A/N Okay, so I know I sort of well... disappeared. I'm sorry! I really am. But please don't hate me! I made it extra long too just because I felt bad. Hah. Alright, so basically read and review, despite the fact that it's kind of rubbish.

Disclaimer- It's JKR's.

ALSO- alright so something has been really screwy with the server so every time I post this- or think I do anyway- it gets deleted. sorry for the excessive emails for anyone who has me on alert, but i'm hoping this will be the last time.

Chapter Ten- Holidays

Spending time with Sirius Black was a lot easier then I ever thought it could be. I had always just seen him as 'Potter's Secondhand Man', but once I got him talking I found out there was a lot more to him. For instance, Sirius Black really is a sucker for peanut butter. I guess everyone is to an extent, but I never thought I could ever actually get him to start panting when I pulled out some muggle 'Reeses' candies after dinner one night.

He was just an incredibly funny and sincere sort of guy. However, as much as the boy could make me laugh, there was still something missing. It's kind of hard to explain, but I guess I'll try a go at a metaphor. So a girl is extremely excited because she's just scored front row seats to see her favorite band. She enters the theater, and finds out that her tickets were flipped, and she's actually a few rows back. Sure, her view of the band's still great and maybe her tickets are even closer to the middle, but it's still nothing compared to being in the action where you just about touch the musicians.

It was just a different experience hanging out with Sirius then James, I guess. And I really do hate the fact that I the only thing I can think about is being sweat on by the bass player, but it's inevitable. Sirius could feel it too, I was sure, but would never say anything. We both played our parts convincingly, slowly but surely we learned to accept our new seats.

It wasn't like we were completely disconnected from the outside world. We both received a disgusting amount of letters; most of which from Lydia and James.

Sirius, obviously still frustrated at the pair, threw each letter into the fire without a second glance. He had a reason to be angry, and I could only relate to a small extent of that.

Due to this fact I accepted mine, most of which from Lydia, with open arms. I really had missed her a lot during our little cold war, and therefore wrote just as disgusting of an amount back. I didn't hear from Potter, however, until Christmas Eve when he sent two packages by owl to the Common Room.

Sirius was sitting by my side on the couch when the packages arrived. As I untied the bundle from the owl, another flew in and landed next to Sirius carrying a similar box. I opened the letter attached to mine, ignoring the text in order to catch a glance at the signature.

"James," I read aloud uneasily.

Sirius turned the package over once in his hand, tracing the pattern of the wrapping paper as if in a daze. After a moment, he stood and slowly made his way over to the mantle. I thought for a moment he was going place it on the table for safe keeping, but before I knew it the package began to burn in the fireplace like every other attempt at a cease-fire had.

"Sirius Black, turning down a gift?" I asked lightly, however once I caught sight of his face I knew I couldn't gloss this over. However, I couldn't really think of anything I could possibly say to comfort him. "Friends suck."

He sat back down, nodding although not meeting my gaze. I moved closer to him, leaning my head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry he did this to you."

"He knew. He knew, well you know. What I wanted." His words were simple, and it was quite apparent that Sirius Black was not the kind of boy to talk about feelings. "I wasn't blunt about it, but he knew. He always knew." I nodded, knowing exactly what he was talking about despite his lack of words. He was his best mate, of course he knew. There was a silence in which Sirius continued to stare into the fire, and I continued to watch him. After a while he smiled sadly and wrapped an arm around my shoulder.

"It's a sad day when Lily Evans is the most stable thing in my life." I couldn't help but smile too at his comment; I never would have imagined myself in the arms of Sirius Black on Christmas Eve.

"I guess I could say the same thing to you." I admit. Another silence passed, this one more serene.

"Well, are you going to open it?" It took me a moment to realize what he was saying, but as he nodded at my lap I noticed I has still clutching James' package. I shrugged, and he spoke again. "No, you really should. You don't have a reason to hate him, and he's had that for a while."

