nodded 'Follow us' they said in unison.

(A/n: you'll have to wait 'til the next chapter to see what they bought.)

The two parties met in The Three Broomsticks at 6 o'clock. Sirius and James managed to persuade Madam Rosmerta into giving them a private parlour, free of charge. They all ordered butterbeers except for Adea who couldn't even have the slightest bit of alcohol. The 6 of them started chatting and laughing while the seventh pulled out a book and just read, occasionally taking a sip of her water or smiling at one of the jokes, though two of the others seemed not to notice.

They carried on until 7.30 when the Head and boy and girl put a stop to the fun and demanded that they all report back to the castle, it was as if they'd transformed with the turn of a second. Once back in the castle Kayla, Lily and Adea realised that if the train left in two days (December 21st) they had better just go pack, while Remus promised his packing would be done by tomorrow.

When the four girls reached the dormitory (Jane decided to help and Lily said she would too as long as they went back to her room and helped her as well) Lily found a letter on her old bed, with a note from Dumbledore next to it. She recognised the handwriting to be her sister Petunia's. She wondered how Petunia managed to brave tying the letter to the owl's leg and came to the conclusion that one of her parents did it for her. She sat down on the bed, not quiet ready for what the letter beheld.

Petunia and Lily never talked, never. Not even the occasional "pass the salt" or "have you seen my mascara". This started the day Lily got her letter of acceptance into Hogwarts. Petunia stopped responding to Lily. Lily following her sister's act stopped as well. Eventually they stopped communicating.

They could be in the same house; same room even, for hours and never even glance at each other. These actions prevented Lily from ever knowing what Petunia truly thought of her, but she knew it couldn't be good. Lily put it down to fear, xenophobic tendencies. She dreamed one day, probably once she'd graduated from Hogwarts, Petunia would set aside her fears and she and Lily could be sisters once again. She had visualised this day so often that the thought of Petunia making contact any earlier disconcerted her.

She stared at the envelope. A quiet voice called through the room, reading her thoughts like she always did. 'Open the letter Lily, WE'RE here, she can't hurt you' Lily smiled gratefully at her friend, her sister. With shaking fingers she opened the letter. She read the words over and over again, not quite sure what to make of them.

Lily Marie,

My fiancé's meeting mum and dad this Christmas. Don't come home.

Petunia

Eleven words, that's all her sister had to say for the past six and a half years. The words were hurtful but not insulting. Slytherins had thrown insults, hexes and curses at her but she never cried, the only time she did was in that fight with James, that was thee first time which she could clearly remember. Yet these blunt eleven words made tears well in her eyes faster than ever before. Determined not to mess up things even more than they already were, Lily wrote a reply.

Petunia Grace,

OK I won't. Congratulations.

Lily

Silently she picked up Dumbledore's note.

Dear Miss Evans,

I was in your chamber checking up on things. I saw this letter but knew you were headed for your friend's dormitories so sent up Fawkes with this.

Professor Dumbledore.

Lily shakily wrote thanks to him as well. She then curled up into a foetal position and cried silently. She rocked to and fro. Her three friends made their way to her.

Jane and Adea hugged Lily. Kayla picked up the letter. She read it over and over. Kayla was the big sister of four; she always played the part and never understood that siblings didn't always get along. Reading the letter made her seethe beyond all limits.

'Lily what kind of person is this?' Kayla yelled indignantly. Lily looked up, her cheeks tear strained, her eyes red. The sight was a little new to Kayla. Lily looked at Kayla not quite sure of what to say and eventually she managed a 'She's my sister'

Kayla reread the words and then looked over to her friend. She shook her head sadly. 'No she isn't. This isn't your sister' she quietly handed the letter over to Adea. Once Adea had finished she put it down and said into the air. 'Kayla's right, she's not. She's just someone who shares your blood, parents and house' Lily nodded.

'That's right, my one and only sibling' Kayla shook her head yet again.

'Those things don't define a sister. A sister is only a sister when she listens to you. Sure you may fight, but deep down loves you no matter what. Is ready to rip any guy who hurts you's head off. Who listens to you in the dead of night. Who tells you your outfit looks nice every once in a while' Lily looked up with wide eyes.

'Really?' Adea and Kayla nodded. Jane got a tissue and wiped away Lily's tears.

