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Chapter Eleven, Christmas Gala

Thank you to everyone who made a suggestion on the names but especially thank you to Awkward_Normallity @ShadowPhoenix34 and Yoruichi92 the winners are: Onyx, Sage and Honey for Regulus, Pandora and Marlene. So I'm proud to present Messers Moony, Starfall, Padfoot, Prongs, Onyx, Sage and Honey.

Edited 3/2/2022

Chapter Eleven Christmas Gala

Josie smiled as The Hogwarts Express pulled into the station of Platform 9 3/4; spotting her Mama and Daddy standing on the platform next to Arcturus and Melania Black through the window she waved happily to them.
"I'll see you later Josie." Pandora and Marlene said, bringing their best friend into a group hug.
"I'll see you later. Jamie, and Remus won't know what hit them." Josie whispered to her friends.
"Neither will Sirius." Marlene said, wiggling her eyebrows at her best friend. Josie slapped her arm playfully causing Marlene to cackle. "I'll see you later Remi." Marlene said, placing a soft kiss to his lips.
"I'll see you at the Gala, Mars." Remus bid, a blush spreading across his cheeks. Remus was coming back to Potter Manor with Josie, James and Sirius and would be staying with them for Christmas, but would be Marlene's date to the Gala.

Once they'd finished saying goodbye to their friends for now, the remaining group consisting of Remus, the Potter twins and the Black siblings, they exited the train with their belongings and made their way through the crowd to their families.
"Hi Mama. Hi Daddy." Josie said, greeting her parents happily.
"Hi darling." Euphemia said, hugging her daughter happily. "Hi Jamie, Sirius, Remus and this must be Regulus." She asked after she finished hugging the three boys.
"Hi Mrs P. This is my little brother Regulus. Reg, this is Mr and Mrs Potter." Sirius introduced.
"Well it's nice to meet you Regulus." Fleamont smiled at the young boy. "You can call us Mia and Monty like your grandparents and these hooligans do." He said laughing at his son's affronted look.

"It's nice to meet you too Mr... I mean Monty and Mia." Regulus sand, shaking Monty's hand and kissing the back of Mia's as custom dictates. "Hi Grandma, Grandpa."
"Hello Reggie." Melanie smiled, pulling her youngest grandson into a hug once she'd released Sirius. "Don't worry you'll be staying with us from now on." She whispered in his ear. "Mia, do you need any help setting up for the Gala?" Melania asked.
"Thank you but I've got everything under control." Mia declined politely. "Monty and the boys will be setting up the ballroom under strict instruction from Josie and myself, and the House-Elves have everything else under control."
"Okay, we'll see you on Christmas Eve then. Sirius, behave yourself." Arcturus warned sternly.
"Of course Grandfather." Sirius agreed.

"Josie, darling, I know you normally see your creatures when you first return but it might need to wait until tomorrow as I need your help." Euphemia said apologetically.
"That's okay Mama. We should wear similar dresses again. What about emerald green this time?" Josie whispered the last part.
"That sounds wonderful, darling. Now let's get going." Euphemia said as she took her children's hands while Monty took Sirius and Remus and the group Disapparated from platform 9 3/4 arriving a moment later in the foyer of Potter Manor.
"Go put your things away and meet us back down here in five minutes." Monty ordered the four teenagers.
"Dad, can I ask you and Mum something first?" James asked nervously, running his hand through his hair that seemed to be a trait both siblings have inherited from their father.

"What is it, Jamie?" Euphemia asked, concerned.
"Things have been going really well between Pandora and I.... and I was thinking if I could ask her to become my betrothed?" James explained anxiously, Josie squeezing his hand in comfort helped him to relax a little.
"That's wonderful Jamie. How about this, your mother and I, shall speak to her parents at the Gala and if she feels the same, we will allow you both to betroth at the end of the year if you both feel the same. Does that sound fair?" Monty asked. James thought for a moment before he nodded a smile on his face. He knew his parents were just looking out for him and it was only fair as he and Pandora haven't known each other as long or been in love as long as Sirius has been with his sister.
"Thanks Dad. Thanks Mum." James said hugging his parents before he raced upstairs to put away his things as he knew it would be a long few days of planning, dress robe measurements and setting everything into place.

