Once in a Blue Moon

CHAPTER 6

Christmas Eve - Hogwarts - evening

Pilar finished wrapping the gift she had spent the last month organising. It was perfect. She knew he would love it. Or at least, the man he was would love it.

She looked up as a house elf entered her chamber, and handed it the box. "You know where it's to go," she said, "tomorrow morning - early. Before he's awake."

The House Elf grinned as it took the box. Delivering the items between the two chambers made it feel so important.

The man looked at the fine chain as it fell between his fingers. The sapphires in the links caught the firelight and he placed it carefully in the box. He'd been buying gifts for her all these years. Doing without himself in the hope that he would be able to someday give them to her.

And now he could.

He carefully picked up the rose he had conjured in. After so many years, he had become quite good at growing them.

All for her.

Christmas Day - Hogwarts - early morning (real early!)

Pilar crept through the door to Remus Lupin's chambers - her arms full with a large box. She yawned as she crept through the gloom to the bed, and carefully placed the box at the end.

As she straightened, she felt a tap on her shoulder - and yelled.

Remus Lupin also jumped - all he wanted to know was why she was there. After all - creeping into other people's bedrooms was not something he would have expected from this woman.

Pilar looked at him wildly. "Merry Christmas," she finally got out.

Lupin nodded. "And a Merry Christmas to you as well," he said, "But surely you could have waited until Breakfast?"

"Ummmm, well, I hadn't actually intended to speak to you at all," she said nervously. "I mean, now, not at breakfast, well," she floundered desperately. "Are you all right?" she asked looking at the man before her. He looked older - desperately tired.

"Bad night," he said softly. "I really hate full moons." His eyes swept round the chamber and he saw the box. "What is that?" he asked.

Pilar smiled, "Just a little gift from an old friend," she said. "After all, given my reputation, I can hardly march into breakfast with an arm full of gifts."

The woman in front of Remus sighed and looked desperately sad. "I love giving gifts," she said softly, and turned.

Remus looked at her - for many reasons she was as much of an outsider as him. "Look," he said, "How many of these have you done already?"

"Most - only Sirius, McGonagall and Snape to go," she replied. "Snape's the biggest worry - I know that he seals his chambers."

Lupin looked gleeful. "Leave Snape to me," he said. "I know exactly how to break his seals."

Pilar looked at him. "You want to help me?" she said incredulously.

"Well, you aren't the only one to have gifts to deliver," he said. "But - if you want to hit Snape, then it will have to be now. He's usually up and about almost as early as I am. Probably looking for ways to get on everybody's nerves."

"You're not wrong there," muttered Pilar. Lupin offered her his arm "Shall we?" he said, and the two exited.

Lupin looked down at the box of gifts. "How have you managed to haul that thing around with you?" he said.

"Idiot. I levitate the thing!"

"Can I also suggest an invisibility spell?" said Remus. "After all, it's a bit bloody obvious if you wander round with a box of goodies."

"Good idea - is that what you've done?" asked Pilar

"Nope," said Lupin, "I had a far better idea. I confiscated young Harry's cloak."

Pilar looked at him. This man was a constant source of surprise to her - and she enjoyed that. "Sneaky, Remus. Very sneaky. I wouldn't have thought you were up to something like that."

Lupin merely snorted and headed off towards Snape's chambers. Pilar was quite astonished - she had no idea where they were going. "Ok," she said, "How do you know where Snape's rooms are?"

"Force of habit," grinned Lupin, "We always knew where Snape was - and how to get past his spells."

He stopped before a door "Here we are," he said and took out his wand, whispering something as he did so. The door opened softly, and Pilar took a package out of her box (which was now concealed with Lupin's under Harry's cloak). "Won't be a moment," she whispered, and the two slipped inside.

As she looked swiftly around the room for somewhere to put the package, she could not help but think that the room reflected the man. Hard, Cold. Then she heard a noise from the adjoining bathroom and dumped the package on the bed and ran, the door slamming behind her.

"Damn," she said as she and Lupin ran up the corridor, "Sorry about that, but he nearly caught me."

"That's Ok - I managed to leave him a small surprise," said Lupin. "After all, it wouldn't be Snape's Christmas without a small surprise from the Marauders."

Pilar skid to a stop. "Will you and Sirius never grow up?" she asked in exasperation.

"Hopefully not."

They came past the portrait of the Fat Lady. "Hang on," said Lupin, "I have a couple to drop off here," he said.

"You do that, and give me McGonagall's and I'll deliver them," said Pilar.

The two separated and rejoined minutes later. "Only one left now," said Lupin, rubbing his palms together, "Wait a minute first - I want to make sure that the coast is clear."

He took out a piece of parchment, and with another whispered spell a map became visible. Pilar could see her and Lupin marked on it- and realised it showed the locations of the entire school.

"What is that?" she asked incredulously.

"Oh, just a little thing we whipped up at school."

"May I?" she asked, and he handed her the map. Pilar studied it intensely - and finally handed it back. "Remarkable. And you kept it all these years?"

