The Last Christmas Keeperoliver Chapter 4

A/N: OK, the last update of the year for me, and then I can start all over again. I hope everyone had a good Christmas, and continue it with a Happy New Year. I know the new year is supposed to be the time to make resolutions, but, I don't bother, as I never keep them. I hope you are all better at it than I am.

Just to update every body, there are two chapters left to Simply Irresistible. And three left to Donny Potter. Probably only six left for this one, after this chapter is done. Not the end of the tale, just this portion.

Who knows how many new stories I will start this year, but to let you all know, there are seven possibilities in my little black book. I add to it when a thought occurs to me. And to let you know, this story never made it to my book. It was a spur of the moment thing. I mean really, how could anyone actually try to vision where this story could go. It's totally insane. I guess that is why it is so well accepted. You don't know what to expect. Neither do I.

Well, enjoy this last chapter in 2011. Look for the first of 2012 on maybe the first, but if not, then definitely the second. As always, Ollie the Keeper of the Quill.

TLC-}

Tonks didn't know whether to believe this baby or not. The tale he told her was improbable in the least, and quite impossible at the most. 137 Years old and returning as a baby? Of course it would explain how he was able to speak. It was a sad story, but if what he sad was true, then he was now in a better one. It has to suck not being able to die and join your loved ones in the afterlife.

Harry didn't say anything about Tonks future, and she was going to ask what it was, when he said, "Before you ask, I cannot tell you about your future. What ever it was is now different. That is, I don't know what your future is. I won't tel you what it was either. It would do you no good to know."

"Couldn't you at least tell me who I married, and if I had any kids?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"For one it could still be your future, and another, you probably wouldn't believe me."

"OK, I will accept that for now, but it doesn't mean I'm giving up on asking you in the future. You have me skeptical about number of things, especially those things you said about Voldemort, and you hunt for whatever it was. Sounds like a fairy tale to me."

"Believe what you will Tonks, but I won't change my mind about your past future. Does that even sound right?"

"Not on it's own, but it does in regards to your yarn."

"Thanks, I think."

TLC-}

Harry was being cuddled by his mum, when a thought struck him, "Mummy, are you in touch with your sister, Petunia?"

"How did you know about her, Harry? No, I am not talking with her right now. She doesn't like me too well, and to be honest, I am not happy with her either."

"So, she still hates the fact that you are a witch, and is jealous of you?"

"Maybe Tonks doesn't believe you, but the more I hear, the more I believe you really are from the future. Yes she is jealous of my being a witch. Ever since Severus met us and explained what I was, she has turned her back on me. She keeps calling me a nasty name."

"She used to call me Freak, mummy. Dumbledore left me with her in my future, when you and dad died. Her and her husband were not very nice to me. Dudley wasn't either to begin with, then I saved his life, or so he thought, and he changed after that. I think it is time to pay her and fatso a visit."

"JAMES HARRY POTTER I WILL NOT HAVE YOU CALLING PEOPLE NAMES."

"So, you don't think he is fat?"

"What I think, and what I say are two different subject matters. I would never call anybody anything behind their back."

"You did it to dad, before you and him got together."

Lily sputtered at that one, "Well, uh, that was different. He was a, a, a toe rag and and an egotistical arse. He was pig headed, mean, and cruel. He tortured poor Severus until he turned him completely against me, because I was a Gryffindor."

"You don't really believe that do you mummy? Severus was being influenced by Lucius and his cohorts into becoming a follower of Voldemort. The Marauders only strengthened their words because of their pranks against Slytherin. If dad did not pull those pranks, Severus still would have sided with Voldemort, because it was what he wanted. Not for the fame, or the glory or the notoriety, but because he was accepted for the first time in his life by a group of friends. He didn't want to give you up, but, because you were a muggleborn he was ridiculed by this group. He was ashamed of himself for listening to this group, when he called you what he did in your fifth year. He tried to look strong in front of them, and it hurt the one he truly cared for, you."

Lily listened to this with a tear in her eye. What Harry said made sense. She really did like James in the six years before they got together, but, she could not tell him because of his ego. It would have looked like she gave in to his charms. She also did not like the Marauders pranking someone she cared for consistently. Three or four against one was not good odds. However, she could feel Severus pulling away from her more and more as the years slipped by.

"Let's just drop that subject and get back to your Aunt Petunia. Now why are you concerned about her all of a sudden?"

