Chapter Eleven

Family Reunions and Christmas Celebrations

It was two days before Christmas and everything was moving splendidly. Harry was enjoying his time in Potter Mansion. He could often be found looking at books about his father's family, learning about who they were and what they were like. He had yet to talk to his father about his family, not knowing if it was a bad subject to talk about or not. He only knew what he had heard from Sirius, and that was only that they were good people. He still felt there was something missing from his family, and that was knowing about them. Harry finally decided to talk to his father about his grandparents to try and find out what he could about them.

"Dad?" Harry asked James as he saw him in the study with Sirius.

"You haven't called me that since the day I came back." James said, looking serious. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not really. I just wanted to know..." Harry started, dropping off suddenly.

"Go ahead and ask Harry. You've got nothing to worry about." James said smiling merrily.

"I wanted to know about your parents. Your family. Everything. I don't know anything about them." Harry said now facing the ground.

James looked at Harry in shock. "Is that what you wanted to ask?" He said. Harry nodded. "Sit down here, Harry." James said, waving to a seat between him and Sirius.

"Maybe I should go." Sirius said, standing.

"No, Padfoot. You were there son, too. Even if it was only for a few years." James said, smiling at his friend. Then he looked at Harry who now sat between the two. "Your grandparents were the most wonderful parents in the world. They cared for me and made me feel like I was the greatest son on Earth. They took in my friend when they heard how he was treated by his parents and raised him as their own son. They also never questioned Remus when he had to go away because of his problem, even though they knew he wasn't sick. They taught all three of us to be strong together and apart, which is something only a parent can do. They loved us all Harry. I know they would have loved you as well had they been alive."

"What happened to them?" Harry asked.

"They were very old, Harry. They went to sleep one night and never woke up." James said, a tear falling from his eye as he spoke.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, Dad." Harry said quickly.

"You didn't, Harry. It doesn't hurt to talk about them. I miss them as every child misses their parents when they die. Probably not as much as you did because you never knew us. I had the chance to know them, and love them for the people they were. They died together, which was very important to them both. These tears are sad, but they are not sorrowful. They are loving Harry, tears of love for people who deserve no less." James said happily, looking warmly at Harry. "You know, I might be ready for you to call me Dad now after all." He added with a small chuckle. "I would hate my son coming to my funeral and calling me Prongs."

"Who knows, Prongs. It would definitely make your funeral original." Sirius said with a laugh.

"Yeah, but everyone looking at a person only a few years younger then the man being buried and calling him Dad would be a lot more interesting." Harry joined in with the jokes.

"What are you three doing in here?" Lily asked. "Planning to raise more hell for people?"

"They always do if you leave them alone for a few moments." Serena said, laughing with Lily.

"Lil, I think we need to talk about something." James said seriously.

"Come on, Nymphadora. Show me how you fly with a good broom." Sirius said with a smile.

"Don't call me that!" Serena said angrily.

"Come on, kid." Sirius said with a nod. "They are going to need some family time, just the three of them."

"Oh!" Serena gasped. "Of course, Sirius. Let's fly." She said, walking out of the room quickly with Sirius at her heels.

"What's the problem?" Lily asked of the two men before her.

"Harry's just reminded me of something that left me to think we aren't being proper parents." James said softly.

"What do you expect, James?" Lily exclaimed. "We never had the chance to grow into the role."

"We do now, and we're wasting it." James said. "I think it's time we were parents instead of friends."

"What happened in here, James?" Lily asked, her voice curious and concerned.

"Do you remember your parents, Lily?" James asked.

"Of course I do, they were wonderful." Lily answered, smiling at the memory of her parents.

"Yes, and so were mine. Now it is time that we be wonderful parents for Harry." James said. "If he had known us, had we died as our parents, we probably wouldn't be here as a couple of kids in our twenties. Had Voldemort not stolen us from him, and him from us, he would have known us well and loved us. He loved us so much that he had to know us, to have the chance we had. We shouldn't disappoint him."

