"Mr. Black! Mr. Potter!" Professor McGonagall shouted from down the corridor causing Sirius and James to stop in their tracks as they turned around to face the teacher that was currently making her way towards them

"Minnie!" Sirius smiled widely as he waved at the women who caught up with them "You look lovely today, what can I do for you?" he asked as James gave the older women a cheeky grin

"Somebody pranked students in the courtyard this morning with several dungbombs and all hands are pointing to you two boys" She ignored the nickname Sirius insisted on calling her as she looked down at both boys with her arms crossed over her chest

"You really can't believe that we would do such a thing Minnie" Sirius coaxed

"Quite the contrary Black as I will have to give you both detention and take house points unless you can give me an alibi to your whereabouts this morning"

"We were both in the library this morning" Jamie decided to speak up at this moment but his response almost made the older women laugh at the thought of them in a library

"You expect me to believe that the both of you were in the library this morning? On a Saturday nonetheless?"

"A little ravenclaw was helping us with Herbology this morning for our upcoming exam Minnie, I've been falling behind and she offered to help me" Sirius continue the half lie that James had came up with

"Then who just might this Ravenclaw be?" Both boys didn't waste a second as they answered her question simultaneously

"Gwendolyn Donoghue"

"I'll see you back in the common room!" Gwen waved bye to a fellow first year Ravenclaw named Rhea who she offered to help tutor for their herbology exam "Don't forget about writing that essay about polyjuice potion!"

"Thanks Gwen!"

Smiling, she was making her way towards the courtyard where she would meet up with the boys for lunch as she hadn't seen them since this morning on her way to the library. Sirius had come to do his checkup on her with James in tow and kept her company while she waited for Rhea to come meet her. Rhea had been struggling to grasp some of the material regarding herbology which was the class that they had together. Said girl was very smart when it came to defense against the dark arts as well as charms, as she had held her one or twice before with said classes.

Gwen had just dropped some chocolate off for Remus as the full moon had been last night. She knew that he would be recovering in the infirmary for the day and probably wouldn't be back in his dorm until sometime tomorrow.

She ignored the whispers that followed her as she walked the halls, it had been slowly getting a tad easier to pretend as though they were not even there. That is until the occasional student would work up the courage to come up to her and strike a conversation.

Swallowing her yawn, she pushed past her tiredness in an attempt to make it to the Great Hall for a quick snack. Sirius would most likely join her there to visit with her. .

"Miss Donoghue" Turning she found the Gryffindor's head of house walk towards her with her robes billowing behind her, pausing she waited for Professor McGonagall to catch up with her as she readjusted her books

"May I do something for you professor?"

"Might we have a chat while I walk you to the courtyard?" Furrowing her eyebrows she wondered why Professor McGonagall would want to talk to her, she hoped that she wasn't in some kind of trouble. What worried her even more was the fact that she had known where she was heading to, but she figured that she had probably seen the boys and her hangout outside on Saturdays.

"Of course, Professor McGonagall" Gwen followed the Gryffindor's head of house with a nervous smile as she wondered what could she want with her

"Do you often spend a lot of time studying in the library, Miss Donoghue?"

"Yes Profesor, I aim to become a great witch like my Mother one day"

"Mr. Potter is your cousin, yes?'

"Yes, he is" Gwen wondered if Professor McGonagall was questioning her because Sirius had stolen the book.

"You're close friends with both Sirius Black and James Potter, correct?" Realization hit her as she now understood why she had come to talk to her. The boys must have pulled another stupid prank and she grew worried wondering if she was somehow roped into getting into trouble as well. "Did they accompany you in the library?"

"Yes! Sirius stays with me in the library to keep me company as I study. I've helped both him and Jamie with their classes as well, not that they really need my help as they just need me to keep them focused on their work." Professor McGonagall stared at the young girl as she continued talking about the boys in question before she realized that she had received her answer from the friendly raven

"Thank you for this enlightening conversation Miss Donoghue" Gwen realized that they had made it to the doors that lead out into the courtyard

"You're very welcome Professor" She smiled as she made her way over to group of boys who were rough housing while Remus ate chocolate as he watched from a bench nearby

"Good afternoon boys" Gwen smiled as she looked over at the boys before taking her seat next to Remus who scooted over to make room for her

"Hello Gwen, how was tutoring Rhea this morning?"

"It went well, her only problem is her self-doubt which is causing her to question her knowledge" Gwen set her bag of books down as she took the small lunch that Remus offered her "What have you and the boys been doing today?"

