Delicate flakes of snow drifted past the window, adding to the layers that covered almost every surface. It looked like a Christmas card, the streetlights leaving a soft glow on the pristine white surface. Lights were strung across trees in people’s front gardens, the mismatched nature of it bringing a sense of comfort to the street. James watched the snowflakes fall down with a smile before turning his attention to Lily. She was currently tucked into the crook of his arm, face pressed against his shoulder. They were bundled up under many blankets, James’ arms wrapped tightly around her, his head resting on her soft hair. Lily’s cheeks were flushed with a reddish tint from the fireplace which crackled Infront of them and various other candles were dotted about the room. James lifted his hand, brushing his thumb gently over the side of her face and tracing it along her jaw.
Her eyes fluttered open as she yawned, “Hey you.”
“Hi sweetheart,” James spoke in a hushed tone, the fondness in his voice palpable.
He couldn’t help it; he loved her so much. James truly thought—no, he knew that he would do anything for Lily. This moment, tucked away in their cottage, the fireplace burning with the love of his life by his side, this was the exact moment he’d been dreaming of since he first laid eyes on her in The Great Hall. Just when he thought that he couldn’t love her any more than he already does, she would go and amaze him again. Every single day James felt as if he was falling head over heels once more, heart lurching every time she even looked at him. Or smiled so that those dimples showed up on her cheeks. Or scrunched up her freckled nose. It turns his mind into mush every single time, without fail.
Lily’s eyes suddenly widened, and she shot up, “Oh shit— the biscuits!”
While she sprinted to the kitchen in a flustered panic, a tired Harry waddled into the living room.
“Hey little man, what are you doing up?” James chuckled at his puffy eyes, patting the spot next to him.
Harry shuffled over, climbing up onto the sofa. Immediately James scooped him up in his arms, Harry clinging onto his neck.
“Couldn’t sleep. I want to see Uncle Moony and Uncle Sirius.” He mumbled, head lolling against James.
James couldn’t stop the smile that spread across his face if he tried. Harry was just the perfect blend of him and Lily, sweet, mischievous, and incredibly adorable. Harry coming into their lives was genuinely one of the happiest days of his life. James had cried so much, overwhelmed with love for both of them. That was another thing James loved—Lily’s strength. The day she gave birth to Harry he thought his heart might burst seeing how strong she was. He just wanted to wrap them both up in a big blanket and hold them forever.
“Okay, I’ll try and persuade your wonderful mother to let you stay up for a bit,” James whispered, waggling his eyebrows which sent the younger boy into peels of laughter.
James gently set Harry down and strolled into the kitchen. Lily was there at the counter, icing the various Christmas themed biscuits with a look of pure concentration. Her nose was wrinkled, tongue sticking outwards as she carefully gave Rudolph his bright red nose. James leant against the doorframe, watching her for a moment.
“You’re staring, Potter,” she taunted, mouth curling upwards slightly.
“How can I not, Evans,” he chuckled, sauntering up behind her.
James snaked his arms around Lily’s waist, resting his chin on her shoulder as he watched her continue to ice, delicate hands working with care.
“You know you could pick up a piping bag and help me?” She announced, snapping James back to reality.
“But I want to watch you do it. You’re just so good at it”
“I feel like you’re using flattery to get out of this.”
“…Is it working?”
“…No,” Lily spun around and swiped a bit of icing across James’ nose.
He gasped and stumbled backwards, “Evans, I’m wounded! How could you!?”
She laughed, a warm and rich sound which echoed throughout the room, filling every nook and cranny with happiness, “You’re such a baby. C’mere.”
James complied, bouncing over to her. She pressed a gentle kiss to his nose, lips barely brushing across his skin, yet it still elicited a shiver throughout James’ entire body, his heart flipping madly. Every beat sounded out yours. Yours, yours, yours, I’m yours, I belong to you, his heart called out. And it was true. No one could ever own his heart but Lily Evans.
“Hey, that icing was mine,” James murmured, cupping Lily’s face in his hands before pressing a gentle kiss to her lips. She smiled against him before bringing her hand to the back of his head, fingers combing through his hair. James leant into the kiss, tilting her face upwards as his thumb ventured across her cheek. She let out a slight noise of happiness which made James’ knees almost buckle completely. Her fingers grazing along his scalp felt like a blissful dream that James could get lost in for eternity, brain melting until his only thoughts were about her.
She pulled away and James whined, “Hey, I was enjoying that...”
