The next morning I woke up to doors slamming.

As I sat up, mine swung open.

“Jesus, James,” I laughed, pulling myself under the covers. “It’s cold, and it’s early. Just what time is it?”

“Five A.M.,” he grinned, taking my blanket off and throwing it half way across the room.

“Okay, that is officially the worst way in the world to wake me up,” I groaned, and shoved him out of my room. After finally finding my sweater I jogged down the stairs to find Remus stretching, Mr. Orson looking wide awake, and James jumping around the room.

“Calm down,” I instructed, but it was useless. James simply looked like a five year old introduced to candy for the first time. “Coffee, anyone?”

“Yes, me please,” Mr. Orson asked.

Remus raised his hand and I made him a cup, too.

“All right, who is going to play Santa?”

“I will! I will!”

“All right James… you know how?”

“Duh. Even I’m not that stupid,” he said and began to pass out presents. I sat down next to Remus.

“Do you think he knows that he just insulted himself?”

“I really don’t think that he cares,” Remus smiled, his eyes twinkling with delight.

“Open!” James cried. “Oh Remus, awesome!” He held up an advanced Wizard’s Chess box.

“Yeah, I figured you might need the help,” Lupin dodged as James threw wrapping paper at him.

I opened my present from Remus also. “Oh, wow, Remus. This is great!” I held up a new jar of Floo Powder. “How’d you remember?”

“Well, I knew you were running out, and I know you hate to Apparate with shopping bags.”

I hugged him tightly.

A cough had us turn around. Mr. Orson held up a new bright teal vest. “Remus, you remembered my favorite color!” he squealed.

I smiled and wondered again how someone would pass a Christmas without him.

“Here’s the next lot,” James informed us. “Open!”

This one was from James. I shook it slightly, and then unfolded it carefully.

Finally, I got down to a small box. I flipped off the lid, and a beautiful heart-shaped locket stared back at me.

“Oh, James,” I whispered.

He’d come up behind me. “It opens.”

Inside was a picture of the two of us from our fourth year. Underneath it were the words, “This is just one holiday together in what I hope to be many more. Merry Christmas.”

I couldn’t help but to kiss him.

Everyone exchanged his or her thanks, and, at last, everyone received my presents.

“Lily… Lily, this is too much,” Remus breathed softly. “This had to cost so much.”

“This makes up for the seven years that I never got you anything. You always managed to find me something sweet. Try the robes on… they’ll adjust to whatever size you happen to be at the time.”

He slid the gray satin robes over his shoulders and the seams automatically began to tighten up.

“I think I might’ve been offended if they had to loosen,” he joked, then hugged me. “This present… it was simply amazing, Lily. I’ll treasure these forever.”

James’ box revealed a scarlet-and-gold chain watch.

“Look, it’s not only that, though,” I leaned over him. “It’s a Dark Detector, too.”

I turned to Mr. Orson. He was staring; mouth agape, at the package. It was a small chest, only accessible by the owner.

“So you don’t have to hide it in the wall anymore,” I told his softly. “The cushioning keeps your potions just as safe.”

“You’re not scared then, Miss Evans?” he asked, a tear rolling down his cheek. “Of me dying?”

“To die would be an awfully big adventure.”

We sat, staring at each other, as James and Remus chased each other around the room, oblivious to all.