I looked into Sirius' face for a moment, discovering him to be genuine. "I'll throw it into the fire afterward, if you want." I vowed, and he smiled.

"Just open it, already."

Shrugging, I moved first to the letter that was taped to the top of the package. I looked at it skeptically for a moment before deciding that I'd better read it. It was written in scribbles, but I still somehow managed to make my way through the words.

Dear Lily,

Well, Hello. How's your Christmas going? I know you hate me and everything I've done, but I guess that's not really different then usual, right? Okay, that was a bad joke and I know it. You have to realize, I'm really sorry Lily. It was a mistake that got a little out of hand, and deep down everyone knows it. I understand that that doesn't justify anything, but it's all I've got. I screwed up, but I suppose that's just my nature. Anyway, I promise you that you'll hate your gift. That's why I bought it, only I kind of wish I would get to see you open it to watch your disgusted expression. Oh well. Eventually you'll realize that you love it. Or you maybe will just hit me. Either way, Merry Christmas my Lily.

James

I couldn't help but smile at the letter. It was really and truly James; the James I hadn't really heard in what seemed like years. It wasn't until the second time I read through it, however, that I realized the 'P.S' scribbled at the bottom.

P.S. I've got quite the favor to ask of you. So as you're well aware, I've pretty much completely stomped on Sirius. I know he's been throwing everything I sent him out a window or into the fireplace, so I sent him an empty package. I've attached his real gift to yours; I'd be forever in debt if you'd get him to open it without throwing it into a lake first.

Once again the smile appeared on my face. Of course James would have known Sirius enough to realize how he would react to a present while in his current state. I looked up to meet Sirius' curious gaze. "He knew you'd throw your gift into the fireplace."

I handed him the package Potter had indicated as being his. "I think you should open it."

I immediately noticed the small trace of a smile that appeared on his face. "Am I that predictable?" He asked, taking the package. I shrugged.

"To Potter, maybe." My mind was already wandering back to the small package that was my own. I was turning it lightly in my hand, wondering what it could be.

'I promise you'll hate your gift... I kind of wish I would get to see you open it to watch your disgusted expression' The words didn't sound all that appealing. Knowing James it would be something dangerous.

"Open it," Sirius prompted, watching my face expectingly.

"You know what it is?" I asked. He grinned guiltily. "Will I hate it?"

"Well.. if it was from someone else then no."

I rolled my eyes, "Thanks for clearing that up."

"Just open it already!"

My eyes snapped up to his questioningly. "Are you turning back to rooting for team Potter?"

Sirius laughed, "I've always been a sucker for it." He pulled his arm around me tighter in a comforting sort of grip. "But things change and my best mate is acting like scum. So bring on the present hating!"

I flipped the package over one more time before tugging on the side of the bright red paper. It loosened, and I slowly pulled it off to reveal a long brown box. "Jewelry?" I asked, eying Sirius who shook his head.

"Too generic."

I nodded in agreement before turning back to my package, a little afraid it might set fire. I tipped it so that it stood up straight before opening the lid.

Flower petals spilled from the top, and I couldn't help but smile. "Generic, eh?" I joked before pulling several dozen petals out of the box and placing them onto Sirius' knee. The box, however, appeared to be otherwise empty save from a small piece of paper placed strategically at the very bottom. Raising an eyebrow, I pulled out the sheet and examined it carefully before unfolding it. Only two letters were written on it in black permanent marker. I couldn't help but let out a small sigh as I read the word.

'Me.'

"Oh that James Potter..." I managed to speak, overwhelmed by the unexpectedness of the gift. It was something so simple, so thoughtful and well... "So corny."

Sirius laughed. "Do you hate it?"

I shrugged, trying to compose myself. "At least it wasn't actually him who popped out of the box." I reasoned, though I couldn't help but wish in the slightest bit that he was here. He was right, it would have been funner. I could have thrown something large at his head, which is an act that I've been meaning to do... or I could have hugged him. Which was a lot more unlikely.

