Author's Note:

Also available to read on other platforms. Links to my Tumblr and AO3 account can be found on my profile.

Please be kind, this is the first story I'm actually publishing. Happy holiday season, whatever and however you celebrate ~ Charmsandtealeaves

Chapter 1:

It had finally arrived, the evening Lily Evans had been dreading for the last six weeks, the annual work holiday party. Why Phoenix Law, the company she worked for insisted on it every year she would never know. Every year it was the same thing, complete with cheesy party games, forced fun, someone who would inevitably drink far too much eggnog, and being surrounded by a group of people who would rather be anywhere else. Though let's face it 'anywhere else' would most likely be the pub. Then of course to top it all off there was the bloody Secret Santa.

Lily had drawn the name of Peter Pettigrew, a bloke from accounting, who in all her interactions with him seemed to have the personality of a wet blanket. She'd almost forgotten to even get him a gift, remembering the Secret Santa draw on her drive over. Guilt did gnaw at her insides and she hoped he wouldn't be too disappointed by the random collection of items she had snatched up at Flourish & Blotts. The small book and stationary store had been the only thing open at last minute.

Contemplating the best way to politely excuse herself from the party Lily watched the CEO, Albus Dumbledore, dressed in his garish Santa suit hand out gifts from a large sack. At least he didn't need a fake beard she supposed, Albus's lengthy white beard was already tucked neatly into his belt. Lily plastered on her best fake smile as he handed her the box containing her gift. She didn't have high expectations. Previously her gifts had included copies of books she already owned, a dancing flower for her desk and a box of chocolate mice she just couldn't bring herself to eat. However, to her amazement this box felt rather heavy. Lily set her wine glass down on the table beside her to delicately peel back the ribbon from the box. Inside was a snow globe, one that she could have sworn matched the one she had lost years ago when she had moved out of her student flat and into her current studio apartment. The fake smile she had been wearing transformed into a genuine one as she lifted her precious cargo out of the box. She glanced at a handwritten note tapped to the bottom.

I hope you like your gift. It was difficult to find, but seeing you smile will be worth it. Happy holidays

– Your Secret Santa.

Lily scanned the faces around the room, looking to pick up on some subtle clue as to who her Secret Santa was to no avail. It was a very sweet gift, she just hoped after her dismal effort it hadn't been poor Peter to gift it to her. Though she was probably attributing more sentimental value to it than her Secret Santa had intended, after all who could possibly know about her deep affection for a snow globe she had owned in her childhood. Taking up her glass again she downed the remaining dregs of wine. Hoping she could now slink out before Horace Slughorn or one of the other middle management noticed and could steer her into a useless conversation about what they planned to do with all their leave until the new year. She had just managed to slip into her winter coat and scarf and believed she was home free when she was interrupted.

"Leaving already Evans?" James Potter asked her with a cocky grin. He wore an obnoxious ugly Christmas sweater with Rudolf on the front and his glasses were slightly askew on his face.

Just when she had thought her escape was near. Lily sighed. It wasn't like there was exactly anything wrong per say with Potter. He just seemed to rub her the wrong way. She found him still a little immature for his 25 years of age, cocky most definitely, and the biggest office flirt in the department. She didn't have enough fingers and toes to count the number of ridiculous pranks he and his small group of friends, which surprisingly enough contained Pettigrew, had played over the years.

"Yes. Unfortunately, I have an early start tomorrow. Have a merry Christmas Potter." She lied easily.

"An early start on the first day of leave? Are you mad Evans!"

"I picked an early flight. Wanted to make the most of it." Again, another lie. Lily had no intention of going anywhere for the festive period. Her parents had passed several years ago and the only family she had to speak of was an estranged sister. Her holiday would encompass what it did every year, peaceful solitude.

"Oh yeah? Where you headed?" James seemed genuinely intrigued. Precisely why she had hoped to avoid this kind of conversation by slipping out early.

"France. Spending the holiday with my sister" Maybe if she kept her answers brief, she could get this over with and be home in time to watch the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special before bed.

"Oh" He paused "I didn't think you got along with your sister"

Lily stared at him curiously. How would Potter know about her relationship with her sister? It's not like she often spoke of Petunia, and especially not at work. Ah that'll be it, he just assumed.

"We get on fine. Just don't have the opportunity to see each other much. She's very busy these days. Her and her husband Vernon are expecting their first baby in June." That last part at least was true. Though Lily only knew about the impending arrival of a niece or nephew courtesy of Facebook.

"Well congratulations to them. I won't keep you Evans I can see you're eager to leave. Hope you have a pleasant time in France!" James replied cheerfully, giving her a brief wave as he departed to re-join the party.

Lily had made it home in time to watch a bit of late-night telly before bed, and even managed a lie in the next morning of all things. Something she hadn't been able to appreciate in months. Even on weekends she'd practically been up at the crack of dawn to catch up on things she hadn't managed to get done during her work week. To have nothing on her plate for the next few weeks felt like an absolute dream. Turning on her laptop, mug of steaming tea in hand, Lily was greeted by the gentle pop-ding of a Facebook message.

10:38am James Potter

Saw the news this morning. I'm sorry you will have missed your flight.

Quickly Lily opened a new tab to find what on earth Potter was on about. The MSN news page was flooded with articles about a snow storm that had hit overnight. Planes were grounded, flights cancelled for the foreseeable future due to wind and unpleasant conditions, and even trains around the country had come to a standstill. As she read, another series of pop-dings pierced the quiet of her apartment.

10:45am James Potter

I can't imagine what it must be like to have to spend Christmas without family.

I know it's not the same, but you are most welcome to join me and mine for Christmas dinner tomorrow.

Trust me. Mum's mental and will have more than enough food.

If anything, you'd be doing me a favour.

10:46am Lily Evans

Thank you for your condolences and the offer Potter. But I'll be fine.

10:46am James Potter

No one should spend Christmas alone Evans.

Lily tried to think of something to say that wouldn't make her sound like a hermit, or worse pathetic. She had spent the last four Christmases alone without issue. She had no reason to celebrate, it was just an excuse to laze around in her pj's listening to Christmas music, stuff her face with discount treats and watch old movies to her hearts content. No family necessary. Although, the idea of her first proper cooked Christmas meal in years that required little to no effort on her part did have its appeal. Lily could practically smell the ham and turkey already; it made her mouth water. Although she didn't even know if Potter's family even ate ham and turkey at Christmas. They could be vegetarian or vegan. Plus, she couldn't exactly turn up at a stranger's house empty handed. What if she offended them?

10:51am Lily Evans

What would I need to bring? My fridge is pretty empty.

10:52am James Potter

Absolutely nothing but your charming self.

I wasn't kidding. Mum makes enough to feed an army. We eat nothing but left overs for the week following Christmas.

Chicken, ham, turkey, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, caramelised vegies, salad…

Even Brussel sprouts if you're that way inclined.

Though personally I always make sure to leave room for dessert. Dad's Christmas pudd is to die for.

Come on. Your mouth has to be watering by now.

Just imagine the food coma of satisfaction.

And having to do none of the dishes.

If you're that worried about it. My folks drink red.

10:55am Lily Evans

Alright Potter you've convinced me.

Will a Merlot suffice?

Name the address and time.

10:56am James Potter

Perfect.

I'll pick you up at 3pm. It's a little bit of a drive out of London, no point in potentially getting two cars stuck in the snow.

Promise I'm not an axe murderer.

Oh.

I'll need your address.