Of The Solstice

Christmas Eve

I sat between Sirius's legs on the floor as James and his parents decorated the tree. After our argument yesterday, Sirius finally agreed to apologize to Remus, and it was about time.

"Is Remus going to be joining us in the morning?" Mr. Potter asked as he waved his wand to wrap garland around the tree.

"I never heard back from him," I said quietly.

Mr. Potter looked back at us, "Perhaps he is going to surprise us?" He smiled, staying optimistic.

"Perhaps," I repeated, "James, is that the ornament I made you in first year?" I pointed at the glass ball he was levitating.

James looked at it closely, "It is," he smiled.

"I didn't know you even kept that," I chuckled.

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Why wouldn't I keep that?" he asked rhetorically.

"Touche," I said with a smile. I leaned my head back on Sirius's chest, and he planted a soft kiss on the back of my head.

Mr and Mrs. Potter finished up the tree, "Well we are going to head to bed, you three get some rest." Mrs. Potter said in a soft tone.

"Goodnight Mrs-, Mum " I said, correcting myself.

"G'night!" Sirius and James said, almost Simultaneously.

The two retreated to their room, kissing each other on the forehead as they walked. James sat beside Sirius on the floor, he leaned back on the couch and let out a groan, "This would be much better if Moony was here," he said.

"Agreed," I said quietly.

A flash of light came from outside, followed by banging on the door. Mr. Potter ran back downstairs, muttering, "Who in Merlin's name would be apparating here at this hour?"

Sirius and James quickly jumped to their feet, wands drawn. They seemed to know something that I didn't as they all approached the door.

"James let me in!" Remus yelled from the other side, causing me to jump up and approach the door along with them.

James reached out and opened the door, revealing a sight of Remus covered in blood, his eyes red and puffy.

"The Death Eaters came, and Marlene...I tried to save them..." Remus trailed off, his voice shaky and choked with emotion.

I stared blankly at Remus, still trying to come to terms with what had just happened. My breath quickened as I felt the familiar burn on my forearm starting to happen.

Despite Remus insisting it wasn't safe, they pulled him inside the house. He walked up to me and pulled me into a tight embrace, which pulled me out of the trance-like state I found myself in.

Remus looked at me with a concerned expression. "What's happening, Cali?" he asked.

"We have to leave, immediately!" I said urgently, my voice escalating. Sirius and James turned towards me, and I gave them a nod. James ran up the stairs, calling out, "Mum, you have to come downstairs now!" He rushed into his room.

"You three get out of here. We'll hold them off," Mr. Potter said, his hand on Sirius's shoulder.

James ran back down the stairs, his mother behind him. "Like hell I'm leaving without my parents," he said firmly.

"Son, you have no choice. Now leave!" Mr. Potter said firmly.

The house shook violently, as though it had been hit by a meteor, and flashes of green light filled the night sky. My arm pulsated with pain, and I heard a familiar voice infiltrating my thoughts. "You owe a debt to me," the voice hissed.