When the train arrived in Boston, Lily and James found their father. Harry said, "We're waiting on another group, then we'll go."
James said, "Is Jasmine and her family joining us right away then, father?"
Harry nodded. He said, "I thought it would be a good idea to use the Christmas break to get to know her and her family and vice versa."
Jasmine, Heather, and their parents walked over. Mr. Young said, "Lord Potter, thank you for hosting us for the holiday. My name is Robert, and this is my wife Lucinda. Our two daughters, Jasmine (whom you have met), and her younger sister, Heather who is in her sixth year."
Harry said, "Please call me Harry or if you must, Mr. Potter. Lord Potter is reserved for the political arena. It is a pleasure to meet you all. We must be going. Our portkey to England will be leaving soon. I wouldn't be rushing us, but I must be getting back and this is the last portkey for the day for England."
Robert said, "Then lets go."
They headed to the MACUSA office in Boston, where they were just in time for the last portkey to London. In London, Harry gave the floo address to the Young family of Potter Manor.
In Potter Manor, Ginny and Albus were waiting to greet their family and guests. Harry stepped through first, followed by James and Lily. Robert followed Lily.
Ginny stepped forward and said, "Welcome to our home, Mr. and Mrs. Young."
Robert said, "Thank you for your kind welcome, Lady Potter. This is my wife, Lucinda. Our daughters, Jasmine and Heather."
Ginny greeted the family and then turned to Albus. She said, "This is our other son, Albus who is attending Hogwarts and is in his fifth year."
Heather looked at Albus and blushed. She thought he was handsome.
Albus bowed and said, "Welcome to our family home, Mr. and Mrs. Young. I do hope you find your stay enjoyable."
James rolled his eyes, which only Lily saw and she poked him in the ribs.
Lucinda said, "It is a magnificent home."
"Well thank you, madam."
Everyone turned and saw great-grandfather, Fleamont in the reception blank canvas frame.
Harry walked over and said, "This is my grandfather, Lord Fleamont Potter. You will get to meet other of my family portraits throughout your stay. Grandfather, is mother and father in their frames?"
Fleamont nodded. He said, "Of course, grandson. We all have been waiting to greet this lovely family."
Harry thanked his grandfather and led the family and guests into the portrait room. When Jasmine and her family walked into the portrait room, the room busted out laughing. Jasmine looked at James.
James said, "Its because you and your family are redheads. There used to be a rumor that the Potter men were cursed to marry redheads, which was wrong, because my late grandmother, Lily was the first redhead to marry into the family."
James Sr. quit laughing and said, "My lovely wife is the first and believes I was the one who started the curse. We shall have to see if its true with young Albus." Albus shuffled his feet. "James, bring your young lady over here and her family so your grandmother and I can meet them properly."
James took Jasmine by the hand and led her and her family over to the portraits of Lily and James. Young James said, "Grandfather and grandmother I would like you to meet my girlfriend, Jasmine Young, and her family: mother, Lucinda, father-Robert, and younger sister, Heather."
Older James said, "It is a pleasure to meet you all. Welcome to our family home."
Lily was looking at Robert. She said, "I recognize you from somewhere."
Robert said, "I grew up in England. Moved to America after graduating from one of the day schools that England has."
Lily said, "Anywhere near Cokeworth?"
Robert said, "Yes. How did you….Lily! No way!"
Jasmine and the rest were looking at the exchange between Robert and Lily.
Lucinda said, "Rob?"
Lily was laughing her ass off. She said, "Rob and I were childhood friends before I attended Hogwarts. I didn't know you were a wizard, Rob."
Rob said, "I had good control of my magic. My parents were also. They would've gotten a kick out of you being a witch."
James said, "I think I knew your parents! Did your father work the Ministry?" Rob nodded his head. "Small world. I was sad to hear what happened to them."
Rob looked downward. His parents were killed in a Death Eater attack in his final year. They had been trying to save one of their neighbors, but were killed in the process. The attack was one of the reasons why he had left England and gone to work at MACUSA. Lucinda hugged her husband. They had not met until he had arrived in the states.
Winky popped in then and said, "Master Harry, dinner is being served."
Harry said, "Thank you, Winky. Please serve it in the formal dining room."
Winky said, "Yes, master!"
Harry and Ginny led the way to the formal dining room. James escorted Jasmine and Albus held out his elbow for Heather. Heather giggled as she accepted it. Rob offered his other arm to Lily and escorted both Lily and Lucinda to the dining room.
Over dinner, they discussed many things.
Albus said, "I didn't know that we had day schools here in England."
Rob said, "Its more of a Ministry run program. Makes it easier on parents who don't want to or can not afford to send their children to Hogwarts."
Harry said, "I understand that. Not every parent will want their children away from them months on end. If my uncle would've known at the time, I'm sure he would have sent me there if at all instead of Hogwarts, so that he could have his slave back."
Rob said, "I've heard about your childhood through the rumor mill. I'm sorry you went through all that."
