Chapter 11: Christmas

Christmas Eve was here. It was always an exciting time in the Potter household especially if James' friends were here. They were always bouncing off the walls, hyped up on sugar and excited for the next day. It usually drove Mrs. Potter crazy, so she always sent them outside to do whatever they wanted to do. But this year would be different. Lily was here and she would have someone to talk to and keep her sane. Her husband was usually working that way he could have the next day off and only be on call for extremely important things.

As Mrs. Potter walked into the kitchen, she sensed something was wrong. She looked around but everything seemed to be in order, so she shrugged it off and went to start a pot of tea. When she looked out the window, she saw a familiar sheet of red hair, standing in the snow (with shoes on of course). Mrs. Potter was slightly worried because Lily was standing in the cold at seven-thirty in the morning. She quickly put on her cloak and pulled on some boots before walking outside to talk to Lily. This was what she sensed was wrong, it must have been her mom sense kicking in.

Lily didn't hear the crunch of snow until Mrs. Potter was almost next to her. Mrs. Potter looked at Lily, her eyes were red and there were tear streaks down her cheeks. She knew that Lily didn't even care that it was freezing outside. Mrs. Potter just pulled Lily into her arms, where she began to sob. After a few minutes, Lily stopped and pulled away to wipe her eyes.

"Lily" Mrs. Potter asked tentatively "are you alright?" Lily shook her head.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"Okay" she said very softly.

When Lily didn't go on, Mrs. Potter broke the silence. "Lily, why don't we go inside? The boys won't be up for a while and Richard left an hour ago. It will just be us."

Lily nodded and let Mrs. Potter lead her into the house. She sat her down at the table and made her a cup of tea. Once Lily had taken a sip, Mrs. Potter carefully approached the subject. She didn't want Lily to start crying.

"Can you tell me why you were standing outside?"

"I needed to c-clear my h-head" Lily stuttered out while calming her sobs.

"Why?"

"I th-thought fresh air might h-help."

"I understand but Lily, what's wrong?"

"Well, Christmas Eve was always a time that my mother and I spent together. We would make cookies and then we would have some cocoa and then we would make a really nice dinner together for everyone."

"Oh, Lily, I'm sorry. This really must be hard for you" Mrs. Potter had a few tears in her eyes.

"Thank you, it is because this is the first one without her. I think it will get better as time goes on but today is going to be really difficult for me. I loved that time we spent together. My sister was always jealous of that but honestly, she can't cook" Lily laughed a little at the end.

"I'm sure. Well, I will completely understand if you don't want to and I know I'm not your mother and I don't want to replace her, but if you want we could make cookies and have cocoa and make a really nice dinner for the men. We can even do it the muggle way."

"Really? You would do that for me?" Lily smiled hopefully.

"Of course, you are like a daughter to me. I will never replace your mother in your heart but if I can be a substitute to make this easier, I would be glad to do so."

"Oh, Jillian, that would be wonderful. Thank you" Lily said giving her a hug.

"It is no problem dear. But I will have to warn you, I haven't cooked the muggle way in a long time, so you might have to help me there" she laughed and Lily joined her wiping her eyes.

"Don't worry, I know exactly what to do."

Lily helped Mrs. Potter bake, with magic, several types of muffins, fry some bacon, scramble some eggs and toast bread. By the time they were done, the boys were all at the table looking ravenous. Mrs. Potter and Lily laughed and set everything on the table watching their hands as they pulled away.

James noticed that Lily was a little red eyed but didn't say anything guessing Lily wouldn't want everyone else to know. He grabbed some food and began eating. Lily and Mrs. Potter just got some food before Sirius went for seconds.

