There was a loud scream that erupted through the house causing Emily to bolt up, swinging open her door and pushing down anyone in her path trying to locate the source of the sound. Her wand held tightly in place, she let out a sigh when she saw her blonde friend jumping in place. In Daphne's hands was a letter with a large display of red roses sitting on the table. She was crying as she read the letter, whoever it was from.

"Why are you screaming!" demanded Emily, feeling someone bumping into her back coming to the source of the noise as well. It was James fumbling with his glasses pushing her hair out of his face.

"Daph, what's going on?" he asked, finally setting them on right.

"It's Arlo! He sent this," she gestured toward the roses waving the letter around. "AND he got me this!"

Daphne was pointing to a pair of medium sized boxes near the roses. They were covered in large velvet navy blue ribbons. Taking the top off, it revealed a pair of red leather gloves, which Emily had known was something she had wanted.

"The note says," explained Daphne taking the piece of paper out and reading aloud. "I know you always say how cold it is in the castle at night. I've enchanted these gloves, with your house colors I might add, to stay warm during the winter days and cool in the summer months. Wishing you love and cheer – Arlo. PS: don't tell Emily but there's a second pair in the other box for her. I'll stop by on Christmas day a bit before we head back. Happy Christmas ladies!"

Daphne hugged the letter close to her chest, tears streaming down her cheeks as she looked up at the Potters. Walking around Emily, James leaned against the island bar watching the two girls giggle and jump holding each other's hands.

"Arlo's coming to visit for Christmas," whispered Daphne, her voice filled with awe and excitement. Emily clasped her hands together in delight, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"That's amazing, Daph! I can't wait to see him too!"

Together, the two girls hugged letting out a squeal as Daphne began talking rapidly about needing to get freshened up and doing her hair, and how she and Emily had to get ready to see their Ravenclaw friend. Eric appeared beside James with a frown on his face, it evident the noise his sister caused affected him more than the Potters only. He rolled his eyes before smiling quietly at James with a sigh.

"Please tell me that my sister isn't going to make more noise," he asked softly rubbing his eyes.

James grinned, his dimples deepening while pointing at the girls. "I would assume not since she's squealing now…."

"What's all the fuss about?" Eric exclaimed, a glint of curiosity in his bright blue eyes as he joined the trio in the living room. His presence added an extra burst of energy to the room, as if the very air around him crackled with excitement.

"Daphne got a surprise from Arlo! He's coming to visit for Christmas," Emily shared, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she relayed the news to Eric.

Daphne beamed at Emily, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Can you blame me? Arlo's like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day," she gushed, her admiration for their friend evident in her voice. "I miss him so much!"

As the morning sun streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room, the two girls gossiped as James prepared a large pot of coffee for everyone and warmed a skillet to prepare some breakfast. With Eric's help, as Daphne was well distracted by her coming guest, the two were joined by Sirius as they plated several plates of fried eggs, bacon, and grilled tomatoes, along with some toast. Eric smiled happily as he cooked, leaving James to stand back and observe.

"How did you learn to cook?" asked James pointing at the various things the boy was doing in the kitchen at rapid speed.

"Please James! I love cooking. Mum always let me help."

The girls were letting out loud gasps as they planned more of their day. From around the island bar, Sirius stood quietly looking back and forth between the two groups. Daphne continued to revel in the joy of Arlo's coming visit, knowing that the Ravenclaw was at least kind despite being friends with Luke. James let out a gruff sigh as he talked with Eric about the difference between poached eggs. Sirius rubbed his eyes in annoyance at rudely being awakened from his peaceful slumber by the sudden commotion of everyone else, and his morning mood was far from cheerful as he listened to the girls talk about Arlo Stone.

"Can you keep it down a bit, Daph? Some of us are trying to sleep here," grumbled Sirius, his tone laced with irritation as he sat down in a large armchair. He shot a playful glare at Emily, who simply rolled her eyes in response.

"Come on, don't be a grump," Emily chided, giving him a playful nod. "This is exciting news! Arlo's like a big brother, you know."

"I'm your big brother," shouted James from the kitchen.

