AUTHORS NOTES: Hey guys thank you so much for your support for my Beta writer Rhi. I am pleased to say she is out of the hospital and has made a full recovery. Thank you for all the reviews so far one this story. It really helps keep me going. I am so sorry it has almost been 2 months since I last posted but school and work have been SO BUSY. I am going to try to get on a regular upload schedule soon but I make no promises. Before I forget, MERRY CHRISTMAS! To all those who celebrate and Happy *Insert Your Holiday Here* to you. I have grown very attached to these characters over the last few months so thank you all for encouraging me to continue the story.
Life updates! I have started watching criminal minds and I LOVE IT! No spoilers please:) I was able to get my brother a PS5 fro Christmas so he is going to FREAK OUT. Can you say best sister ever? Anyways all is well...it's hard not to see family this year so the Potter's invite you to theri Christmas this year.
Story Updates! So this chapter is 30. FREAKING. PAGES. I know. It was only supposed to be about 15 but hey, I wanted to give you a quality chapter. This is over 12,000 words so I really hope this makes up for the long wait. Now I am trying to figure out how to make a Spotify, Apple Music Playlist, and Youtube playlist. The Youtube playlist may also include dances that characters in this story may do. Honestly, the dancing videos are to make my life easier because I cannot write dance scenes for the life of me. These playlist will have all the songs in this story in order. Each time a new chapter is uploaded the playlist will be uploaded as well. Now I have mentioned that this will not be accurate to when music came out back in the 70's. There will be music from the 2000's and the 90's so if you don't mind, please don't complain about it. I will update this message once I figure out how to make these playlists, thank you for the patience and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
P.S: I tried to give everyone a little bit of every ship in this one (As far as Mia goes). Once again thank you for reading fic and for keeping me going. I sincerely apologize for the wait and hope the length makes up for it! Merry Christmas to all the who celebrate and I will hopefully get a now chapter out within the New Year!
P.P.S: The songs sung in the chapter are "Baby It's Cold Outside" which is sung by Alice and Frank. Also sung in this chapter is "Santa Baby.' Sung by...well you'll find out. ;)
-D
BETA NOTE: Hi everyone! I just wanted to say thank you all so much for the support with my surgery, it means more than you all could know. It went VERY well, and my doctors are very pleased with my progress. I am feeling a lot better now. This story really helped leading up to that day, as it kept me immersed in a world I love and helped keep my mind off of what was to come. The amazing reviews also helped keep my mind off of where I was (the Harry Potter watching also helped ;) ). Thank you for sticking with us, between mine and Delaney's busy schedules it can be hard to write. Happy Holidays to everyone, and enjoy the chapter!
geethika98: Thank you so much! You'll just have to keep reading to find out!
AEdmo13: I honestly have to thank you for all of your comments because you have given me a lot of great advice and feedback for this story. So thank you very much. I agree, I think her fear of failure should have been explored much more in the books which I wanted to explore more in depth in this story. You will definitely like this chapter because everything you commented on chapter 7 will be shown in one way or another in this chapter. Thank you again for your reviews.
CallaRose4ever: I just want to start by apologizing for my previous comment on your review. I totally misread your comment so for that I apologize, I'm glad you like the frozen theme because it will be continuing. I think you will love this chapter based on your comment. Thank you for the review!
Rav3nsRemorse: Aww thank you so much. Well you got your wish...Here's more!
CrazyAna: Thank you so much! She's doing much better. I did try to give a little something to everyone in the chapter in terms of ships.
Lost O'Fallon Girl: I was a little confused by this comment, are you able to give me some clarification?
November 1st, 1971
"I can't believe I wasted my time on helping Peter if he wasn't even going to bother showing up!" Mia huffed to herself, walking down the hallway towards the common room. "I almost missed curfew because of him! Honestly, I will never help that rat again, I almost risked losing house points!"
Mia continued to stomp angrily towards the common room, paying attention to her breathing to make sure she didn't lose control of her powers. She finally got to the portrait in front of the common room, practically screaming the password. She walked through the portrait, only to see James and Sirius eyeing her with angry looks on their faces.
"What's your problem?" She asked the two raven haired boys, already annoyed with whatever they were about to say.
"Peter told us something very interesting about you today." Sirius accused. James stared her down, glaring at her darkly.
"Speaking of Peter, where the hell is he? He was supposed to meet me in the library for tutoring." Mia said, still fuming as the two boys glared at her. "He completely blew me off and I almost missed curfew. He wasted my time and I need to give him a piece of my mind!"
"Godric, Mia! Listen to us! Peter said he saw you hugging Snivellus and talking about being friends with each other!" James accused her angrily. "Is it true? Are you friends with that snake? He's evil Mia!"
Mia couldn't believe that was the reason that James and Sirius were angry at her. She rolled her eyes, turning to go look for Peter. James grabbed her arm to prevent her from leaving.
"I'm not talking about this with you, James. You don't decide who I am friends with, in fact, I tried to be friends with Peter. YOUR FRIEND. He needed help, he didn't show up, and now I find out he is spying on me? Maybe you should be evaluating your friends." Mia said, the fury evident in her eyes.
"Mia I don't think you get it-" Sirius started, never getting the chance to finish before Remus walked down the stairs from the boys room.
"What is going on here? I heard yelling." Remus asked, moving to stand beside Mia. He put his arm around her and started to rub slow circles on her arm in an attempt to calm her down.
"Mia is a traitor that's what." Sirius said, crossing his arms over his chest. He continued to glare at Mia.
"What are you talking about?" Remus asked the two boys, confusion written all over his face.
"Peter saw Mia and Snivellius in the library, hugging and talking about being friends." James explained, starting to calm down.
"So?" Remus asked, still very confused on what the problem was.
"So...He's a Slytherin, he's evil, he's the enemy. We are just trying to protect her from him." Sirius told the sandy blond haired boy.
"Why should that matter? Severus hasn't done anything to you since the train, if anything you two are the ones starting the problems." Remus told them, still rubbing Mia's arm in an attempt to calm her down. James turned to look at his sister, whispering softly so that no one but she could hear.
"Listen Mia, when you came to us we didn't know what happened to you. We still don't. You forgot everything, and clearly that must include the difference between who is good and who is bad. Slytherin is a house made for the evil, and we are Gryfindor's. Even if we weren't enemies with Slytherins, we are a house of good. Those two traits don't mix well, and up until Hogwarts you were still having nightmares. We don't know what happened to you but I don't want it to happen again. I'm just trying to protect you." James said sweetly, for a moment Mia even understood where he was coming from. What came next is something he said for everyone to hear. "I'll tell you what, if you break this "friendship" off with Snivellius then we can forget this ever happened.``
"What? No, absolutely not. You cannot dictate who I am friends with James! In case you forgot, the Hat almost put me into Slytherin. Does that make me evil? What about mom? Is she evil?" Mia's eyes were blazing with fury.
"That's different and you know it Mia." James explained warningly.
"Merlin! You are such a hypocrite." Mia huffed in frustration. "All I wanted to do was apologize for YOUR behavior. Sev and I have a lot in common and, unlike you, I'm not prejudiced against houses."
"ME? I'm the prejudiced one? He's part of a house that is KNOWN for being prejudiced against blood status." James retorted angrily.
"That doesn't mean that Severus is like that. He's friends with Lily, who is a MUGGLEBORN. Would a person who is prejudiced against muggle borns be friends with one? I bet you they wouldn't." Mia told him, James went to argue again but Remus stopped him.
"Mia is right James. You can't decide who she is friends with but either way Severus seems like a good guy. The only reason you believe that he is evil is because he's a Slytherin. That could've been Mia, would you have turned against her? Don't lie to yourself and say it's different because it isn't." Remus scolded, James and Sirius glared at the two angrily.
