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The Marauders ~ Year One
By: Noelle
Chapter 7: A Black Christmas
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James Potter's POV

November quickly faded into December. Teachers
could be found sealing up every nook and cranny in the
castle. Some teachers, like Professor Flitwick, could
be found decorating the halls in the spirit of
Christmas. Teachers were giving out 5 assignments a
night. It was growing colder. Voldemort was growing
stronger…

Every day, Professor Dumbledore would announce
more deaths. It seemed as if the bleak black tapestry
would forever hang on the wall.

I wasn't worried. Not yet… After all, the
Potters were a respectful and powerful wizarding
family. Voldemort wouldn't dare to attack. Not yet…

My fights with FireDragon became less frequent.
Two or three fights, as opposed to six or seven.
However, our fights had a worse outcome. We have sent
each other to the hospital wing so much, as of late,
that Madame Pomfrey was considering making a separate
hospital wing, just for us. 

Lately, I've felt as if someone (or something)
was watching over me. A presence of some sort. It's
not evil. I think that it is trying to protect me.

"Potter, what is the difference between
monkshood and wolfsbane," asked Professor Hoffman,
snapping me out of my musings. We were in first period
double potions. Ugh. I searched my mind for the
answer.

"Wolfsbane is green, monkshood is violet,"
whispered a voice. I was shocked. Evans, Lily Evans,
gave me an answer?

"Monkshood is violet and wolfsbane is green," I
told the Professor. Was it my imagination, or was
Professor Hoffman turning rather violet himself?

"Potter, do you mock me?" asked Professor
Hoffman.

"Of course not, Profe - " 

"Potter, I just told the class about monkshood
and wolfsbane. They are the same plant. You will learn
more about it at detention tonight."

"But sir, I don't have detention," I said.

"You do now, Potter," he said, handing me a
detention slip.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Sirius add
another tally in that notebook of his. We only have
around 1,200 to go now.

I turned to Evans. "Why'd you do that to me?" I
hissed.

Evans giggled. "That's for the dreadful spots
you gave me yesterday…"
Luckily for Evans, the bell rang.



******* (time change) *******



The rest of the Marauders and me walked to
Hagrid's that evening. We have been visiting him since
the 2nd week of school.

"'Ello!" Hagrid greeted us. "Come in."

We went inside and sat around the table.

"Would yeh like some rock cakes?" Hagrid asked
us politely.

"Er, no thank you, Hagrid," I answered quickly.

"'ow about a cup o' tea?" he asked.

We agreed to tea. Over tea, we talked about
Quidditch, and things to do to Mrs. Norris, Filch's
cat.

I looked at my watch. The longest hand was
pointing to 'Detention'.

"Hagrid, we have to go now," I said. "Detention
calls."

"Bye Hagrid. See you next week!" we called out
as we walked towards the castle.

I ran to the Potions dungeon. Professor Hoffman
was waiting for me, and looking very peeved. Peeves
must have thrown blueberry pies at him.

"Your detention is to organize all of the
Potions ingredients. What are you waiting for? Get on
it!" Professor Hoffman snapped. "If you need me, I
shall be hunting down a certain poltergeist." He ran
out of the room, leaving me looking at the tables and
tables of Potions ingredients.



******* (time change) *******



Three hours later, I finally finished. I
sleepily walked to the Gryffindor Common Room, and
gave the Fat Lady the password (Silver Arrow). I
climbed into my comfortable bed and instantly fell
asleep. I didn't dream about Quidditch. I didn't dream
about Voldemort (that would be a nightmare). No, I
dreamed of meeting my mother. My real mother.



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Bella Figg's POV

"So, do you think we should get it for her?" I
asked Toria. 

She nodded. "It's perfect, Bella. But what
should we get her for Christmas?"

Me and Toria were in the Secret Room we found
earlier this year. We were trying to figure out what
to get everyone for Christmas. We planned presents for
everyone but Noelle. That's because she also had a
birthday around that time (December 22). 

"I don't know. Do you have any ideas?" I asked.
We sat in complete silence for awhile, just thinking.

"I know! Why don't we get her a - " but Toria
was cut off.

Lily Evans had walked in. She looked at me
curiously. "You're getting a what for whom?" she
asked.

Okay, I admit it. The truth is that Lily doesn't
know that me and Toria are still friends with Noelle.
And hopefully, it will remain that way…

Toria looked guiltily at the ground. "We were
just discussing what to get you for Christmas," she
said in a high voice. Gosh, Toria is a superb actress…

Lily looked ashamed of herself. "I'll just go
now," she said, backing out of the room.