Sirius huffed, but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips as he listened to Daphne share the details of Arlo's heartfelt gesture. Despite his attempts to appear indifferent, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement at the prospect of spending more time alone with Emily. The girl kept her attention mostly to her bubbly friend, but several quick looks showed Sirius that she was desperate at the same time to go back to sleep. Her hair was loosely hanging around her face as it fell out of its messy bun.

And so, as the sun continued to rise, casting a warm and inviting glow over the room. Finally, James came in holding two plates for the girls, and Eric held out a plate to Sirius. They each smiled and thanked them for breakfast before breaking out into a brisk conversation about the day's full events that Daphne and Emily had planned.

Eric chuckled, shaking his head fondly at his sister's boundless energy. "Daphne never fails to make a grand entrance," he remarked, sharing a smile with James and Sirius, who were all watching in awe at the dynamic duo before them. James nudged Sirius with a mischievous grin.

"Looks like the girls are in full swing," he remarked, amusement dancing in his eyes as he observed the animated conversation between the chatty girls. Eric couldn't help but join in on the teasing, a playful smirk on his lips as he leaned towards James and Sirius.

"Thanks a lot, now they won't shut up," he teased, earning a chuckle from his friends as they continued to marvel at the close bond between Daphne and Emily.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the windows, the five laughed and chatter filled the air as they gathered around, sitting cozily sharing stories and indulging in the delicious meal that Eric prepared for them. The warmth of friendship surrounded them, as they each finished up setting their dishes in the sink for later washing. Finally, after nearly an hour, calmness wrapped around the Potter home as Sirius looked up, his trademark mischievous grin, and tousled dark hair present. Looking over at James hearing the faint noises from upstairs, he noticed a suspicious glance aimed at him, a frown creasing his brow.

James stepped closer as Eric left to read in the den quietly. Sirius instantly thought back to when he and Emily had pleased each other, praying this wasn't about that. He was certain no one saw him get up and leave her room, but he was unsure when everyone got back.

"You know, Padfoot, I've noticed how close you and Emily have been lately," James remarked, his tone guarded as he eyed his friend warily. "What's the deal with that? I hope you're not up to any funny business."

Sirius felt a knot form in his stomach as James's words hung in the air, his friend's guarded tone sending a wave of apprehension through him. He tried to maintain his casual demeanor, his mischievous grin never faltering as he met James's wary gaze.

"Oh, you know how it is, Prongs," Sirius replied smoothly, his voice light and nonchalant. "Emily and I have always been close. Just good friends catching up, that's all."

James raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical as he continued to study him. "Just catching up, huh?" he pressed, his tone slightly more insistent now. "It just seems like you two have been spending an awful lot of time together lately."

Sirius shrugged nonchalantly, trying to deflect James's probing questions. "Well, you know how it is with old friends," he deflected, a hint of tension creeping into his voice. "We just enjoy each other's company, that's all."

James's frown deepened, his suspicions clearly not eased by Sirius's casual responses.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a note of concern. "I just want to make sure everything's on the up and up between you two."

Sirius felt a surge of panic rising within him, his mind racing to come up with a plausible explanation. He couldn't bring himself to admit the truth about his secret tryst with Emily, knowing that it would only complicate things further. Desperate to deflect the conversation, he flashed James a charming smile.

"Come on, you know me," Sirius replied, his tone light and breezy. "Just two old friends catching up, nothing more to it. You don't need to worry about anything."

As James continued to press Sirius for answers, a sinking feeling settled in his chest. He knew that he couldn't keep up the charade much longer, especially if James had seen the truth for himself. And it seemed that fate had other plans, as the moment James brought up Daphne's revelation, making his heart drop into his stomach.

"Daphne mentioned something to me about finding you and Emily sharing a bed. And I saw it for myself," James began, his gaze piercing and accusatory. "Care to explain that one, Padfoot?"

Sirius's heart raced as he searched for the right words, his mind racing to come up with a convincing explanation. Taking a deep breath, he looked James in the eye, his voice betraying a touch of guilt.

"It's not what you think," Sirius started, his voice tinged with regret. "Emily had a bad dream, and I offered her comfort. We fell asleep talking. But nothing happened, I swear."

