Cyra shivered as she felt a cold breeze go over her shoulders, curling up tighter in her duvet. It was almost Christmas, so the frost had come over. Feeling another cold sweep against her cheek, she whined and opened her eyes to look for the cause.

There was Sarah, sitting with the window wide open, wearing just her nightgown. Cyra watched her for a moment before sitting up, whispering, "Sarah?" There was no physical response. Beginning to worry, she threw her sheets off and padded over to her housemate. Sarah's eyes looked blank, just staring out at the night sky.

Unsure of what to do, Cyra leaned against the edge of the window, keeping her voice low so she didn't wake their other housemates, "Sarah? You okay?" The girl in question still had no response. Just staring and blinking at the dark sky. She reached out to take her hand, gasping as she felt how cold Sarah's hand was, "Merlin, French, how long have you been sitting out here?"

"..Two..maybe three hours.." Sarah uttered softly, still frozen in place. Cyra stared at her in worry, her brows furrowing. After a moment, she turned around, "Stay there." No need to tell Sarah twice, she was obviously going nowhere. Cyra padded quickly over to her bed, ripping the duvet and sheets off of it. With them bunched up in her arms, she hurried back.

As Sarah sat stiff, Cyra managed to get the sheets and blankets around her shoulders, tucking them in firmly. That should at least warm her up some. Cyra took a seat next to her, looking out at the dark sky she seemed infatuated with, "It is pretty..I guess. I prefer daytime. I can see the clouds, and the sun is so warm.."

"Not like night. Night is cruel, and the Moon offers nothing. It's cold."

Cyra glanced at Sarah curiously, "So definitely not a night person?" Sarah managed a small smile, looking at her knowingly, "Are you saying you are?" Fear settled into Cyra's heart, her managing out a forced laugh, "No. Definitely not. I-I'm not good with cold temperatures." Sarah let out a hum, looking back out at the sky, "Yeah, winter is hard when you're human. We don't have protective fur like animals do." She thought about it for a second before turning to Cyra again, "Say, do you think witches and wizards that are animagus stay in that form during winter?"

She had to actually think about that. Winter was easier for her when she transformed, the fur presenting warmth. She supposed animagus would spend it in their animal form. Realizing Sarah was still waiting on her answer, she blurted out, "Yes. I do. I would." The muggleborn witch gave a soft giggle at her response, teasing, "You're so awkward, Lupin. You can relax. It's just us."

Cyra gave a guilty smile, trying to ease herself back against the windowsill, "Sorry.." Sarah waved her off, looking back at the sky, "You know.." Her voice peaked in curiosity, "I do wonder how it felt to punch Graham." She let out a laugh, Cyra joining in, "You really wiped that grin off her face." Cyra gave a grin, her eyes twinkling from the moonlight, "It felt..really good. Like really really good."

Sarah snickered, glancing at her, "You seem pleased with yourself." Cyra gave a nod before commenting, "I do feel slightly bad though. I felt her nose crunch, I hope she can get it re-set." The witch beside her snorted and joked, "I hope it's crooked. Just like her."

Cyra's eyebrow raised at Sarah's attitude, wasn't this the same girl who says rock is the devil's music? As if reading her thoughts, the muggleborn admitted, "My mother is full of rubbish, I'm beginning to realize that." She made a hum so Sarah would know she was listening.

"It's just.. it's hard. Having to relearn everything, and figuring out what was true and what was all lies. Like, I had to have my period explained to me by a grocery clerk. Do you know how embarrassing that is?"

Cyra winced, before meekly replying, "Kind of. Mine was a nice lady at a movie theater bathroom, who.. I think was trying to hit on my Papa."

Sarah looked at her curiously, "Oh? Did he take her on a date?" Cyra shook her head, "No, no, my Papa isn't into women." She paid no mind to how Sarah froze, and added, "Also, he's not over his last relationship. I don't think he ever will. He really loved him."

"Him? Meaning.."

"Yeah."

"Mr. Lupin is.."

"Gay, yeah."

Sarah swallowed thickly, looking back out at the sky. Cyra allowed the silence to come, watching Sarah out the corner of her eye. She seemed to be fighting with herself, her face scrunching in frustration. After some time, Sarah forced out, "Well.. as long as he's happy."

Cyra figured that was enough for now. She knew that Sarah was still unlearning everything her mother told her, she was sure there was plenty awful things said about people like her Papa. But this was enough. Cyra gave the witch a warm smile, "Thank you. He is. Though.." She trailed off, her eyes looking away, "I think he would be a lot happier with his love."

"Well, why isn't he? You could have two dads."

"Because he's in..um.." Cyra winced as she realized how bad it would sound, "He was locked up."

"Oh..well when is his sentence up?"

