James kicked open the heavy wooden door to Dumbledore's office, sending it slamming against the wall with a resounding crash. He strode into the room, his fists clenched, and slammed his palm down on the headmaster's desk.

Dumbledore, sitting serenely behind his desk, didn't flinch at the dramatic entrance. He calmly adjusted his half-moon glasses and looked up at James. "Mr. Potter," he said in his measured and composed voice. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit?"

James's eyes were blazing with anger as he glared at Dumbledore. "You have some fucking nerve" he hissed.

Dumbledore lifted an eyebrow, his piercing blue eyes still fixed on James. "Perhaps," he said, "you should calm down, James."

James refused to back down. He leaned in closer, his face inches from Dumbledore's. "Calm down?" he growled. "How can I be f uckingcalm when my family is being torn apart? You've made my son believe that we had something to do with his sister's kidnapping!"

Dumbledore maintained his composure, his expression unwavering. "James," he replied calmly, "I assure you that Harry will be provided with the answers he seeks in due time "

James couldn't contain his frustration any longer. He sneered at Dumbledore, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Due time, Dumbledore? Due time is what got us into this situation in the first place. You don't get to decide if I talk to Harry about what really happened that night."

Dumbledore, with a calm and measured tone, spoke up, "James, if you and Lily had followed my plans, perhaps Hermione and Harry would be at Hogwarts together right now."

The moment those words left Dumbledore's lips, the lights in his office blew out. James's eyes narrowed, and his face contorted into a withering glare. His voice was low and dangerous as he interrupted Dumbledore, "Don't you dare speak my daughter's name, Dumbledore, not when Hermione's disappearance is your fucking fault to begin with."

Dumbledore, undeterred by James's anger, shrugged as if the situation were trivial. "I didn't make you do anything, James."

James's magic seemed to thunder in the room, causing the magical artifacts on the shelves to rattle. He took a step closer to Dumbledore, his voice now raised with frustration and anger, "You were the one who came to us after you heard that prophecy from a Trelawney. You were the one got bits from the prophecy and put them together to fit my were the pieces of a puzzle that fit too perfectly"

Dumbledore sighed, "James, I did what I thought was necessary to protect them both. The prophecy foretold a danger that I believed only Hermione could face. I never intended for any harm to come to her."

"Don't you dare put that responsibility on her, Dumbledore," James shook his head, his anger still simmering beneath the surface. "Necessary? You gambled with our lives and look where it's gotten us. Sorry won't bring Hermione back,"

The office was already tense with James' anger when three figures suddenly appeared in the doorway. Sirius, with thundering footsteps, strode forward and fixed a furious gaze on Dumbledore. His voice was laced with rage as he demanded, "What kind of sick bastard makes an eleven-year-old kid turn against his own parents?"

Lily, standing beside Sirius, wasted no time. Her voice filled the room, and her eyes sent daggers at Dumbledore as she spoke, "Are you that desperate for power and control that you've made my eleven-year-old son think we had something to do with his sister's kidnapping? Your and your pathetic need for control. You always spoke about some greater good, but where is that 'greater good' now, eh?"

Lily's anger was palpable as she continued, her voice trembling with fury, "We fucking believed in your so-called shitty morals and stupid principles. I can't fathom how the Board of Governors allows you to oversee the students. Be assured that Lucius will be having a word with them. You're a prejudiced bastard, you know?Always favoring Gryffindors and your willingness to turn a blind eye to innocent eleven-year-olds being bullied based on their houses, Slytherins specially."

"And let's not forget the dungeons, where you have that fucking dickhead teaching my godson and my son Potions. That sad fuck excuse of a man has a toxic obsession over me. He has been tormenting Harry, telling him he's useless at Potions and belittling him at every opportunity."

Lily's fury only intensified, and her words cut like a knife, "That pathetic excuse for a wizard tells my son that he believes better than everyone because he's the 'Boy Who Lived.' Well, newsflash, Dumbledore, if I compare my son to either of you, he's a hundred times better than you both. Your desperate desire to win the war without caring a single fuck about who got hurt in the process earned Harry that fucking nickname. He's the 'Boy Who Lived' thanks to his sister—a sister who got kidnapped because we followed what you fucking told. You have some nerve sitting there, knowing what really happened."