The rest of the morning, Lily and Mrs. Potter baked Christmas cookies and then decorated them. The boys kept sneaking into the kitchen trying to steal some cookies but each time Mrs. Potter hit whoever it was with a small jinx. After four of those jinxes, needless to say, no one tried again. Once all the cookies were done, Lily showed Mrs. Potter how she and her mother made homemade cocoa. She heated up milk on the stove, added sugar and cocoa powder and some cinnamon, then waited while everything got good and hot and served it up. She sprinkled some more cinnamon on the top and told the boys that they could enter the kitchen again.

"Are you sure it's safe?" James asked tentatively.

"Yes, it is. You can eat some cookies and have some cocoa. We won't jinx you."

The boys slowly came in, making sure they weren't lying. When they saw them at the table with cups and a plate of cookies, they quickly rushed to the table and sat with them.

"Oh, oh, oh, bloody hell, these are amazing cookies!" Sirius exclaimed.

"Thank you" Lily said blushing.

"How did you learn to make these? And the cocoa?" James asked looking like he was in heaven.

"My mum taught it to me when I was eight and then every Christmas Eve we continued the tradition" Lily said with a sad smile.

"Lily, I bow down to you" Sirius said actually bowing. Everyone laughed and finished everything up.

"Er, Jillian?" Lily asked.

"Yes?"

"Would it be alright if I took a nap after lunch, before we start on dinner?"

"Of course, you can. You don't have to ask."

"I know, but dinner will take some time since I'm showing you the muggle way. So don't let me sleep longer than a few hours."

"Alright, but do you need me to do anything while your napping?"

"Oh, yes but I will tell you before I go up."

Soon after the cookies and cocoa, lunch was ready. Strangely, everyone was really hungry even though they just had cookies. After lunch, Lily told Mrs. Potter to rub certain herbs on the turkey and stuff it with some things and let it rest in the icebox for a while. They were going to cook it some in the oven then finish it off with magic. Normally, Lily and her mother would have started the turkey a lot earlier but since magic was so convenient, she let Mrs. Potter finish the turkey off that way.

Lily went up to her room and laid down. She went to bed late last night and unwillingly got up early. A nap would do her good but the next thing she knew was that she was being shaken by someone.

"Lily, wake up!" a scared voice said.

"J-James?" Lily asked drowsily.

"Oh, thank god" James sighed in relief.

"What's going on?"

"We heard you shouting from downstairs and then I came up to see if you were okay and you were thrashing around a bit. It took me a couple of minutes before I finally woke you up."

"Oh, I'm sorry I scared you. I didn't mean too" Lily apologized while rubbing her eyes and then she realized she had been crying.

"Lily, what was going on?" James asked looking her over.

"I don't really remember."

"Really? It sounded like a really vivid dream especially since you were shouting."

"What was I shouting?" Lily asked, red coloring her cheeks.

"Oh, er, something about it wasn't my fault and I think something like I'm not a freak. I really don't know what that…" he trailed off because Lily began crying.

James pulled her into his arms and let her cry. He would wait for her to tell him. After a few minutes, Lily stopped and pulled back to wipe her eyes. She took a couple deep breaths to calm herself and then looked up at James.

"I remember what I was dreaming of. It was the day that my…my parents died and I had the fight with my sister."

"Lily, I'm sorry. Do you know why you were dreaming of that?"

"Yes, see this morning your Mum found me outside crying because on Christmas Eve my Mum and I would spend all day in the kitchen together. You saw what your Mum and I were doing, that's what we would do. I just didn't think it would hit me this hard but then again I haven't thought much about them since."

"I'm guessing it was because this was a special day that you two spent together and not having her here really made you miss her. It was a day that really meant a lot to you."

"James, thank you for, well, everything."

"You're welcome" James said kissing her forehead.

"I love you."

"I love you too, Lily."

"How long have I been asleep?"

"About two hours."

"Oh, good. How do I look? Not too red and splotchy?"

"Lily, you look fine and no not too red and splotchy. Come on" James said dragging her off the bed "everyone will want to know that you are alright."