James's expression darkened, a mix of disbelief and disappointment flickering across his features. "So, you expect me to believe that you were just innocently sleeping in the same bed, cuddled up like that?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger. "Look, I know you're not telling me everything!"

Sirius's heart sank as he realized the depth of his mistake, the weight of his actions bearing down on him like a heavy burden. He knew that he had betrayed James's trust, and the guilt threatened to overwhelm him.

"I know it looks bad, Prongs," Sirius admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I swear, it was just a moment of weakness. I would never hurt you or Emily."

James remained silent for a long moment his gaze locked with Sirius's as he processed the betrayal. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh, a mixture of hurt and resignation evident in his eyes.

"I trust you, mate, but if there's something going on with my sister, you need to be honest with me," James stated firmly sitting on the edge of his chair. His voice heavy with emotion as he looked down for a moment. "I don't know what to say. I want to trust you, mate. And now... now I don't know what to think when… if you're like the rest of the males in school saying dirty things about my sister…. Do you know what they say about Emily? How much they want to see the color of her breast or taste her like that…. Things I feel about Lily, but to hear it applied to my sister is different Padfoot!"

Sirius felt his heart break at James's words, the weight of his mistake settling heavily on his shoulders. He knew that repairing the damage he had caused would take time, but he hoped that, with honesty and remorse, he could earn back James's trust. With a final nod of reassurance, Sirius hoped that James would drop the subject, the weight of his unspoken secret heavy on his heart as he braced himself for the uncertain consequences of his actions.

Sirius felt a wave of guilt wash over him, the knot tightening in his stomach as he struggled to come up with a plausible explanation. He could see the worry in James's eyes, the unspoken question hanging between them like a heavy cloud. Taking a deep breath, Sirius finally met James's gaze, his expression serious. Then his mouth started running.

"Okay, fine," he conceded, a flicker of remorse flashing in his eyes. "The truth is, Emily and I... we have been getting closer lately. But it's nothing serious, I promise."

James's eyes widened in surprise, his brow furrowing as he processed Sirius's admission.

"Closer how?" he pressed, his voice edged with a mixture of curiosity and concern. "What exactly do you mean by 'nothing serious'?"

Sirius hesitated, unsure of how to explain the complexities of his feelings for Emily without causing more harm. He knew he was treading on dangerous ground, but he couldn't bring himself to lie to James any longer.

"I... We...," Sirius stammered, his words faltering as he struggled to find the right way to phrase his confession. "Prongs, I care about Emily. I swear, nothing happened between us that you should be worried about. I just want her to be safe as I always have. I promise you that Prongs!"

James's expression softened as he absorbed Sirius's words, a mix of emotions flickering across his features. After a moment of silence, he let out a deep sigh, his gaze meeting Sirius's with a newfound understanding.

"Alright, Padfoot," James said finally, his voice gentle. "I trust you. Just...be careful, okay? Emily's my sister, and I care about her a lot."

Sirius nodded, a sense of relief washing over him as the weight of his secret began to lift. He knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges, but with James's understanding and support, he felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, things would work out in the end. As the weight of their conversation hung in the air, Sirius stood up from the armchair, his body instinctively going to the kitchen and reaching for the dishes to start washing them. As he scrubbed away at the remnants of their morning meal, his mind raced with thoughts of Emily and the complicated situation he found himself in.

Lost in his thoughts, Sirius barely noticed the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. Startling slightly, he turned to see Emily standing there, a naughty grin on her face as she leaned against the counter.

"Looks like you could use a hand with those," Emily quipped, reaching for a dish towel and joining Sirius at the sink. Their hands brushed slightly as they worked in tandem, a comfortable silence settling between them. Feeling a sense of relief in her presence, despite the uncertainty of their situation, he found solace in her company, a connection that seemed to go beyond words.

"So, did you escape from Daphne unscathed?" Sirius asked, breaking the silence with a playful smile. Emily chuckled, a twinkle in her eye as she recounted her daring escape from their friend's relentless chatter.

