Author's Note: Okay... The original plan was to get this up before the holidays... But... hopefully this will extend your holiday cheer a bit? Again, sorry for the lengthy waits between updates. If any of you are still reading, thanks! I'm on holiday right now, so hopefully my sister (flameintheflood) and I will be able to get 2 more chapters up before I go back to school on the 24th. Thanks for the patience and I hope you enjoy this!

Disclaimer: Neither my sister nor I received the rights to Harry Potter for Christmas. They all still belong to JKR.

Chapter 14

"Well, I guess this is goodbye, for now," Allie said as the Hogwarts Express came to a stop at King's Cross station.

"No! Don't say that, Allie," Kate exclaimed.

"She's right, it breaks my heart!" Maia added.

"It's only two weeks," Lily said teasingly. But, then a frown formed on her face as she looked out the window and across the station at a small group of muggles, "Two long weeks with Petunia. What am I going to do?"

"Oh, sweetie," Allie said, her face falling, "It will be okay. Before you know it we'll be back at school."

"Maybe we can get together," Kate suggested, "You know, the four of us. Even though we share a dormitory, we never get to just hang out!"

"Stupid NEWT levels," Maia grumbled, "They ruin all my good fun."

"NEWT level classes are important," Allie protested.

"Yes," Lily consented, "But that doesn't mean that we have to like that they suck all of our time!"

"What?" Allie asked, widening her eyes in mock astonishment, "You mean I'd have a life if it weren't for these classes?"

"Well," Kate smirked, "Maybe you wouldn't." Allie scrunched her nose in agreement and pulled her trunk down from the storage racks. The other three girls followed suit and, casting featherlight charms on their trunks and opened the door to leave their compartment. They were blown backwards, however, as a laughing Sirius and James sprinted past, followed closely by a concerned looking Remus and an out of breath Peter.

"What on Earth?" Lily asked, staring at the four boys. Her friends just shrugged, unable to speak through their laughter. After five and a half years, the Marauders remained a mystery. Lily stared after the four boys as they arrived at a slightly disapproving, but amused, older couple.

"James? Sirius? Do I even want to know?" Harold Potter inquired as the four boys attempted to catch their breath.

"Well, you see…" James began, panting. But Remus cut him off.

"No, Sir," he said, "You probably don't want to know."

"I didn't think so," Harold chuckled, "Half the time I don't want to know what goes through the minds of these two."

"No one does, Sir," Remus replied.

"We're just glad we have you and Peter to keep them in check," Grace Potter said to Remus as she turned to her son. "James, sweetie, is there nothing that you can do about your hair?"

"Nope!" James answered cheerily, "But, you fell in love with Dad because of his hair, I'm still hoping it will work for me."

"Now, son," Harold chuckled again, "I think she fell in love with me despite the Potter hair, not because of it."

"I can still hope," James said with a shrug, to the general amusement of his friends and parents.

"Peter! There you are!" Helen exclaimed, running up to join the group, "Mum sent me to look for you. She wants to head home quickly. Winter, sun setting early, paranoid mother, and all."

"I guess I'll see you guys later, then," Peter said, grabbing his trunk and turning to face his friends one last time.

"Send an owl," James said, "It'll just be the two of us at the Manor."

"What are we?" Grace asked, "House elves? But, yes, Peter, feel free to visit whenever you like."

"Thank you," Peter smiled. Helen pulled on his sleeve, "But I really should get going. Bye Remus, Sirius. Happy Christmas!"

"And a smashing new year!" Sirius yelled after his friend as he turned and walked towards his mother.

"I should probably get going too," Remus said as he spotted his parents, "Have a good Christmas." Remus turned and began to head into the crowd before stopping. He turned his head back to look at the small family. James was animatedly explaining something to his parents, but Sirius was staring forlornly after him.

"Miss you," the grey eyed boy mouthed. Remus nodded and returned the sentiment with a sad half smile. Before he decided if he should throw caution to the wind and run back to kiss the boy full heartedly, a group of chattering first years walked between them, breaking their eye contact and knocking Remus out of the way.

