Chapter 4
December had arrived at Hogwarts, blanketing the castle in a layer of enchantment. Snowflakes gently fell outside, creating a pristine world of white. Peter, however, was not outside enjoying the winter wonderland. Instead, he found himself in the cozy corner of the common room, engrossed in his favorite herbology book. His brow furrowed in concentration as he read about the properties of Gillyweed, his mind wandering into the depths of aquatic plants.
Remus, the ever-attentive friend, noticed Peter's solitary state and approached him, a friendly smile on his face. "Hey, Peter, don't you think it's time to take a break from your books and enjoy some of the holiday spirit?"
Peter looked up from his book, his eyes meeting Remus's warm gaze. "I guess you're right, Remus. I just got caught up in my reading. What do you have in mind?"
Remus tilted his head slightly, considering their options. "Well, how about we join the others and help decorate the common room for Christmas? It's always a fun tradition, and it might be a nice change of pace."
Peter hesitated for a moment, his love for herbology pulling him in one direction, and the desire to spend time with his friends tugging him in another. Ultimately, he closed his book with a sigh and smiled at Remus. "You know what? That sounds like a good idea. Let's do it."
They left the comfortable corner behind and entered the bustling common room, where their friends were already engaged in decorating. James and Sirius were attempting to charm some tinsel to hang itself along the room's ceiling, while Lily was diligently arranging ornaments on the Christmas tree. Speaking of Lily- James developed a MASSIVE crush on her.
As Peter and Remus joined in, the atmosphere was filled with laughter and cheerful banter. Peter couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging, even though he had sometimes felt left out in recent months.
Once the common room was adorned with holiday decorations, James clapped his hands in delight. "Well done, everyone! This looks fantastic. And now, for the grand finale," he declared, holding up a small box.
Curiosity piqued, Peter watched as James opened the box, revealing a pile of enchanted mistletoe. James grinned mischievously and held it above Lily's head, who turned slightly pink, visibly embarrassed, and just walked awau. Laughter erupted as James and Sirius continued to playfully tease each other and their friends by holding the mistletoe over their heads.
As the evening continued, Peter felt a sense of contentment that he hadn't experienced in a while. Even though he couldn't perform magically exhausting feats like his friends, he could still share in their joy and laughter, and that was what mattered most to him.
A few days later, as Christmas drew nearer, Peter received a small package from his parents. Inside was a carefully wrapped jar of homemade preserves, a familiar taste of home that made him feel connected to his family during the holiday season. He brought the jar to the common room, where his friends were gathered, and shared the gift with them.
Marlene took a spoonful of the preserves and smiled. "These are delicious, Peter! Your parents must be amazing cooks."
Peter nodded, a touch of homesickness in his eyes. "Yeah, they are. I miss them, never had been away from them for this long"
The night before Christmas, the students gathered in the common room to exchange small gifts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Peter received a beautifully illustrated book on magical plants from Remus, a thoughtful and personal gesture that touched his heart.
As they all settled around the common room's cozy fireplace, James couldn't resist sneaking a playful remark. "You know, Peter, I think we should consider a Christmas prank this year."
Peter chuckled, appreciating the humor but not entirely eager to participate in another mischievous endeavor. "I'm not so sure about that, James. I think I'll just enjoy a peaceful Christmas this time."
Remus, ever the diplomat, chimed in, "Peter's right. Let's take a break from pranks and enjoy the holiday, it's not like we have time to do any pranks now anyway"
The others agreed, and they spent the evening sharing stories, laughter, and sweets.
On Christmas morning, they all gathered at the train station. Black looking outright terrified. He had been quieter lately, now that he thought of it. Not really encouraging any pranks, going to sleep early, sometimes snapping at random things.
Peter realised what was the reason behind it as soon as they arrived at Kings Cross. The tall, slim woman standing there with a jugging expression turned out to be Sirius' mother, the (in) famous Walburga Black. She and her son looked so similar, yet so different at the same time. While they were both pale, her skin looked greenish, sick. The black hair in her case unpleasantly contrasted with her complexion, but unlike Sirius', her were carefully put up.
The witch didn't even give Sirius time to anyhow say goodbye to them, immediately aparating away.