Emily stole a quick glance at Sirius, her expression a mix of amusement and uncertainty. With a twinkle in her eye, she leaned in closer, speaking in a hushed voice. "What did James ask earlier?" she murmured, her words barely above a whisper.

Sirius shot her a sideways glance, a playful grin dancing on his lips as he pretended to focus on scrubbing a stubborn stain off a dish. "Oh, you mean about me being your knight in shining armor when you had that 'bad dream'?" he replied under his breath, a hint of delight in his tone.

Emily stifled a giggle, unable to contain her laughter at the situation they found themselves in. "I can't believe he bought that excuse. He's going to be on high alert now," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she continued to wash the dishes.

Sharing a knowing look, their secret understanding clear in the way they made a conscience effort to stand a bit from each other. Despite the unspoken tension between them, they found solace in the brief moments of connection, hidden from the prying eyes of their friends.

"You know, James may be onto us. He's always been a bit too perceptive for his own good," she jested, a mischievous glint in her eyes. His fingers slipped on a dish causing Emily to grab his hands suddenly. The clatter of the dish against the sink and the sound of running water allowed them a moment of freedom as she teased him a moment more. Sirius chuckled, his hands deftly scrubbing a plate as he shot Emily a playful wink.

"Oh, please, he's just being his overprotective self. He'll come around eventually," he replied, his voice soft and laced with a hint of amusement.

Emily arched an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on her lips as she dried off a dish and set it aside. "I don't know, Sirius. James has always had a keen eye for these things. We may need to be more careful in the future," she teased, her tone conspiratorial.

Sirius leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing as he whispered, "Well, if we do get caught, at least it'll make for a good story to tell later, right?"

His eyes twinkled with mischief as he flashed Emily a charming grin bumping her shoulder with his. Emily couldn't help but laugh at his words, the anxiety of the moment dissipating as they shared a moment of lightheartedness together.

"I suppose you're right. Just promise me you won't let James hex you if he finds out," she joked, a playful glint in her eye.

With a shared chuckle, the two friends continued their task, their banter filling the kitchen with warmth and laughter. Despite the unspoken understanding between them, they found solace in the playful camaraderie they shared, knowing that their bond was stronger than any temporary misunderstanding that might arise. Finishing up their task and drying their hands, and with a final glance, Sirius and Emily exchanged a silent understanding, their unspoken connection a comfort in the midst of their tangled emotions. As they parted ways, Sirius couldn't shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, they could navigate the complexities of their friendship together, one dish at a time.

*dot*

As the afternoon rolled on and the sun dipped low in the sky, the cozy atmosphere of the Potter's home welcomed a sense of calm and relaxation. Their parents had returned finally, carrying several bags of presents for the group of teenagers. James and Daphne had started a heated game of Wizard's Chess, their competitive banter echoing through the room. Meanwhile, Eric found himself engrossed in a book, his brow furrowed in concentration as he flipped through the pages. Ater several rounds, James, on the other hand, took a moment to relax in front of the roaring fire, a content smile playing on his lips as they sipped on their cups of tea.

As the peaceful scene unfolded, Daphne decided to take a break from the game of chess and wandered into the den, a playful glint in her eyes. As she entered the room, her gaze fell upon a sight that took her by surprise.

There, on the sofa, were Sirius and Emily, fast asleep on each other. Emily's head rested gently on Sirius's shoulder, her breathing soft and steady. Sirius, with one arm lazily draped over the back of the sofa, had his other hand resting a safe distance away from Emily's body.

Daphne couldn't help but chuckle at the sight before her, the moment capturing a peacefulness and intimacy between friends that warmed her heart. Quietly, she approached the sofa, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she observed the two slumbering figures. Unable to resist the opportunity for a playful tease, she cleared her throat softly, causing both to stir from their slumber. As they blinked awake, groggily adjusting to their surroundings.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she teased, amusement dancing in her eyes as Sirius and Emily shot a sheepish glance.

Sirius rubbed his eyes sleepily, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush as he sat up, offering Emily a gentle smile. "Caught us, huh, Daph?" he chuckled, a note of embarrassment in his voice.