"I've been trying to keep them out of trouble but that is a bit hard when they are well...themselves" Remus mumbled as he nodded to the boys who were now provoking a couple of Slytherins into a duel

"I can see how that may be difficult"

James followed her over the weekend, constantly checking up on her in place of Sirius who was roaming the castle trying to find more secrets of the castle. Whatever that meant really. She was currently using his transfigurations textbook in place of hers that was at the bottom of the lake, James had informed her that Sirius had explained to the others about what had happened after she had told him that night in the Astronomy Tower.

She sat quietly at the table in the library among the bookshelves as she poured over the transfigurations book as she was writing her essay that Professor McGonagall had assigned them to write over the weekend over the softening charm. It wasn't until she was almost done with her essay when she felt someone take a seat across from her. Glancing, she saw that it was an anxious Lily.

"Can I help you?"

The ginger heaved a sigh, "Gwen, I feel very terrible about last week and the way I acted. I had no right to try and force you to tell me what is bothering you."

Gwen nodded, "I accept your apology"

"I also got you a peace offering," rummaging through her bag, she handed it over to her with a sheepish smile "it's to replace the old one I dropped in the lake."

Taking it, she smiled. "Thank you,"

Both girls stared at one another, smiling, and it was in that moment that they both slipped back into their comfortable routine with one another. Lily pulled out her own books and they soon both began to study.

Love was in the air, permeating every corner of the school.

No place was safe from the constant display of affection. Even the sanctuary of her own common room was tainted by the sight of her fellow peers locked in passionate embraces. Retreat to her dorm meant enduring endless chatter about boys from her roommates. It seemed that everywhere she turned, couples were engaged in intense make-out sessions, whether it was in the stairwell, the courtyard, or even the library! In her eyes, this holiday was nothing short of absurd.

Fortunately, the boys seemed preoccupied with pranks rather than the amorous pursuits of their peers. They were relentless in their scheming, determined to disrupt the unsuspecting couples. She didn't mind, considering they often blocked her path to her next class. In fact, she had even joined in on a couple of their mischievous endeavors. Lily disapproved, but Severus found it amusing, sharing her disdain for all the excessive snogging.

Lily leaned over the table, whispering in Gwen's ear as they brewed the antidote for the Forgetfulness potion in their potions class. "That boy keeps staring at you, Gwen. I think he fancies you," she teased mischievously.

Gwen blushed profusely as she followed her redheaded friend's gaze to a blond-haired Hufflepuff who was indeed fixated on her. He didn't seem the least bit ashamed when she caught him, instead offering a smirk and a wave. Sirius, noticing the interaction from the corner of his eye, shot the boy a dirty look.

Suddenly, Sirius threw an arm over Gwen's shoulder, diverting her attention to the boy beside her as he pulled her close. Confused by the unfamiliar feeling stirring in his heart, Sirius assumed it must be protectiveness and deep respect for the girl at his side.

"I think our potion is done," Sirius pointed out, causing Gwen to forget about the boy and shift her focus to their concoction. Worried that she had made a mistake due to the distraction, she quickly inspected her potion.

"Congratulations, Miss Donoghue and Mr. Black. Your potion is perfect. Five points to both Gryffindor and Ravenclaw!" Professor Slughorn beamed as he collected a vial of their potion and walked back to his desk.

As Gwen began to clean up their mess, Sirius glared at the boy, who ducked his head and went back to fumbling around his own potion.

Remus peered at Sirius from above his book, a mix of curiosity and annoyance on his face. His eyes followed Sirius's intense gaze towards Gwen, who sat at her own table, engrossed in a book while having lunch with Jackie and Olivia.

With a frustrated grunt, Remus decided to take action. Slamming his book shut, he startled Sirius, causing him to jump in his seat and meet Remus's gaze with wide eyes. "What's bothering you?"

Rolling his eyes, Remus replied, "You've been staring at Gwen for the past twenty minutes."

Sirius averted his gaze, his hair falling like a curtain over his face. "I wasn't watching her."

Remus scoffed, refusing to let him off the hook. "You can deny it all you want, but it's clear you have feelings for her."

In a sudden outburst, Sirius slammed his fist on the table, his eyes burning with anger. "Whatever you think you know about my feelings, you don't. Stay out of my business."

"Is it really such a big deal to admit that you like her more?" Remus pressed on.

Sirius's expression dropped, then transformed into a glare. "Coming from the boy who can't decide whether he has feelings for Gwen or Evans."

Caught off guard, Remus swallowed nervously. "What do you mean?"

