A/N: Thank you everyone for the warm welcome back! Here I am trying to keep my updating consistent again. I know lots of you were disappointed that Kate wasn't the one to end it, but the way the relationship was - it made no sense for Kate to be the one to break up with Sirius, no matter how much I wanted her to. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Twenty-Three: Friends need to ignore those signs

December 29th 1976

Hey Kate!

Yeah, you left your necklace here. I found it when I took down the tent. I've packed it my trunk already, so I won't forget to bring it when we get back to school. Sirius is pretty busy trying to get his motorbike working before the holidays are over, so he asked me to reply to your letter. Glad you had fun here – my Mum says hello. Listen, I'm sorry about how things worked out. I hope you're okay.

See you at Hogwarts!

James

December 30th, 1976

Dear Kate,

It's so great to hear from you! The party sounded like a lot of fun, but I did get a pretty awkward letter from Dorcas about Potter. We should make sure she's okay. I know you said that you'll be busy until we go back to school, but maybe we can try for a girl's day in Diagon Alley or something? Not sure if she told you, but Archie and I broke up. It went horribly with my parents and I just realized that he's a completely condescending control freak. I know, you can say you told me so. Anyway, I was sad at first, but not so much anymore. I'm looking forward to focusing on school and friends and stuff. I'm even excited to hang out with the boys when we get back – although I bet it's going to be weird with Dorcas and Potter. I hope she doesn't hate me. Anyway, let's talk soon!

Love,

Lily

Hey Kate,

Yes, I'm fine. Don't worry about it. I sent Lily a letter explaining what James told me. I still think she should give him a chance. Even though he doesn't like me, he's still an amazing lad and I think they'd be great together now that she's finished with Archie. It would probably help me get over him too – so let's try and set it up! I know you're the matchmaker, but I'm going to try my hand at it this year too. It's actually brilliant timing, isn't it? New year – new priorities and interests! I am taking only the most positive spin on things. Besides, I wrote an extra twelve inches for my Defence essay and that should help put me at the top of the class. Maybe even ahead of you? Haha.

Lil's suggested a day out in Diagon Alley – do you think you'll be too busy to come? I know you said in your last letter that your family had a lot of things planned for you, but surely they'll let you take one afternoon away, right?

Write back soon.

Dorcas

December 31st, 1976

Happy New Year Kate!

Where have you been? It's been radio silence from you since you left James'. He said you sent them a letter about your necklace, but I haven't heard anything from you.

How are you doing? I hope you're okay – just let me know what's going on or if you need to talk to someone. You know I'm here for you.

Don't party too hard when midnight strikes!

– Remus

Dear Kate,

Happy New Year to you too! My family is going on some ludicrous party boat, so owls might not find me. I'll be back tomorrow though. Are you absolutely sure you can't come meet Dorcas and I on the 3rd? There's still a whole week before school starts and I miss you! You sounded a little weird in your last letter – is everything okay?

Love,

Lily

January 1st, 1977

Kate,

Lily thinks there's something going on with you. What's wrong? Did something happen after I went to bed at Sirius' party? Come to Diagon Alley day after tomorrow – we'll talk about it.

How long did your Defence essay end up being?

Talk soon!

Dorcas

Kate,

Still no answer from you. Look, I understand if you don't want to talk about it, but just let me know that you're okay. New Year's was fine – just spent the night with my parents and our neighbors – they listened to Celestina all night, so that was awful. I think I know the lyrics to Cauldron full of hot strong love off by heart now. Thank Merlin there's a new Ghouls record coming out tomorrow. The single is supposed to be on Gordon Greaves' show tonight, so if I don't hear from you about it I'm going to assume you were killed by a gaggle of rogue hippogriffs or something.

Waiting with bated breath and hoping that you're alive and well,

Remus

January 2nd, 1977

Hey Kate – yeah, I'm sorry that you're hearing from me again and not Sirius. He's just really consumed with getting the right parts for his bike. It almost looks like a functioning vehicle now. He says to say Happy New Year and here I am wishing you the same. We got drunk, obviously – although this time it was at my parents' 'grown up' party so now neither of us are allowed out of the house until we go back to school.

Again, I'm sorry about everything, but at least your letter made it sound like you had a good time celebrating with your parents and sister. Hope it's okay that I'm reading your letters to Sirius. So you know, he is reading them too. How's Dorcas by the way? And Lily?

