Chapter 11: The Christmas Invitation
A/N Originally this chapter was going to be part of Chapter 10, but I decided to split the chapter apart because of the fact that Chapter 10 got really long. Also, as I started to outline what I wanted to do for this part, I came up with a lot of ideas. I feel that this would be better off as its own chapter. Anyway, enjoy this chapter, my wonderful readers.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters or anything Harry Potter related. I do own the OC Jasmine and the plot of this story.
Soon November rolled around. At the beginning of the month, everyone was talking about the Hogsmeade weekend. It was the first weekend of November and everyone was excited, particularly James. He had been planning something for several weeks when he realized there would be a Hogsmeade weekend coming up. Though as he began to plan his scheme, James realized that he would need some help. So, James asked Remus and Peter for help.
Flashback
The two boys that James was looking for were sitting in the common room. They were both working on homework. James was glad that his best friend was not with them. It would be better this way since the plan involved Sirius.
James walked right up to the two and said, "Hey, Moony, Wormtail." They both looked up to see what James wanted. "I'm planning something, and I need your help."
Peter spoke up before James could continue. "Shouldn't we get Jasmine and Sirius if we are planning another prank?"
James shook his head. "No. This isn't about a prank. I'm actually planning something involving Jazzy and Pads. I realized that I can't do it alone, so can I count on you guys to help?"
It was during this part that Lily had passed by them and overheard what James had said about planning something involving her cousin and Sirius. So, to find out what James could possibly be planning for her cousin, Lily interjected herself into the conversation. "Potter, what are you planning on doing? You better not be planning on hurting my cousin or I will end you."
James jumped back a bit in surprise. He hadn't seen Lily, so her voice had surprised him. "Oh, um, hey Evans. I'm not planning anything, especially not with your cousin."
"Drop the act, Potter. I overheard you just now. I know you are planning something. You might as well just tell me." Lily really hoped that he wasn't planning on pranking her cousin. She didn't want to hurt him. She still couldn't stand James Potter, but over the past several months of term, she had also noticed the changes in him as well. He wasn't so much of a bully as he was before. He was also more tolerable for Lily, but that didn't in any way mean that she would willingly go out with him anytime soon.
"Fine, Evans, but you better not tell your cousin. I can't have my plan ruined." Then James turned to the boys. "I can count on your help, right guys?" Both boys nodded. He motioned for Lily to sit down next to Remus so that he could inform them about his plan. After Lily took a seat, James continued, "Okay, so I don't know if any of you have noticed, but we need to get Jazzy and Pads together. My plan…"
Before James could continue with his plan, Lily interrupted. "I want in."
"What?"
"I want in on your plan. Despite the fact that I still can't stand you, Potter, I also think that Black and Mina would be good for each other. So, I'm helping with this plan whether you like it or not." Lily was the only one who really knew that truly the two would be good together. She was the only one that knew about both Jasmine's family and about Sirius's family. So, Lily knew that they would be good for each other as well as help as they healed.
James was shocked. He was not expecting Lily to be on board with a plan to get her cousin romantically linked with one Sirius Black, who he was pretty sure Lily still hated. Though this didn't deter James. "Well, okay, the more the merrier. So, my plan is fairly simple right now. I plan to do it on Hogsmeade weekend. The only way for us to get them alone together is to make sure that we all leave them with excuses. That is as far as I have gotten, though."
"Great plan, Potter." The sarcasm was dripping from Lily's voice.
James glared at her. "Obviously, I haven't really done a lot of planning yet, Evans."
Before they could start arguing more, Remus spoke up. "Well, then we have some planning to do, don't we Prongs. You are welcome to help, Lily." They both broke their glaring contest to look at Remus.
James nods his head. "Yeah, Moony we do." This is followed by them beginning to plan what they would do for the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend.
End of Flashback
Now that it was finally Hogsmeade weekend, it was time for them to put their plan together. They had planned for several scenarios just in case. They, mainly James and Lily, knew that they would be great together. Also, James and Lily both knew just how much Sirius and Jasmine cared for each other. They both also knew how hesitant their best friends were to start a relationship with the other.
Obviously, James knew that in order for a relationship between the two that Sirius would need to tell Jasmine about his family and his home life prior to him running away. While Lily knew that Jasmine wouldn't start a relationship with Sirius until she had at least told him the truth about her mother and the emotional abuse. She wished that she could tell her cousin how much Sirius really could relate with her on that front, but she knew that it wouldn't mean as much coming from her as it would from Sirius.