"Observation isn't your exclusive talent," Sirius shot back. "I've noticed the way you look at both girls when you're with them. Especially Gwen."

Deciding to keep quiet, Remus realized Sirius was right. He wasn't sure about his own feelings towards either girl, or if he even saw them as more than friends.

"Just be careful not to ruin things," Sirius warned, his voice tinged with concern. "Gwen is James' cousin, and we could risk losing his friendship over this."

"Whether or not I have feelings for her, it goes beyond just James' friendship," Remus admitted.

At that moment, Remus had an epiphany. He often forgot that Sirius came from a pureblood aristocratic family, and his perspective on relationships and friendships was different. Particularly since the incident with the letter. Feeling remorseful for constantly arguing with Sirius, Remus made a mental note to ease up.

Sirius stared at him for a moment before offering a curt nod. He redirected his gaze towards Gwen, a small smile forming on his face. Remus shook his head and reopened his book, realizing it was better to let things be.

James ran over with a wide grin, "you will never believe what happened!"

Peter trailed behind, Remus glanced at him to see him shaking his head before flopping down in the seat beside him.

"What happened?"

Continuing to stand, he grinned. "Billius has said that anyone who wishes to tryout for Qudditch next year is free to watch their mock games and practice with them in the next coming weeks."

This seemed to stir Siirius' attention from Gwen as he smiled, "Remus will you be trying out?"

Remus shrugged.

While he loved Quidditch, he wasn't in love with it like James and Sirius were. However, the thought of trying out did seem to appeal to him more than he thought it would.

"I'll think about it."

"I've already spoken to Jack about it and he said that over the summer, we could play some mock games to improve our chances of getting on the team."

Sirius grinned.

"This summer is going to be bloody amazing."

During lunch in the courtyard, Gwen was completely absorbed in her Charms textbook, while the four boys entertained themselves with laughter and playful banter. Their mission was clear: to establish a no-snogging zone for couples. But despite their efforts, the cursed holiday had emboldened a blond-haired Hufflepuff to confess his feelings to the petite Ravenclaw. Intrigued, the boys anxiously observed as he approached their group, his steps faltering.

"Miss Donoghue, may I have a moment to speak with you privately?" Gwen closed her book and placed it carefully on top of her belongings. She glanced at his outstretched hand and then met his anxious gaze. With a nervous smile, she accepted his hand, allowing him to lead her away from the prying eyes of her friends.

"Do you honestly think that bloke stands a chance with Gwen?" Sirius couldn't contain his curiosity any longer as they watched the two figures stroll a short distance away, pausing beneath an archway.

The Black Heir growled, narrowing his eyes at the flustered boy stumbling over his words. He recognized him from their Potions class and Herbology class. If he remembered correctly, his name was Aero.

"Absolutely not!" James scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly. He glared at the Hufflepuff. "She'll reject him, mark my words," he added, his unwavering gaze fixed on the boy as he began to speak.

"Then let's make a pact. No one can even think of dating Gwen without our seal of approval," Sirius declared, his voice filled with determination. Remus couldn't help but shoot Sirius a hard stare, frustration and jealousy bubbling to the surface.

Remembering their earlier conversation, he closed his eyes, counted to ten and exhaled. The feelings that were there, disappeared almost instantly.

Although they had their differences, one thing they unanimously agreed on was that no one was worthy of dating Gwen. The three boys nodded in sync, their shared resolve evident as they witnessed Gwen blushing while graciously accepting a box of chocolates from the Hufflepuff.

"Agreed," they chimed simultaneously, their determination etched on their faces as Gwen kindly turned down the poor boy.

"We'll make it crystal clear to everyone in this school that Gwen is off-limits."

The boys eagerly embraced Peter's suggestion, their excitement palpable as they began hatching plans. Ever since Declan had approached Sirius about safeguarding Gwen, it had become their top priority. James and Sirius had even discussed taking turns to always be by Gwen's side, even if she was with Lily and Snivellus – they would maintain a watchful eye from a distance.

"What th-..." Gwen's voice trailed off as she entered the Great Hall for study hall. All eyes were on her, quickly averting their gaze as she approached her roommates who were engaged in their own conversation. "Why is everyone staring at me?" Gwen asked, taking her seat next to Olivia and pulling out her Transfigurations materials.

"You haven't heard?" Jackie giggled, dropping her quill onto her parchment paper. Toni joined in with laughter, while Olivia rolled her eyes at the duo. "The Gryffindor boys have declared that nobody can date you without their permission."