"Your turn," I said, shifting the attention from myself to Sirius. "Yours is a bit heavier, so maybe James actually got you something."

As Sirius began to unwrap his gift my attention wandered back to my own. I picked up the flower pedals from their resting place on Sirius' knee and placed them carefully in the box before adding the note on the top and sealing it. Maybe some day I would appreciate it. Or in the least have something to laugh about.

Sirius' snort from beside me brought my attention back to his gift. From what I could see, it was just a large bottle of firewhiskey. "He bought you alcohol?" I asked skeptically. Sirius turned the bottle in my direction to reveal a sticky note. It's message, like mine, was short but this time around seemed way more sincere.

It read, in the same permanent maker:

'For the next time I piss you off.'

I couldn't help but grin, and a glance at Sirius told me I wasn't the only one. He shook his head slightly for a moment, laughing. "Now how am I ever supposed to stay mad at a guy like that?"

My grin broadened and I let out a sigh of relief. Mark the day; the troops had finally agreed on a peace treaty.

"So Lily..." Sirius began for the umpteenth time that morning.

"Yes?" I responded, humoring him as I began to stack various Christmas gifts into a pile by the side of the couch.

"Well I was just wondering... Can we go to the Potters house?"

I frowned. "I liked you better when you were rugged and angry."

Sirius just laughed at thecomment; his joyous mood so genuine and different then she was used to.

"I'm still rugged, darling. So can we?"

"No Sirius, we most certainly can not." My response was meant to be final, but he persisted.

"But why?"

"Because, Sirius Black, that would be awkward and strange due to the fact that the Potters don't know me. A fact I'm perfectly content with it staying that way."

Sirius shook his head, clicking his tongue as he did so. "Ignorance isn't always a bliss, Lily. Mrs. Potter would love you! Of course that might have something to do with her thinking you're going to become her daughter in law..."

"What?!" I asked, standing up straight and causing him to let out another bark of laughter.

"I'm kidding, Lily. She doesn't know who you are. But It'll be fun!"

"We don't have a train." I reminded.

"We can use the headmaster's flu network."

I sighed loudly. "You go, Sirius."

"I'm not leaving you!"

"And I'm not going."

It was Sirius' turn to sigh. "Fine," he dragged out childishly, "Well then I guess I'll go change for a Hogwarts supper. Nothing like Mrs. Potter's roast beef..." He muttered as he climbed the boy's dormitory staircase. I smiled slightly, knowing that despite his attitude being bloody annoying, it was a good start. I dropped onto the couch and laid back against it, closing my eyes as I waited.

Sirius emerged from the staircase several minutes later, grinning once again. "Time for some yummy deliciousness." He decided, grabbing my arm and dragging me to first a sitting position, and then standing, and after out the door. "Hurry up, Lily, or we'll be late!"

I snorted. "There are only ten kids left in the castle. Seeing as we make up one fifth of that, I don't think they could start without us if they tried."

"I see your point." Despite his rush, when we entered the entrance hall Sirius dragged me toward the front door instead of the great hall's.

"Yeah I think we might be having dinner in the entrance hall tonight; it's just a guess." I joked sarcastically. He however, did not loosen his grip on my arm.

"We have to see if it's snowing! It always snows on Christmas." I wanted to argue with the statement, but I felt it was better left alone. Therefore I was actually smiling when Sirius pulled open the oak doors.

That smile faded, however, when they were swung open to their full abilities. Because leaning against the stone railing lazily was James Potter.

My jaw dropped into a small 'o'. Of course Sirius wouldn't give up so easily. Apparently 'changing for dinner' really meant 'contacting James Potter'. Who would of thought. Anyone with common sense, apparently.

