Moonstruck | marauders era

xviii. christmas at the Grady's

     Hugs were shared on the platform 9¾ in Kings Cross, London. Laughter filled the air and a soft cloud of smoke from the train that had recently arrived at the station surrounded the parents picking up their children for the winter break. The majority of the students had decided to go home for the holidays, only a few staying behind – Cassie had noticed the absence of Lily or Mary MacDonald on the train when she was strolling around during the long ride.

Hugs to her friends were given in peace inside the train, promising to see each other in just a few days for their tradition to celebrate Christmas together, this year at the Davies' house, before splitting up to lose each other in the mass of people on the platform. Cassie hated masses of people, body's bumping into hers – it made her skin crawl and her mood was set lower immediately. She looked around, case in one hand as she waved at James and Sirius standing at the other side of the platform – next to them was a nice looking woman with brown hair pulled into a bun. James' mother, Cassie assumed. Her eyes found her brother standing in a small circle with Samuel, Benjy and Mia. She remembered Mia telling her that her and Noah had broken up on good terms and stayed friends, yet, this was the first time she saw them together after their break up. The four stood together laughing before hugging Benjy goodbye who spotted his parents and the Fultons, his neighbours and Grace's parents. Cassie forced her way through the crowd to take his place in their little circle.

"Cassie, I was hoping to catch you before the holidays," said Mia and wrapped the Hufflepuff in a hug, "have a great time at home and you better take some pictures of Cupcake, I need to know how tall he got!"

"He probably grew another few inches after we left in the summer," Noah said with a grin, "ready to run us over and suffocate us with his fluffiness."

Mia laughed, her eyes finding her parents behind the boy's shoulder. She waved, holding her finger up to let them know she'll be there in a minute.

"Take pictures, both of you," she pointed from Cassie to Noah before hugging the older Grady, too. "Have fun at home and update me about your little cousin."

"Will do," said Noah, wrapping his arms loosely around her body. Mia gave Sam a quick hug, wishing him a great Christmas as well before leaving to greet her family. Cassie turned to her brother, raising her eyebrow with a teasing smile.

"What?"

"Oh, no, nothing."

"I know that look, Cassiopia."

"Full name, it's serious." 

Sam watched their little exchange with a grin. "Hate to interrupt, but I need to go, too," he said, hugging the siblings goodbye. Noah watched him step away and his eyes caught the ones of his father, waving. He raised his hand in answer, letting him know he had seen them and he started moving towards his parents, knowing Cassie would follow.

"So?"

"So what?"

"Something still there?"

Noah rolled his eyes, the action unknown to Cassie.

"No. Mia and I broke up. We're better of as friends. The feelings are just not really there anymore."

Cassie hummed, not knowing if she should believe her brother but dropping the subject. They were old enough to know what was good for them and if they truly fell out of love she was happy that they were able to be friends after all.

"There you are!" Rowan Grady cheered, pulling her son into a tight hug. Noah huffed but wrapped his arms around her with a smile. Cassie was greeted with open arms by their father before the pairs switched and the Grady men were hugging as well as the women.