Lily smiled and followed James down stairs. When they got there, everyone was looking at them deciding for themselves that Lily was alright. After a few scrutinizing minutes, they all seemed satisfied. No one pushed Lily for more information because Mrs. Potter had filled them in on why Lily might not be herself today.

The rest of the afternoon was filled with clanking pots and laughter. Mrs. Potter and Lily finished up the turkey and made several side dishes for dinner. Mrs. Potter was in awe with how much time it takes to make a meal the muggle way. Lily was very patient though, answering questions when asked and she did most of the cooking but was helped when needed. The only thing Mrs. Potter trusted the boys with was setting the table and she only trusted them because Remus was here to keep them in order.

Dinner went smoothly. Everyone devoured the food and were surprised to hear that Lily was the one to provide the recipes. It was a very successful meal and dessert vanished quickly. It was a homemade treacle tart recipe that Lily found a couple years ago. Let's just say it was a very spectacular end to a spectacular meal.

Afterwards, everyone retired to the living room but no one really did anything. The meal made everyone tired. Sirius, Remus and Peter were sprawled out on the floor, relaxing. Mr. and Mrs. Potter were sitting next to each other reading the paper. Lily and James were cuddled up together on the floor leaning against the couch. Shortly after, Mr. and Mrs. Potter went upstairs, knowing that tomorrow would start bright and early. Remus and Peter went up next because Sirius woke them up really early and would do the same the next day. Lily kissed James and headed up saying she was exhausted and it was understandable considering her day. James and Sirius were the only ones left. After a few minutes silence, Sirius was about to head up when James stopped him.

"Sirius, I need your help."

"With what?"

"I want to do something special for Lily on New Year's Eve."

"Okay, but why do you need my help?"

"Well, I can't do this alone."

"What do you want to do?"

"I will tell you later but I need your help because I want all of our friends to be present."

"Oh, James, mate, you are in luck" Sirius laughed.

"Why is that?"

"I don't know if you have noticed but Moony, Wormtail and I have been disappearing lately."

"Yes, Lily and I have noticed. What were you doing?"

"Well, you see, not only were we giving you and Lily time alone, we were also planning a New Year's party. Getting food and drinks and something special for midnight."

"I see. Well, have you let my parents know about this?"

"I am insulted that you think we wouldn't get permission first" Sirius mocked.

"Padfoot, we are Marauders, we never ask permission. That's why we are always in detention."

"Relax, Prongs. Your parents know all about it and loved the idea. They are going out anyway. They just said that we are responsible for cleaning up afterwards."

"Good, I just wanted to make sure."

"So what are you going to do for her?"

"I will tell you later. When, I'm sure myself."

"You don't know yet?"

"I have an idea but I want to make sure she will like it."

Sirius looked at him confused but shrugged it off knowing that James always knew what he was doing. "We should probably get to bed."

"You're right. You will probably make sure we are all up early. Good night Padfoot."

"Night, Prongs."

It was Christmas morning, about six-thirty to be exact. The house was quiet, but not for much longer.

James felt someone kneel on his bed. He figured it was Sirius so he kept faking he was asleep. He felt the person push him and shake him a couple of times but he remained "asleep." When he didn't "wake up" the person shook him even more.

"Go away Sirius" James said slapping the hands away and rolling over onto his back.

He felt the person get off the bed only to get back on and climb on top of him. The person was straddling his legs and sat on what would be his lap if he was sitting. James was surprised that this person wasn't very heavy and then he realized who it was. Lily leaned forward and slid her hands along James' chest until both their faces were level with one another.

"I am insulted that you would think I was Sirius" Lily playfully said. James finally opened his eyes.

"Sorry, love, but Sirius is the one who usually wakes me up this early on Christmas."

"Oh, I know. He woke me up and was going to do you next but I told him to let me."

"Well, that was nice of you. And I have to admit, I like seeing your face first thing rather than his." Lily laughed and gave him a kiss. James pulled her off of his chest and over onto the other side of the bed. She cuddled up against his side draping an arm over his chest and he put an arm around her.