"What would you have me do?" Lily asked James uncertain of what he wanted.

"Let's be parents Lil. You be Mum, I'll be Dad, and he can be son." James said with a smile. "It's about time we accepted our little boy is all grown up and we are getting old."

"You're right. I hate it when you are right." Lily said frowning. Then she looked at Harry and smiled. "Can you forgive a girl some conceit in wanting to hide her age? If she's your Mum?"

"Of course. After all I forgive my Dad for his ego." Harry said jokingly.

"Young man, you're grounded!" James bellowed.

"Really?" Harry asked, now confused.

"Hell no, not on Christmas. I just always wanted to say that." James replied jokingly. "However, now that we're here in England again it's time to say hello to those two great gits who raised you wrong."

"James!" Lily yelled. "Those gits are my family."

"You heard what they did to Harry! They are gits!" James said angrily.

"I know, but I don't want you to go too far with them." Lily said. "Sirius either, as I know he'll want to go."

"Damn right I do." Sirius said, entering the study with Serena close behind. "Sorry, I was listening outside the door." He added.

"Serena, should I give them their presents early?" Harry asked, a smile brewing on his face.

"Definitely." Serena said, waving her hand as three presents appeared. She handed two to Harry.

"Guys, in the spirit of Christmas, and the minds of Marauders, we offer you these presents." Harry said, handing one box to Lily and one to James, while Serena handed the box in her hands to Sirius.

"Happy Christmas!" Harry and Serena said loudly.

The three stared at each other in a mix of confusion and worry. The statement Harry had made left them open to any number of ideas as to what the presents might be. They expected a prank of any sort. As they removed the wrapping paper and saw the mahogany wand boxes with their names engraved in a gold plate on the top of the boxes they all raised their eyes to Harry.

"Open them." Harry said, still smiling.

They opened the boxes slowly, still having a slight thought of this being a prank. When they saw the wands they each took them out of the box and sparks shot from each wand quickly. They smiled openly, and James and Sirius immediately began dueling as Lily stood near Harry and laughed as the spells were thrown back and forth. They let this go on for a while until Dumbledore appeared in the room and clapped appreciatively at the duel in progress.

"Harry, would you care for a duel?" Dumbledore asked, smiling.

"Sure Professor. This room is too small though. How about the room just off the living room?" Harry asked.

"Certainly. Shall we invite an audience?" Dumbledore asked.

"I suppose that could be arranged." Harry answered, looking at Serena who only nodded.

"Shall we say, five minutes?" Dumbledore asked.

"Wait!" Lily said quickly. "Albus, you will be easy on him. Right?"

"Lily, you will find that it is Harry who needs to be asked that question." Dumbledore said smiling. "I will meet you there Harry."

"Alright, sir." Harry said. "Dad, Sirius, stop playing around and come watch how a real duel is done. Unless you're afraid of being shown up by someone half your age."

"This I've got to see." Sirius said as his eyes flashed with pride. "How bout you Prongs?"

"Definitely." James said beaming with pride at the thought of his son dueling Dumbledore.

"I'm going to get everyone else, if I can find them." Serena said. "Mike and Hagrid will be the hard ones. Harry, tell Remus in the common room, would you?"

"Sure, love." Harry said brightly.

"Harry, are you sure you're going to be alright?" Lily asked.

"Mum, I've fought Voldemort and survived. Dumbledore doesn't want to kill me. I'm sure everything will be fine." Harry said, not telling his mother it had been done before.

"I hope he's alright." Lily said as she watched Harry and Dumbledore begin.

"Same rules, sir?" Harry asked.

"Yes, but please Harry, call me Albus." Dumbledore said smiling.

"Yes si-Albus." Harry said, laughing at himself.

"Incendio!" Dumbledore started.

"Protego!" Harry responded. "Incarcerous! Stupefy! Impedimenta!"