Lily shook her head. 'Guys don't worry. It's not like she said anything awful right? I mean this is the first we've said to each other since the summer after junior school, that's good. I'm, I'm ok' Kayla looked at her pityingly. 'Look me in the eye and tell me you're ok'. Lily continued to stare at Kayla.

'But why doesn't she like me, why? I've never said anything to her, never. She never said anything to me. We practically pretended the other didn't exist. Why can't she act like a real sister and be happy that I was going to meet her fiancé soon. Why didn't she tell me she had a fiancé, why didn't she tell me she had a boyfriend?' Lily sobbed.

Kayla indicated to the letter. 'She's no sister of yours. We're your sisters, all three of us. We may not share the same blood or parents but look at it this way, at least we share the same house' Lily smiled. Jane, who was an only child unlike the rest of them could not say much in this situation, she had to play her part of second mother and just soothe so she added a soft 'Group Hug?' The girls laughed, Lily wiped away her tears and embraced her friends.

For the first time, she understood how lucky she was to have them –They are my sisters, I just never realised it 'til now-

After Kayla and Adea had packed she rushed over to her chamber to make sure she added her own name to the list of those staying at Hogwarts. What the girls didn't know was that Lily had pocketed the letter. Lily wanted to keep it.

She still didn't know what Petunia thought of her, the letter only told her that she didn't want Lily to meet her fiancé; it didn't say that Petunia hated Lily. Lily loved her friends like family, like Kayla said they were her real sisters. But Petunia was the sister she was born with. She couldn't change that. Maybe Petunia didn't love her but Lily knew that no matter how angry or upset Petunia made her feel underneath it all she did really love her.

Blood's thicker than water, at this rate Petunia may never speak to her even after graduating, this was her only proof of the fact that her and Petunia were related and she couldn't let it go.

That night Lily added her name to the list, tears daring to spill, but she remembered something she'd heard once when she was younger. She hadn't understood it then but she did now. "We will meet again, life's really long, its just time that's short"

One day she and Petunia would speak again. It may not be in this lifetime or even in this world but one day they would.

The dream Lily had that night was rather unusual.

Lily was floating along a drive, Privet Drive. She stops at a door at the foot of which a child lay. She reaches out to touch the child but finds she cannot. She looks at the child. A pair of eyes look up at her, two very familiar eyes, her eyes! This child possesses a pair of eyes identical to her own. Yet, this couldn't be hers, this baby had black hair.

The door opens a rather bony, horse-like woman with dark brown hair stands before her, milk bottles in hand. She knew that face, it was…it was…Petunia? She reaches out to Petunia but finds she cannot touch her sister either. As Petunia bends down to put the bottles out she notices the infant. The bottles fall and smash as the woman lets out a shrill scream. Lily sees a letter situated next to the bundle, as does Petunia. The living woman picks up the letter and reads aloud, as if knowing Lily can hear her too. She reads:

Dear Mrs. Dursley,

I am afraid that your sister Lily Potter died at the hands of Lord Voldemort last night. He came late and killed both your sister and her husband James Potter. Their child Harry, who as Lily had told me previously, you haven't met, is now your only remaining blood relative. Harry miraculously survived the fate that Lord Voldemort's victims tend to meet.

In the midst of trauma there is a ray of hope. Voldemort's inability to kill your nephew caused his downfall and I'm sure you will be slightly pleased to know that the murderer of all your family members has been forced to flee and is currently I believe on the verge of death.

One day Lord Voldemort will come back to try and kill Harry, whether he will succeed I cannot tell you. I have not yet explained why Harry survived. Lily was an extremely talented and bright witch. One of the brightest to pass through my school so far. She died to save Harry, leaving in him a proportion of love that Voldemort does not possess nor can he penetrate.

To ensure that Harry can maintain the gift his mother left him he must stay in the protection of one of his blood relatives. Voldemort unfortunately managed to kill every last person of the Potter heritage before Harry, therefore leaving him with only you to turn to. Harry's gift and advantage will also help to protect your own family from Voldemort's wrath. I know that Lily and yourself were never on the best of terms since the day she found out she was a witch, but please find it in your heart to take Harry in. Think of him not as your sister's son, but as the only person you may remember your own family, the Evans family, by.

