As the four walk in the common room they realise that there is a problem. For the whole group of students are quiet and a few of the girls are wiping away tears. As they walk even further every student looks up and narrow their eyes in hatred.

"HOW DARE YOU!" shrieks Lily in anger.

The four flinch back from Lily's anger. Peter mumbles something incoherently and grabs a hold of his wand, feeling threatened. Ramona raises her hands and take a step back to calm Lily.

"Lily, what exactly are ..."

"THE marauders! Why don't you stop that stupid nonsense." says Lily, interrupting Sirius.

James sighs and decides that he'd rather not have this fight. So he quickly leaves for his room, as he's about to put his foot on the stair Lily angrily yells "Coward." at him. Lily has know James a long time and she knows that insult will hurt him. Calling a traditionalist Gryffindor a coward is quite painful for them. James freezes thinking on what to say, the only thing he manages to say is, "The others can explain, I don't feel well.".

After hearing what has occurred the three marauders explain to Lily and everyone that they were in the kitchens having snacks, Lily doesn't believe them and nor do a lot of the other students.

When Dumbledore clears them of any wrong doing by verifying with the house elves their whereabouts that night no one is more shocked than Lily.

As the students in Gryffindor get their last minute packing done before the train leaves in the afternoon Lily feels that she has to apologise to James. The Gryffindor's are mostly in the common room getting packed and ready to leave for the Yule break.

"I'm sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion Potter. Really though, you four have been acting suspicious this year so I thought the marauders were back."

After Lily said this she thinks that will be it, that she will be forgiven after she said her 'obligated' apology. Since she is still thinks James wants to use her she doesn't want to apologise, Lily is following protocol.

Ramona notices that James doesn't look impressed, "Evans, I don't need your fake apology."

"I was sincere," huffs out Lily.

Ramona rolls her eyes at that.

James closes his trunk and stands up straight and turns to Lily, "You're just sorry you were wrong, you don't care that you hurt me with your baseless accusations. Please just stop patronizing me and leave me alone."

Lily huffs and mutters under her breath and walks outs.

"Makes you think doesn't it, you at stage wanted to be with her James. Looks like you avoided a disaster." says Peter, with a hint of amusement in his voice. Ramona eyes Peter in wariness but can't figure out why that statement upsets her. Lily and James belong together. Ramona growls slightly and mutters 'shut up moony.' under her breath. After hearing Ramona mutter that James can't help but laugh, James doesn't know why Ramona and moony are no longer getting along but hearing Ramona mutter that amuses him. James can't stop laughing, the three Marauders look to James in surprise for this is the first time for a while that they've heard him laugh with joy.

Dear Ramona,

Happy Yule.

I wish you didn't feel the need to stay at the castle this Yule. We would have been fine with you and Sir Black coming home for the Holiday. Your Mother and I miss you.

Darling, your father is right. I like your friend very much even though sometimes he is ... interesting.

Since you're not coming home we have decided to go to Paris for Yule. It would be good to travel, I feel I haven't done much of that lately.

NOT that we blame you darling but yes it would be nice to get away.

Write to you when we get back, Love you. Mum.

Enjoy the festivities.

Miss you.

Sincerely, Father.

Miss Lupin,

Thank you immensely for your latest letter. Yes I totally agree it would be best if you leave Severus alone. He is rather ... impetuous but I do enjoy his company. So I would prefer if you didn't eat him. Happy Yule.

Sir Lucius Malfoy.

The note from Lucius is attached to a box of chocolates, even though Ramona can't smell any trickery in the chocolates Ramona isn't taking any chances and destroys them. The words on the parchment again is charmed to disappear. When Severus was threatened earlier in the year by Ramona Lucius wrote a letter to her to express his concern of threatening his friend. Ramona in the beginning was angry that Severus spoke to Lucius about what occurred but considering how close she came to biting him Ramona feels perhaps it was justified.

Yule gift from Sirius is much more satisfactory than chocolates, an additional charm for her bracelet. A stag charm.

Professor Slughorn claps his hands excitedly.

"I hope your Yule celebrations were to your liking, So to get straight into work I have quite an exciting project for you all. I wish to put you in pairs for this assignment."

A few students fleetingly glance Ramona's way, a little fearful. Ramona smirks because she knows what they're thinking but their fears are baseless because Ramona will be teaming with Lily.

"So for this project I will choose the partners."

Maybe I won't be with Lily after all. Professor Slughorn starts reading a list of the students that are going to be grouped together.

... "Miss Lupin and Mister Snape."