"Your brother is looking at you," Viktor said to Mia, glancing over her shoulder.

Mia sighed, her gaze focused on her plate. "I know," she replied, "he hasn't stopped looking at me since we sat down."

After both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons had settled on the Hogwarts grounds, the students had been distributed among the different Hogwarts houses. The Unholy Trinity and Viktor found themselves at the end of the Slytherin table. Meanwhile, Harry, Draco, Ron, and Neville were seated at the Gryffindor table. Mia deliberately had her back turned to her brother while she ate her dinner.

"He wants to talk to you," Pansy pointed out, "We talked this morning, and he said that he would like to fix things."

Blaise chimed in, "You don't have to talk to him, but Pansy and I think he's genuinely sorry, and we'd like to spend Christmas together."

Mia considered it for a moment, her thoughts conflicted. "I'll talk to him tomorrow," she finally decided, "tonight, there's a bonfire in the Forbidden Forest if you want to join."

Blaise asked, "Are you going to tell your brother?"

"Not me," Mia chuckled, shaking her head. "Teddy is going to stand up and invite them."

Theo, overhearing the conversation, stood up with determination. "If you're doing this to get back at me, you should know that I don't mind going to talk to your brother."

Jace, Mia, Blaise, and Viktor watched as Theo stood up and walked over to the Gryffindor table, drawing the attention of many Durmstrang students. All eyes were on Theo as he exchanged a few words with Harry and his friends. After their brief conversation, he turned around, flashed a triumphant smile, and playfully flipped Mia the bird. Jace couldn't help but laugh, while Viktor shook his head in amusement.

As Harry and his friends ventured deeper into the Forbidden Forest, they stumbled upon a breathtaking scene. At the heart of the forest, a massive bonfire blazed with dazzling intensity, casting a warm, golden glow across the surrounding area. Sparks leaped from the flames and soared toward the starry night sky like miniature shooting stars. The dance of the flames illuminated the faces of Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students alike, revealing smiles and eyes gleaming with excitement.

Hidden within bags and backpacks were bottles of vodka, beers, and soft drinks. Laughter filled the air as the young witches and wizards indulged in their libations. The music from a portable speaker pumped out tunes, blending with the crackling of the bonfire and creating an atmosphere that felt like an escape from the rigors of everyday life.

Some teenagers couldn't resist the pull of the music and danced energetically around the bonfire's flickering light, while others gathered in small groups, sharing stories and secrets in conspiratorial whispers. The scent of burning wood, mingled with the sound of crackling branches feeding the fire, added to the sensory richness of the experience.

"Bye losers'' Pansy, with a beer in hand, playfully bid her farewell approaching a group of Beuxbatons girls.

"This is the first unsupervised party I've been to," Ron admitted, a mix of excitement and nervousness evident in his voice.

"Don't worry," Blaise reassured him as he downed a shot of vodka, "Mia won't let anything happen to you."

"Can anyone see Mia?" Draco inquired, scanning the surroundings.

Harry glanced around and shook his head. "No, but she won't be too far away."

"There she is," Ron pointed out as he held a butterbeer.

The group turned their attention to where Ron was gesturing, and sure enough, they spotted Mia leaning against a tree, holding a beer. Viktor stood beside her, his arm resting on the tree at the height of Mia's head, and the two of them were engaged in a lively conversation, their laughter carrying on the then leaned in to say something in Mia's ear making her lift her head to see her brother and his friends.

Mia approached with Viktor in tow, and she greeted her friends warmly. "Hello, guys! How are you? Are you having a good time?"

Ron, however, was struck speechless and merely pointed at Viktor without uttering a word.

"Viktor," Mia said, "meet Ron, the redhead. Blaise is the dark-skinned one, Draco's the blonde, and the black-haired one is my brother, Harry."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Viktor said with a warm smile. "Mia's told me about you."

Ron, still starstruck, managed to stammer out, "You play brilliantly!"

"If you're ever interested in attending one of my games, have Mia write to me, and I'll arrange tickets for you," Viktor offered.

Ron's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you so much! I'll definitely take you up on that offer."

Harry, who had remained quiet until now, finally found his voice. "Can we talk, Mia?" he asked hesitantly.

