Disclaimer: I do not now nor have I ever owned Harry Potter. He, his world and his friends belong to JK Rowling, if I did own them the twins never would have been separated, Dobby would have gone to work for Harry and Harry would have grown up with Sirius.
Authors Note: Sorry I left you guys hanging in the last chapter and that this one took so long. Can't believe I'm at ten chapters already, wow. Thanks to everyone who's still reading this, and to the reviewers, you guys are AMAZING! Again not American so the Thanksgiving details are based on TV and the Internet. Also if I don't update again before the 25th have a happy Yuletide season and a glorious New Year! (Also, sorry no puppy he's only four after all)
Chapter Ten
Marauder's Manor
November 23rd 1995 (Thanksgiving)
The next day dawned brightly, and the adults who were warm and cozy tucked into their beds were awoken by giggling. All save one, who, if you asked his cousin and friend, were just as bad as the children.
Sirius had been woken by his godson clambering onto him and saying "Padfoo", that had been at six-thirty in the morning, as Remus rolled over and cast a quick tempus he found that it was now eight in the morning, and there was gleeful laughter coming from downstairs.
Following the sound he found himself in the kitchen, the radio that Sirius had insisted on buying with the excuse of Dobby having background music, but was really for him to tinker with, was blaring with sound. Dancing around, sticky with syrup were five kids and Sirius, Dobby was standing by the stove bobbing his head along with the song, "Good morning Master Moony, Master Pads and the little Masters wanted pancakes this morning."
Remus smiled and nodded, "I can see." As Neville danced past him, giggling, he plucked a piece of pancake out of his hair, "Did you decide to try eating without your hands again?" He asked, it had happened before when he and Bella had brought cereal home, the boys (and Sirius) had decided to see how much they could eat without their hands, it had been quite a mess but had ended with all six of them laughing.
Neville shook his head and grinned, "We wewe dancin' an eatin' an then Padfoot dids a big gesture an his piec-a pancake flew up an then thewe was pancake ev'rywhewe!"
His story had been accompanied by hand gestures and the giggles of the other children, excluding Sirius who looked slightly shamefaced for a moment before grinning. Behind him Remus heard the others enter the room, "What on earth happened here?" Bella asked tipping her hip and placing a hand on it while tapping her bunny slipper clad foot.
Remus turned around, "The children decided to have pancakes for breakfast, they were, of course, led by the biggest child of all. Our very own Padfoot!"
"Oi!"
Now the children weren't the only ones giggling. The adults all sat down and Dobby placed plates of pancakes in front of them,
"Padfoot you realise you are now in charge of getting them cleaned up, right?"
As he watched Sirius turned a strange shade of white and the rather wolfish grin on Remus' face widened.
...
An hour later the adults had finished their breakfast, the kitchen was sparkling and no longer sticky, and the children were in a similar state though poor Sirius was drenched and had soap bubbles stuck to his head. With a laugh Xeno had offered to watch the kids while he had a shower and got dressed.
...
After, two of the residents of Marauder's Manor and their guests settled down by the fire; Sirius and Xeno were once more discussing the Television and how it worked; Amelia and Augusta had gotten into a discussion about the 'old farts' on the Wizengamot; Selene and Remus were talking about the courses offered at MUNY; and Bella had taken the children into the room on the third floor that she, with the help of Dobby, had transformed into a music room having brought instruments from England. With Bella's help the children were set up with strange and delightful instruments.
Eventually the adults followed the strange cacophony to see Bella and Susan sitting at a piano carefully pressing each key, Luna twirling with a strange metallic triangle and stick in her hands, Draco banging happily away on a round drum, Neville, face slowly purpling, blowing on a large golden tuba and Harry happily making a noise like a cat being skinned, on a fiddle. With a wince that he was attempting to turn into a smile Sirius eased the fiddle away from Harry and said,"Why don't you try the harmonica, Harry-Pup?" while handing him the small instrument.