– James

January 3rd, 1977

Kate,

You're alive! So glad to hear from you – I was genuinely worried, but I knew you wouldn't be able to resist discussing the new Ghouls record. Sadly though, I have to say that I think you might be exaggerating (surprise, surprise!) about 'This Charming Witch'. The lyric 'Kay with the black eyes and the killer smile' could possibly be making a reference to you, but the other references you mentioned in your letter were stretching it a bit. This 'Kay' that Arson sings about also has honey coloured hair – and as nice as I think yours is – it's pretty defiantly brown, sorry. Also – your name is KaTE not KaY (did you like how I emphasized the spelling so that you couldn't find a way to twist it around?). Furthermore, Kay plays it cool when he meets her and you were very uncool when you met him.

Even though you're insane, I'm glad that you seem like you're doing well. Thanks for the t-shirt - definitely works as a prototype. Your design idea came to fruition quite nicely. I might have liked it better if you'd waited until the ink had dried to send it to me though. I'm thinking with a few Charms I'll be able to fix the writing under the lightning bolt to look like it's saying 'I won't know pain until I see the flash of green,' instead of its current state where it looks like, 'I won't owe rain until I see the rash of creep,' which as it turns out might be a Celestina lyric.

Look, I know that you said you didn't want to talk to me about things, but I really hope that you're talking to someone. When I didn't hear from you, I sent Dorcas and Lily a letter and they seemed pretty surprised that you and Sirius broke up. Did you not tell them for some reason? I hope I didn't accidentally give anything away.

See you next week,

Remus

Dear Kate,

We really missed you at Diagon Alley. It was a grand ol' time with Dorcas and I complaining about boys, so maybe it was good that you didn't come so that you didn't need to suffer through all the man-hate. How are things with Sirius, by the way? You haven't really talked about how it went with Lizzy and stuff…are you two okay?

Let me know. You know I'm here for you.

Love,

Lily

Kate!

HOW could you not tell Lily and I that Sirius broke up with you? We had to hear it from Remus of all people – really? Lily tried to insist that we give you space and let you tell us in your own time, but I don't accept that. What happened? We need details! We just want to help! Write back as soon as you get this!

Dorcas

January 5th, 1977

Kate,

So, I'm guessing I'm getting the silent treatment because you didn't want your friends to know? I'm really sorry – I just assumed, and I was worried about you. At least if you don't want to talk to me about this, you can talk to them right?

I hope you're okay.

Remus

Dear Kate,

I didn't want to push because I thought that you were just really upset or embarrassed or something, but now that you haven't responded I'm concerned. How come you kept the breakup to yourself? Do you think it's for good this time? How are you? Please just write back, I'm so worried about you. If it is a proper breakup, then how could you let me and Dorcas whine about Archie and Potter – yours is much worse!

I know you might want your space, but I'm scared you're torturing yourself inside and not talking to anyone. Please talk to me.

Love,

Lily

Kate,

It's really immature of you to give us all the silent treatment when we're just trying to help! I'm not trying to force you to talk to us but you could at least send Lily, Remus and I a note to say that you're fine! I wrote to Sirius and he told me to mind my own business and then Lily wrote to James and he said that you're sending Sirius letters every day. Why would you do that? Is he replying? Are you guys getting back together?

Dorcas

January 7th, 1977

Kate,

Well, James confirmed that you're at least sending Sirius letters, so I guess it's good that you're communicating with someone. I let Lily and Dorcas know you're okay. See you on the train on Sunday.

- Remus

Dear Kate,

Sirius is a complete prick for not responding to any of your letters – I think even Potter thinks so, though he'd never admit it out loud (or in written form). I understand that Sirius might need space, but you're hurting and the least he could do is reply! I sent him a letter giving him a piece of my mind. I know you think that the only person who understands what you're going through is him – but if he's not paying you the courtesy of replying, then please stop wasting your energy. I hope that you'll want to talk to Dorcas and I about this when we see each other on Sunday – I want to help you feel better. I miss you and can't wait to see you.

Love,

Lily

Kate,

I'm sorry about my last letter. It wasn't fair of me to say you were being immature. I understand that you're not ready to talk about it – I feel weird talking about the James' thing too, so I sort of get it. Hopefully we'll hear more about it on the train.