James said, "So, Albus. Anyone special in your life at Hogwarts?"
Albus blushed again. He nodded. Albus then got a lot of ribbing, with everyone trying to get information on who it was. Albus refused to tell them.
Lucinda stepped in and said, "Leave the poor boy alone. He obviously doesn't want to tell you guys."
Albus smiled his thanks to Lucinda. Lucinda speculated that he might be hiding a secret from his father about his sexuality. She knew from Robert that homosexuality was frowned upon in England. Well it was when he was growing up, but not sure about now.
Harry said, "She's right guys. Albus has a right to some secrets."
Lily noticed that Albus' shoulders relax. She wondered what was going on there, also.
That night, Lily was sitting in her room, reading when a knock came on her door. Lily sighed and got up and went to answer it. She was shocked that it was Albus.
Albus commented, "I know its unusual for me to visit you in your room, Lils, but I need advice."
Lily stepped aside and let him in her room. She shut the door and activated her privacy rune so that nobody could eavesdrop. Albus sat in her desk chair and Lily sat down on the edge of her bed towards him. She said, "What's going on?"
Albus said, "I'm not sure. I have a girlfriend, but I also have feelings for a boy in my year and house."
Lily realed back in shock. She would have never guessed that her brother would be that way.
Albus said, "I don't know what to do. I like my girlfriend also. Becky is sweet, caring, and smart. She is a fifth year Ravenclaw."
Lily rubbed her neck. She said, "I have no issues with you liking boys. I don't know what the outlook is like here in our country, but in America it is accepted. We actually have a cousin who is gay and has a known partner."
Albus said, "That's right! I forgot about him. My issue how do I tell father and the rest of the family? Becky understands that I'm also into guys, but I'm exclusive to her right now."
Lily said, "I do not know. Maybe ask to speak to father in private."
Meanwhile, in Texas, Renee was getting reamed by Allen. He had been informed by Mrs. Cutter on what happened at Ilvermorny and now the split between the friend group.
"What is wrong with you!? Lily is family! She stood up for the rest of our family and her grandmother. Answer me!"
Renee was totally embarrassed and angry at the same time. She had never gotten talked to like Allen was talking now, and angry at the fact that Mrs. Cutter had sent an email to her father about the row with Lily and her friends.
Allen continued, "Well, your grounded for the holidays! No going to the mall, no phone, and you will have to clean out the stalls every day!"
Back in England, things settled into a routine for the Young and Potter family. Everyone got along great. The children were out a lot playing in the snow and having a good ole time. While the adults were talking about their respective schools.
All too soon, it was Christmas Eve. Lily sighed as she looked at the picture of Renee, Julia and her on their first day of school in first year. They had been so happy. Now, it was all her fault that there was a breach in their friendship. If only she could have held her temper. Her mother and father had always told her that her temper would get the better of her one of these days.
A knock came at her door. Lily bid the person to enter. It was her mother. Lily smiled.
Ginny came in and closed the door. She said, "How are you doing? We haven't had a chance to chat this break with the Young family visiting."
Lily said, "I'm frustrated with myself over what happened in November. Now Renee is mad at me and we aren't talking. Most of our friends are behind me, but we lost Thomas."
Ginny said, "I don't think I've met Thomas."
Lily said, "You wouldn't have. He never really associates with us outside of school. I was wondering though. This summer, could I invite Deidra and Brandy over for a week or so if their parents allow?"
Ginny said, "I don't see why not. I'm glad your thinking of asking your friends over. Other than Julia and Renee. However, I will need to talk to your father."
Lily looked down at that.
Ginny said, "Everything will work out in the end, Lily. Even if you don't stay friends with Renee, you two are still cousins."
Gertrude popped in then and announced Christmas Eve dinner was served. Ginny and Lily stood up. Together they walked down to the formal dining room where the table was laid out with all sorts of good food. The Young family were even astonished to see Turkey and ham as the meat. R6bert looked to Harry.
Harry said, "Ever since my family has gone to the United States for a few holidays, we have grown on turkey and ham. Tomorrow we will have the usual English Christmas Dinner of lamb."
After eating and as the elves were clearing away the dishes, the rest of them were just seating, talking along. James looked to his father who nodded his head. James stood up and said, "I would like to thank everyone being here today. It has been a wonderful time to get to know the rest of the Young family. I am please to see that everyone is getting along as I have to come to realize something." James sat down his glass and knelt down on one knee next to Jasmine. He continued, "Jasmine, ever since we met, you have been my anchor, my best friend, and my love. Late last spring, I realized that I love you with all my heart. Will you do the honor of becoming my wife and mother of my future children?"
Jasmine had tears in her eyes as she watched James open the small box in his hand to show a beautiful, but small diamond engagement ring. She was speechless, so she nodded her head. James took the ring out of the box and slid it on her left ring finger. They then kissed much to the applause of everyone.
Lucinda turned to Robert and said, "Did you know about this?"
Robert nodded. He said, "James came to me before we left Boston and asked my permission to marry Jasmine."