Turning to Neville he said, "Nev I think you should take a breath, and maybe try something else." Scanning the room for something that wouldn't turn the boys face that colour he saw Remus pointing at a pair of castanets and released an actual grin, "Like these, all you do it tap see?"
At Nevilles nod and interested look he passed over the castanets before turning to Draco, "Wow, Drake that's a great rhythm you have going there!" Draco looked up at him and grinned and Sirius had an instant to imagine the little boy getting pots out of the cupboards and banging on those, "Why don't you try the-uh the- the harp!" He grabbed the large harp that had been sitting quietly in the corner, "I bet you can make great music on this!"
The little boy looked sadly at the drum then up at the harp with slight interest, before shrugging and getting up to attempt it. With majority of the noise gone Sirius relaxed before looking over at his cousin.
Bella was slowly coaching Susan in which keys to press and as he listened the two were playing an actual song, one which, as he looked he noticed, Luna was dancing to. Xeno turned to Selene and bowed and the two joined their daughter in dancing, seeing them
Remus raised his eyebrows at Sirius tilting his head at Amelia, Sirius smiled then looked at the boys, then at Augusta who had seated herself by the cello and was checking it over. With a nod Remus offered his hand to a surprised Amelia who curtsied prettily in reply.
The boys and Sirius watched as Susan sat back slightly and Bella began a more intricate piece that Augusta accompanied with the cello she had been checking over, which the two couples danced delightedly to. At the end of the piece the adults clapped and smiled and Luna skipped over to the boys, "I liked youw dwums Dwake," she said before turning to Neville "Do you feel betta now Nev? I din't know people went that colouw." Neville nodded going slightly pink, Luna turned to Harry and patted him on the shoulder, in what Sirius thought was a very sympathetic manner, "It's awright Hawe, maybe you should twy a flute?"
Sirius turned away so the kids wouldn't see his grin, then turned back as Susan walked over and Augusta and Bella began another piece, this time Remus came over and said "Your turn Padfoot, put all that pureblood training to use." Before he pushed Sirius over to Amelia, with a slight bow the two joined Selene and Xeno in dancing. To the side Remus watched as Luna once more began twirling before linking hands with Harry and Neville, soon the five stood holding hands in a circle that slowly starting spinning.
...
Later the, now slightly breathless, group once more migrated to the downstairs parlour where Dobby had set up drinks and two plates of cookies, sitting the children down on a mat on the floor Sirius started hunting through one of the parlours cabinets, "I know it's in here somewhere." He muttered before exclaiming "Ah hah!" and pulling out a large board and several figurines. Setting the board down by the children he said, "This is the game Moony brought when we first got here. It's called Snakes and Ladders." Laying out the board he carefully explained how the game worked, sitting down with the kids they began to play as the adults watched, "That's quite an interesting game, Remus, where did you get it?" Selene asked.
Remus smiled, "It's a magical version of a mundane game, theres a small shopping centre near the University and I was looking for potions ingredients there for Bella one day when I spotted it."
"We should stop by there before we leave, Xeno." Selene said to her husband who nodded cheerfully.
"It's a good way for them to learn counting, it makes it fun. Quite a few of my classmates say that they played something similar when they were young." Bella remarked.
As the children played the adults talked quietly about the various ways to make learning fun.
Some time later the game ended with Sirius dramatically sobbing as the children giggled, "Oh Moony, my own Puppy! He thoroughly trounced me!"
Harry giggled and hugged his godfather, "Poow Padfoo."
"And now he mocks me! You know what this means Puppy!" Sirius grinned and started tickling the little boy, thankfully his friends came to his rescue by pouncing upon Sirius and beginning their own tickling, in the end Sirius cried "Mercy, mercy! I give, I give. Release me small victors I concede defeat."
The children gave a small cheer as they went to recount their battle and victory to the adults who had watched with amusement.
Following this, Dobby came into the parlour and said, "Masters and Misses, your Dinner of Thanking is ready."
Bella smiled, "Thank you Dobby, did you set your self a plate too?"
