𝕿𝖗𝖊𝖒𝖔𝖗 - ʳᵉᵍᵘˡᵘˢ ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ

Chapter 21: Presents and Past

[ December 25th, 1977 ]

THEONA WOKE up lighter than she had in a week. Sure, her brother was enlisting himself in a war that might claim his life. Sure, she'd—in her champagne high—openly admitted to being unlovable to the parents of one of her best friends. Sure, the universe was trying to prove the Earth was flat by pushing her to the edge. But none of that mattered, because it was Christmas!

At least, that's what she was telling herself.

She didn't even celebrate Christmas.

But, again, none of that mattered! She woke up lighter anyway, pushing her problems to the side like a snow blower.

That day was one meant for joy. For family. For presents!

She was oh-so excited to see her friends' reactions to the gifts she'd bought them. She'd put her gelt to good use, buying inexpensive but meaningful items for each one of her beloveds. She supposed she could thank Regulus for that one. He had been the one to save her from spending it all on chocolate frogs in the first place.

Regulus.

His gift was still sitting untouched in the bottom of her bag. She hadn't decided whether or not to send it—or rather, whether or not it would make things worse. Admittedly, it was the most expensive of all the gifts she'd purchased, but it had screamed 'Regulus Black!'. Worst case she'd return it... and buy more chocolate frogs with the money.

     She didn't bother taking the time to get ready, instead bounding down the stairs, makeup-less and in her pyjamas. She was greeted with the heavenly smell of cinnamon and the brightening sound of laughter.

     She padded into the living room, immediately met with the sight of four boisterous boys, two boisterous men, and one throughly amused woman.

     "Theona, finally!" James exclaimed, practically tackling her into the couch, "sit. Presents, now."

     "James, you're of age, act like it," Theona giggled as he settled into the couch beside her.

     "On Christmas I'm still a kid," he refuted, bouncing excitedly in his spot.

     "I suppose we can start opening gifts," Euphemia hummed, "after breakfast, of course!"

     "Mum!" James groaned.

     "I'm not even hungry!" Sirius barked.

     "I could eat," Remus shrugged, earning a punch on the shoulder from his boyfriend. Theona still wasn't sure whether or not Euphemia and Fleamont knew about their relationship. They certainly weren't subtle with it.

     "I'm kidding, boys," Euphemia shook her head incredulously, "the cookies can wait until after presents."

     "To hell with that," Fleamont scoffed, scrambling out of his seat to retrieve the cookies from the kitchen. Remus followed like a cartoon character floating towards a steaming pie.

     "Bring me one!" Peter requested, smiling giddily.

     The two returned soon after, a towering plate of cookies in each of their arms. Remus handed Peter one as he sat back down. He scarfed it down hurriedly, reaching for another off Remus's plate, only to have his hand slapped away. While the grumpy boy was busy guarding his stash from Peter, Sebastian stole one for himself.