Emily chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling in amusement as she stretched, a lazy smile gracing her features. "Looks like we may have dozed off, oops," she admitted, a playful glint in her eyes as she exchanged a knowing glance with Sirius.

Daphne laughed, her heart light with the easy camaraderie. "Don't worry, you two. Just be glad it was me who found you and not James," she jested, a twinkle in her eye.

This made Sirius sit right up, holding his head as Daphne walked out of the room. Emily's eyes followed her friend, confused by the words. Sirius and Emily exchanged a silent glance, their unspoken connection a comfort in the midst of the gentle chaos of friendship.

"What was that about?" she asked softly shifting a bit in her spot.

As he rubbed his head, feeling his hair caught through thin, shaking fingers. His mind replayed his conversation with James on a loop. The guilt of keeping the truth from his best friend gnawed at Sirius, the weight of his secret threatening to crush him. Lost in his thoughts, he barely registered Emily's presence as she leaned closer, her hand light and hesitant on his knee. She watched him for a moment, her gaze filled with concern as she approached him.

"Sirius, are you okay?" Emily's voice was soft, her eyes searching his face for any sign of distress. Sirius forced a smile, trying to banish the turmoil that churned within him.

"I'm fine, just lost in thought," he replied, his tone strained. Emily's brow furrowed with worry, her hand reaching out to touch his arm gently.

"You can tell me, you know," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring. "Whatever it is, I'm here for you."

Sirius felt his resolve crumble at her words, the weight of his confession heavy on his tongue. With a deep breath, he finally met Emily's gaze, the truth spilling out in a rush.

"James saw us, Emily," Sirius admitted, his voice stained with remorse. "He knows we were sharing a bed, even if we were just sleeping. I don't know what he'll think, or how he'll react. I'm sorry, I should have been more careful."

Emily's eyes widened in surprise, a mix of emotions flickering across her face. She reached out, her hand intertwining with his, a silent gesture of support and understanding. Sirius felt a rush of gratitude for her unwavering support, a sense of relief washing over him as they stood together in the warmth of the kitchen. With her by his side, he knew that they could weather any storm that came their way. They exchanged silent glances, a creak of the floorboards drew their attention towards the doorway where James stood, a contemplative expression on his face. His gaze moved from Sirius to Emily, a flicker of uneasiness passing through his eyes before being quickly masked.

"Everything alright, mate?" James asked casually, though there was a hint of tension beneath the nonchalant tone. Sirius cleared his throat, his gaze meeting James's with a mixture of apprehension and guilt.

"Yeah, just talking," Sirius replied, a forced smile gracing his lips. Emily shot him a supportive glance, her hand squeezing his reassuringly. James nodded, a thoughtful look crossing his features before he turned away, seemingly satisfied with the response before turning to leave. They shared a relieved glance, their tension easing slightly now that the immediate threat of discovery had passed. Sirius let out a shaky breath, his shoulders slumping backward on the sofa's back with a mixture of relief and lingering anxiety.

"Thanks, Emmy," Sirius murmured, his voice filled with gratitude as he reached for her hand, squeezing it tightly. Emily returned the gesture, offering him a reassuring smile.

"We'll get through this, Sirius," Emily replied, her eyes meeting his with unwavering resolve. "We just need to take it one step at a time and be there for each other."

Sirius nodded, his heart warmed by Emily's steadfast support. Together, they stood up and went to find her parents to help with dinner, the atmosphere tinged with a newfound sense of unity and solidarity. The evening wore on and James's behavior towards them seemed unchanged, maintaining his usual camaraderie and banter. Yet, there was a subtle shift in his interactions, a flicker of understanding and guardedness in his gaze whenever he looked at Sirius and Emily. Despite the unspoken tension that lingered between them, the group remained close-knit, engaging in games and conversation as they sought comfort in each other's company.

As they settled down for the night, Sirius found himself unable to shake the weight of James' unspoken knowledge. Alone in his room, he lay awake, his thoughts consumed with worry and uncertainty. In the darkness, a soft knock on his door drew his attention. Opening it, he found Emily standing there, a comforting presence in the dim light.

"Can't sleep?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern. Sirius nodded, a sigh escaping him as he rubbed a hand through his hair. Emily stepped inside, closing the door behind her.