"Oh, by the way, Happy Christmas."

"Happy Christmas, Lily."

They laid there together for a few minutes before the door burst open. They looked over to see an excited Sirius and a sleepy Remus and Peter, who were giving Sirius the death glare.

"Oy! Lily, I trusted you to wake him up not cuddle with him."

"Sirius, he is awake. And you never said how to wake him up."

"Oh, touché. Well, come on, we have presents to open."

"Alright, we're coming."

As James and Lily got out of bed, they heard distinct whispers of Peter and Remus deciding on the best way to murder Sirius. They laughed and followed the others down the stairs. When they arrived, they saw quite a few presents and Mr. and Mrs. Potter sitting on the couch half asleep. Sirius was bouncing all around waiting for the time to open presents.

"Remus, you should be used to the fact that Sirius wakes us up this early. He has for the past seven years" James laughed.

"Yes, I know but I still don't like it."

"Oy, stop chatting and let's get unwrapping" Sirius said impatiently.

Mrs. Potter flicked her wand and the presents were sent to the person they were for. As soon as Sirius got his he began shredding the paper. Remus, Sirius, Peter, James and Lily mostly got candy and books, scarves and gloves, and other little trinkets from friends. James gave Lily a photo that was taken the first week of school. They were cuddled on the couch in the common room and Remus surprised them by taking a picture. He put it in a black frame and then decorated it with things that represented them. She loved it because the picture really showed how much they loved each other. Lily gave James a scrapbook of all his Quidditch games. There were pictures from when he first started all the way up to the last game they played before break. He was surprised that she found all of those pictures but loved it nonetheless.

The rest of the day was spent inside and outside. The five of them had a vicious but fun snowball fight. They would take breaks every so often to warm back up before heading out again. In the mid-afternoon, they called it quits so they could clean up for dinner. Lily had asked Mrs. Potter if she wanted help cooking but she said no.

Dinner was fantastic. It was like the Hogwarts meal at Christmas time except a lot less food. There was chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, green beans, bread and many other dishes. There was still a lot of food for seven people. After dessert, everyone went into the living room and just sat and listened to the radio. Thankfully, no one in the house liked Celestina Warbeck so there was other Christmas music on. Once Peter fell asleep, there was a mutual decision to go to bed.

The next day James woke up to sunshine streaming through his window. James could feel someone else in his bed. He rolled over to find Lily sleeping peacefully next to him. He was trying to remember if they fell asleep together or if she came in during the night. But he couldn't remember. He put on his glasses and shifted lightly so he wouldn't disturb her and just watched her sleep. She was so beautiful with her auburn hair spread out behind her. Her cream colored skin shining slightly in the morning sunlight. It took James' breath away. Lily's eyelids fluttered a bit before they opened. She blinked a couple of times before her emerald eyes focused on James.

She smiled and sat up "Have you been watching me sleep?"

"Yes" James smiled and sat up next to her.

"Why?"

"I don't know. Because I love you."

"I love you too."

"So, I can't remember, did you fall asleep in here or did you come in during the night?"

Lily blushed and gave him a sheepish smile "I came in during the night. You're not upset, are you?"

"Of course not, I just wanted to make sure I wasn't crazy. My bed is your bed" James laughed.

"Good, it's just I didn't want to be alone last night. It was my first Christmas without my parents."

"Lily, you have nothing to be ashamed of. I may not understand entirely what you are going through, but I do understand when someone needs other people's company. You should never be ashamed of not wanting to be alone." Lily smiled her eyes shining with tears.

"Thank you James, I don't know what I would do without you."

James replied by pulling her into a hug. Then he leaned down and kissed her. It was one of the fiercest kisses they had ever shared but that kiss revealed more about the other than either of them knew. The kiss told the other how much they loved each other that they would go to the end of the world with the other, and something that Lily didn't recognize but James knew what it was.