"I think I speak for both James and I when I say that we won't be talking to either of you again until you stop seeing Snivillus." Sirius told Mia and Remus as he and James stalked up to their dorms.
Mia sat on one of the common room couches and began to pull out a book on Herbology. Remus sat beside her and began to rub slow circles over her back.
"You wanna talk?" He asked in a soft voice, waiting for her tears to fall, only to see that there were none. She shrugged her shoulders.
"About what? The fact that my brother and my best friend are idiots? They don't get to dictate who I'm friends with, and the fact that they bully Severus constantly because of his house doesn't help their case." Mia explained simply. "They'll figure out that they're wrong, or that they need help with their homework eventually, and they'll come back and apologize. If they don't then, no worries, it's their loss."
"I'm sorry Peter started all of this. I think he just wants to fit in." Remus told her.
"He's a sneaky little rat who doesn't deserve my time or anger. Besides, if I got too angry I would lose control of my powers, and I can't afford to have anyone else besides you and my parents know." Mia explained trying to remain calm.
"Listen, it's getting late, so I'm going to go to bed. Do you want me to stay with you for a few minutes?" Remus asked her, still worried she would break down and cry.
"I'm okay, I'll be going up to bed in a minute. Goodnight." Mia said sweetly.
"Goodnight Mia."
Remus started walking up the stairs, and Mia started to read her book again, making sure that no one saw the tears starting to trickle down her cheeks.
Mia woke up to the alarm from her wand, not remembering how she got back to her dorm room. She quickly dressed in her workout clothes and walked to meet up with Gideon.
"Hey!" He greeted with a smile.
"Hi." Mia said sadly, still upset about what happened in the common room the previous night.
"Is something wrong?" Gideon asked concerned, grabbing her shoulders and tipping her chin upwards, forcing her to look in his eyes.
"It's nothing. James, Sirius and I had a small row last night." Mia explained, averting his eyes to hide the tears forming in them. Gideon seemed to notice, and wiped away a tear that was threatening to fall down her cheeks.
"It doesn't look like nothing." Gideon said quietly. He pulled her over to a bench and put his arm around her. She put her face into his shoulder and started to cry, wetting his shirt. He rubbed her back and started to whisper soothing words in her ears. When she finally calmed down, she told him all about what had happened the previous night. When she finished her story, Gideon scoffed in anger and annoyance.
"No offence, but your brother and Sirius are idiots." Gideon told her. Mia snorted.
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Severus seems like a good guy, from the way you and Lily talk about him I'm surprised he was sorted into Slytherin." Gideon explained.
"He is good. He's smart, loyal, and is all around a good person. I haven't even really hung out with him yet, we just talked about studying together sometime. Peter took it completely out of context, and now I'm paying the price for it." Mia said, one last tear falling down her face. Gideon caught it before it got too far. He tipped her head up towards him, making her look him in the eyes. She could see the kindness, and yet the fury, behind them.
"Hey, don't cry over them, they don't deserve your tears. You are a smart, beautiful, badass who doesn't need them. You have plenty of friends, and if they don't want to be a part of your life because they don't like your choices, it's their loss. You have Remus, Fabian and I, Severus, and the girls from your dormitory, all sticking with you. Besides if James or Sirius say anything about Severus and your friendship with him, Lily will hex their balls off." Gideon encouraged, and Mia giggled at that last part.
Gideon muttered a quick 'Tempus' with his wand and saw that they only had a few minutes until breakfast started. They both decided a run might not be the best idea today, and Gideon walked Mia up to the common room so they could both get changed for the day.
The minute she walked up the steps to her dorm, the girls asked a million questions a minute.
"One at a time please." Mia asked, as she was starting to develop a headache.
"So...What's going on with you and Gideon?" Mary asked slyly. Mia felt her cheeks go red all of a sudden, not thinking anything of it.
"What are you talking about?" Mia asked.
"Well one of us always gets up early to make sure you meet up with Gideon safely. This morning was Lily's turn, and she said that you two didn't even run. All you did was sit on a bench and talk...so spill, what happened?" Alice asked curiously.
"Nothing happened, we were talking about my row with James and Sirius. I started to cry and he encouraged me." Mia told them simply as she started to pull on her uniform.
"And?" Lily asked
"He told me that I'm smart, badass and beautiful, and that if James and Sirius didn't want to be a part of my life it was their loss." Mia grabbed her bag and started to leave the dorm room.
"HE CALLED YOU BEAUTIFUL?!" The girls all shouted.
"Yeah?" Mia asked, confused.
"Mia, when a boy calls you beautiful, it means they like you." Mary informed her.
"No it doesn't." Lily and Mia said at the same time. They looked at each other and laughed.
"Just because a boy calls you beautiful it doesn't mean they like you, it just means they have half a brain to notice you're beautiful before it's too late." Lily told them.
"What do you mean too late?" Alice asked.
"My sister Petunia liked a boy when she was our age, it was her best friend. She loved him, but he didn't notice until she finally moved on and found someone else. He realized that he loved her." Lily told them.
"Aw…" Alice and Mary sighed sadly.
"Gideon is two years older than us so he's probably old enough to notice an amazing girl." Lily told them, directing it at Mia.
"Guys, we are just friends, and besides, we're too young to date. We are 11 years old. We are still kids that need to have a childhood and learn to love ourselves before we even think about dating." Mia told them, all the girls nodded in agreement. They all stood in silence before Alice said:
"We can still gossip about the cutest ones right?"
All the girls started howling and laughing together before all saying:
"Yes!"
Mia walked down the stairs into the common room to see Remus, Gideon and Fabian waiting for her.
"What's all this?" Mia asked curiously. Occasionally Remus or Gideon would wait for her to walk down to breakfast together, but never at the same time.
"We all figured you would want our support in the great hall today." Remus informed her with a pleasant grin on his face.
"There's someone else waiting outside the common room." Gideon said with a smirk.
"He wanted to talk to you." Fabian said, following his twin. Mia moved slowly towards the door, waiting for the potential pranks the twins had no doubt set up for her. As she slowly opened the door, shutting her eyes tight in anticipation for the prank, she heard a small voice call out:
"Mia?" Mia opened her eyes in shock.
"Sev? What are you doing up near the lions den?" She said the last part with a giggle. "Seriously, not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are you doing here?" Severus sighed and looked up at her apologetically.
"Remus here told me about Black and your brother, and I wanted to apologize." He said sadly. Mia stood shocked.
"You know that I don't blame you, right? Sirius and my brother are prejudiced arseholes who cannot see beyond the colours of our ties. You don't need to apologize because you've done nothing wrong." Mia told him. She swiftly pulled him into a tight hug which he reluctantly responded to.
"Really?" He asked.
"Of course, my brother and Sirius are gits who need to be taught a lesson." Mia said with a smirk. She remembered that Gideon and Fabian were behind her. "I think you two can teach them, yeah?"
The twins quickly ran to their dorms to get supplies for their "lessons". Remus walked out of the common room door into the hall and waited with Mia and Severus for the twins to return. The twins returned almost as quickly as they had left with a bag full, not with their school supplies, but their pranks from Zonko's. The four of them walked towards the great hall, but Mia couldn't bring herself to go in and stopped at the doors. As she stood staring at the elegantly carved wooden doors, her head started to feel very light and full at the same time. She didn't notice the quick rising and falling of her chest, as there were a million scenarios running through her head. She couldn't help but think of the horrid things James and Sirius would say when they saw her. She thought about how she didn't want to lose them, but worried she already had. And what if they had rounded up the other Gryffindors and told them to hate her as well? She couldn't bear the thought. The patterns on the doors had blurred, but she didn't pay it any attention, her mind was racing.
"Are you alright?" Severus asked, concerned. Gideon saw what was happening and quickly but gently pulled Mia over to a bench. He bent down in front of her, meeting her at eye level.