***

Allie,

Hey there! I miss my girls and Hogwarts fun! Thank god I'm 17, right? I'm not trapped without doing magic while my brother laughs at me and tells me it builds character. Oh, that's right, you're still a itty bitty 16 year old. I laugh at you! But don't worry; doing things the muggle way builds character.

I of course am not lacking character, so it's lucky that I'm old. Anyways, just a few more days until '77. Should be a magical year coming up, what with 7 being such a powerful number. Maybe you and Lily will find love at last. Speaking of finding love, what about that cutie, Josh Mason. Kingsley and Caleb were talking about how he's slowly becoming obsessed. If he sends you an owl over break don't be surprised, I think that Maia gave him your address. In fact, she might have even encouraged him to come visit you.

By the way, you should definitely get with him. He's nice and plays quidditch. That is my own personal opinion. Besides, a distraction to the Ravenclaw captain and seeker would be really helpful for Gryffindor's chance at the cup. Be patriotic!

-Kate

***

Maia,

I'm not sure if I should thank you for telling Josh my address or not. On one hand it was totally none of your business and mildly an encroachment on my privacy, but on the other hand, he sent me chocolates and they were really rather tasty. And I guess he is a really hot and intelligent Quidditch player. Speaking of intelligence, me and him are getting together to study a bit this weekend.

Okay, fine. I'm thanking you. You are rather an amazing friend.

-Allie

***

Lily,

Did they tell you? Josh came over to study today! In fact, he just left. I… I think I might have a problem. He's so smart, but not just in a knowing facts way. He seems to love to learn and to share his learning. He was able to help me with the arithmancy I was having problems with. And the charms. I couldn't help him, unfortunately, because he is a seventh year. But, oh my God. I think I may be starting to like him. I get all nervous thinking about him. And he's so nice to me. Really genuinely nice. And smart. And attractive. We did more than study, obviously. We talked. He told me about Quidditch. He made it so much more interesting than Kate or James ever had. And he played with my siblings and they liked him. I don't want to get my hopes up, but he seems so perfect!

Enough rambling about me. How was your Christmas? I hope Petunia hasn't been horrible to you. At least you got to see your parents, which was nice, I'm sure. Only a few more days until we're back at school, so chin up, my love.

Your friend always,

Allie

The first few days of the winter holiday at the Canvey Island passed quickly. The days were short and the boys lost count of sunsets over the English Chanel. Sirius and James took advantage of the days without classes to put off holiday homework, sleep unhealthy amounts, eat massive amounts of food, and work on their map. Christmas Eve found them sprawled upon James' bedroom floor, overstuffed from gorging on the feast provided by Tinkey.

"Do you think I'll get any presents?" Sirius pondered aloud, "I've been a naughty, naughty boy this year. Running away, and all."

"I'm sure you will," James muttered sleepily, "I still think my parents like you more than me. So, even if you just get a pile of coal, it will be more than I get."

"Shut it, Prongs," Sirius grunted, "I have never seen parents dote on a child more than they dote on you. You're spoiled, mate. Face it."

"I wonder…" James said slowly, staring up at his ceiling in thought.

"What do you wonder?" Sirius asked, mildly interested.

"I wonder if Lily will ever like me," James answered. Before Sirius could reply, he continued, "I mean, we had a normal conversation a couple weeks ago in the library. And, you know, she was quite kind to me after my cousins…" He trailed off.

"Maybe she just felt bad for you," Sirius suggested.

"I'm being serious!"

"No, that's-"

"Don't. Don't even go there." James stood up abruptly and turned towards the window. His eyes stung and he swallowed hard. True, he hadn't known his father's brother and family very well. They were, as he liked to say, 'Christmas and Birthday relatives.' But, that hadn't made their loss any easier. Not only had those that he loved died, but the terrible rising power of Lord Voldemort really started to feel real.

True, over the past few years there had been rumors. James had heard his parents whisper about it when they thought he wasn't around. However, until the death of his cousins, James hadn't realised how much it would affect him and those he loved. Instead of being a separate cause, it became personal, and much greater. The deaths of his family had brought to light the true, cold, harsh reality of what this man could do. And this, almost as much as losing his aunt, uncle, and cousins, pained him more than he knew was possible.

