Lyra had never truly known what it felt like to be part of a family—not in the way she was experiencing it now. As she stepped out of the fireplace at the Potter house, the warmth of the room greeted her like a hug. The festive decorations around the house filled her with an unexpected sense of peace, and she couldn't help but smile as she looked around. The Potters' home was cozy, full of light and love, a sharp contrast to the emptiness she'd come from.

James grinned at her as she brushed off the soot from her robes. "Welcome to the madness," he said, winking before leading her further into the house. Sirius was already lounging on the couch, his legs stretched out lazily, while Lily, Marlene, and Peter were gathered near the window, looking out at the falling snow.

"You're just in time," Sirius said, his trademark grin spreading across his face as she entered the room. "We were about to start the annual Christmas game of Wizard's Chess. And yes, I will win this year, thank you very much."

"Not if I can help it," James retorted, grabbing a chess set from the table and setting it up on the coffee table between them.

Lyra laughed, her nervousness slipping away as she sank into one of the comfy chairs near the fire. It wasn't long before she was swept up in the cheerful chaos of the Potters' home. The smell of Christmas dinner being prepared wafted through the air, and soon enough, they were all sitting down to a festive meal.

Sirius and James were, as always, bickering playfully over the smallest things, while Lily and Marlene exchanged stories about their past holidays. Peter seemed content simply to listen, his face lit up in a quiet smile. Lyra couldn't remember the last time she had felt so at ease—like she truly belonged.

But it wasn't long before the teasing started.

"So, Lyra," Mrs. Potter said with a mischievous glint in her eye as she passed a platter of mashed potatoes to Sirius. "I heard you've been spending quite a bit of time with my son and his friend here." She motioned to Sirius, who was already rolling his eyes in mock annoyance. "What's this about? Do I need to worry about a budding romance?"

Lyra's cheeks flushed at the playful teasing. Sirius leaned back in his chair, grinning widely. "Oh, don't worry, Mrs. Potter. We've already established that Lyra is too smart for me. But don't tell James, he'll get jealous."

James huffed dramatically. "Please, I've never been jealous of Sirius. That's a lie."

Mrs. Potter chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the banter. "Well, I think it's sweet. And if you ever need advice on how to handle two troublesome boys," she said, eyeing James and Sirius with affection, "I'm your woman."

Lyra smiled at her, feeling a sense of warmth that she hadn't realized she needed. "Thank you," she said softly, glancing at Sirius across the table.

"Don't listen to her," Sirius teased, waving a fork in the air. "I'm the easy one to handle. Just don't let James anywhere near the kitchen."

James shot him a glare but laughed along with the group. The teasing didn't stop there, of course. Mrs. Potter was just getting started.

"So, Lyra," she continued, raising an eyebrow in an exaggerated way. "How do you find Hogwarts? It must be a bit of a change from Ilvermorny, I imagine. Are James and Sirius keeping you entertained?"

Lyra couldn't help but laugh at the pointed look Mrs. Potter gave Sirius. "It's been... different," Lyra admitted, glancing at her friends. "But in a good way. I've never had friends like these before. They've made me feel more at home than I expected."

"Good," Mrs. Potter said with a smile. "That's exactly what I wanted to hear. And Sirius, you'd better be treating Lyra with the respect she deserves, or I'll have a word with you."

Sirius groaned dramatically. "You wouldn't dare."

"Oh, I absolutely would," Mrs. Potter said, her eyes twinkling. "And you know it."

Lyra laughed, enjoying the lighthearted atmosphere. It felt like a dream, to be sitting here among these people who had accepted her so easily, without any questions or hesitation. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of belonging. It was the kind of feeling she had longed for, but never truly allowed herself to experience.

After dinner, the group moved into the living room, where the Potters' Christmas tree sparkled brightly. The fire crackled merrily in the hearth, and James immediately suggested a game of "Truth or Dare" to keep the festive energy flowing.

"I dare you to kiss Sirius under the mistletoe," James said with a mischievous smirk, pointing up at the tiny sprig of mistletoe hanging from the doorframe.

Lyra looked up, her heart racing at the thought of being so close to Sirius, even if it was just for a silly game. She glanced at him, her breath catching slightly as their eyes met. He raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting that particular dare.

"Well, then," Sirius said, his voice low, "it looks like it's my turn to dare you, doesn't it?"

Lyra chuckled nervously, but before she could say anything, Sirius leaned forward, brushing a kiss to her cheek. It was quick, but it sent a strange warmth rushing through her.

James, Peter, and Marlene burst into laughter, but Lily just shook her head with a smile. "You two are hopeless," she muttered, clearly amused by the antics.

But then James turned to Lily with a dramatic sigh, his hands clasped in front of him as he asked, "Lily, how do you do it? How do you put up with all of this?" He gestured broadly to the group, grinning mischievously.

Lily rolled her eyes but smiled fondly. "James, you're impossible. But I've learned to manage."

James gave her a cheeky grin. "Does that mean you're finally admitting that you're in love with me?" he asked playfully.

Lily smacked him lightly on the arm, laughing. "In your dreams, Potter."

The teasing was in full swing now, and Lyra couldn't help but laugh along with them, feeling like she was part of something special. The Potters' house was filled with warmth and laughter, and for once, Lyra didn't feel so alone. Surrounded by friends who cared, she realized that this was what family could be—lighthearted, fun, and filled with joy.