"Breathe Mia. Just breathe, okay, love? Follow my breathing patterns." She could hear him, but it was as if he was far away. She mentally latched to his voice, and used it as a guide to bring herself back to the present, but now, instead of having a million things running through her mind, Gideon was all she focused on.
Gideon took her hand and put it lightly on his chest, just above his heart so that she could feel his breathing and hopefully match it. Mia's breathing slowed, and Gideon helped her to her feet. Remus came to meet them and put an arm around her shoulders, holding her tight as a means of comfort.
"What was that? Are you okay Mia?" Severus asked worriedly, scared for his new friend.
"It was a panic attack, I'll teach you how to get her through them some other time. I already taught Remus how to, and if you're going to be her friend you may have to help her if it happens and we aren't around." Gideon explained simply to the long-raven haired boy. He turned his attention back to Mia. "What happened, love? What can we do to help you?" Mia let out a sob with his words.
"I just can't face them. They'll say horrible things about me, and I'm sure they've got the whole of Gryffindor on their side." Mia cried, holding Gideon and Remus in a tight hug.
"Well then I guess you don't sit with Gryfindor then, do you?" Fabian chimed in with a smirk.
Mia, the twins, Remus, and Severus walked into the Great Hall with their heads held high. They made their way over to the Slytherin table to sit with Severus and a few of his friends. Mia recognized one as Elenora Zabini, a beautiful curly brown haired girl with mocha skin, piercing blue eyes and the most welcoming face you've ever seen.
"Severus, what are they doing here?" She asked surprised
"Serving a little Gryffindor revenge." He replied simply, nodding over to Sirius and James who sat at the Gryffindor table with their mouths wide open in shock. Elenora smirked and turned towards Mia.
"Welcome to the snake pit." She said, holding out her hand to shake Mia's.
"Thanks for helping teach my idiot brother a lesson." Mia said thankfully, taking the other girl's hand.
"Seeing Potter and Black being put in their place would be one of my greatest pleasures, especially if I get to help." Elenora said happily.
"If you wait just a moment you'll see part 1 of Black and James' lesson." Gideon said. Fabian started to count down from ten, when he finally got to one James and Sirius *insert prank*
Everyone in the Great Hall started howling with laughter as Sirius and James went red with anger as they stormed out of the Hall.
December 15th, 1971
Over the weeks leading up to Christmas holidays, Sirius and James still refused to speak to Mia until she ended her friendship with Severus. Gideon and Fabian played prank after prank on Sirius and James. Everytime they would even attempt to talk to Mia about ditching Severus, Gideon and Fabian were right there with a stink bomb or some kind of prank.
Mia wasn't too concerned about Sirius and James, she had other things to think about. She was preparing for the last quidditch game before Christmas Holidays. It was against Slytherin, and even though she would still sit with them from time to time, they played dirty. She and Emily got ready for the game and quickly went to the strategy room to discuss the game plan with Gail. The team mounted their brooms, and did a lap around the cheering crowd. Mia saw James and Sirius in the Gryffindor stands with emotionless faces.
The game was in full swing, with Mia keeping her eye on the snitch. The score was 250-350. They were losing, and they needed her to catch the snitch in order to win. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Mia saw a flash of gold.
Mia kicked into high gear, the Slytherin seeker following closely behind. He and Mia were neck and neck, both centimeters away from the snitch. Suddenly the Slytherin seeker started to roughly jolt Mia's side. She started to lose her balance, and fell off her broom. She could hear the crowds gasping and screaming in shock, Gideon called out her name in horror as he attempted to catch her. Before she hit the ground she fainted and her world fell into darkness.
Mia slowly opened her eyes and groaned at the headache she felt, squinting her eyes closed again. She heard someone shushing her as she felt a potion being poured down her throat. She felt her headache lesson, and she opened her eyes to see a blinding light.
"Miss. Potter? You're in the hospital wing, you had an accident during a quidditch match. You are going to be just fine." Madame Pomfrey informed her. "Normally I don't allow visitors when patients first wake up, but you have someone here who has been worried sick about you."
"Mia?" She heard a small voice ask, and she turned her head slightly to see her brother standing beside her with a sad look on his face.
"What do you want?" She asked, remembering their month long feud. She got a closer look at James' face and she saw that his eyes were red and puffy; He had been crying. He grabbed her hand, and she didn't pull away.
"I am so, so sorry Mia. I never should've let another person come between us." He pleaded. "I almost lost you Mia, and I haven't slept since. Godric, Mia, I wish I could take it back. You falling out of the sky was the scariest thing I've ever felt, and I will never behave the way I did, ever again."
"So I can be friends with Severus without you or Sirius saying anything?" She asked him, he laughed.
"Yes! You stubborn witch, I promise. Sirius and I won't say a word." He said with a smile. "Severus came to visit everyday and never said a thing to me, he just sat here and held your hand apologizing like it was his fault." He said, his smile turning sad.
"I'm going to have to have a word with him about the apologies, it's not his fault. Just because it was his houses' team it doesn't mean it's his fault." She said with a disappointed look on her face.
"I know that, and you know that, but he refuses to believe it." James said, "Remus, the twins, Sirius and Snivellius are outside waiting to come in. Are you up for some visitors?"
Mia smiled, "Can you send in Sirius first? I think he and I need to talk." James nodded and left the room, a moment later Sirius sheepishly walked through the door.
"Hey." He said, not daring to meet her eyes.
"Tell me one thing first...Did we win?" She said seriously. Sirius burst out laughing.
"After being in a coma for a week, that's the first question you ask?" Sirius asked, still chuckling slightly.
"A WEEK!? Are you serious?!" Mia shrieked.
"I'm always Sirius, love." Sirius said with a smirk, Mia glared in response. "I take it they hadn't told you that part yet?"
"NO! I'm going to have so much work to catch up on! I'm going to have to beg people for notes and-" Mia was suddenly interrupted by two hands cupping her cheeks. She looked up into a pair of beautiful grey eyes.
"Mia, you need to focus on getting better. You fell pretty far from that broom, and you need to focus on yourself right now. Not your classes, not schoolwork, or, as much as I hate to say it, quidditch. You need to get better. I almost lost you, and watching you fall was one of the scariest moments of my life." Sirius said, his eyes wetting with tears threatening to fall. "You can't do that Mia. You can't do that thing you do where you say you are fine and you're not. I hadn't talked to you in weeks, and I thought our fighting was going to be my last memory of you. I am so sorry Mia, be friends with Snivellius, hell, date him for all I care, just please never scare me like that again."
Mia could see he was tearing up and figured he didn't want her to see him like this. She quickly pulled him into a tight embrace and shushed away his worries. She rubbed up and down his back to soothe him. After what seemed like minutes she pulled away and cupped his face as he had done before with her own.
"Siri, I'm not going anywhere. I can't promise I won't get hurt in quidditch, because you know as well as I do that I may get hurt again. I forgive you though, I forgave you awhile ago, but Gid and Fab thought you might need a few more lessons in judgement. Although, some of those pranks were hilarious." Mia chuckled to herself, recalling the events. She took her hands off his cheeks but let them linger on his arms. The two stared at each other for a while before they heard some familiar faces walk up behind them.
"Yo Potter that was one sick fall!" Fabian said, patting her on the back. Gideon smacked his brother upside the head and muttered a quick "idiot".
"Are you okay Mia?" Gideon asked. He sat down beside Sirius on her hospital bed, and took her hand in his. She was startled by the gesture but quickly melted into it.
"I'm fine, a little startled to find out that I've been in a coma for a week. I'm going to have so much work to catch up on!" Mia whined. Gideon and Fabian laughed at her lack of concern for her own personal well-being. "Also I have yet to find out if we won the match! I better not have fallen for nothing!"
