Chapter 7: The Best Christmas Surprise Ever
September was over. Quidditch games had started. Before everyone knew it, October and November passed by. James told Megan that he hadn't heard from his sister, so she's probably dead. Ariel decided not to tell her mother what she found out. Instead, she and the others hatched a plan. It was to be the best Christmas ever.
"Ok! How the bloody hell did it get to be Christmas so quickly?" Vega asked at breakfast.
"You've been around Ron too much." Megan laughed. "But you're right. The year has gone quickly." No thanks to the author
I heard that Megan (A/N: That was me in case you didn't figure it out)
"So, is anyone staying here?" Adam asked.
"Not me." Vega said. "I have to talk to Dad face-to-face about the whole Azkaban thing."
"Good luck with that." Colin told her.
"Do it after Christmas." Ariel told her
"Well, I heard from Harry that this year's Christmas party is going to be held at his place." Megan said.
"Is it big enough?" Ariel asked.
"I don't know. Usually it's held at Potter Manor." Megan admitted.
"This is HARRY POTTER we're talking about." Adam said. "Of course it's big enough"
"So, you know the plan?" Vega asked Ariel.
"Of course. When I get home, I go up to Mum and tell her that one of my best friends had invited us over for Christmas. It's going to be held at her older brother's place in Hogsmeade. There's plenty of room, and it's the perfect excuse to see Hogwarts." Ariel said.
"Good. Well good luck." Megan said.
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At King's Cross, Ariel, Jeremy, Vega, Adam, and Colin all left Platform 9 ¾. Megan had been given permission to go on to Harry's.
Jeremy had easily found his parents.
"I see my Mum! She must have gotten away from the Hospital" Ariel finally said.
"There's Dad." Vega sighed.
"We see our Dads too." Adam and Colin said.
"Do you want us to come with you? I don't think our Dads see us yet." Vega asked Ariel.
"Sure." Ariel said.
"Ariel! How are you?" Jennifer Potter Edwards said as she came up and hugged her daughter. Her raven hair with natural red highlights glistened in the light.
"I'm fine Mum." Ariel said.
"Oh. And thanks for all of those newsy letters. I'm glad I got you that personalized stationary you absolutely needed." Jennifer teased. "One letter. And asking me where in England was I from? You didn't even bother telling me about the school."
"Sorry about that. I was busy with classes. These are my friends, Adam, Colin, and Vega."
"It's nice to meet you." The three told Jennifer.
"Likewise." She said to them.
"I have another friend. Her name's Megan. Her family is getting together with everyone at her brother's. They've also invited us." Ariel said. "Her brother lives in Hogsmeade so, she can just walk over."
"VEGA!"
"COLIN!"
"ADAM!"
A few Maruaders were getting impatient because they couldn't find their kids in the crowd.
"Well, our Dads' are calling us." Vega, Colin, and Adam said before Jennifer could see who the Dads were.
"We hope to see you at the party Mrs. Edwards." Colin said as they left.
"Dad's also welcome. There's a spell on the house where certain muggles can see it and enter" Ariel said thinking of every single possible excuse her mother could come up with.
"Well, I suppose if we were invited." Jennifer told her daughter.
"Thanks Mum."
"We just have to discuss this with your father."
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The next day,
Megan went to Harry's place when the teachers left. Megan was in awe of the size of her brother's place. He didn't really live in Hogsmeade. He lived outside of Hogsmeade with about 10 thousand wards so that they wouldn't be disturbed. The house was extremely close to the size of Potter Manor. And to think, it was another Potter Mansion. However, it was much older than the others. (Gryffindor had it built for his daughter and son-in-law, it was that old)
"Too much?" Harry asked.
"After living at home, it's just the right size."
"Hi Auntie Meg." Tara came running.
"Hi Tara." Megan said getting on her knees to hug her niece.
"There you two are." Ginny said holding Taran.
Taran smiled at the sight of his father and aunt.
"Hi Daddy. Hi Aunt Meg." Taran said.
"Hi Taran. Hi Ginny." Harry said giving his wife a kiss as he took his son from her.
"So, how's that plan working?" Ginny asked.
"As long as Ariel's parents agree, add three more to the list." Megan told her.
"Great. Are you going to tell anyone?" Ginny asked.
"Just Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George. It's basically the second generation of Marauders pulling this. Except for the you-know-what. That's between Moony, Padfoot, and Archimedes."
"And Red" she added with a grin and a wink.
"The Maruaders? You know them?" Megan said. "And who are Archimedes and Red?"
Harry and Ginny looked at each other
Just then, the fire-call system sounded.
"Megan? Are you there?" Vega's head popped into the fire.
"Yeah. I'm here."
"The plan is a go. I just got an owl from Ariel. Her parents agreed."
"Great."
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December 25,
The Marauders, Maraudettes, their kids, the Hogwart's staff, and the Weasley were all at Harry's place.
