alliance had been mended, though just as they got back to work, they were sent home for the holidays.

The two could have stayed at Hogwarts, of course, though visiting home and staying with the boys was all but too tempting for Florence to say no. Flo's parents were spending the holidays in Italy, which opened up more free time to spend with her friends.

The days leading up to Christmas she would be staying with Remus and Peter, while Christmas Eve and the days to follow she would be staying with James' family and the rest of the gang.

"Florence!" Peter shouts as Flo walks through the door, nearly knocking her over with his hug.

"Petey!" Flo laughs, wrapping her arms tight around him.

"Move it, Wormtail, it's my turn!" Sirius whines, trying to try Pete from Flo's grasp. Once the two eventually let go, Sirius locks Flo in the tightest hug she's ever received and drags her to the others.

"What a gentlemen." Flo scoffs, flattening out her once-ironed shirt before saying her hello's to James, Remus, Lily and Marlene.

Florence then got a good look at everyone. Their skin was no longer fresh and pure - they were all covered in small scratches and bruises, though no one chose to bring it up. Flo decided that would be a conversation for later on.

Flo got settled in Remus and Pete's spare room before rejoining the others for a round of fire whiskey.

"Flo! Would it kill you to turn off a bloody light?" Pete laughs, turning off the spare rooms light before joining Flo and the others.

"Every time she left our room at Hogwarts - she never turned the lights off!" Sirius laughs in response, before handing Flo a cup of fire whiskey.

"Some habits never die." Flo shrugs, chuckling.

Although she was more than happy to be back with her people, her family, she couldn't help but wish that Regulus was here; enjoying time with his brother and not having to worry about betraying You Know Who.

The idea of Regulus, sat alone in his room at home, made Flo's mood drop. He shouldn't have to fake who he is to please his parents... it was unfair.

This all was unfair.

"You good, Crown?" James questions, nudging Flo to gain her attention.

Flo glances up at him, plastering a smile on her face before downing the rest of her drink.

"Just fine, Prongs. Now, tell me all about how you proposed to Lily."