The Week Before Christmas (Potter Fam)

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It was the first day that the children would be back from Hogwarts, but James had been back for a few weeks already. Ginny was decorating the living room in a true Weasley family way: the tree was decorated modestly with tartan bows, gold bells and glass baubles in varying shades of gold and red. There was a lot of tinsel, a lot of wreath banners and mini trees on the cabinets and tables. The log fire was lit and had an warm, toasty glow throughout the room. Five stockings were hung on the mantelpiece with each of their names hand-stitched in the corner: a gift from her Mum many Christmases ago.

Happy with everything that she had done, she set a large bowl of snacks and a plate of mince pies at the centre of the table and a box of chocolates near the couch. Now Christmas was really here, and she could settle down with the family and spend some quality time with them all.

Planting herself on the couch with a long sigh, she helped herself to a caramel barrel chocolate and peeled back the foil. It was the middle of the afternoon, so she hoped the children would come out of their rooms and come downstairs now. If not, she would have to start knocking on their rooms!

@Harry Potter @James Potter @Albus Potter @Lily Potter

Harry promised himself that he’d be home for Christmas break. He was working the night shift, so he made sure to rush home right after, and popped right into the living room. “Good morning Potters.” he said taking his hat off as he entered the living room. There were a lot of people already here and he was shocked.

“I didn’t expect everyone to be here.” he said with a chuckle. Than he saw a girl with Albus, this was shocking. It was Mackenzie Riddle too. “Why hello.” he said as he walked over to his wife. “Is this a friend of Albus? I’m shocked it’s not Scorpius this time.” he said with a laugh.

He really did like Scorpius. Looking at Victorie. “May I have some candy?”

@Ginny Potter @Mackenzie Riddle @Victoire Weasley

"Just pick a bag, anyyyyyyyyyyyy bag, yep!" Victoire exclaimed to Harry as she chowed down in the mince pie.

"Mmmmm, this is delicioussssssssssssssssss!"

@Harry Potter

Molly wanted to go see her Aunt and Uncle for the day, and brought some treats that her grandma made for them. She liked living with her grandparents a lot, and was glad that her dad rarely stopped in when he knew that Molly would be there.

She decided to floo into the house, and used a charm to conceal her treats. Grandma Molly taught her a lot when it came to food, so she knew how to make sure treats were concealed when gone through the floo network. Darry also planned on coming a little bit later, and was staying too.

They were best friends due to being in the same house. Finally arriving in the living room, she gave a smile. “Hello. I wanted to stop by and grandma asked me to bring some treats over with me.” she said with a bit of a smile on her face. A lot of people were already here, but she was sure Grandma Molly made enough for everyone.

@Mackenzie Riddle @Albus Potter @James Potter @Harry Potter @Lily Potter @Lien Chang @Victoire Weasley

When a boy appeared in the fireplace, Ginny knew right away that it was Lien. Gosh - he was certainly related to Cho. He was almost as pretty as she was. Smiling widely, she went to go over to them but her husband had come up to her.

"Oh, Harry! Welcome home!"

She kissed his cheek fondly, admiring the sight of him.

"Yes, this is Mackenzie - Albus's... erm. Friend..." She didn't want to embarrass Albus by saying girlfriend, just in case. "And this..."

She wormed her way over to James again, smiling brightly at Lien.

"... must be Lien!"

@Harry Potter @James Potter

He didn't even notice that Harry was back from work as James was basking in being around Lien for the first time since dropping out. It was like all of the annoyances he had moments ago just faded away!

"Yeah, that's my bloke, Lien," James confirmed as he leaned his arm onto Lien's shoulder. Ah, he missed this. "Lien, that's me mum, Ginny."

Well, that came a lot easier to him than expected. It probably helped that it didn't require fretting over an introduction.

Chewing his lip, he became a bit more hesitant. "And, er, that's me dad, Harry."

Lien already knew his siblings, so he felt it was unnecessary to formally introduce them.

@Lien Chang @Harry Potter

Although he was nervous, as soon as James was up beside him, Lien felt himself break into a wide smile. He put his arm, that wasn't burdened with gifts, around his back and breathed in his warm, rich scent. The entire house smelt a little of it: mixed with other wafts of pine and tinsel, and good, homey cooking. He felt rather overwhelmed to actually be there, but his shoulders relaxed a little at least.

