First, I'd just like to say SO SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING YESTERDAY! I really meant to! But one thing after another happened, and I just never got to it! And what's worse is now we have to take out Christmas tree down! -wipes tear- -blows nose dramatically with handkerchief that a reviewer is nice enough to give- thank u.

Well, since I did Lily's Christmas last chapter, now you'll see Jane, Vera, and Remus' Christmas!

Ch. 11, Christmas at Oakville.

Vera looked out the window, to see the country-side flash by her. Jane was sitting opposite her, reading something that she wouldn't let Vera see the title of. Just as she was thinking of as many synonyms as possible for the word 'bored' their compartment door opened.

Vera looked up, only to see her boyfriend standing in the door frame. She smiled.

"Remus! I didn't know you were going home!" she said. She got up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He smiled.

"My mom wanted me home for Christmas." he said, using the excuse he had prepared. It was really that full moon was recently, and his parents, both Healers, wanted to check up on him.

"Well come on! You can sit with me." Vera said, and dragged him into the compartment. Remus laughed, and put his trunk up in the luggage compartment. Soon, they began playing chess. Or at least, Remus tried to teach the game to Vera, and she lost miserably. They both ignored Jane.

With Remus there, time seemed to fly by for Vera. Soon, the over-head announcer had warned them to change into muggle clothes, as they would be there in five minutes. Remus left to get changed, and Jane and Vera had the compartment.

They met up on the platform, where Remus dragged Vera off to meet his parents.

"Mum! Dad!" Remus called.

Martha and Richard Lupin turned to see their son coming towards them, half-heartedly dragging a beautiful girl, who was laughing. Conveniently, they were both healers, and cared about Remus very much, even after he got bit.

"Mum, Dad, meet Vera Parker." Remus introduced a blushing, shy Vera.

"Hi Mr. & Mrs. Lupin." Vera said shyly.

"Hello dear. So you're the one Remus always rants about in his letters?" Mrs. Lupin said, making Remus go brick red. And considering the full moon was last night, he was pretty pale. But Vera blushed too.

But then, Vera's father (Vera was half-blood, her mother was a muggle) and Jane called her over, and she had to leave.

Martha and Richard exchanged glances. Remus had never introduced a girl to them. She must be special.

"How was school Remus?" Richard asked.

Remus smiled. "Until Halloween, it was terrible. But then, Vera finally agreed to go out with me."

"Really? So you had some chasing to do?" Martha asked slyly, and both parents laughed when Remus went red.

"So, er, mom you said we were moving?" Remus said quickly, changing the subject.

"Yes. Because we're both Healers, the ministry wants us to go to muggle towns, to make sure everybody's okay. It's just convenient for them to send us, because we're all one family." his mother explained.

"So, does this place have a name?" Remus asked jokingly.

"Oh you," his mother mock scolded him, "Yes. It's a little town at the base of a mountain, called Oakville."

Remus stopped dead in his tracks. That made his parent's bump into him.

"Did you say Oakville?" Remus asked.

"Yes, I did. Oh! That's where James was living for the summer, wasn't it?" Martha said.

Remus' smile grew bigger. "That's not all. That town, Oakville, is where Vera lives."

----------------------

Ever since Vera's parents had seen her with Remus, the questioning had begun.

"So, what's his name again?" her mother asked for the third time.

Vera rolled her eyes. "Remus Lupin."

"That name sounds familiar.." her father started. Vera, realizing her slip up, corrected herself quickly.

"Probably. Both his parents are Healers." she said quickly, quick enough to get a glance from Jane.

"Ah. That must be it."

"And what's he like?" Vera's mother asked for the second time.

Again, Vera rolled her eyes. "He's the sweetest boy on the planet. Very smart, and funny. And talk about polite. The first time he kissed me, he asked me if he could first."

This got Jane's attention a bit. He hadn't just come along and swept her off her feet after all, she had given him permission. That changed things around a bit, her grudge against Remus wasn't as strong.

"And what about his family?" Mark Parker asked.

Vera's eyes were beginning to hurt from rolling them so much. "Dad, do you really think I know that? Besides, he's a great guy, don't worry."

So, Vera's parents (except for the odd question from her mother) finally stopped questioning her love-life, and started on Jane. Vera could tell she was hiding something, but wasn't about to press. That would be perfectly fair, but mean.

The girls got home, and went to unpack their stuff. Just as Vera was putting Lightning in his cage, she got a letter from Remus, asking her to meet him on the mountain tonight at ten. She couldn't see how he could be here, but didn't worry about it. Then, her parents called her for dinner. At dinner, Vera asked permission if she could go out to the mountain. She could of course, go of her own free will, as long as it wasn't after dark. But it was.

"Only if you're sister goes with you." their mother, Claire, said. Jane moaned in annoyance.

"I'm not going." Jane stated.

Vera never thought she'd be thinking this.

I should sneak out...

But how do you know that's really him?

It was his owl.

True, but owls can be kidnapped.

I would have known if he had been kidnapped.

You're parents wouldn't trust you any more if they caught you.

How much can you forget? I'm Third, as soon as I get outside, I can become invisible at will.

And how are you going to get outside without Jane knowing? In case you haven't noticed, you sort of share a room.

I'll make a distraction.

And how do you expect to sneak past your parents?

I don't have to use the door.

So you plan on jumping out your two-story high window?

Not jumping. Climbing.

And with that, she cut off the conversation. After finishing her dinner early, she went to her room. Jane looked at her suspiciously, but didn't say anything. Vera had it all planned out. She would climb out her window, onto the small platform below it. Then, turning invisible, she would climb down the side of the house.

She had just gotten dressed, warm for a winter mountain climb at night, (with her little pouch of course) when she heard footsteps. Jumping back into bed, not bothering with her pajamas, she pulled the covers up over her and pretended to be asleep.