"Er.. no," said Remus, "Filch confiscated it from us, and it made it's way to Harry."

Pilar crossed her arms and looked at him - looking her most "spinster schoolteacherish." "Don't tell me - let me guess. You confiscated it from Harry."

Lupin grinned wolfishly. "You're getting good at this."

"Let's just say I am quickly acquiring an insight into how the mind of a Marauder works. This morning is definitely an education."

"Ok - Sirius is there - but he's asleep. I'll go in and drop the stuff," said Lupin. "You head back - no point in us both being caught if he wakes up."

"None whatsoever" said Pilar and turned. Lupin caught her arm and gave her a package. "Merry Christmas - saves me a trip," he said. To both of their surprise, he put a finger under her chin and lifted it. His kiss on her lips was light, and its effect on them both made them step back hastily. "You are a very special lady, Pilar de Lisle," he said.

Pilar took a step back - and felt her face going red. The unexpected kiss causing her heart to beat faster. "Thank you. You have no idea what our little adventure this morning means to me," she said.

Lupin watched her go, before opening the door into Sirius's room. "Oh I think I do," he said softly, and bounded in with his concealed box, tossing the contents at Black who was sitting with Harry in front of a fire - both of them drinking hot chocolate and eating cake. "Merry Christmas," he said, tossing the cloak and map at Harry.

Pilar got back to her rooms as the school started to stir around her. As she opened the door, her breath caught in her throat. Her room had been transformed into a glowing haven.

A fire roared in the hearth, and it's flames reflected off the glass tree on the table.

The familiar cup of tea and rose were there, but today the scrawl on the parchment read "Merry Christmas," and there were parcels before the fire.

Pilar looked at them all and smiled slightly, "Doesn't anybody sleep round here?" she asked herself.

She put down the parcel Lupin had given her - and sat down in her chair, taking off her boots, and tucking her legs beneath her as she sipped the fragrant tea. Her eyes roamed around the room, and she giggled like the girl she had been many years before.

Christmas wasn't so bad after all.

Christmas Day - Hogwarts - midday

Pilar looked around her room - the morning had been glorious. Breakfast had been a jovial meal - the few remaining students and teachers had all been laughing about gifts they had received.

She had been pleased at the reception hers had gotten - and had been surprised with what she had received herself.

She threaded the sapphire-studded chain through her hair and smiled. This gift had been magnificent and special. She realised he must have been buying gifts for her for years, however it was not his gift that she prized the most.

The gift she prized above all others had been her "inclusion" into the small group that centred on Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. It was almost as if her early morning wandering around the school with Lupin had caused them to reach a decision - and they now counted her as one of them. She had been surprised that it had been Lupin who had included her.

She would have bet her life that he was dominated by Sirius Black - who seemed the stronger of the two. Obviously there were depths to her friends that they kept carefully hidden.

Pilar's face softened. It had been a long time since she had had real friends.

Alone, he looked at the gift she had given him. He had waited to make sure he was alone before he opened it - and was glad he had, as tears fell from his eyes.

She had given him memories. The leather-covered album on his lap held precious pictures - some he had never seen before of her in America. Some he remembered well - pictures of them at school. Together and apart. After school - as they explored their love.

And each page held a small story from her - telling him of her life, her love.

His hands gently traced over the writing - so familiar and so foreign.

He turned to his favourite picture of her. It was obviously a muggle one - but it caught the woman he remembered as nothing else did. Gazing into the distance, her face was soft, her dark hair waving around her and a slight smile on her face. He remembered seeing that same expression once before - he had caught his breath at the time, dazzled by the beauty it seemed to draw out of her.

He stood hastily and went into the bathroom - washing his face.

All traces of tears gone, his face settled into its familiar lines. He left his rooms and headed towards the great hall for the Christmas Feast - acknowledging greetings from those around him in his usual manner.

Nobody must know.

As Pilar finished dressing, there was a knock on her door. "It's open. Come on in," she called, as both Sirius and Remus entered.

"Well, Gentlemen," she said, "To what do I owe this honour?"

Sirius smiled. "We thought that we would get a jump and escort you to Christmas Dinner."

"Besides," said Lupin, "I bet you are itching to know what we did to Snape this morning."

"You know I am. At breakfast he looked as if he was ready to slaughter you both!"

The two men grinned at each other.

"Well," drawled Sirius, "We thought that old Severus would enjoy having his own private winter wonderland."

Lupin grinned "So I let loose some snow fairies in his room. They'll be busy snowing all over for the next couple of days - and he won't be able to get rid of them."

"And for some reason," explained Sirius, "It seems like the whole school knows about the fairies in his bedroom."

Pilar suddenly threw her head back and laughed - so hard she sat down hard on the floor - her laughter filling the room as she rocked back and forth. "Poor Severus" she panted finally.

The men each reached down a hand and hauled her up from the floor. Pilar straightened her dress and linked an arm with each of them.

"Let's go," she said, "I can't wait to ask Severus if he likes snow."

Sirius and Remus grinned at each other behind her head. Nothing would replace James and Lily - but this surprising woman was filling an empty place neither had realised they had.

