Lily and Jane strolled leisurely through the castle grounds, their breath mingling with the crisp, winter air. The first snowfall of late November had cloaked the world in a pristine blanket of white. Trees, adorned with shimmering icicles, stood sentinel over the grounds. Their branches etched against the pale afternoon sky. The lake's edges were beginning to freeze, its glassy surface mirroring the overcast heavens. With a flick of her wand, Lily dispelled the encroaching chill, enveloping them both in a warm, protective bubble.

"Thanks, Lily," Jane replied, pulling her cloak more tightly around her. She shivered slightly despite the warmth of the charm.

Lily offered a warm smile, her fiery hair a striking contrast against the winter wonderland. "It's a simple spell," she dismissed modestly. "I do enjoy the snow, just not the biting cold that accompanies it."

Their boots crunched rhythmically in the pristine snow as they strolled. Conversation turned to the upcoming Hufflepuff party, an early Christmas celebration designed to kick off the holiday season. After the resounding success of the Halloween party, Lucas and Maya had deemed it necessary to host a festive gathering for every holiday. The mere mention of another party caused Jane's shoulders to slump in mock despair.

"I'm really not looking forward to another party," Jane confessed, her voice tinged with weariness. "With everything going on, especially this unexpected study group, I don't think I have the energy for another social event."

Lily offered a sympathetic smile, her eyes conveying understanding. "I know you've been stressed, Jane," she crooned softly. "Maybe you should just relax and enjoy the party. You deserve a break."

"I wish I could too," Jane sighed, her breath visible in the frosty air. "It feels like there's always something to do."

Before Lily could reply, a boisterous group of boys burst into view, their laughter echoing across the grounds. The Marauders – James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew – approached with their usual air of bravado. Bundled against the cold in winter cloaks, scarves, and gloves, they looked like a group fresh from a mischief-making escapade that would undoubtedly earn them detention.

"Afternoon, ladies," James greeted them with a wide grin, his glasses fogged up slightly from the cold as he pushed them up his nose. "Enjoying the first snowfall of the season?"

Lily rolled her eyes good-naturedly, her cheeks flushed pink from the cold. "Afternoon, James. Yes, we are. How about you?"

Sirius grinned, his pale face alight with mischief as he shook snow from his dark hair. "Wonderful," he replied. "But it's even better now that we've run into you two."

James stepped closer to Lily, his smile never faltering. "Lily, you look absolutely radiant in this snow. It really brings out the colour in your eyes."

A blush crept onto Lily's cheeks, but she managed to maintain her composure. "Thank you, James," she replied gracefully.

James continued unabashedly, "You know, I've always admired how you manage to look stunning regardless of the weather. It's quite a feat."

Lily chuckled, shaking her head as her fiery hair danced in the wind. "James, you're incorrigible," she teased.

James's face was alight with amusement. It was clear he relished this playful banter with Lily. "Only when it comes to you," he confirmed with a grin.

Sirius, his eyes finally landing on Jane, offered her a charming, practised smile. "And who might you be?"

"Jane," she responded, her voice a breathless whisper, fighting the blush that threatened to overwhelm her at his focused attention.

Sirius's lips curved into a charming grin, his grey eyes dancing with amusement. "Well, Jane, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. You've certainly captured the room's attention. I think it's time we explored that spark a little closer."

Jane's lips curved into a wry smile as she batted away his advances. "I'm not interested," she replied, her tone light but firm.

Lily chuckled, "She's way out of your league, Black."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, feigning offence. "And what exactly is my type, Lily?"

Lily grinned mischievously. "Someone who appreciates your, uh, unique sense of charm," she replied. "Jane has better taste."

Undeterred, Sirius turned his attention back to Jane. "Well, if I'm not your type, maybe you'd prefer someone a bit more, let's say, scholarly?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at Remus.

Jane's face flushed a deep crimson as she stammered, "I-I, uh, hadn't… w-well."

Remus looked uncomfortable, trying to divert the conversation. "Sirius, leave her alone. She doesn't need you to play matchmaker."

Sirius ignored him, his grin widening. "Come on, Remus. You and Jane would make a great pair. You're smart, she likes smart blokes. It's perfect!"

Jane shot Sirius an exasperated look. "Seriously, Sirius. Drop it."

Lily chuckled and shook her head, her breath creating little puffs of steam in the cold air. "Ignore him, Jane. He's just trying to cause trouble."

Peter, eager to join the conversation in any way, piped up, "You should let us help you with your studies. We're pretty good at that."

Jane raised an eyebrow, her scepticism evident. "Really? And what exactly would you contribute to a study session?"

Sirius puffed out his chest dramatically, scattering a few snowflakes from his cloak. "We'd bring the entertainment, of course. No study session is complete without a bit of Marauder magic."