"Sorry to say Mia, you didn't win." She heard someone call from behind the curtain that separated her bed from the rest of the ward. She saw Remus and Severus peek out from behind. Mia grumbled angrily at the news. She saw Severus step to stand at the side of the group nervously.
"Mia-" Severus started to apologize before Mia glared at him.
"Sev answer me this, were you the seeker shoving me off the broom?"
"No."
"Did you tell him to knock me off my broom?"
"No but-" Mia shushed him again.
"Then are you really to blame for this?" She said, eyeing him down. He slumped his shoulders in defeat.
"I suppose not."
"Then stop apologizing on behalf of your house, it is not your fault so stop acting like it is." She scolded, "Now I want a group hug then some food, it's been a week since I've eaten anything."
They all pulled her into a hug, muttering things like "I'm glad you're okay" and "Sorry we didn't win". They were all about to pull away when they heard Madame Pomfrey scolding them and telling them that she had to do some tests on Mia before she could be released. They all left and promised to come back the next day. James, however, was allowed to stay. She laid down to sleep, only to find out that she couldn't, she was afraid of the nightmares.
"Jamie?" Mia said, using a nickname that just sounded right.
"Yeah Mia?" He asked. He had promised to stay with her until she slept, then he would leave and come back before she woke up in the morning.
"Can you stay with me? Or hold me like you did in the summer?" She asked, uncertain. She didn't want to embarrass him in case someone saw them. When he didn't reply she knew her answer, "It's okay I get it-"
"Don't be stupid Mia, I was just getting a pillow from another bed." He said with a slight laugh. He laid beside her and put his arm around her. She snuggled into his chest.
"I love you Jamie." Mia yawned.
"I love you too Mia."
December 15th, 1971
With Christmas right around the corner, many people thought it would be a good time to perform their solo assignments. Professor Newcombe allowed for people to perform as duets as long as they both had solos within the song. Alice was very excited because Frank agreed to sing a duet with her for class, and she'd been talking about it all week.
When Alice had asked, all the girls freaked out when Frank said yes. She kept claiming that she didn't see a blush when he had accepted, but all the girls knew that he had.
Sirius had asked Mia to help him prepare for his performance of which Mia thought was absolutely ridiculous. She was playing the piano for Alice and Frank's duets as well as Sirius' song, so she had had plenty of practice with him to see his act. She was currently pulling his hair into two tiny pigtails.
"Godric Mia! Do you have to pull so hard!?" Sirius exclaimed while he rubbed his head.
"Beauty is pain dear Sirius. You're the one who wanted the pigtails." Mia hummed. She quickly finished his hair and sent him to change into his outfit. She looked at the clock on the wall and realized they'd be late if they didn't leave now. "SIRIUS! Are you done in there?"
Sirius stepped out of his dorm room wearing a cloak over his outfit and claimed it was "part of the show". Mia could only nod in response.
They walked into the music room to see Frank and Alice warming up while all the other students sat in chairs facing a small stage.
"Ok class we have two special performances today, and they both will have the accompaniment of Ms. Mia Potter on the piano. First up is Alice and Frank singing the muggle classic 'Baby it's Cold Outside'."
Alice and Frank took the stage, and off to the side Mia sat at the piano with shaking hands. She looked in the audience and locked eyes with Sirius. Still in his cloak, he looked at her and mouthed "relax, just breathe". Mia closed her eyes and took a shaking breath and began to play...
I really can't stay (but baby, it's cold outside)
I've got to go away (but baby, it's cold outside)
This evening has been (been hoping that you'd drop in)
So very nice (I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice)
My mother will start to worry (beautiful, what's your hurry?)
And father will be pacing the floor (listen to the fireplace roar)
So really I'd better scurry (beautiful, please don't hurry)
Well maybe just a half a drink more (put some records on while I pour)
The neighbours might think (baby, it's bad out there)
Say, what's in this drink? (No cabs to be had out there)
I wish I knew how (your eyes are like starlight now)
To break this spell (I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell)
I ought to say "no, no, no sir" (mind if I move in closer?)
At least I'm gonna say that I tried (what's the sense of hurtin' my pride?)
I really can't stay (baby, don't hold out)
Ah but it's cold outside (baby, it's cold outside)
Mia played the final notes, and looked up at Frank and Alice. She could see that they were very close, and must have moved closer together during the song. They both blushed and looked away from each other, smiling. The class was clapping loudly for the two Gryfindoors, who had an amazing first performance.
Professor Newcombe stepped onto the stage, "That was an absolutely amazing duet you two! Such amazing chemistry." Alice and Frank both blushed at the comment. "I hope to see you two preform together in the future. Next up we have Sirius Black performing...oh my, I'll let him introduce himself." Professor Newcombe started giggling as she made her way off the stage.
Sirius stepped onto the stage and shook off the cloak dramatically. James, being in on the performance, took the cloak from him. Mia could suddenly see why Sirius wanted to make his entrance dramatic. He was wearing a "female santa outfit" complete with a red mini skirt with white cotton trim, a sleeveless red top with white trim and black buttons, as well as knee high black boots and a classic red santa hat.
'So that's why he wanted to borrow my boots" Mia thought as she stared at the outfit in shock, her jaw had dropped to the floor. Sirius seems to notice this and yelled,
"Hit it Kitten!"
MIa quickly shuffled around her sheet music and frantically began to play. Sirius caressed the microphone dramatically and began to sing:
"Santa Baby, just slip a sable under the tree,
For me.
Been an awful good girl, Santa baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight."
Sirius did an overdramatic high kick and twirled on the spot. He tipped the microphone forward until it nearly fell, but he stopped it from fully falling with his foot on the bottom of the stand. The microphone tipped back into his hand as he began the next line:
"Santa baby, a 54 convertible too,
Light blue.
I'll wait up for you dear, Santa baby,
So hurry down the chimney tonight.
Think of all the fun I've missed,
Think of all the fellas that I haven't kissed.
Next year I could be just as good,
If you'll check off my Christmas list."
The girls in the crowd started to giggle at the lyrics while the boys whistled, to which Sirius replied with a flirtatious wink.
"Santa baby, I want a yacht, and really that's not
A lot.
Been an angel all year,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Santa honey, one little thing I really need,
The deed
To a platinum mine,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight."
Someone shouted from the audience. "Oi, Black! Doesn't your family own like 20 of those?" Sirius started to walk down the steps of the stage into the audience. He came up to the grand piano Mia was using and layed down on it, still with his microphone in hand.
"Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex,
And checks.
Sign your 'X' on the line,
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight.
Come and trim my Christmas tree,
With some decorations bought at Tiffany's.
I really do believe in you,
Let's see if you believe in me.
Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing,
A ring.
I don't mean on the phone,
Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight.
Hurry down the chimney tonight.
Hurry, tonight."
Sirius ended the song with a dramatic bow, blowing kisses to the class. Everyone stood up and applauded enthusiastically, howling with laughter.
"Thank you, Thank you." Sirius exaggerated while bowing one final time.
Professor Newcombe walked up to the stage and applauded Sirius herself. She was clearly impressed with the performance.
"Well done, Mr. Black, well done. I must admit, I didn't think I would enjoy that performance as much as I did. The costume was a nice touch. Your pitch was perfect, and your passaggio was barely noticeable!* Now, that was our last performance before the Winter Holidays. You will have the rest of class to practice your solo performances, or you can try your chosen instrument."
Mia hurried over to the piano and began to play a melody she'd had in her head all day. She found herself lost in the music, adding the notes she played onto blank sheet music for future reference. She closed her eyes and lost herself again, until Remus pulled her back to reality to head to dinner.
December 16th, 1971 (3 days until Winter Break)
Mia was sitting with James, Remus, Sirius, and the twins when the mail was delivered. James and Mia both received their weekly letters from their parents and they could see Sirius holding a black envelope with the Black family seal. Sirius reluctantly opened it and his shoulders slumped.