Yours Sincerely,

Professor Albus Dumbledore

(Headmaster of Hogwarts)

Lily gasps. That boy, the baby was her son, she was dead. Lily looks up at Petunia and is shocked to see Petunia wipe a tear from her eye. Petunia bends down once again and picks up the child. Lily glides to Petunia's side to find her child looking his aunt straight in the eye. Petunia looks straight back, her expression, that of a person meeting a long lost relative. Her sister speaks to the child solemnly.

'You have Lily's eyes' the child says nothing. Petunia continues. 'But that hair, that black hair, that's not Evans hair. That must be from your father, I remember he came once to meet mum and dad and he had hair just like that' the woman takes a last glance at the letter and then looks to the sky. With that she walks inside, with Lily's child in her arms.

17-year-old Lily woke with a start in her room. She looked around and instead of Privet Drive found her snow white room. She looked at her arms to make sure she was actually there, alive. She breathed a sigh of relief and leant back against the bedstead contemplating her dream.

What was that? Was that a sign of things to come or just a dream, a normal fictional dream? It didn't seem like a dream. And that little boy. He had my eyes, it makes sense now. He was my son. He was James' son too. I was Lily Potter, James was my husband? No it can't be. The boy did look awfully like James save the eyes.

Lord Voldemort kills me? He kills my parents? He kills my aunts and uncles? My cousins? James's family as well? Petunia was upset about me? Forget that Lily, ok. Think now, Voldemort, Voldemort. I know who he is. He's that weirdo, he goes around making conferences about how muggles should be wiped out and muggleborns should be tagged. He's going to kill me? My son's going to create his downfall? Good on him, yes but you'll be dead. Oh yeah-

But a knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts. She put on her white silk dressing gown and went to the door. She opened the door and found no other than James Potter knocking upon it. She stood there a minute just surveying him, searching his eyes for some sort of sign.

–James Potter, my future husband…nah, impossible. Well he's not half bad you know. Maybe, but future husband's taking it a bit far don't you think? –

A hand swept past her view and she snapped out of her reverie. 'Lily?' Lily? Are you there' she shook her head and looked up at him again.

'Huh?' she said confusedly.

'You've just been standing there looking at me as if thinking about something really deep'

'Oh sorry I'm a bit out of it this morning'

'I can tell'

'So, what were you saying?'

'Oh right, yeah. I was saying that we have to get to lunch, we're doing that prank on Snape today and then would you like to join us for a snowball fight' James explained

'Oh did it snow last night?' Lily said absentmindedly, looking out of the window.

James looked at her with disbelief.

'Uh yeah'

'Oh, well I'd have to ask my friends…' Lily started

'Well you're not exactly early sunshine, its 11.30. I already asked them. Kayla's in but Jane and Adea said they'd just watch, but you know Adea she'll probably just read or something' Lily smiled and nodded.

'Alright, I'm in too, as long as Peter's not on our team'

'Our?'

'Mine and Kayla's, oh yeah and I'm not playing unless she's on my team'

'Why her, why not me?'

'She's my best friend and me and Kayla always win when we play against Jane and Adea, we're invincible together'

James put an arm around Lily's shoulder. 'My friend how wrong you are' Lily removed his arm and said 'Well you'll have to learn the hard way won't you?'

As they made their way down to the Great Hall, James assured Lily that the prank was practically harmless and Lily assured James that if she found otherwise all four of them would find themselves in individual gruesome detentions.

Lily and James took a seat with their friends, and loaded some food onto their plates. They took small bites waiting for the next part to happen. They watched Snape take a sip of his pumpkin juice, looked dazed for a second and then shake his head. Suddenly he got up onto the table and in a very "Elvis" voice (though the Marauders later claimed they knew of no Elvis) he pointed to Professor McGonagall and announced 'This one's for my girl Minnie' the next time his mouth opened however it was much more Mariah Carey (a/n: originally I had the lyrics up here, but since doesn't allow it…). Snape began singing all I want for Christmas, with all the notes correctly and slowly and very…femininely, yes that would be the word.

People all over the hall debated whether Snape's voice had actually broken, because at this point in time, it certainly didn't seem like it. Their whispers were cut short as Snape started blowing kisses and shouting 'I love you Minerva McGonagall' several times.