James...

He looked so good...

Suddenly, a woman with strikingly red hair was beaming at him. Shaken from his moment of reuniting, Lien looked at her with a weak smile. "..." He told himself at least a dozen times, in his head, to keep focused on her eyes. Keep his head upright. If he looked even a fraction downwards... wow. She was somehow even more well endowed in real life than in photographs.

Merlin, he needed to focus.

"N-nice to meet you."

He bowed slightly.

Wait... why was he bowing?! Okay, so he may have done that when greeting some of his family members, but it was a little odd amongst British folk. Lien turned bright red. "Er, I... I got you something, Mrs Potter. And - er - for Mr Potter as well. Just a little something." Smiling weakly, he handed her over the wine and chocolates, feeling his throat turn a little dry.

That was Harry Potter. That was the Harry Potter. It was funny... of course he'd always known he was James's Dad, but it was seriously odd to be in the same room as him.

@James Potter

Whoa, he was so charming! Ginny giggled. She bowed back to him a little bit, just to put him at ease. It wasn't easy being in a room full of your boyfriend's family.

"Thank you, dear!" she chirped, "Please don't be shy. Make yourself at home, help yourself to anything you like!"

Looking at the bottle, she waved it over at Harry. Maybe something for them to enjoy later on.

Upon seeing Molly, Ginny moved over to her and gave her a little kiss. "Oh - that - Mother of mine. She thinks that I won't feed everyone well enough," she complained, rolling her eyes. "Thank you, though, Molly. Always good to see you. You look like you've grown too - my goodness!"

@Harry Potter @James Potter @Molly Weasley II

James chuckled seeing Lien and his mum bow. Merlin, he was so cute! He wasn't even fazed by the looks towards his mum's chest; it seemed like nearly everybody did it until they saw her often enough! He cared most about his mum's thoughts, so he was quite happy that she seemed to approve of Lien so far!

"Er, yeah, got all sortsa stuff here..."

His eyes wandered to Victoire again. Lowering his voice into a whisper, he moved his head closer to Lien's ear. "Whatever ya do, don't eat her mushroom chips..."

How good of a boyfriend would he be if he didn't warn him?! He didn't want to see Lien crutch over a toilet if he could help it! It was embarrassing enough that he himself was in that state weeks ago.

Licking his lips, he inhaled Lien's scent. He smelled so clean. He just wanted to bury himself into his neck! But it'd feel a bit awkward to surrounded by relatives...

@Lien Chang

Putting a hand on his chest, he breathed out slowly. This wouldn't be too bad. He was still feeling extremely nervous, but at least the introduction to his Mum went reasonably well. He smiled tremulously at James, no where near at ease, but very happy to see him looking so well. He'd filled out a bit more again, but there was nothing bad about that at all. It just had him thinking about curling up next to him and feeling very comfortable inside of his arms...

"It's really nice here," he breathed, taking a look around the Potter's humungous living room.

Looking back at him, his brows contracted. "Mushroom chips...?" They didn't sound appetising in the slightest, so he would gladly stay away from them.

"How have you been so far? You look well..." he murmured to him, giving him a look over in delight.

@James Potter

His jawline was so nice, so sharp... He just wanted to lick it.

Merlin, he didn't realize how much harder it'd be to control himself around family. Think of Fred's girly mags. Think of Fred's girly mags. It was the best mental cold shower in his arsenal.

"Ya can thank mum for that. Always going all out for the holidays! Y'know, one time she decorated the entire bloody house in colors of all the teams in the Quidditch World Cup. She was feeling very festive 'bout that!"

His mum might've retired from playing professionally over a decade ago, but quidditch was always a huge topic in the household.

He nodded; there was a time or two when the mushroom chips were barely edible, but he always found himself regretting having one later. His digestive system just didn't like whatever she does in the kitchen!

Stroking Lien's shoulder, James answered, "Eh, could be better. Been seeing a mind healer. 'Bout the only time I left the house. Looking forward to Al being back at Hogwarts 'cause I dunno if I can handle two weeks of fighting..."

@Lien Chang

Arthur decided that'd he follow his granddaughter to the Potter house without her knowing. He did love seeing his grandkids, and why better way, he was sure Molly would stop by later. He had popped into the house to see a house full of people and gave a huge smile. "Grandpa is here!" he said with joy.