"You must be joking!" Gwen exclaimed, fiddling with her charm bracelet as it softly jingled.

"No joke. They made the announcement during breakfast this morning while you were still sleeping," Toni teased, causing Gwen's cheeks to flush with embarrassment.

"I think it's rather sweet," Olivia commented, observing Gwen's new nervous habit before turning her attention back to the younger girl. "They just want to protect you, Gwen. It's quite admirable."

"I know, but that doesn't make me any less embarrassed by their actions," Gwen grumbled, burying her red face in her hands while the girls snickered.

Jackie grinned, "it only proves my point further that Sirius and Remus feel something more for her rather than just as friends."

Toni snorted, "even her cousin's Jack and James also agreed that nobody was allowed to date her."

Rolling her eyes, she couldn't believe that they were having this conversation again. Turning back to her food in an awful attempt to hide her flushed face at the mere mention of Sirius.

"Don't worry too much about it. Besides, you have other things to focus on, like the upcoming end-of-term exams," Olivia pointed out, gesturing toward her textbook.

"You're right."

Love was in the air, and it just so happened to be Valentine's Day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The castle was unusually calm and peaceful, thanks to the older couples flocking to Hogsmeade for romantic rendezvous. This was a welcome relief for Gwen, who sought solace in her studies and craved a break from the overwhelming displays of affection.

But fate had other plans.

As Gwen immersed herself in her textbook, a chorus of voices interrupted her concentration. She looked up, only to see four boys charging towards her with mischievous grins plastered on their faces. However, their enthusiasm was short-lived as Peter tripped over a treacherous tree root, causing a chain reaction that sent them tumbling to the ground.

Peering at the tangled mess of limbs before her, Gwen couldn't help but quip, "Well, well, well... It seems like you guys are a bit tied up at the moment. What can I do for you today?" The boys stared back at her, a mixture of confusion and amusement etched on their faces.

James, picking himself up from the heap, declared, "Since we've made it our mission to keep all the boys away from you, we've appointed ourselves as your valentines until someone worthy of your affections comes along."

Remus, with a warm smile, handed Gwen a beautifully wrapped red box of chocolates and took a seat beside her, books in hand. "We all got you chocolates," he said, his eyes twinkling.

Overwhelmed by their gesture, tears welled up in Gwen's eyes. The boys panicked, instantly pointing fingers at each other, desperate to absolve themselves of any wrongdoing.

"Nice going, Remus! You made her cry!" James accused, causing Remus to protest and stutter in response.

"I-what? This was Sirius's idea!" Remus shot back.

"Of course it was! It's a brilliant idea!" Sirius defended himself.

Their argument came to an abrupt halt as Gwen embraced them all in a tight group hug, their bodies sprawled on the ground. They froze, taken aback by her display of emotion. Gwen was known for her reserved nature, rarely revealing her feelings so openly.

"I love you guys so much! You lot are the best mates a girl could ask for!"

"We love you too, Gwen."

And that's how Gwen found herself having an impromptu picnic with the four boys on that Saturday, while most people were out on dates in Hogsmeade. They managed to sneak delicious treats from the castle kitchens and scored an abundance of sweets from Honeydukes. When Gwen inquired about their methods, they simply smiled and promised to reveal their secret later.

Gwen couldn't believe her unfortunate predicament. "This is beyond ridiculous," she muttered, feeling completely tangled up in this absurd plan that had led her to this moment.

She had been on her way to breakfast, ready to spend the day in the courtyard working on her Defense Against the Dark Arts assignment, when the four mischievous boys grabbed her. They whisked her away to a remote part of the castle, guiding her through secret entrances and winding pathways they had discovered during their daring explorations.

"Ye of little faith, Gwen," James retorted with unwavering confidence, causing her to roll her eyes at his Gryffindor bravado.

Oh, the true Gryffindor spirit.

"Not everyone appreciates being kidnapped as they step outside their common room on the way to breakfast, especially when they haven't eaten the night before," she grumbled, her words trailing off as they continued their adventurous escapade.

"I've brought you a little something, sweetheart. Now, be a good girl and behave for me, please," Sirius playfully teased as he handed the white-haired girl a cloth filled with bread, cheese, and grapes. They walked together through a dark tunnel, covered in cobwebs and inhabited by tiny spiders. "I made a quick stop at the kitchens before we came to get you."