So, really both of them (James and Lily) hoped that at least the two would be able to see the truth on the Hogsmeade weekend. They hoped that there would possibly even be a chance that the truth would come out, especially Lily. Too bad that their hopes didn't exactly occur.
Originally Jasmine was going to spend part of the Hogsmeade weekend with the Marauders and part with Lily. That all changed when the plan was put into motion though, which happened at breakfast.
Jasmine walked into the Great Hall for breakfast with Lily, with who Jaz agreed to have breakfast. Soon after they sat down, the boys strolled in and sat with them. Sirius took his usual seat next to Jasmine, slinging his arm over her shoulder. Remus and Peter sat across the table from Sirius, Jaz, and Lily. James, though, didn't take his usual seat next to Sirius. Instead, James took the open seat next to Lily, although he did it hesitantly. He was still cautious, but he had to talk to Lily about the plan. The only way that he could do that without Jaz or Sirius finding out completely would be to sit next to Lily. When he took the seat, both Jaz and Sirius gave him a curious glance. Jaz also gave her cousin a questioning glance and asked Lily, "Lils, are you okay if the guys join us for breakfast? I swear I was just going to meet them in the hall after breakfast."
"It's fine, Mina," Lily said. Then she leaned in and whispered to Jasmine so that only she could hear. "They have started to grow on me. Potter and Black really aren't as irritating anymore."
Jasmine turned her head to Lily wearing an expression of shock. She didn't think her cousin would ever be able to at least tolerate the guys, mainly James and Sirius. Then a thought occurred to her to which Jasmine relayed to her cousin by motioning to the boy sitting next to her. Jaz then wiggled her eyebrows suggestively to which Lily rolled her eyes in response. Then Lily turned her attention to James.
James, who was waiting patiently to talk to Lily, had been staring at the girls the whole time, mainly Lily. He had been admiring her lovely red hair when she turned to face him. She whispered so that only he could hear, "Potter, what are you doing sitting next to me?"
James, also lowering his voice so that only Lily would hear him, whispered, "I needed to talk to you about the plan."
Lily, who had been glaring, softened her expression slightly. She still looked annoyed. "Fine. Now, what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
James took a deep breath. "Well, I was wondering if you wanted to hang out with us while we spy on Sirius and Jazzy?"
Lily was taken aback. James had asked her out plenty of times before this but this time it was different. This time he wasn't really asking her out since they would also be hanging out with the other two, but Lily knew that Peter probably wouldn't stay for long, and neither would Remus. Although they also cared about Sirius, they weren't as invested in getting him together with Jasmine as James and Lily were. They wouldn't want to spend their entire weekend spying on them and to be truthful, neither did Lily. So, Lily responded, "Potter, I am not going to spend my entire weekend spying on my cousin and Black. That would be ridiculous. Plus, I have things I wanted to get done this weekend besides setting up my cousin."
James stared at the girl in front of him. He almost got lost in her eyes, but he was able to pull himself away before that happened. "I wasn't planning on spending the whole weekend spying on them. That would be utterly ridiculous. I have plans too, you know. I'm also going to be using this weekend to look for Christmas presents. This is one of our last Hogsmeade Weekends before the break, so I need to get it done soon, or else I'm screwed."
Again, Lily was taken aback by James. She had noticed that he had changed over the summer, but this was something different. Lily hadn't really spent much time with him because he was an arrogant toerag that didn't deserve her attention. But over the time they spent planning this weekend, well, she had started to be able to tolerate his presence. Although during those planning 'sessions,' all they really did was to plan. It was now that Lily was getting a bit more of an insight into who James Potter was. And Lily kind of wanted to get to know him a bit better, but not because she liked him. "No," Lily thought. "I want to get to know him for Mina." Lily would never like James Potter because despite the change she saw in him, Lily knew he was still a bully. James was less of a bully now though, but that didn't mean that he was suddenly a good person.
Before Lily could think about it more, she whispered to James, "I'll join you for your Christmas shopping if you don't mind. I still have some gifts to get as well." James gave her a bright smile. That was the end of their little private conversation because Lily had turned away from James.
Soon breakfast was over. Jasmine gave her cousin a hug goodbye telling her, "I'll see you later Lils." Lily just smiled in response. This was part of their plan since if they let Jasmine sense that that wouldn't be the case, it would throw the whole plan off. Instead, they planned to just tell her as the day went on.