Hope all is well (otherwise)

- Dorcas

Hey Kate,

Sorry I haven't replied – I've just been busy. Your mates sent me letters calling me a prick, so that was spectacular. I don't mean to brush you off; I just need some space before we try the friends thing. Telling me that you're miserable and that I'm the only one who understands just makes me feel like an arse because I don't know what to say. I'm sorry you feel that way, but we've got to move on. We'll play it by ear when we get back to school, okay?

– Sirius

I sighed and crumpled up the page again, shoving it under my pillow with the rest of my letters. One. One letter is all he sent me and I'd written to him everyday. I was trying to prepare for when we would see each other again at school. I didn't want it to be weird, but I knew it was going to be. It was the main reason I hadn't been talking to my friends about it – I didn't want anyone to walk on eggshells for me. I felt bad that Dorcas and Lily were hurt by my lack of response, but I couldn't discuss it. It hurt too much. And Remus, for all his persistence, was getting on my nerves. Why had he spilled the beans to them? And why was he pretending that he was so worried about me when clearly, he'd have to choose Sirius when we inevitably found it impossible to be friends?

I needed to shut down completely; so that when I did see everyone again I wouldn't look like a victim or miserable. I hated feeling that way. That's why I thought that Sirius would understand – because he wouldn't want everyone to worry about him either. Clearly, however, he just didn't care. 'Play it by ear'. What a ridiculous phrase.

With a heavy sigh, I rolled over to glance at the clock. Very bright light was just starting to creep in through my curtains and it was still just before eight. I congratulated myself on having been able to wait that long to get up before I hauled myself from bed and headed downstairs.

"Morning," I said grumpily, collapsing on one of the kitchen stools and leaning my elbows on the counter.

"Hang on – what's going on? Is that my daughter Katherine down in the kitchen before eight actually speaking to us? Is it Christmas again already?" Dad said, ruffling my hair and peering down at me like I was an alien.

"Ha-ha-ha, Dad – you are hilarious," I muttered. "Have you considered a future in comedy?"

He chuckled and headed over to the stove to flip over the bacon.

"He's right though, darling. We haven't seen you down here before ten in ages," Mum said as she brewed some tea and hummed along with a tune from the wireless. It was 'This Charming Witch' – the song had been picked up on quite a few radio stations and The Ghouls were finally on the map. I smiled a little to myself because regardless of Remus' thoughts on the subject – it was blatantly apparent that the song was about me. Clearly my charisma and good looks had forced Arson Fring to fall madly in love with me at Slughorn's party. Too bad I couldn't get tickets to their gig in April – he would make for a fantastic rebound.

"I don't know why you're making such a big fuss of this," I said, reaching for the tea Mum put in front of me and shrugging. "Maffie's still asleep – and she's never awake before Noon on holidays."

"Yes, but your sister has always been that way. You are our ray of sunshine who rises with the sun, and the sun has been up for three hours already," Mum said, sitting beside me and pinching my cheek.

"Would you say she's our ray of sunshine? Lately she's been more of a cloud of gloom," Dad put in. "Eggs with your bacon, Kate?"

"I want bacon with my bacon."

"Eggs it is."

I groaned and slumped on the counter, resting my cheek against the cool marble.

"Dad, I think you're going deaf."

"Oh indeed, that's definitely the reason I want my daughter to eat eggs – it has nothing whatsoever to do with the fact that bacon is hardly nutritious and she's been practically starving herself lately," he replied, rolling his eyes and cracking the eggs into the frying pan.

"Othello Hopkirk! She's been eating just fine," Mum responded, giving him a significant glare.

"When did Dad get so sarcastic anyway? It's weird," I said, yawning and making a face as he put the runny scrambled eggs on my plate with too little bacon.

Mum laughed. "I think he's picked it up from Edgar. He's been writing ever since he came to visit and Dad thinks he's hilarious."

I wrinkled my nose and took a bite of my breakfast. "Edgar? Do I know an Edgar?"

"Kate! Your sister's boyfriend? He came to visit when you were off at the Potters'," Mum explained, smacking my shoulder lightly.

"Oh that Edgar. Yeah he's all right, I guess."