"Are you okay Sirius?" Mia asked, concerned.
"I have officially been asked to stay at Hogwarts this Christmas, Walberga doesn't want me around Reg. She thinks I'll taint the "pureblood ideals" she's trying to install in him." Sirius informed them.
"I thought you hated your mother, Sirius," Gideon started to say.
"So why on earth are you disappointed in not going back?" Fabian finished.
"It's not that I wanted to go back, but now I'm going to be at Hogwarts all alone." Sirius said, "I'll be stuck here with Professors and their reminders to finish my assignments."
James and Mia looked at each other and nodded.
"So you'll come stay with us." James invited.
"What?" Sirius asked. "Are you serious?"
"No, you are." Mia joked. "Yes of course we're serious. Mums a Black, so technically your family, and even if you weren't you're one of our best friends. We aren't leaving you alone on Christmas Holidays."
"She's right, mate." James agreed. Sirius was never one to show emotion very well, but in that moment you could see it on his face. Sirius started tearing up and jumped over the table to pull James and Mia into a hug, effectively knocking them over. They all laughed as they picked themselves up off the ground. Mia was excited to have Sirius over for the holidays. As much as she thought she knew him, she didn't know everything she felt she should, and this would be an opportunity to get to know him better. Once they were all sitting back down, Mia turned to Remus.
"So what do you say? Are you in?" Mia asked with a smirk.
"What do you mean, am I in?" Remus asked, confused.
"Do you want to join us at our place for Christmas?" Mia asked. Remus looked at her with wide eyes.
"Well...um my folks and I usually like to spend Christmas morning together." Remus informed her.
"What about before Christmas? From the time we get off the train to Christmas Eve?" Mia suggested.
"I have to um…visit my grandmother, she's really sick." He coughed nervously, giving Mia a look and hinting at her. She got the message, calculating the moon cycle in her head.
"Maybe you could come in the afternoon on Christmas day, and stay until we have to go back to school." She suggested hopefully. She didn't know why, but she really wanted him to spend Christmas Holidays with her family. Remus' face beamed as he realised that her plan was perfect.
"That should work." He said excitedly. Mia smiled widely, and quickly jumped up.
"Okay, I'm going to write to my parents and tell them the news. Anyone up for a trip to the owlery?" She asked, practically bouncing in place. Everyone but Gideon shook their heads and continued eating their breakfast.
"I'll come with you." Gideon said as he walked with her out of the Great Hall. He held his hand out, looking at her with a sheepish grin and asked, "May I?"
"May you what?" Mia asked, clearly confused. Gideon laughed.
"May I take your bag?" He asked, clarifying himself.
"Oh." Mia blushed, embarrassed, but handed him the bag anyways. "If you wouldn't mind."
"I'm asking Mia, of course I don't mind." He told her. They both walked up to the owlery. "So, what was in that letter from your parents?
"Oh that's right!" Mia remembered, "My mother was confirming my invite list for our annual New Years Eve Ball. I'm excited to go, I've never been to a ball before."
"What do you mean you've never been to a ball? If you have a New Years ball every year, how have you never been to one?" He asked, turning towards her, confused. Mia realized then that she had slipped with her story. Since she hadn't been a Potter since before this summer, she never would've gone to the ball. She had to think of something quick, but then she remembered:
"I was never allowed. Mum and Dad wanted the year me and James went to Hogwarts to be our "coming out" into society. It is for all the invites, no children that aren't of Hogwarts age are allowed at the ball." She thought on the fly, Gideon nodded.
"That makes sense. It is with most society witches. Glad you get to experience it this year." Gideon said with a smile.
"Have you ever been to a ball?" She asked curiously.
"I have actually. Only a few, and mostly because my parents wanted me to see the coming outs of potential wives." He told her. Her jaw dropped to the ground, and she halted in her tracks.
"Are you kidding me?! Is that what I have to look forward to? I don't get to enjoy wearing a big puffy dress? Instead I'm going to be looked over by men to see if I'd make a suitable wife!" Mia grunted and pinched the bridge of her nose, she just kept muttering 'no, no, no, no, no." Suddenly he heard Gideon laugh beside her.
"I'm just kidding Mia!" He said, struggling to get the words out between the laughing.
"So, I'm not walking into a breeding ground at the ball?" Mia clarified with Gideon.
"No." He said laughing, Mia glared in response. "No, but some purebloods might ask their kids to keep an eye out for you to see if you would be suitable in the future. It's the same with James. But it's not like your parents are going to sign a betrothal contract that night. Your folks aren't like that."
Mia let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness. What do you mean by my parents 'aren't like that'?"
"A lot of pureblood parents will sign betrothal contracts from the moment a child is born. In fact, your mom had a betrothal contract when she was born, but she broke it to be with your dad." Gideon informed her.
"What? My mom was supposed to marry someone else?" Mia asked dumbstruck.
"Yeah. She nearly got blasted off the family tree for it. The only thing that saved her was the fact that your dad is a pureblood, even if he isn't Sacred 28." Gideon told her.
"Her family would've disowned her for that? How could you do that to your own child?" Mia asked, shocked. Gideon shrugged.
"A lot of Sacred 28 families just care about the bloodlines. I'm surprised your parents never explained this to you." Gideon remarked, Mia shrugged.
"I guess they wanted to protect me from that sort of stuff. Maybe they figured they had more time before they had to expose me to this sort of stuff." She said sadly. "I can't believe that this ball is gonna define how men, no people, look at me."
Gideon stopped in his tracks and flipped her around to face him, his grip hard on her shoulders. He looked her hard in the eyes.
"Mia, whatever happens on New Years will not define anything. Besides, everyone will view you as nothing less than perfect. You are smart, well spoken, and not that this is important, but you are turning into a beautiful woman. Even if you think this will define you, don't let it." He pulled back and they began walking again. "Besides, the man who marries you is going to be one lucky bastard."
Mia blushed at that comment. "Shut up."
"I'm serious Mia. You can fight it all you want, but your brother is going to have to beat the men away with a stick. Or women if that's the way you go." He told her honestly. "You know, you're really cute when you blush." Mia's face was beat red at this point, and all she wanted was to change the subject before she got any redder.
"I need to get to the Owlery soon or I'm going to be late for class." Mia told him, "Also, in case you were worried about it, you're on the guest list. You should get your invite tomorrow." Gideon smiled at that.
"Then I guess you know who's going to be filling your dance card." He told her, starting to run. "Last one to the owlery is a rotten Hippogriff!"
"GIDEON!" She yelled as she chased after him laughing.
December 17th, 1971 (2 Days
"MUM SAID YES!" Mia said as she ran into the Great Hall. Sirius and James stood up and cheered, then ran towards Mia and hugged her into a tight embrace.
"Remus, my parents said you are more then welcome to join us as well." Mia said with a strained breath, a result from James' and Sirius' hug. "Okay as much as I love you two, I love breathing more." She wheezed.
Sirius and James released her, and she saw Sirius' smile for the first time.
"I can't believe I don't have to go home to my evil mother for Christmas. I can actually enjoy the holidays. I promise, I'll try not to be a bother." He promised them.
"You won't be a bother mate. You just need to relax. Mi casa es su casa, and all that. You are family and you will be treated as such. Same goes for you Remus." James told the boys. Sirius' eyes glazed over in tears as he brought James into a bear hug. Mia couldn't hear what Sirius had said to James other then,
"I can never thank you and Mia enough mate."
Mia couldn't wait until they left for the break the following day. Owls began flooding all the girls from her dorm, Remus, the twins, Sirius, and Severus. All received elegant white envelopes with a red wax seal, complete with the Potter crest. They all opened their letters excitedly as they received their invitations.
"Wicked." The twins said, flashing Mia and James a smile.
