Fandom One Shots

Chapter Two: Break and Build

The real story of how Lily and James spent their Christmas Break in their 6th year. 

        The carriages squished the snow with a crunch underneath their wheels. Nothing seemed to be pulling them, and the staff at Hogwarts never clarified what was pulling them-if anything was. Pandora tucked a strand of her blonde hair behind her eyes, and threw one of her bags into the carriage. She then spun around to face Lily, her pale grey eyes staring at her friend sharply. 

        "Are you sure you don't want to come, Lil?" She asked. Her breaths coming out in puffs of smoke-looking air, "My mum say its fine. We would have so much fun! I could show you my room and some of the spells I created!" 

        Lily smiled brightly at her friend. The cold stung, even under her Gryffindor robe and scarf and hat...and mittens. She shook her head politely, "No, thank you for the offer though. If I wanted to leave Hogwarts, I have a home." 

        "Why do I have to tell you this?" Pandora breathed out in a sigh, "Your parents want you home. There's no reason not to go home. Its Christmas break, Christmas is all about family!" 

        Lily ran a hair through her dark red hair. It was silky, but filled with snow that was falling from the sky like mini marshmellows. She cocked her head at Pandora, suddenly filled with the feeling of regret for her decision to stay. Then Petunia came into her mind, her sister's sneering face, her voice ringing with the word 'freak.' She shook her head, "It's not my parents that are the problem. I love my mum and dad, it's my sister, Petunia. She's...it's been five years. I've been a witch and going to Hogwarts for five years, and she still hasn't gotten over it." 

        "I think she will," Pandora beamed, "Just give her time." 

        "I've given her enough time. Mum is shipping my presents here, and I'm shipping my presents to her. I went home for our last holiday break, and I was mocked by my sister the whole time. I don't want to spend Christmas like that again. We used to be close, now she hates me," She told Pandora sternly, "I'd rather spend Christmas alone." 

        Pandora smirked, "Not all alone," her eyes skirting over to a boy with raven black, ruffled hair. Lily followed her gaze, her heart skipping a beat and stopping at the same time. His hazel eyes glittered as he laughed with his friends. Circular glasses were on the tip of his nose, and he pushed them up with a sort of pride that he always radiated. His friends were all boarding the carriage. He waved good-bye, even made fake kisses to one, and left. He strutted down the trail everyone came from. Lily was reminded of a lone wolf marching alone in the winter.

        Lily spun back towards her friend, trying to wipe the smile off of her face. "You're wrong," She snapped, "I will be alone. You'll see." 

        With a roll of her eyes, Pandora hopped into the carriage, "No, I won't see because I am going home." 

        "Good-bye, Pan," Lily chuckled at her friend, "I'll see you when you get back." 

        "Good-bye, Lil," Pandora called as the carriage started moving forward. She looked back at her friend, "Don't let the Nargles get your brain!" 

        Lily didn't have time to question her friends beliefs because they were out of earshot. She spun on her heel, heading towards the Hogwarts Castle. Despite how warm the robes at Hogwarts were and how she was wearing thick boots, a scarf, big mittens, and a big fat maroon knit hat, she was still really cold. There was nothing like the cold that always came with winter at Hogwarts, she learned that over the years and still hadn't adjusted.