The house was getting very full.

@Ginny Potter @James Potter @Lien Chang @Lily Potter @Albus Potter @Harry Potter @Molly Weasley II @Mackenzie Riddle @Victoire Weasley

As Victoire had already left for the Potter house, Louis was thrilled to be going there with Hazel. They had met up earlier in the day and she had spent some time with his parents, but Louis had insisted Hazel came for a visit to Uncle Harry and Aunty Ginny's. Holding her hand and stepping into the fireplace, he called the address for their house and they appeared in through the floo network.

The living room was already abuzz with family members and friends, Louis beamed around at all of them.

"Hello Grandad, nice to see you," he said happily, seeing that he had also arrived. "This is my girlfriend Hazel."

He was still holding Hazel's hand, and was now smiling across at her.

@Hazel Cartwright @Arthur Weasley

Mackenzie narrowed her look at Albus, her green eyes piercing and sharp, "And you know how important family is to me. I told you, when you have nothing else you have family. That's what my dad always says." She said giving him a smile and a kiss on the cheek, "Just take a study break every once in a while." She then looked over at Ginny Potter, "I do hope he's not quick to judge me. I was a bit scared to come over honestly. But albus convinced me." She wasn't scared of Harry Potter. The thought almost made her laugh, but she migmight as well make sure Albus' family liked her. She smiled at Vic she picked up a pumpkin tart from the table and took a bite, "These are really good, Mrs. Potter." She said smiling at the matriarch of the home. She then noticed Lien come through the floo and she felt her jaw clench. She didn't like Lien for many reasons, only One of them being Alayna. Then, Harry Potter himself entered fhe room. She felt her breath hitch in her throat but felt a bit of relief when he seemed friendly enough, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Potter." Then more and more potters and Weasleys entered and she started to feel a bit overwhelmed, "Hey Albus, could you possibly get me something to drink. It's a bit warm in here." She said tugging at the neck of her sweater. What was this? Mackenzie didn't sweat and she didn't get nervous.  

@Ginny Potter @Albus Potter @Harry Potter

Ginny squealed.

"Dad!"

She rushed over to him, and gave him a big hug.

"And Louis too!"

... with a very pretty girl on his arm, unsurprisingly. "I'm so glad you all came. I wasn't expecting so many, I thought I was going to have to drag everyone out of bed!"

It was always lovely to have the whole family there.

@Arthur Weasley

This room was getting full very quickly, which he didn't expect, and he worried that Lien wouldn't be able to handle the craziness.

"Er, wanna go up to my room?"

It'd give time for the living room to settle... And he didn't know how long he could control himself.

@Lien Chang

Hazel was glad to get away from her family for the holidays and only promised to stay for a bit. She was spending the day with Louis's family for the day, and when he asked her to go meet his Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny. She jumped on the offer due to meeting two people who she spent her life idolizing. Taking Louis's hand through the floo network, they had arrived in the living room of the Potter house, and it was a full house. "I see we are getting ready for a party," she said giving her boyfriend a sweet kiss on the lips.

She loved Louis with all her heart. He was everything to her, she couldn't imagine spending time away from him. It's crazy how life can bring two together, and she spotted Mackenzie. This was not what she intended to do, but Hazel was in no mood for drama due to the dramatic family dinner she'd be having. When Louis introduced him to his grandpa, "Why hello. The infamous Arthur Weasley, it's a pleasure to meet you." she said giving him a smile.

Kissing Louis, she looked. "Your family is an upgrade from mine," she said giving him a smile. This was the kind of atmosphere she liked to be a part of, well minus Mackenzie. Until his aunt noticed them, a smile lit up on her face, because she saw her around the school. "Hi my name is Hazel, and your house is beautiful. I don't even know you guys, and already love your family atmosphere," she said letting go of Louis

@Louis Weasley  @Arthur Weasley @Ginny Potter

People kept piling in and in the house, and Arthur could only be filled with joy. They already had a big family, and now they had a whole new generation of Potters and Weasley. It was such an amazing thing, and finally, they'd had enough money to beat the Malfoys out for once. When Louis popped in with what appeared to be a Cartwright. "Blimey, how did my grandson manage to get with a Cartwright," he said with a smile.