Lily added with a sneer, "You and Snape should be rotting in Azkaban for being accomplices to my daughter's kidnapping. If I ever hear of either of you from either my godson or my son, be prepared because you'll receive a summons from the Wizengamot. Stay away from my family, Dumbledore."

James' eyes blazed, his voice firm and unyielding. "Dumbledore, you better start packing your fucking bags. Lucius is going to speak with the Board, and Minerva McGonagall will be appointed as the new Headmistress.

James and Lily, accompanied by Sirius and Regulus, strolled through the Hogwarts grounds. The warm sun cast a gentle glow over the castle and the nearby Black Lake. As they walked, their eyes were drawn to a familiar figure sitting by the lake. Harry was engrossed in conversation with a girl, and there was a soft smile on his face.

Noticing his parents and godfathers approaching, Harry began to stand up, but the girl gently pulled him back to sit beside her. Her actions were accompanied by a tender smile, and she leaned in to kiss Harry's cheek before saying, "I'll see you later."

With a hint of irritation, Harry asked, "What are you all doing here?"

Lily, her voice soft and filled with concern, replied gently, "Harry, we were worried about you. You haven't been answering our letters, and we just wanted to check on you."

Harry's response was laced with sarcasm as he retorted, "Well, didn't catch the hint, did you? I don't want to talk with you."

James, his patience wearing thin at Harry's tone, spoke sternly, "Harry, watch your tone and how you speak to your mother. She was just worried about you."

Lily nodded in agreement, her eyes reflecting her motherly concern. "We love you, Harry. We just want to make sure you're okay."

Harry's frown deepened, and he looked away for a moment, his emotions conflicting within him. Finally, he let out a sigh and mumbled, "I'm fine, Mum. Just needed some time alone."

Lily's eyes welled up with tears as she couldn't contain her emotions any longer. Her voice quivered as she cried out, "Harry, you could have told us what was bothering you. We know you had been talking with Dumbledore."

Harry's anger flared, and he shot back, his words heavy with frustration, "Talking with Dumbledore? You think that's the problem? Maybe if you had listened to Dumbledore sooner, I'd still have my sister with me!"

Sirius, eyes narrowed, interjected, "You don't know what you're talking about"

Harry's patience snapped, and he shouted at them, "Tell me!" he demanded. "Tell me because I'm not a child anymore. Tell me because it seems like everyone knows my sister better than I do!"

Tears welled up in Harry's eyes as he stared at his parents and godfather, his frustration and grief pouring out in a torrent of emotion. Lily couldn't help but notice that the surrounding students had started to cast curious glances in their direction. She realized that it wasn't the right time or place to have such a sensitive conversation.

Lily gently touched Harry's arm, drawing his attention away from their argument and towards the concerned faces around them. "Harry," she said softly, "we'll talk about this over the Yule break. Right now, emotions are running high, and we don't want to say things we might regret later."

Harry, his anger subsiding, sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping in resignation. He nodded, his expression a mixture of sadness and frustration. "Fine," he muttered.

Lily gave Harry a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with love and understanding. "Yule is just a week away, honey. I'm sure you can wait until then."

Mia stood alone, her gloves wrapped tightly around her hands as she unleashed a barrage of punches onto the heavy bag. Her muscles flexed with each strike, and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead. She muttered curses under her breath with each punch, a mix of determination and frustration evident in her voice.

"Fucking idiot! Messing his hair just because he thinks it looks good" Her focus was intense, and the rhythmic thud of her gloved fists against the bag echoed through the room."Stupid dimples! Stupid hazel eyes!"

As she continued her punishing routine, a tap on her shoulder made her whirl around, her fists raised defensively.

"Whoa, there, Star! It's just me," said a familiar voice.

"Teddy, you scared me," Mia exclaimed, she relaxed her stance and removed her gloves, wiping the sweat from her brow with the back of her hand

Theo chuckled, mischievous glint in his eyes. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you."

Mia took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "What are you doing here, anyway? I thought you had Quidditch."