"Really?" Jane retorted, raising an eyebrow, "I don't think I've ever seen you near a book."

Before Peter could stammer out a reply, Jane turned on her heel, her gaze scanning the grounds for Lily. Spotting her friend a few paces away, engaged in conversation with James, she excused herself.

James, his eyes sparkling with amusement, turned his charm up a notch. "Lily, did I ever tell you that your hair looks like it's been kissed by fire? It's truly something special."

Lily rolled her eyes playfully, though a hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Always the charmer, James. But I'll have to pass on that date you're about to ask me on."

It was mere seconds before Sirius and the rest of the boys were back at Jane's side, like a pack of overeager puppies.

Sirius, undeterred by Jane's earlier dismissal, nudged Remus with his elbow. "Come on, Moony. Show Jane what a real gentleman is like."

Remus sighed, clearly exasperated by his friend's antics. "Sirius, please. Jane, it's nice to meet you. If you ever need help with your studies or anything else, just let me know."

Jane smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she met Remus' genuine kindness. "Thanks, Remus. I appreciate that," she replied, her voice soft.

Sirius wasn't done yet, though. He grinned mischievously at Jane. "How about it, Jane? Remus here is the nicest of us all. He's reliable, clever, and he won't turn your study group into a circus. Unlike some people," he added with a pointed look at James and Peter, who both feigned innocence.

Jane's face turned crimson as she stammered, "I—um, I don't think that's needed."

Lily, unable to watch her friend squirm any longer, jumped in. "Sirius, back off. She's not interested. And let's drop this matchmaking nonsense. If Jane wanted to date, she'd already be with Clark Walsh, the Ravenclaw Quidditch star."

Sirius let out a dramatic sigh, sending another round of fresh flurry of snowflakes cascading from his hair. "Fine, fine. But mark my words, Remus and Jane would be perfect together."

James, determined to keep Lily's focus, leaned in slightly. "Lily, we should definitely go on that moonlit walk I suggested. It'd be the ideal way to finish off a day like this."

Lily shook her head. "James," she said in mock-exasperation.

"Sorry!" James replied, his teasing tone softening. "But how could I not, when I'm in the presence of the most brilliant witch at Hogwarts?"

Lily turned to Jane. "Jane, did you hear that? Someone just paid you a lovely compliment!" She tossed a pointed, yet still lovely, smile at James.

Suddenly, Eleanor came rushing up to them, her cheeks flushed from the cold. She did her best not to tumble down the hill as she ran.

"Jane! Lily! I just finished my Muggle Studies essay!" Eleanor exclaimed, her breath coming in short, excited bursts.

Sirius, ever the showman, turned his full attention to Eleanor. "Well, well, what do we have here? I must be under a charm because I can't seem to stop looking at you."

Eleanor blinked, surprised. "Um, thank you. And you are?"

Sirius grinned, clearly enjoying the moment. "Sirius Black, at your service." He took her hand and, with a dramatic flourish, kissed the back of it. "You've stolen the sun's shine today."

Eleanor blushed even deeper, her blue eyes wide with surprise. "Oh, well, thank you, Sirius. I wasn't expecting such a...compliment." Jane could tell her friend was thoroughly charmed.

Sirius released her hand, his smile growing wider, clearly enjoying the fact that there was now a witch who responded to his affection. "Only the best for someone as lovely as you. Tell me, what was your essay about? I'm genuinely curious."

Eleanor, still slightly flustered, managed a smile. "It was about the differences in holiday traditions between Muggles and wizards. I find it fascinating how Muggles celebrate without magic."

Sirius nodded, leaning in as if genuinely interested. "That does sound fascinating. I'd love to hear more about it sometime. Perhaps over a butterbeer at The Three Broomsticks?"

Eleanor giggled, clearly charmed. "Are you asking me out, Sirius Black?"

Sirius placed a hand over his heart in mock sincerity. "Absolutely. I'd be honoured to spend more time with you. Besides, if you are as intelligent as you are beautiful, you must have plenty of insights to share."

Lily watched the blossoming interaction with a playful glint in her eye. Leaning closer to Jane, she whispered, "Looks like Eleanor has quite captured Sirius's attention."

Jane thought this was a bit much, though she couldn't help but be happy for her friend. "Sirius is relentless. But Eleanor seems to be enjoying it."

Seizing the moment, James turned his attention back to Lily. "You know, Lily, if we're on the topic of essays, I could really use your help with my Transfiguration assignment. I need to turn a chair into a couch that would be worthy of a good snog. And who better to ask than the best Transfiguration student in the year?"

Lily crossed her arms with a hint of annoyance. "James, you're just looking for an excuse to spend more time with me."

James grinned, unabashed. "You wound me, Lily. I am but a humble student of Transfiguration seeking to learn. How could you deny such a pure and honest request?"