Jasmine walked out of the Great Hall with the boys, James being the last one out. He wanted to tell Lily to meet him in the Three Broomsticks around lunchtime so that they could go gift shopping.
As they reached the entrance to the castle, James stopped them. "Guys, I just realized that I have to get some Christmas gifts. Don't you both have to as well, Remus and Peter?" The two in question nodded their heads in agreement. Meanwhile, Sirius just gave James a suspicious look. "Guess we'll just have to leave you two to finish our shopping expedition."
"Well, I still have some gifts to get as well," Jasmine explained. "So, why don't we just all go together?"
"No can do, Jazzy." James was glad they had prepared for this. "It is yours and Sirius as well as a couple others that I have to get. Can't have you trying to figure out what I got you for Christmas before the day in question." Then before Jasmine could argue any further, James grabbed Remus and Peter and pulled them out to the carriages that were waiting to take them to Hogsmeade.
Jasmine stood there in shock over the whole thing, but Sirius was just irritated with his best friend. He couldn't believe James in all of his attempts this year to try and get him and Jasmine together. Although, he might as well go with it. He still fancied Jasmine even though he wasn't planning on acting on it anytime soon if ever. Plus, Sirius liked spending time with the girl. It was never a dull moment when she was around. So, Sirius said, "So, you are coming, Mare?" Sirius goofily offered his bent arm to her.
Jasmine shook out of her shock and looked at Sirius. She gave Sirius a huge grin and took his arm. Then they headed out to the carriages. Lucky for them they hadn't left yet and there was one left that was actually empty.
In the carriage ride, Jasmine and Sirius discussed what they would do since the others had left them high and dry. They agreed to make sure that they stopped by Zonko's and Honeydukes. They also agreed to stop by the Three Broomsticks too. Besides those usual places, Jasmine convinced Sirius, with little trouble, to go to a music store as well as a bookstore with her. She still needed to get Lily a gift and figured that she might find something in the bookstore. And the music store was something that Jasmine just really wanted to see, especially since she hadn't had the chance to visit it yet.
By the time they reached Hogsmeade, Sirius and Jasmine had their whole day planned out. It would be an amazing day. And the plus was that they became even closer by the end of the day. Jasmine even forgot that she was supposed to meet up with Lily with the amount of fun that she was having with Sirius. They had a great day and ended up getting several things.
By the end of the trip, Jasmine had bought gifts for all the boys, except Sirius, as well as Lily. Jasmine had already gotten something for her aunt and uncle. She would have Lily send it with her stuff. Sirius's gift, on the other hand, Jaz had gotten several weeks ago. She had just happened on it, and when she saw it, she knew it would be the perfect gift for him.
Sirius, on the other hand, didn't have much to spend to get gifts. He figured the guys would understand given the fact that they knew that he had been disowned. He had been able to get James something though as well as something for Jasmine. Although the gift for Jasmine did require Sirius to borrow some money from James, which James had given him before the trip as if he knew that Sirius would need it. Sirius would have to thank his best friend later for the money because he got Jasmine the best gift ever. He knew she would love it. Sirius just wished that he would be able to see her face when she opened it.
Meanwhile, James was hanging out with Peter and Remus until lunchtime. Thankfully, they managed to avoid running into Sirius and Jaz. James was joking when he told Lily he was going to spy on them. He hadn't actually been planning on spying on the two. James wasn't that nosy or rude. Plus, he knew that Sirius was already suspicious of him. If Sirius saw James that would just cement what Sirius thought James was doing. It wasn't a smart idea.
At lunchtime, James bid Peter and Remus goodbye. "Hey guys. I'll see you both later."
Before he could leave though, Remus stopped him. "Where are you going, Prongs?" Remus put on his lecture face before continuing. "You better not be going to spy on Padfoot."
"Don't worry I'm not going to go spy on them. I'm sure it's going great. They are great friends anyway. They don't need my supervision."
"Then where could you possibly be going?"
Remus' question was answered when Lily walked up to them. "Ready to go Potter?" Lily asked. James nodded and they left Remus and Peter gaping at them with their jaws dropped.
Soon after they had left, Remus turned to Peter and asked, "Did you know James was going out on a date with Lily?" Peter shook his head vigorously. Little did they know it was not a date at all.
After James and Lily left the Three Broomsticks, Lily led them to the bookstore. She had hoped to find a gift for Jasmine there.
Inside the bookstore, James asked, "So, what are we looking for exactly, Lily-pad?"