The little house elf looked shocked but when he tried to refuse Sirius and Remus both rode over him saying, "This is a meal for friends and family, you count as both of those. Without you we wouldn't be able to do half of the things we do."
Eventually Dobby gave in and so the group sat around the large table and looked at the magnificent feast that the house elf had created.
Before they ate both Remus and Bella gave Sirius a firm look, 'What?' he mouthed back, 'You're the Head of the House, you have to give thanks' Bella replied, 'What!?' he looked incredulous, Remus nudged him, 'Go on Padfoot.'
With a sigh Sirius stood up, "Right, well I've been informed," he glared at Bella and Remus, "That I'm suppose to give thanks first. From what I've read we're suppose to say what we're thankful for. So, I'm thankful to be out of Azkaban, to be able to sit around this table with my family and to have such good friends and family. Also to be reunited with my godson, and the chance to know Neville and Draco." With a nod he sat down and looked at Bella who was seated to his right, "Your turn, dear cousin."
With a slight smiled Bella stood, "Like my cousin I'm thankful for being able to share this meal with you all rather than be in Azkaban. I'm thankful for Aunt Gus and Neville, for the chance to get to know my nephew Draco and Harry. For all of you for being such good friend, and to Dobby for making this magnificent meal."
Sitting down she looked at Augusta who asked "Oh, we're going around the table then?" before standing, "I'm thankful that I've had the chance to meet such good young people, that my Grandson is happy and that I now have two more Grandsons, who I know will be well cared for." With a smile she sat down.
Beside her Amelia stood, "Well I'm thankful that I've had the chance to meet you all. I'm thankful for my niece Susan and the friends that she's made, and for finally showing those old men in the Wizengamot." She finished with a grin.
Turning to her niece she said "It's alright Sue, just say how you feel."
Standing on her chair Susan smiled, "I'm fankful that I got to meet Lu an Hawe an Nev and Dwake, and be fwiends. An' for Aunt Amy."
Neville, following Susans lead, also stood on his chair, "'M thankful that I have Gran an Aunt Bells an Hawe an Uncle Padfoot an Uncle Moony an Dwake an Dobby an Niff, an everyone. An for pancakes!" He grinned.
Dobby stood next, "Dobby is thankful that he has such kind Masters and Misses, that he is allowed to cook and clean, and that Dobby gets to watch over the little Masters, and for Coronation St, and Master Pads Tell-a-vision." With a smile Dobby sat down and Draco stood, also on his chair.
"I'm fankful that I has Uncle Padfood, an Aunt Bella, an Nev, an Hawe, an Gran, an Lu, an Suze, an Dobby, an 'specially Moony. An for the colouw blue, an lullabys." With a nod he sat down.
Harry, climbed, rather shakily onto his chair, "'M fankful for Padfoo, an Uncle Mooey, an for Aunt Bella, an Gran, an Lu, an Aunty Andy, an Niff, an Uncle Xeno, an Suze, an everyone. An that thewe's no yelling hewe." With a slight shake he sat down, Sirius got up from his spot and hugged his godson as Luna stood.
"'M fankful for Hawe, an for Mummy an Daddy, for pwetty colours, an Nev, an for music, an dancing, an Dwake."
Selene smiled serenely as she stood, "I'm thankful for my family, my dear husband and sweet Luna. That I had the opportunity to meet and know such wonderful friends. For all the amazing creatures we can discover and the magic we have been blessed with."
As Xeno's turn began Sirius had returned to his seat and Harry was smiling slightly, "I am thankful for the family that I have been blessed with, for friends that might as well be family. For the work that I do, and the people I meet. I am thankful for the meal we are about to eat and the company that we keep."
With a smile at Xeno, Remus stood "I'm thankful that I am able to stand here with you all. Thankful that there are people who don't judge me by my affliction. Thankful that Sirius and Bella are here, thankful for the children, and for Aunt Gus. Thankful for Dobby for caring for us all, and, oddly enough, thankful for this holiday which gives me the chance to be thankful."
As Remus sat down Sirius smiled, "Well I think now we should all enjoy the meal that Dobby so kindly prepared for us."