"I can't believe you got a Lightning Bolt." Vega said to Megan.
"Neither can I" Megan agreed. "Too bad first years can't bring their broomsticks."
"Is Ariel here yet?" Vega asked
"Have you heard Dad scream like he's seen a ghost?" Megan answered.
"He wouldn't scream because of that. He spent 7 years at Hogwarts." Colin said.
"I think she's referring to the fact that his sister is supposed to be dead." Adam told him.
"Does everyone know that the Edwards are coming?" Vega asked.
"Yes. I've informed Mum and Dad." Megan said. "They just don't know the connection in blood."
Megan looked over to her parents who were talking to Harry and Dumbledore.
"Any moment now." She said moving over to the door.
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"Is this the place?" Jennifer asked a little confused. This was one of her parents' many houses.
"That's what Meg said." Ariel said trying to hide her smile.
Joseph, Ariel's father, knocked on the door.
"I'll get it." Megan's voice was heard.
"That's Megan." Ariel told her parents.
The door opened to reveal a twelve year old girl wearing a dark green dress and had red hair and … James' hazel eyes?
Jennifer was starting to get pixies in her stomach.
"Ariel! You made it! Hi. I'm Megan. You must be Au...I mean, Mrs. Edwards. And I'm assuming you're Mr. Edwards."
"Yes. I'm Joseph Edwards and this is my wife, Jennifer." Joseph introduced himself.
"Welcome. Come on in. My parents had just gone to the kitchen to get some more food." Megan said winking at Ariel who winked back.
As they entered, Jennifer took off her cloak and looked around.
"It hasn't changed a bit." She said to herself with tears.
"Do you like it? It's been in my family for generations." Megan said hinting her last name.
"But…" Jennifer started. It was one of my family houses.
Butterflies had just entered her stomach.
"Oh Ariel. You'll never guess what I got for Christmas." Megan interrupted her aunt.
"What?"
"A Lightning Bolt."
"No way. Isn't that the fastest broom?"
"Yep. It pays to have a famous brother."
"Jen?" Sirius came from the kitchen and noticing the Edwards. "Jen Potter? Is that you?"
"Sirius Black. How many times do I have to tell you to NEVER call me Jen?" Jennifer said giving him her famous glare while placing her hands on her hips. "It's either Jennifer or Jenny, but not Jen. Jen sounds like a drink."
"It IS you!" He said as he gave her a tight yet brotherly hug. "We thought you were dead."
"Well, as you can see, I'm not." Jennifer told him returning the hug.
Megan and Ariel looked at each other and smiled. Then they turned to their friends and gave thumbs up.
"Hey Moony! Look who else decided to come back from the dead!" Sirius called.
Megan winced. He just had to say that.
"Jennifer? Little 10 year old Jennifer Potter?" Remus said also coming from the kitchen and noticing who it was.
"Remus Lupin. It's been so long." She said giving him a sisterly hug. "Last time I saw you, you were over at our house for the summer after James' fifth year. For some strange, bizarre reason, you, James, Sirius, and Peter locked yourselves in a room on the full moon."
Megan looked confused (Another detail Harry left out)
"Why did Dad and you guys lock yourselves in a room on the full moon?" Megan asked him.
"It's not important anymore." Remus told her.
"Where is Peter?" Jennifer asked not realizing what Megan had just said.
Megan winced again. This time, everyone joined in.
"Please don't mention that two-faced, double-crossing, son of a…" Remus started
"UNCLE REMUS/DAD!" the kids shouted
"Remus Lupin. You better not be talking like that in this house." Ginny said sternly as she joined the group accompanied by the twins.
"Sorry Ginny." Remus apologized.
"What was Uncle Remus going to say Mummy?" Tara asked.
"Nothing." Harry answered his daughter as he joined in the fun (also coming from the kitchen). "Hi. You must be Ariel's parents. I'm her Defense professor."
"I thought you were…" Joseph started pointing at Megan as Jennifer stared at Harry.
"Oh that. I'm also Megan's older brother." Harry told them. "I'm Harry Po…"
"PADFOOT! MOONY! ARCHIMEDES! GET YOUR ARSES BACK IN HERE! NOW!" James screamed from the kitchen.
"Busted." Harry said before turning to Sirius and Remus
"SIRIUS ORION BLACK! REMUS JOHN LUPIN! HAROLD JAMES POTTER! DO WHAT YOU'RE TOLD! THIS MINUTE!" Lily screamed
The men groaned as Megan, Ron, Ginny, and Hermione snickered.
"Harold" Ron laughed.
"Harry's in trouble." Megan sang.
"I told you we should have turned James' hair green and left Lily's red." Remus said to the others involved.
"But what's the fun in that?" Sirius asked. "I think James makes a dashing redhead."
"Besides, we have to prepare Dad for Jennifer." Harry said with a smile.