Lily gave him a glare. "Don't call me that. But we are in here looking for a book for Jasmine. I still need to get her a Christmas gift. I was thinking I would get her a copy of one of her favorite books. She doesn't have that many books so I think she would really enjoy it."
"Oh. That's a good idea. I should get her a book too."
"You can't steal my gift idea for Mina. I thought of it first."
"Why not? It's not like we are both going to get her the same book. Plus, you just said that she doesn't have that many books."
"Oh, um, I guess when you put it like that, it doesn't actually matter." Lily bowed her head to hide the blush that was appearing on her face from the embarrassment that she was feeling about the whole situation. "I'll even help you pick out one of her favorites."
"That would be great. Thanks, Lily." James gave her a grin. "I have one more question before we go search for these books." Lily nodded her head indicating that he should continue. "From what I have learned about Jazzy over the last year, she loves to read. So, why doesn't she have that many books?"
The question shocked Lily. She wasn't expecting it. But Lily knew what the answer was. But she wasn't about to tell him the truth. The truth would bring up way too many questions that Lily knew Jasmine didn't want to be asked, let alone have them answered. Lily also didn't know what her cousin had already told the boys about her mother and her home life, which was the reason she didn't have as many books as she had wanted. So, Lily went with the safe answer. "Mina didn't have a lot of money growing up for books and such."
"Oh, wow, um. Yeah, I guess I just didn't realize that she might not have had the money."
After, they fell into an awkward silence as they searched the shelves for books. It was broken when Lily found one of Jasmine's favorite books. After that disruption, they fell into a comfortable silence as Lily helped James find a book for Jasmine. Once they found it as well as some other books, they set off to Honeydukes to get some treats as gifts for some of their own friends.
By the end of the trip, they had both finished all of their Christmas shopping. James even bought a nice cookbook that he happened to find for his mother that he knew she would enjoy. Overall, the Hogsmeade trip was really enjoyable for both of them. It wasn't as enjoyable for James, though, once he got back to his dorm room.
In the room, the other three boys were already there. Peter and Remus seemed to have been waiting for him, while Sirius didn't even bother to look up when he heard James enter the room. Before the boys could speak up James beat them to it. "So, Pads, how was your day? Have a fun day with Jazzy?"
"I know you set us up, Prongs." Sirius glared at James. "Not that it's any of your business, but Mare and I had a great day. I was even able to get her the most amazing Christmas present without her knowing. Speaking of which, thanks for the money. I really appreciate it, Prongs." Sirius gave his best friend a thankful smile, which James returned.
After Remus was sure their conversation was over, he took the chance to ask James about his afternoon with Lily. "So, Prongs, how was your little date?"
This perked Sirius's attention. He turned to Remus and asked, "Date?" Turning to James he asked, "What date? With who? Don't you dare tell me that you finally got Evans to go on a date with you! There is no way she still hates you."
Before James had the chance to protest, Remus answered Sirius's question for him. "Apparently he did. She met him at the Three Broomstick and then they went off to who knows where."
James finally got a word in. "It wasn't a date. Ugh. We just went Christmas shopping together. I think she is starting to warm up to me, though. I really think I might have a shot in the future, though. We didn't really fight the whole afternoon, although there was there were a few moments…" James then goes on to tell them all about his afternoon with Lily Evans, with a few exaggerations thrown in there for good measure.
The rest of November flew by. It is late November when the topic of Christmas comes up again. Jasmine and Lily were already at dinner. They were chatting about nothing in particular when the boys came and sat with them. Ever since the Hogsmeade weekend earlier in the month, the boys had taken to inviting themselves to sit with Jasmine and Lily. Lily wasn't as bothered by the action as much anymore. It actually seemed like Lily was starting to think of all the boys as friends, which Jaz was very thankful for. She was glad that her cousin was starting to see the good in the boys as she had.
So, the boys had just arrived at the table. Everyone takes their usual seats, including James who sits on the other side of Sirius. After sitting down, James asks, "So, what's everyone's plans for Christmas?"
Sirius answers first. "Well, you already know I'll be staying with you, Prongs since I live with you." James lets out a couple laughs.
Remus is the next to respond. "I'm going home. But based on when the full moon is in December, I should be able to make it to Potter Manor for a couple of days during the break. It will probably be after Christmas though." The full moon comment isn't too unusual for any of them, including Lily. Last month Lily had confronted Remus saying that she knew about his "furry little problem." She basically told him the same thing that Jaz had told him. He was still Remus and she didn't care if he was a werewolf. He would always be Remus no matter what.