Lily chuckles, rolling her eyes, “Believe it or not, I was too. But we have guests coming round so get icing Potter!”
James gasped, “That was all a distraction— lulling me into a false sense of security so I would ice your biscuits.”
Lily gave him an exaggerated wink when suddenly, a loud knock was heard at the front door.
“Oh! I’ll get it,” Lily exclaimed excitedly, unlocking the door to reveal two swaddled figures.
Sirius and Remus stumbled into the cottage, shivering from the glacial temperatures.
“Bloody hell it’s freezing out there. Thank Merlin for your wonderful fireplace,” Sirius grinned, pulling Lily into a tight hug before doing the same with James.
Remus followed and they all moved into the kitchen.
“Moony, darling, did you have to wrap my scarf up this tightly?” Sirius fluttered his eyelashes at Remus, trying to yank the fabric from his neck.
“Oh just— come here you idiot,” Remus spoke affectionately, pulling the scarf from Sirius’ neck. His hands brushed lightly over his skin and James watched as Sirius began his usual spiral, cheeks turning red, feet shuffling nervously. It was just like they were back in Hogwarts; Remus only had to look in Sirius’ direction before he came undone.
Remus shook his head fondly and pressed a quick kiss to Sirius’ cheek before turning around, “It smells absolutely lovely in here Lily. I am salivating at the thought of your cooking.”
Lily grinned, “I made a chocolate cake just for you my dear.”
Remus picked her up and twirled her about, Lily shrieking with joy, “You are an absolute gem and my favourite person ever.”
“James... I think we’re being replaced.”
James let out a feigned sob, “I can’t believe this. My heart is shattering into pieces.”
Remus and Lily both rolled their eyes as Harry came stumbling into the kitchen.
“Uncle Moony, Uncle Sirius!” His words were slurred slightly from tiredness, but he lifted his hands towards the two men.
“You were supposed to put him to bed,” Lily whispered to James, giving him a pointed stare.
“OH— yes well, that’s why I came into the kitchen, but you distracted me with your annoyingly wonderful kisses.”
Lily sighed, “How you and your words still win me over to this day I don’t know. I guess we can put him to bed after this.”
James beamed down at her, planting a light kiss on her forehead.
The minute Sirius spotted Harry his eyes lit up, immediately hoisting him into the air, causing Harry to squeal. Sirius rested Harry on his hip as Remus gave the boy a little wave. Sirius watched the two, eyes so full of love for them both that it made James almost tear up.
“Uncle Sirius! I missed you. Do you have any more sweets?” Harry asked, staring up at Sirius with those big green eyes, identical to Lily’s.
“Shh, we don’t tell daddy about that.”
“Pads, what have you been giving my son?” James said, hands placed on his hips.
“What? Nothing, silly,” Sirius replied, feigning an expression of innocence which made Harry giggle.
He’d been clutching a toy owl in his hand, dropping it as he reached out to touch Sirius’ hair.
Before any of them could bend down to retrieve it, Harry sighed, “Oh shit!”
They all froze. Lily turned a bright shade of red, but Remus and Sirius broke into endless amounts of laughter, wheezing and gasping for breath. Sirius actually had to put Harry down, clutching his chest and bracing his hands against his knees for support.
Lily swotted at them, “Shh, don’t encourage it!”
James hid his face behind his hand, unable to stop the laughter spilling from his mouth. Harry was grinning up at them all, clearly pleased to have made them laugh.
“Harry, we don’t say that word,” Lily had crouched down to his level, but even she couldn’t keep a stern expression.
“What, shit?” Harry said, a mischievous curl to his lips.
“I love that boy so much. I feel so proud right now.” Said Sirius, wiping a pretend tear from his eyes.
Lily smacked Sirius lightly, exhaling deeply, “I give up. I’m sure he’ll drop it… right?”
She bit the nail on her thumb, swivelling her head around to look at James. He chuckled and mused, “The number of times you curse, I’m not so sure.”
Lily scowled and Remus patted her on the back, “I’m sure he’ll forget… eventually.”
Before Lily could reply, another sharp knock came at the door. Sirius bounded over, opening it with flourish to reveal a very red-cheeked Marlene and Dorcas who could barely be seen behind her massive coat.
“THE PARTY’S ARRIVED AND WE’VE GOT BOOZE!” Marlene practically shouted, raising the fire whiskey into the air with a triumphant smile.
“Marlene, Harry’s down here!” Lily spoke through gritted teeth, giving the young boy a side glance.
“Good, he should learn young so he doesn’t throw up every time like his father!”
