When Sirius arrived at the Potter's house his friends were sitting in the living room. The house was decorated with bells, reindeer, candles, candy canes, garlands, wreaths, snow globes and angels. Next to the fireplace stood a huge Christmas tree, which was loaded with tinsel, baubles, lights, and small ornaments. Hanging on the mantelpiece were six colourful stockings for their presents. Sirius greeted the others warmly, nodded to James and hugged Lily before he sat down. "Well, this really looks like Christmas". Lily served mulled wine. Sirius sipped from his glass and helped himself to a Christmas biscuit. They were laughing and enjoying themselves, and no one was thinking about the perils anymore which threatened them. Suddenly James, who held Harry in his arms, said, "Someone is approaching the house. The Intruder Charm has gone off. Lily, can you see who it is? We're not expecting anybody. Sirius, why don't you accompany Lily". They went to the entrance door. Suddenly Lily shouted and clung to Sirius' arm. "Look. My God, it's Mercuria". She yanked open the door and ran towards her cousin. Sirius lifted the Protecting Charm for a moment, allowing Mercuria to pass through the garden gate. Lily was beside herself with joy, hugged Mercuria and kissed her. "I can't believe it: by the way, this is Sirius, our best friend". Lily winked at her and whispered, "We decided not to tell anybody that we have visited Cokeworth back then. This means that you don't know each other". Mercuria nodded and held out her hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Mercuria, Lily's cousin". Sirius took her hand and shook it. "Sirius. Fine to meet you. I've heard a lot about you". They entered the house and Lily introduced Mercuria to James and her friends. "And this young man is Harry". Mercuria was thrilled and took the boy into her arms. "Lily, this is just wonderful. How cute he is. I am very happy for you". When everyone had sat down again, James asked, "How come you are visiting us? Lily hasn't heard from you for so long". "I thought it was time to reconnect with my family. Now that I'm of age. So, I tried to call Lily's parents. But the number no longer exists". "They passed away last year. A car accident". Lily explained sadly. "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Anyway, then I tried to track Petunia down. She is married after all, but I could remember her boyfriend's name. Eventually, I found her. She told me where you lived. I took a chance and came to Godric's Hollow. It's not that big a place therefore I hoped that I would find your home. And I was right. An old lady near the station knew you and showed me the way to your house". She smiled at them.
The rest of the day passed in a cheerful mood. Lily was excited to have her little cousin with her. She beamed with joy and the girls giggled and whispered all evening long. James secretly nodded at Sirius. It had been quite some time since he had seen his wife this happy. Around midnight, one by one, Lily, Remus and Peter withdrew. James protected the room with an Imperturbable Charm so that no one could overhear them. He smiled. "Sirius told me you were ready?". "Yes, I'm confident that everything will work out. At least as far as the painting is concerned. But there is something I have been thinking about all along". "Do you want to fill us in?", asked James. "What happens when we've finished our task?". James and Sirius did not understand. "What do you want to say?". "Well, what we're experiencing right now isn't the way it's supposed to be after all. It's an alternative past, so to speak. Sirius and I will only meet at some point in the future. And I probably shouldn't have been here with you guys right now. And that whole story with the casket didn't happen either. Hopefully, we'll have finished our task by New Year. What will happen then? Does it go on then like it's supposed to do?". James shook his head. "You're right when you say that we're living a different past right now. This will lead to an alternative future. Think of it like a train running on its tracks. When you and Sirius decided to use the time-turner to send the letter from the future, it had the effect of a switch. Instead of going straight, the train has turned onto different track and presently takes a diversion. If everything goes as you have planned, the new track will run parallel to the original one from the moment we have completed the task. That means our new future will not much differ from the old one. Hopefully." Sirius watched Mercuria inquiringly. He knew her well enough to suspect that she had been dwelling on the question for some time already and was now obviously hatching some crazy idea. He decided not to probe any further for the time being.
