I met Remus today at The Three Broomsticks, to discuss about R.L, but his answer was not what I expected. 

"It's not me." he said, when I told him what happened. 

"But R.L. It's your initials."

"I never sign my name in R.L Cass." He said. "You should know that."

"Ya... You don't. You always sign your name with RJ Lupin."

"Exactly. This person knows something we- I mean even you don't know."

"There's a bunch of things I don't know." I mumbled.

"And he seems to be watched. Why else a coded message."

"Yes! Anne said the same. But how do we find him/her/them?"

"Don't know" he shrugged. "Maybe we'll find him when the time is right. But you better be extra careful Caserole, don't want you hurt."

"Thanks Rems. Maybe I do like that Nickname you have for me."

He laughed. "Well... Better get back to Grimmauld Place."

"You're staying with Sirius?"

"Yup!"

"So I'll see you for Christmas?"

"You sure will!"

He then walked outside the shop and apparated. I had nothing else to do, so I was strolling through Hogsmede. Suddenly someone hugged me from behind, and I got startled. 

"Terrance!" I said excitedly and gave him a huge hug. I truly missed him; it had been so long. 

"Surprise?"

"You scared me." I said, punching his arm jokingly. 

"Well.... Does this make it better?" He handed me a bouquet of roses and a small box of chocolates. 

"Thank you!" It was so sweet.  "You do know that all these are unnecessary right? Your presence is more than enough."

He shrugged. "I'm sorry, that I didn't talk with you for so long. I-I've just been busy."

"I get it. Wizangamot and stuff. It's really hard."

He nodded, and we walked around. "Do you happen to know any R.L?" I asked. We both stopped walking.

"Why?"

"I just got this warning letter. It was signed by an R.L."

"I don't know any R.L" he said a bit of worry in his voice. 

"You sure? Anyone? Anyone who might know me?"

"Doesn't ring a bell Cass. There is Roger with an R... but-"

"His last name is McKay." I said.

"So... how's life?" he asked.

"Hard." I sighed out. 

"I can relate."

"There's just so much Ter. I feel like it might go out of hand."

"Look it's gonna get better. I'll find a way."

"Thanks. But there isn't much help you could do. No offence."

"None taken. But there should be something cheerful in your life."

"Anne I guess? She helps me. And she distracts me when I'm stressed. Wait! Did u know that I am in the Slug Club?"

"Ya. You mentioned it in the letter."

"Oh yes! We have the Christmas party. On 20th."

"Well that's exciting."

"I'm going with Anne."

"Sometimes, I think you like Anne more than me."

"Come on... You know that-"

"I know it's a joke Cass. I was joking. And besides I do have a test on 20th."

"Oh. So.... any new friends?"

"None actually. Those guys are way to smart for me."

"Don't mind them. I know you're the smartest one in the group."

He gave a warm smile at my comment. "How's Roger by the way?"

"Who?" he asked a bit surprised. 

"McKay? You're best friend?"

"Oh yes. Roge is good."

"What's he doing?"

"He's ummm doing... interior designing."

"Oh. A muggle profession."

"Not really. Incorporating magical stuff in the design of a home."

"Is he still in the UK?"

"Nope. Moved to US. They have better courses there."

We walked around a bit more. And that is when I though of Terrance's cousins.

"How's Avery, Lucas, and Mia?"

"I bet they're fine. Dumbledore sent them to hiding."

"It's because of me isn't it? We're all connected."

"No." he said, as if it's the most obvious thing. "It's all of us. Even mum and dad were part of the order. My uncle had got a job offer, so Dumbledore suggested that they all move."

We talked a bit more, till it got dark. And it was time for us to leave. "Do you happen to have 10 pounds I could borrow?"

"10?"

"Ya... I wanna buy some films for my camera."

"Sure." he handed me over the money from his pocket.

"Thank you!" I squealed happily, gave him a kiss and ran to the muggle photography shop that was a 15 minute walk from the  edge of Hogsmede.