The great hall was decorated with its usual twelve trees. Instead of the long tables, there was only two set - pushed together - to accommodate those who had stayed.

The three walked into the hall, chatting eagerly - busy forging a true friendship. They approached the table - the last ones to arrive and take their seats. Pilar looked up as she sat down and turned her deep blue gaze on Snape. "Don't you just love winter, Professor?" she asked, "The beauty of the snow." Her eyes held his for a heartbeat longer and she swept them away.

Snape scowled. Was there anybody who didn't know about the fairies in his bedroom?

Harry was surprised when Sirius and Lupin entered with Pilar between them. He was even more surprised, when they sat down with him, and were treating her as if she were a valued friend.

He watched her as she blushed at their teasing - and then rejoindered with even more vigour.

What had happened to crabby Professor de Lisle??

Harry managed to corner Sirius.

"Sirius," he said, "What's with Professor de Lisle?"

Black looked at his godson. "Pilar is not as bad as you think. She's had a bad life - and seems to be now coming out of it." He looked very serious. "Remus and I don't have many school friends left. Pilar was never close to us - but she is an old friend - and has proved herself to us."

"So she's OK?" he asked.

"As long as she stops calling me "Cuddles" she will be." said Sirius.

Harry chuckled. "Oh I don't know," he said, "Cuddles may just suit you."

Sirius looked at Pilar. "Cuddles!" he said exasperatedly.

Pilar blinked - her mind had been miles away. "I hardly think that's appropriate right here," she said. "Wouldn't you prefer a handy rose bush?"

"Yes, no," blustered Sirius going red, "Well, err, but I didn't mean that! You've labelled me Cuddles for the rest of my days! I definitely don't like it."

Harry was laughing openly now . He looked hard at Pilar. Was Sirius trying to hint something to him?

Pilar chuckled. "If you want a sensible answer, ask a sensible question. AND you know why I called you Cuddles. Besides - its no worse than Snuffles."

Sirius sulked in his chair. "It's a lot worse than Snuffles." He glared at her. "MUCH worse."

Pilar laughed and picked up a mince pie. She stood up and knelt before Sirius - holding up the pie.

"Oh noble Padfoot" she intoned, "Forgive me for my misunderstanding. Please accept this humble offering as atonement," she stood and put the pie on his plate and sat down again.

"Cuddles," she said as she sat and deliberately turned to Lupin who was laughing.

Sirius looked at his friend. "What do you find so funny, Mooney?" he asked. "Just think what she'll christen you! Probably some sort of Christmas Fairy!"

"I thought that was Snape," said Lupin innocently - at which point the three of them started laughing so hard they slipped off their chairs and leaned against each other on the floor.

Professor Dumbledore looked down the table indulgently. He liked to see his children enjoying themselves - and those three needed to have fun more than most.

Snape looked sour. He just knew they were laughing about him. He could tell from the glance that had been sent his way. However, he could not help but keep his lips from twitching a little. Contrary to belief - he did appreciate a joke - and the fairies were ingenious. He wondered what Black and Lupin would think when they found them in their rooms. And wished he had known de Lisle was involved. He'd just have to find something rather more devastating than fairies to put in her bedroom!

Christmas day - Hogwarts - late at night

Pilar wriggled against the man who held her close to him. It was his bedroom this time - and around them, the lights from snow fairies sparkled.

Their loving had been slow and drawn out. Neither one wanting it to end, both knowing that morning must find them in their own beds. Alone.

Even her coming here was risky. But her need for him burnt in her veins like fire - and since their first coupling at Halloween they had managed to spend part of many nights together. Stolen hours.

Sometimes her bed - sometimes his. She chucked softly as she remembered their stolen hour in the rose bushes - an hour of kisses and loving words. Some things never change!

Both had grown adept at hiding their love - but they both knew it could not stay hidden forever.

Soon, they would have to end their game.

She wriggled again - hoping for one last loving before she left. Her hands started to wander over him - her lips brushing the side of his chin and nibbling. She tasted the salt of his sweat on his skin- and the roughness of his unshaven face against her lips was the greatest aphrodisiac ever.

"Who needs love spells or potions," she muttered, "when I have you"

At that, he turned his head and kissed her, moving her beneath him so he could enter her - no longer able to help himself.

His need for her burned constantly. More than anything he wanted to be able to spend at least twenty-four hours with her - alone - with nothing to do but make love. Nothing to feel but her softness. She filled his world.

He wanted this to be special - to give her pleasure for pleasure's sake. The woman beneath him moaned her pleasure. "Open your eyes," he said, "look at me darling." She opened her eyes - gazing with a steady sapphire gaze at the man's face above her.

She heard a whimpering, snarling sound and realised it was her. Her hands reached for him - pulling him closer to her

She thought that she would split in two - as their cries of love filled the chamber.

Her hand reached up and pulled his face down until their mouths met in an explosive kiss.

Neither had any control over the situation - all that mattered was their need. Their desire. And when it was over, both were unable to do more than lie there holding each other.

And neither one wanted to spend any more nights alone.