James furrowed his brows, the others laughing, but before he could retaliate Sirius announced, “Have I ever told you how much I love you Marlene?”
“All the time,” She grinned, the two hugging before moving to Dorcas, everyone following suit.
James hugged Dorcas, giving her a squeeze before she mumbled, “I tried to make her wear a thicker coat and scarf, but she refused. Merlin knows why.”
James laughed, but he could see the fondness in Dorcas’ eyes as she stared at Marlene, already pouring a glass of whiskey for them all.
Harry came over, clinging to Dorcas’ leg and she scooped him up, tickling gently under his chin.
James watched with a smile, “Right, I better take the little devil to bed before Lily kicks me into the snow.”
“I might do that just for fun anyways. I’ll come with you, we won’t be a minute!” Lily announced, leaving the kitchen.
Dorcas gently transferred the young boy to James; Harry’s eyes were already shutting. He yawned and James couldn’t think of anything more adorable. They both climbed the stairs to Harry’s room. James leant down beside his bed, placing him in it before layering the blankets up.
“Merlin James, let the poor kid breathe,” Lily said with a chuckle, tucking the blankets carefully around Harry.
“I just don’t want him to be cold.” James frowned, crossing his arms.
He melted the minute Lily placed a kiss to his cheek. They both leant down, giving Harry a light kiss on the forehead. He seemed to smile a little in his sleep, and James though he might die right there.
“Night my little gremlin,” James whispered as he shut the door, running into a seemingly unhappy Lily.
“Did you just call our son a gremlin?”
“Yes.”
She couldn’t keep her serious expression on for long, smirking ever so slightly, tipping up on her feet to kiss James.
James caught the back of her head, dragging out the kiss, eager to be as close to her as possible. Lily was so soft, so warm, so comforting. She smelt faintly of cinnamon and oranges which drove James wild. When she was in his arms, he knew that everything was how it should be.
She gently brushed her fingers across his face before pulling back, “As much as I love you, and this, we still have guests.”
James groaned, flashing her a roguish grin, “We could just… kick them into the snow.”
Lily laughed, tapping him on the nose, “No. Now, let’s go.”
They walked downstairs and Lily let out a delighted squeal. At some point while they were in Harry’s room, Mary and Peter had been let in. Lily ran towards Mary, pulling her into a tight hug. She had been extremely busy with this new muggle job, so they’d hadn’t seen her for a while.
“I MISSED YOU.”
“I MISSED YOU MORE,” said Mary with a huge grin spread across her cheeks.
James hugged both Mary and Peter, ruffling his hair until it stuck out in all directions.
“Right, now that everyone is here, follow me!” Lily said. They all followed her into the dining room which James and Lily had decorated. The warm oak table was covered with a red tablecloth, napkins carefully folded with gold rings placed around them. At each table setting lay a Christmas cracker, various reds, and greens. The food all lay in the middle of the table; Lily had done such an incredible job.
It all looked delicious, and Marlene squealed, “Lily, I love you more than anyone else here right now.”
“Wow Marls, I’m right here,” Dorcas placed a hand on her chest, an affronted look on her face.
“Cook me a massive turkey then we’ll talk,” Marlene hummed, blowing her a kiss.
-
They were all absolutely stuffed. The food was amazing, but James couldn’t bring himself to lift his fork again.
“I must… go on…” Sirius groaned, taking another bite of cake.
“You’re going to make yourself sick,” Remus taunted, seeming completely unaffected and was happily munching his slice of chocolate cake. He calls it his ‘werewolf appetite’.
“Oi Black, if you’re sick before we have even started drinking, I will get violent,” said Marlene, pointing a butterknife in his direction in a very threatening manner.
“Lily… I love you but… I think you’re trying to kill us.” Peter murmured through a mouthful of trifle.
“Honestly, you lot are so dramatic! I don’t need you throwing up in our toilet, you can all wrap up some leftovers and take them home.” Lily huffed out a laugh.
James could tell that she was glowing within, clearly pleased with how well the meal went down. He thought it was adorable and wanted to shower her face in kisses.
“How about we all move outside and get the fire going?” Mary suggested.
“Sounds perfect, I’ll grab the drinks!” Lily said, shuffling away to the kitchen excitedly.
Sirius let out another groan, slumping down in his seat.
Remus chuckled, “Come on you.”
“I can’t move.”
“Stop being so dramatic.”
“Remus… you’re going to have to carry me.”
Remus shook his head, grinning down at Sirius, “You’re ridiculous.”