"Mia! I'd make sure everyone you want to dance with gets on your card soon, because all of the spots are gonna be gone!" Gideon called from across the hall. Mia blushed fiercely as the girls squealed at his comment. Mia saw Severus from across the hall, and he gave her a sheepish smile.
She couldn't wait for New Years.
December 18th, 1971 (Start of Holiday Break)
"Happy Holidays Mia." Lily said as she handed Mia her gift while they got ready to leave for the train. Mia pulled Lily into a hug.
"I'll owl you yours on Christmas day if that is alright, I still have to pick it up." Lily nodded.
They both picked up their bags as they walked down into the common room, and Mia immediately saw James. She turned to Lily and mouthed "I'm so sorry"
"Yo Evans, in the name of Christmas Spirit will you go out with me?" James flashed her a flirtatious smile. Lily stood stone faced at the question.
"Potter, you bullied my friend because of his house. You then ignored your sister because she was friends with him. Would you honestly expect me to go out with you?" Lily asked him simply. James smiled cheekily.
"If I say yes, will it work?" Lily rolled her eyes. "Come on Evans! At least dance with me at the ball."
"I won't be at your ball Potter, my family is going away over the holidays so I won't be able to make it. I'm sorry." Lily informed him. She turned to Mia. "I have to go, Mary and Alice said that they'd save a compartment for us. You're welcome to join but I'm sure you want to sit with your brother. Write me."
Lily left as Remus and Sirius walked down the stairs from the boy's dorms.
"You guys ready?" Mia asked them.
"Ready." They both said with a nod.
James, Remus, Sirius, and Mia walked down to the train. They quickly boarded and were able to find the same compartment as the first day of school. During the train ride they talked about Holiday plans, played exploding snap, and played would you rather. Eventually they ended up at the train station and Remus spotted his parents, giving a quick goodbye to his best friends and leaving.
"James! Mia!" Mia heard Fleamont yell from the crowd. James and Mia looked around with Sirius close behind them, and finally saw their parents in the sea of people. Mia ran towards them and jumped into her fathers arms.
"I missed you." She cried.
"I missed you too sweetheart." He replied as he held her close. Mia pulled back and hugged her mother. Soon James and Sirius came up behind them, and while James was greeting his mother Mia introduced Sirius to her father. Once all the introductions were done, Fleamont said:
"Let's go home"
All Sirius could think was "home. I finally have a home"
Once Sirius was settled in a room right beside James, the Winter Holidays finally began. At first Mia, James, and Sirius did everything together. They built snowmen, and went sledding on the Manor grounds. The only time they seperated was when they had to be fitted for their outfits for the ball or sleeping. They also went skating, and every night the residents of Potter Manor would all curl up by the fire for hot cocoa.
To James, it was tradition. To Mia, it was a comfort. To Sirius, it was a feeling of finally belonging.
December 24th, 1971
Finally was Christmas Eve, and in the Potter house that meant baking cookies. So far James and Sirius had thrown flour on eachother, eaten all the dough, and overall been the most useless bakers. Euphemia'd had enough:
"JAMES! SIRIUS! That is enough. Go do… anything else, Mia and I will finish the cookies." Euphemia huffed. The boys left the room, deciding to go riding on their brooms. Euphemia turned to Mia.
"So… How's Hogwarts going?" Euphemia asked her daughter with a smile.
"Well classes are going well, all O's so far, and I taught James and Sirius a lesson on house prejudice. I have a great friend named Severus, I met him through Lily who's also my dorm mate." Mia said happily as she began rolling dough into balls and placing them on a baking sheet.
"And this Severus fellow is the one coming to the ball?" She asked and Mia nodded in response. "And Severus...Is he more than a friend? Because I do think you're a little young for that sort of thing-"
"Ew Mum, no, gross. Sev and I are just friends, really great friends." Mia explained.
"Okay, okay, okay, but are there any boys that have caught your eye?" Euphemia asked, Mia stuck her tongue out in disgust. "I'm sorry, Mia. I just never had a daughter to talk about this stuff before. Come on, give me something to work with!"
Mia groaned before taking a moment to think about it. "Well…"
"I knew it! I knew it, who is this boy? Is he coming to the ball? Should I be sending him an invite? Mia, I do think you are too young to be dating, but if this is just a crush I want to know about it. You can tell me anything." Euphemia told her, then realised that it all might be a little too much for Mia. "I'm sorry to pry, but after James your father and I were told we couldn't have any more children. I always wanted a daughter, not that I love James any less, but I wanted someone to have these conversations with. So to have you suddenly come into our lives was a miracle. Don't feel like you have to share if you don't want to."
Mia finally understood why she and her mother were having this conversation. All her mum wanted was to share something with her, the daughter she never thought she would have. The least Mia could do was share something that had been on her mind.
"There is one boy…" Mia told her, Euphemia squealed with joy.
"I knew it! It's Remus isn't it? Or Sirius? Both are such sweet boys, Mia. Whichever one, I can tell you have great taste." Euphemia hugged her daughter, but Mia laughed and shook her head.
"Nope. Neither of them." Mia informed her.
"Really? Well then who could it be?" Her mother questioned, confused.
"Well...His name is Gideon, Gideon Prewitt." She told her mum, and Euphemia smiled at her.
"He's that third year from the quidditch team, right?" Euphemia clarified, Mia nodded with a smile and a blush.
"So… why has this boy caught your attention?" Euphemia asked, smiling sweetly.
"Well we go on runs every morning to get into shape for quidditch and we just talk. We talk about our lives, the pranks we want to pull, what it's liking having a twin brother." Mia explained, "He's always there for me. If he sees that I just need to talk he'll sit there and listen. When James and Sirius ignored me for a little while because of my friendship with Severus-"
"THEY DID WHAT?!" Euphemia shrieked angrily.
"Yeah, but it's okay Mum I forgive them now." Mia explained. "Anyways, he and his brother played prank after prank on James and Sirius to make sure they got the message that houses don't matter."
Euphemia pulled her daughter into a hug, "He sounds like a sweet boy, although I still think you are too young to date. A little crush never hurt anybody."
"I'm glad I can talk to you about this." Mia told her mom from a hug.
"Me too." Euphemia told her with a joyful smile. She glanced at the clock, surprised to see that it was time for Mia to go to bed. "Now go get ready for bed, we have talked for longer than I thought. I'll see you tomorrow darling, if you could tell your brother and Sirius the same. I love you."
"I love you too." Mia went upstairs and pulled on her flannel pajamas. She brushed her teeth and climbed into bed, putting up a few silencing charms. She closed her eyes and prepared for her first Christmas with a family. Or at least one, that she remembered.
December 25th, 1971
Mia woke up to her brother and Sirius jumping on her bed screaming like idiots.
"Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" James and Sirius yelled joyfully. Mia slowly turned over and gave a yawn.
"Why are you waking me up this early? Did we not agree to wait for Remus to open presents?" MIa said as she started to sit up, rubbing her eyes.
"Your mum made breakfast and she said we have to wait for you to eat it. It's chocolate chip pancakes! Come on!" Sirius told her as he tried to pull her out of bed.
"Okay, okay, okay, I'm up. I'll be right down, just let me brush my teeth and get a comb through my hair first." Mia told them as she walked towards her bathroom. Sirius and James were already halfway down the stairs.
"Don't take too long!" James called up to remind her. He walked back up the stairs and peeked through the doorway. "Oh, and Merry Christmas Mia."
"Merry Christmas James." Mia replied with a smile.
Moments later, after Mia had woken up and gotten ready for the day (leaving pajamas on until Remus arrives so they could all open presents in their pj's), she walked downstairs and greeted her mother and father.
"Merry Christmas Mum, Merry Christmas Dad." She said happily while still a little groggy from being woken up so early.
"Merry Christmas sweetheart." Her mother said, giving her daughter a kiss on the forehead. Mia turned to her father who pulled her into a hug.