"He's a very charming young man. Much nicer than that Kyle boy she was seeing. You still owe her an apology for skipping that meeting to go and hang around with your boyfriend," Dad said, folding his arms and frowning at me.

"Othello," Mum warned. "Don't start."

I sighed.

"Cheryl, come on – she went all the way over there for his birthday and then he ended it with her the next day. Shocking behaviour," Dad grumbled, pulling up a stool and glaring at us.

"Can we not talk about this?" I groaned, stuffing more eggs in my mouth.

"Can't you see how upset she is – we shouldn't push it."

"That's exactly why we should push it! He can't just break up with her every few weeks and get away with it. She'll go back and let him apologize and the whole thing will start all over again. It's very bad for a young girl's self esteem."

"Dad!" I interrupted, pushing my plate away. "We're not getting back together all right?"

"Is it because of that Lizzy character? Merlin – if he thinks this girl is worth more than you, then I ought to go down to the Potters' and give him a piece of my mind."

I rolled my eyes. "No Dad – it isn't because of her. And there's nothing wrong with her either."

"That is very sweet of you to say, Kate. Incredibly mature," Mum said, rubbing my back.

"Look, Sirius just didn't want a girlfriend all right? He realized that he's happier being alone."

"Good – and the world is happier too," Dad said shaking his head. "I never liked him."

I sighed and pulled my plate back, stuffing three strips of bacon into my mouth so I wouldn't feel the urge to remind him that the last time he'd seen Sirius, he'd called him 'son-in-law'.

"Katie!" My mum exclaimed, taking my face in her hands and staring at me in alarm. "You look miserable!"

"Mum!" I replied, scandalized. "You never call me Katie!"

She chuckled and played with a piece of my hair, fussing a bit. "Look at this hair – must have come from your father, how on earth does it just lie so limp all the time?"

"Her hair is fine, Cheryl!"

I groaned and pulled away from her feeling annoyed. "Mum! Why are you calling me Katie?"

She smirked, twirling a piece of her flyaway, greying hair around her finger. "Oh Lily wrote to me, dear. She says that's what they call you when you're being naughty!"

I was going to set Lily's favourite sweater on fire when I got back to Hogwarts.

"ARGH. I hate it."

Mum chuckled. "Where did it come from anyway? It's rather an odd thing to do to a name that's already a nickname – I mean, it only makes it longer."

"That's what I said! But then Stupid Sirius came up with the alter-ego joke and now it's stuck like a very annoying sticking-charm."

"Aw bless him, he's usually such a funny lad."

"Oh don't encourage her, Cheryl! Yes, he may have been funny, but he's selfish and he treats Kate like a book he can pick up at leisure and then dump. Honestly, I'm thrilled that you two broke up."

"Well, I'm glad someone is," I muttered, sipping my tea.

"Have you heard from him at all?" Mum asked, wrinkling her brow.

"Just once."

Dad scoffed and busied himself with making more tea.

"What happened darling? You haven't told us much about the party at all. Who else was there?"

I sighed and ran my fingers into my hair so that I could massage my scalp.

"Well, Sirius and Lizzy. James, obviously. Dorcas, Peter and Remus. So there's all the gossip, now can we move on?"

"Ah, how is lovely Remus? You two always got on so well…I always, well, I…never mind." Mum chewed on her lip and fiddled with my hair again

"Yeah, Remus is my best bloke-mate," I said, shrugging her off.

"He's a good chap – we've noticed that you've been getting a lot of letters from him," Dad said, eying me carefully.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, because Remus is a saint and thinks he has to be nice to his best mate's ex-girlfriend. I'm sure that'll change as soon as we get back and Sirius and I can't even look at each other."

My mum squeezed my shoulder. "I don't know about that, Kate. Maybe his concern has more to do with the fact he's always fancied you."

"Has he?" Dad asked, raising his eyebrows.

"Agh no! Mum! Remus and I…ugh…no! Remus is like a brother – like a less annoying, boy version of Mafalda – with good music taste."

I could feel myself blushing slightly however, because that was sort of a blatant lie – it was just what you said when you didn't want people to think you secretly had feelings for your mate. There was nothing brotherly about Remus – but I also felt nothing romantic for him either. He was my friend with a capital F. At least until Sirius took him away from me.

