The next few days passed in a blur, mostly because the whole family was getting ready for the Christmas dinner. One particular day was odd, right before the holiday, when the Potters had to leave to visit some relatives which, as result, left Sirius and Ophelia all alone in the house.
"We'll be gone for a few hours at most so you don't need to worry. Nobody knows you are here Ophelia so there is no need to be worried although I am sure Sirius would protect you if anything would happen," Mr. Potter said, his eyes sparkling as he saw the blush in Sirius' cheeks. "You can grab anything from the kitchen to eat, feel just like home but try not to use magic. I'm sure Dylis will be coming later today."
"Dad...why don't you tell them to not blow up the house?" James asked after Mr. Potter finished his speech.
"I only trust you with that task, son." Mr. Potter mumbled before they dragged a pouty James with them into the chimney.
An awkward silence fell in the living room once the family was gone in a green puff of smoke. Ophelia didn't feel it, she just went into the kitchen and searched for tea. She wanted to drink something warm before getting to the gift wrapping. Sirius remained in the room for a bit before he went upstairs, into his and James' bedroom where he grabbed a muggle magazine and started to skim through it. It was an hour or so later when he went into the kitchen only to see Ophelia in a mess of wrapping paper, glue, and scissors.
"Didn't you live with muggles for a while, Molley?" He asked helping her cut a piece of paper.
"I never wrapped gifts, I only received them," she mumbled, aware that she sounded snobbish. Sirius laughed but he could imagine a little Ophelia going down the stairs, curious about what she got. "Once I started school, Gloria and Richard tried to buy me things that would be helpful in the wizarding world as well. It was nice," she added with a nostalgic smile.
"Gloria and Richard?"
"Yeah, I couldn't quite call them mom and dad. I tried to but then again, I didn't have much time with them. My father interfered,"
"Why do you call him father, then?"
"Because he is. When I first met him I didn't know who he was but I could instantly trust him. There was this overbearing feeling of acceptance and understanding that pulled me right into his web. He told me that we come from an old and important family and to the young Ophelia who had lived in confusion all her life, it sounded very appealing."
"Well, he didn't lie. Both your parents do come from an old family, even if under very odd circumstances."
"The thought that they were cousins sickens me."
"Many are and still marry, that is how the blood remains pure. Black, Malfoy, Lestrange, we are all intertwined one way or another. And there are a lot more pure-blooded families, as you know."
"Maybe we are as well," she joked, leaning towards Sirius, and placing a hand on his leg to support herself. Sirius' eyes widened and he froze. "You don't have to look so shocked, that's quite offending," she added as she returned to folding paper around Severus' present.
The Potters were gone for approximately four hours and yet when they returned they found Ophelia trying to help Dylis cook while Sirius was working on his motorbike.
"For some reason, I feel like I've seen this before," Mr. Potter whispered to his wife, who only shook her head in return.
James went first to check on his badge, whose hair was sticky from having tried to make some dough, and unintentionally moved her hair out of her face which as result got it all over the front strands of her hair and some on her forehead. Dylis was moving around, keeping Ophelia occupied with one thing so that he could finish the rest, which was rather funny from his point of view.
"Having fun destroying my kitchen, badge?" He asked as he approached her carefully. He noticed that wherever he stepped around her, it was just as messy. "Is that why Sirius preferred to be outside?" James mumbled to himself seeing how he almost slipped and fell.
"Maybe now that the family is back, Misses should leave everything to Dylis," said the house-elf, glancing at James for support.
"Sure, sure, let's leave everything to people who actually know what they are doing, badge. Come on, go take a shower. come now, come," James said as he more or less dragged Ophelia out. Dylis remained behind a bit surprised by what he heard.
"Young mister Potter called Dylis...people," he whispered, feeling very happy with the compliment.
Ophelia was not allowed to help Dylis cook without Mrs. Potter around and she understood why but that did not mean she didn't help them clean up until she noticed Dylis did it already. She pouted for the rest of the following days up until Christmas Eve. Sirius couldn't help but tease her constantly, but that was their only interaction. Most of the time they spent each with their own thoughts, or in Sirius's case, with his motorbike as well.
Kids love Christmas, it's the best holiday for them because truly, it is not just the atmosphere of love and family but also the presents. The Potters were very happy to have two more children bash in the beauty of decorating the house. The men went and brought back a huge Christmas tree and Ophelia, for the first time in ages, enjoyed what is for most people a normal and happy event. On the morning of December 25th, Ophelia woke up only because someone jumped on her.
"Merry Christmas, badge!" He said and kissed her cheek, surprising her. But at that moment, when she saw James laughing and going straight for his presents and then Sirius groggily walking down the stairs, still rubbing his eyes; when she saw the Potters drinking coffee to the side as they watched the children, it just felt so...overwhelming. It felt like a real family. She didn't even notice when she started crying.