"So, what do we get her?" I asked.

"Noelle likes flying, right?" Toria began. I
nodded. "Well, what's the best broom?"

I raked my brain for the answer. "Didn't they
just come out with a new broom? The SnapDragon?" I
guessed.

Toria nodded. "We can get it, and have it
personalized. Color, Design, Number, you can have
names engraved…" Toria's voice trailed off.

"Let's get it. Where can we find a broom
catalogue?"

"Maybe in the Owlery!" Toria shouted.

We ran out of our secret headquarters and to the
Owlery.



******* (time change) *******



Herbology. Just the name makes me cringe. I do
not have a talent with plants. Especially today…

We were collecting seeds from some plant. I
don't know what it's called. I don't really care
either. However, I accidentally (this time, it really
was an accident!) spilled the seeds everywhere.

"Miss Figg!" screamed the Professor. Professor
Sprout is a frizzy haired old woman, with dirt that
would forever remain under her fingernails. She's kind
to everyone, but me. During the 3rd week of classes,
she overhead me telling Remus that I despised
Herbology. I am now considered her least favorite
pupil.

"Miss Figg, you just cost me over 150 seeds! You
will serve a detention, looking for 150 seeds," she
said angrily. I groaned. I HATE Herbology. Out of the
corner of my eye, I saw Sirius add another tally into
his notebook.



******* (time change) *******



Dinner that night was solemn. Voldemort had
murdered four families. Three of the families were
wizarding families. One was a muggle family with a
wizard son. One of the wizarding families had 2
children that attended Hogwarts. I stared at the black
tapestry with trepidation. Would my family be next?

The black tapestry was a memorial. All who were
murdered by Voldemort had their names on it. Professor
Dumbledore waved his wand, and more names appeared.
All of the names on the tapestry surrounded one word.
A complex, yet simple word. 'Remember'.



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Severus Snape's POV

I saw Noelle sleeping in one of the green
armchairs. I gently shook her awake.

"What now Severus?" she said groggily.

"Why don't you sleep in your own bed?" I asked,
brushing a strand of hair out of Noelle's face. She
nodded, as if saying "Okay".

I helped Noelle up, and we walked towards the
dorms. "So, what do you want for Christmas?" I asked
when we reached her dormitory door. I already had a
birthday present for her.

Noelle yawned sleepily. "Sevvie, just surprise
me," she said, leaning against the door.

It happened in a flash. Noelle went rigid and
began to fall. I grabbed Noelle before she hit the
floor, lifted her up, and carried her to her bed. I
gently laid her down while Narcissa Watkins and
Alexiandra Marsiella rushed over. Alexiandra's name is
a strange one. Her father wanted to name her Alexis.
Her mother wanted to name here Alexandra. So, they
mixed it together, and came up with Alexiandra.

"Severus, is she okay?" Alexiandra asked, a
worried expression on her face.

"See what happens when you don't have Slytherin
spirit?" Narcissa said snootily. She stuck her nose in
the air.

"Shut up, you old hag. Noelle is so much
friggin' better than you, so you don't need to turn
your huge nose up at us. And she doesn't need
Slytherin spirit. She's amazing without it," I said
angrily. Narcissa was shocked. "Lexi, can I use your
wand?" I asked.

Lexi handed me her wand. I conjured up a
stretcher. I knew many advanced spells. I then floated
Noelle to the Hospital Wing.

"Madame Pomfrey!" I screamed. The fairly young
nurse (around 50 years old) ran in.

"Oh my!" she gasped. "What happened?"

"We were talking one minute, and the next she
went like that," I said hysterically. Noelle had began
shaking, and muttering some ancient language under her
breath.

"Go get Professor Dumbledore. I believe he is
having a midnight snack in the Great Hall," she said,
laying Noelle in one of the beds.

I ran out and turned a corner. I ran straight
into Professor Dumbledore.

"Sir, Noelle. Hospital Wing! Hurry!" I managed
to blurt out. Professor Dumbledore nodded and walked
briskly to the Hospital Wing. I ran and stood outside
the room. I heard Madame Pomfrey and Professor
Dumbledore conversing.

"I don't understand, Albus."

"There's nothing we can do. It's not an illness
that Noelle has," I heard Professor Dumbledore
whisper.

"But what is it?"

"Noelle is beginning to access her powers."

"But how? Albus, she is too young!"

"Poppy, age is just a number. And besides, the
prophecy states that she should receive her powers
during a time of darkenss. And this is it. The time of
Darkness."