"Merry Christmas pumpkin." Her father said, releasing her from her hug, and allowing her to see his smile.
"Sirius mentioned something about chocolate chip pancakes?" Mia asked her mother. Her mother laughed in return.
"It's in the kitchen, come on. The boys have been waiting." Euphemia told her. The three of them walked into the kitchen to see James and Sirius dramatically draped over their chairs. They were moaning as if they were in agony.
"Oh thank Merlin I thought I was going to die of starvation!" James said overdramatically, fanning himself as though he was dying of heat.
"Speak for yourself James! I am dead! I have passed from this cold, foodless world!" Sirius exclaimed, faux fainting in his chair. Mia and Euphemia giggled while Fleamont merely rolled his eyes, trying to suppress a smile threatening to creep up his face.
"Now honestly boys no need to be so dramatic! It's been 10 minutes!" Euphemia scolded. She walked over to the oven, where she had placed a stasis charm on the food to keep it warm. She served James and Sirius 5 pancakes each, and they both stared up at her wondering how they were going to eat that much.
"I don't want to hear you two complaining about there being too much on that plate because if you really are starving you shouldn't have a problem." She told them simply, Mia sat at the table, and Euphemia put 2 pancakes on her plate. Mia smiled and the boys looked at her, mouths gaping.
"No fair!" Sirius cired.
"How come she only gets 2!" James agreed. "This is favouritism!"
Mia smirked, "You're complaining about getting more food than me?" Mia dropped into a fake faint, mocking Sirius. "Hell has frozen over! The world is ending! Mum, Dad I love you both! Goodbye cruel world!" Mia fake died, sticking her tongue out of her mouth to get her point across. Sirius scowled,
"I did not do that!" He cried, "I kept my tongue in my mouth and I did not cry 'goodbye cruel world!'. You'll have to work on your acting skills Kitten, if you want to master the mind of the incredible Sirius Black."
"Kitten?" Mia asked with a smile, she liked the nickname. Sirius shrugged.
"Just came to me. You like it?" Sirius asked with a flirtatious smile. Mia shrugged and shook her head in response, clearly lying to herself. "You're lying, it's easy to tell Kitten, the corner of your mouth turns up slightly and sometimes you get a tweak in your nose. Kinda like that Sabrina Witch cartoon Lily was telling us about."
Mia blushed, she never realised that Sirius noticed this stuff. She never truly realised he saw her as a friend, not just the girl he had to hang out with because she was James' sister. She smiled to herself as she took a bite of her breakfast while she realised that Sirius actually liked her as herself, not just because she was related to James.
"Fine. Yes, I like the nickname." Mia admitted with a sheepish smile. Sirius smirked as he and James started scarfing down their breakfasts. Euphemia scolded them for their lack of manners and reminded them to chew with their mouths closed, especially when in the company of a lady. Mia blushed at that, she never thought of herself as much of a lady before, but seeing as there was a ball coming up, she should probably learn what that means. Even after her conversation with Gideon, she found little comfort in the fact that her parents weren't the type to marry her off. This ball could determine everything for her, no matter what Gideon said. She'd have to talk to her mother about her concerns but not today. Mia didn't want to ruin today, in case she learned something she didn't want to learn.
After breakfast Mia went upstairs to shower and to change into another pair of pajamas because she didn't want her worn ones to ruin the clean feeling of a shower. She heard her mother call her name, and she knew that Remus had arrived. Mia bolted down the stairs into the living room to see Remus standing in the Floo. She ran into his arms, pulling him into an embrace. Remus chuckled.
"It's been only a few days, Mia." She pulled back and saw that he was smiling.
"Well I haven't seen my best friend in a few days. How did you think I was going to feel?" Mia said jokingly.
At that moment James and Sirius ran into the room and hugged Remus as well.
"Come on, mate, present time! We've been waiting all morning!" Sirius told him, already making a beeline for the tree with presents underneath it. James followed him.
"James Harry Potter! What do you think you are doing? Have I taught you nothing?" Euphemia scolded. "Take your friend's bag and show him to his room first."
"But mom…" James whined.
"I get it James, I was a kid once too, but your manners come first. Mia, can you take Mr. Lupin up to his room please?" Euphemia asked her daughter. Mia took Remus' bag and gestured for him to follow her up the stairs. Remus followed her, but stopped in front of Euphemia.
"Thank you very much for inviting me into your home Mrs. Potter, and please, call me Remus." He said with a grateful smile.
"Only if you call me Euphemia, dear, Mrs. Potter makes me feel old." She said, ruffling his hair and gesturing for Mia to take him upstairs. Remus followed Mia upstairs and she showed him the room. He stared at it, mouth agape and eyes wide at the room.
"This room is huge!" He said to her. Mia laughed slightly with a smile.
"I know. I never realised how big the size of my room was until I got to Hogwarts." Mia told him. She took his hand and pulled him back down the stairs.
"I'll help you unpack later. But right now I agree with James and Sirius, it's time for presents!" Mia said, "Your parents sent yours a few days ago, at least the ones for us."
When they got downstairs they saw James and Sirius already waiting by the tree, sitting on the ground by the fire Remus had come through minutes before. Euphemia and Fleamont were sitting on the couch. James and Sirius both fell into a fake faint, fanning themselves.
"Finally! We've been waiting forever!" James and Sirius said in unison. Mia crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.
"Honestly not this again. Didn't we have enough this morning with this behavior?" Mia scolded, sounding remarkably like her mother from early this morning. James and Sirius sat up and started to laugh hysterically.
"Yes mom." They said in unison.
"Jamie, are we sure that you and Sirius aren't actually the twins here?" Mia laughed as she and Remus sat down with them. "Are we opening presents?"
The four of them started grouping their presents together, and began opening them each by person. First up was James' gifts. For Sirius, James got him chaser gloves and goggles so that they could prepare over the summer for next year's tryouts. For Remus, James gave him rare books on Advanced Herbology and Defense Against the Dark Arts from the Potter Library. Remus was so shocked he couldn't say anything other than give him a hug. For Euphemia and Fleamont, James and Mia gave them an updated photo album with all new photos including Mia over the summer and at Hogwarts. Euphemia and Fleamont pulled them both into a tight hug. For Mia, James got her a silver charm bracelet with the Potter crest on it. Mia started to tear up at the sentiment and pulled James into a hug to hide it. Before he pulled back he whispered in her ears 'Now matter what anyone says in the future, you are a Potter. You are my sister, no matter what.' Mia would have to talk with him later to really tell him how much she loved the gift.
Next was Sirius, since he didn't really talk with his family much to ask for any financial help, he instead asked his Uncle Alphard, and his Uncle was happy to help. For James, he purchased a pranking kit that Gideon and Fabian had designed that included some of Zonko's best pranking items. Remus received a book on quidditch rules and techniques as well as a book on being a quidditch announcer. Sirius and Remus had discussed Remus wanting to be a Quidditch announcer the next year. Sirius also bought James a new broom handle and practice robes which as well thought would be good for practice for the team next year. Sirius seemed to communicate with James on his gift with Mia. He got Mia 2 charms for her bracelet, a lion and a golden snitch. He told her the lion was to represent Gryffindor, but also her courage like a lion. The snitch was obvious, but he gave her a different meaning then just her being the seeker. He told her that the snitch has to go through a lot before it is even caught, it has to make itself seen. Which is what he said he thought she would do in the future, be something great. Something that can be admired and seen. Needless to say, she loved it. Sirius had given the elder Potters an everlasting holly flower, which would last for many Christmas' to come.
