Aria Black and the Prisoner of Azkaban *Re-Write*

And um..... Happy Birthday?

Christmas is wonderful, despite having to be inside all day. I watch the snow fall from the window. Remus explains to me that Sirius Black was spotted here, but that I should not worry because Tonks is here, and Mad-Eye is somewhere nearby. The three of us exchange gifts, and then spend the day trying to watch Muggle TV.

I get Tonks some of the twins and my joke products. They are just prototypes, but she loves them lots. Remus keeps his disapproving look hidden under a light smile. For Remus, I have a set of new robes that aren't torn like his old ones. He can wear these to teach, and Malfoy and his gang will have to find other things to make fun of him for.

Tonks gives me a set of wizarding chess, and teaches me how to play. Remus tells us that he used to play with his friends, but that it's been awhile. He looks so pained and desperate. Tonks doesn't seem to notice.

While Tonks is distracted with our model of a flying car, Remus pulls me aside to give me his present. It's a key necklace. The key itself is about the size of my middle finger, and steely grey.

"I love it." I breathe, fingering my new necklace. He also hands me a small ring. "Are you asking me to marry you?" I joke lightly, taking it into my hands. The ring is silver, with a cute little arrow on it. "This is great, Remus. Thanks!"

He smiles. "I thought a girl as special as you deserves something to let everyone else know it. Also, the ring is for your birthday."

I slip the ring on my ring finger, and he fastens the necklace around my neck. We play wizarding chess, and Tonks beats me many times. Then Remus plays her, and wins 4 out of 5 matches. He beats me 5 out of 5 matches. I vow to brush up on my skills at Hogwarts, and beat him.

When it comes time to leave, we pack our bags. Tonks goes down and thanks Monsieur Alamos. Then I hold Remus's arm and we apparate back to our little cottage. Tonks soon follows.

We spend the next few weeks together, mostly shut up in the cottage. Tonks seems more protective than ever now that she realizes that Sirius Black might actually be after me. I doubt that he actually is, but who knows?

On January 1st, my birthday, I spend the morning at the cottage with Remus and Tonks. But at noon, we apparate to the Burrow. Bill and Charlie are visiting for the Christmas/New Years season, and Angelina is there too.

There's a large banner outside the house, with 'Happy Birthday Aria' in swirly font. The letters move in different patterns, and flash different colors.

Bill and Charlie are setting up tables when I arrive. They're the oldest brothers. Bill is a curse-breaker, and he gets to travel a lot. He's always liked me, but I get the impression he likes a lot of people. Unlike Percy, he doesn't mind troublemakers. Charlie is a troublemaker himself, but he's learned how to channel his boisterous nature into caring for dragons. He's been studying them in Romania for three years. We get on pretty well, like siblings.

"Aria Black, what a marvelous surprise!" Bill calls out, waving.

I wave at him in a large gesture above my head.

"IS THAT A NEW HAIRCUT?" Charlie yells.

"THANKS FOR NOTICING!" I yell back.

"IT LOOKS LIKE CRAP!" He tells me loudly.

We reach where they are setting up the tables. "You're one to talk. Do you even own a comb?" I ask. His hair is bright red and unkempt, sticking up in all directions.

Charlie embraces me. "How are ya, little Black?"

I shrug. "Stir crazy. I haven't left the cottage in days. This is like vacation to me, and I just went to France."