***

After days of putting everything together and with dress fittings in between the ballroom in Potter Manor was finally transformed and ready for the Christmas Gala tonight as it was now Christmas Eve. The occupants of Potter Manor had worked tirelessly for everything to be perfect and it looked wonderful. There were fairy lights in the bushes surrounding the entryways to the Manor, four large Christmas trees had been decorated and placed in the four corners of the ballroom along with the fifth Christmas tree in the family room. Icicles and snow fell down from the ceiling in the ballroom only for the snow to disappear a halfway to the ground. There were decorative vines wrapped around the beams, silver table cloths covered the chairs and tables, at the top of the room a band was set up where they would play wonderful music.

Mistletoe hang in strategic places thanks to Sirius and James; ice sculptures held drinks on the many tables at the back of the room and on the balcony, along with menus where they touched their wand to what they wanted and it would appear on their plate. Altogether the ballroom looked like a Christmas wonderland. The foyer was where their guests would arrive by strategic timing thanks to a Portkey hidden in their invitations, and was decorated in Christmas decorations, including the suit of armour that was enchanted to welcome their guests before one of the family directed them to the ballroom. Outside: the path to the gazebo was enchanted with warming charms and charms to keep it clear of snow in case anyone wanted to go outside, and a boundary spell had been put in place so no one disturbed the magical creatures residing within the Wards of Potter Manor.

"Boys, you have five minutes." Monty called, knocking on James's door before he entered. Monty looked very handsome in his charcoal grey, satin dress robes, a white dress shirt, black smart shoes and emerald green bow tie. His hair had been slicked back with his Potion, his glasses were cleaned and gleaming to perfection, and it was easy to see where James got his looks from.
"We're almost ready." James grumbled, as he tried to fix his bow tie for the fifth time. Sirius was dressed in robes exactly like Monty's which brought out his silver-grey eyes and his curls had been tamed slightly which made them more sleek. James was dressed in a darker charcoal grey, satin dress robes, white dress shirt, black dress shoes and a pink bow tie.

James's hair had finally been introduced to his father's Potion, which Sirius and Remus teased him for, and his glasses had been thoroughly cleaned until there were no signs of any smudges and gleamed like his father's. Like the other three, Remus was also dressed in a charcoal grey, satin dress robes but his was more on the lighter side than the others and was paired with a white dress shirt, black dress shoes and a peach bow tie.
"Come here." Monty said, as he walked up to each of them and straightened out their ties and robes. "Perfect. Now let's head down. Mia, Josie and I will be in the foyer and James, you'll be with Sirius, and Remus in the ballroom to lead them to the right tables, and I want you all to be on your best behaviour. No pranking tonight, please boys. But first; we'll wait for Mia and Josie in the foyer. They shall be down soon."

"And boys: you all look very handsome and I'm so proud and thankful for you three over these last few days. I know it's not what you wanted to do with your Christmas holidays so thank you. After tonight you can do what you want for the rest of the holidays." Monty said, pride evident in his voice and face as he smiled at them all proudly.
"Thanks, Dad."
"Thank you, Monty."
They all said together. Monty gave them one last proud smile, and gave them all another hug before leading them out of the room.

Down the hall in Josie's room, Josie and her mother were finishing getting ready for the Gala and they both looked beautiful. Euphemia was dressed in a beautiful emerald green ball gown. It had a sweetheart neckline, 3/4 length sleeves that were off-the-shoulder and was covered in sequins making it sparkle. She had gold strappy heels, green and taupe Smokey-eye eyeshadow, black mascara and eyeliner and taupe lipstick. To finish off her long, blonde hair was in a half-up, half-down style with her hair straightened and half of it pinned up with twists going through it.

Much like her mother: Josie had the same makeup, glittery golden heels, and her hair was in a half-up, half-down style with a braid running through the half that's pinned up and the rest left falling down her back in curls. Her dress was just as beautiful as her mother's. Josie was wearing an emerald green ball gown that had a v-neckline, that had straps that went over her shoulders, around her back and waist, before tying at the back on her lower waist, leaving half her back exposed and was covered in sequins making it sparkle.

