Chapter 19

James didn't want to dwell on the fact that he would soon be rotting in a grave somewhere, but it was hard not to. He had lived a good 14 years. 14! That was less than two decades. He knew wizards into their fifteenth. He didn't want to be a sour old toad, that was Professor Binns' job, but James didn't want to act like nothing was happening. Something was happening! James would never get to have a family, or come of age. He wouldn't ever have a job, or a wife… but like he said, he was trying not to dwell on it, he had to enjoy life while he still could. Unfortunately, Lotte was not making it easy for him.

"Hey James!" she called at him from the armchair next to him, for the sixth time in half an hour.

"Yes Lotte," he replied exasperatedly.

"Well, I was just thinking about the whole you having to you know… anyway, I don't see why! I mean, your dad was a you-know-what, wasn't he? He didn't have to die!"

"That's where your wrong Lotte," replied James, he hadn't ever told any of his friends this before, "You see, he did die. Only because of some Voldemort ritual thingy he didn't die properly, and came back to life."

"Then you won't die either." said Lotte, matter-of-factly.

"No…" James said irritably, "I don't have some weird ritual connection with the Dark Lord, remember? I can just read his thoughts!"

"You sound like you're proud of it!" said Lotte crossly.

"I am, baby!" James grinned stupidly at her, and then got a face full of cushion.

"Ugh! This is worse than that time you came down here in your boxers!"

"In what possible way is this worse than that?"

"Because at least then I could see your fiiine six-pack!"

James looked slightly affronted, "What…I..ummm…"

"Ha-ha! Got you! Lotte one, James zero!" she said smugly. This time she got a face full of cushion.

James ended up staying at Hogwarts with Lotte for Christmas, despite Fred's protests. He had used every single excuse in the book to get him to come home, but none would work. James still wasn't up for seeing the extended Weasley clan, or spending too much time with Albus, for that matter. He had a quiet few weeks, and for Christmas received only three presents. One from Lotte, one from Fred, and one from his dad. He was actually quite surprised that his dad had sent him a present at all, after he attacked Albus, he was expecting to be disowned.

His dad had actually given him a mirror. Inside was a note:

Dear James,

This is one of a set of two-way mirrors. My father and Sirius had a set when they were at school (although through ABSOLUTELY no fault of my own, one of them was smashed while in my possession…), and this is one of a replica set. I have the other, and can either keep it myself, or give it to Fred, you two would certainly get a lot of use out of it I'm sure. If ever you need to speak to me, just call my name into it, and my face will appear in the mirror, and vice-versa. Don't be scared to talk to me about anything, and I mean anything. Even if you're considering becoming a Death Eater… Ok, maybe not that, but anything else is fine. Owl back if you want Fred to have it, no need to if you want me to keep it.

Merry Christmas,

Dad.

P.S. You should have seen your mother last night. She was crying her eyes out that you weren't home for Christmas. She misses you, we all do. Please try not to isolate yourself from us, you need us more than you know.

James felt a sudden gush of affection for his father, of course he wanted his dad to keep the mirror! Not that it wouldn't be fun if Fred had it, but all the same. James picked up the mirror carefully and spoke into it clearly:

"Harry Potter!"

Suddenly a thin, bespectacled face appeared in the mirror, grinning up at James like a school boy, "Jamie! I knew you'd want me to have it! I just knew it!" he shouted excitedly.

"Dad," replied James deviously, "Have you been drinking Irish Coffee this morning?"

"No!" his dad replied, he had never been a good liar, James gave him a superior look, "Fine, I have! Its Christmas!"

James chuckled, "Merry Christmas dad. I miss you guys."

"Merry Christmas James."

And then his face was gone. James put the mirror in his back pocket, and went to find Lotte. He still had to give her his present.

"Lots!" he shouted, "Lotte! Charlotte Hallam get your fat arse down here right now!"

Lotte's pale face appeared from behind a column at the top of the stairs.

"I'll be right down Jamie! Just have to finish wrapping your present!"

"What on earth is the point of wrapping it now? I'm going to be opening it in a few minutes!" shouted James, but Lotte couldn't hear him.

James heard Lotte's heavy footfalls coming down the stairs, and shot up in anticipation. He had got her an amazing present, spent an entire month's allowance on it, but it was worth it. Lotte appeared holding a very large red and green striped box, with a big gold ribbon on top. He smiled at her, of all the presents he had got in his life, he was most excited about this one, and he had no idea why.

"James," she handed him the present carefully, he took it and put it on the coffee table, picking up his gift for her.

"Lotte," he handed her a shabbily wrapped brown paper package. It was light and soft. She ripped it open, and revealed a deep blue coat. It was short, and billowed out at the waist like a dress. There were six golden buttons on the breast. It was gorgeous. Lotte tried it on, and it fitted perfectly.

"Oh thank-you James! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"That's not the best of it yet," he said cunningly, "Disollu!"

And then Lotte was gone. Poof! Into thin air, "James! This is an invisibility coat! They're so rare! It must have cost a fortune!"

She reappeared, flushed red in embarrassment at having received such a lovely gift, "James, you shouldn't have!"

"My family's rich… it was nothing, I thought you'd like the coat, the invisibility is just an extra…" James stuttered, but was broken off by a bone crushing hug.

"Now open yours!" said Lotte excitedly, and James obliged. He opened the lid of the box, and a tiny golden ball flew out. It had tiny, waiflike silver wings, and was zooming around the common room so fast that it was almost a blur. James reached out his hand, and grabbed it. Quickly and skilfully, his incredible reflexes left Lotte awed, as James examined the golden snitch more carefully. It was the same size as a normal snitch, however there were unusual markings on it. There were tiny letters scrawled along the intricate patterns which laced the golden sphere. They read, You are never alone, James. James felt as though his heart would explode with affection for Lotte, and he gave her an enormous bear hug.

The remainder of the holidays passed in a breeze. December passed to January, and the snow which had been thick upon the ground was now beginning to thaw, the trio could go outside again. Fred had returned to Hogwarts a few days early, even he couldn't stomach a full Weasley Christmas holiday. The only person James was sorry to see was Albus, he still felt great jealousy for his younger brother. How come Albus got a stupid prophesy? He was the one who would have to die! No… he had decided not to dwell on the matter… like a new years resolution.

what do ya think? please review.... i'm actually considering ending the story quite soon! i just came up with a brilliant (and slightly unorigional ending) will probably only be about 5 more chapters... if that... luv ya all xxx