"I do," Theo replied, "but Jace was there. I wasn't in the mood to deal with him and thought I'd swing by and see how you're doing."

"Well, you found me in the middle of a killer workout. Thanks for the heart attack, by the way."

Theo grinned. "You looked so focused and intense; I couldn't resist messing with you a little."

Mia playfully rolled her eyes. "You're lucky I didn't deck you."

Theo raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? I'd love to see you try."

Mia shot him a challenging look and clenched her fist, "Want to bed on it, Loverboy?"

"As much as I would like to see you lose," Theo said, as Mia pouted. "I'm here on best friend duties and one of them is to cheer you up."

Theo reached for his wand and with a graceful wave Mia's left glove suddenly transformed into a small boombox as the first notes of "Don't Stop Me Now" filled the air.

Tonight I'm gonna have myself a real good time.

I feel a-a-a-alive."

And the world I'll turn it inside out, yeah

Theo extended his hand silently asking Mia to join. She hesitated for a moment, then a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She took Theo's hand, and with a little encouragement from him, she stood up and joined in.

I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky like a tiger."

Defying the laws of gravity

I'm a racing car passing by like Lady Godiva

Theo and Mia moved together as they pretended to play some guitars, their laughter mixing with the music.

I'm gonna go, go, go, there's no stopping me

I'm burnin' through the sky, yeah. 200 degrees, that's why they call me Mister Fahrenheit.

I'm having such a good time. I'm having a ball

Theo pulled Mia into a hug and whispered, "If you wanna have a good time, just give me a call."

Mia leaned into Theo's embrace, catching her breath as the music continued to play.

"Thank you, Teddy. You always know how to cheer me up. I love you."

Theo smiled warmly, his eyes sparkling with love."I love you too, Star. Always."

Theo and Mia settled down on the floor again, the music box now silent but still casting its enchanting glow around them. They sat close, their hands intertwined.

Theo, breaking the comfortable silence, turned to Mia with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "So, Mia, what are we doing this Yule?"

Mia looked thoughtful for a moment, her fingers tracing patterns on the carpet. "I'm going to New York with my parents to visit Magnus."

Theo raised an eyebrow, a playful tone in his voice. "So no St. Moritz this year, then?"

"No, not this time." Mia shook her head, a soft smile on her lips.

"Well, I guess I better start packing my bags if we're going to New York." Theo said pinching Mia's side

Mia's expression turned thoughtful as she looked at him, her voice soft and gentle."You don't have to come with me, Teddy. You can still go to St. Moritz with Jace, even though we're not talking right now."

Theo's face grew serious, "Of course, I'm going with you, Star. And as for Sunshine boy, he's still being a pompous git. I don't want to be around him until he tells you how sorry he is for being such a big prat."

Mia remained silent, her gaze fixed on their intertwined hands. After a moment, she spoke softly."Thank you, Theo."

Theo smiled warmly in response, "We're going to have so much fun. When are we leaving?"

"We're leaving on the 24th of December and returning on the 4th. So, I'm afraid there won't be a New Year's Concert this year."

Theo clapped his hands together with excitement, his eyes shining with anticipation."Well, no New Year Concert, but I can't wait to see the Empire State all lit up! It's going to be an amazing Yule!"

Jace had been passing by the arena when he heard faint music wafting from the inside. His curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to take a peek. Quietly, he pushed open the door just wide enough to get a glimpse of what was happening inside.

As he looked in, two familiar figures came into view. It was Mia and Theo. They were dancing around the room, their laughter filling the air. Jace watched them for a moment, unable to tear his eyes away.

Mia's smile, when it graced her face, was utterly captivating. But as Jace stood there, a voice deep within him, a voice that strangely sounded like Theo's, told him that it was Theo who was making her smile like that, not Jace.

A complex mix of emotions welled up inside Jace. He felt jealousy creeping in, a pang of sadness tugging at his heart as he watched his best friend, Theo, effortlessly make the girl he liked laugh so carefreely.

Inwardly, Jace chastised himself. He reminded himself that he had no right to feel jealous. Lately, he had been the one causing Mia's tears, unintentionally hurting her when all he had ever wanted was to make her happy.