Remus was next, and since Remus' mother was a muggle and visited the muggle town near his house often, he decided to get Sirius something very interesting. Sirius opened a box to find 2 pairs of muggle jeans and black converse. Sirius thought that this was the best thing he'd ever received. He immediately ran from the room to any available room and returned wearing the converse and a pair of the pants. He claimed that those were the most comfortable clothes he'd ever worn. He thanked Remus profusely for the most comfortable clothes he'd ever worn and for a new way to piss off his mother. Remus gave Mia a note book with lines for sheet music to help her write songs on blank paper. He also gave her Newt Scamander's series 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' She flipped through the pages and saw his notes and annotations of the book. He'd left space underneath for her to add her own notes or contradictions. She gave him a hug telling him this was the perfect book related gift she could have gotten. Finally, Euphemia and Fleamont received a bottle of expensive muggle wine, purchased by Remus' mother for the adults.
Last was Mia, and she was very proud of her gifts for everyone. She'd given Serverus an Advance Potions set. She had given Fabian a subscription to a quidditch magazine he liked. She had a hard time getting something for Gideon, so she got him a Gryffindor Quidditch jumper with his name across the top of the back. On the left cuff sleeve, the season years were embroidered. On the right side was the initials of all the players that year. What made this jumper special was the pockets, charmed to have a large space in the pockets than what meets the eye. These pockets will only open for Gideon so he can put many pranks in them and never get caught by Filch. For Lily, Mia gave her a book on Pureblood culture and etiquette because she had asked Sirius, James, and Mia many questions about certain traditions and their history. For the girls in her dorm she gave them all yellow, red and pink thread bracelets that would be exclusively for the girls in their dorm. She had all her gifts from Severus, the girls in her dorm, Lily, and the twins in her room; she would open them later. For James and Sirius, she gave them a Gryffindor practice jersey with their names embroidered on the back. For Remus, she gifted him something she knew he'd love. Though he loved books and the gift of knowledge, she wanted to give him something better. With books you can read them once and you know what most of the content is. She decided to give him a book of Dolum Mentis games, which is essentially wizarding sudoku. She figured Remus wouldn't have gotten the chance to try Dolum Mentis yet because of his muggle style upbringing.
"Thanks Mia! I've been wanting to try this forever!" Remus said as he gave her a hug.
"Don't thank me yet. There's more." She said pointing to the two other boxes of gifts. Remus reached for them and opened one of the boxes. His eyes widened.
"Really?" Remus asked, a smile starting to creep over his face.
Mia had spent the previous two months preparing this gift, well…she and Lily had. Mia asked Lily to help her get muggle chocolate from all over the world. There were PayDays from America, Mars Bars from Canada, and some type of chocolate from Germany that she couldn't quite pronounce. She figured Remus would appreciate it, considering his slight addiction to chocolate. Before she could think anymore, Remus pulled her into an embrace, tackling her to the ground.
"Remus...I...can't….breathe." Mia breathed out. Remus quickly released her and backed away, afraid he had hurt her. "Remus, I'm okay. I was just kidding. I knew you liked chocolate, but I never thought you'd tackle me if I gave you any."
"This… This is really sweet Mia, you did not have to go through the trouble." Remus told her, giving a true look of gratitude.
"No, you're right I didn't. But you're my best friend of course I was going to get you something cool." She told him, "Now come on there's one more."
Remus opened the box and saw a jumper inside. It was a Honey Duke's jumper that read "Chocolate of the Month Club." Remus looked at Mia with confusion evident in his eyes.
"It's a monthly chocolate subscription to Honey Duke's." Mia explained, Remus' eyes lit up.
"Really?" He asked.
"Didn't we just go through this? Yes, you're welcome, and no, I am not trying to make you a diabetic." Mia explained.
Euphemia and Fleamont gave each child money to spend however they see fit. They also all received a new cloak for Winter all in their favourite colours. Forest green for Remus, Black for Sirius, Red for James, and Periwinkle for Mia.
After opening their presents, Mia helped Remus unpack and settle in while James and Sirius went outside to play in the snow. Later on, the four of them went out to play in the snow. They built snow people, built snow forts, and had a snowball fight. All day they just played like they were little kids again. By the time dinner came around, they scarfed their food and went out to play again. Much to the dismay of the elder Potters who hadn't seen the children all day. But they did watch through the windows, they watched their two children play with their best friends. James had friends growing up sure, but he never had a sibling or best friends to keep him company. It was a beautiful sight, and when they saw the children falling in a snow pile, they took a picture of those smiling faces.
When all was said and done the four friends came back inside, freezing. Luckily for them, Euphemia had foresaw this and decided to make hot chocolate for all of them. They sat by the fire, drinking hot cocoa, telling stories, laughing and just having fun. Later, they sat in silence for a while... Until James demanded to see what Lily had gotten Mia.
"I can't believe that she got you a gift! I sent her one!" James whined. Mia rolled her eyes with a smirk.
"Lily and I are friends Jamie. She didn't know that you were getting her a gift. I have to burst your bubble, you and Lily aren't friends. In fact, you asking her out embarrassed her. I'm sure if you treat her like a friend and not as your future wife, you may get a gift next year." Mia told him, "Now let me open my gift in peace."
She ripped open the large box and was confused by what she saw. She saw Remus gasp, his eyes filled with recognition.
"Rem, do you know what this is? Because right now I have no idea." Mia asked him, and he nodded.
"It's a record player." He told her, as he looked through the box and pulled out a thin package.
"A what?"
"A record player. You put this," He held up a thin, black disk. "On the machine, and put this," he gestured to a thin needle attached to the machine. "On the disk, turn it on and it will play music. You can listen to the same song, over and over again if you want to. It's not like magical music where you have to see it live or hear it over the radio and wait for it to play again. The music is recorded, which means you can store it in one place and play it whenever you want." Remus explained.
"It's like a pensieve then?" James asked.
"Yes, almost exactly like that." Remus told him.
"AWESOME!" Sirius cheered. "So what musician did Lily send us?"
Remus looked at the cover of the thin paper packaging of the vinyl. "It looks like the Beatles...Let it Be Album and John Lennon… Imagine Album."
"Well...that means nothing to me unless I actually listen to it. So come on Rem show me how it works!" Mia exclaimed excitedly.
Remus set up the record player and everyone began to get up and dance. They danced and danced and danced until they collapsed from exhaustion. They all started laughing hysterically. Remus switched albums and played the song 'Imagine' by John Lennon. Sirius stood up and offered his hand to Mia. She took his hand and stood up, he pulled her arms up to link behind his neck. She looked up at him confused as they began to sway. He smirked.
"My mother may be a swot and a bitch but she taught me that when a song is on and a lady is present, one must ask that lady to dance." He said with a smile. Mia looked off to the side to see James and Remus dancing in a ridiculous slow dance with way too many spins. Sirius spun her slowly and she put her head on his chest. She closed her eyes, getting lost in the moment.
They swayed for a while longer when Euphemia came into the room. Sirius and Mia jumped back from each other, both blushing in embarrassment. But it was too late, Euphemia had seen them dancing together and previously took a picture. Euphemia looked at her daughter and smirked.
"Now I don't mean to be that mom, but it is late. You still have a lot of time during winter break, so it is time for bed." Euphemia told them.
They turned off the record player and Mia brought it up to her room after saying goodnight to the boys. She saw her gifts from her other friends and decided to open them. From Mary and Alice she received an assortment of chocolate from Honey Duke's. From Severus she received a book on musical composition. From Fabian she received a hair prank that involved rubber cement in case James and Sirius "need another lesson." From Gideon she received a beautiful rose shaped hair pin, with a little note that read "Don't forget you owe me quite a few dances." She loved his gift and decided to wait until the ball to thank him.
Mia quickly dressed for bed and reminisced over her day. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had so much fun, though she couldn't remember much of anything before the Potter's. She closed her eyes and went to sleep.
It wasn't long before James woke up to the sound of a scream.
*Passaggio is a musical term describing transitional areas in the voice where the singer must take extra care to sing well. These occur in different spots according to the individual and voice type.