And Lily… James wondered how everything seemed to come back to Lily for him. But she had been there, she had seen his reaction to the news article and realised how hard it hit him. It had been she that took him to the hospital wing to get a potion for shock. He knew that he ought to give up on her, that she would never love him the way he loved her. But he couldn't bear the thought of living without her in his life, as little as she was in it already. He knew that Sirius laughed at him and that Remus thought he was just a love sick teenager, but he really did care about Lily. The way her green eyes could convey such anger and compassion at once, the distant look that came over her face as she studied, and the pure love and power that she put behind her spell work.

"Prongs?" Sirius voice came from behind him, "I… I didn't mean to cut on your family or Lily. I'm sorry."

"You're not the one who should be sorry," James answered, not turning to look at his friend. "The people that did this should be sorry. The Death Eaters." He spat the words out as though they were dirty.

"I know mate," Sirius agreed, "It's just sick, it really is."

"I'm going to do everything I can to stop them, once I'm of age and out of school. My family will not have died in vain. None of the people that have been killed will have died in vain if I can do anything about it. This I swear on my life." Sirius nodded his consent. There were no words, really, or arguments.

"And Lily?" Sirius asked after a few minutes of shared silence, "I thought you'd sworn on your life that you'll make her love you."

"Oh, don't worry," James answered, finally turning to his friend, the cocky smile back on his face, "she'll be in love with me before we graduate."

***

Lovely Miss Regarne,

I absolutely adore Christmas at the Estate, despite the fact that I miss Remus like hell. It's definitely the best Christmas I've had, like, ever. Not that holidays at Grimmauld Place are much comparison. Apparently, the Potter's always have a fancy dinner party on New Year's Eve. Lots of rich old people in dress robes and fancy food and expensive taste , but whatever, me and Prongs can just have our own fun. Too bad Remus also has prior commitments. I would love to… yeah. Oh wells.

How's Shacklebolt? He treating you right? If he's not make sure you tell me, I have yet to practice my castration jinxes. Homemade of course. I'm a genius like that. Of course, it was James' idea. He's always thought that Snivilus had a thing for his Lily-love… if we ever found out he was making moves, James wanted to be prepared. Can you sense my rolling eyes? Of course, I was probably close to castrating Allie, back when she and Remus were together. Yes, I am aware that that's physically impossible.

Anyways, ever feel like coming over, you should. I think some extra company would cheer James up. He's in a bad way: he didn't even want to prank the house elves! Bring Kate and Lily too, if you can. Nothing makes Prongs smile like Lily and quidditch talk.

Laters,

The most incredibly attractive and ingenious Padfoot

***

Sirius,

Hey, how's life at the Estate? Loved the book and chocolates you got me for Christmas. Tell Prongs I thought the wolf statue was amusing, if not mildly frightening. Full moon on New Years. Sounds like quite the party, eh? Notice the sarcasm. What I wouldn't do to just hand out and get drunk around old people like you get to.

Life here can be so boring and, well, I miss you. You know, I'm sorry I gave you such a fail goodbye at the station. I wish I could've just kissed you goodbye. Peter and Heather got to make out almost the entire train ride to Kings Cross and I was so jealous.

What do you think Prongs and Peter would say if I told them that I'm gay? Or bi… or whatever. Yeah, I'm finally getting comfortable with the idea. I mean, not being with you didn't work and while this almost relationship is fun, I know that I really care about you enough to have it be official. So, then I guess that means I should ask you out, right?

Sirius, will you go out with me? I mean, it seems silly to actually go on a date, but will you be my boyfriend? Just, think about it, okay?

Yours,

Moony

***

My Moony,

Can I just say, DUH! Of course I'll be your boyfriend. Did you really need to ask? You are ridiculous. And by the way, don't worry too much about what you are. In fact, you can be as straight as you want, just so long as your mine. And, you remember what Wormtail and Prongs were like when I came out. I'm sure it'd be similar to that.