"Good – I think it's time you take a break from boys. I always thought you were too young to start dating. Now you can spend time studying and focusing on keeping your marks high. You could even take a look at that Charms book Mafalda bought you for Christmas. Since you didn't take it for NEWT – it'll be good to say you've been studying it independently for your Auror Training application."

"I don't want to be an Auror," I said under my breath, taking my plate to the sink and rinsing it off.

"Hmm?" Dad asked and I shook my head. Mum looked like she'd heard, but she just averted her eyes.

"Speaking of Mafalda and Christmas presents," Dad said. "Don't forget you have to exchange that gift before you go back to school."

"What?" I groaned, falling back into my chair and leaning against Mum's shoulder. "I don't understand why I have to switch her present when she got me something I hated too!"

"She got you something useful though, dear. You know Maffie will never use that makeup kit you bought her," Mum said, running her fingers through my hair soothingly.

"That's right!"

We looked up to see Mafalda walk into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"I specifically asked you to get me a book on Astronomy!" she grumbled, sitting down and accepting the breakfast Dad placed in front of her.

"How come you're not making a big deal over her being up before ten?" I said, ignoring my sister's disdainful look.

"She's a bit more sensitive than you," Dad said patting her back.

"Dad!" My sister shrieked.

I rolled my eyes and put my finger in my ear to lessen the pain. "Anyway Mafalda, I thought you'd like the kit – it's got a bunch of great Potions in there."

She shook her head and took a large bite. "Don't you know me at all?"

"I know the eye shadow would really bring out your eyes."

"Mum, can you please tell my ridiculous sister that not everyone is as concerned with the way they look? Some people would like to focus more on their brains and intelligence."

"Bully for some people," I retorted and winced when my Dad gave me a sharp look.

"Here," he said, handing me a pouch of galleons. "Go and get your sister a new present and have a coffee – get out of the house and enjoy the air."

"I don't want to go out!" I whined.

"You are so selfish!" Mafalda yelled.

"Maffie! Lower your voice!" Mum said.

"But Mum!"

"Mafalda Hopkirk, you heard your mother!"

"AGH! Fine!" I shouted. "Fine. I'll go."

"The fresh air will do you some good, Kate. You'll be over Sirius in no time."

"Oh my Godric! Will you please, just stop!" I yelled and as the rest of my family starting shouting and bickering, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it!" I announced over the din, rushing from the kitchen, grumbling to myself.

My family was so annoying and prying. Why couldn't they just let me sulk? Why did I have to go get another present for Mafalda? Why couldn't I just bury my head under the sheets and never move?

I flung the front door open, still seething and there, with his hands in his pockets and a bright smile on his face, was Remus.

"You're alive!"

"What are you doing here?" I said, once I'd picked my jaw up from the floor.

"Came to check on you."

I groaned. "You of all people should understand the signs for when someone wants to be alone."

"And you of all people should know that sometimes their friends need to ignore those signs," he said, quirking his eyebrow at me.

Oh bollocks. I forgot that I'd hounded him when he'd tried to lock himself away after he and Emmeline broke up.

"Kate, who's at the - ohhh what a nice surprise! Hello Remus!" Mum said, strolling out of the kitchen and coming over to hug my friend. When they separated, she gave me a pointed look, which I pointedly ignored.

"Mrs Hopkirk, it's great to see you. Happy new year!" Remus said with a grin.

"Oh you too, dear! Wow when was the last time I saw you - was it September?"

"Yes Mum," I said shaking my head. "It was also the first time you met him."

"Oh, but we keep in touch, don't we Remus? He was telling me just the other day in a letter that you think that 'Charming Witch' is about you. Kate, dear – the girl is called Kay, what are you on about?" Mum said, squeezing my shoulder and sharing a conspiratorial look with Remus, who chuckled.

"Do you write to all of my friends?" I snapped.

"Otto! Maffie!" Mum yelled. "Come see who's here."

I sighed and looked at Remus in disbelief.

"What are you doing?" I whispered and he shrugged again, waving at someone over my shoulder.

"Remus Lupin! We were just talking about you. Bit early for a visit, isn't it?" Dad called from behind me.

"Hi Sir. Yes, but Kate's usually up early and she hasn't been writing to any of us. Wanted to make sure she was okay," he explained, shaking my dad's hand.

