The Doe

Christmas Goodbyes

"Hey losers," I smiled as I walked into the common room.

Remus and I were supposed to be the only ones staying in Gryffindor for Christmas, but after the accident, the other boys decided they'd stay and visit their parents on Christmas day via the floo network. It was Christmas Eve, and I had just been dismissed from the hospital wing.

"Oh, it's the injured party," Sirius smirked, getting up to hug me.

"Happy Christmas, Mads," Rem smiled as he pulled me into a hug.

"Merry Christmas, Maddie," smiled Peter.

James pulled me into a hug.

"Merry Christmas, Bambi."

"It's Christmas!!"

I jumped on each of the boys' beds, leaping between them.

"Get up, it's Christmas day!" I laughed.

"We know it is, now stop your shouting," James smirked, grabbing my legs and pulling me down on top of him.

"Well get up then, you lumps!" I giggled, smacking his chest.

They all reluctantly followed me as I ran down the stairs to the common room. I had spent all night trying to decorate it with the help of a little bit of magic. The walls were covered in red ribbon and sparking lights. There was a huge tree next to the fireplace, covered in tinsel, baubles and glitter. A beautiful golden star sat atop the tree, glistening in the firelight. I stood proudly in the middle of my work, before sitting next to the tree.

"Let's get started," I smiled.

An hour or so later, the floor was covered in wrapping paper and we had opened all the presents.

"Now, we have a present from all of us," Remus smiled as James got up to go behind the tree.

He brought over a medium box with holes in it, sitting back down next to Sirius.

"Are got ready?" Sirius asked me, smiling.

I nodded, excitedly as he lifted the lid slowly. A gorgeous kitten sat in the box, it's black fur growing in all different directions and its emerald eyes staring up at me. I gasped, covering my mouth with my hand as it meowed at me quietly. Gently, I picked her up as she nuzzled against my face and purred loudly. I let her snuggle down on my lap, purring and digging her claws in and out of my pants in content.

"Thank you so much," I whispered, shaking my head, "I love you all so much."

They all grinned back at me.

"What are you going to call her?" James asked.

"Stella," I smiled back.

Mcgonagall's fireplace sat proudly in front of us as we passed around the floo powder. I watched as James stood where the roaring fire should be.

"The Potter residence," he announced, clearly, before disappearing in a flash of green flames.

I followed suit and in the blink of an eye, I was stood in the fireplace of the Potter's living room.

"Maddie!" James' mum, Euphemia, called, walking towards me with her arms wide.

"Merry Christmas!" I smiled, embracing her.

"Merry Christmas to my future daughter-in-law!" Fleamont grinned, striding over to see me.

I laughed as James' cheeks flushed bright red.

"And our other son!" Euphemia cheered.

I guessed Sirius had arrived, so made my way over to James.