Disclaimer: The characters and whatnot belong to JK but this little fic is mine... for you guys... on Christmas :D
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Chapter 1 - The Problem with Christmas
"I hate Christmas," James mumbled, picking at a loose thread on the cuff of his green jumper.
"Since when?" Sirius scoffed, plopping down on the couch next to him. It was two days before Christmas eve and the boys were scheduled to return to the Potter mansion later that afternoon, having stayed back later than most students to be with their werewolf friend in the hospital wing.
"You always get really great presents," Peter added inconsequentially. "So that's good, isn't it?"
"It's supposedly the most wonderful time of the year," Sirius said, eying James with curiosity. "What's the bet this sudden dislike for the silly season has something to do with Evans?"
"When don't James' mood swings have something to do with Lily?" came a voice from the portrait hole.
"Moony! I thought they weren't letting you out till tomorrow morning?" James said, perking up momentarily.
"Well, Madam Pomfrey understood that I didn't wish to spend the entire holiday in the infirmary," Remus said, wincing slightly as he lowered himself into an armchair close to the fire.
"Yes, Poppy's a soft touch," Sirius agreed. "But back to Prongs."
"What is it this time?" Remus sighed.
James glared at his friends. "I'll have you know it's none of your business."
"Did she reject you again?" Peter asked tactlessly.
"At Christmas? The heartless wench!" Sirius cried.
"No, that can't be it," Remus said. "He hasn't asked her out all year. Part of this mature-Head-Boy-rather-be-friends facade he's been putting on."
"Maybe she didn't write him a card?" Peter said.
"Not write a card! The nerve of the girl!" Sirius added. "Poor James must be heartbroken!"
"You can stop talking about me like I'm not here," James said grumpily.
"Whenever we talk about Evans, your brain switches off so for all intents and purposes you aren't here," Remus said matter-of-fact-ly.
"Okay, fine, I'll just tell you if it means you'll stop ignoring me," James said. "I hate Christmas because it's too hard to find presents for people and by people I mean Lily."
"Really? That's it? I was expecting something much more interesting than that!" Sirius said in disgust.
"No, you don't get it," James said standing up and beginning to pace. "I don't know what's appropriate. I mean, we're friends now, I get it. But firstly, what do you get a girl who is your friend? And secondly, what gift is appropriate if you actually are in love with said friend who is a girl? What gift says 'hey, I'm happy to be your friend because you're the most amazing person I've ever met, but I'd much rather you agree to go out with me sometime because I'd rather we dated, fell in love, got married and everything that goes with it as you're really rather spectacular'? See, because I don't think there's a gift that says that and there's certainly no Christmas card that I can find that offers a similar sentiment alongside the traditional 'happy holidays and a joyous new year'. Now do you see why I hate Christmas? It's just. So. Frustrating!" he said, throwing himself into the armchair opposite Remus.
His rant was met with a slightly stunned silence.
"Well?" he demanded. "Any ideas?"
"You love her?" Remus asked incredulously.
"That was more interesting than initially thought," Sirius mused.
"I always thought you just fancied her heaps," Peter said, adopting his most used expression - confusion.
"You don't chase someone for seven years and make such a ridiculous effort to become a better person if you just fancy someone, guys. She's the one. Hopefully one day she'll work it out, but until then I have to treat her as a friend."
"Turns out the mature thing wasn't a facade," Remus noted. "You've grown up, Prongs. I'm proud of you."
"That's all very well and good, Moony, but it doesn't help me with my current dilemma," James replied. "I still have no idea what to get Lils. And another reason I hate Christmas. We're going home and she's staying at the castle. That's like five days of potential getting her to see how amazingly fantastic I am gone."
"Okay, maybe I got a bit carried away with the maturity thing," Remus muttered.
"We don't have to go home for Christmas," Sirius said.
"But, Pads, you love Christmas at my house," James replied, eyebrows raised in surprise. "You hate missing it!"
"Prongs, you are my brother in all but blood," Sirius said, melodramatic as usual. "If your happiness means me having to forgo your mum's delightful mince tarts and your dad's oh-so-juicy turkey then so be it. I'm sure it'll be there next year."
"Padfoot-" James began, prepared to extoll his gratitudes upon his friend.
"But, be aware, Prongs, that staying at Hogwarts is now my gift to you. I shall need your new broomstick servicing kit that I bought you to keep me occupied in the long hours you spend trying to woo Evans."
"That's fair," Peter chipped in.
"If you're sure, I can owl Mum," James said. "But that still doesn't solve my present problem."
"We'll think of something," Remus said. "You better owl home, though."
"Hmm, yeah. Be right back," James said, heading up the stairs with renewed spring in his step.
"In love, ey? It's worse than I thought," Sirius grinned.
"Anyone up for a visit to Hogsmeade this evening?" Remus suggested.
The teenage boys put their heads together, excited by the prospect of a night out on the town.
Meanwhile, the red-headed object of James' affections loitered on the stairs to the girls' dormitories, just out of sight of the boys, trying to process what she had inadvertently overheard.
James Potter was in love with her?
No. Impossible!
AN - Wrote this late at night, there are three more chapters to go, the last of which will be posted on Christmas day. Not sure if it'll make much sense, but I'm just getting into the Christmas spirit and they do call it the silly season for a reason! Read and review if you have a moment :D
And for those of you waiting for the next chapter of Scribblings2, I know it's been three months but you won't have to wait much longer - the next chapter will be up in a few days thanks to a few reviewers that pointed out just how slack I've been!
MERRY THREE DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS :D