Love,

Padfoot

***

Peter shivered as Helen pulled him into the living room. Their mother was sitting in an old rocking chair next to the little tree that Peter had cut down himself. Just days ago, it had been part of the woods near their house and Peter had known his mother wouldn't be likely to gather the energy or enthusiasm to bring a tree in. He had seen Helen's face fall when she noticed the oddly empty living room when they had come home for the holidays. Nothing could make him chop a tree like the inspiring forlorn face of his baby sister.

The sun was just rising and a small fire was crackling in the fireplace next to their mother. Helen's rosy face was lit by the kind of excitement that only ever comes on Christmas morning.

"Okay!" She squealed sitting down on the floor next to the tree. "Mom! You open your present from us first!"

Peter's mother, Lydia, had an expression similar to Helen's. She looked young for once as she picked up the carefully wrapped present with her name on it.

"Aw, this is beautiful, you two!" She exclaimed unfolding a red apron.

"There's more, Mum!" Helen exclaimed. Lydia continued to open a scarf and hat that Helen had knitted for her. The cheery canary yellow highlighted her glowing face wonderfully.

"Thank you so much, sweetie!" She sighed. "I'll wear them every day!"

Helen giggled and grabbed her own presents. The first was from her friend Rachel, a colorful friendship bracelet. It was store bought with lots of little charms on it. Peter noticed Lydia hide a worried look. He knew it was because she was upset that the most expensive thing her daughter would probably get was from her friend, and not from her family. She smiled brightly though, and Peter stopped worrying.

Helen then opened a few more gifts from friends before getting to the journal that Peter had gotten her, complete with a magical lock. She squealed with delight at the second hand little black shoes that Lydia had found for her.

Peter unwrapped various sweets and prank items from his friends along with a red hat and scarf from Helen and some old Care of Magical Creatures books from his mum. The three of them embraced and Lydia told stories about when they were little and how they would always hopped on her and their father to wake them up, usually before the sun had even risen.

"Daddy used to get so grumpy when we'd wake him up," giggled Helen. "He would growl "Christmas can't come until I've gotten my coffee'. Then Pete would present him with some cold coffee from the day before and he would insist that cold coffee didn't count as real coffee."

Peter chuckled, remembering. Then he remembered what had been bugging him a lot these past few days.

"Mum, did Dad tell you what he was doing today?"

Lydia forced back a concerned expression and muttered, "I'm sure he's enjoying himself with his new wife and co workers."

"You mean those nasty Death Eaters?" Helen spat, all previous Christmas joy falling off her face. "Sounds just jolly."

Peter instantly regretted bringing up his father. Lydia's face was moments away from crumbling into tears.

"Sorry…" He murmured. Lydia swallowed and put a brave smile on her face.

"Actually, speaking of your father, he sent us something for Christmas. We almost forgot to open it," Lydia pulled a small emerald bag out from under the tree, along with three envelopes.

"Here, Peter, why don't you open the present," She said, smiling. Peter grabbed the bag and reached inside.

He pulled out dozens of galleons and three bars of expensive chocolates. Lydia's eyes widened and her face brightened incredibly.

"Oh!" She sighed. "That was generous of him. He really does care about you kids, even if he…" She trailed off as her face became red. She hid her embarrassment and fury by giving each of her children 6 of the galleons and, sighing she pocketed the rest. She then gave them each a bar of chocolate.

Helen's face remained blank as she opened the letter from her father. Peter followed in suit.

Son,

I hear you are doing fair enough in school and I am extremely proud of you. I know it might seem like I have completely abandoned you and your sister, but you need to know that this was never my intent. It has always been about protecting my family, despite the disagreements that caused me and your mother to split up. In fact, son, you are nearly old enough to start doing your part as well. I have been speaking to my colleagues and they all think that it's a very good idea to encourage our sons to join in The Cause. I know that you might not always agree with me or what I'm doing, but I think that you deserve the chance to protect yourself and your family. My line of work is very dangerous and should anything ever happen to me, I expect you to do your best to take care of Helen and --despite the problems I might have with her-- your mother. I believe with all my heart that you will make sure that they stay safe while I am off fighting the good fight. I hope you are having the very best of holidays.