Jane walked in. She started talking while she got changed. "I'm going to go brush my teeth. I will also do my hair, so I won't be back for a few minutes. After that, I'll be so tired that I'll probably just fall back into bed, not looking at my surroundings."

Vera smiled. This was probably the nicest thing that Jane had done for her in a while. As Jane entered the bathroom, Vera scrambled out of bed, and onto the platform underneath her window. She heard Jane come back in, and knew that from now on it would be risky, because no matter how much Jane promised she wouldn't listen, it would be hard for her not to. She turned herself invisible, and made a sharp, dagger-like leaf appear in her hand. She stuck this into the side of the building, and made another leaf appear. She stuck this one in about a foot below the first, which she had placed her foot on. She placed her other foot on the second one.

Vera continued to do this, until she was at only one story's height. Then, she felt much more confident, so she decided to try something she had been experimenting with.

She had got the idea at Hogwarts, when she had made the leaves warn Lily not to drink the spiked pumpkin juice. She had been trying it ever since, but nothing worked. She enlarged on of her dagger-leaves to a size that she could sit on. Which she did. Now, focussing on her air power, she tried to make the leaf fly.

It did fly for a few seconds, just enough for Vera to rejoice and forget her concentration. But then, feeling it start to fall, she jumped off the leaf, knowing that she could land easier on her own.

Vera tried to imagine that she had simply jumped from a tree branch, and so she landed on her feet. Giving up on the flying leaf for now, she went off towards the mountain. The animals left her alone, except for the odd greeting by an owl, or a raccoon.

Something told her (not Conscience) to go to the top of the mountain. So, she did, and she knew her way around this mountain even before she accepted her position as Third.

She found her way to her favourite spot, where she went to hide in the summers. It was simply gorgeous. A fallen log proved for a good seat, and a tall tree above the log provided shade. Not farther down from her spot, there was a small pond, where Haydora plants grew. You could see the entire town perfectly from here, yet no one had a chance of seeing you.

And sitting on the log was Remus Lupin.

"Remus?" Vera asked tentatively.

He turned around, and from the happy sparkle in his eyes, she could tell it was really him.

"Hey! I was afraid you wouldn't come." he said.

"Well, I wasn't exactly allowed to." Vera admitted sheepishly.

"No, the Vera Parker sneak out? What has the world come to?" Remus teased, and she came to sit beside him.

"Forgive me for being blunt, but what are you doing here?" Vera asked with a laugh. Remus chuckled.

"My parents are both Healers, and so the ministry likes to have Healers stationed in muggle towns. Especially with all the attacks going on, and so my parents were stationed here." he explained.

"And why do I have the feeling that you're not exactly allowed to be out here?" Vera asked slyly, seeing the mischief in his eyes.

"Well, do you think I can stay away from such a beautiful woman for long, when I know she's in the same town that I am?" he asked just as slyly, and took her into his arms. He kissed her, and she responded. But the log wasn't t the best place for a snogging session, and they un-intentionally fell to the ground.

They had a very nice time, kissing and teasing, and then, at about midnight Remus' watch beeped. He pulled away.

"I got to go. My parents'll be getting back in about ten minutes, if they find me missing, I'll be in trouble." he said.

"All right. See you tomorrow." Vera said, and took his offered hand.

"Great. I'll take you out to dinner at say... seven, okay?" he asked as they walked down the mountain.

"'Kay. See you at seven." Vera said, kissed his cheek, and turned invisible. Remus laughed and shook his head.

----------------------

This was happening more and more often. Jane didn't know how to handle it, she was worried about Vera.

Of course, she wouldn't dare show it. Vera had to learn her lesson. It was quarter after midnight when her sister climbed through the window. She slipped into bed so quietly, there had to have been play by a silencing charm. Vera obviously didn't see that Jane had waited up, and seemed to fall asleep.

Eurgh! Where was she?

You know where she was. She was on the mountain.

Yes, but why?

Can't tell you.

What? You mean you know?

Yep, and I'm not telling you.

grrrr...

Jane fell asleep soon after that. When she woke up, she glanced suspiciously at Vera's form, rising and falling underneath the covers. Vera was out late last night, but she never used to sleep in.

Ignoring it, she took a shower and headed downstairs. She saw her father reading the Daily Prophet, with a grim expression, coffee forgotten.

Jane knew this expression. "Who?" she asked.

"A coworker of mine. He was bound for being my successor. He and his family were found dead last night." Mark answered.

Jane bowed her head in respect of their memories.

"Jane, your closest to Vera, aren't you?" he asked suddenly.

Jane was taken back by this question. "Sort of..."

"Any idea as to why she wanted to go to the mountain after dark yesterday?" he asked.

"I haven't a clue." she answered. But then, their conversation was cut off, as Vera herself came trotting down the stairs, acting as if she had not been up half the night with her boyfriend.

"Good morning." she said cheerfully, and grabbed a bagel off the table.

"Morning. What has you so chipper?" Mark asked, amused by his daughter's behavior.

"I got a letter from Remus. He says he's in town, we're going out to dinner tonight." Vera said through a mouthful of bagel. Mark laughed.

"Have a good time." he said, then left for work.

Now, Jane wished dearly that she hadn't helped her sister sneak out, only to spend hours, at night, on a secluded mountain, with her boyfriend, who Jane thought of as a player.

Jane had to get her mind off of things. She decided to go skating, her second favourite sport. Swimming, of course, was first

----------------------

At the time, Vera was at the top of the mountain, working on her flying leaf project, as she absentmindedly petted a snow-shoe rabbit, who was asleep on her lap.

"Thought I might find you here." said a voice from behind her.

Vera turned sharply in her seat, startled. The rabbit scampered away. But then she laughed as she saw who it was that had startled her.

"Hi Remus. How are you?" she asked, taking a drink of the hot chocolate she had brought. He sat down beside her.

"Almost caught. I barely got in last night. The only reason I got in was because I've been spending too much time with James and Sirius." he laughed. Vera snorted into her drink.