The clock tower chimed, its deep tones echoing through the grounds. Lily checked her watch, then turned to Jane with an apologetic look. "Oh, I forgot, I'm supposed to meet Severus. He's helping me with Potions."

James's face fell, a clear look of displeasure crossing his features. "Do you have to go now? Can't it wait a bit longer?"

Lily shook her head, her fiery hair catching the light. "Sorry, James, but I already promised Severus. Potions are important, you know." James started to object, but Lily's determined look silenced him. "I really need his help," she insisted. "I'll catch up with you both later."

With that, she gave Jane a quick hug and waved at the rest of the group before hurrying off towards the castle. James watched her go, frustration evident in his stance.

"Well, that was a buzzkill," Sirius remarked, turning his attention back to Eleanor. "But at least we still have the pleasure of your company. So, tell me more about these fascinating Muggle traditions."

Eleanor's cheeks glowed as she continued her lively conversation with Sirius, clearly relishing the attention. Sirius leaned in, brushing a stray hair from her face.

Jane stood awkwardly by the side, feeling a bit like a third wheel. She glanced at Remus, who offered her a sympathetic smile. "Looks like Sirius is in full charm offensive," he murmured quietly.

Jane nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, he's quite a character." James stood nearby, his frown deepening, clearly lost in thought, probably still mulling over Lily's departure.

The group began to take a midafternoon stroll, with Eleanor and Sirius engrossed in their animated conversation. Remus would add the occasional comments, and Jane did her best to fit in. Eleanor, still caught up in her flirtatious banter with Sirius, glanced at Jane and Remus. "Jane, you should hear some of Sirius's stories. They're absolutely outrageous."

"Oh, I'm sure they are," Jane replied, forcing a smile, her gaze drifting away from the increasingly animated conversation between Eleanor and Sirius. "But Remus and I were just discussing the Hufflepuff party."

Eleanor's eyes lit up with excitement, her hand instinctively reaching for Sirius's arm. "You should come, Sirius," she insisted, her voice laced with a playful urgency. "It'll be a blast. There's going to be plenty of food, drink, and live music."

Sirius's eyes widened in playful anticipation. "A Hufflepuff party, you say? Count me in. And darling, you must promise me this dance. I've been dying to show off my moves."

Eleanor giggled again, her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue. Clearly smitten, she leaned into Sirius. "I think I can manage that." With a flourish, Sirius captured her hand and gently kissed the back, their gazes locked in a moment of shared intimacy that Jane discreetly averted her eyes from.

Remus, who had been quietly observing the blossoming connection, finally broke the spell. "Sirius, old friend, you do realise you're not the only one invited to the party, right? Perhaps you should give Eleanor a moment to breathe." His tone was light, but a hint of underlying amusement was evident.

Sirius laughed, ruffling Remus' hair playfully. "Come on, Moony, I'm just having a bit of fun. Besides, Eleanor seems to be enjoying herself." He winked at Eleanor, who giggled and batted her eyelashes.

Eleanor shook her head, a playful smile on her lips. "Not at all, Sirius. It's nice to be noticed."

Remus turned to Jane, a knowing glint in his eyes. "Seems like this party is going to be quite the event," he remarked.

Jane sighed, though a flicker of hope ignited within her. "It certainly looks that way," she replied, her voice barely audible above the growing excitement of the group.

As they neared the imposing silhouette of Hogwarts, a strange unease settled over Jane. A nagging pull tugged at the back of her mind, a sensation both familiar and unsettling. Her gaze drifted towards James, locked in animated conversation with Peter. Something about him felt oddly familiar, a connection she couldn't quite grasp. It was as if she'd known him for a lifetime, yet the details of that familiarity remained frustratingly elusive.

Later that week, The girls huddled around a potting table in the Herbology greenhouse, their task a delicate dance with the venomous tentacula. Sunlight painted the scene in warm hues as they worked and laughed, their voices mingling with the earthy scent of soil and the plant's sharp aroma.

"So, Eleanor," Lily began with a teasing smile, "how are things going with Sirius?"

Eleanor's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink, and she focused intently on her plant, the rustling leaves providing a small distraction. "Oh, you know, they're going... well."

Lily's curiosity was piqued, "Spill the beans, Eleanor! We need the juicy details – the snogging, the dates, the secret notes! Have you defied the curfew for a midnight rendezvous or penned an entire parchment with Mrs. Eleanor Black! Don't keep us in suspense!"

Eleanor's nervous laughter was lost in the greenhouse chatter. "It's private," she insisted, her cheeks still flushed.

Olivia's eyebrow arched, her hands expertly tending to the plant, as she mused thoughtfully, "Sounds like you two have been getting up to some fun."

Eleanor's blush deepened, and she bit her lip, refusing to divulge any more information. "Maybe. But I'm not telling."

