It was the day everyone would be leaving for Christmas. Lily was ecstatic- she would be spending Christmas with her parents. I was not as joyful as I could've been; Sirius had gotten a letter demanding he returned home.

"It'll be fine," Sirius told me easily on the train ride home. "I mean, what's the worst that could happen?"

I gave Sirius a glare. "Do you really want me to come up with worst case scenarios? Because I can think of several."

"James, nothing will happen!" Sirius gave me a reassuring smile. "They aren't going to do anything to me."

"Well," I sighed. "Fine then. Make sure you get enough food- no skipping meals! Don't go out of your way to anger them, just lie low for a but. Get out of there as soon as possible, there's room at my place whenever. Keep an eye on your brother. Don't do anything stupid. No-"

"James, calm!" Sirius laughed. "You sound like your mum. Relax, you'll see. It'll all be okay. I will be fine."

I didn't say anything more, but I hardly believed him; the last time he'd told me that, he'd ended up dead. Remus wasn't much better than I was, knowing fully how bad Sirius parents were.

"Are you sure you have to go?" he asked. "Can't you just stay with James?"

"Moony, if I don't go, they might just kill me," Sirius said, possibly joking, but I flinched nonetheless. "Look, we're here."

We all got off the train. My parents were waiting with Lily's parents. I greeted Lily happily, since she had opted to sit with some other friends on the train.

"Off we go, then," Dad said jovially. "Merry Christmas, Lily! James, where's Sirius?"

"He has to go to his parent's," I said bitterly. "Wouldn't listen to anything I had to say."

Mum gave me a sad look, before smiling at the Evans. Dad Apparated us home.

"Merry Christmas, Jamie!" Mum smiled. "Now, you're fifteen so I expect you to help your father with the tree this year."

"Technically-"

"Ah, ah, ah, James," Dad grinned. "Don't argue with your mother. How was term?"

"Crazy," I said. "Confusing. Sad. I wish I knew how to just get rid of the memories! It'd be so much easier if I couldn't trigger them so easily."

Dad and Mum exchanged a knowing look, the kind that always annoyed me greatly.

"Don't worry, baby, it'll get better," Mum soothed. "So when is Sirius coming?"

"Hopefully he'll be able to get away for Christmas Day," I replied. "At the very least, he could sneak out."

"We'll make sure he's here," Dad smiled. "Don't worry; I'll get him home for Christmas if I have to go to the Black house myself."

"Thanks, Dad," I said happily. "I'd hate for him to be miserable on Christmas."

"By the way, I took it upon myself to invite the Evans over for dinner the day after Christmas," Mum declared. I stared at her. "It seems like a good time for me to get to know my future daughter in law."

"Mum!" I spluttered."Oh, man, you'll never change, will you?"

"Nope," Mum smiled almost cheekily. "We invited the Lupins, the Pettigrews, and Sirius, Regulus, and Severus."

"Oh, gosh, Snape's face when he gets the invitation!" I laughed. "He'll never believe it!"

"If Regulus comes, we're hoping they'll let Sirius comes," Dad said. "If not-"

"You'd go to the Black house yourself," I completed. "Great, then! I'm going to go write Sirius!"

"Sirius! Regulus!" I exclaimed happily. It was a few days before Christmas. Sirius and Regulus had just stepped out of the floo. Mum took one look at Sirius, rushed out of the room, then returned with a plate full of food, shoving it into Sirius's hands. I nodded approvingly. Sirius was too thin. Again.

"Hey, James," Sirius beamed, stuffing a roll into his mouth. "I didn't even have to sneak out! I told Mother that I wanted to go with Reg to his friend's house- she has no idea the friend is you!"

"That's great!" I forced a grin, still unsettled by how thin my friend was. "No wonder there were so many presents in the attic- aw, they weren't all for me then?"

"Nope. James, what were you doing in the attic?" Dad said, walking in. "Hullo, boys. Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" The Black brothers replied.

"We have presents, then?" Sirius asked eagerly. "Can we go open them?"

"On Christmas Day," Mum said disapprovingly. "Sirius, dear, you really need some meat on your bones! What have you parents been doing, starving you?"

Sirius shifted awkwardly, and Regulus sent him a sad glance.

"Not exactly," Sirius answered, and Regulus gave him an exaggerated look.

"I've been sneaking him food," Regulus declared. I frowned. "As much as I can, which is not a lot. He's been locked up."

Sirius scowled as Mum let out a sad cry of, "Oh, poor baby!"

"I'm fine, really, it's been less than a week," Sirius said. "I've lasted longer."

This only served to anger Dad and Mum more. I'd known this, but still, I was mad at them. In fact, I hated most of Sirius's family. Especially Bellatrix.

"James? You alright?" Sirius asked. I nodded, shaking my head to clear my mind. "Was that a yes or no?"

"It was a yes," I chuckled. "I just can't believe your parents."

"I wish they'd stop it," Regulus said sadly. "At least they stopped the Cruciatus?"

Mum let out a tiny yelp.