Mia met her brother's gaze, and her expression softened. "We'll talk tomorrow, I promise. For now, enjoy the bonfire."

"Okay," Harry said, scratching his neck, his gaze lingering on his sister.

Mia turned as Jace and Theo called her name, beckoning her told them she was going now and playfully pulled Viktor with her to the makeshift dance floor. Viktor happily followed Mia's lead, even if he didn't quite know how to dance.

Draco watched the pair as they danced, and a hint of jealousy crept into his voice. "I don't know what she sees in him," he remarked. "He can't even dance properly"

Blaise chuckled, "I think it's more that Viktor likes Mia, but Mia only sees him as a good friend. Either way, don't they make an amazing couple?."

Ron chimed in with a playful grin. "Draco, mate, you need to step up your game if you want Mia to see you as a potential boyfriend."

"First, you've got to get her to see you as a friend." Blaise laughed as he walked away

"You could help me!" Draco called out to his retreating friend, but Blaise was already mingling with the crowd. Looking at Harry he asked, "Will you help me?"

"You're on your own with that one, mate. I have my own problems to deal with my sister, " Harry laughed as he walked towards some Durmstang boys.

"Are we going to talk about the huge elephant in the room?" Sirius asked James, his tone laced with concern.

James glanced up from the papers he was sorting through and raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"

Sirius couldn't contain his exasperation. "Your children, Prongs."

James sighed understanding. "Ah, my kids. What about them?

"Your children." Sirius spoke slowly, making sure his point was clear. "Your son and daughter are at Hogwarts together right now."

James nodded, his expression serious. "I'm aware of that."

A look of disbelief crossed Sirius' face. "And you're not worried about a bloodbath?"

James chuckled softly. "They're not going to kill each other, Pads."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, curious. "How do you know?"

James leaned back in his chair, a faint smile on his face. "Because if I remember correctly, you and I had a similar fight after 'The Prank,' and you're still here."

Sirius looked thoughtful for a moment before admitting, "It's true. I'll never stop regretting that."

James reassured him, "Sirius, all is forgiven. Remus forgave you, I forgave you. We're okay."

Changing the subject, Sirius leaned in, resting his hands on James' desk. "Let's move on to the second question of the day: why the fuck is Dumbledore still Headmaster?"

James sighed, clearly frustrated with the situation. "Because we need more proof."

Sirius gestured emphatically. "What else do you need? Trelawney confessed to the crime."

James explained, "But according to Moody, her confession alone is useless. We need someone who saw Dumbledore commit the crime."

Sirius questioned, "According to which Moody, Moody Moody or Barty Moody?"

"Moody Moody," James replied.

Sirius countered, "But Barty saw Dumbledore. Can't we call him to testify?"

James shook his head. "Barty, I don't know where he is. And if I put him in 'search and arrest,' how do you think it will look to the Wizengamot that the only witness in the case against the great Albus Dumbledore, leader of the Light, is a Death Eater with a search and arrest warrant?"

Sirius grumbled in frustration. "So, what's Barty's plan?"

"Barty told me that he would let me know." James sighed, his worry evident. "The only thing that is certain is that Dumbledore and Snape are going to rot in Azkaban."

"Is Mia going to live with Lily and you this year?" Sirius asked, a hopeful tone in his voice.

James smiled, his eyes lighting up. "Yes, Mia and her two friends will spend the Yule break and the Easter break with us."

Sirius leaned in, curiosity piqued. "And the Borghese?"

"They will come for Yule along with the Grimaldis," James replied.

Sirius couldn't help but grin. "I see you quite happy."

"I am," James admitted, his smile unwavering. "We are seriously trying to build a relationship with Mia."

Sirius nodded in understanding. "I'm happy for you, for all of you. I really hope this turns out well."

James was genuinely touched by Sirius' sentiment. "Thanks, Padfoot."

Curiosity got the better of James, and he inquired, "What do you and Mia talk about in your letters?"

Sirius chuckled, his eyes dancing with amusement. "A little bit of everything. Queen, Abba..." He couldn't help but grin as he thought about his niece. "Do you know that she now has a dragon?"

"Lily told me," James responded with a nod.

Sirius raised an eyebrow playfully. "And what are you going to do with the dragons? I don't think the dragons will want to be away from their riders."