"What about you? Anything new projects since last night?" Remus asked.

"Actually, yes. I think I've almost got the flying leaf down pat, watch." Vera answered.

Vera had found that the shape of the leaf wasn't catching the wind enough. So, she changed it. And decorated it.

It now had a sort of sail - it was made of two leaves instead of one. The platform where she stood, and another person if squished, was as it had been originally. But now, instead of resembling a normal surfboard, as it did before, it was more like a surf board, with a sail, plus a bar to hold onto. Like a wind surfer's board.

"So it works now?" Remus asked. She had kept him up to date on all her little projects.

"Yep. Do you want to go for a ride?" she asked, while she climbed on.

"Why not?"

So, they rode around everywhere. (Vera had turned them invisible) And finally returned to the mountain top. Vera laughed, as Remus' face was slightly green.

"Oh shut it." he said jokingly.

"Let's go get a drink. You'll feel better." she suggested, and Remus agreed.

For once, Vera decided to see if Remus could find his way down the mountain. It was quite amusing, actually. He usually used his wand and the 'point me' spell to find his way. But you have to admit, he didn't get lost once.

It was noon by the time they got back. Vera asked what restaurant they were going to tonight.

"I was thinking for a surprise. You should dress formal though." he said.

"Remus Lupin, I thought you were smarter. This is a small town, only one formal restaurant. You, my sweet boyfriend, just gave it away." Vera said, gave him a kiss, and went to get ready.

Vera had a schedule for getting ready for stuff like this. First, she took a half-hour bath, and did her hair. Then came the hard part. She took all her formal dresses, and took the best of the lot (other than the one she planned on wearing to the dance) to wear. Then, she did her makeup and jewelry. It was four days until Christmas.

The dress that Vera had picked out was a gorgeous pink one, with a matching wrap, and shoes. It was simple, but that's what made it so pretty. It was a little low-cut, but not to much. She tied her pouch to her leg, but the dress covered that. She was ready to go.

Remus was already downstairs. He was talking to Mark, who was laughing at a joke. But Remus' jaw dropped, and he stared when Vera came down the stairs.

Mark laughed when he saw the expression on his daughter's boyfriend's face. "Just curious, Remus," he started. This was a perfect question to ask someone going out with someone who has a twin. Remus returned to the conscious world. "how do you tell Vera and Jane apart?"

Remus smiled. He had actually been expecting something like this, considering Mark Parker's job. "Simple. First of all, their attitudes. Next, Vera's eyes are blue, and Jane's aren't." Vera blushed at the fact that he had noticed the smallest of physical differences between her and her sister.

Mark smiled too. Vera had been right - this was a good kid. So what if he was a little pale, or that he had scratches on his arms. "Have fun you two."

"And be back by ten!" he shouted after them. Only after they were too far away to chase after, did he get curious and check the national werewolf listings, where all registered werewolves' names were. Mark swore.

His daughter was going out with a werewolf.

------------------------

The restaurant they were going to wasn't far away, so they walked. Everything was within walking distance in Oakville. They walked into the restaurant, and placed their orders.

It was nine-fifteen by the time the two lovebirds were finished eating. Remus insisted on paying the bill, and so they were finally outside again.

After a walk around the park, it was nine forty-five. Remus had to get Vera home now. He liked Mr. Parker, but wanted to give him no reason to check the werewolf listings, where his name was. If he was early, it would be a good impression. Vera agreed, even though Remus didn't tell her the part about the werewolf listings.

So, just as Remus was giving his girlfriend a goodnight kiss, 'Relashio!'

The spell hit Remus and he fell back. It had been a strong spell; Remus was certain one or more of his ribs cracked. And it was powerful because the caster was fuming. Mark Parker stood in the doorway to his house, wand raised. Vera had jumped down to help Remus get up, while asking what her dad was thinking.

"Get away from him Vera! He's a monster!" Mark shouted.

"He is not!" Vera shouted back. All the shouting had gotten Jane and Claire downstairs.

"Vera get away from him this instant! Don't you see? He's a werewolf!" Mark finally dropped the bomb. Remus paled, then saddened. Now that Vera knew, she was sure to dump him on the spot. But after her next line, it sounded to him like she was in shock.

"What?" she asked. Her voice was soft, not shouting. Don't get her wrong, she knows about the werewolf stuff. But she was worried about Remus, how would he take his condition being announced like that?

But when she turned next to where Remus had been lying with a cracked rib, to see that he was gone. He was probably terrified now, she had to see him. But she couldn't really, because her father was now dragging her back into the house.

"What are you thinking?" she yelled at him.

"I'm just doing what's best for you! Now send him an owl, and break up with him!" Mark ordered.

"Not a chance!" she shouted back. Her entire family looked at her in shock. She had never openly defied them before. They didn't even know that she had changed since Remus had asked her what Anna would think of Vera letting Jane control her.

"Now I know you're probably in denial -" Mark started softly.

"I am not!"

"He has a point dear," Claire put in, "You had no way of knowing that your boyfriend was a vicious monster."

"No way of knowing?" Vera echoed, "I've known all along! This is exactly why I didn't tell you! Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get away from my prejudiced family!" she finished, and tromped up to her room.

Vera quickly changed her clothes, and got ready for a little camping trip. Knowing that her father would have locked the front door, she got ready to climb out the window. But then she saw Lightning.

"I'm sorry, I can't take you. I'll be on the top of the mountain if there are any letters for me, okay?" she cooed. He hooted in response. Just then, Vera heard Jane coming up the stairs. Jane came in before Vera could scramble out the window.

"I deserve an explanation." she stated.

"Do you?" Vera snapped.

"Yes. What did you mean, you've known all along?" she asked.

"Exactly what I said."

"Why do you have to make things so complicated?"

"What?" Vera asked, truly surprised by this statement.

"Why aren't you shy any more? Why did you defy mom and dad? Why did you break your promise?" Jane demanded, getting louder with each question.