"Aw, you made her cry again Padfoot," James whined as he hurried to hug his friend.
"I didn't even say a word yet," Sirius replied grumpily but still went and patted Ophelia's head in an awkward way.
"What's wrong, badge? Does your head hurt again?"
"No, I'm just so happy right now," she said through the sobs.
"You became a cry baby," James said and chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly. "Come on, let's see what we got,"
"Did I even get any presents? Nobody knows I'm here," Ophelia muttered feeling dejected now that she thought about it.
The Potters glanced at each other with a knowing smile before the doorbell rang. James' smile widened and he went to open the door quickly. Sirius and Ophelia watched from around the corner, although the boy already knew who has arrived.
"Happy Holidays!" Came Remus' voice as he and Peter entered the house and hugged James.
Ophelia blinked, in awe at what was happening, and then she looked at Sirius.
"Let's just say that...there is a group of people that do know where you are," Sirius said, thinking about how she will react when the others will arrive. "Let's just return and open the presents, Molley." He muttered as he grabbed her hand and went back to the living room.
But nobody truly opened anything, at the stern order of James Potter. Although he was excited in the beginning, he decided they should wait for everybody rather than spoil the surprise. It was early in the morning when Remus and Peter arrived. By lunchtime, Frank and Alice came as well, and so did Lily an hour or two later. The Potter household was buzzing with teenagers and Mrs. Potter loved it. She also had the opportunity to meet Lily, the girl that her son would not shut up about. The girls were laughing in the kitchen while helping Dylis cook. Ophelia was instructed to either sit or go and spend time with the boys in James' room.
"I'll stay put, just don't throw me in that den," Ophelia said with a pout.
"Then maybe Miss should go into the living room and wait near the fireplace," Dylis replied still busy making homemade pie, without magic but assisted by Lily and Alice.
Ophelia sighed and walked groggily towards the couch, where she plopped lifelessly. She groaned and threw a little, quiet tantrum, as teenagers do, but a sudden plop sound was heard and she hurried to check what that was, in fear it was her father.
"My, my, now that I see you, I realize I really missed you,"
Ophelia's eyes widened and she jumped in his arms faster than he expected. Cerberus laughed and hugged her tightly, pulling her off the ground as he spun her a bit. The girls entered just to see what was going on and Mrs. Potter felt her heart full at the sight. Dylis was sobbing, for good reasons. After Spinnard's death, Cerberus has been Ophelia father figure, a real one who actually loved her.
"Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" The girl asked, her face radiating with happiness.
"It would have spoiled the element of surprise. Besides, I trust that Fleamont and Euphemia took great care of you. From the way you look, they certainly did."
"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
Cerberus chuckled and patted her head with love before he turned to the kitchen door.
"Dylis, I smell pie," He said before he realized there were two girls that he had seen before. "Oh. I guess I missed the note that said this was going to be a teenager party. Maybe I should tell him not to come..."
It was too late though. Another plop sound and in all his beauty stood their former professor, Idris Eynon. He seemed to have lost weight and was slightly messier, his hair was shorter, and he was dressed in casual clothes but even so, he was still incredibly handsome.
Once everyone arrived, the adults retreated into the kitchen while the kids stayed around the Christmas tree, exchanging gifts. Cerberus and Idris left Ophelia's presents under the tree, but they knew she will love them anyway. It was an interesting view, how these youngsters were standing in a circle as if they were witches (the irony) and there was always a constant exchange, one kid receiving his at once before going on in order. Ophelia was probably the fourth, it didn't matter, especially after seeing the glee on Remus' face when he opened the present from her (a brand new cauldron since his was getting bad, muggle chocolate with strawberry and a pretty romance book, because she believed him to be a romantic). It was the same for everyone, really. James was the first, of course, and he seemed to beam with light. Actually, Frank gifted him an enchanted mirror that shined brightly when it considered the person handsome so the rays were going everywhere. It would be an understatement to say that James liked it; he began checking that mirror every single day.
"Is this...isn't this expensive?" Ophelia asked during her turn, seeing how Lily gave her a muggle camera.
"Not expensive enough," she said before Ophelia wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a hug.
James' gift was obvious since she chose it herself (a pair of red shoes) and Alice was sweet enough by completing the image with a red barrette, which she bought for Lily as well but in a different colour with the promise to all wear it at school. Cerberus' present was actually not a present but a photo book of her mother and even several baby pictures. It melted her heart until she noticed there were three extra packages next to his.
"Snape sent you a gift?" Sirius asked, annoyed by how she was still taking his side.
"He always sends me potions," Ophelia muttered and indeed, there were three vials of different potions. "Oh my, one is a potion against mental manipulation. Wonder who would ever try that,"
Sirius narrowed his eyes at her but James chuckled under his hand. The other two vials were also for exhaustion, he was probably thinking about the walls around her mind.