So they did. Dishes were past, and stories exchanged, in the background they would occasionally hear a click from the camera Bella had enchanted to record their first Thanksgiving. Laughter rang out and they even coaxed Dobby into relaxing and enjoying his meal.
At the end Sirius held up his glass and said "A toast to a very successful and happy first Thanksgiving! May there be many more!"
Here here's echoed throughout as everyone else joined in the toast.
Marauder's Manor
The next days were happy and filled with much laughter. Augusta, Bella and Neville departed for England, two days after Thanksgiving, they were soon followed by Amelia and Susan. Before they'd left the group had gone for a tour of the magical shopping centre near the University and both Amelia and Selene had purchased several items.
Not long after that Xeno and Selene had departed for the Arctic, with promises that they'd be gone only two weeks and would write everyday and Floo-mail their letters.
The house seemed very quiet quite suddenly, as Remus had been given several assignments and was holed up in his office.
Sirius ushered the children into the music room and they would bang away making as much noise as they could. As the days passed the weather got consecutively worse until one morning the residents of Marauder's Manor awoke to discover a blanket of white snow covering everything. Sirius, in a show of maturity that was often hidden by Bella and Remus' presence, prevented the three children from running straight out into the snow in their pyjama's, and carefully dressed them in warm waterproof clothes with various heating and drying charms cast on them before allowing them outside.
Once outside the three seemed unsure of what to do until Sirius, as Padfoot, bounded out and into the snow. The next few hours were filled with shrieks of laughter and when the once more entered the house all four had rosy pink cheeks and were coated in white snow. A few quick spells later and the four sat down in the parlour to drink hot chocolate and watch the snow once more falling.
Remus leant against the doorway, "Did you all have fun?" he asked with a grin.
"Moony!" Sirius exclaimed, "You missed a brilliant snow war, we also made snow angels and a snow man!"
Remus laughed, "Did they instigate this or did you Pads?"
"Heh," Sirius rubbed the back of his head, "A little bit of both?"
"I thought so." Looking over at the children who were a bit weary, his grin softened, "I think I heard earlier that there was going to be a Christmas movie on later, if you three have a nap now you might be able to watch it."
The three looked excited at that and so Remus summoned a mattress and some blankets at set the three up in the parlour, it wasn't long before all three were snuggled into the blankets and asleep. Both adults smiled and Sirius drew out the camera Bella had left with him and clicked a picture.
"How're the assignments going, Moony?" Sirius asked as the two sat down to some strong tea.
Remus looked over at him, "Quite well, I'm about done. It's amazing to me that we don't learn some of these things in Britain. My lecturer has asked if I'd like to help him with some research in the new year, and I've been thinking of doing so."
Sirius smiled at his friend, "I'm glad you've finally found something, Moony."
"What about you, Padfoot? How's your project going?"
"Brilliantly! It should be ready just in time. I've also been tinkering a bit, you know how certain electrical appliances wouldn't work at Hogwarts?"
"Yes I remember, after you found out about mu-ndane music you were quite upset when your cassette player wouldn't work."
Sirius frowned, "Don't remind me, but I think I've found a way around that, I've been trying out various appliances in magic-rich environments, I think with the right combination of runes and spell-work certain appliances can be enchanted to work. Like take our TV for example, we've never had problems with it, have we?"
Remus frowned as he thought back, "No we haven't."
"Well that's because Americans have thought of a way to combine technology and magic, technomancy they call it. It's quite new but most common appliances currently have a set of runes carved into them which allow electricity and magic to interact within the same space without any negative feedback."
"Huh, that's interesting."
"Isn't it? It's basically what I was doing in the UnSpeakables, combining technology and magic, I've been doing research and apparently there's quite a market for it."
Remus smiled, "You're going to be an inventor and business man, Padfoot?"
"What? No! Of course not, I was just interested in the idea of continuing some of my previous experiments."
Remus laughed, "When you start your company I think you should call it Padfoot Inc. no maybe not, perhaps Marauders and company? That sounds professional."