"Ah, that's nice. Now, Kate tells me you're taking all the subjects for Auror training. Charms and Potions too? We've been telling her that she should keep up by studying independently – what do you think?"

Remus nodded and his eyes flickered to me. "Oh, I don't know – I didn't really take them to become an Auror…they're just subjects that interest me."

"Remus!" Mafalda was next to me now too. I moaned in exasperation as she edged me out of the way.

"Oh hey Mafalda, all right? Happy new year."

"We need to talk about all the Prefect duty you missed last term!" she scolded, grabbing his arm and pulling him into the living room. "Is Kate being a bad influence?"

"No, no," Remus laughed. "Dumbledore knows I get ill a lot so…"

"Ill eh? Have you been checked at St Mungo's? Is it serious?" Dad asked.

"Would you like a cuppa, Remus?" Mum asked, bustling towards the kitchen.

I cut Remus off before he could open his mouth. "Actually Remus, I was just on my way out, so I'll just see you at school."

"Oh, why don't you take him along?" Mum suggested. "It'll be nice to have a friend to talk to. You know, she's barely said a word to us about the breakup."

Remus pressed his lips together and nodded. "Yeah, us too."

"Look, I appreciate you checking on me. I really do, but I'm fine – you should look out for Sirius."

He shook his head and laughed. "I have been. I'm your friend too though."

"What a sweet boy," Mum said, pinching his cheek. "Isn't he sweet, Otto?"

"Very decent indeed," Dad agreed.

"Where are you headed? We could get a coffee or something," Remus said.

"She's going to the shopping center to exchange my Christmas gift."

"AHHHH!" I screamed and everyone fell silent. "Fine! Stay there. You three – don't torture him. I'll be right back."

My family and Remus laughed at my outburst and continued chatting, leading Remus over to the sofas to sit down, while I grunted and headed up to get dressed.

Twenty minutes later, I was walking down the road to the local shopping center with Remus carrying Mafalda's makeup kit for me.

"I can't believe she's making you exchange this. Surely, she should be happy with any gift from her sister," he said, adjusting the box in his arms.

"My sister is a bloody fool and for some reason my parents encourage her foolishness," I shrugged. "So, boring book it is."

"So, tell me then – how are you holding up?" Remus asked, looking down at me over the top of the box.

"I'm fine! Brilliant."

"A horrible liar, is what you are."

"Just give it up Remus. Look, I appreciate all your concern, but you don't need to worry about it. I'm not going to think you're a prick when you choose Sirius' side over mine. You were his friend first," I sighed. Why was he making this so difficult on me?

His eyebrows pulled together and he shook his head in annoyance. "And you were my friend first."

"Huh?" I pouted at him. "Er Remus, you and Sirius have been mates since first year – we weren't friends until last year."

He laughed, but he didn't sound amused.

"I know, you headcase. I mean, that you were my friend before you were his girlfriend. So, just because he screwed it up with you, it doesn't mean he gets the monopoly on Kate Hopkirk. And he'd never ask me to stop being mates with you – so stop using that as a reason to shut me out!"

I stared at him as he blew his cheeks out and huffed in annoyance and felt my eyes get prickly. I could live for a hundred years and never be as selfless as Remus. I'd have to do something really special for him so that he understood just how much his declaration of unwavering friendship meant to me. I felt so much relief, that I actually did get teary and he clicked his tongue.

"That's what's going to make you cry?"

"Well what were you expecting me to cry at?"

He shrugged. "So? How are you?"

I let out a shaky breath. "Pretty devastated."

Maneuvering the box to one hand, he used the other to squeeze my shoulders. Sadly, it didn't make me feel better – it only reminded me of Sirius and he seemed to pick up on my discomfort.

"I'm going to have to think of another gesture to make you feel better," he said, turning up the corners of his mouth just slightly. "How does a slap on the back and hooting twice like an owl sound?"

I laughed and wiped my eyes. "Ridiculous. I love it."

He grinned. "So, coffee first or exchange the present?"

"Coffee, of course. And hey, Remus?"

"Mmm?"

"Thank you."

He rolled his eyes and slapped my back and made a funny noise with his throat that made me burst into renewed laughter.

A/N: Back to school next chapter! Thanks for reading :)