Cyra bit her lip, beginning to feel embarrassed, "He's..in for life." Sarah's eyes seemed to get wide, "What did he do?" She hesitated, thinking about how to phrase this, but also wondering what the real truth is, "He got framed, and it was a tainted jury, he was to life without a trial."

"Well, that's awfully shady." Sarah noted, relaxing a bit, "Do you think he was targeted? Maybe he knew something?" She honestly hadn't thought of that. At the realization, she asked Sarah, "What for, though?" Her only answer was a shrug.

After a moment, Sarah asked, "Has your Papa ever spoken to him after the arrest? Surely they allow visitors." She shook her head, "No, he said it was too painful." The muggleborn nodded before following it up with, "Reason why I ask is because, if no one is speaking to him, then how do we find out the truth? He was basically silenced from whoever didn't want him to speak. So what does he have to say that is so important?"

Cyra stared at Sarah in awe, her voice breathless, "You're right..you're so right. How did you figure that?" The other witch shrugged, "I watch a lot of true crime with my Grandmother." Cyra looked impressed, "Oh. That's cool."

"So, how are you spending your holidays?"

"Home, with my Papa. We'll probably make some hot chocolate, listen to Fleetwood Mac or Queen while baking, dance.. watch Christmas movies. You?"

"I'm playing Mary in our church's live nativity scene.."

"My condolences, French."

Sarah let out a laugh, "Thanks, Lupin. I'll pray for your eardrums with all that racket you listen to."

"Remind me again what we're doing here?" Cedric asked for the fourth time. He wasn't lagging behind, keeping in step with her, but he would still complain.

She gave him an exasperated look, "I need your help finding presents for the twins!" He groans as she takes him into the joke shop, ducking as something bright flew past his head.

"Anything you give them better not be lethal." He teases, looking around the bright and festive shop. Cyra picked up a bar of frog spawn soap, looking it over, "I would never. This is just some little gifts for them. Their real big presents have to be different. I refuse to get them the same thing."

"Why?" Cedric asked, flicking a strange fuzz off his shoulder.

"Because it shows I don't just see them as twins. They're two separate people, Fred Weasley and George Weasley." She replied softly, running her fingers over some of the biting teacups, "They don't show it, but they hate it when people treat them like they are the same. They are partners till the end, but they bring different things to the table."

"You would know better than all of us." He compliments her, "You're the one person who can tell them apart, it's incredible." She glances at him with a secretive smile, "I guess it's our childhood bond."

"I guess so." He shrugs, going over to the stinkbomb aisle, "Dungbombs are always classic." She snatches up a packet of candy, "Some hiccough sweets too, since I'm sure they'll get sick of Percy's rambling." She took four dungbombs and placed them in her basket, "Let's check these out and we can go to the next location."

Cedric followed after her, commenting, "Am I just your shopping buddy?" She glanced at him with a teasing smile, "Oh I'm sorry, am I interrupting some big date you had? Don't let me get in the way of you and your secret admirers." He shoved her playfully, chuckling, "I don't mind. But you did promise we'd go to the three broomsticks and you'd treat me to a butterbeer."

She stepped into line to get checked out, commenting, "Did I promise to treat you? I thought we agreed to go out for a drink."

"Yes, but then you tricked me into shopping with you. So now you're buying me a butterbeer."

She tsked at him before giving in, "Fine, I'll get you a butterbeer."

"And some chips and f-"

"Don't push it, Diggory."

He watched as her eyes cut over their shoulders, looking behind them. He glanced back, but saw nothing but the witches and wizards that roamed around. When he gave her a questioning look, she acted as if nothing was wrong, walking faster.

Their next stop was Gladrags Wizardwear, where Cyra tore off to the socks instantly. Cedric had to keep up, snickering at her excitement, "Don't tell me the twins really like socks." She waved him off, picking up a pair with a constellation design. As she lifted it up, she watched as the stars moved around and twinkled like the night sky.

Her eyes lit up in awe, she murmured, "Fred likes weird socks. He hides it, but he always wears them under his uniform. Just the other day, he was wearing his unicorn ones." Cedric stared at her, confused by this new information, "But..those socks are just pretty."

"Mmhm.." She gives him a smile, "But they have a fun feature." She wiggles the socks before placing them in her basket, "These will scream loudly if they get too smelly, and won't stop till you wash them." She looks through a couple more pairs, picking a few more fun patterns and tossing them in.

Cedric needed to know more. He followed her to the next shop with a pep in his step, before quickly becoming confused when he saw where they were going, "Why are we going to Tomes and Scrolls?"

"For George." She replied simply, opening the door and jingling the bell up above their heads. Cedric walked in after her, looking around curiously, "I didn't imagine either of the Weasley Twins were big bibliophiles."