I peeked into the room. Noelle had stopped
shaking. I walked in slowly. "Is she okay?" I asked
tentatively. 

"For now," Professor Dumbledore answered. I sat
in a chair right next to the bed that Noelle occupied.
As I held her hand, I remembered the first time we had
met.



---------------------------flashback------------------------------



Stupid Lucius. He is such a baby! And he is a
meanie! 

I was wandering around Malfoy Manor, because
Lucius wouldn't let me play with his toys.

At this moment, I was lost. Malfoy Manor is big!

I turned another corner and found out where I
was. I was in the forbidden East Wing. I opened a
door, hoping it was an exit. It wasn't. It was a
bedroom. A girl that looked around my age (six) was
playing on the floor. I looked around the room.

The girl noticed me looking around. "Who are
you?" she asked me.

"I'm Severus Snape," I introduced myself.

"Noelle Charrier," she said.

"What are you doing here? You're not a Malfoy.."

Indeed she wasn't… She had brown hair instead of
the traditional silver of Malfoys. She had warm hazel
eyes; not cold silver. And she didn't have that look
that was if there was dung right under her nose. This
girl definitely wasn't a Malfoy…

Noelle snorted. "Thank goodness I'm not a
Malfoy. Thy are all snooty gits! Nah, I just live
here."

I laughed. She smiled. "Would you like to play,"
Noelle asked warmly.

I nodded, and we played for the rest of the
afternoon, until I had to leave. 



-----------------------End of
Flashback----------------------



From that day on, we were best friends. And as I
held Noelle's hand, I could stop the tears flowing
from my eyes. It's just that… Noelle was so
vulnerable. She was so helpless right now. And there
was nothing that I could do…



******* (time change) *******



I woke up the next morning wondering where I
was. My dormitory wasn't all white, and there was
certainly no windows with sunlight pouring through…

Then, I remembered. I was in the Hospital Wing!
I turned to find Noelle sitting up, a half-eaten box
of chocolate frogs in front of here. She smiled.

"Hey Sevvie," she said softly.

I hugged her. "Noelle, I was so worried."

"Sev, you're choking me," she managed to get
out. 

I let go of Noelle, turning red. "Er… sorry."

Noelle laughed her musical laugh. "It's all
right." 

"So, are you okay?" I asked.

"For the most part, I'm fine. Dumbledore
explained everything to me. But I can't tell anybody,
and that's killing me…"

"Well, I'll leave so you can get your beauty
rest. God knows you need it!" I joked. Noelle just
made a face at me in response. I walked towards the
door.

"Severus?" Noelle called out. I halted.
"Alexiandra was in here earlier. She came to make sure
I was okay. She told me everything. And… what I mean
to say is… well… thanks Sevvie." I smiled before
walking out of the hospital wing.



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Thomas Brooks' POV

"Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the
way," I sang softly to myself. Christmas was in one
week. And what a Christmas it would be. It shall be
the first Christmas that I don't spend with my
parents. They had to work over the holidays. They were
both Unspeakables, and had business in America. I
believe it had something to do with Voldemort…

And so, Michael and I would be the only
Gryffindors left over holiday.

I miss my parents so much. Family has always
been the most important thing in my life. And
Christmas is time for family, but I wouldn't be with
mine…

As I turned a corner, someone bumped into me,
falling on the ground. I groaned when I saw who it
was.

"Malfoy," I acknowledged. 

"Brooks," he sneered. He picked himself off the
ground. "Watch where you're going. I have the right
mind to curse you."

"Is that so?" I asked innocently, twirling two
wands in my hands - Malfoy's and my wand.

"Give it back, Brooks," Malfoy said angrily.

"If you say so." I pointed his own wand at
Malfoy and whispered the body-binding curse. I tossed
his wand on top of his now still body. "Have it your
way," I said, before walking off.



******* (time change) *******



I climbed through the portrait hole and sat in
an armchair by the fire.

"Hullo," said a voice behind me. I turned to
find Remus, a chess set in his arms "Chess?"

I sighed. "Remmie, ol' buddy, I'm not in the
mood to beat you again."

"What happened to yo- hey! You wouldn't beat
me!"

"I had a run in with Malfoy who is out looking
for revenge. So, that makes two people out to get me.
And, I will beat you, if I play you."

Remus chuckled. "What did you do to him?"

I grinned. "I sort of body-binded him with is
own wand…"

"I wish I could have seen his face!" Remus said.

"A book on curses: 14 galleons. A wand: 7
galleons. The look on that stupid prat's face after
you curse him: priceless."