"Sweetheart, you ready?" Euphemia asked. Josie didn't answer for a moment as she took a deep calming breath. Once she had calmed her breathing she stepped out of the bathroom answering, "Mum, do I look all right?" Josie asked anxiously, trying not to run her hands through her hair. Euphemia gasped when she saw her daughter. She was absolutely stunning.
"Oh, baby." Euphemia gasped, tears coming to her eyes. She didn't want her baby girl to grow up, at least not so fast.
"You look stunning! You are so beautiful." Josie blushed and ducked her head slightly. "No baby, don't be embarrassed. Embrace it, you are gorgeous, kind and smart and I love you so much. If you need to, you can put the necklace back on."

"Thanks Mama. You look Gorgeous too, I know where I got it from then, huh?" Josie asked jokingly, making her mother laugh. "I think I'll be okay."
"If you feel you need it, ask Lou-Lou to get it for you, all right? Good. Now, let's go, the boys and your father are waiting." Euphemia said, as she led the way out of her daughter's bedroom and down the stairs. At the sound of their heels connecting with the marble stairs, the four waiting in the foyer looked up and gasped. No matter how long they had been together Monty always had his breath taken away when he saw Mia, especially when he saw her like this. And his baby girl. He couldn't believe how grownup and beautiful she was, she definitely took after her mother and he was glad he didn't have to worry so much about keeping guys away from her as he had help now.

James and Remus couldn't believe how beautiful their sister was, they knew she was beautiful before but this...they had no words. They would make sure no one behaved inappropriately with their little sister and that included Sirius, who was standing there with his mouth open wide, with wide bulging eyes. They knew if he was as Padfoot right now his tongue would be hanging out while he wagged his tail; they could almost visualise it.

"Padfoot, close your mouth." James said, slapping Sirius on the back and bringing him out of his shocked stupor.
"Josie, you...err, you look incredible." Sirius croaked, he cleared his throat with a blush on his cheeks as he took her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it. Josie shared a smirk with her mother before she looked back over her betrothed.
"Thank you Siri, you don't look too bad yourself." Josie teased, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Wow Jamie." Josie gasped, placing a hand to her chest in faux shock. "You know how to use a brush and Dad's Potion." She teased, making everyone laugh while James  scowled at her.
"Ha Ha! You're so funny Starfall, I forgot to laugh!" James said dryly, which only elicited more laughter.

"All joking aside," he said as he pulled his twin in for a hug. "You look beautiful and I'm glad we're back to how we were. And I promise to never, ever do that again." He whispered in her ear.
"Me too Jamie. Me too." Josie whispered, hugging her brother tighter before she kissed his cheek and let go. James watched her as she complimented Remus and teased their father, glad that they were back together once again. And no one would ever tear the Potter Twins apart again.
"Right, the Greengrass's and the McKinnons should be here in five minutes so go take your places, please Jamie, Remus, Sirius." Euphemia asked. The boys nodded and headed to wait just inside the ballroom to lead their guests to their proper table so there would be no problems.

Five minutes later the Greengrass's arrived: Lord and Lady Greengrass with Paul, Pandora's older brother and Pandora, who looked beautiful in her navy blue ball gown that faded into a lighter blue at the bottom. It was decorated in sequins in a vine like pattern starting at the top and finishing at the bottom of the skirt, and was off-the-shoulder in a sweetheart neckline. Just peeking out from the bottom of her dress, were glittery golden heels. She had navy blue and glittery golden eyeshadow blended together beautifully, black mascara and eyeliner and dark pink lipstick, and finally her long, blonde hair was curled and twisted into a half-up, half-down style.
"Portia, you and Pandora look as beautiful as ever." Euphemia greeted politely. "And Paul, don't you look handsome."

"Andrew, would you and Portia do me the honour of accompanying me to my office, I have some business to discuss?" Monty asked politely.
"Of course, Monty." Lord Greengrass agreed readily. "Paul, escort your sister to the ballroom." He ordered, stopping Pandora's and Josie's conversation and Paul from leering at Josie.
"Of course father." Paul agreed, holding his arm out to his sister.
"I'll see you later, Josie." Pandora said, hugging her best friend and whispering an apology into her ear in regards to her brother before allowing him to escort her into the ballroom.