Vera looked her sister in the eye. "Remus made me see that I can't be shy anymore. I went out to see Remus on the mountain last night, and I wanted to see him. And I broke my promise because Anna wouldn't have wanted you to control me." she said evenly. Jane flinched at the sound of their sister's name.

"Now," Vera said. Jane seemed speechless, "I hope that we can fix things between us, Jane, but as long as everyone here hates Remus, it's going to be hard. You know where to find me." and with that she clambered out her window, onto the platform.

When Jane looked out the window, she saw nothing. She sighed, and realized that Lightning was still here. Wherever Vera planned on going, she wouldn't be able to take him. She decided to write to Lily, while trying to make everything sound normal.

----------------------

As soon as Remus got home, his parents asked him how his date went.

"Terrible." Remus answered moodily.

"What happened?" his dad asked.

"She found out about my condition." Remus answered, before tramping to his room to write a letter to his friends.

Martha and Richard sighed. They knew that their son would probably never be able to get into a serious relationship with someone, because of his condition. But it was horrible for them to see him so upset, and heartbroken. But he needed time alone now, to sort out his feelings.

----------------------

The next morning, Remus got the surprise of his life. He had woken up moody and miserable, only to find that an owl had dropped off a letter. He didn't recognize the owl, but recognized the handwriting. Vera had written to him.

What the heck are you waiting for? Open it!

But what if it's an official break-up or something?

Do you think Vera would do that?

The old Vera would. The new Vera, the one you helped to come out, wouldn't.

I can't! There's no way her father would let her keep dating a monster like me!

Remus, be honest with yourself. Do you think that she really cares what her family thinks? What Jane thought of her didn't stop her from agreeing to you!

Remus sighed. He knew his Conscience a.k.a. common sense was right. With trembling fingers, he opened the letter.

Dear Remus,

First of all, I've known all along about you're condition. Look at my nickname! Second of all, I DON"T CARE! I still want to be your girlfriend! So what if my family doesn't like you, I've gotten used to this sneaking out thing. I sneaked out last night, I couldn't stand the way that they were talking about you. I'm on the mountain now, you can guess where. Please come and see me, we have to talk.

hopefully still your girlfriend,

Vera.

Remus stared at the letter in his hands. He could hardly believe his eyes, she still wanted him!

"Mum! Dad! I'm going out!" he called to his parents as he threw on his coat.

"Okay! Be back by dark!" Richard called down.

"Will do!" Remus said and went out the door. It was lightly snowing outside, looked like a white Christmas was ahead of them. Weaving his way through the town to the mountain, he said 'hi' cheerfully to the people he knew. Vera would be on the mountain in their spot. Obviously, at Vera's order, any animal that was remotely dangerous stayed out of his way.

About fifteen minutes later, Remus reached their spot. Vera was sitting there, on the log, and petting a small white rabbit, while tending to it's wound.

"Now if that fox comes at you again, you run away as fast as you can, okay?" she told him, and he scurried off.

"Vera?" Remus asked softly. Her head snapped up. He looked into her eyes for a moment, and breathed a sigh of relief when he saw they still looked at him the same way. Nothing had changed.

"Hi Remus." she answered. A few awkward moments passed between them, during which neither could think of a thing to say.

Remus couldn't take the suspense any longer, he had to know. "Vera, did you really mean what you said in your letter? Do you still want to be my girlfriend?"

Vera smiled at him, and motioned for him to sit down. "Why would I say something if I didn't mean it?" she said once he had.

"Really?" he asked, taking her hands in his and hardly daring to believe his ears.

"Yes." she laughed, and kissed him.

"This has got to be the best day of my life." he murmured.

"Why is that?" Vera asked, hearing him.

"At Hogwarts, I was always terrified that someone would find out about my condition, and use it against me or something. That's why I've never had a girlfriend before you, for over three months. They start to get suspicious, and I break it off." Remus explained.

"That's why Jane hated you from the beginning." Vera said softly.

"How do you mean?" Remus asked.

"She saw you as a player, never with a serious relationship. She's always been overprotective of me since Anna died." Vera said.

Remus smiled. "Well, you should know that I have no intentions of breaking up with you."

"Good. Neither do I." Vera said, and they kissed again.

----------------------

That evening, Vera went home very happy. She and Remus had spent the entire day together, and she saw how happy he was that she hadn't given in to the normal prejudices against people with his condition. Vera had shown him all the secret empty caves, the places behind waterfalls, all the little places she would sometimes hide during summers on the mountain. When she got in, Jane completely avoided looking at her, and didn't even meet her eyes.

Remus also went home, feeling elated. His parents asked why.

"Can you believe it? She doesn't care about my condition! She didn't dump me!" he said joyfully.

Martha and Richard stared. The only people they had heard of not caring were Remus' best friends and dorm mates. But this girlfriend didn't care either... and they could see the love for her that sparkled in his eyes. She could be the one.

They smiled. "That's wonderful honey." Martha said, and pulled Remus into a bone-crushing hug, even though he was three inches taller than her.

"Thanks...Mom?...Need...Oxygen..."

"Oh! Sorry dear." Martha said, and let go of him.

"She seems special. How about you invite her over for dinner here? You're mother and I would like to meet the girl who has obviously captured our son's heart." Richard teased. Remus blushed, muttered something that sounded like 'only if you don't say anything like that.'

"It's settled then." Richard said happily, ignoring the last sentence, and clapping an arm over Remus' shoulder.

"Oh, dear, we got a letter from Dumbledore. It says that he's giving his remaining students a Hogsmead weekend to buy their relatives gifts for Christmas. We could meet your friends there tomorrow, if you want." Martha said, just remembering the owl.

"Oh gee, I wonder," Remus said sarcastically, "of course I'll go."

When Remus finally escaped his over-emotional-because-her-little-boy-is-growing-up mother, and his teasing father, Remus wrote to Vera.

Hey V!