Next is Peter who tells them, "I will be spending time with his extended family and won't be able to make it to see any of any of you over break."
"Too bad, Wormtail," James says.
Next, they all look toward Jasmine and Lily to tell them what their plans are. Before responding, though, Jaz and Lily glance at each other. With this glance, they both agree that they may as well tell him that they are planning on staying at Hogwarts. Jaz had told Lily about how she revealed to James and Sirius about Petunia shortly after they left. It was actually the same night that she had told her. Jaz didn't like keeping stuff from Lily and tried not to keep too much from her. There were exceptions, but for the most part, Jasmine told Lily everything.
So, after Lily and Jaz agree to tell James their plans, Jaz turns to them and tells them, "Actually, Lils and I are planning on staying here at Hogwarts for Christmas."
James is about to ask why, but he happened to glance at Jasmine. Her look tells him that she would explain later. So, he closes his mouth before he can ask the question. Then they all fall into silence for several minutes. One of the boys is about to change the subject when a brilliant idea comes to James. His face lights up. He takes a glance at Sirius, who immediately knows what James is thinking before he even says it. Sirius is glad that James thought to ask him before he voices his idea. Sirius gives him a slight nod in agreement with his idea.
After getting Sirius's approval of the idea, James asks "Jazzy, Lily-Pad, how about you come and stay at Potter Manor for Christmas."
Jaz and Lily glance at each other again. "That's a kind offer, Prongs, but you really don't need to."
Lily and Jaz's reasons for not wanting to go were very different. Lily might not despise the boys as much, but she really did not want to spend Christmas with the boy who was obsessed with her. While Jaz just doesn't want to impose on James and his family. Jaz already felt like a burden to her aunt and uncle, and she didn't want to be one to James and his family. She hated feeling like a burden because that was how she felt with her mother.
James continued to try and convince them. "No, it's really no problem. There are plenty of rooms in the Manor." The girls still seemed a bit more hesitant, so James knows that he needs to really drive this home to convince the girls. "And my mother would love to have some other girls around. Afterall she is the only female in the house,"
Finally, Jaz relents. "Fine, Prongs. As long as you are sure that it won't be a problem, we would love to come over for Christmas, right Lils?" Lily nods her head in agreement. She doesn't want to spend Christmas "alone" at Hogwarts. It just wouldn't be right without Jaz with her. Lily figured that it would be fun to an extent to spend Christmas with James and Sirius. Plus, maybe she and James could scheme to get Jasmine and Sirius together finally over the break.
After dinner, James heads up to the owlery to get Merlin to send a letter to his parents about Jasmine and Lily coming with them for the break so that they could plan for them. He mentions to his mother that he should put Jasmine in the room next to Sirius's room.
The next morning at breakfast, James gets a letter back from his mother about her excitement about the girls spending Christmas with them. She is excited to finally meet Lily, who James talks about a lot. She also agrees to place Jasmine where James suggested. She also knew about Sirius fancying the girl in question. Anyway, James's mother is happy to accommodate the girls. Though in the letter, she makes sure to remind James to tell the girls to bring a nice dress for the Christmas ball. It would be a few days after Christmas day like it would usually be. And if they wanted to come, then they would need something nice to wear.
James groans when he reads the part about the ball. The others (the Marauders, Lily, and Jaz) turn to look at him. He looks at Sirius who knows what he is about to say. "It's the ball." He directs the next part directly to the girls. "Every year my family has a Christmas Ball a few days after Christmas. My mother wants to make sure that I tell you that if you want to come, you will need to bring some nice dresses to wear to the ball. Although, if you don't have anything, I bet my mum could figure something out for you girls."
The girls squeal. They are real girly girls and love to dress up. Lily knows just the dresses to bring for both her and Jasmine since she knows that her cousin probably doesn't have much.
For the rest of the term, the girls excitedly talked about the ball and their excitement much to the boys' annoyance. The boys, especially James, would rather they talk about anything else. Although, they were happy that the girls were excited about spending their Christmas at Potter Manor. Little did any of them know, it would be a Christmas that none of them would ever forget.
A/N Finally finished this chapter. I originally wasn't planning on it being this long, but well I really got into the whole Hogsmeade thing a bit more than I anticipated. I hope you enjoyed it. I will try to get the next chapter done as soon as I can. It's the chapter you have all been looking forward to.
Coming up next: Chapter 12 Christmas Tears
😊 See you all later, Knk6700