We both laughed again. "Chess?" Remus asked
again, hopefully.

"Fine. But I'm black!"

After a miraculous game of chess, in which I
spectacularly lost, we started a game of Gobstones. I
lost at this too. Today wasn't my lucky day…



******* (time change) *******



Potions. Just the name strikes fear into the
hearts of witches and wizards everywhere. Especially
if Professor Hoffman teaches the class. And especially
if Severus Snape had planned his revenge during that
particular class…

Snape had 'volunteered' to pass out the ground
up maggot intestines. But he had added something else
to all of the Gryffindor's ingredients. Snape added
daisy roots, which would ruin the potion and cause it
to explode. Unluckily for Snape, I noticed this.

I nonchanantly switched the Slytherin and
Gryffindor ingredients with a flick of my wand.

As Snape and Malfoy brewed their potions, they
smirked at us the whole time. I was sitting by
Michael, since his partner, Noelle, was in the
hospital wing.

Snape and Malfoy continuted smirking, that is,
until their enlarging potions blew up, along with
every other Slytherins'. It was hilarious, seeing
Snape's already big nose enlarged to the size of a
large watermelon.

The life of a Marauder is a good life…



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Lily Evans' POV

I stood on the platform, saying goodbye to
Sirius an dRemus. Toria and Kiana had walked home
(they lived in Hogsmeade), and Bella used floo powder
(she was visiting an Aunt in America). Potter was at
the station, but I wasn't going to say goodbye to him.

Bella talked me into getting him a Christmas
present, since he was getting me one. I can't wait
until he opens it…

"Bye Siri, bye Remmie!" I called out, as I
walked to where my parents were standing. "Good
Riddance, Potter!"

My dad, Ethan Evans, loaded my trunk into our
big white car. I sat in the backseat, next to Petunia.

For awhile, I stared out the window, enjoying
the scenary. 'Twas wonderful to be going home!

I turned to my older sister. "So, Petunia, how's
life?" I asked.

Petunia looked at me sourly. "A lot worse since
you got here, freak!"

"Petunia!" my mother, Violet, said in shock.

"Well, it's true," Petunia said, crossing her
arms over her chest, and gazing at me with loathing.

"Petunia Iris Evans! You shall apologize to your
sister right now!"

"Sister? I don't have a sister!" she said. I
could feel tears welling up in my eyes.

"PETUNIA!" my mother screamed.

"Sorry," Petunia said sarcastically. However, my
mother let it go.

I stared out the window, blinking tears out of
my eyes. Why did Petunia hate me so much?



******* (time change) *******



I woke up early on Christmas morning. My mum
made blueberry pancakes, eggs, sausages, and bacon for
breakfast! She is the best cook in the whole wide
world!

As we sat eating breakfast, around eight owls
flew in and dropped presents under our christmas tree.
I ran over and began opening my presents.

Thomas got me a book about Charms. Michael got
me a book on Curses. A note was attached : Here are
some new ones to use on ol' Jamsie boy!

Speaking of Potter, he got me a box of chocolate
frogs. Of course they were charmed so that when you
ate them, you would turn different colours.

Remus got me a chess set. Kiana got me these
gorgeous earrings. They are in the shape of lilies and
have an emrald in the center of the lily. Bella and
Toria chipped in to get me a beautiful green
dressrobe.

Sirius got me the best gift in the world! He got
me a Deluxe Mischief-Making Kit from Zonko's. 

I tore that open, and found a set of teacups. I
read the instructions. Use these to whoo your family
and friends, without magic. Just tap a teacup with
your wand, and it will turn into a rat! Happy Mischief
Making!

"Hey Mum, Father, look at this!" I tapped the
teacup with my wand, and true to it's word, it turned
into a rat.

"Wow, Lily, that is amazing!" said my mother.
"Ethan, isn't our little girl amazing?"

"She most certainly is…"

Meanwhile, Petunia was opening the present I
gave her. I had gotten Petunia a glass angel that she
has always admired.

Petunia stood up, the angel in her hand. "I hate
you Lily," she whispered. She then threw the glass
angel as hard as she could against the brick
fireplace. It instantly shattered into a million
pieces. "I HATE YOU LILY!" she screamed before running
up the stairs. I heard the door slam before I burst
into tears. 

Merry Christmas Lily.



