The Collision Theory | Remus Lupin

34. Mistletoe

"FOUR MORE DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!" I almost fall out of my bed at the sound of Sirius shrieking.

Running my hands through my hair in frustration- which isn't a good idea, it's ninety percent knots- I yell, "It's the bloody twenty-first of December, you banshee!"

"Geez Novak," Black smirks, "don't be so loud, you'll wake the entire house up."

"Says you."

"Today is tradition." Sirius pulls on a jumper over his pyjamas quickly, "I'm going to go set up."

"Set what up?"

"You'll see." He grins, shaking the door shut.

The pile of blankets I'm sure Remus is under shifts slowly, and he sticks his head out from underneath, his curls wild and defying gravity, "Good morning. Was that Black?"

"Yeah." I smirk at his hair, "Your bedhead looks particularly... volumous."

"Oh." He runs a hand through his hair, cheeks redening immediately. His efforts only make his locks look more untamed.

"It's fine Moony, it looks great." I hold back a laugh. It's worse than James'.

"Morning my lovelies!" James yawns. Speak of the devil and he shall...well, wake up, "Is Mr Black up?"

"Unfortunately."

James grins, "Oh good, you'll love his surprise."

*

"Enchanted, you say?" Monty crosses his arms, a light smirk playing on his lips.

Everyone is gathered in front of Sirius, who leans against the banister, "Yes. Long gone are the days of muggle mistletoe. I, with the powers bequeathed upon me, have enchanted these festive flowers to pop up over the course of the day, and no participant can leave until they've kissed the other."

"You cheeky bugger." Dad laughs, and the parents do that thing when they share that look and laugh a little amongst each other. I swear parents are a completely different species.

Breakfast goes well, though a bit of anxiety strikes me, as I have no idea when this magical mistletoe will pop up. It appears towards the end of breakfast over Remus' parents, and Lyall pecks his wife on the cheek, which is abruptly followed by catcalls from Peter and James.

"Scared, Novak?" Lily whiskers as she grabs a jar of jam just by me.

"Should I be?" I frown, trying to feign ignorance. Yes I am scared Evans.
I've never bloody kissed anyone.
Not the romantic style, anyway.

"You've gone five shades paler over breakfast, so..." Lily smirks, "I just hope for your sake Lupin's a good kisser."

"Why would you say that?!"

Lily's grin widens, "Oh come on, you know you want to."

I tut, hissing "You know what? I hope you'll have to kiss Potter."

"I heard my name." James looks up from his plate, clearly unaware of our conversation.

We both reply quickly, "Nothing!"

*

We sit down in the living room, and I realise that a few more presents have been placed under the tree. Mim and Lily flop down on either onto the sofa each side of me simultaneously, almost causing me to spill my tea. James and Peter jump into the other sofa beside Remus, who has taken up a book, but Sirius stays on his feet, figdeting on the spot like a five year old, "Guuuuyyyyyyyys."