"We'll figure this out, Sirius. Whatever happens, we'll face it together," Emily reassured him, her gaze steady and unwavering.

Sirius met her eyes, finding solace in her words. With Emily by his side, he felt a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty, knowing that their bond could withstand any storm. She sat on the edge of Sirius's bed, the room enveloped in a hazy glow from the moonlight filtering in through the window. The stillness of the night seemed to amplify the weight of their shared secret, the air heavy with unspoken words and emotions. Watching Emily in silence, the stress that had been gnawing at him easing slightly in her presence, a source of comfort, a beacon of calm amidst the storm of uncertainty that raged within him.

"Thank you for being here, Emmy," Sirius finally spoke, his voice quiet yet filled with gratitude. Emily turned to him, her eyes searching his face with a soft, understanding gaze.

"I'll always be here for you, Sirius," Emily replied, her tone gentle and reassuring.

Sirius felt a swell of emotion rise within him, a mix of gratitude and longing that he struggled to put into words. Without hesitating, he reached out, his hand gently cupping Emily's cheek as he leaned in, his lips brushing against hers in a soft, tentative kiss. It was filled with unspoken words, a silent promise of their bond and the depths of their feelings for each other. In that moment, nothing else mattered but the connection they shared, the comfort and love that flowed between them.

As they pulled away, their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them. Emily's hand found its way to entwine with Sirius's, their fingers lacing together in a silent vow of solidarity and support.

"I love you," Sirius whispered, his voice filled with sincerity and vulnerability. Emily's eyes sparkled with emotion, her own confession reflected in the depths of her gaze.

"I love you too," Emily replied, her voice soft yet resolute.

In that moment, as the moonlight bathed them in its ethereal glow, Sirius and Emily found solace in each other's embrace, drawing strength from the bond that held them together in the quiet of the night. And as they sat side by side, their hearts intertwined with love and trust, they knew that together they could weather any storm that lay ahead.

"Oh," said Sirius standing up suddenly eyeing the clock a moment. Walking toward his travel bag, he knelt looking through it a moment before reemerging a small box in his hands.

"Consider this an early Christmas gift," he said with a warm smile, holding out the box to Emily. "I thought you could use a little something to brighten your spirits."

Surprised and touched by his thoughtful gesture, Emily's heart swelled with gratitude as she carefully unwrapped the box. Inside, nestled in soft velvet, was a delicate silver bracelet adorned with intricate charms that shimmered in the faint light of the room.

"It's beautiful, Sirius," she whispered, her voice filled with awe and appreciation as she held up the bracelet, the charms catching the twinkle of the Christmas lights with a magical gleam.

Sirius smiled his eyes soft with affection as he watched her admire the gift. "I saw it and thought of you," he explained, his words carrying a depth of sentiment that transcended the simple act of giving a present. "May it remind you that despite our differences, our bond is unbreakable."

Touched by his words and the symbolism behind the gift, Emily felt a surge of warmth and gratitude wash over her. She reached out to clasp the bracelet around her wrist, feeling the weight of Sirius's kindness and the depth of their friendship settle around her like a comforting embrace. As the intensity of their encounter began to wane, Sirius found himself struggling to regain his equilibrium. He had never experienced such a whirlwind of emotions and sensations, and the sheer force of it all left him feeling both exhilarated and unsettled. He knew that he needed to regain control of the situation, to reestablish the boundaries that had, until now, been so carefully maintained.

With a deep breath, Sirius gently pushed Emily away from him, looking for signs that she felt comfortable. They both realized they had crossed a line unintentionally. They shared a smile, feeling warmth and understanding. As the clock struck midnight on Christmas Day, they stood under mistletoe, feeling connected and grateful. They exchanged a tender kiss, deepening their bond. Their love and affection fueled their passion as they explored each other. As they both sat there, panting lightly, Sirius reached out and cast a muffle charm over them, ensuring that any sounds they might make would be discreetly concealed. The room fell into a quiet stillness, broken only by the soft rustle of their breathing and the occasional creak of the old wooden floor beneath them.

*dot*