Gwen accepted the food gratefully and began munching on it, savoring the flavors as they continued their journey. James and Remus led the way, their wands casting the Lumos spell to illuminate the path. Gwen quietly followed, realizing they were approaching the end of the tunnel. She observed James and Remus exchanging whispers, a mischievous smirk forming on Sirius's face. Shaking her head, she couldn't help but wonder why she had chosen to be friends with this group.

"Where are we headed?" Gwen finally asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"This is a secret passage from Hogwarts that leads to the basement of HoneyDukes," Remus explained, causing Gwen to stop in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise.

"W-What?"

They crawled through a small opening and entered a large room. Gwen's gaze scanned the dusty space, landing on numerous crates that filled the area. It didn't take long for her to realize they were in the basement of HoneyDukes, where the store kept its extra stock of candy.

So this was how they had managed to obtain all that candy for Valentine's Day, which had only been a week ago. It was a wonder how they had discovered this hidden place.

"You lot are absolutely mad," she mused aloud as they explored the room. "How on earth did you stumble upon these tunnels in the first place?"

"While you've been buried in the library, studying your heart out alongside Evans and Snivellus, we've been unraveling the secrets that Hogwarts has to offer," James replied cheekily.

In the dimly lit room, their curiosity led them deeper into its secrets, while Peter stood watch at the foot of the stairs. Just as James and Remus vanished behind a stack of towering crates, Sirius acted swiftly, his arm shooting out to grasp hers. Startled, she turned her head, meeting his gaze with a quizzical expression.

"Is something wrong?" she inquired, her voice filled with intrigue.

Avoiding her eyes, Sirius withdrew his arm, fumbling within the folds of his robe. Finally, he produced a single thornless rose, offering it to her with a shy smile. "You deserve a flower for Valentine's Day," he confessed.

Accepting the delicate gift, she blushed, her cheeks aflame. "It's absolutely beautiful," she murmured.

Scratching his neck nervously, Sirius glanced around to ensure no one witnessed his vulnerability. "I placed a preservation spell on it because I know how much girls love to keep flowers... to, well, admire them," he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness.

Suddenly, her soft, warm lips brushed against his cheek, leaving him flustered and longing for more. As she pulled away, a radiant blush adorned her face, and she beamed at him. "Thank you for the rose," she whispered gratefully.

His heart melted at her response. "Happy Valentine's Day, Gwen," he offered, his voice filled with tenderness.

Returning his sentiment, she replied, "Happy Valentine's Day, Sirius," her voice resonating with affection.

As winter's icy grip gradually loosened its hold and the vibrant hues of Spring began to bloom, the transition from February to March brought with it an air of peculiar significance. A whirlwind of nightmares and an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach had made this particular March an unforgettable one for Gwen, making it nearly impossible for her to keep her meals down.

But what made this month so momentous?

It marked the arrival of Gwen's eagerly anticipated birthday, the day she would finally turn twelve. Excitement mingled with trepidation as she swallowed nervously, her body still shaken from the recurring cold sweats that plagued her nights. With nimble movements, she rose from her bed, clutching her bag and wand, and embarked on a silent journey towards the bathroom, treading lightly to avoid arousing suspicion. The need for a shower was undeniable. She yearned to wash away not just the nightmares, but also the haunting memories that clung to her like a shadow.

As Gwen shed her soaked pajamas, she stood vulnerable and exposed, awaiting the comforting embrace of the filling tub. The air grew thick with steam, creating an ethereal ambiance that matched the weight on her heart. It had been a mere two weeks after her birthday when tragedy struck, robbing her of her beloved Mother. The approaching one-year anniversary of her mother's death loomed ominously, casting a sickening sensation in the pit of Gwen's stomach.

Taking a trembling breath, she leaned against the edge of the grand tub, surrendering to the deluge of emotions that threatened to consume her. All the suppressed sobs escaped from deep within, cascading down her face in a torrent of tears. The large lavatory echoed her cries, serving as a temporary confidant for her pain.

Once her tears had subsided, Gwen mustered the strength to gather herself together. She changed into a fresh pair of cozy pajamas, determined to regain her composure. With a swift drying spell on her damp hair and a subtle adjustment of her glasses on the bridge of her nose, she silently snuck back to her House.

Letting out a prolonged sigh, she slipped her feet into her soft slippers, clutching her wand and one of her recently acquired textbooks. Sleep was out of the question tonight, so she resolved to make the most of her wakeful hours. Her footsteps echoed as she ascended the stairs, finally arriving in the vacant common room. Nestling into the plush couch, she carefully opened her textbook. She was greeted by the esteemed "Standard Book of Spells, Grade Two." Flicking her wand, she illuminated the room with a gentle Lumos spell, casting a warm glow that enveloped her surroundings. With the weight of her emotions temporarily lifted, she immersed herself in the pages, hoping to find solace and purpose in the pursuit of knowledge before the break of dawn.