Suddenly Mercuria said, "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you remember that I asked you if I could contribute to your fight against this Dark Wizard? And you suggested that I should do some reading?". Sirius nodded. "After thinking about how best to proceed, I concluded that it would be pointless to search for wizard's writings in any libraries. There are simply too many for that. The chance of finding anything was too small". "That's what I told you in the first place". "Right. That's why I took a different approach". James and Sirius listened attentively. "I've been looking at court records of witch trials. You wouldn't believe how many of them still exist after all this time. Of course, the majority of all the accused were Muggles who acted strangely. Or were slandered. Accusing someone of using witchcraft apparently was a popular way of getting rid of disagreeable contemporaries. But some of the accused seemed to have been real witches or wizards. I quickly learned from the indictments to distinguish whether magic was involved. Those cases where I suspected that the accused were real witches and wizards, I investigated more closely. And it is really amazing what I have discovered". She took out a parcel from her bag. "In several cases, notes from the accused were attached to the documents. Sometimes I also found transcripts in which spells or incantations were recorded. Here, I photographed what seemed interesting to me. Whether any of this is useful you must decide for yourself". Sirius took the parcel. "We'll have a good look at it when we get back". He put it aside.
James said "Coming back to our current task. We have three major obstacles to overcome. Remus and Peter. Rosier's dogs. And the ancestor in the painting. If he's in his portrait, he could carry the casket out of the painting. Then we're done. We have to find a way to prevent him from interfering". Sirius said, "As to Remus and Peter, how about this. If we cannot get rid of them otherwise, Mercuria says that when she's spoken to Petunia on the phone, she promised to visit her after the holidays. And you and me pretend to have received an urgent message from Dumbledore and need to see him at Hogwarts". James and Mercuria nodded in agreement. "Sounds quite convincing to me. Yes, that's what we'll do". Mercuria said, "As to the other difficulties, it's quite simple, I think. You must take care of the dogs, of course. But as for the man in the portrait, I will prevent him from tampering with the casket". "And how are you going to do that, little Miss Bigmouth?". "Why do I always feel like slapping you every time you open your mouth, Potter?". "Because you find me exciting?". "I rather think you're conceited. Whatever. How am I going to do it? I'm going to blackmail him". Sirius and James looked at each other dumbfounded and burst out laughing. "You're going to blackmail him? That's very funny. How can a little Muggle girl blackmail a wizard in his portrait? I really hope this guy is sitting in his chair when we get there just to witness this". Again, both wizards roared with laughter. Mercuria sat back annoyed and said, "Just you wait, you idiots. It's unbelievable. When you meet a wizard, at first you think he's quite nice. Only to find out that he's a pompous jerk who thinks he's got it in for that bit of magic. Believe me James, I have a few things up my sleeve to annoy old Rosier in his painting to no end". James chuckled, "I have not the slightest doubt about that". Mercuria got up and walked to the door. "Your company is unbearable. I am going to bed now". Their laughter accompanied her as she trudged down the corridor to her bedroom. James shook his head. "Come on, Padfoot. Let's have another nightcap and then go to bed. Tomorrow is Christmas and it's going to be a long day". He sniggered as he poured them another drink. "Blackmail Rosier. And between you and me, I have no doubt she will be successful. Incredible little Satan".
Christmas was the happiest day they had had for a long time. Sirius and Mercuria had already exchanged their gifts in bed. Sirius had given her a pendant. "It lights up when a wizard is around. So, you always know who you're dealing with". She gave him a brooch with a green stone. On the back was engraved 30.06.2000. He looked at it. She pointed to the date. "So you don't forget who you will be with in twenty years". He smiled tenderly at her. "I wouldn't forget that anyway. But the brooch is most beautiful, and I very much appreciate it". Then he apparated to Harry's room before the others woke up.
Mercuria had also made a brooch each for Lily and James. They showed the Gryffindor crest and in the centre were their initials formed from small gemstones. For Harry, she had crafted a musical box in the shape of a wizard's cauldron. If one slid the lid to the side, a miniature wizard on his broom rose from the cauldron and bobbed to and fro at the sound of a happy tune. Lily was overwhelmed and had tears in her eyes. "And we have nothing for you. Because you turned up so unexpectedly. My goodness, it must have taken you months to create this". Mercuria waved her hand dismissively. "It's no big deal. I'm quite good at my job, you know. Since Petunia told me you have a son, I thought he might enjoy a musical box". Lily looked at her with big eyes. "That's incredible. Just incredible". She hugged her cousin warmly as the men took their turns making the wizard rise from his cauldron. James whispered in Sirius' ear, "When I think of the idea I once had of Muggles. Creating a box like that would be a real challenge even for a powerful wizard". Sirius smiled wryly and murmured, "The Belgians told me that she is absolutely exceptional and will eventually be able to make unique objects. When she will have completed her apprenticeship. Apparently, it didn't even take that long".