"Moo-ny we don't need any more money! I swear all the fortunes in this house combined means that even our great-great grandchildren won't have to work, unless they want to."
"That's what's so funny and good about it though, Padfoot. Can you see any of the boys living off their fortunes? Or even any of us? Before you answer that the answer is no. We're all so interested in things that we'll work just for our curiosities sakes."
Sirius sighed, "When you put it like that it is quite different for me to argue. Well what is it you want to do then, oh Moony-est one?"
"I'm glad you asked, oh Padfooted one. I'm quite interested in becoming a researcher or perhaps a lecturer, for the University. There's so much that we don't know yet about lycanthropy, all my life I've tried to hide from it, but now I see that the best way to deal with it is to learn as much about it as I can."
Sirius smiled at the passion in Remus' voice as he expounded on how important education into the 'so-called Dark Creatures' was, "I think you'll be a brilliant lecturer and researcher. Heck maybe you could take what you learn over to Britain and get them educated too."
Remus snorted, "I think that's as likely as you suddenly developing a hate for pranks."
"Now, now Moony lets not be hasty. What about Bella? What do you think she wants to do?"
Remus looked thoughtful, "From what I've seen Bella's taking quite a few classes on Mundanes and diplomacy, not that she needs it with her training, but I suspect she might be thinking of applying for a liaison job when she graduates."
"Liaison job?"
"Mm, the University tells you about them. There are certain mundane organisations and Governmental branches that know about magic, each of those has several liaisons who make sure that there're no issues arising from the interactions."
"Sounds like a good fit for Bella, she was ever the one trying to settle everyone, she even managed to get Lily and James to talk civilly in second year, and that was an epic feat."
Marauder's Manor
Several days later Bella and Neville returned, as they pulled off their coats Bella called out, "We're back! I'm glad to see the house is still standing!"
In reply Draco, Harry and Luna catapulted out from the direction of the kitchen, slowly followed by Sirius, and Remus appeared from the top of the stairs.
As the children hugged and chattered Sirius grinned, "Glad to have you back. How was England?"
"Wet," Bella replied, "And rather stuffy, I think I've become used to these uncouth Americans." She grinned, "Aunt Gus had quite a bit of mail from the Wizengamot to deal with, so she said she'll be back a week before Christmas."
The Marauders nodded their acceptance of this.
"Did you have fun, Nev?"
Grinning up at them Neville nodded, "They w're all surpwised when I showed them my singin flowa. Uncle Algie said he'd nev' seen an'thin' like it before! An' we wen' an' saw Mummy and Daddy," For a moment he looked downcast then he brightened once more,
"Mummy squeezed my han' when I talk'd to her!"
Sirius grinned, "That's great, Nev!"
As the boys and Luna continued chatting amongst themselves Sirius and Bella discussed Alice and Frank, "The hospital says they may wake up someday but they aren't sure what their mental state will be when they do so. There hasn't been much research done into the long term effects of the Cruciatus as most who have it used on them die soon after."
Both looked solemn, "Well just have faith Bells. Americans are always inventing new avenues I'm sure that a cure will be found."
Both Bella and Remus smiled at Sirius' seemingly endless faith that even Azkaban hadn't destroyed.
...
A week later found the entire household bundled up in coats and scarves as they departed to do their Christmas shopping. They had received a letter from Xeno and Selene just that morning that the two would be arriving back in two days, Augusta had also written to say that she had almost finished tying up all of her business and a letter from Andy and Ted stating that they'd be retrieving Dora from the train station on the 20th and be arriving the day after. So with all this they had decided that it was best they get their Christmas shopping and decorating done beforehand.
The four children peered in amazement at the bustling Christmas shoppers and the decorations, with warm smiles the adults hustled them onwards. As Sirius and Bella quietly quarrelled about trees the children watched entranced at those ice skating across from them. Remus smiled in the background as he informed the shop attendant the tree that he knew Bella and Sirius would eventually agree on.
...
