Christmas at 221B Baker Street was always an affair filled with a unique blend of eccentricity and warmth, largely due to the enigmatic presence of Sherlock Holmes and the grounded stability of Dr. John Watson. This year, however, the traditional holiday gathering promised to be even more intriguing. Their daughter, Emily Holmes-Watson, was bringing home not one but three significant others: James Potter, Lily Evans, and Regulus Black. The trio was known to be in a committed polyamorous relationship with Emily, a fact that had initially surprised, but ultimately been accepted by, her open-minded fathers.
As the date approached, Emily couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. She knew her father’s analytical nature could be intimidating, especially in a setting as personal as a family dinner. But she also trusted that John’s warmth and empathy would balance Sherlock’s often stark observations.
The day before Christmas, Emily stood nervously in the living room, rearranging the festive decorations for the umpteenth time. Sherlock watched her with a bemused expression from his chair, his fingers steepled in front of his lips.
"Emily, if you move that wreath one more time, it might just fall apart," Sherlock commented, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Emily shot him a look, half exasperated, half affectionate. "Dad, I just want everything to be perfect. It’s their first time here for Christmas."
John entered, carrying a tray of freshly baked cookies. "Everything will be fine, Emily. You’re overthinking it."
"Wonder where I get that from," she muttered, glancing pointedly at Sherlock.
A knock on the door interrupted their banter, and Emily’s heart leapt into her throat. "They’re here!"
John smiled reassuringly and went to open the door. There, on the threshold, stood James, Lily, and Regulus, each holding a gift-wrapped box and looking slightly nervous.
"Hello, Mr. Holmes, Dr. Watson," Lily greeted with a warm smile. "Thank you for having us."
"Come in, come in," John said, ushering them inside. "Merry Christmas!"
James, with his characteristic enthusiasm, grinned widely. "Merry Christmas! We brought some gifts."
Regulus, quieter but no less sincere, nodded. "Thank you for inviting us."
As they entered, Sherlock’s keen eyes took in every detail. James, with his slightly tousled hair and mischievous glint in his eye, was clearly the extrovert of the group. Lily, with her intelligent, kind gaze, seemed to balance James’s energy with a calming presence. Regulus, who stood slightly apart, observed everything with a cool, calculating look—much like Sherlock himself.
"Welcome," Sherlock said, standing up and extending a hand. "I’m Sherlock Holmes."
The trio shook hands with Sherlock, a bit of tension lingering in the air as they exchanged polite greetings. Sherlock’s piercing gaze seemed to look through them, dissecting their every move.
James, never one to be cowed, met Sherlock’s gaze head-on. "I’ve heard a lot about you, sir. Emily speaks very highly of you."
"Does she?" Sherlock replied, his tone neutral. "Interesting."
Lily, sensing the need to steer the conversation, smiled at John. "The house looks wonderful. You’ve really captured the Christmas spirit."
"Thank you, Lily," John replied warmly. "Let’s get you all settled in. Dinner will be ready soon."
As the evening progressed, the initial tension began to ease. Sherlock’s analytical mind never truly rested, but he allowed himself to engage in light conversation, occasionally dropping observations that were as insightful as they were unsettling. He noticed how James’s playful nature brought out Emily’s laughter, how Lily’s compassion mirrored John’s own, and how Regulus’s quiet strength provided a steady anchor for the group.
Over dinner, the conversation flowed more freely. John’s infectious warmth put everyone at ease, and even Sherlock seemed to relax a little. James shared stories from Hogwarts, making everyone laugh with his antics. Lily spoke about her plans to become a healer, her passion evident in every word. Regulus, more reserved, contributed thoughtfully, his sharp wit shining through.
Sherlock, watching them, felt a surprising sense of approval. These three, so different yet so united, clearly cared deeply for Emily. He could see how they complemented her, supporting and challenging her in equal measure. It was a dynamic he recognized from his own relationship with John—different personalities, coming together to create something stronger.
After dinner, they moved to the living room for tea and dessert. Sherlock, in an uncharacteristically sentimental gesture, brought out a violin and played a soft, haunting melody that filled the room with a sense of peace. As the last note lingered in the air, Emily looked at her father with a mixture of gratitude and pride.
"You’re quite talented, Mr. Holmes," Regulus commented, his eyes reflecting genuine admiration.
"Thank you, Regulus," Sherlock replied, setting the violin down. "Music is one of the few things that can quiet my mind."
James, ever the optimist, grinned. "Well, here’s to a quiet mind and a joyful heart. Merry Christmas, everyone."
They raised their cups in a toast, and for a moment, the room was filled with nothing but warmth and happiness. In that moment, Sherlock saw clearly how much these three meant to his daughter, and by extension, how much they meant to him. They had passed his unspoken test, not by being perfect, but by being perfectly themselves.
As the evening drew to a close and they exchanged gifts, Sherlock found himself genuinely enjoying their company. When it was time for them to leave, he shook their hands warmly, his earlier scrutiny replaced with acceptance.
"Take care of her," he said quietly to James, Lily, and Regulus. "She’s...special."
James nodded seriously. "We will, Mr. Holmes. Always."
As the door closed behind them, Emily turned to her fathers, her eyes shining. "Thank you for tonight. It meant a lot to me."
Sherlock and John exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. "Anything for you, Emily," John said, pulling her into a hug.
Sherlock stood by, his heart full. This Christmas, he had not only opened his home but also his heart, welcoming those who made his daughter’s life brighter. And in doing so, he found his own world a little more colorful as well.