James grinned when he saw us, letting out a laugh at my expression. "Sirius, you told me she was cool with this!" He accused, pulling Sirius into an embrace that I figured to be their final 'I'm sorry''s. When they let go, Sirius turned to me and insisted that he didn't really tell James that I was content.

"I hate you," I muttered to Sirius, who just grinned.

"Well now we get some real food and can have some hard core Potter fun."

My mind stopped for the second time since we had stepped outside. "Wait, you're not saying that you're still thinking of going to the Potters house?"

James nodded, "Well we have to, my parents are expecting us."

"Have fun then." I said with a shrug before turning around back toward the front door. I could feel the two look at each other before staring intently at my retreating figure.

"You're not going anywhere." Sirius insisted, catching up with me and holding onto my shoulder to stop me. He frowned. "Why don't you want to go?"

I snorted, "Would you look at if from my point of view? See anything appealing about the whole situation?" Sirius squinted his eyes in thought for a moment, before laughing.

"No, I definitely don't." He decided, "No offense, Prongs."

James shrugged, now moving inside and closing the door behind him. "None taken. Can we leave now?" Sirius turned his attention back to me, eying me skeptically. I looked away.

"I can't go if Lily wont."

I could see Potter's jaw drop from behind me, and Sirius smiled slightly as I responded; "Just go along without me."

"It's Christmas, Lily. Well I guess we'll see you later then, Prongs." Sirius strode away from me towards the Great Hall, and although part of me wanted to follow him I knew I couldn't. Christmas was not the time for selfishness.

"Fine." I agreed, and noticed that Sirius halted himself but didn't turn until I continued. "We can go to the Potters."

"Score!" Sirius called, finding his way first to James to high-five him, and then to me for an incredibly tight embrace. "Thanks Lily. I always knew you'd be a sucker for reverse psychology."

I mumbled something along the lines of 'bloody prick' before following the two back towards the door. I had just about reached it when something struck me. "How are we going to get there?"

James grinned, pulling at something from behind the outside steps to reveal two broomsticks. "You can ride with me." He insisted, waggling an eyebrow.

I knew that I was being a pain, and that I wasn't going to get my way anyway, but I still couldn't help but complain. "Do I have to?"

"Yup. Sirius can't fly if his life depended on it and I'm pretty spectacular. So I win."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "I'd crash you into a tree."

I sighed, finally giving in. "Let's get this over with."

Both boys hopped easily onto their broomsticks. Sirius floated several feet away while James flew toward me. I instinctively took several steps back, which apparently James found quite funny. "Just climb onto the back; I wont move it." I considered the possibility for a moment, still uneasy. In the end, I decided that it couldn't possibly be a bad thing.

I slowly pulled myself onto the broomstick, wrapping my arms tightly around James' waist before I could even think about it. I closed my eyes as he took off, and when I opened them we were soaring.

This was nothing like that horrible flying lesson I had learned in first year. This was experienced and magnificent, mind-blowing and well-

"Amazing." The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. I heard him laugh from in front of me, practically yelling back at me to be heard over the increasing wind.

"I was thinking the same thing."

And it really was. Well, at least for the first ten minutes. After a while, however, all I could think about was how incredibly cold it was, and I was almost thankful when we reached the Potters' house.

Or should I say mansion. I was situated on a hill just beyond a woods area, and I could make no other comparison then that of an old muggle book I had once read by Jane Austen; this house was Derbyshire.

When we entered the house, moments later, my reference had to be corrected. This was better then Derbyshire. The ceilings were high and the rooms were very nicely furnished with brilliant colors and schemes. I looked around, happily absorbing my surroundings, while James eyed me skeptically.

"Don't... Well don't judge me too much for this, okay?"

I laughed, turning to face him for the first time since we arrived to see that his hair was more windblown then ever. It really suited him, though.

"Nice hair, you two." A voice from behind me spoke my thoughts, and I turned to see Sirius approach us, grinning. "You both look like you just came from a major snog session. I'm sure your mom would love to see that."