"Anyway, here. Just take this one," Sirius literally pushed his gift into her hands, taking her mind off the other two anonymous packages she had next to Snape's.
James leaned closer, everyone did for some reason. The boys expected some type of silly thing that would annoy the girls for the rest of the day and the girls expected...well, they weren't expecting much since Sirius was known to tease Ophelia every chance he got. And yet, everyone was just...speechless.
"What-what's this?" she asked once she opened the little elegant box.
"It's a necklace, Molley. You wear it around your neck."
"No, but, I mean...this looks expensive. And it's just...it's really pretty," It was hard finding a reaction because she never expected Sirius Black to gift her a beautiful silver necklace with an owl pendant. Moreover, the owl's eyes were two small red rubies that shone every time light fell over them.
"Here, let me put it on you," Sirius grumbled as he helped her lock it on. He was blushing but Ophelia was too busy looking at the owl. But everyone noticed it, everyone noticed the way Sirius was looking at her with sincerity and a sense of responsibility.
"Is he even trying to hide it at this point?" Lily whispered, leaning towards James.
He wasn't. Sirius was tired of denying his feelings, whether they were fleeting or not, and he was growing more and more assured that it was a lot more serious than he wanted to. It was like a flood of happiness that he couldn't control and it all came from seeing her do very random stuff, like standing on the couch while reading or writing homework. He was a big boy and could manage his emotions and his behaviour but he didn't want to do it.
And yet two packages were left aside until late at night when all the guests left and Ophelia was shooed once more out of the kitchen by Mrs. Potter. James and Sirius were out, they wanted to give Lily a ride home on their bike since she was the last to leave. She couldn't help still smile at how James begged his father for Lily to spend the night.
"No matter how much you ask and beg, it will not happen, James." Mr. Potter said, growing irritated with his son.
"But dad, she's my girlfriend! Sirius can sleep with Ophelia and we can-"
"Give the young lady a ride home and stop it, son. You're not mature enough for me to trust you with such a..."
"But you trust me with Ophelia,"
"I trust Ophelia with you, and we both know you change in front of her and you act as if she is not a girl, which is worrisome, James."
"But Lily's my girlfriend, that won't happen...nothing will," he said, rather innocently towards the end of the sentence.
That last part was the grand finale that put a big frown on Mr. Potter's face. James knew it was in vain and gave up.
"What are you laughing about?"
Ophelia stopped and bit her lip as Idris approached her as if he was floating. He sat next to her and waited patiently for an answer.
"I didn't expect you to come or give me something or even just enjoy the holidays,"
"I don't usually. I'm always cramped up in a small home, pitying myself, hoping I will die." He replied dramatically. "But Knowingall dragged me here and I have to admit it wasn't that bad." He added looking at any piece of furniture in the house just to escape the intense gaze her of green eyes.
"Is he staying with you?" She asked hoping Cerberus had a safe hiding spot.
"...sure. Believe that."
Idris' answer only brought more confusion. She contemplated for a bit if it was worth entering his mind but decided against it.
"There are two more presents you didn't open," He noted and pointed at the two small boxes, beautifully wrapped up in a way that reminded Ophelia of muggle Christmas shows.
"Who are they from?"
"You'll know once you open them."
She believed that he will leave but he didn't. He just stood there, calm and almost serene looking. His white hair came down to his shoulders now, and his eyes were just so mesmerizing. If the girl didn't know how much he hated meddling in others' affairs, she might have believed he was curious about her reaction.
The first box contained a short letter and a key.
With a little help, I managed to create this key that can open a door to your safe place. I do hope you're alright and happy. Be careful,
"RL...I thought he's in America."
"He is, but he has done a lot of secret work for Dumbledore as well. Your father must have found his sudden obedience suspicious so he sent him as far away as possible from you. Of course, he will be needed back at some point. I had to retrieve this gift so it's safe."
"What about Lucius' wedding?"
"The answer is right there," Idris said, pointing at the second box. It was a picture of a happily married couple, an invitation that did not reach her in time, and an object that looked very strange to Ophelia. "I always had my doubts about Malfoy, he is a sneaky little bastard just like his father. And yet, no matter where you are, he still worries about you."
"So, what's this?" she asked analyzing the object. "A mirror?"
"It's foe-glass, but a pocket version. It shows you the reflection of your enemies. Interesting choice seeing how you are a legilimence."
Ophelia nodded and put it aside in order to check out the picture. Lucius was dressed in a black suit and Narcissa was in a black long dress. For some reason, she had this idea that maybe weddings for magical people were the same as for muggles but it didn't seem so. They were obviously in the Malfoy Manor and she couldn't quite see the guests, which was for the best. On the back, he had written something nice that made her smile. I wish you were here so I had one more reason to worry about.
"You know, Ophelia, there is a way to make sure they will never betray you," Idris said, considering how she strongly believed they were her friends.
"I know,"
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