I'm not going to get a chance to see you tomorrow, unless you're going to Hogsmead too. Dumbledore said something about the remaining kids at Hogwarts getting a Hogsmead weekend, so I'm going to meet the guys there. Are you going? You'd get a chance to visit Lily. By the way, my parents wanted to invite you over to diner. I'd ask in person, but they want it for Christmas Eve, and that's when I'll see you next, so, you want to come? Owl me back.

Love, Remus.

Hmmm... was that the proper word to use? Love? We've only been dating for just over a month.

If you don't know if you really love her or not, just don't put anything.

Yeah, okay. I'll wait until I'm sure of my feelings.

And so Remus re-wrote the letter, leaving out the word 'love'. He didn't want her to think that they were moving too fast.

An hour later, (the town's small!) Remus' owl flew back in the window, and landed on Remus' potion essay, which he was just about to give up on until he could get Vera's help. He was normally good in the theory, but he just didn't get this. He opened the letter.

Dear Remus,

I already know about Hogsmead, my dad mentioned it at dinner. Jane and I are going. And I'd love to come over on Christmas Eve, what time? Tell your parents that I say thanks for the invite. See you Christmas Eve!

Vera

Remus went down to tell his parents that Vera would be glad to come over. An hour later, he went to Hogsmead by portkey.

The city was full, or at least, as full as they got during a war. Remus had agreed to meet James and Sirius at the Three Broomsticks. Just as he had placed his order, both said boys walked into the bar, James semi-glaring at Sirius. Who looked mighty pleased with annoying James.

"Hey! Moony! Long time no see!" Sirius said happily.

"Uh, Padfoot, I saw you a few days ago." Remus said, but was happy to see them all the same. James and Sirius placed orders, and then asked how life at Oakville with Vera was.

Remus was slightly annoyed, as he had asked them in his letter not to bring this up. But then it occurred to him that since they knew they would see him, they felt no need for any unnecessary reading. But oh no, he was going to make them read it.

"Tell me about you're time first. What's it like having Lily all to yourself Prongs?" Remus teased.

"Would be great, if this ------- was staying out of the way." James pouted childishly.

"What happened?" Remus asked, hoping he could help his friend.

"I think Lily's finally starting to warm up to me! I tried to kiss her earlier, and she didn't move away!" he responded, happy and excited.

"Tried?" Remus echoed.

"Yes, tried. But then, this dunce just had to go and blow himself up. She was startled and ran away." James muttered angrily at Sirius.

"How was I supposed to know what would happen if you try to enhance Exploding Snap cards?" Sirius whined.

This argument kept them going until they reached their next destination, (the butterbeers had been put on the Marauder's tab) which was of course, Zonkos. Other people start studying months early for exams. The Marauders start preparing months early for April Fool's Day. They were welcomed by Zonko himself, (a good friend of the Marauders) and they drained the store of everything new. Next stop: Honeydukes.

Sirius went crazy inside the candy store. He bought one of everything, tried it all, then went back for more of his favourites.

After that, they split up. Remus' mother had shown up and insisted that he needed new dress robes. So, James dragged Sirius off to the jewelry store to look for a present for Lily.

He browsed the shelves and cases. Sirius was trying to tease his friend, but James wasn't listening. His eyes had just rested on the most magnificent necklace he had seen. There was a small card attached to it:

Thgir si emit eht nehw evol taht sa gnorts sa srewop kaolcnu llahs lewej eht,
sniev sih hgourht gnisraoc evol eurt sah revig eht dna,
siht nevig si erif fo yticoref eht htiw eno fi

James could care less about the card. The large emerald in it would go perfectly with Lily's eyes, and the rubies with her hair. James bought it. He got a brainwave as he passed a bunch of jeweled dog collars, and headed to the pet shop. Once he explained his idea to Sirius, he never heard the end of it.

But Conscience kept telling him that she would love it, so he went and bought a kitten. His cousin worked in the shop, and he asked her to make sure that this goes to Lily Evans safely and gift wrapped. He had put the necklace around the kitten's neck.

As he left the pet store, with Sirius tailing behind, laughing hysterically and teasing him, he felt eyes on him. Just as he turned to look around, they met up with Remus, whose mother was now dragging him home. But he had wanted to say bye to his friends. If James had looked, he would have seen Lily smiling at him.

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It was the morning of Christmas Eve. Martha was going frantic - Remus could barely get out of the house! She kept on asking him what Vera's favourite food was, if she had any allergies, telling him if she would prefer china dishes or corel, it was getting crazy. But finally, Remus escaped. He got up to the mountain, where by unsaid agreement he and Vera met everyday. He was getting quite the workout, not that he needed it.

As he neared it, he could see she was wound up in the potions essay that he himself had abandoned. She was so intrigued into it, she didn't hear him coming.

"Boo!" he came up from behind her.

She jumped, startled. "Sorry Remus, but Halloween was a few months ago." (actually, when I'm writing this it was yesterday!) she said teasingly.

"So, d'you want to go to the New Year's dance with me?" he asked.

"I was wondering if you'd forgotten. Of course I'll go." she said, and stuck what Remus recognized to be a sugar quill in her mouth.

"But what about your dad?" he inquired.

Vera shrugged. "He can't do anything to stop me. I'm seventeen, by wizarding law I'm an adult."

"So are we still on for dinner tonight at my house? 'Cause my mom's going ballistic." Remus said with a laugh.

"I'm nervous, you know." she said laughingly.

"Of my family? You've met them before." he said non-chalantly.

"Yes, for about 2 seconds. This time, it's a lot longer, and they'll have time to ask questions." Vera pointed out with mock superiority.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine." Remus said, putting his arm around her shoulder and reading the potions essay.

"Hey!" she said indignantly when she realized what he was doing.