James shrugged, running a hand through his hair in vein. "Yeah, maybe that wouldn't be the best idea."

I turned to a nearby mirror, realizing that Sirius wasn't at all exaggerating. My hair was windblown and sticking out at weird angles, and I brushed furiously at the wavy locks to contain them. I could feel James watching me, but I tried to ignore his piercing gaze. He waited until I was satisfied with my appearance to speak.

"Ready to meet my folks?" I nodded unsurely. "They'll love you, Lily. I promise. Everyone does."

They couldn't be too bad, right? All I had ever heard of the Potters was that they were nice, funny, and intelligent individuals. So that couldn't be that catastrophic, right?

Wrong, apparently. From the moment we entered the kitchen I could feel the Mrs.'s looking at me as if I was some rare virus that needed to be contained. She hugged her son and Sirius tightly before nodding a 'hello' in my direction. James raised an eyebrow questioningly, and I tried desperately to make peace.

"You have an incredible home." I complimented.

"Thank you." She replied simply before turning back to the stove. "Now why don't you three set the table."

I grabbed the silverware while Potter and Sirius handled the dishes and glasses. We entered the oversized dining room, and I stared at James until he would look at me. He grinned uneasily.

"She loves you."

Sirius snorted as he placed several plates into their spots at the table. "Almost as much as my parent's would."

James gave his friend a warning glass, but I just looked at him confusedly. I didn't know Sirius' parents, but by Potters' reaction I was assuming they wouldn't like me either. Since when was I so universally hated by adults?

Well, at least Mr. Potter found me tolerable. I could see so much of James in his dad that I guess it was expected that he would like me. Obviously some blood defect the two shared. Either way, it was greatly appreciated during the interrogation that I had in store for me during dinner.

"Where are you from, Lily?"

I stopped cutting my roast beef to answer. "Just outside of London, actually."

"Do you play Quidditch?"

I shook my head. "No, I'm not very gifted on a broomstick."

"It's not all about the gift, dear, you have to practice just like anything else."

I nodded, afraid to say something else to anger her.

"How do you do in school?"

I shrugged. I own at it? Somehow, I figured that wouldn't be the most appropriate response. "I do well."

"My son," she continued, and I rested my knife on my plate; knowing that eating would not come anytime soon. "Is second in the class. He's very motivated."

I wanted to say that James wasn't motivated but actually and truly gifted, but once again I knew it would only cause chaos to mention.

"Mom," James interrupted. "Lily's first in our class."

If I had known that it would stop the woman from talking for a moment, I would have said it myself. She closer her mouth, which had been ready for another set of questioning, and nodded. "That's impressive."

"Very impressive." Sirius agreed, reminding her that he was still present. "Unlike me," He frowned, but I could tell it was more of a diversion then anything else. The glint in his eye was unmistakable.

"Oh Sirius, you're a smart boy if you would just put some effort in. Say Lily," She began, and I inwardly groaned. "How long have you been friends with these boys? I've never heard you mentioned before."

Oh, harsh. Well, it would be if I cared. I looked at James, silently begging for him to cut in. He grinned before obliging.

"Hey mom, do you think I could talk to you for a moment?"

Mrs. Potter looked up, shaking her head. "Sweetie, we have guests."

"It's a matter of urgency." He insisted, and I could feel Sirius' snicker. The two disappeared into the living room, and I let out a long breath of air at the time that Sirius completely exploded.

"This is better then watching the world cup!" Sirius insisted, making Mr. Potter let out a chuckle.

I scowled at Sirius. "Help me." I begged at the two; even though Mr. Potter should be a source of fear for me, he seemed incredibly more care-free then his wife.

"I've never seen her give the third degree to anyone before." Mr. Potter mused with a grin.

"He's never brought a girl home before." Sirius reasoned, grabbing another roll out of the dish.