"I'm not concerned about her so much, it's just that I feel I owe her something. Oh., it's not a thank you, I can promise you that. Maybe it's a wake up call, telling her you are the only family she has left, And you need to be back in her life, or all she will have is her sister in law."

"Who's her sister in law?"

"A female Vernon. Her name is Marge, and she is even more hateful than he is. She raises dogs, and she trains them to be as hateful as she is."

"Is she really that bad, Harry? She trains her dogs to be hateful?"

"Every bit as bad as I say, and more. I don't think Petunia cares for her too much, and Dudley only likes her for the money she gives him. If you though that dad was egotistical, then you should meet Marge. No one is good enough to sit at a table with her, except her dogs."

"Why would I want to meet someone like that? She sounds disgusting. Was Tuney happy there? It doesn't sound like a very nice place to live, the way you put it."

"Well., it wasn't for me, and Aunt Petunia was always trying to please Dudley. He was spoiled rotten, and very mean as a young teen. Like I said, he changed after he turned 15."

"Do you think she would want to see me, Harry?"

"Not so sure that want is the right word. Needs to see you would be a better way to put it. She needs to know that she has other family besides Marge. In my future, she had no where else to go. She had no one to turn to for help. Almost like she was trapped there. She seemed bitter, and hard. She chose her life, and was stuck with it, with no hope to escape."

"Poor Tuney."

"Don't feel sorry for her mummy. She decided what to do with her life, and was stuck with it when you died. She always thought you would be there if anything happened with her and Vernon. When you died, she lost all hope. If you decide to go see her, then go there and tell her that she still has her family, and you will always be there for her, if she needed it. But don't show sympathy for her, or you will lose her. She still has her pride."

"If Tonks was listening to you now, she would know for sure what you told her was the truth. That was so grown up and logical. I think I do need to pay a visit to my older sister. Let her know that I am still around."

"Good, because I want to scare the pants off of her, for what she did to me. I want to see what she thinks of a talking baby, that is full of wisdom, and incite. I also want to keep Dudley from becoming a hateful juvenile. Then, we need to see Minerva. I need to know something about Dudley that I never thought about in my time frame."

"What was that Harry?"

"How Dudley was able to see the Dementors when he is supposed to be a muggle? I know he saw them, because he ran from them when they Attacked me. One of them left and went after him. If he didn't see them, he wouldn't have been afraid."

"If he did, then Dudley is not what they think of him. It may be he is just a squib, but I don't think so."

"That is what I think also Mummy. I don't know if Albus put a block on him or what. He might have to get the Dursleys to keep me. Albus always was a manipulative old goat, but it was always for the right reasons."

"Oh you noticed that too did you? That is why I didn't want him to know of your talking already. He would find some way to get into your life, and turn it to his favor somehow."

"Not if I can help it. I liked him, but he really upset me at times, and when he did what he did in my fifth year, I could have killed him."

"What is it about the fifth year that changes so many lives?"

"I think it's the OWLS mummy, they scramble your brains."

Lily laughed at that, "Perhaps you're right, they are kind of nerve racking. They almost made Sirius a murderer, your dad an accomplice, and Remus a killer."

"OH, you mean the Shrieking Shack. Ya, that was close. Thank goodness dad came to his senses before he let Severus go in. That could have been a mess."

"OK, enough history, what say we go pay a little visit to my darling sister. So that you can scare the pants off of her. Does she wear pants now? She always wore those 1950 style dresses that made her look like someone off of a television show from that era."

"She was still in that era the last time I saw her. It always made her look so old and plain looking. It was like Vernon bought her the clothes she wore, trying to hide something."

"You're right Harry, it does. I think he is trying to keep her self esteem down, and make her think of herself as plain, and simple. She was always wearing the best clothes as we grew up, and had many boys looking at her. Vernon probably saw this, and did his best to hide it from anyone else."

Lily and Harry landed in the park, in side the tree line, to avoid being seen. They walked up the block to #4, and took a deep breath before knocking.

The door opened, and Lily was shocked when she saw an older woman answer the door, "Yes, can I help you?"

"Please excuse me, I must have the wrong house. I was looking for the Dursleys?"

"No, you have the right house. I am Mrs. Winslow, their neighbor. Petunia is not feeling well, and I am watching Dudley for her. Can I ask who's calling, and I will see if she wishes to see you?"