The shopping left them all tired with sore feet, thus once they returned home the group collapsed into various seats in the parlour and enjoyed the sensation of sitting and drinking Dobby's wonderfully brewed hot chocolates.
As Sirius, Bella and Remus discussed with Dobby the decorations for the manor, the children sequestered themselves in the Library.
Draco, Neville and Luna had a strong grasp on what Christmas was and so were once more attempting to explain it to Harry, "It's when Mama gives you pwesents, an' Santa comes and gives you pwesents an' you have to get dwessed up an' be nice to people you don' know." Draco stated.
Neville shook his head, "Santa comes and gives you pwesents, an' Gran an' the Family do to, an' you visit Mummy and Daddy, an' then you have a big dinner."
Luna smiled enigmatically, "Santa comes an' gives you pwesents an' theres lotsa food, Mummy an' Daddy light lotsa candles an' we thank our ans-" she frowned "our anses, the people who came 'fore us. It's when you spen' time with the people you love, and you give pwesents to show how much you love them." She finished with a decisive nod.
Harry looked strangely confused yet understanding, "So we have to give pwesents an' we get given pwesents?"
The three others exchanged looks before nodding.
"What awe we 'spose to give?"
The boys all looked at Luna, she frowned in thought, "I allays make Mummy and Daddy a pictuwe or pick some flowas."
The boys smiled in understanding, Neville looked out at the snow covered garden, "I wead that thewes a flowa that likes snow, but how do we get them?"
Draco snorted, "We have magic, Nev. You jus' have to wan' it."
So the four set about making their Christmas presents, never realising that what they were doing many had deemed impossible.
Marauder's Manor
Two days later, just as promised, Xeno and Selene returned. The Lovegoods remained one night before departing to a chorus of Merry Christmases, laden with bags filled with wrapped gifts from the residents of Marauder Manor, including a tupperware container filled with sugar cookies from Dobby. The boys didn't have time to miss their playmate as they were busy with their presents and with helping their caregivers prepare the house for their Christmas guests.
The tree that Remus had correctly chosen, glittered with decorations and lights. Sitting underneath it pristinely wrapped were the various gifts the Marauders and Bella had purchased.
Augusta arrived not long after to find the manor glittering with fairy lights and snow, inside the children laughed and ran as Dobby served cookies and drinks and Sirius proved that he had actually paid attention to some of his pureblood training by accompanying Bella on the piano. She settled in as though she'd never left, comfortably conversing with Remus about books, gently teasing Sirius about his mother hen tendencies, flicking through photo albums with Bella, reading stories to the boys and watching Coronation st with Dobby.
When the Tonks' arrived on the 21st if was to find a happy house filled with family.
Upon their arrival Dora had been hustled off by the boys, while Andy and Ted were given a tour of the manor. They were just as quickly engulfed in the comfort of Marauders Manor and were soon just as comfortable as the residents. As the adults stayed up on the 23rd talking the Tonks' and Augusta all spoke of the welcoming aura of the house and it's residents, "It's like coming home." Andy said.
Sirius smiled, "Well welcome home, then."
Sitting near the fire Augusta smiled, the aura of the manor was not something that just happened it was due to the personalities of those who lived within.
...
Christmas Eve was filled with the same laughter and joy that had filled the Manor for the previous month. Dora sat the boys down and told them stories, both mundane and magical, about Santa Claus. The afternoon saw the group in Central Park listening to Christmas carollers before they returned to their home.
As the boys were being tucked in that night and expressed a wish to stay up, they were all told the same thing that children the world over were, "The sooner you sleep the sooner Santa will come." The adults smiled indulgently.
Dora had refused her mother tucking her in as she was much too old for that, however after falling asleep in the parlour she woke slightly to her parents wishing her a Merry Christmas as they smoothed her ruffled pink hair.
...