"Nah," Sirius replied, oblivious to my Dad's face growing red in anger and Mum's eyes welling with tears. "I just quit screaming. Er- Mrs. Potter? Mr. Potter? You okay?"

"Sirius, how long has this been going on?" I asked, knowing the answer, but seeming to be the only one who could speak without either sobbing or yelling. Sirius shrugged.

"I dunno, few years, something like that," he said guardedly, and I clenched my fists. Mum immediately pulled out her wand and went into Healer mode, and Dad ushered Regulus and I out of the room.

"Rest assured that he will be out of there as soon as possible," Dad declared solemnly. "Regulus, you're welcome to leave as well. Once Carol runs a diagnosis, we'll have evidence enough to charge them for child abuse."

"Good," I smiled dryly. "He can live with us now."

"I- I don't know," Regulus sighed. "I mean, Mum and Dad treat me fine…"

"But when they find out you're friends with me?" I asked wryly. Regulus shifted uncomfortably. "You're welcome here too, you know."

"Let's cheer up a bit," Dad beamed suddenly and quite obviously forcedly. "It's Christmastime! Tell you what- soon as Carol is done with Sirius, we'll all help to decorate the tree!"

As if on cue, Mum stormed out with Sirius following behind, holding a long sheet of parchment. "Those bloody Blacks! Ooh, when I get my hands on them! They're vile, foul, absolutely wretched people!"

She shoved the parchment into Dad's hands, who read it, and paled. He handed it to me, and Mum almost snatched it up, but Dad gave her a look and she let me read it.

"Bloody heck!" I exclaimed. "Sirius, you git, why didn't you say anything!?"

"Didn't think it was important," Sirius said, his face red. "I didn't think anyone'd care."

"You- what!?" I spluttered. "Sirius! Of course we'd care!"

Sirius next reply was so quiet that I barely heard it. "That's not what my parents said…"

I frowned, but didn't say anything. Dad and Mum talked for a second, before Dad grinned, and ushered us into the living room. There was a big box of ornaments on the floor. Sirius beamed wider than I'd seen him smile since he'd gotten the letter telling him to come home.

"Well," Mum smiled kindly. "Have at it, then. I'm going to go help the elves with breakfast."

"And I have business at the Ministry," Dad laughed. "You have free reign. Do what you'd like."

Sirius, Regulus, and I started eagerly on the tree, laughing and joking with each other.

"Aw, James! Look at you!" Sirius grinned cheekily, holding up an ornament sporting a picture of a four year old me. I blushed. "What a cute little costume!"

"Yeah, yeah, put that one in the back," I said. Sirius's eyes flashed mischievously, and placed the ornament in the front of the tree. I scowled half-heartedly, and shook my head amusedly at Sirius's antics. "Oh, alright, then."

"Why, James, it's just too cute to hide!" Sirius declared happily, and Regulus snickered picking out another ornament- obviously handmade.

"James! Did you make this?" Regulus laughed. "It's cute! What's it supposed to be?"

"It's Santa!" I exclaimed. "Don't you know who Santa is!?"

"Nope," Regulus said. Sirius and I gawked at him.

"But," Sirius shook his head. "But it's Santa!"

"Mum and Dad have never mentioned a Santa," Regulus shrugged. I frowned, looking at Regulus pityingly.

"Santa brings presents!" I declared. "He comes to your house on Christmas Eve, in a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer!"

"Like James," Sirius added. I whacked him gently on the head. "Okay, okay, not like James! Santa comes down the chimney and leaves toys to good kids!"

"How come I don't get anything from Santa?" Regulus whined. "I'm a good boy!"

"Your parents probably have anti-Santa wards on your house," I said wisely. "Sirius gets presents from Santa at Hogwarts."

"Uh-huh! You'll probably get them here, too!" Sirius said eagerly. "He always knows exactly what you want!"

"What are we talking about in here?" asked Mum, walking in with three platters of food, and three mugs of hot chocolate. "I figured you'd like to eat in here."

"Yep!" I beamed. "We're talking about Santa!"

"Ah, yes, Santa Clause," Mum smiled. "Yes, yes. I do wonder what he's gotten you boys this year?"

"I hope he brings me something," Regulus said wistfully. "I didn't even know who he was until now!"

"You didn't, huh?" Mum raised an eyebrow. "Well! I know what we're reading Christmas Eve."

"The Night Before Christmas!" I cheered, rushing over to the bookshelf on the other side of the room and yanking the book out. "By the fireplace! With hot cocoa! And we'll leave cookies and milk out for Santa- ooh! We can leave him some pizza too, do you think?"

"I think Santa would very much appreciate pizza," Mum chuckled at my enthusiasm. I was a bit surprised myself; I was acting rather childish. Then again, I'd always loved Christmas.

"We're gonna bake cookies?" Regulus asked eagerly. "This is the best Christmas ever!"

"JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE BELLS, JINGLE ALL THE WAY!" I awoke bright and early Christmas morning to Sirius and Regulus singing at the top of their lungs. I smiled, and climbed out of bed, greeting the caroling brothers cheerfully, before joining them until my parents got up.