Despite this, he bent down to effortlessly sweep Sirius off his feet, one arm under his legs and the other supporting his waist. He winked at Sirius who looked as though he was about to melt away in Remus’ arms.
His face had turned bright red and he cleared his throat, “Uh—yeah so. This is. Yeah, no, fabulous!”
Remus laughed again and Sirius’ eyes just seemed to light up. He grabbed Remus’ cheek and pulled him in, pressing a kiss to his lips.
The two seemed lost in each other until James cleared his throat, “Get a room you two, honestly there’s kids here!”
He shielded Peter’s eyes, earning himself a slap, and they all moved outside, Sirius still being carried by Remus.
Lily joined them after gathering the various drinks she could find about the house while James started the fire with a flick of his wand. They gathered around it and wrapped themselves up in blankets, beginning to pass the drinks out.
-
James had never felt warmer in his life than this moment right now. They’d all had a few too many drinks, especially after Marlene had suggested tequila shots were a good idea. Somehow Lily’s record collection had been put on and they were all dancing around the fire pit , belting the words to ‘Life on Mars’. James grabbed Lily’s hand, lifting it up so she’d twirl around, the apron she’d forgotten to take off flapping out. James watched her red hair fly about her shoulders, watched how her cheeks flushed and green eyes that reflected the warmth of the fire. He clumsily spun her into him and bent down to cover her face in kisses. Remus had similarly begun to spin Sirius about before they hit a patch of ice which sent them tumbling to the floor. Sirius landed awkwardly on top of Remus, hands placed on either side of him as they burst out laughing. Sirius’ head fell forwards as his shoulders shook, black hair tickling Remus’ forehead. Remus lifted a hand and gently cradled Sirius’ cheek, drawing him in before placing a gentle kiss on his nose. Sirius grinned as his hand slid into Remus’ hair, gently tugging him back in. Remus met him halfway, their lips instantly clashing.
Smiling against the kiss, Sirius whispered, “I love you so fucking much you have no idea.”
“Believe me I do, because I love you ten times more than that,” Remus replied, his voice husky.
Dorcas had somehow managed to coax Marlene down from the garden table and held her tightly, the two swaying back and forth to their own rhythm. Marlene’s hands slid along Dorcas’ sides and round to her back, clasping her coat as if she was desperately trying to close any space between them. Dorcas buried her face into Marlene’s hair, inhaling deeply and allowing her eyes to flutter shut.
Peter and Mary were trying to do some kind of dance routine together, Mary carefully instructing him. Peter looked like a deer in headlights, completely lost but his levels of concentration were admirable. They too ended up in a heap of laughter. Peter had been flailing his arms about in an attempt to copy Mary and, especially drunk, this was absolutely hilarious.
Mary suddenly shrieked, having noticed the time which had just struck midnight.
“MERRY CHRISTMAS MY LOVES!”
Their heads all swivelled round to the clock and smiles grew even bigger. James barrelled towards Sirius, wrapping him up into a tight hug which he immediately reciprocated. Although he was pretty sure they were both struggling to breathe, he didn’t let go. They hadn’t spent one Christmas apart since Sirius had moved in with him and his family.
“Merry Christmas you twat,” Sirius said, though it was muffled as his face was pressed against James’ shoulder.
“Merry Christmas you prick,” He whispered back.
The song slowly faded out, and ‘Moonage Daydream’ started playing. Lily gasped and tugged Mary over to the others who were all grinning madly. They practically flung themselves into each other, clutching one another’s shoulders as they bellowed the lyrics. Every time someone nearly fell, they burst out laughing, gasping for breath as they tried to continue singing, practically clinging to each other for dear life. Suddenly, snow began to fall down from the sky once more. They all looked up and were absolutely mesmerised. Marlene immediately stuck her tongue out, catching the snowflakes with a laugh. Remus grinned and delicately brushed a flake from Sirius’ hair. Mary was squealing and jumping up and down on the spot, still clutching poor Lily who was being shaken about.
James’ eyes glanced around the circle of people. His heart was overwhelmed with the love he felt for them all, their smiles, their laughs, he felt they could heal all wrong in this world. These people who had been with him through the best and worst times of his life. They’d loved, laughed, cried, but he wouldn’t change one moment, wouldn’t trade them in for the world. He couldn’t imagine a life without them. They were like the planets of the solar system - one of them didn’t come without the rest.
These people were his home.
James looked around at his planets, his stars, and knew that as long as Christmas' were spent with them, it would always be magical.