Dumbledore dodged the spells easily, and they again settled into the familiar pattern of the duel. They circled themselves with ease, both measuring their opponents next move. Dumbledore smiled as he watched Harry change his spells with a speed he still swore he had never seen from another wizard before in his life. Harry found himself enjoying the graceful and elegant moves of Dumbledore as he dodged the spells sent at him. He had wanted to learn how to do that since he first saw them. He also envied the graceful way Dumbledore tied his spells together. Harry knew that in the way of magic he might be stronger, but Dumbledore was a lot wiser in it than he could ever claim to be.

"Harry, do you mind if we have our usual conversation? Inflamare!" Dumbledore asked.

Harry dodged easily. "Of course not Albus, I enjoy our conversations." Harry responded. "Illuminus!"

Dumbledore moved easily. "You will not see my mind that easily, Harry. I was wondering if you felt like telling the tale of the battle with Voldemort."

"Not much to say. If it wasn't for luck, Sirius dying, and my need to talk to him I would have been dead." Harry said easily. Then he smiled. "Rictusempra!"

Dumbledore laughed as he dodged. "Interesting. What do you mean by that? Immobulus!"

"Well, I had to kill Tom's soul, not his body. That was the balance that kept him alive. The spirit was willing, it was only the flesh that couldn't succeed in staying alive." Harry answered while dodging a barrage of spells. "Stupefy!"

"I see." Dumbledore said, nodding his approval. "So you destroyed his very soul as well as his body."

"Yes. It was luck, though. He almost killed me. Spell only missed by a second." Harry said, sizing up Dumbledore's next move.

"Very interesting. I feel I've learned a lot from this duel." Dumbledore said smiling. "Though that was not my intention. Now we have a problem. This has been going on for an hour and our audience is starting to get bored."

"Does that mean it's time to stop talking and start this duel up fast?" Harry asked cheerfully.

"I believe so, Mr. Potter." Dumbledore answered with a smile.

"Very well, Professor. Let's finish this." Harry said cheerfully.

Lily closed her eyes quickly as she saw the two begin sending very advanced spells at each other. James and Sirius were watching in awe as Remus smiled beside them. Serena, as always, was watching her husband and enjoying the smile and look of peace that wrapped around his face. She often thought during these duels that he was happier during the hours that he and Dumbledore spent dueling then he was during almost any other time in his life.

Harry smiled as he and Dumbledore advanced the speed and level of spells. Many of the spells being mentioned even Hermione didn't know. His smile broadened as he began using spells in parseltongue that he had been given knowledge of when Slytherin and Gryffindor gave him their knowledge. He spoke the spells easily and was surprised when a sleep spell actually hit Dumbledore and he watched him fall. Harry stood shocked as he saw Dumbledore sleeping peacefully on the ground and realized that he had won.

"I did it." Harry said, still shocked. "I beat Dumbledore."

"Harry, wake him up!" Serena said quickly.

"Right." Harry said. "Enervate!"

"Well, Harry, it appears that I have lost this time." Dumbledore said cheerfully. "It appears I had forgotten of your knowledge of the Slytherin spells."

"Well, I am his heir after all." Harry said laughing.

Dumbledore laughed. "Yes, that is true." He said smiling.

"That was amazing Harry!" James said, patting him on the back.

"Truly magnificent!" Sirius joined in.

"Wow!" Lily said. "My son beat Albus Dumbledore in a duel!"

"Thanks, guys. That's the first time I've won in a duel against him. Normally it's a tie." Harry said, smiling happily.

"You won with a splendid bit of magic." Dumbledore said cheerfully.

"I didn't know you were a parselmouth Harry." James said curiously.

"It's something that happened when Voldemort tried to kill me." Harry said. "At least that is the only thing Dumbledore could figure out. He said that some of Voldemort's power fell onto me when he failed to kill me."

"Interesting. Is that also why you are so powerful?" Lily asked.