Meanwhile, in another part of the castle, Gwen's disheveled appearance did not go unnoticed by her friends. As she entered their first class, her tired smile and tightly gripped bag caught James' attention, prompting him to comment on her disheveled state. However, Gwen seemed unaffected by his remark, sliding into her usual seat while Lily and Severus engaged in their own conversation behind her. Her hair was artfully messy, a few loose strands framing her face, and her glasses sat slightly askew on her nose. Her clothes were wrinkled and her eyes bore dark circles, evidence of sleepless nights. She seemed on the verge of succumbing to exhaustion, her gaze fixed on her textbook, oblivious to the world around her.

Observing Gwen's weary state, Sirius sprang into action. Swiftly removing his robe, he bunched it up and switched it with her book, creating a makeshift pillow for her head. Almost instantly, Gwen succumbed to sleep, finding solace in the warmth and comfort of the Gryffindor robe.

"Blimey! Gwen looks like she hasn't slept in ages," James exclaimed, his concern evident as he watched her peacefully slumber beside Sirius. "Why does she resemble a walking dead person?"

Gwen's behavior had taken a strange turn in the past few weeks, ever since their secret trip to Honeydukes. She had become more withdrawn, preferring to be alone. The question lingered in the minds of her friends: What was going on? Sirius glanced back at the sleeping girl, a sigh escaping his lips. He couldn't fathom why Gwen, of all people, would keep something hidden from him. After all, they were supposed to be best mates.

Lily eagerly compiled a list of potential birthday gifts for her best friend, Gwen. With her birthday just around the corner, Lily had dedicated the past week to brainstorming ideas. Sitting at the Gryffindor table in the bustling Great Hall, she awaited Gwen's arrival for a game of Wizards chess. Lost in her thoughts, Lily remained oblivious to the four figures sneaking up behind her. Suddenly, her parchment was snatched from her grasp, and she didn't need to guess who the culprit was.

"Give it back, you troublemaker," Lily grumbled, not in the mood for his antics on this fine Saturday, free from classes and the rambunctious boy.

"What's this, Evans? A love letter?" he teased, holding the parchment above his head, out of reach from the red-headed girl who shot him a dirty look.

"If you must know, Potter," she spat out his name, "it's a list I made of potential gifts for Gwen's birthday." This revelation caught the attention of all four boys, and Lily seized the moment to snatch the paper back, tucking it away in a book for safekeeping.

"Wait, Gwen has a birthday coming up?" Sirius questioned, perplexed as to why they hadn't been informed.

James slapped his forehead in exasperation. "You're right! I completely forgot! I really should read my mum's letters." The three boys looked at him with a mix of annoyance and disbelief.

"Why wouldn't Gwen tell us?" Peter chimed in.

Taking a seat at the table, James was joined by the other three boys. Sensing the gravity of the situation, they all fell silent, waiting for either James or Lily to shed light on the matter. Lily took pity on their genuine concern for Gwen's well-being and decided to explain.

"I'm not surprised Gwen didn't mention it since something more significant is happening," she paused, "her father insists on celebrating her birthday, even though she doesn't want to. He wrote to me, asking me to make sure her birthday is celebrated since he can't be with her." Lily's words hung in the air as the four boys grew solemn.

James grunted, "I can't believe I forgot... Her birthday is just before the anniversary of my aunt's death."

Silence enveloped them, each lost in their own thoughts. Just then, Jack approached, slapping his hands on the shoulders of James and Sirius. "I'm guessing you're here to discuss Gwen's birthday, right?"

Potter groaned, "My mum is going to be furious with me for not reading her letter."

Jack plopped down beside James and Sirius, and the boys exchanged glances, engaging in a silent conversation. After a few moments, they all nodded in agreement, and Sirius spoke up.

"We'll help you, Evans," Lily was taken aback by their seriousness regarding the matter. "Let's discuss it later in the common room tonight."

"T-thank you," she stammered, still surprised by their unexpected support.

Apologizing for her tardiness, Gwen sprinted towards them in her weekend muggle attire. "Sorry I'm late, Lily! I was helping Jackie with her hair."

Flashing them a smile, it took a few seconds for Gwen to realize that Lily and James were standing in such close proximity without anyone being harmed. Growing suspicious, she observed their wide-eyed stares. Jack grinned mischievously.