She gave a hum, heading over to a smaller muggle literature section, "Well, Fred likes more activities that are hands on, but George enjoys reading in his private time." She took out a book and looked at the cover, "Hm.." She flipped it open and read a couple of lines.

Curious, Cedric looked at the front cover, raising his brow, "Shadows of Dreams?" He peers over at the pages, "Is this..poetry?" Cyra nodded, closing the book and placing it in her basket. She took another book called, 'WolfWatching', giving it a lookover before taking it as well.

As she headed over to check out, Cedric filed after her, questioning her loudly, "You're telling me George is into poetry?" She bounced on her heels, waiting in line, "That's right." He shook his head, whispering to himself, "Who knew.."

He watched as her eyes cut to the window, narrowing slightly. He looked out, but once again, nothing. His brows furrowed as he watched her snap back to reality when it was her turn at the register. She acted normal, speaking politely to the clerk and making small talk as he wraps up her purchases. Cedric watched her for a moment, before giving a small shrug. Maybe he was just imagining things.

Once they were out, she led him to The Three Broomsticks. Getting a seat, she shrunk the stuff she bought, placing them into her bag. Cedric watched her, still confused about something. He let her get settled before asking, "So, why did you want me to come with you?"

Realizing what he meant, she let out a quiet laugh before motioning to the window behind her head, "So they'd back off." His eyes shifted to look over her shoulder, where he saw both Fred and George standing out in the snow, their scarves covering their lower half of their faces, but their red hair sticking out brightly amongst the dull shops.

His jaw dropped as it hit him, "Have.." He looked back to her face, "Have they been following us this entire time?" She gave a nod, the corner of her mouth quirking up, "I believe they think we're on a date, so they're keeping their distance." He spared them another glance, an amused smile forming, "Are you going to let them know that you're aware?"

She said nothing, turning to address the barmaid who came to their table, "May I have four hot butterbeers?" She gave over the sickles and sat back. Cedric waited for her to say something, before he decided to just ask, "Four?" Cyra smiled sweetly, but said nothing, the sound of the bell jingling taking his attention.

Lo and behold, there was a frost covered Fred and George, and they were making their way over. Cyra turned to greet them, "Hello boys, awfully nippy today, isn't it?" They hurried to sit next to her, one climbing over Cedric so he could sit next to her other side. Once they were situated in, Cedric felt their piercing glares.

"Diggory." One addressed him, but he couldn't tell which.

Cyra seemed to be more relaxed with them near, speaking cheerfully, "Fred, George, this is Cedric. You've already met, so don't be rude." Both boys went to speak, but she cut them off, "Especially since he helped me shop for you two."

Cedric watched as realization entered their expressions, their posture relaxing. They showed no anger at being deceived, turning to his friend with childish grins.

"What did you get us?"

"Spill, Lupin."

Cyra rolled her eyes, smiling politely at the barmaid as she approached. As the butterbeers were placed in front of them all, Fred and George looked from the warm frothy mugs to the young witch between them. Cedric felt his curiosity peak as he saw that familiar warmth enter their eyes. They didn't look at anyone else like that.

She didn't seem to notice, picking up her mug and taking a sip. He decided to follow, lifting his mug to his lips as he looked away, allowing them their privacy.

Once they all warmed up from the cold winter air, the Weasley Twins were much chattier.

"So, mum sends us this letter saying they're going to Romania to visit Charlie for Christmas."

"But do we get to asked to go? No!"

Cedric chuckled, leaning back on the booth, "I'm sure you two would just hate to go to Romania." Cyra snickered into her mug, "Yeah, who needs dragons? You guys have Percy!"

They looked disgusted at the thought. Fred takes a roll of bread, biting into it grumpily, "Prefect Percy.." George sighed, leaning his head on Cyra's shoulder, "I'm more worried about Ron. Of all the times they have to take a vacation, they do it in Ron's first year? He was looking forward to mum's roast."

So that's what they were worried about. Cedric gave them a warm smile, "He's lucky to have big brothers like you." George gave him a grateful look, but Fred was still fuming about the situation. Cyra rubbed his back, speaking softly, "I agree with you, Fred. It is frustrating. But you'll be here for Ron, and he'll also have Harry."

George nodded, taking a piece of bread for himself, picking off pieces, "True. We'll be fine. We'll find ways to amuse ourselves, we've got some things planned for Percy."

Cyra smiled at that, giving Cedric a knowing look, "It isn't Christmas if Percy isn't screaming in terror."

"It's not Christmas if you're not there." Fred shot back. She looked at him in shock, before her eyes softened. Cedric knew she felt terrible about leaving them behind. They always spent Christmas together at the burrow. Mrs. Weasley didn't notify them till last minute, so she already had plans to go home.