The girls exchanged knowing glances, their laughter bubbling up like a spring, filling the greenhouse with lightheartedness. The faint trickle of water from a nearby fountain provided a soothing backdrop to their playful banter.

Lily turned to Jane, a knowing look on her face. "Jane, you should totally ask Remus to dance at the party. You two would look great together."

Jane felt her cheeks heat up, the warmth spreading through her as she shook her head. "I don't know, Lily. I'm not really sure about that."

Olivia chimed in, her face smudged with soil, "It would be fun! Remus is a great guy, and you two would have a wonderful time together."

Eleanor interjected, "Jane's going to ask Clark, obviously."

Eleanor's declaration was met with a chorus of disbelief. "No way!" Lily exclaimed, her eyes widening. "Clark? Really? He's all right, but Remus is so much more..." She paused, searching for the right word. "Jane."

Olivia nodded in agreement, her hands pausing in their task. "And he's got that whole cute and shy, smart thing going for him. You know, the kind of guy who's brilliant but too humble to admit it."

"The real question is, who's the better kisser?" Eleanor declared, a mischievous glint in her eye. "And Clark's a Beater. Can you imagine kissing someone with those hands?"

"Oh, please," Lily retorted, rolling her eyes. "Remus is all sweet and gentle. He'd kiss you so softly, you'd think a butterfly landed on your lips. And then the next day, you'd wake up to find a whole bunch of wildflowers on your bedside table."

The conversation was a slow, agonising death for Jane. She retreated into her notes, a desperate attempt at invisibility. Her only response: a noncommittal, "We'll see. Let's just get through this week first."

The rustling of robes in the greenhouse provided a soft counterpoint to the hushed tones of the girls' conversation. A shared glance passed between them, a silent agreement to drop the subject. Their attention turned back to the more enticing topic of Eleanor and Sirius, their voices a playful mix of intrigue and amusement.

"I can't believe you're not giving us any details, Eleanor," Lily whined with mock disappointment. "We're living vicariously through you!"

Eleanor just laughed and shook her head again, her smile betraying more than her words. The sound of their laughter echoed softly off the glass walls, mingling with the gentle hum of magical insects flitting about.

As their Herbology class continued, the girls kept working, the crinkling of soil and the clinking of gardening tools, creating a comforting cacophony. Just as they were about to move to the next task, Eleanor turned her attention to Lily, a look of quiet revenge across her lips.

"Speaking of living vicariously, Lily," she began, her voice carrying a hint of challenge, "what's going on with you and James? He seemed rather keen on your company the other day."

Lily's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shrugged, trying to sound casual. "James is James." She tossed a glance at where the Marauders were sitting near the front of the classroom, hoping they wouldn't overhear her.

Eleanor, however, wasn't buying it. "Persistent is an understatement," she countered, her voice laced with playful insistence. "It's clear as day that he's smitten with you. Why are you holding back?"

Lily's gaze remained fixed on the table as she sighed again. "It's complicated," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper. "He has his moments, you know? He can be really sweet, but then there's the arrogance."

Eleanor's grin widened. "So, there's something there then?" she pressed.

Lily huffed good-naturedly. "I didn't say that. He's just... he's got a lot of growing up to do."

Looking up from her plant, Olivia chimed in. "But he is cute, right? And let's face it, he's totally smitten with you."

"Fine, fine," Lily conceded with a sigh, "Maybe he's not a total lost cause." Eager to change the topic, she exclaimed, "Let's talk about the Christmas party! I can't wait!"

As their conversation shifted back to the party, Jane listened with half-hearted interest, her thoughts drifting. Eleanor's teasing had planted a seed of doubt in her mind. Should she ask Remus to dance? Could she even muster the courage?

"So, Hogsmeade next weekend?" Lily suggested, her voice rising above the din. "We need to pick up some new dresses to impress at the party."

Eleanor nodded eagerly, the prospect of a shopping trip lighting up her face. "Absolutely. I could use a new outfit."

A flicker of worry crossed Jane's face, momentarily dimming her smile. The thought of a new dress, a luxury beyond her means, brought a pang of anxiety. Swallowing her apprehension, she plastered on a cheerful facade. "Definitely count me in," she replied, her voice maintaining a bright tone.

Despite the growing unease about the upcoming shopping trip, Jane managed to mask her anxiety with a cheerful demeanour, joining in the lighthearted banter with her friends.

A/N: Hello my lovelies, sorry for the late update! My husband and I had to finish getting ready and then attending a Con last weekend. Since we are huge cosplay nerds finalizing everything and making a working scream can (monsters inc) for it due to us being extra. As a little treat, I have started making silly little fanart for each chapter of this fic. You can find it on Tumblr under my username Moessiah. Same as my a03/ffn. I hope you all enjoy!