James laughed heartily. "They fit in the farthest area of Potter Manor."

Sirius couldn't contain his excitement. "Do you think Mia will let me ride her dragon?"

James grinned mischievously. "I think if you ask her, she wouldn't say no."

The prospect of riding a dragon had Sirius practically beaming. "Well, then, I might just have to drop by your Manor in Yule"

Mia felt strange, her thoughts a whirlwind as she sat by the shores of the Black Lake. The transition from Durmstrang to Hogwarts had been harder than she anticipated. She missed the cold, crisp mornings, the majestic sight of Durmstrang, and the bond she shared with her fellow students there. Hogwarts, with its warmth and familiarity, felt different.

The sun was beginning to rise, casting its soft golden hues across the horizon. Mia closed her eyes, taking in the gentle breeze and the caress of the first rays of sunlight on her skin. She found solace in the tranquility of the moment.

Footsteps broke the silence, and a familiar voice echoed through the air, reciting in a deep, masculine tone.

"I have named you queen. There are taller than you, taller. There are purer than you, purer. There are lovelier than you, lovelier. But you are the queen."

Mia recognized the voice instantly and felt a comforting presence beside her. He continued reciting, the words washing over her like a soothing melody.

"When you go through the streets, no one recognizes you. No one sees your crystal crown, no one looks at the carpet of red gold that you tread as you pass, the nonexistent carpet."

He wrapped his arms around her, and Mia leaned into his embrace, finding solace in his presence.

"And when you appear, all the rivers sound in my body, bells shake the sky, and a hymn fills the world," he concluded, his voice filled with warmth and affection.

Mia didn't need to open her eyes to know who it was. It was her Theo, her Teddy, who had come to comfort her in this moment of uncertainty.

"Only you and I, my love," he whispered, his words a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. "Only you and I, listen to me."

Theo and Mia stood together, watching the sun rise over the horizon. The tranquil beauty of the moment was marred by Mia's inner turmoil, and Theo sensed her unease.

"How are you, Star?" Theo asked gently, turning his gaze to her.

Mia's voice quivered as she replied, "I don't know. What if I disappoint everyone? What if I'm not the daughter the Potters wanted? What if I'm not the sister Harry expected?"

Theo shook his head, his expression filled with understanding and reassurance. "You could never disappoint anyone because you love with all your soul. You give yourself entirely to the people around you. Feeling loved, feeling cared for by Mia Borghese is a privilege. Anyone who has the opportunity to feel loved by you would have to be very foolish to reject or hurt you."

Mia's eyes glistened with tears as she continued to pour out her worries. "What happens when the hurt person is me? What happens when I see that nothing I do seems enough? What happens when I try to split myself in two, and then I can't be myself again? What happens if, in exchange for my love, I only receive bullets?"

Theo held Mia's face gently in his hands, his eyes filled with sincerity. "That's what Jace and I are for," he assured her. "Jace and I are here to protect you from those who would hurt you. Hurting and being hurt is part of life itself, but your smile, the way your eyes light up, or how free you look in the air—those things make Jace and me ready to face the inevitable. We would face life a thousand and one times and go against nature if it means you will be happy. Because a happy Mia Borghese makes the world a happier place."

Mia's gratitude overflowed, and she hugged Theo tightly. He reciprocated the embrace, holding her close. "Do you want me to wake up Jace?" Theo offered.

Mia considered but then shook her head. "No, let him sleep."

"I think if I tell him that you need him, sleep will vanish quickly," Theo chuckled.

"I'm so lucky to have him," Mia said, her eyes filled with warmth. "I'm so lucky to have you both."

Theo smiled affectionately. "I think you really only need Jace. He's your Parabatai; you'll always need him."

Mia let out a wistful sigh. "My Romeo, my brave, brave Jace. He's one of a kind."

"He was always your prince charming," Theo agreed. "Seeing how you protect each other and how you love each other makes me believe in love, a pure and unconditional love. You know, in another life, I think you and Jace would have made an amazing couple."

Mia nodded, her thoughts drifting to an alternate reality. "I believe it too, not in this life, but in another, I don't doubt that we would have been infinite."

Theo changed the subject gently. "So today is the day?"

Mia nodded with determination. "Yeah, today I will talk to Harry."