"That's why you asked." Sirius realized.
"You knew about this?" Remus asked Harry referring to Jenny.
"Oh yeah." Harry answered
"What did you ask?" Megan asked.
"I asked if any of they had played any Christmas pranks before." Harry admitted.
"And?" Megan prompted
Flashback
It was the first Christmas 15 year old Sirius had with the Potters. He had run away from home and was now having the best time of his life. Remus, Peter, and even John had shown up for the annual Potter Christmas Party.
"Hey. I got a brilliant idea." Sirius whispered to the Marauders. "Let's play a prank on James."
"What did you have in mind?" Remus sighed.
"I was thinking giving James and Jennifer some new hairdos." Sirius admitted. "More Christmasy."
"So, should we make James' hair green or red?" Remus said catching on.
"I don't know about this, guys." Peter told them.
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The prank was pulled. When James and 9 year old Jennifer came from the kitchen ready to pull a prank on the Marauders, Jennifer's hair was green and James' hair was red. When James saw this, he glared at his friends. Then he smirked which really disturbed Peter.
They quickly found out what the smirk was about after they drank some punch that Trixy gave them
"Jingle Bells, Padfoot smells" Sirius sang before clamping his hand over his mouth.
"Wormtail laid an egg." Peter sang when he had meant to ask "What are you talking about?"
"You don't mess with Potters." James told them as he and Jennifer laughed.
End Flashback
"And I thought you got your cruelty from your mother." Ron whispered
Harry grinned.
"I remember that." Jennifer told them.
"What is keeping you three?" an annoyed Lily asked coming out.
Megan had such a hard time not laughing. Her mother's brilliant red hair had turned a dark green.
"James Potter. Get out here and help me scold your son and your so-called friends." Lily told her husband.
If Jennifer's stomach had pixies and butterflies before hand, mix them up with birds, bats, and any other things that fly and that is the feeling she had now.
James stepped out. Sirius wiped away a fake tear. "Just like the good old days." He said.
"Very funny you three. Now fix this." James said referring to his red hair that could rival the Weasleys (it was a lighter shade than his "Jim Jarter" disguise).
"But James, we haven't seen you with that shade of red for what, dang, 33 years now." Remus said.
"Yeah. Your hairs a darker shade when your Ji…Wait. We were only 15 at the time. We're that old?" Sirius asked with horror.
The kids were laughing now.
James turned to his son who was grinning madly and silently laughing.
"Which of these idiots came up with the idea? And how much did they pay you?" He asked.
"Actually, it was my idea." Harry admitted. "Sirius just told me the story and the spell."
"Why?" James asked raising his eyebrows.
Harry turned towards a now very pale Jennifer.
"Jenny?" James asked noticing her.
"James?" she asked.
The brother and sister hugged after over 30 years.
"Harry?" Lily asked her son confused.
"You remember James and his parents telling you about Jenny." Remus answered.
"Oh yeah. Wasn't she sent to America to preserve the Potter line just in case?" Lily asked. "James told me she was more-than-likely dead when he heard that the cousin was killed in a car accident."
"No. She was in America for a good amount of time. Then she moved back to England." Harry told her.
"How did you find out?" Lily asked.
He turned towards Ariel.
"Ariel, who is Jennifer's daughter, is also one of my students and one of Megan's good friends." Harry informed his mother.
Jennifer and James broke away.
"Jenny, this is my wife, Lily. Lily, this is my sister that you've heard so much about." James introduced the girls.
"So you're the infamous Lily Evans." Jennifer said shaking Lily's hand. "James used to talk nonstop about you during the summer and Christmas holidays."
"So I've heard from your parents" Lily said.
"Even though I pictured your hair a little more on the red side." she joked. "Oh! This is my husband, Joseph." Jennifer introduced her own husband.
"It's great to finally meet you James." Joseph said shaking his hand. "Jenny told me so much about you."
"Nice to meet you as well. Thank you for looking after my sister." James said.
Megan, Vega, Adam, Colin, and Ariel all smiled at each other.
"Well dinner is just about ready." Lily said.
"Great! I'm starving!" Sirius said headed to the dinning room.
"Not so fast Black." Lily told him. "You three," she pointed to him, Remus, and her son, "fix this."
"Fix what?" Sirius asked innocently.
Lily gave him a death glare and pointed to her green hair.
Harry waved his hand and both of his parents' hair reverted back to their original color.
"Thank you Harry." Lily said to her son.
"Last time this happened, the color stayed all night." James added.
TBC
Preview:
"Vega said she had something to ask him." Megan told him.
"You don't think she waited until "literally" after Christmas do you?" Ariel asked.
"Possibly." Adam said.
"That still doesn't answer the question." Spica said.
"Would it help if we told you she was going to ask about something we read?" Colin asked.
"Depends on what you read." Remus told his son.
"It was about Azkaban." Megan informed them.