the_debt_of_time

No one moved.
James eyed them all. "I see how it is. See if I get you anything for Christmas."
"We can see our presents from here, Prongs." Remus gestured to the large tree.
The tree had been covered in fairy lights, large round baubles, and a winged human
at the top instead of a star which Lily and Mia explained to the boys was an angel. Sirius
and James had argued that it looked like a Valentine's cherub, which they said had no
business being included in additional holidays, and then accused the girls of attempting to
romanticise Christmas. In addition to the fairy lights and Quidditch ornaments that actually
flew between the branches, Lily had decorated the tree with Muggle traditions; tinsel and
popcorn that had been threaded on a string was wrapped around the large branches.
"Next Christmas, then," James declared triumphantly as he reached for his glass of
firewhisky, toasting to no one in particular as he downed the entire serving at once.
Mia smirked at the sight of the two arguing over the one room left in the cottage
that had not been filled with a purpose. It was obvious to her what they should do with
it—what they ultimately would do with it. Mia excitedly imagined how James might look
holding his son in his arms, the perfect replica of himself except for the eyes—because
Harry had Lily's eyes. She could see a version of the future where Harry grew up in this
beautiful cottage, spending Christmases gathered around the large tree in the corner with
both parents doting upon him.
She struggled to ignore the vision in her head she knew would never come to pass.
Instead, she closed her eyes and tried to think of another future, a potentially real future.
One where she would spend Christmas at Grimmauld Place with Sirius, Remus, Tonks,
and little Teddy. A future where the Weasleys would run in and out of the large kitchen
with Molly yelling after them, threateningly shaking a wooden spoon in her grip. The smells
would be pleasant, and the sights would be soothing. Sirius would sing Wizarding versions
of Christmas carols, his arms wrapped around her waist as they watched Teddy tear into a
pile of presents. In the corner, beneath a non-screaming mistletoe, she would find a young
wizard with messy black hair kissing a feisty ginger witch. Harry instead of James, Ginny
instead of Lily.
Mia reconciled the great future loss by reminding herself that, somehow, the essence
of James and Lily would not disappear forever. Even without being raised by his parents,
Harry would grow to emulate them entirely.