"No, his power is his own." Dumbledore said in an assuring manner. "Harry received the ability to be parseltongue, his connection to Voldemort, as well as his strong sense of magic from Voldemort. His magic, his strength, his power all come from within him and just waited for the right trigger to bring them to light."

"Why did that worry you Mum?" Harry asked.

"Harry, what you mother was worried about was that Voldemort was the cause of your power." Dumbledore answered. "That would have left it possible for you to become as evil and twisted as he was."

"What?" Harry asked, now worried. "You're sure that isn't possible right?"

"Yes, Harry. You have been offered that choice and denied it. I have no doubt that you have no wish for power unless it can help you accomplish a goal." Dumbledore said firmly.

"That's what Voldemort was doing, sir." Harry said softly. "He just wanted more power to accomplish his goal of ridding the wizarding world of anyone not a pureblood."

"I know Harry. That is not your cause however. You choose another path. That is what is important. Your power didn't make you feel superior to others. In fact, you seem to despise them unless they can help you when you need them to." Dumbledore replied.

"Harry, I've not known you for as long as Albus, but even I know that you are not the next dark lord." Sirius said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Thank you Sirius." Harry said.

Harry was not seen on Christmas Eve until it was time for dinner. He was very secretive about what he had done, and no one seemed to want to push him to find out the information. Harry looked around the table during dinner at all the faces he knew so well. He saw the Weasleys, Remus, Sirius, his Mum and Dad, Ginny, Neville, Ron, Hermione, Serena, Michael, Hagrid, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Mad Eye Moody. He saw a serene happiness in their faces that most had lost for quite some time and that finally rested his mind. For the first time since the war broke out, he felt truly at peace with the world.

He sat on the back porch after dinner and stared at the stars. He was never the best in Astronomy, dropping it after fifth year, but he always loved just looking at the stars. When he was young it was to escape the hell that was the Dursley's but now he just looked to enjoy the stars. He heard Michael approach him and he smiled. He found himself growing fond of Michael each day. He looked to Michael as he got close and offered him a chair which Michael quickly took.

"How do you do that?" Michael asked.

"I asked Dumbledore that once." Harry said, smiling at the memory. "He used to do that whenever anyone entered his office. He seemed to know where people were. Anyway, he always said he'd tell me when he was ready. I'll tell you how I do it though. Whenever I sit and relax, as I'm doing now, my mind or magic seem to extend around me for a distance and I can feel when another person enters that space. Then I find out who it is by the feel of their magic. I can't explain any easier then that though."

"That is so cool! Can you teach me to do that?" Michael asked hopeful.

"I can try. I don't know if you are strong enough yet to do it." Harry replied. "This is something that takes a lot of time and a clear mind to handle. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Harry." Michael answered quickly.

"Okay, to start close your eyes and think only of the stars. Think about how peaceful it is just to stare at them and enjoy how beautiful they are." Harry said. Michael closed his eyes and after a few minutes he mumbled a bit. "Good, now just let you mind relax on the idea of the stars and see what happens."

Michael sat quietly for a few moments, then looked at the stars with his eyes relaxed. Harry worried for a moment that the boy had fallen asleep with his eyes open when he suddenly jumped up alert and ready to pounce. Harry laughed as the boy reacted and put a hand gently on his shoulder and eased him back into his seat.

"What did you feel?" Harry asked.

"I felt something stronger then I've ever felt before. It felt like the sun was right next to me." Michael said, looking at Harry in shock. "It was you, wasn't it?"

"Yes, that was me. I'm a lot stronger than I look." Harry said jokingly.

"Will I be as powerful as you are when I grow up?" Michael asked.

"You should pray you never are. The power I have cost me seventeen years of my life to be a living hell. You should hope to be as powerful as you can be, and don't worry about the rest." Harry answered. "If you only worry about being powerful, you will fall to the dark arts. No one wants that."

"I know I don't." Michael said softly. "That's what took my parents away."

"I'm sorry, Mike. I didn't mean to bring that up." Harry said uneasily.

