The next day was Christmas and you could barely tell anything was different between the four friends, that is unless you were Dorea Potter. She saw the way James watched his sister with concern, and the way that Sirius always seemed to make a joke when Hermione's smile slipped a bit, or the way that Remus kept putting himself near her almost like he was trying to guard her, his eyes flitting around the room checking for possible threats. Dorea was not sure what had happened between the four of them, but this was an interesting development, and one she would have to keep her eye on.
After gifts were exchanged and the kids were all lounging in front of the fire playing games, Charlus called James and Hermione into his study.
"I have a gift for you two. A gift that has been passed down to Potters for generations. It is a family heirloom and it seems only fitting that I pass it on to my two children."
Hermione's eyes filled with tears as she realized what was happening. James gasped as their father pulled a glistening cloak from a box, passing it towards his children. Hermione nudged James who slowly reached out to grasp it.
"Is this what I think it is?"
Charlus chuckled smiling fondly at his only son.
"Yes, this my children, is an invisibility cloak. Use it wisely, and Merlin please do not get caught with it." He said smiling wryly at his children who he knew had a strong penchant for pranks.
James was absolutely gleeful. He looked at his sister who smiled warmly back at him.
"We should figure out a schedule, take turns you know?" James said.
"No, no. You should hang on to it." A huge grin split her brother's face as he began considering the possibilities. "But, if I should ever need it, you have to let me borrow it…no questions asked." Hermione grinned and James narrowed his eyes sharply before nodding.
"Fine, deal."
Hermione laughed patting her brother on the back as he practically ran out of the room, most likely to go present the cloak to Remus and Sirius.
Hermione looked back at her father and swiftly walked forward wrapping her arms around his midsection.
"Thank you." She said, and they both knew she wasn't talking about the gift.
"Every day I am proud to call you my daughter. You are, and will forever be, a Potter. Do not ever let yourself doubt that."
Hermione sniffled looking up at Charlus's smiling face.
"I love you Dad."