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Later that night, at six forty-five to be precise, Vera was going to the meeting place that she and Remus had arranged. Her dad wouldn't let Remus on the property, so they always met on the base of the mountain. Vera was fine with that, no danger could come to her while there. Vera was wearing a semi-formal light pink dress, that reached her knees. She was wearing her favourite yellow hooded cloak, that went nicely with the pink. Her hair was in it's normal, ash blond pony-tail. Jane on the other hand...

When Vera had come home to get ready, she got the surprise of her life. Jane was no longer her identical twin. She had died her hair black. Permanently.

Vera felt farther from her sister than she ever had. It was sad, really. Once and a while, she could see Jane's eyes darting over to her, and if she didn't know better, she'd say they had concern in them.

So, Vera was lost in her thoughts, and Remus once again startled her.

"No fair! I wasn't paying attention!" she pouted.

"That's the point. Shall we?" he asked, and gave her his arm.

As they reached the house, Vera felt her nervousness coming out again. She hoped she didn't look green. Remus opened the door, and took her cloak to the cloak tree beside the door. Martha and Richard came out to greet her.

"How are you dear? It's seemed so long since we last saw you. Remus talks about you all the time!" Martha said. She surprised Vera by giving her a kind hug, which she gladly returned. She snickered when she saw that Remus was blushing from his mother's comment.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Mr & Mrs Lupin." Vera said as she shook Richard's hand.

"How are you Vera?" Richard asked.

"I'm fine. And yourself?" she asked politely.

"Wonderful." he responded.

They continued to make small talk, until the smell of Vera's favourite desert reached her.

"Is that apple crumble I smell?" she asked, intrigued. Martha smiled.

"Remus said it's your favourite. Now we should get eating, everyone with taste buds knows that apple crumble is at it's best when it's right from the oven." Richard said, and set off at a brisk pace towards where Vera assumed the dining room was.

Outside, Vera could never get lost. But inside was a different thing. The house had obviously been charmed to look smaller than it actually is, because Remus led her through a maze of hallways. And everything looked so similar. The only difference were the paintings, most of which were family members, so looked the same to some extent.

When they started eating (pasta) Vera took from all the small talk that Remus' parents already liked her. She then realized that if any of Remus' past girlfriends ever found out about his condition, they would dump him, and she didn't.

"Any ideas for stuff after Hogwarts, Vera?" Martha asked.

"Actually, I have two ideas. I'm going to either open my own apothecary, or be a potion maker." she said. Martha nodded in approval, and started talking about how the requirements for a potion maker were very similar to that of a healers - a potion maker involved researching and making new potions.

She also learned that Remus had no idea what he wanted to do with his life. His parents had wanted him to be a Healer, and he would have liked to be an Auror. But neither would allow a werewolf in their ranks. At this, Vera had a brainwave, but didn't mention it. She didn't want Remus to think that they were moving to fast, but there was no way she'd be able to manage an apothecary by herself. That was why she had thought of the potion maker's job.

And then the apple crumble came out, and Vera quietly squealed in delight at how perfectly done it was. Her mother couldn't get the recipe right, and the Hogwarts house-elves hardly ever made it. The only time she ever got it was when she makes it herself.

After the apple crumble, of which Vera had seconds. She would have gladly ate more, she didn't have much spaghetti. But she didn't want to look like a pig. So, afterwards they retired into the parlour, during which they asked Vera about the time she had to use her healing potion on Remus, and by the end of the night, Martha had the recipe in her hand. Remus offered to walk her part way home. But he didn't dare go to far, he didn't want a repeat of their first date in Oakville. They agreed to meet on the mountain tomorrow, just after lunch.

----------------------

Vera had made an early New Year's resolution. She was going to make up with Jane, and make her see reason.

Vera put a silencing charm on herself, and crept downstairs. She started shaking her presents, trying to find out what they were. (heehee. I do that every year. between my brother and i, we usually figure out half our presents before the actual day!) Unfortunately, she knew this wouldn't work well. Last year, her dad had spellotaped a bunch of rocks to a box of sugar quills, to fool her.

But just as she was about to come down, she heard her mother coming down the stairs. Quickly putting the presents back, she raced around to the other end of the tree, just as the rest of her family came into view.

"Come on Vera, we do this every year. Come out from behind the tree." Claire said.

Mock pouting, Vera came out and grabbed a present. In the end, she got a refill of red clover heads from Lily, a Herbology and Potions book from her parents, and, this was a surprise, a new cauldron from Jane. Her old one had been leaking.

"Thanks, Jane." she said. Jane just nodded.

The reason that she had nothing from Remus, was that when they met on the mountain, they would exchange gifts. She wasn't positive if her father would let her keep anything from him. Just after lunch, she managed to sneak out. Vera wasn't sure if Jane hadn't seen her turn invisible, but she didn't worry. It was a blizzard out - the first real snowfall in weeks. (Global warming!)

Vera had to use some of the 'firepowder' she had invented to keep herself warm. Flying on a leaf up a mountain in winter wasn't exactly warm. If a warming spell was cast on the 'firepowder' then it would get extremely hot, and you had to put it into some sort of container before it actually caught fire. And her cloak, though warm, was no match for the winds.

Finally, she reached the peak of the mountain. What she saw surprised her pleasantly. A few feet away from the log, Remus was using his wand to build a fire for a few shivering animals, all of whom had obviously seen him with her, and knew he was a friend.

"You are so sweet." she said once she had dismounted from her leaf. She had also turned visible. Several of the animals chattered in greeting.

"Why is that?" he asked, as she bent down beside him and patted the animals.

"You just are." she said, and included a kiss.

They exchanged gifts. From Remus, Vera got a gorgeous potted plant, that he said would grow to be the strongest ivy you can imagine. She thanked him and shrunk the plant to fit in her pocket. From Vera, Remus got a book on how natural stuff can defend against certain curses and stuff. He thanked her.

They spent the day together, huddled close next to the fire. Some rabbits and other winter animals were coming by the dozen to enjoy the warming blaze. They were both very content, and as the sun set, casting a warm glow over the group, Remus found that she was asleep on his shoulder. He smiled. But they needed to get going, so he gently shook Vera awake.