It was in between the sixth, that Snape finally came to his senses. He put his foot in porridge, the bowl slid down the table, taking Snape with it. The hall burst into laughter. Lily turned to give James a stern look. He shook his head. 'OK now see that wasn't us'

'It was just icing on the cake' Sirius added.

Professor McGonagall made her way down from the Head table, her face very red. The boys put on innocent faces. Sirius turned to face her. 'Why hello Professor'

'Don't you give me that Black'

'I'm sorry Professor am I missing something?' the fuming woman took some deep breaths and said in a deathly quiet voice. 'You four, all of you, my office, NOW'.

The girls smirked, as the Marauders filed out of the hall behind McGonagall, identical angelic smiles on their faces. Just as he was about to leave, Sirius made a small bow when he was sure McGonagall wasn't looking.

They followed their Head of House to her office, having the occasional snigger. She opened her door violently and indicated for them to take a seat. Once doing so herself she tapped her fingers impatiently and looked at them expectantly.

'Well? What do you have to say for yourselves?' she barked. All four of them feigned confusion. Remus spoke up 'With all due respect professor, we haven't a clue as to what you're talking about' McGonagall raised an eyebrow. 'Oh really, Snape, lunch, Christmas song. Any of it ring a bell' mock realisation dawned on Sirius' face. 'Oh that, yes it was rather amusing wasn't it? I never knew he had such a thing for you'

Peter almost let out a laugh but Sirius stepped on his foot before he got a chance. McGonagall groaned in frustration. 'You're not going to admit it are you?'

'Admit what?' James asked. That was the last straw.

McGonagall mouth transformed into a thin line. 'OUT, OUT ALL OF YOU NOW JUST GO. YOU FOUR ARE GOING TO BE THE DEATH OF ME' they hurried out of her office and down the corridor.

Once out of earshot they burst out laughing. 'Well lads, I think that's the angriest she's ever gotten at us and we didn't even get a detention' Sirius said. 'We didn't get any points docked either' Peter added. They decided that they had better meet the girls outside for the snowball fight, since lunch had probably been cleared away by now.

'Right ok, three rules, no physical contact, no hitting your own team member and absolutely no magic' Sirius and James groaned. Lily sharply turned her head. 'Do we have a problem you two?' they shook their heads, 'oh and if one team member forfeits, the whole team forfeits'.

'Ok, so teams' James now started 'OK Lily's made a few pre-game requests. So, Kayla, Lily and I are on one team. Sirius, Remus and Peter are on the other' they stood in their teams and walked off in opposite directions.

Lily, Kayla and James set up their own game plan. James, being used to captaining took charge. 'Ok Lily, let that red head temper go, just attack got it? No mercy. You're headed for Peter; hopefully, no most likely, he'll get scared and say forfeit. Kayla you're headed for Remus, trick him confuse him, preoccupy him and eventually beat him, I'm sure you know how. I'll get Sirius ok?' the girls nodded determinedly. 'Right I think the best way to get a head start is to make as many snowballs as is possible while their setting up their plans, right lets go'

The other three were still talking as James, Lily and Kayla started preparing their "weapons". Meanwhile Sirius, Peter and Remus were planning their own game.

'Come on lads, we need to show those girls why men are the stronger sex' Remus raised an eyebrow but Peter just looked confused. 'But James is a boy' peter said dumbly, Sirius looked at him 'yes I know but, I' Remus held up a hand and shook his head. 'It doesn't matter Pete'

'OK'. Sirius continued. 'So, I'll go after James, Remus show your girl who's boss and…' Peter squeaked. 'But that means, I'm left with Lily' Sirius looked at him sympathetically. 'I know mate, but just whatever you do, don't forfeit, got it?' Peter nodded meekly. Alright men lets go' they turned around to find the opposing team, standing their, ready, full with large snowballs and surprisingly menacing faces.

'Ready?' James asked

'Ready' James immediately threw his snowball at Sirius who dodged and started gathering snow as James picked up the next one.

Lily got her snowball and got Peter in the face, he was so shocked he fell over before the snowball hit him. She had him now. She pelted him with simultaneous snowballs and watched him trying to escape.

Kayla sauntered up to Remus snowball in hand. Remus was ready to receive. 'You're not going to fight me are you Remmy?'