George reached over Cyra to pat Fred's back, "Come on mate, don't bring down the mood. We'll get her the rest of the school year and summer." Cedric watched as the brothers shared some kind of twin telepathy, in the blink of an eye, Fred cheered up, "You're right." He looked at Cyra with an apologetic smile, "Sorry Cy, I'm just in a tiff."

She gave him an understanding smile, before replying, "It isn't Christmas without you two, either."

Cedric stared at the scene before him in amusement, wondering when the trio will figure it out themselves. Until then, he'll remain silent.

Harry had no clue how to do this. Should he give up? If he doesn't, he'll just be slaughtered.

"What's your move, Potter?"

He swallows thickly, his hands trembling. Mustering up the courage, he says, "Knight to E5."

"No!" Seamus shouts. Dean covers his face in shame. Ron gave Harry a smirk before looking back at the board, "King to-"

"FOR THE LAST TIME YOUNG LADY, I AM NOT LETTING YOU IN WITHOUT A PASSWORD!"

The entire common room went quiet at the sound of the Fat Lady shrieking. Heads turned toward the entrance, trying to hear what was being said outside.

"HOW DARE YOU TAKE THAT LANGUAGE WITH ME! NOW YOU ARE DEFINITELY NOT ENTERING. YOU ARE BANNED LUPIN! I WISH YOU TOOK AFTER YOUR FATHER IN MANNERS, YOU CRETIN!"

Boisterous laughter came from Fred and George as they descended down their dorm stairs, hurrying to the door. As they pushed it open, the Fat Lady was shouting angrily.

"OH! OH! YOU TWO TROUBLEMAKERS! DO NOT LET HER INSIDE! I SAID NO! STOP!"

Harry stood up, leaning over the couch to see who it was. Once the portrait was opened completely, a red-faced Cyra appeared, still shouting, "OH SHUT IT, YOU COW. I've been here three years, you know who I am! You've just got a stick so far up your-" She cut off as she saw the twins, "Oh, hi! I-I came to say goodbye." She looked over their shoulders to see the entire common room staring at her, "Oh, hello. Sorry about that, she's.." She motioned to the portrait, "..difficult."

The twins pulled her in, snickering. As soon as Cyra's eyes landed on Harry, a large grin formed on her face, "Just the boy I was looking for." He felt glee at the fact she stopped by for him. Navigating around some of his fellow Gryffindors, he threw himself at her, hugging her tightly. She gives a soft laugh, hugging him back just as tight.

"Have a Happy Christmas, Harry."

"Happy Christmas Cyra." He whispered softly into her sweater. He felt her hand gently pet his hair, and relaxed against her. Cyra was always very affectionate, and he was so attention-starved, he welcomed moments like this.

Cyra gave him a kiss on his forehead before pulling away, "Be good. Don't let Ron wound your ego too much. He's had years to get good at Wizard Chess. You'll get there." He felt a bit better about his horrible playing skills, wondering how she knew how defeated he felt. She gave him a wink before turning back to the twins.

"Boys." She opens her arms for them. They understood the assignment, gathering her quickly into a Weasley sandwich.

Fred looked pained as he held her, his twin not looking too far off, though George seemed close to tears. Cyra held them tightly, breathing in deeply, "I'll be back as soon as I can." Fred grumbles something before saying clearly, "Tell Mr. Lupin that he's getting no toilet seats from us. Payback for stealing you away." She laughs, patting his back, "Understood."

George pulls away and looks at her with a soft smile, "Get there safely. Write us as soon as you get home." Fred nodded, stepping back, pointing a finger at Cyra, "If you don't, we'll flood your house with letters until you're forced to write us."

Her laughter makes the Gryffindors smile, playfulness twinkling in her eyes as she replies, "If you do that, I'll send you a worm for each letter you send. You'll drown in worms."

Fred shoots back, "We'll just eat them."

Cyra's nose crinkles up as she giggles, "Gross. I'm leaving."

She turns away from them, waving at Hermione and Ron before heading out, her curls bouncing around her as she hurries out.

After grabbing the things she left in the hall, she shouts to the Fat Lady, "Happy Christmas, you shrill cow!"

At the sharp breath from the portrait, Cyra hurried off before the Fat Lady could shout at her.

"YOU ILL MANNERED MUTT! YOU COME BACK HERE! DON'T IGNORE ME! I WILL HAVE DUMBLEDORE-"

One of the twins grabbed the portrait and slammed it shut. The Gryffindors went back to what they were doing.

"EXCUSE ME!? DO YOU CHILDREN HAVE NO CONCEPT OF MANNERS!? HELLO?! OH HONESTLY!"