Christmas day dawned to find four children huddled in the parlour of Marauders Manor, one boy of about four with honey brown hair was grinning over a black and white ball; beside him another young boy also of around the same age, with near white hair was hastily pulling on blue trainers which, when he stepped, lit up with colour lights; sitting across from them a girl of twelve with bright pink hair was laughing delightedly over a miniature stadium in which tiny people flew; beside her also staring at the small stadium was a small boy also four, though he looked younger, with royal blue hair at his side, as with the other children was a small stocking, however, while the other children's stockings had been riffled through as new favourite toys were pulled out his was still untouched.
The adults stirred from their slumber and, clad in pyjamas, dressing gowns and slippers, went off in search of their children. As the three of the four exclaimed delightedly over their presents to their various caregivers, Sirius sat beside his godson and asked, "What did Santa bring you, Puppy?"
Harry looked down, "Padfoo'?"
Carding a hand through the blue locks he replied, "What's the matter, Puppy, haven't you looked yet?"
"Padfoo' what'f Santa made a mistake?"
"What do you mean, Harry-Pup? Santa doesn't make mistakes."
"But, I nev' got anything fwom him 'fore, an' now thewe's..." He trailed off and gestured at the stocking beside him.
Mentally cursing the Dursleys Sirius set about soothing him Puppy's worries, once he had done so the two set about exploring what Santa had brought.
An hour later the group sat down to enjoy breakfast before opening their gifts, Dobby smiled as the group chattered and teased each other, passing dishes back and forth across the table. Finally, once breakfast was consumed, the group converged in the parlour.
Bella and Remus both shot Sirius a look when he went to sit down and so, once more, he found himself having to act as the Head of the House, "Right so I think if we just do this one at a time, ah, someone-" The looks from Bella and Remus intensified and he winced, "right, so I'll hand everyone a present and then we'll unwrap and so on is that okay?"
At the ascent he nodded and went about finding everyone a present, Dobby was summoned from the kitchen to open his along with the rest of the family and when he attempted to protest was cut off by Augusta who stated, "The House Elves of House Longbottom have received Christmas presents for many years now and there's no reason you can't do the same."
The group proceeded to work their way through what appeared to be a mountain of presents that had grown under the tree.
To his delight Remus received a set of journals and a fountain pen from Bella, photos from the summer he and Cissy had dated from Augusta, a tweed jacket from Andy, a deerstalker from Ted who had remembered that he'd once idolised Sherlock Holmes, a wood carving of a wolf from Dora, and a gag gift collar with Moony on it from Sirius along with a small handheld mirror that Sirius explained was like the pair that he and James had had.
Ted (who, though a mundane born, was a mundane lawyer) received a dark blue tie from Andy, a pair of customised socks from Dora, a leather briefcase that had been enchanted with an expansion charm from Augusta, a magical pocket watch from Sirius, a set of headache potions from Bella along with a wry grin, and a set of Sherlock Holmes books from Remus whom he had shared an enthusiasm for the detective with.
Andy received a mundane stethoscope from Sirius, a Doctors coat from Remus with A. Tonks embroidered on the pocket, a spa voucher from Ted, a cup with 'World's Best Mum' on it from Dora, and from Bella and Augusta a small locket with a picture from her wedding day and one of Dora in it.
Augusta received a small image cube from Bella that when activated showed a image of Alice and Frank dancing with Neville "Sirius and Remus shared the memory," she said quietly, a floral sun hat from Sirius, a china tea set from Remus, and a small gold bracelet from the Tonks'.
Bella received a purse enchanted with featherlight and expansion charms from Remus, a new camera from Sirius, a gardening hat from Andy, a set of muggle garden tools from Ted, a garden gnome from Dora and a photo album from Augusta filled with pictures from all the summers she spent at the Longbottom Estate.
Sirius received a gag gift dog bowl from Remus with the name Padfoot on it along with a tool set, a leather jacket from Bella, a photo frame with a picture of him and Harry in it from Augusta, a first aid kit from Andy, a bike helmet from Ted, and a small wood carving of a dog with the word 'Mutt' carved into the base from Dora.