"We're not even dating!" I complained, taking this free time to take a sip of my seltzer. "We don't even get along!"

Mr. Potter shrugged, "It doesn't look that way much. Not to a mother at least."

Apparently if you speak of the devil it appears, because James and her entered the room at that time. I looked at James hopefully, but he just shrugged and mouthed the words 'shes stubborn'.

Now I know where he gets it from.

"Sorry about that," He insisted, and as he sat next to me I guess I could understand what Mr. Potter meant. He did move his chair awfully close, resting his hand on the side of my chair as he sat down. He had finished eating, so it all just a show for him now.

Surprisingly, it was Sirius who came to my rescue. "So Mrs. P, while you were gone Lily was telling us about how she wants to become an auror."

Mrs. Potters' jaw dropped, and I saw her husband smile impressively. I didn't think I had ever mentioned my future plans to Sirius, but it was a helpful comment none the less.

"An auror, you say?" Mrs. Potter asked warily. "What a coincidence; Mr. Potter is an auror."

James grinned, obviously also pleased with Sirius' comment. "Mom wants me to be an auror."

"But you don't want to be?" I asked curiously, taking a spoonful of mashed potatoes and turning to face him.

"I kind of wanted to take the Quidditch route." James explained with a shrug.

"Despite his potential to be great." His mother said offhandedly.

"Lot's of Quidditch players turn out to be great." James countered, sitting up straighter in his seat.

"Everyone done?" Mr. Potter cut in, standing up and picking his plate up. Sirius, too, stood up and grabbed an empty bowl. "I can make some tea if anyone wants it."

Mother and son were still staring stubbornly at each other with fiery eyes. I put a hand on James' shoulder, trying to pull his attention away. He slowly stood, picking up his glass with more force then necessary as he turned into the kitchen. Mrs. Potter, on the other hand, stood up empty handed and stomped out through the living room. I moved toward Sirius.

"Well this is awkward." I muttered, and he grinned.

"Yeah, it's quite the ongoing fight the two have." We were in the kitchen now, laying our dishes where Mr. Potter indicated. James was standing by the opposite door. When we finished cleaning up, he nodded toward the exit and steered us up a flight of stairs to his bedroom. None of us spoke until he had safely shut and locked the door behind him.

"I'm sorry." I knew he was mostly directing the words at me, because Sirius had already made his way to James' closet and pulled out a pile of Quidditch magazines which he sat on the bottom of James' bed to read. I shrugged, looking away uncomfortably.

"It's no problem." I turned away from him to examine his room; tired of him always apologizing. Like the rest of the house, his room was large and spacious. The walls were white, however there were quite a few posters and pictures scattered around. Most of the posters were of famous Quidditch players, however there were several of him and his group of friends. In terms of furniture, there was a large king size bed on the far side of the room, a wooden dresser directly next to the door, and an over sized blue bean bag chair under the window.

I dropped onto the bean bag chair and stretched my arms over my head. "So this is your room."

James nodded, watching me curiously as I began to pull off my shoes. "Why yes, this is. Do you approve?"

"Very much. I like your house a lot. It's a too bad that I'll be forever after banished from it." I half-joked.

"This is true." He agreed, grinning as he dropped onto the beanbag next to me. There was more room for him on the bed, however the size of this seat made it so we weren't too cozy. I didn't bother to protest, but rather yawned loudly.

"My mom has that effect on people."

I laughed, but Sirius spoke up. "I like your mommy. She likes me more then you."

"She treats you like a puppy." James joked.

"Well I am a puppy. Oh look, it's snowing!"

James leaned on my shoulder in order to look out the window. "Looks like you two will be spending the night."

"Score!" Sirius cheered, standing up.

I groaned loudly, standing up to examine the half-foot of snow that had accumulated during dinner. "Do I have to?"

James and Sirius looked at each other before grinning and saying in unison. "Yes."

...

A/N Ah, it's been a while but still... review please!