'You bet' Kayla made a sound of indignation but couldn't help but smile. 'Good' and while Remus grinned at her she mashed her snowball in his mouth. He spluttered snow for a few seconds before gathering some snow. 'Oh you're getting it now Simmons' she squealed and ran over to her stock. He chased her around while she randomly threw snowballs over her back.

Meanwhile with James and Sirius, things weren't quite as vicious or quite as laidback. The term would be competitive. They were each eyeing the other sinisterly. So far neither had been hit. Sirius threw a snowball to catch James off guard. James was definitely not expecting it and was hit full on. He wiped off the snow. 'Oh that's it Padfoot, you had better run' Sirius turned around to gather snow as quickly as he could but James hit him at the back of the neck. Sirius yelled out of surprise.

Back with Peter and Lily, things had gotten slightly better. Lily couldn't erupt on demand, there had to be a reason. So, she felt kind enough to let Peter get back on his feet, but that was all. She kept hitting him and all he could do was hold his arms in defence. He didn't even think to gather snow as long as he got away from the redhead without forfeiting.

'Peter would you put up a fight' she yelled.

'I'm trying, I really am' he cried. 'Well forfeit if you can't'

'I can't do that' he whined

'Well fine, then prepare to have snow for dinner' and she threw a particularly large snowball at him.

Remus and Kayla were having the most fun. Each was skirting the other's snowballs as they ran around trying to hit each other.

Remus threw a snowball, Kayla fell to the floor. 'Kayla! Are you ok?' he ran over to her, he bent down. She looked up at him blearily, grabbed some snow and stuffed it down the front of his shirt. She giggled, got up and ran. Remus stood there frozen. When he seemed to recover he shouted. 'Kayla Simmons, get your ass over here right now' she stuck out her tongue and the chase started up again.

Jane and Adea merely watched. Well Jane did. Adea took a few peeks from over her book, every so often but nothing more.

'They look like they're having fun don't they' Jane commented. Adea didn't look up. 'No one's stopping you Jane'. Jane looked at her friend. 'What do you mean?'

'Go, throw snowballs, have fun, go on' Jane shook her head. She turned and spotted a robin on the ground. She got up, but as she did the robin hopped over onto a bush. 'Come here, sweetie, come on. I want to your friend' Jane cooed, she tried to coax it over to her. While the robin did not fly away, it didn't budge from it's bush either. She continued to try and get it to come to her.

Sirius turned to check on how Jane was doing and maybe try to get her to join in. But when he turned round, he found her standing at a bush. He edged closer to hear what she was saying.

'Come on, I swear I won't hurt you. I just want to talk to you, you're quite cute you know' he watched her as she continued to talk to this… this…what was it? He peered around her back and found it was a robin.

James walked up to his friend, who seemed to have paused the game. 'Hey Padfoot' Sirius held up a hand to silence him and indicated for him to watch Jane.

Jane continued to coax the little robin. 'Please come over here, look my scary friends aren't here; it's just sweet little me. I want to talk to you. Birds can be quite good company, so can humans. I bet you've never talked to a human before. We're not that bad really, ok some are quite awful but I'm quite harmless really.'

And it was as if the bird had heard and understood. It hopped closer to her, Jane held out her finger and the robin perched onto it. Jane led it back to where she was sitting, held it close to her face and started talking to it.

James and Sirius watched on in awe. 'She's an angel, look at her James, she is' Sirius whispered. James smiled. 'You've got a special one there mate, don't let her go' he said softly.

Sirius looked back to his friend. 'I love her' James' eyes widened. 'What?'

'I'm serious, look at her and the things she does, how could I not' Sirius said excitedly.

'Are you sure?'

'Never been surer'

'Well if you're positive, then tell her'

'Yeah, later'

'Tell her before the holidays start, just do it'll save you both two weeks of misery' Sirius nodded.

Suddenly a voice cried out 'He said it, Peter just forfeited!' Lily shouted in glee. Sirius groaned. 'Pete you didn't!' Peter nodded looking scared. James laughed and high – fived Kayla and Lily. 'Ha, take a loada that'. Peter, James, Lily, Kayla and Remus headed back to the castle. Sirius however, stayed behind a moment.