"Hi, Gwen," Lily greeted, her red curls bouncing.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," Gwen glanced between them all, noticing their exchanged looks, including Lily's.

"Of course not, sweetheart! Jamesy here just wanted to tease Evans," Sirius quickly covered, slinging his arm around Gwen's shoulders as he gestured towards the two.

"I see," Gwen smirked, relieved that she hadn't overheard their conversation. "I'm sorry I'm late again, Lily."

"Don't worry about it. I just arrived myself, actually," Lily waved off her own lie with a smile.

"Well, we'll leave you two girls to your game since we have some pranks to plan," James announced, rising from his seat with Remus and Peter following suit.

Jack stood up as well, swiping the list and stuffing it into his robes. "I have practice to attend."

"Alright then," Gwen beamed at them, taking her seat across from Lily as she set up the chessboard. "I'll see you guys for lunch, right?"

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Remus smiled as they all waved and hurriedly departed, panicking about what to get Gwen.

"Two out of three?" Lily challenged.

"You're on."

The air was charged with anticipation, evident from the multitude of birthday gifts she had received from her family overseas. Grateful for the thoughtful gestures, she spent the day at the library, pouring her heart into thank-you letters. Her owl, Rose, named after her beloved late mother, faithfully delivered each heartfelt message. However, the gifts themselves remained a mystery, carefully tucked away in her trunk to shield them from prying eyes.

In this new chapter of her life at Hogwarts, she cherished the idea of keeping her birthday a secret, rather than having people shower her with superficial congratulations for turning twelve. Deep down, all she truly longed for was a quiet visit to her mother's resting place.

As her special day approached, everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. Gwen found herself making her way towards the boys, who had chosen the usual Tree as their meeting spot. In the days leading up to her birthday, their behavior had grown increasingly peculiar. They whispered and exchanged secretive glances, their silence growing more pronounced whenever she was nearby.

It wasn't just them either as the girls had also withdrawn from her. Only finding time to be around her when studying. The strangeness was amplified by the sudden cancellations of the boys' cancellations for their usual hangouts, replaced with mysterious activities. Although it stung her feelings a little, she brushed it off with indifference.

Braving the cloudy skies, she made her way towards the towering tree beside the serene Black Lake. And to her surprise, waiting for her were not only the boys, but also Lily and Severus. As she glanced around, she noticed Jack engrossed in conversation with Jackie and Toni, while Olivia and Pandora chatted amicably nearby. They all seemed at ease, engaging in lively banter. The sight of Severus with the boys was a cause for concern, as their interactions were rare, yet they stood closely together.

"What's going on?" she asked, her voice trembling as she stood before them. Fidgeting with the hem of her dark blue jumper, she shifted nervously from side to side.

"Happy Birthday!"

As they turned towards her, their faces lit up with wide smiles, even Severus managing a soft, sincere grin. Gwen stood frozen, a whirlwind of emotions engulfing her. The eleven of them blinked, their gazes locked on her, waiting for a response. Lily approached, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder, breaking her out of her stupor. Gwen shifted her gaze from Lily to James, then settled on Lily, knowing that James would have likely forgotten.

"So, you spilled the beans..."

"More like they pieced it together," Lily replied, causing Gwen to nod. After all, it was impossible to keep anything hidden from the four boys, always meddling in everyone's affairs. Jack being her cousin, it was only natural that he would know her birthday and share it with her fellow ravens.

"Thank you for arranging this, but I don't really want to celebrate my birthday. Not anymore." She turned, intending to retreat to the castle, but an arm wrapped around her shoulders, halting her.

"Gwen," Sirius spoke her name, a rare occurrence since he usually showered her with cheeky pet names that he deemed fitting for her appearance and personality. "Stay."

Silence enveloped the group as they watched the interaction between the two, even though Lily, Severus, James, and Jack had known Gwen longer than Sirius had. There was a certain influence Sirius held over her that the others couldn't quite grasp, perhaps due to their shared pureblood upbringing.

Gwen understood the effort they must have put into organizing this for her. Despite her reservations, she realized they were just being good friends, setting aside their differences to throw her a small party. Reluctantly, she uttered a small "okay."

"That's my girl!" Sirius exclaimed, guiding her towards the group. The collective sigh of relief from her friends indicated their gratitude for her decision to stay.