After the kiss, they left the room to go to breakfast. When they reached the kitchen, Mrs. Potter was the only one there. She smiled when they walked in but went back to the newspaper. James poured tea for them and sat down next to Lily. Everything was quiet for a few minutes until Mrs. Potter slammed the paper on the table and got up to make breakfast.

Lily and James looked at each other before grabbing the paper. On the front cover was the headline: More Disappearances: Minister Does Nothing. They each read the article and couldn't believe what they just read. There were more people disappearing even though everyone knew they were most likely killed and the Minister hasn't done anything more to step up protection of wizards and muggles. James and Lily were appalled and understood why Mrs. Potter was suddenly so angry.

Just as they put the paper aside, the rest of everyone in the house joined them at the table. Mrs. Potter put several plates of pancakes down and breakfast began. They chatted about the small party that was happening this evening with Emily, Mary, Frank and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Potter were going to a friend's house so the kids had the house to themselves.

The rest of the morning and the afternoon passed quietly. At about six, James' parents left and at about six-thirty, Emily, Mary, Frank and Alice showed up. Everyone sat down for dinner (leftovers from the night before) which was delicious. They had some dessert, which Lily made and then went into the living room to exchange gifts. Frank and Alice and James and Lily doubled up when they purchased gifts for people to save some money. After a while, the girls started chatting about Alice's wedding in the summer. They were helping her decide on colors and flowers and whatever else they could think of. But on the other side of the room, the boys were talking about Voldemort.

"I just don't see how one man could be so heartless to go so far as killing innocent muggles who have no idea what is happening" Remus said.

"I know what you mean, but there is nothing we can do about him."

"Sure there is, Prongs, we just have to figure out how to get around his death eaters without getting killed."

"Padfoot, that was not as funny as you might like to think. Anyway, if we could just join some kind of army that is fighting against him we might be able to help defeat him."

"I agree Remus, if there is an army fighting out there, I will join as soon as I'm out of school" James said.

"Guys, there is something out there fighting him" Frank told them.

"Really? What? I haven't heard of anything."

"I accidentally overheard Alice's cousins talking about the Order of the Phoenix. It's a group founded by Dumbledore that is working to defeat Voldemort. Only they are still outnumbered by Voldemort's followers."

"Well, I want to join." James declared.

"Me too. What a great way to piss off my parents even more."

"Sirius" Remus warned.

"What?"

"You know very well what."

"No, I don't know very well what."

"Yes, you do."

"No, I don't."

"Yes."

"No."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Ha! You admitted it."

"NO! I thought you would fall for my trick and admit that I didn't know what."

"Well, lucky for me, I didn't."

Sirius just scowled at Remus and was about to retort when the girls joined them. Lily, Emily and Alice grabbed their boyfriends and dragged them over to dance to the music. Remus asked Mary to dance and they joined the others. Peter didn't mind not having a partner to dance with for he was severely uncoordinated. He just laughed with everyone else. After a while, everyone sat down slightly exhausted and started chatting about whatever came up.

Eventually, talk shifted to the New Year's party that James was hosting. Everyone in the house right now was attending plus other sixth and seventh years throughout the houses, excluding Slytherin. James glanced at Sirius and shared a knowing look about that day. James had never divulged exactly what he was doing that day because Sirius always has trouble keeping exciting secrets, well secret. At about eleven-thirty, Emily, Mary, Frank and Alice, said their good-byes and left. Shortly, after Remus, Peter and Sirius dragged themselves upstairs.

Lily and James were left on the couch, cuddling. They relaxed there, staring into the fire until Lily began to doze off. James picked her up and cradled her in his arms. As he began for the stairs Lily woke up, kind of.

"James" she slurred "I can walk." James set her on her feet but as soon as she took a step she stumbled in her sleepy state. James scooped her up and continued up the stairs.

"Lily" he murmured softly "would you like to sleep in your bed or mine?"

"Yours" she whispered before she fell asleep completely.