--------

It was 20th December. Though Harry was mad at me, it didn't stop Hermione from hanging out with me. Ginny followed, and that is how we three were getting ready for the party.

"Ugh. I can't with this hair!" I said, as aggressively brushed my hair down.  

"I think it looks fine." Said Hermione, as she did some light makeup next to me. 

"It looks like a nest to be honest." said Ginny.

"Thank you Gin for the honest opinion."

"Just do a half up and half down. It'll stay. Believe me, I had frizzy hair like till 4th year."

"Better. I know a spell!" said Ginny. Within 5 minutes, the situation was under control. l was having a bad day today. Today, luck just decided to not hangout with me. At all. 

"Well you do look good."

"Hopefully the rest of the night is good. The zipper to this dress does have a problem." I said. 

After a last minute rush, we were out the door. But Harry still wasn't really happy to see me. 

I rushed to the Hufflepuff common room. But walking fast in heels, was far from easy. I normally wore sneakers and school shoes since it wasn't everyday that we had to dress fancy. With a bit of a wobble, I was adjusted to walking in these high heels by the time I reached the common room. 

I waited for about a minute, and then Anne came out. She looked stunning, in a a yellow full length dress which had a low neckline, and flared down to the bottom.

"You look stunning." I said. She was so pretty I could just kiss her right now- No. No. I can't think that. 

"You look beautiful. Are you okay?" asked Anne. 

"Ya... I just- um forgot how to reach to Slughorns office."

"Sure... It's upstairs."

"Got it."

We held hands and walked over the party. 

"Yellow... Hufflepuff pride I see." I joked.

"Well you're wearing red." she said. 

"It's a Christmas party."

"Well.... then I am the custard pudding that Mrs. Weasley makes for Christmas."

"Fair enough." I shrugged.  

Talking about stuff as we got there. It was quite outside. But once we opened the door, we were surprised by the blaring music and noise. 

"Ah Cassie Smith. So happy you could make it! And I see you brought Ms...."

"May." said Anne. 

"Not really good in potions are you?"

Anne gave a fake smile and a shrug, and we excused ourselves. We walked around and talked with Neville and Luna, and then was taken by Slughorn to see the guests. 

After about 15 minutes into the party, the chaos of Malfoy gatecrashing happened. As people huddled closer to see what's happening, there was a lot of pushing and heaving. Slughorns dispersed the crowd, and asked us all to enjoy the party. But I don't think my luck liked that idea. 

Someone's robe sleeve got stuck in my crazy, malfunctioning zipper. And the best idea he had was to pull it. In ended in my zipper breaking, and Anne having to stay behind me and cover my back. 

"Maybe let's get out of here?" asked Anne. 

"Yes please." I said, and we thanked Slughorn and headed out the door. 

"I'm so sorry, I know how much you love parties Anne." I said. 

"It's totally fine. This party wasn't that much fun. But I know something that is...."

"What?"

"The Hufflepuff movie  night. We have it on the last day before Christmas holidays."

"I'm a gryffi-"

"All houses are invited. Only 5th and 6ht years join. The youngers and older aren't as interested. And as far as I know, there are 4 Ravenclaws."

"Great! I'll join."

"It starts in 10 minutes. Go change and come."

"Thanks! " I said, and started rushing, but heard Anne screaming, "Oh! And bring Ginny too!!"

--------- 

It was a fun movie. All of us were gathered in the common room. A projector and a spell projected the movie. Popcorns and snacks everywhere, as friends sat together. We watched like 2 movies and it got pretty late. So all of us sat in the common room and slept. Everyone was just too tired to go to their dorms. Even the Hufflepuffs, whose dorms was just a few stairs away. 

--------- 

The train ride was silent for the most part. Luna, Neville, Ginny, Anne and I sat in one compartment. Anne was staying with me for the holidays, at Grimmauld Place. Terrance would also join us tomorrow. 

The holidays would go according to plan. No order meetings; only family. Everyone came over to Grimmauld Place since it was bigger than the borrow. It would be awesome.

But I was not prepared for the wonderful surprise that would come my way when I reached home.