At Christmas lunch, the atmosphere was jolly. They had put on their fancy Christmas hats, pulled crackers, laughed at the jokes they found inside and talked animatedly. At one point Mercuria took Harry on her lap. She sang him a happy Muggle song and Harry squealed, while enthusiastically clapping his hands together. Then they all sang Christmas Carols. It was long after dark when no one brought down another bite. "Let's go to the living room. It's more comfortable to sit there", James suggested. Lily took Harry. "I'll put him to bed. He's so tired". Sirius stood under the mistletoe in the doorway, waiting for Mercuria. She looked at him smiling as he took her in his arms and kissed her. "Hey, leave my cousin alone", James called from the living room. Sirius turned to him. "I'm entitled to do that today. The lady was standing under the mistletoe. So, it became my duty to kiss her". He bent down to her and kissed her again. The friends sat together late into the night. Lily and Peter had gone to bed some time ago. Finally, Mercuria got up. "I'll have another glass and some wine". James jumped up and pulled her into the kitchen. Sirius slowly followed. There, James opened a bottle of wine for her and gave her a glass. Then he pulled out a gift box, which was sealed with a bow. "Your Christmas present. I couldn't possibly give it to you earlier when the others were around". He grinned, hugged her, and pressed a kiss to her cheek. "I hope you like it". She thanked him and headed for the stairs. Sirius climbed up ahead of her.
Mercuria slowly followed. In her hand she carried the bottle, the glass and the box James had given her. At the landing she stumbled and only just managed to avoid a tumble. The box dropped to the floor and the lid popped open. Remus, walking behind her, bent down, and picked up both. Mercuria turned to him and held out her hand when she saw Remus staring into the box in disbelief. Then he looked at her questioningly. She snatched the box and looked inside, spotting a frame holding one of the photos James had taken of her and Sirius over the summer. Sirius had his arm around her, and they were beaming at each other. Remus glanced at her awkwardly. "I didn't mean to pry. Please forgive me, I thought you had just met. Oh, never mind, here you go". He pushed the lid into her hand and smiled shyly. Mercuria eyed him for a moment. "Do me a favour and don't tell Lily and Peter about this, will you?". Remus was taken aback, but he nodded. "Sure, if that's what you want". Sirius, who had stopped on the landing and listened, leaned over the banister. "What is it?". "One of the photos James took of us this summer". He nodded and looked at Remus. The latter raised his hands defensively and said, "I didn't see anything. You can count on my secrecy". He walked past them and disappeared into his bedroom. Mercuria and Sirius went to their room. "Is that a problem now?". "Honestly, I don't know. In the end, there's nothing wrong about the fact that we know each other. But after the comedy we've staged, I'm sure he'll have second thoughts. Still if we try to explain things now, we'll only arouse his suspicions. He might think that we didn't want to let Lily in on our relationship, rather than relate our comedy to himself. The best thing is not to bring up the topic again and carry on as before". Mercuria said, "To be true, it is not Remus, I worry about. It's Peter. He secretly eyed me all day long. He's exactly the kind of person I would expect to cause problems. He himself is a nobody. That's why he clings to you. Not because he especially likes you. But because he wants a little bit of your glamour to shine on him. In my world, there are thousands of those. Women, too. They look for rich, famous men to attach themselves to. And when they find someone even richer or more famous, they drop the other one like a hot potato. Just make sure Peter doesn't find someone who in his eyes shines brighter than you and James". Sirius shook his head. "That's rubbish. There's no such behaviour in the Wizarding World. Peter is one of us. He's completely trustworthy. No, I think it's Remus. Too bad he saw the photo. Well, can't be helped. Now don't worry about it and come here. The day after tomorrow we must be off". He pulled her into bed.