"Come on V, you're family's going to be ticked if you don't turn up soon." he said softly, and stroked her hair out of her eyes.

"I don't want to." she mumbled. He lightly laughed as she just snuggled into him.

"Time to come home, Vera." said a VERY unwelcome voice.

Vera jumped up. The animals scurried away. Remus swore. Jane was standing there, glaring at the once cuddled couple.

Jane really was happy for her sister. It was obvious that she loved him, just by the sparkle in her eye. Or was it by the way that she changed so much, in defying their family and not being shy anymore? Being Second gave Jane extreme mental prowess, and recently she had found that she could get a vague idea of what the future holds. At first, it had just been in dreams, but Vera herself had proved that wrong. Jane had gotten the feeling at the beginning of the year, before she knew about being Second, that Vera would change and fall in love. And she had.

Vera glared right back. But, with what little respect for Jane she might have had left, Vera was obedient. After kissing Remus goodbye, and saying that she'll see him tomorrow, she grudgingly got up and lead Jane out of the clearing.

At first, there was an awkward silence. But then, Vera spoke up. "Jane, why don't you like Remus?" she asked suddenly.

Jane was a little stunned by this question. "Well, he's a player. And werewolves aren't trustworthy."

"How do you know?" she asked, hoping to change her sister's opinion of her boyfriend.

"Everyone knows werewolves aren't trustworthy." she answered.

"You know full well that you had no idea he was a werewolf, and yet you still didn't like him. Why?" she asked, trying to corner her sister into answering.

"Lily said -" Vera cut off Jane's answer.

"Lily said that was the rumour. Did you ever stop to think that maybe he only broke up with past girlfriends because they were close to finding out about his condition?" Vera asked. Jane stopped dead before she could stop herself from stopping dead.

"You've never given him a chance. You've purposely hated him from the start. Or do you not remember how you giggled when Remus first asked you about me? Yes Jane, I was watching. I was watching the whole time." Vera said strictly. Jane looked pensive, like she had been backed into a corner. This was the effect that Vera wanted.

"Why Jane? Why? Give me a good, straight answer." Vera demanded. She felt much less confident than she sounded.

Jane tried the first possible escape she could think of. She hadn't bothered to call Conscience, knowing that it would just side with Vera.

"V, you're still a kid, you shouldn't -" she started. Vera's eyes widened in fury, and Jane could see she had made the wrong move. Jane's eyes widened in fear as she saw that they eyes of several nocturnal animals were pocking out from bushes, and tree trunks.

Unknowingly, being so angry, Vera had unintentionally summoned animals. Realizing this, she flung her hand behind her back, not wanting for Jane to see the ring which was undoubtedly shinning.

"In case you haven't noticed, Jane," Vera started in a deadly calm voice, "we are twins. I am five seconds younger than you. And yet, you are allowed to go traipsing all around Hogwarts, snogging whomever you please. Don't think I didn't notice you're late night exploits, coming back with you're lipstick smeared and hair un-fashioned. At three am."

"I am old enough to make my own decisions, just as you obviously have. And yet, I didn't try to interfere with you're life, or try to stop you from a relationship that you could be immensely happy in for all I know. I am old enough to look after myself, I don't need you're attempted molly-coddling. It just gives me a headache."

"And I have changed, Jane. For the better. Remember Anna?" Vera said. But talking about Anna so much with Remus taught her not to choke up when talking about her. "Remember how she was so strong in her opinions, even at the age of five? She loved that fairy tale stuff, about love triumphing over all, and following you're heart. Do you honestly think that she would think that you should be trying to stop me from following my heart?"

" 'Cause it's not going to work, Jane." Vera finished her speech, leaving Jane speechless. Vera turned to go back down the mountain, leaving in a dramatic fashion. She was about four meters away, when she heard a growl.

And she remembered the animals. Jane was not Third - normally, the animals would not hesitate to attack her. And judging by how angry Vera had been at Jane, they might think that they're enemies. This was bad.

Vera whipped around. Jane had not been talked into submission, she was scared. A mountain lion was not standing far from her, teeth bared and claws out. Vera didn't think about the repercussions. It was going to attack Jane, she could sense it.

Jane was startled out of her life when a giant leaf grew in front of her, and a vine whisked her out of harms way, just as the lion came tearing through the flimsy leaf. Now Jane might be out of trouble, but what about Vera.

"Stop." Vera commanded to the lion. It looked over at her. The lion cocked it's head suspiciously, and to Vera he was asking for proof that she was Third.

Vera didn't think. She put her ring hand out in front of her, in plain view of the lion. And Jane. "She is no enemy of mine, or yours. Do not attack her." The lion snorted and walked away.

Jane was in shock. That was a mild way of putting it. Vera was Third. Third was Vera. Lily had suggested it, but Jane had laughed it off. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth gaping. The green leaf on a gold band around her sister's right hand finger was proof enough. Vera looked guiltily at her hand, and whipped it behind her back, and put on an innocent smile for Jane.

"Ahhh... let's go home, shall we? I'm awfully hungry, what do you think mum'll have for dinner?" Vera said very quickly and guiltily.

"You're Third." Jane stated. It was a statement, not a question.

"Ummmm... " was all Vera could say.

"Admit it, you're Third." Jane said, getting to her feet.

"...Sort...of..." Vera said hesitatingly. Jane stared at her.

"All right, All right, I'm Third, okay? Sheesh, what do you want me to do? I was told that you had to figure it out on your own." Vera said, putting her hands on her hips.

"That's no reason why you couldn't tell me! How long have you known!" Jane asked, now able to speak.

"Before you knew about being Second!" Vera countered.

"And that's why you like being outside so much, and why the animals listen to you!" Jane accused.

"Finally, you catch on." Vera said sarcastically.

"But what can you do? What are you're powers?" Jane asked, interested.

