Lily's Invitation

Back home, Evita opened her beloved suitcase and climbed into the Fantastic Beast space.

It contained almost every kind of environment animals needed to survive, from plains and forests to oceans. It stretched as far as the eye could see; without magic, one might walk for days and still not reach the end.

Of course, every animal preferred staying outside with Evita.

The machines Adele had made with Alchemy were scattered throughout the suitcase, with only a master control machine set outside the little wooden cabin. As usual, Evita dropped Galleons into the machine, letting its preset program deliver food to the animals.

After that, she spent so long in the space that she lost track of time, moving nonstop from one animal to the next and becoming a master of giving them all equal attention.

Only after two busy days did Evita leave. Feeling oddly happy, like someone who had finally seen the sun after being shut in a dark room for ages, she went to find Lily and discovered that they were hanging decorations around the house.

When Evita arrived, Lily immediately asked, "Christmas is almost here, Weiwei. Will you spend it with us? Remus is going home for Christmas, so it'll just be me, James, you, Sirius, and Harry here."

"Sure," Evita answered under Lily's expectant gaze. "Is there anything I can help with?"

"We're hanging wreaths made of holly, mistletoe, and pine branches around the house," Lily said, handing her a big armful of Christmas wreaths. "Just put them on the doors and the Christmas tree."

Evita did as she was asked, then soon returned home, lost in thought about what Christmas presents to prepare.

In the end, she first looked through the materials she had accumulated over the years, then slowly turned her gaze to the suitcase.

Someone who liked Potions would naturally like rare Potions ingredients... plan approved ✓

On Christmas Day, gold, red, green, and white filled the streets and alleys, along with a cheerful atmosphere.

Whether for adults or children, receiving presents was a happy occasion. Owls flew in and out, and presents in all kinds of wrapping were piled beneath the enormous Christmas tree in the living room.

The four gathered around the fireplace drank steaming Christmas wine. Evita, of course, had hot cocoa, and they chatted and laughed as they each opened their presents.

Lily and James first opened the presents for Harry, who was sleeping soundly in his room. They were from the four people present, Lupin, and old Bathilda.

"It looks really cool," James said, holding the transforming building-block toy Evita had given Harry. "And fun, too."

Evita looked down and opened her first package. It was from Dumbledore: a copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Next came a book about Goblins from old Bathilda.

Holding up a box stuffed with hair and feathers from various animals, Sirius said, "What a complicated mix of colors."

Evita glanced up, then looked down and opened her second package. It was Dragon Dung, from Lily. She said casually, "Once you guess all the kinds of animals they came from, it'll give you a huge surprise."

He'll turn into a multicolored dog, hehe.

Sirius guessed eagerly, "Golden Snidget feathers, Phoenix feathers..."

His voice grew quieter as he went on, and he fell silent. He glanced first at Evita, who was tapping the toy James had given her, then at Lily and James. Finally, he made a face at the oblivious girl and lowered his voice. "I bet she'd deal with my question in a very unusual way."

James shrugged and made an "after you" gesture.

So Sirius asked, "Evita, remember to lock your door with a spell at night. I'm worried a thief might sneak into your house and find a huge pile of treasure."

"That won't happen." Evita patted her stomach. "My things are all very safe."

Sirius laughed for a moment, then said seriously, "You know some of those materials are extremely valuable, right?"

Evita pointed to the box Lily was opening. "That one's worth even more."

"Graphorn horn powder?! And Acromantula venom?" Lily exclaimed. "Weiwei, where did you get these?"

Evita puffed out her chest proudly.

Lily shook her head. "It's too dangerous. Especially Graphorn horn powder—you can't buy it anywhere. They live in the mountains. Weiwei, did you go there alone?"

"No," Evita replied. "I have a suitcase full of Fantastic Beasts."

Though the Graphorn horn powder was from the stock Adele had sent back for her to use as freely as she liked...

James said, "But a lot of your animals are far too valuable. Just that Golden Snidget that often appears could sell for a very good price. What if..."

"What if we were really terrible dark wizards?" Lily's tone grew serious. "You'd be forced to say goodbye to all your animals."

"Like this," Sirius said, without holding his wand. "Incarcerous, and Accio suitcase."

"That won't happen." Evita wasn't tall enough, so she patted his chest instead and said confidently, "Because I'm very powerful, more powerful than many adult wizards."

The three of them clearly looked unconvinced, but to protect the child's confidence, they nodded halfheartedly anyway.

Evita said, "Avada-"

James: ?

Sirius: !

Lily immediately covered her mouth and warned her, "Don't just say that! Do you want to be sent to Azkaban? It's a prison for all kinds of people guilty of terrible crimes, and it has the most terrifying guards in the world."

Evita tilted her head cutely, then, when Lily helplessly loosened her hand a little, immediately changed the subject. "I think Harry's hungry. What do you think?"

Having changed the subject, she looked down and continued opening her presents.

There was a flying broomstick from Sirius, a scarf from Lupin, Fantastic Beast care tools from Newt, and The Magic of Quidditch Balls from Tina.

Evita put everything away. "I can't wait to eat Christmas dinner."

"All right." Lily was utterly helpless.

Having successfully gotten away with it, Evita grinned and was the first to sit down at the table.

It was laden with a dazzling array of food, all kept warm with spells, mainly roast beef, roast goose, roasted vegetables, and sausages. Dessert was usually Christmas pudding and chocolate, and there were mince pies as well.

Evita was very fond of the roast beef. It was still steaming, fragrant and browned on the outside, yet every bite was full of juice. It was delicious. Of course, it was also possible that she had fallen victim to the vicious curse upon the land of Britain and had already lost her sense of taste.

Still, she ate happily and filled herself up, until she felt lazy all over. Now came the most crucial part: preparing a sufficiently warm bed, tightly drawn curtains, and a wonderful environment so quiet there was nothing but white noise.