When Sirius came down to the kitchen the next morning, he found James highly agitated, and Lily was all in tears. Remus and Peter looked appalled and chrestfallen. "What is it?". "The McKinnons have been raided tonight. Imagine that. On Christmas Day. They all died. The whole family. Dumbledore just sent an owl". Sirius sank onto a chair. "What happened?". "Obviously a group of Death Eaters surmounted their Protecting Charms. The family had gathered in the living room. They put up a brave fight, but they were outnumbered three to one. They did not have a chance. In the end all of them were killed". Lily buried her head in her arms and sobbed heartbreakingly. James pulled her close and said, "Love, why don't you go upstairs and look after Harry?". She nodded and left. Remus said, "Well, I think I better leave now. James, thank you. It was a nice party". He hugged James and Sirius and went to the living room. They heard him leave through the Floo network. Peter stared at them, completely stunned. Then he also said goodbye and disapparated.
James turned to Sirius. "Padfoot, how about your trip to Scotland. Are you still determined to see this through?". Sirius looked surprised. "James, you know that I have to. Whatever induced me to send that letter, I must have been desperate to make recourse to such a drastic measure. Keep in mind that when I sent this letter, I knew about our present situation. Still, I decided that it would be worth the risk. It must be of outstanding importance to change this painting. I think that the most dangerous part will be to enter Rosier's house. When we succeed there, the rest will be easy. I know that old Phineas has protected his home with all possible magic. We will be safe there. But of course, I understand that after the events of last night, you will stay behind with Lily and Harry". James looked surprised. "Don't be silly. I will join you of course. But I strongly recommend that you leave the motorcycle here and take a broomstick instead". "Why is that?" "Because someone might hear the engine. On brooms, we fly soundlessly. And I suggest that we change our plans and already start out at dusk now that Remus and Peter have left. Travelling by night will give us some extra protection". Sirius nodded. James added, "I will fly with Mercuria. You can use Lily's broom. Thus, hopefully we travel undetected". "Ok, I will inform Mercuria that we will leave as soon as it gets dark".
The day dragged on long and joylessly. Around noon, James took Lily to the living room. In the kitchen, Sirius and Mercuria could hear Lily shouting several times, "But this is madness. You can't do that. You heard what happened to Marlene and her family. James, you don't need to be a hero now. And Mercuria. What does she have to do with all this? None of this concerns her. You two can't seriously intend to involve a little Muggle girl in your activities. She's completely helpless. James. Please. Let me take her to the station so she can travel back to Belgium". When they finally returned to the kitchen some time later, James nodded approvingly. Lily looked composed. She sat down next to Mercuria, put her arm around her shoulders and smiled sadly at her. "Curey, you know that James and Sirius want to take you on a journey. You can trust them. They will take good care of you. But their mission is important. I will wait for you here with Harry. Then we can celebrate New Year's Eve together. I'm looking forward to it". She looked sadly at the others. Mercuria hugged her. "Relax, Lily. We'll get through this. And soon a new year will begin, and everything will get better". James and Sirius stood up. "We'll prepare everything for tonight. As soon as it gets dark, we'll start off". Mercuria poured herself a cup of coffee. "These people who were killed, did you know them well?". Lily nodded. "Marlene was a close friend. When we were at school, I always hoped that she and Sirius ... You know. Then the four of us would have always been together. But it didn't work out. Sirius just isn't the marrying kind. By all accounts, there are plenty of ladies he pleases". Mercuria smiled and noticed Sirius standing in the doorway. He held a glass in his hand and raised it to her.
The last few hours until their departure passed quickly. By nightfall, they changed into their warm winter clothes and said goodbye to Harry and Lily. "Lily, darling. Remember to stay in the house while we are away. Always. We'll be back no later than in the morning of New Year's Eve. Don't worry about a thing. It will be fine". Lily tried to appear brave, but they knew that she was highly worried. As they mounted their brooms, she stood in the front doorway with Harry in her arms, waving them goodbye.
