To keep secrets from the people you love is hard but Ramona doesn't wish to betray James and or Lily by explaining why she has been so upset. They will get angry at her and each other. Ramona loves Sirius but she just can't betray Moony like that and tell him her problems. Broken pack, Broken pack, Broken pack.
The emotions and the angst from Moony is something that Ramona doesn't wish to experience, she wishes to block out Moonys upset state. The wish to block out Moony leads to Ramona studying occlumency. Due from occlumency being quite defensive in nature Ramona finds it a lot easier than Potions but still a challenge. Calming your emotions, thinking of nothing is a lot harder than it sounds. Specifically for an emotional werewolf, it's extremely difficult.
"Interesting reading material Ramona, occlumency. Hiding secrets now." sneers Avery.
Ramona raises her eyebrow in disgust yet continues reading. Due from being in the library Ramona knows Avery isn't going to go past words. It isn't long when James joins Ramona. An automatic response on James's part for James no longer really talks to anyone anymore. James though does get interested in Ramona's choice of book.
"Ramona are you OK? Why would you need to suppress your emotions? ... Ah is this to help with ... whatever you've been upset with?"
Ramona nods, "I'm hoping it will work, I haven't felt the best lately."
James nods in understanding, for he hasn't felt the best lately either. Ramona closes her book distracted.
"James, have you given up on Lily?" asks Ramona, in a small voice.
James narrows his eyes in confusion, "Given up? ... You act like, I had a chance in the first place. I was stupid Ramona, I should have stopped annoying Lily a long time ago. I should have realised it was never going to happen but there were moments, moments that gave me hope but that rant from her last year really opened my eyes. I was chasing someone that would never be mine, so why continue? I can't keep getting rejected like that Rem ... it hurts too much."
Neither Ramona or James notices the flash of red hair running away.
The Yule break is coming near and to help cheer up the students a yule party is organised. This causes quite a few problems, due from late notice the students have to rush an order of clothes or get them sent from home. The date chosen is the night before departure for the Yule break. To Ramona though, the date is set for the night after the full moon.
So even though Ramona has asked her mother to send one of her formal dresses Ramona isn't sure she'll be able to make it to the party. Considering the pain Ramona is going through from Moony's angst.
"Lily, Lily stop stop. I look fine for the party! Considering last night I'm glad to be going at all!"
Lily laughs but pays no mind to Ramona's whining and continues working on her masterpiece. Makeup, curls to her shoulders Ramona looking less sick than she did when Lily started.
"Let Lily and I have our fun! You're the only one with a date here!" says Mary, who continues to apply lip gloss on Ramona.
Mary acting nice towards her is strange, Mary hasn't in the past acted nice towards Ramona but it seems Mary isn't as defensive towards Ramona this year. Ramona though isn't going to question it because Ramona doesn't need more drama.
Looking at herself in the mirror she is shocked, shocked for Ramona didn't think she could look good in feminine style. Ramona prefers pants, prefers not wearing gunk on her face.
"Siri isn't going to know it's me."
Lily and Mary laugh.
Ramona walks down the stairs excited and a little nervous, Ramona tries not to be nervous. Ramona has known Sirius since day one so Ramona tries to reason with herself she shouldn't be nervous. To Ramona though this is different, this isn't just best friends having fun this is a ... Date. With a big puffy dress, with fancy food and dancing in steps. Ramona grabs her wolf charm and traces it to calm herself.
As Ramona is standing in the common room tracing her charm nervously looking to the floor James and Sirius are fixing their ties. James notices Ramona first then elbows Sirius in the ribs to get his attention and points to Ramona.
When Sirius sees Ramona his eyes light up in happiness and can't help but rush over to Ramona. Sirius Grabs Ramona in a hug then kisses her cheek.
"You look amazing, green suits you so well."
Ramona blushes at the praise, "I look like a stupid doll."
Sirius laughs, "Is that your way of getting more compliments? You're ravishing, cute, lovely ..."
"Stop it!" hisses Ramona in mock outrage.
"Make me! You're beautiful, exquisite..."
Ramona lifts her wand in annoyance, "I'll declare a prank war on you!"
Sirius laughs and grabs Ramona's wrists and kisses her lips lightly. Sirius leans in to whisper, "That's my Rem, never change."
By the end of the night Ramona doesn't have any concerns, the date is just like any other night spending time with her best friend. The four trouble makers decide to leave early for the kitchen for the four of them want to catch up before James and Peter are to leave for the break.
As they are enjoying their late night snacks and jokes they have no idea of the chaos that is occurring in the food hall.