You Only Live Once

CHAPTER 18

Four days had already slipped through Mira's fingers like fine sand since she arrived at the Lupin cottage. It was the second week of the Christmas holidays, and the house was a haven of warmth compared to the biting winter air outside. The moment she had stepped through the door, Hope Lupin had practically smothered her in a floral-scented embrace, showering her face with kisses until Mira was breathless with laughter. Lyall, ever the man of few words but deep affection, had offered her a firm fist-bump before ruffling her hair so vigorously that it took her ten minutes to brush out the tangles.

Remus had been the most patient of the lot. He stood by the banister with his hands shoved in his pockets, a knowing smirk on his face as he watched his parents dote on her. He was just waiting for them to tire themselves out so he could finally reclaim his best friend. It wasn't until the clock struck midnight that Hope and Lyall finally headed to bed, leaving the living room to the teenagers.

Remus hadn't wasted a single second after that. Over the following days, he followed Mira from room to room, trailing after her like a shadow. He complained incessantly that once they were back at Hogwarts, he wouldn't have the luxury of having her all to himself without the 'others' crashing their conversations. For Mira, these were the most peaceful and genuinely joyful holidays she had experienced in a very long time. There was no pressure, no fear, and no one demanding she be anything other than herself.

But the bubble of peace was destined to pop. James, Sirius, and Peter were scheduled to arrive shortly to spend the final night of the break together before the Hogwarts Express whisked them all back to the castle. Marlene McKinnon was the only one missing; she was stuck at home dealing with family obligations that she wouldn't stop complaining about in her lengthy, ink-stained letters.

Fortunately, Lily Evans was the first to arrive. Mira was sprawled out on her bed with Remus, the two of them debating the merits of different chocolate frog cards, when a sharp knock echoed from downstairs. Mira didn't just walk; she practically vaulted over Remus and sprinted down the stairs, leaving him blinking in the dust.

By the time Mira reached the hallway, Hope had already swung the door wide. There stood Lily, cheeks flushed red from the cold, looking like a breath of fresh air.

"Lily!" Mira shouted, her face splitting into a massive grin. She didn't slow down, launching herself at her friend.

"Rosie!" Lily cried back, her excitement mirroring Mira's. She dropped her trunk right there on the floor and opened her arms wide. The two girls collided in a messy, tight hug, swaying back and forth as they laughed. It felt like they hadn't seen each other in years rather than just a week.

"Oh, sure. Just tune out the rest of the world why don't you" Remus called out from the top of the stairs. He leaned against the railing, his arms crossed over his chest in mock frustration, though the wide smile on his face gave him away.

"Oh, come here, Remmy" Mira said, rolling her eyes playfully as she reached out a hand toward him. Remus didn't need to be told twice. He stepped down and folded his long arms around both girls, creating a giant, slightly clumsy group hug. They stayed like that for a long moment, simply enjoying the quiet comfort of being together.

The silence was eventually broken by Hope, who emerged from the kitchen wiping her hands on her apron. She caught Remus's eye and tilted her head toward the back of the house. She needed help prepping the mountain of food required to feed three more teenage boys. Remus groaned, offering Mira a look of pure betrayal, but after a few deadly glares from his mother, he realized he wasn't going to win this battle. He slumped his shoulders and trudged toward the kitchen, leaving the girls to their own devices.

Mira and Lily headed back up to the bedroom, where an extra mattress had been squeezed onto the floor for the night. Lily dropped her bag with a heavy thud and immediately plopped onto the bed, propping herself up on her elbows. Her green eyes were sparkling with curiosity.