"Just tell her it's Lily. She will know who I am."

Mrs. Winslow turned and went into the den and then returned with a frown on her face. "I don't understand it, Petunia is not usually that rude, but she said If you're here to tell her you told her so, you can turn around and leave, because she doesn't want to hear it. I wonder what she is talking about?"

"I know what she means Mrs. Winslow, and I am not here for that at all. I just wish to get to Know my sister again."

"Your sister? You and Petunia are sisters, and she doesn't want to see you. What is wrong with that girl. She has been acting strange for the past two weeks. OH, please come in. I don't mean to sound rude, but why are you and Petunia angry with each other?"

"I'm not angry with Tuney. She is angry with me over something that happened 11 years ago. We haven't spoken since. I thought it was time to try and put our differences behind us."

"Do you really mean that Lily?" came from the door to the den.

Lily looked at her sister who appeared to be running a temp. "Yes Tuney, I mean that with all my heart. I miss you sis. How are you doing, and don't tell me fine, as you look like crap."

Tuney laughed at her sister, "Nice way to win me back there sis. Compliments always work."

Lily laughed as well, "You didn't want me to start off by telling you lies did you?"

"No, I didn't. Now won't you come in, and who is that you have with you?"

"Mrs. Winslow, I can take care of Tuney, if you have something you want to do."

"Thank you, as a matter of fact I do need to do some shopping. Petunia, do you want me to check on you later this evening?"

"No, I'll be fine Ann, and thank you." And Mrs. Winslow left. Petunia looked back at Lily, "OK, why did you want to get rid of Ann?"

"Because Tuney, things are going to be said that she didn't need to hear. First off, Petunia I would like you to meet your nephew James Harry Potter. He likes to be called Harry."

"Yes, like I am sure he really cares what you call him. He is all of what, a month old?"

"That's about right. But, go ahead and call him James if you wish, just don't say I didn't warn you."

"OK Harry it is. Now what is it you are going to tell me?"

"Tuney, I don't know if you heard, but James is dead."

Petunia sat up straight in her seat to listen to what Lily had to say next. "How?"

"Voldemort killed him, as James did him. They killed each other. James learned that he was after Harry because of a stupid prophecy, and he went nuts telling Dumbledore there was no way he was letting his son become the target of a maniac who believes the dribble that comes from some one he doesn't even know. He learned from Albus what he needed to know in order to defeat him. He needed to find some dark objects and destroy them before he could confront Voldemort. He did, and then about six months ago, he faced him. I was devastated Tuney. I didn't think I would make it. If it wasn't for Sirius, I probably wouldn't have. Any way, about a month ago, Sirius asked me to marry him, because he thought that Harry needed a father image to look up to, that could tell him about his real father. I accepted his proposal, but not his reason. Now, hold on to the arms of your chair Tuney. Harry sweetie tell Aunt Tuney your name."

Before Harry could say anything, Petunia asked if she could hold him. Lily was ready to say no, when she saw Harry nod his head. She handed Harry to Petunia, and right away Harry started his flirting. He rubbed her cheek, and played with her ear. Then he ran his fingers through her hair, and Tuney was soaking it up. You could see her smile as she turned her cheek to his hand, and raise her head when he touched her ear, and lowered her head to him when he reached for her hair. Then it came. "Aunt Petunia, why do you dress like a 1950 mother?"

Tuney about dropped Harry to the floor when she heard him. She didn't know what the heck was going on. She was turning and looking for something. She looked back over at Lily, then down at Harry, who was smiling up at her. He touched her cheek again, but this time she pulled her head back. Harry pouted and was about ready to cry, and she leaned forward again. Harry stroked her cheek, and she began to calm down. "Lily, please tell me you can explain what just happened?"

"Harry could explain it better."

"I don't know if I could handle a full blown speech from a baby. But I need to know what this is all about."

Harry looked up at his Aunt, "Would you believe me if I told you I was 137 years old?"

Petunia collapsed back in the chair. She had passed out. Harry just laughed. "That was just too good. Did you see the look on her face mummy?" Harry almost passed out when he saw the look on his mother's face. "OH OH! You're mad at me aren't you mummy?"

"To put it to you bluntly young man, I am beyond mad. I am furious. How dare you shock your Aunt like that? She was reaching out to us, trying to be nice, and you do this. Why?"

