DOWNFALL || J. POTTER ✓

six | sweaters

Remus was growing restless.  One moment he would be attempting to brighten Hazel's mood, then the next moment he would be dragging Sirius out of bed, telling him to man up and ask out Hazel.  Though it did distract him from his problems, at the end of the day, it just made him more exhausted.

Within the past month, Hazel had picked up several jobs in the Muggle world, attempting to muster up enough money to begin paying Sirius monthly for rent.  Despite his protests, she felt awful for not contributing to the monthly costs.  

These odd jobs also meant money she could spend on her friends for Christmas, which was right around the corner.  She had no where near enough money to buy presents that she believed her friends deserved, no, she barely had enough to buy all the yarn she needed to make them their own sweaters.  That was their present.  Personalized damn sweaters.  She was embarrassed at the thought of it, knowing everyone else's would be store bought.  

Once apparating back home after getting all the materials she needed, she locked herself in her room for the next three days, only leaving during breakfast, lunch and dinner.  She refused to answer any questions Sirius or Remus continuously kept asking her, simply pretending she couldn't hear them through the door.

Each sweater was slightly different.  She had made them all the boys, and Lily's favorite color, which was easy, as they all agreed that the Gryffindor colors were their favorites.  The collars were gold, along with the ends of the sleeves.  On the top right corner of the chests, Hazel had stitched in each ones initials.  Lily's sweater was the hardest for her to make, as she and James had finally gotten married two weeks ago, meaning her initials were now L.P.

Once Christmas did finally come, to Hazel's surprise, everyone adored her gifts.  Peter began to cry and Lily wrapped her in a long, warm hug.  Her hair smelled like strawberries, which was quite pleasant.  Hazel hated that she loved Lily.  She hated how kind she was, and how she was her only girl friend.  James was lucky to have her, which hurt Hazel more than imaginable.

"Is this why you locked yourself in your room all last week?" Sirius chuckles, throwing his over his head and smoothing it out over his chest.

"Well, yeah.  You guys almost ruined the surprise too, you're so nosey." Hazel states, rolling her eyes in annoyance.  

James lets out a laugh, pulling his over his head as well.  "I can't believe you still put up with those two." He says, shaking his head, "These are wonderful, by the way.  I love it McVay, I absolutely love it."

Hazel smiles as the others all chime in with agreement.