"Alright, it's six in the morning," Dad said tiredly, poking his head out of his room. "Go back to bed, you lot, or at least shut up."

So we all went back into my room, and sat on the floor in a circle.

"I think I heard him last night!" Regulus grinned excitedly. "I head sleigh bells, and someone laughing!"

"Ho, ho, ho?" Sirius suggested. Regulus nodded eagerly. "Did he say 'Merry Christmas'? I could have sworn I heard that!"

"Me too!" I said happily. "So, we know Santa's been here! Wonder what he brought us!?"

"A new broom!" Sirius exclaimed.

"A painting set!" Regulus beamed. I glanced at him. "I don't usually tell people; I love to paint."

"Wow!" I smiled. "I never knew!"

"No one does," Regulus admitted. "What do you want?"

"Hmm…" I frowned thoughtfully. "I think… I'm happy to be here with my family, celebrating Christmas, not worrying about anything. I have everything I could ask for."

"That was… philosophical, James," Sirius noted. "You've been hanging out with Lily too much."

I did the mature thing. I stuck my tongue out at him.

It only took about thirty minutes for Mum to come get us for breakfast. She told us strictly, "Just don't go in the living room yet! No presents until after breakfast!"

"Yes, Mum," I said obediently. Nonetheless, all three of us tried to poke our heads into the living room over the gates Mum had put up that blocked it off.

Breakfast was quick, and Sirius and Regulus chattered about presents and candy. Then, it was presents.

"Alright," Mum said. "Now, since Regulus is the youngest, he'll open the first present. Jacob, you have the camera?"

"Got it," Dad replied, presenting his camera. "Alright Regulus, open this one first."

Dad passed Regulus a thing package, and Regulus tore it open. Out fell a note, and a copy of The Night Before Christmas. Regulus read the note. "It's from Santa! It says, 'Dear Regulus, A little birdie told me you'd never heard of me. Well, it's very good to know you believe now! I thought you might like to have your own copy of this book! Enjoy it! Sincerely, Santa Clause'!"

"That's great!" I said happily. "Okay! Sirius next- open mine!"

I tossed Sirius a present wrapped in blue. He tore it open eagerly. "Wicked, James! A toy motorbike! Oh, this is brilliant! Thanks so much!"

I smiled widely.

"Here, open mine, James!" Regulus beamed, passing me a present wrapped in Gryffindor patterned paper. "You'll like it."

I ripped off the wrapping paper. It was a framed painting of me, Regulus, and Sirius. "Oh! Wow, Reg! Did you paint this?"

"Yeah," Regulus blushed. "Do you like it?"

"I love it!" I grinned. "It's magnificent! Must have taken you forever!"

Regulus beamed wider than ever.

"Mum, open my present!" I requested. Mum smiled, and grabbed my present out of the set. She opened it, and smiled. It was a Muggle cooking set.

"Oh! Fascinating!" Mum declared. "I'll have to use this! Thank you, Jamie dear!"

The presents continued much in this fashion. Regulus had indeed gotten a painting kit from Santa, and Sirius got his new broom from my parents. I'd gotten lots of candy, and Lily had gotten me a book on Occlumency and organizing my mind. Moony had gotten me a book on time travel.

"Sirius, open that thin one from us- be careful, dear," Mum said. Sirius carefully pulled the wrapping paper off a box, which he opened. He pulled out a few papers, read them over, then looked up, eyes full of disbelief, joy, and relief.

"I… is this for real?" he asked. Dad nodded happily. "I… oh, man… you have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you…"

Sirius passed me the papers. I immediately realized what they were. "Guardianship papers! Sirius, you're gonna live with us!"

"That's great, Sirius!" Regulus exclaimed. "Be sure to write me- it'll get lonely without you."

"This… this is amazing," Sirius said. "I… thank you."

"It's not a problem, Sirius," Mum replied kindly. "You're welcomed here. Now, Jamie, open up your present."

I did. It was a Pensieve. There was a note attached.

Dear James,

I know you've been having trouble with your memories. If you put them in here, they will be much dimmer. It should help with the nightmares and flashbacks. Take good care of this,

Love,

Mum and Dad

I glanced up at them, and smiled. "This is great! Thanks, Mum, Dad."

"No need to thank us," Dad said happily. "Just use it, help yourself."

"This really is the best Christmas ever!" Regulus exclaimed from his seat. He'd opened his paint set. "Water colors, oil paint, and acrylics!"

Sirius and I exchanged amused glances, then burst out laughing. Life was good.

A/N: Hello, and merry super early Christmas! Hope you guys all enjoyed! They finally have Sirius out of there for good! Thanks to Theta-McBride, N.E. Person, Lovewriting12, icecatfire, and Kazo Sakamari for your reviews! Virtual candy canes for you! The pizza for Santa, the reading of The Night Before Christmas, and the gates on Christmas morning are all tradition at my place, so I ended up incorporating them into my story! Hope you enjoyed!

I don't own Harry Potter. Or The Night Before Christmas.