"I did say I wanted to scare the pants off her mummy, and if she had been wearing them, I probably would have accomplished it."

Lily tried to hold it back, but she couldn't. She let out a loud laugh that woke Petunia up from her nap. Lily's laugh got worse when she saw the look of bewilderment in her eyes. Petunia's look went from that to anger. "What is so funny Lily Marie Evans?"

Lily's laughter was beginning to get contagious, as Harry started to laugh, then Petunia saw them both laughing, and began to laugh her self. This was one meeting she would not soon forget. She started tickling Harry, and he barked out a laugh that made the others sound like giggles. He was laughing so hard he had tears streaming down his cheeks.

They all finally settled down enough where Petunia went out to make a pot of tea. She needed something to settle her nerves. She hadn't laughed that hard in years. Then she heard Dudley waking up from all the noise. He started screaming, and Lily went to get him, as Petunia was still holding Harry. Lily was carrying the baby like it was something dreadful. She held it out at arms length. "I think something died in Dudley's nappie."

The laughter started all over again. Except for Dudley, who was looking at this strange woman that was holding him. "Poo pa da." he cooed.

"I'll say you did. What did you feed this child Tuney. If I was to know I would be facing this, I might have stayed home. PHEW, that's nasty little one. Did you save this just for me. If so, you could have kept it." Lily was talking to Dudley the whole time she was changing him. Dudley would giggle at her as she made those faces as she worked.

Tuney put Harry down next to Dudley on the floor, and Left to make the tea. Harry looked to Dudley, and Dudley looked back to Harry. "Hi Dudley."

Dudley reached over to touch Harry, and Harry reached out as well. Their finger tips touched, and sparks of static shocked them both, but neither cried. Instead they laughed at the tingle.

Lily and Petunia drank their tea as Harry and Dudley continued to interact.

Then the front door opened, and Vernon walked into see his son on the floor next to another baby, and his wife sitting across from someone that looked familiar to him. "Do I know you from somewhere?"

"You should, I am your sister in law."

"Petunia, I thought you hated your sister?"

"I thought I did too Vernon, but it wasn't hate I felt, it was jealousy. Please don't kick her out."

"Kick her out? Why would I kick her out? She is your sister, and you are having a pleasant visit, so why would I want to interrupt that. Do you want me to leave so that you an chat some more?"

Lily stopped him, "No, please stay Vernon. I think it is time I got to know you, and you know me. I guess you know my name is Lily, and this is my son Harry."

"Hello Lily, and Hello little Harry." Vernon said as he tickled Harry, and again Harry barked out that loud laughter that almost bowled Vernon over. "Goodness, that's quite a set of lungs he has there."

Petunia had a evil grin on her face, "You should hear him talk."

Vernon laughed as well, "I am sure we could have a nice little conversation, don't you think Harry?"

Harry looked up and said, "Ga ja do."

"Do you really think so Harry?"

"Ga."

"Brilliant boy you have here Lily. Before you know it, he will be speaking real words."

"I was speaking real words Uncle Vernon. They were in baby talk."

Vernon's jaw dropped down to his knees. "Say that again please."

"Are you still having trouble understanding me Uncle Vernon?"

"OK, what kind of a joke is this? Is there a hidden camera out there some where trying to make me look like a fool?"

"Uncle Vernon, you don't really want me to make a remark on that statement do you?"

Vernon saw Lily and Petunia laughing, and Dudley giggling. Harry was straight faced. "How are you doing this Lily? Is this some of your Frea-special abilities." Vernon corrected himself before he got into trouble with both women.

"Thank you for correcting your self Vernon, and no, this is none of my doing. That is actually Harry talking. Harry try to explain to your Uncle what is happening, and no more unexpected statements like you used on your Aunt."

"Yes Mummy. Well it's like this Uncle..." and Harry told his story to both his Aunt and Uncle. It would not be the last time that they would be visiting the Dursleys, as they had a wonderful and fun evening.

TLC-}

End Note: I just wish to explain Harry's use of mummy when he speaks to Lily. Harry is wanting her to accept him as her son, as a baby, not a full grown man. He thinks the best way to do this is by calling her by a childhood name. It will be shortened to mum as he grows older. We have one more chapter as a baby, then there will be a time jump to who knows what age. As always, Ollie the Keeper of the Quill.