Once they had left the foyer leaving only Euphemia and Josie behind, Josie let out a shudder and Euphemia placed a comforting hand on her back.
"Don't worry sweetheart, we won't allow anything to happen, the Wards won't allow it and he'll be painfully and forcefully removed if he tries." She assured her daughter.
"Was that grandfather's idea?" Josie laughed, knowing where Jamie and her father got the overprotectiveness from.
"Both Henry and my father in fact." Euphemia replied, making them both laugh. A moment later they had to calm down as the large McKinnon family arrived. While her mother was greeting Lord and Lady McKinnon, Josie greeted Marlene's older brothers and sisters before she turned to her best friend.

"Omg Josie! You look beautiful!" Marlene exclaimed loudly.
"Thanks." Josie laughed. "You look beautiful too." She said, as she looked at her best friend who was wearing a high-neck aqua coloured ball gown, the top half was made of lace and the bottom of chiffon. She could see silver heels peeking out at the bottom with her toe nails painted black. Josie had to stifle a laugh at that, Marlene was a tom-boy and only wore dresses for special occasions and if she did she always painted her nails black. Her blonde hair was up in a braided bun with a few strands to frame her face, she had aqua coloured eyeshadow, black winged eyeliner and mascara and taupe lipstick.
"Yeah, well don't get used to it." Marlene jokes, earning a nudge from her sister only to roll her eyes at Josie.

"When you enter the ballroom James, Sirius and Remus will show you to your seats, don't worry there's no pranks." Euphemia assured, at the uneasy look of one of Marlene's brothers who had been subjected to their pranks before, only it had been Josie to prank him when he'd made a pass at her and Pandora in their third year, his fifth year.
The next to arrive was the Black family minus a few certain people, and with Arcturus, Melania and Regulus Black at the lead. Regulus looked so much like Sirius it was almost uncanny with his black dress robes, white shirt and ivory bow tie and his curls tamed.
"Everything looks beautiful Mia, as do you and Josie." Arcturus and Melanie greeted Mia.
"Thank you Artie." Mia said, using her nickname from school causing her friend to roll his eyes. "I can't believe my baby is growing-up into a beautiful young woman."

"How're you Reg?" Josie asked, a blush covering her cheeks was the only indication she'd heard her mother's comment.
"Better now I'm away from them, and living with my Grandma and Grandfather, and that I have Sirius back in my life. By the way, you do look beautiful." Regulus complimented.
"Thanks, Onyx. It's really uncanny how much you and Padfoot look alike right now." Josie teased, causing him to let out a bark-like laugh while rolling his eyes.

As the night wore on, it was clear to tell that everyone was having a great time. Lord and Lady Greengrass had agreed to form a betrothal contract at the end of the year and Monty had even spoken to Lord and Lady McKinnon on behalf of Remus, who had approached him halfway through the night (well James had approached his father on behalf of his friend), and they too had agreed to form one in the summer as well. The Gala had also successfully raised an amazing 10,000 Galleons, for St Mungo's hospital and 5,000 Galleons, for the conservation of Magical Creatures thanks to the speech Newt Scamander had given about them and how his new book proceeds would go towards it, which helped some of the stingy Lords and Ladies put a hand into their pockets.

As it was approaching eleven thirty the Potter family walked on stage and thanked everyone for coming and wished them all a happy Yule and New Year before they all started to leave via return Portkey from their invitations. The only one to stay was Regulus as he had wanted to spend Christmas with his brother for the first time in five years, which his grandparents, and Mia and Monty agreed to.
"Well done my darlings." Euphemia praised, once the Longbottom's and Fortescue's had left. "You did well, now off to bed it's late. Regulus, Jamie will show you to the room you'll be staying in."
"Mama, we can help tidy up." Josie protested.

"Thank you, sweetheart but I saw you have a vision earlier when we were dancing." Monty said softly, "I know how much they drain you, so off to bed. Your mother and I can help Lou-Lou and the others tidy up with magic. But I'm so proud of all of you tonight, especially you and Jamie, Josie. It gladdens our hearts to know you're back to the way things were before Hogwarts." Monty said happily, as James wrapped an arm around Josie's shoulder.
"I'm never letting that happen again." James swore, squeezing his sister to his side.
"Neither are we." Sirius and Regulus added, standing in a similar position as the Potter twins. While Remus watched his friends happily a wide smile upon his face.

"Good, now off to bed. Goodnight." Euphemia and Monty bid.
"Goodnight." The group of teenagers bid as they left the ballroom and made their way up the stairs to their bedrooms where their beds were calling to them. It had been one of the best Christmases any of them could recall.

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