Together, they gathered on a large blanket, feasting on an abundance of food. Gwen shook her head in disbelief, aware that they must have ventured into the kitchens to procure such a feast. With a contented smile, she observed everyone interacting, laughing, and sharing in the joy of the moment. Even Severus, who was usually reserved, wore a soft expression, indicating that he, too, was enjoying himself. Tomorrow, she knew they would return to their mischievous ways, but for now, she leaned back and relished in the rarity of a peaceful moment.

"Thank you, Lily. I appreciate you and Severus joining the boys in arranging this," Gwen expressed her gratitude. Lily embraced her before pulling away.

"Anything for you, Gwen, even if it means dealing with that troublemaker and his band of troublemakers." With a smile, Gwen waved goodbye as she watched Lily and Severus make their way back to the castle for some studying before dinner.

"Happy birthday!" Jamie exclaimed, rushing over to her with an exuberant embrace and playfully tousling her hair. "I hope it was an absolute blast," he added, grinning mischievously as she swatted his hand away.

"Thank you, Jamie. But did you really have to ruin my hair?" she pouted, attempting to fix it.

"Absolutely," he smirked. Just then, the other three boys joined them, wearing sly smiles. James exchanged a knowing look with them, causing all of them to chuckle.

Feeling a flicker of unease, she cautiously backed away from the group. She couldn't shake off the mischievous glances they were sharing and the fact that their hands were concealed behind their backs as they slowly approached her. Raising her hands in surrender, she grew apprehensive about their intentions. She knew that any scheme they cooked up would only lead to chaos and trouble.

"Now!" Sirius shouted, and in an instant, all the boys pounced on her, smearing cake across her face. Shrieking, she realized what had just happened as they laughed down at her.

"You mischievous lot!" she snapped, scrambling to her feet and hurling cake at Remus and James, staining their sweaters. "I'll make you pay for this!"

"Happy Birthday, Gwen!" James, Remus, and Peter dashed off towards the castle before she could chase them, while Sirius selflessly stayed behind to let them escape.

"Sirius!"

"Yes, darling?" Gwen sighed, glancing down at her ruined jumper covered in cake. "You're looking quite delicious right now," he teased, causing her eye to twitch.

"I swear I'll get back at the four of you for this," she grumbled, shaking her head. She walked over to the abandoned blanket and basket, rummaging through it for napkins so she wouldn't have to walk through the castle with her face smeared in white frosting and chocolate cake.

"Oh, come on, darling, it was hilarious," Sirius said as he helped clean up the mess, knowing she didn't particularly enjoy celebrating her birthday.

"For you four, I'm sure it was," she replied, the two of them sitting in silence as Sirius wiped the icing off her face. Luckily, she had worn her hair up that morning, saving it from the cake catastrophe.

"I know you're not keen on celebrating your birthday, Gwen, and I respect that," Sirius began, sitting shoulder to shoulder with her as they watched the sun slowly set. "But do you truly believe your mother would want you to stop celebrating just because she's not here?"

Gwen remained silent, knowing deep down that her mother would scold her for not celebrating her own birthday. However, a heavy guilt weighed on her heart as her birthday rolled around. She couldn't help but feel guilty for enjoying it without her mother.

"No, she wouldn't," Gwen whispered, hugging her knees and burying her face in them. "I-I just feel really guilty for celebrating without her. Every morning, she used to wake me up with my favorite pancakes, and then we would go into London and explore all the shops. We didn't buy much, but we always brought something home. After that, we would have a picnic outside, and if it rained, we'd have it in our living room..." Gwen paused, realizing she might be boring Sirius with her memories. "I'm sorry, I'm probably boring you."

"No, I'd love to hear more," Sirius assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. With a reluctant nod, she continued where she left off.

"After our picnic, Mom would make me stay in my room while she decorated the house. During that time, I would usually read or listen to music until I was allowed downstairs, where both Mom and Dad would surprise me. The Potters and my other family would come over, and we would all celebrate together. It was always so much fun to spend my birthday with them."

"That sounds like the perfect way to celebrate your birthday," Sirius remarked.

"They were..." Gwen lamented, her voice filled with longing.

Sirius gazed across Black Lake. "I'm sorry we couldn't give you that."

Gwen turned her head towards him, surprise evident on her face. She placed a hand on his face, gently forcing him to look at her. "Please don't think I don't appreciate what you and the others have done for me. It may not be what I wanted, but it's no less special. Creating new traditions is a way of moving forward."

"You're an incredibly special girl, Gwen," Sirius said, pausing to plant a kiss on her cheek. "You'll always be my girl," he whispered in her ear, pressing another kiss onto the back of her hand.

Flushing, she turned her gaze back towards the lake.