Closing the door gently, Jace stepped away from the arena. He leaned against the cold, stone wall, his thoughts heavy and contemplative. Memories of better times flooded his mind—the times when it used to be the three of them, belting out Queen songs while dancing around without a care in the world.

Theo and Mia were engrossed in their studies when a voice suddenly interrupted them. Mia looked up, her expression curious, while Theo's brow furrowed with annoyance.

"Can I speak with you for a moment, Mia?" A voice, filled with a mixture of apprehension and determination, broke through the silence of the library

Theo, standing up, couldn't hide his frown as he asked, "What do you want, Sunshine?"

Jace glanced at Mia, silently pleading for just five minutes alone with her, "It will only be five minutes, I promise."

"If you're just going to keep hurting her, you should leave, Jace."

Mia, sensing the tension, intervened, gently placing her hand on Theo's arm."It's okay, Theo. I'll talk to him."

Theo nodded reluctantly, concern etched across his face. She gathered her things and followed Jace out of the library. Once they were in the corridor, she fixed him with an intense gaze that made Jace flush uncomfortably.

Mia didn't waste any time getting to the point."Are you finally going to tell me why you've been acting like a huge dickhead, Jace?"

Jace's shoulders slumped, and he sighed, finally admitting, "I'm sorry for being a huge git and making you cry."

"That's a start. But what was the fight with Theo all about?" Mia crossed her arms and looked at him sternly.

Jace hesitated, looking away from her. "I can't tell you, Mia."

Mia wasn't having it. She unfolded her arms and stepped closer, her gaze unwavering."I'm not accepting an apology unless you tell me why both of my friends were beating the shit out of each other in front of the whole school!"

Jace sighed, still avoiding her eyes. "You wouldn't understand."

Mia's frustration boiled over, and she cried out, "Then make me understand, Jace! All I know is that something changed after my birthday, and it got worse when we came back to Durmstrang."

Jace fell silent under her intense glare. Mia kept pressing him, her voice demanding answers."Why were you so angry with me when you saw me with Viktor?"

Jace, a tinge of jealousy in his voice, shot back, "When did Krum become Viktor?"

Mia's temper flared, and she started walking toward Jace. Her hair crackled with magical energy as she shouted at him. "Why do you suddenly fucking care, Jace? Why, after months of completely ignoring me, are you suddenly interested in who I go out with? You've flirted with half of the female population in Durmstrang!"

Mia's perfume wafted toward Jace, and he became acutely aware of how close she was. Shouting in frustration, he blurted out "BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, OKAY?"

Mia's eyes widened, her mouth agape in astonishment. "What did you say?"

Jace, his voice shaking with raw emotion, shouted it again. "I care because I fucking love you, Mia! Because you might not realize it, but you're an amazing person, beautiful inside and understand us, me and Theo, without us even saying a , we've been through everything together since we were babies, and somewhere along the way, I don't even know when, but my feelings changed."

Tears welled up as his voice broke, "Somewhere along the way, Mia, I don't know when, but my feelings changed. I've been acting like a git lately because... because I wanted to get over you." He touched his chest, where his heart was. "I need to get over you, Mia, because I want my princess back, and I know you're never going to feel the same way."

Mia, tears streaming down her face, was overcome with a mix of emotions. She couldn't help but run into Jace's arms as he began to cry as well."Jace, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you felt like this."

Jace kissed the top of her head, his voice choked with emotion."I'm so sorry, Mia. I'm the one who's sorry.I love you"

Mia, still teary-eyed, looked back into his hazel eyes with a sad smile. "Jace, Teddy and I are going to New York for Yule."

Jace chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, I guess I deserve that, don't I?"

Mia playfully slapped his arm. "You do, but you also need to apologize to Teddy."

Worry flickered in Jace's eyes as he asked, "Can we still be friends, Mia?"

Mia smiled gently at him, "Of course, Jace, if you're okay with it."

Jace nodded and brushed a strand of hair away from her face. "I'll get over you,"

Mia smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Just don't get over me too much."

Jace pulled her into one last hug, chuckling. "Am I forgiven for being a dickhead?"

Mia nodded and wiped away her tears. "We'll talk when Theo and I come back."