Dora received a long black coat from Bella, a book called Northern Lights that she'd wanted to read from Andy, a magnifying glass and a cane from her father as they shared an enjoyment of Sherlock Holmes, a charm bracelet similar to the one she'd seen on her mother from Augusta, a globe from Remus that opened to show a secret compartment and a pink scarf with NYMPHIE on it from Sirius that prompted her to hit him.
Draco received a set of toy trucks from Andy and Ted, a blue set of mittens, beanie and scarf from Augusta, a childs drum from Dora, a set of picture books from Bella, a whoopie cushion and bright blue monster feet slippers from Sirius, and a faintly glowing blue ball from Remus that played soft music once touched.
Neville received a pair of green wellies from Dora, a green football uniform from Remus, a football goal from Sirius, a green set of mittens, beanie and scarf from Augusta, plastic gardening tools from Andy and Ted, and a small plant from Bella that was given with an enigmatic smile and a promise that it would grow to be something worth waiting for.
Harry received a red set of mittens, beanie and scarf from Augusta, a plastic set of farm animals from Andy and Ted, a colouring book and crayons from Dora, a t-shirt and two stuffed mice (from Pinky and the Brain) from Bella, a book of fairytales from Remus, and with a grin a large stuffed dog that had been enchanted to bark, wag its tail and basically act like a real dog from Sirius.
Dobby was also presented with a new set of kitchen utensils and a small TV to go in his room.
The adults were surprised when after the presents had been opened the three boys stood and passed out small gifts of their own.
To Sirius Harry gave a picture that he'd drawn of a dog and a boy, however, he'd somehow enchanted it so the dog would change into a man and back again.
Draco had used playdough that Dobby had given the boys one day to made a small book for Remus, the amazing thing about it was the boy had managed to make it record a small amount of information that could be played at anytime.
Bella was gifted with a small pale blue plant that was growing a what appeared to be a large amount of snow, Neville explained that he'd read about certain plants that thrived in the winter but since he didn't know where to get one he'd made one instead called an ice-plant.
The other adults and Dora were all given pictures, Harry's showed them all together around the Christmas tree, Draco's showed them dancing in the music room, and Neville's were of the group standing in the garden surrounded by ice-plants.
Later, as the children played with their gifts the adults expressed their amazement over the magical ability it must have taken to create the presents that they had received.
Marauder's Manor
As the clock struck twelve Minerva McGonagall arrived at Marauder's Manor. She was greeted by her old students and dear friend before being introduced to the three little boys who were the centre of their caregivers worlds.
The boys, with the exception of Harry who required a small amount of coaxing on the part of Neville, Draco and Dora, quickly took to this new Grandmother, Nana Minnie, and were soon climbing into her lap and demanding stories as they offered her sugar cookies and hugs.
This was all recorded by Bella with a quick grin, and the Transfiguration Professor accepted the offer to stay for Christmas dinner after being promised a copy of the pictures.
Christmas dinner was a happy affair filled with joyous laughter and familiar stories. By the time it was over Minerva had quickly found herself promising to make it a yearly deal along with Augusta and the Tonks'.
As night settled in the residents of Marauder's Manor gathered in the garden and began a new tradition. Standing between his cousin and the brother of his soul Sirius grinned at those gathered before him, "It was always a tradition in our house to give thanks to our ancestors and to our magic on Christmas, so we combined this with well I'll say our own ingenuity and came up with this." He held up a small paper lantern, "You just light it and through it in the air and it'll carry our Christmas happiness to those who have passed."
Everyone smiled as they held their lanterns, Sirius, Bella and Remus carefully lit the boys and with a three count twelve softly glowing lanterns floated up into the sky.
The group returned indoors not long after, with soft voices the four youngest bid goodnight and farewell to the rest as they were hustled up the stairs and into their beds.
From one room came a quiet Welsh lullaby, while from another soft voices exchanged sweet words, one room glowed faintly as a small plant began to absorb moonlight to the delighted yet drooping eyes of a child. In another one small child cuddled up to the soft toy that had been named Padfoot in honour of the man who'd created it.
Down below two old friends drank sweet drinks and congratulated each other on a job well done.
11/12/13
Re-Edited: 06/03/14