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Noelle Charrier's POV

I had stayed at Hogwarts over Christmas. I
couldn't stand being around Magdalena, Luci, and Luci
Jr. over the holidays. And so, I was the only one left
in the Slytherin Common Room. All alone on Christmas…

I had put a christmas tree in the Common Room. I
decorated it all by myself. The most spectacular angel
was on top. She looked sort of like me…

I awoke on Christmas morning to find presents by
the tree. Wow, people actually got me presents? This
must be a mistake…

But all of the presents had my name on them. 

It has always been a tradition of mine, to open
my birthday presents on Christmas, that is if I got
any. I first opened a birthday present from Severus.
It was a beautiful necklace. It said Noelle and had
real rubies and emeralds and diamonds encrusted in it.
For Christmas, Sev got me a gift certificate for all
of the stores in Hogsmeade.

Bella and Toria had gotten me a joint birthday
present and a joint Christmas present. For my
birthday, they got me a snow globe. It had Hogwarts
inside it, and you could go through different parts of
the castle. It was beautiful. For Christmas, they got
me a broom. A real Broom! Not just any broom though. I
now was the proud owner of a SnapDragon! 

There was one last present under the tree. I
looked for a card, but there wasn't one. I opened it,
and found the card on the inside. It read : 



N- 

Thanks. 

Love, M



I opened up the box gently, and found a mirror.
A note was with it. 

With this mirror, you can see any person you
wish. Just tap it with your wand, and say their name.
However, if you don't have your wand, you can say Show
me ________. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday!

I looked at the mirror. It was a gold compact.
On the front, my name was engraved. Different jewels
were encrusted in it. It was gorgeous. I had got
Michael a present too. I hope he likes it…



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Michael Barnette's POV

I opened my presents earlier that day. I had
gotten stuff from Honeyduke's, Zonko's, and Flourish
and Blott's. But those didn't compare to Noelle's
gift.

She had given me a journal. A blank journal. I
tried writing in it, and it wrote back to me. Noelle
wrote back to me. She said that it was a thinking
journal, and whenever I needed to talk to anyone, I
could just write in it, and we'd be able to talk, in a
sense.

I talked to Godric earlier on Christmas morning.
He's been like a grandfather to me ever since I opened
the book. It's helped me get through this hard time.

And now, I was attempting to write a letter…
__________________________________________________
Dear Dad,

My name is Michael Barnette-Potter and I was am your
son. My mother Anastasia wrote to tell me. I received
the letter after she died.

You probably don't know that she died. She told me
that not many knew you are were married. It was kept a
secret , because of Voldemort, and not even the
Ministry knew. 

They also didn't know that you had children, since you
divorced right after James was born. You probably
don't even know that you have another son. James was
born in February. You and my mother divorced in late
March. I was born in the beginning of November.

Anastasia was a great person, and a great mother. I
miss her a lot. She said lots of wonderful things
about 'my father'. Even though she would never tell me
your name, I know that she still loves you. 

In the letter, she said that you are my guardian, and
that I am to live with you. But dad, if you don't
want me to live with you, I understand.

I ask of you to write back as soon as you can. And
please don't tell James yet. I think I should be the
one to tell him.

Yours Truly,
Michael Barnette-Potter
__________________________________________________

Screwed up letter? I know. But how exactly do
you tell someone that you are their long-lost son? If
you have any suggestions, just let me know…



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Sirius Black's POV

I love Christmas. It is the season of love, of
happiness, and of pranking.

So far, I have drove our entire village crazy by
putting nose-biting teacups in every cabinet, putting
frog spawn in every body of water, and blowing up
random things. I have also dungbombed every house
within a 3 mile radius. That's just what I did
yesterday. Ahh, the life of a Marauder. Whatever
should I do tomorrow?

Now, it was Christmas. I got lots of stuff from
Zonko's. And I got stuff from Honeydukes. I can't wait
until we can go to Hogsmeade. But that isn't for
another 2 and 1/2 years. I can't wait that long.

I had tons of extra homework to do. Instead of
assigning me detentions, teachers have been giving me
extra work. That's not fair! I want detentions! We
only have 1,200 to go. And we still have 6 and 1/2
more years! 

Estella is really happy that me and Andromada
are back. She misses us a lot, even though she won't
admit it. What can I say, I'm miss-able. 

My parents are really happy, because I haven't
done that much bad stuff lately. Everything has been
reversable. I have too much work to do!

Andromada is really happy, because she got
assigned 'detention' in History of Magic. And she was
assigned 20 essays to do. And the Marauders had to do
them…

And I'm happy because it's Christmas. There
haven't been many murders in the past week. And, I get
to eat lots of Christmas food! Yummy!



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