'Jane' Jane looked up from her robin friend and signalled for him to wait a second. She took her friend and placed him back in his beloved bush. 'What is it Sirius?'

'I need to tell you something, something really important' Jane looked puzzled, but did not question any further. ' OK, so tell me' she said, shrugging.

'No, not here but I know a place' Jane tossed a glance to her invisible friend. She didn't get a glance back but she knew what it meant.

'OK come on let's go'. Jane and Sirius trudged through the snow back to the castle. The last remaining girl looked up finally and smiled into the air. She'd heard James and Sirius' conversation and Adea Qureshi knew what was about to take place.

'Sirius where are we going' Jane asked after a few minutes of non-stop walking

'To a room' he replied briskly

'Yes that's all well and good but I know for a fact that there isn't a room in this corridor' Sirius paced the corridor in question three times. A large door appeared right before Jane.

'Ok well that shuts me up for the night' Jane muttered as Sirius held the door open for her. She gasped as she took in her surroundings.

The floor was marble, and the walls, well there weren't any. It was as if room was made for her. Where there should have been walls, was just a night sky. With a beautiful sliver of a moon. The stars scattered around, shining brighter than she'd ever seen them. The sky itself was black as black could get.

Sirius stood next to her. 'Notice something?' Jane looked on, but Sirius continued.

'These things, they're you. Look at the moon, that's not what the real moon looks like, those are your eyes.' Jane looked at him with tears in her eyes. 'The stars that's your person, look how bright they are, you'll never see them like that outside'. Jane looked down. 'See the sky, some may not see the beauty but isn't that black stunning' she looked out upon the sky. 'It's mysterious, yet inviting, that's your aura'

'Sirius it's… where did you find it?' Jane whispered in an awestruck tone.

'Jane this room is just that, a room. What's inside it comes from your mind' Jane looked at him with her beautiful eyes. 'So honestly, I found it in here' he tapped at his temples. He paused trying to think exactly what he was going to say next.

'You remember before Halloween?' she nodded, still speechless. 'You said, "It's not enough to like me" you told me I had to understand you first. Jane I know you, but I can never understand you or the way you think.

It's one of the things I love about you. You're so unpredictable. You can be so complex and then so simple. Jane I promise, I will never tire of you, I swear.' Sirius said, looking her directly in the eye and catching her off guard with his sincerity.

Jane looked at him with wide eyes, she felt her heart pounding, it wanted to jump out bit was restricted. She wanted to know what he was going to say.

'You're not like anybody I've ever met and chances are I'll never meet anyone remotely like you. That's why I love you' Sirius said.

Jane shook her head disbelievingly. 'No Sirius, don't say what you don't mean'

'I'm not, I mean it. I love you. You don't have to say it back, but please say you'll give me a chance before you leave for the holidays tomorrow' Jane hugged him and whispered 'I love you too and yes I'll go out with you' Sirius smiled and captured her lips.

Jane returned to her dormitory that night to find her friends assembled on her bed, looking agitated. When they noticed her Kayla let out a cry of frustration. 'Where have you been, you realise, you've been missing for two hours now' Jane continued to smile and began to hum.

Lily looked at her questioningly. 'What's up? Why are you so happy' Jane's smile became even broader. 'Can't I just be happy?'

'Of course you can but not that happy, wait this has to do with Sirius' Jane nodded.

Kayla looked at the dreamy girl expectantly 'Well?' Jane looked at her friend's anticipating faces. 'He loves me' all the girls squealed and hugged their friend. Adea spoke up. 'So you're going out?' Jane nodded again. 'Do you love him as well?'

'Yeah' her friends remained silent.

Kayla looked concerned. 'Are you sure, are you sure you're not mistaking it for something else' but before Jane could answer, Adea spoke for her she hugged Jane and said 'Kayla, Jane does love him, can't you tell, look at her eyes'. Have you ever seen her this happy?' Kayla smiled. 'Can't argue with you there'.

Lily rose and picked up her jacket. 'Well you guys, you have a busy day tomorrow, so you'd better sleep and I'd better leave' she hugged Jane again and left for her own room.

A/n: I think this might even be longer than Halloween. I like Lily's dream but hate the prank, it doesn't work quite as well without the actual lyrics for some reason. Tell me what you think.