Vera smiled at her. "Why should we walk home? Remember, I have Earth as well as Wind." she reminded.

Jane gasped and 'oooh'ed as Vera enlarged a leaf big enough for the two of them. She showed her sister how to ride them, and soon they were in the air.

"But won't the muggles see us?" Jane shouted over the wind

"Nope. We're invisible, that was the first thing I learned how to do. Look." Vera shouted back. She could just tell that Jane was holding onto the leaf with all her might, and was terrified.

So, just to bug her sister, she swooped down. And swooped right by poor, out late Jason Sanders, who saw and felt nothing more than a gust of wind. Luckily, Vera had placed a silencing charm around the area of the leaf, so Jason couldn't hear Jane's scream.

"And, by turning invisible, I got Remus out of trouble when you cornered him after the Halloween dance. When he asked me to dance, I wouldn't tell him my real name, so I told him to call me Third. If he had told you that, my cover was ruined." Vera shouted to Jane.

"And you made the vines form a wall in the Forbidden Forest!" Jane finished.

"You got it. It was being built when Remus came after me, I hadn't expected him to find me so easily. He got through just before it closed." Vera explained. Their house was coming into view now.

"But why have you never used your powers when you don't want to be found in the castle?" Jane asked.

Vera smiled. She felt close to her sister again. "I may have a lot of good powers, but I'm almost completely powerless indoors. If I'm not outside, I can't do anything. Now, shall we sneak in, or go the front door?" Vera asked as pleasantly as you please.

"Uh, front door. They're expecting you. You can show me how to sneak in later." Jane said, still slightly gobsmacked.

"Ok." Vera said. She vanished the leafs and opened the front door.

"Where were you honey? We missed you." Claire said, and gave. Vera a hug which she gladly returned.

"Where do you think I was? I was on the mountain." Vera said pleasantly. She ran up stairs and tossed her cloak on her bedspread. Then, she ran back downstairs again.

"Well you seem happy." Mark said from his position tending to the fire.

"I guess it's just the festive spirit." Vera said mysteriously.

"Glad to see you've forgotten about that werewolf." Mark said absentmindedly. Just after he said that, however, a small storm-cloud appeared over him, and started raining.

"Ahhh!" he shouted, and ran away. But the cloud followed him. Choosing to ignore her father's line, she exchanged a glance with Jane and they both turned away from a curious Claire to hide their giggles.

Their father came back down, drenched, and glared at both Jane and Vera, who both smiled innocently. Too innocently. He then grumbled something incoherent, and marched into the kitchen.

"How did you two girls do that? I didn't see any wands." their mother accused teasingly.

"If you want an honest answer," Jane started.

"Then don't ask questions." Vera finished, and they both elapsed into a new fit of giggles.

Claire shook her head. But she was glad that things seemed as back to normal as they get. Lately, she had noticed that Jane and Vera seemed distant from each other. And being in a relationship had certainly changed Vera. She didn't get nearly as shy any more, and Claire had lately discovered her daughter's wonderful sense of humor. Of course, she knew Vera was still with Remus. Just call it mother's intuition. But if Vera wanted to be with him enough to defy them and sneak out every day, she must really like him. Love him, maybe.

They went out on the back porch for dinner, with a heating charm around the patio. Claire had used some of her own daughter's 'Fire Powder' to warm it up. But now that Jane wasn't moody any more, she had a few questions.

"So, Jane, any boyfriends we should know about?" she asked slyly when they were eating.

Vera saw the split-second fear in her sister's eyes, but then it quickly returned to non-chalance. Jane replied in the negative, but Claire persisted. Now, Mark had joined the battle. Vera could see that her twin was very awkward, so she decided to repay the favour.

She looked around for something that she could use. Seeing nothing in the vicinity, she reached down to her pouch. She sorted through the packets and jars in it by memory, and pulled out a jar of pollen. She quickly mixed it with some cold water while both her parents were concentrated on Jane, who was sitting across from her.

Jane breathed a sigh of relief when a large gust of wind knocked her mother's glass over. She then smiled as she saw Vera pour something on the table, and put Mark's wine glass on top of it. Vera caught her eye and winked. Jane saw her put a jar back in her pouch.

Mind you, all this had happened in about ten seconds. Mark had performed a drying spell on his wife, and was now reaching for his wine.

"Now which one of you has their wand out here, that wind wasn't natural." he accused. But then he tried to lift his glass.

Jane's eyes widened as she recognized what Vera had done. Mark's glass was now stuck to the table, with the same yellow glue that Vera had pranked Jason and Sirius with in the summer. Vera leaned over and whispered to Jane, "I've told you not to tease me about my pouch." and both girls turned away yet again for another uncontrollable fit of giggles, amidst their father's swearing.

The rest of the dinner passed without incident, as both parents were too busy glaring suspiciously at their daughters, both of whom were acting as if nothing had happened, and eating.

As Vera and Jane went to bed, both felt like sist- no, twins, again.

Ahhhhhhh! Another long chapie! I'm exahusted, don't expect chapies this long for a while! 24 pages on my typing program, and 1013 lines as of this sentence! I'm going to leave this for two days this time, so that I will get a ton of nice REVIEWs. you heard me, a TON of nice and long REVIEWs.I'm giving you an extra day to do this, so you better REVIEW the chapie! If you don't, I'll hunt you down and imperio you into REVIEWing! Muahahahahahahaaaa!

PS if you want to read the note on the necklace, read both the paragraph and the words backwards.
PSS 1018 lines!
PSSS Don't forget to REVIEW! If you don't, read above threat

Okay, first of all i would like to apologize profusely (hey, i used a big word!) and hand out cookies! Next chapie, #12, will be posted tomorrow, and it's the New Year's Ball chapie! and on New Years itself...anyway, This will be the last post for 2006!

Now, onto cookie requests...I only got one request! -hands cookie platter to Animals are my LIFE- pick a choice cookie!