Love,

Dad

Peter stared at the letter in his hands for a few more moments until he heard Helen growl in frustration. He looked up to see her glaring at the letter gripped in her hands. In a few jerky movements, she ripped up the letter and threw it into the fire.

"I don't believe him!" She breathed, tears rolling down her rosy cheeks. "He ruins everything!"

And with that she stormed out of the room, leaving presents and wrapping paper on the floor behind her.

Peter, shocked, looked up at his mother. She was staring at the door that Helen had just stormed out of, her eyes watering. She caught Peter looking at her and she pushed her eyes back down to the letter lying in her lap. A single tear dropped down onto the parchment.

Peter's gaze returned to the letter that he held. He folded it up and put it in his pocket before starting to clean up wrapping paper and presents.

***

Dear Peter,

That sounds awful! I am so sorry. I'm sure your mum and Helen will be okay though. It's so sweet how much you care about them, but don't give yourself worry lines because your dad is an idiot.

I really miss you! I would've sent your present by owl, but it's sort of something I need to give you in person. ;) So, I was wondering if perhaps you would like to come over for a few days over new years. I really want to be with you on the count down, and my Mum and Daddy just can't wait to meet you. Don't worry (even though I know you probably are) they will love you. You're just so lovable! Daddy is just a bit old fashioned though, so make sure to dress smart.

I can't wait to see you. I miss you so much! It's weird not seeing you every day. I really think you'll like your present. I love you.

xoxo,

Heather

p.s. Do you like the picture I sent? Kristie insisted we look adorable in it. And she apologizes for accusing you of cheating on me. She's just kind of silly sometimes. Okay, she's often incredibly crazy, but what can ya do?

***

Kate,

How has your break been? Did you have a nice Christmas? How was your New Years? Have you seen Caleb? I'm quite jealous that you're able to use magic at home. I am almost tempted to break the Statute to scare Petunia, but not quite. I would prefer to not be expelled. Petunia has been difficult, though. She has taken to not talking to me or even acknowledging my existence. My parents don't seem to know what to do. And, frankly, I'm just annoyed with it. I miss you girls. I miss Remus. I miss seeing everybody every day. Hell, I even miss wanting to kill James! Oh well, just 3 more days until the train.

Take care,

Lils

***

Kingsley Shacklebolt lay on his bed in his country home on New Year's Eve thinking. Not that this was such an uncommon thing. He was, after all, a Ravenclaw. Only now he was thinking not about facts, wisdom, or knowledge, but about what was the morally right thing to do.

He had spent the start of break at the library in the nearby town, reading as much as he could about werewolves, hoping to find some evidence that would dissuade him from the conclusion he'd drawn about Remus Lupin. But, the more he researched and the more he remembered everything he'd ever heard about or known about the Gryffindor, the more he was sure that he had, in fact, been bitten.

It was a disconcerting thought. How could the Headmaster let a werewolf live in the same dormitories as uninfected students? Surely, he must know. All the teachers must know. It was a huge liability… His mind was spinning with questions and facts and, strangely enough, worries.

He had meant to talk to Maia before leaving for winter break, but he hadn't had the chance. They had both been busy and he hadn't wanted the limited time he spent with her to be polluted with such talk. Besides, he wasn't sure exactly how to approach the topic. 'Love, I think one of your mates is a werewolf, what do you think?' did not seem the best or the most logical way to go about it.

An idea suddenly hit him. Who best to talk to about a dark creature than the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher? Professor Mansfield had always told his students that they could come to him with questions and concerns. And Kinsley certain had many of both.

***

Dear Lily,

Please don't throw away this letter before reading it. I'm not going to ask you out on another date or profess my love to you again. I know you don't want that. I will, however, extend my thanks. I do appreciate you teaching me how to study (and not telling anybody that I was studying). But, I also cannot thank you enough for being there for me when Voldemort attacked my family. And you don't even like me that much. You are truly an amazing person.

Sincerely,

James Potter

Author's Note: Thanks! What did you think? Was it too scattered? What do you want more of? Please review, getting your feedback helps inspire me to write! Much love to you all and happy (belated) holidays!