Sunny December 24

Filch definitely hadn't found what they'd hidden, as he hadn't come looking for trouble. In fact, he'd been in an unusually good mood lately, leading the Hufflepuffs to speculate that he might be in love.

"Do you think he's dating Madam Pince?" Joey whispered in the library, glancing at the stern librarian who was meticulously organizing the shelves.

"Impossible," Flami replied without looking up from her essay. "Madam Pince is devoted to her late husband. We Slytherins don't easily move on from love."

George, sitting beside Flami, gazed at her adoringly. He was certain their future children would be far smarter than Fred and Joey's.

"But her husband's gone," Joey argued, scribbling half-heartedly on her parchment. "In America, it's normal for widows and divorcees to find love again."

"Death can't break a Slytherin's love," Flami said calmly. "And divorce doesn't exist in the British wizarding world."

"Wait, what?!" Joey exclaimed. "That's so outdated! We need to change that law. In America, wizards can get divorced!"

George kicked Fred under the table, grinning. "Did you hear that? Your American girlfriend can divorce you."

Fred kicked back, then flicked Joey's forehead. "You won't need a divorce in your life, so stop worrying about it."

Flami finally set her quill down, laughing. "I'm exhausted," the quill sighed in relief.

Joey stuck her tongue out at Fred, rubbing her forehead. She hadn't said she "wanted" a divorce…

Just then, Harry burst into the library, shoving a piece of paper into Fred's hands before Madam Pince could scold him. "Read the letter! I'm going to find Ron!" he shouted, dashing off.

Madam Pince glared after him, waving her feather duster. "No more running in the library, Potter!"

The letter was from Sirius:

My lovely trick-or-treaters,

Come to my house this Christmas! Molly and Linda have approved. Isn't that exciting? I'll have the place ready for you. Harry knows the address!

P.S. Luther made me promise Fred and Joey won't share a room. Sorry to disappoint.

P.P.S. If George's girlfriend doesn't want to spend Christmas with her snobby family, I can arrange for her to join us.

George's face lit up, while Fred crumpled the letter, muttering, "Useless, Sirius."

Sirius had indeed been busy. Flami's mother had written to her, thrilled that the Black family patriarch had invited her to spend Christmas with them. "They think Professor Black is a valuable connection," Flami said dryly, sitting on the lavish sofa in the Black family home. "They're probably hoping I'll marry him."

Sirius laughed. "I'm a golden bachelor now!"

"You're too old," George teased. "What's wrong with you? Can't find a wife?"

"Ha! Nothing's wrong with me," Sirius retorted, flexing his muscles. "I'm in peak condition! Last week, I spent the whole night with—"

"Cough cough!" Lupin interrupted loudly, shooting Sirius a warning look.

Sirius grinned sheepishly. "Right, kids present. Never mind."

Ron, oblivious, asked, "What were you doing all night?"

"Exploring the mysteries of life," Sirius said vaguely, earning a laugh from the group.

The conversation shifted to the evening's menu, which Flami had meticulously planned. "Dobby's cooking is excellent," Sirius said, reviewing the list. "He'll make everything perfectly."

"Dobby?" Joey asked, surprised. "The house-elf who tried to stop Harry last year? He's here?"

Sirius launched into a dramatic tale of how he'd "convinced" Lucius Malfoy to free Dobby. Harry, however, provided the real story: Sirius had essentially blackmailed Lucius into it.

"Dobby wanted freedom, Lucius wanted to avoid trouble, and I got what I wanted. Everyone's happy!" Sirius declared proudly.

Dobby, now the Black family's housekeeper, had transformed the gloomy mansion into a sparkling, festive home. The grand Christmas tree nearly touched the ceiling, and magical lanterns floated around the room, spelling out cheerful messages. When Fred and Joey entered, the lanterns mischievously spelled "Born to Be Wild," prompting Joey to threaten them with a Fiendfyre spell.

"Don't, dear. Fiendfyre's too dangerous," Fred said, laughing as he pulled her wand away.

The dining table groaned under the weight of Dobby's feast. Ron marveled at the seventy-six silver plates. "How much are these worth?"

Sirius smirked. "I've got two cabinets of gold plates in the kitchen. Should I give you gold Galleons for Christmas?"

Hermione whispered to Ron, "Don't take the bait." She'd seen the gifts Sirius had hidden—two broomsticks.

The evening was perfect, aside from Sirius's inappropriate jokes. When Hermione suggested helping Dobby clean up, the house-elf nearly cried. "No, no! Dobby will handle it!"

As the night wound down, Fred whispered to Joey, "Meet me in the attic at half-past eleven."

The attic was breathtaking. Dobby had transformed it into a cozy conservatory, with a warm fireplace and a glass roof revealing the starry sky. Fred had laid out a blanket and snacks, creating a romantic spot for them.

"It's beautiful," Joey said, leaning against Fred as they searched for constellations. "Look, there's Regulus, Sirius's brother."

Fred chuckled. "The Blacks sure love their stars."

The warmth and fragrance of the attic were intoxicating. Fred's heart raced as he kissed Joey, his hands exploring her sweater. But just as things heated up, the attic door creaked open.