He admired the family's presence, and it was making him proud. "You are a fine young lady, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'd say she might be the prettiest of Louis's girlfriends," he said giving her a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Be sure to send your father my regards, that man works a lot." he pointed out. "Call me Arthur," he said with a smile.

@Louis Weasley  @Hazel Cartwright  @Ginny Potter

Gazing at him sympathetically, he was about to say something when his voice was drowned out by the arrival of more family members. He shrunk shyly, finding James's hand and gripping it suddenly. Then he heard his voice from somewhere to his left. He blushed, turning to look at him.

"Are you sure it won't be rude?" he asked him in a hushed tone, worried.

@James Potter

"Eh, they won't notice." He always loved how Lien held his hands; his grip was firm, yet ever so gentle. It felt softer than ever!

There was a lot of Weasleys yet to make an appearance. He wouldn't be surprised if the entire Scottish branch decided to show up at this rate.

"It's, er, a lot to deal with your first time here, y'know?"

James found it overwhelming himself at points.

@Lien Chang

Beaming around them all getting along, he spotted a few other family members and gave them a cheerful little wave. He saw Mackenzie too, and gave her a wave too. It was nice to see her there. Was she friends with Lily? Oh - maybe Albus? Either way, he was glad there were so many around.

"Er, yeah... but I don't mind, you know. Not that I wouldn't like to see your room..."

He supposed it was just a giving the grand tour thing, and he relaxed a little about being perceived as rude. Everyone seemed to be having too much of a good time to notice if two people removed themselves from the room to look around.

"I'd love to see it."

He smiled widely at him.

@James Potter

Harry couldn't believe how quickly his house was filling up with people after people. He was glad but knew Ginny and he would need some more food for the family. His attention was focused on Albus and his friend Mackenzie, which he had to admit was a shock, but this was Christmas, and all the anger goes out the door. When Mackenzie spoke about getting something to drink he looked at his son. "Get the girl something to drink," he said with a smile.

He may have been very inexperienced with women at his age, but he knew that a man should make sure he does his best to make a girl feel honored. Turning to Mackenzie, a smile came across his face. "How is your father doing? I hear he is doing quite well as the deputy headmaster," he said trying to make conversation. Out of all the girls, he had to bring Mackenzie Riddle home, but right now he didn't want to judge a book. "How is Slytherin doing?" he asked.

Completely disregarding James and Lien right now.

@Mackenzie Riddle @Albus Potter

"Oh, thank-you. Very nice of you to say!"

What sort of an atmosphere was the Cartwright household? Hmm. She didn't like to think too much about it. From what she could gather, it wasn't exactly the warmest place to be.

"Everyone's come with their boyfriends and girlfriends it seems, Dad. I think Mackenzie is Albus's... but I don't like to say..."

Hmm!

Smiling ear to ear, he led Lien up the stairs to his room. It wasn't in the greatest state of cleanliness, but that was because he might've been a bit too indulgent about acquiring every house-related catalogue on the market. It was something to do with all of his free time! He opened the door and said, "Welcome to, er, La Casa. Is that right? I dunno, but it's my room!" Immediately, his nostrils were met with the overwhelming aroma of frankincense and myrrh.

The lighting was dim and the curtains were completely closed. All sorts of artwork and tapestries covered his wall, most notably a print of an ancient Chinese snake painting that was across from his bed. The foot of his unmade bed was covered in all sorts of open catalogues full of bathroom-related wares and fixtures. His guitar case leaned against his dresser that was sloppily-painted with peace signs and yin-yang symbolism. There were all sorts of draperies through his room, most notably, the canopy over his bed. Very Bohemian with all of its beads and colors. His closet, which he mainly filled with his brooms, lacked a traditional door which had been replaced with a beaded curtain. His room wasn't very subtle.

"I hide in here a lot for a reason!" he chuckled as he immediately hopped onto his bed.

@Lien Chang

"Baby brother has a girlfriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiend!" Victoire sang as she finished up her mince pie before getting up to join them and grandad. "Helloooooooooooooooo, grandad! How are you, hmmmm?!"

She was so happy to see everyone again! Why couldn't the younger relatives be out of Hogwarts already?! Why was there still a few years for that to happen?

@Louis Weasley @Hazel Cartwright @Arthur Weasley