"I know, Harry." Michael replied. "You were just trying to teach me something. My father used to say the same thing. You should never want to be stronger than anyone, only as strong as yourself."

"He was a very wise man." Harry said.

"Yeah." Michael answered. "Harry, can you bring back my Mum and Dad? Like you did for yours?"

Harry sighed and looked sadly at Michael. "You will hear that I've done a lot of things in my life. Some are true, some are a lie. While it is true that I brought my parents and my godfather back, I can't do it for anyone else. A bond of love must be there between me and the people I bring back. I wish I could do that though, Michael. I wish I could bring back every person who had to die in that damned war. So many died for reasons I couldn't control. So many people I cared about hurt, so many more hurt that I don't know. I'm sorry Michael." He said, his voice soft and reflecting the pain in his eyes.

"I didn't think you could Harry. I was just wondering if it was possible." Michael spoke, his voice heavy with sadness. "You know, I've wished we were related since I met you. You are always nice to me, and are always willing to help me or just sit and talk. All of your friends are too. I just wish we could be family and that I wouldn't have to go back to that orphanage. They pick on me there. Does it make me a bad person to want a family now that mine is gone?"

"No." Harry said. "I dreamed of my Mum and Dad since I was old enough to remember, probably before that as well. The Weasleys became my family. Molly and Arthur treated me as a son. They cared for me and even loved me. They worried when I was at the Dursley's house, and even when I was on one of my adventures. They were and are every bit a part of my family as my Mum and Dad are. So if it is wrong then we are both in that position, and I more then you."

"Thanks, Harry." Michael said, hugging Harry suddenly.

Harry, though shocked, returned the boy's hug. "You're welcome, Mike." He said. Michael quickly let go and sat back down.

"I'm sorry." He said, sounding worried.

"For what? It's not a problem." Harry said, smiling. "Now, you need to go to bed so you can wake up all of us old people early in the morning and make us open presents."

"Cool!" Michael said, then stopped. "I have presents?"

"Did you think you were forgotten?" Harry asked, an eyebrow raised questioningly.

"I just didn't expect any presents." Michael said.

"Don't worry, you will not be left out. There will be presents waiting for you."

"Sweet! Night Harry." Michael said leaving the porch quickly.

"You are good with him, Harry." Remus said, standing at the door smiling.

"Thanks, Moony." Harry said. "Sit with me a minute would you?"

Remus sat in the chair once occupied by Michael. "Is something wrong, Harry?"

"I just feel so peaceful, and even now I know it can't be permanent." Harry said. "I think I've done something very stupid."

"What is that exactly?" Remus asked, confused.

"I had to bring them back, Remus. You know I had no choice, right?" Harry asked, panic and sadness in his voice and eyes.

"Harry, what is it?" Remus asked, now clearly worried.

"I've joined a group that has to remain secret, but the feeling I get from them is horrid!" Harry exclaimed. "The way they talk of balance is as if they are neutral and will kill a good wizard as quick as a dark one. I'm in way over my head this time, Remus, and for once I really can't talk to anyone about it."

"What does this have to do with bringing back Lily, James, and Sirius?" Remus asked.

"You must promise never to tell them." Harry said, his voice still shaking.

"I promise, Harry." Remus answered quickly.

"I offered to be a part of this group with no thought of their practices because they could get me the things I needed to get my parents back. America's council of wizards wouldn't help, the Ministry couldn't help at all, and I had nowhere else to turn." Harry said, looking at the ground. When his eyes returned to Remus tears were streaming down his face. "I had to, Remus. They said it was the only way to bring them all back. I had nowhere else to go, and no one to help me with it. What could I have done? What's worse is that now I'm wondering what I have done to the wizarding world by agreeing to be in their circle."

Remus hugged Harry then, and for the second time Harry was shocked as he hugged the man who had taught him much about being an adult in his life. Harry just stood there and cried in a mix of frustration, pain, suffering, and utter confusion. Remus stood there, much as a father helping his son through a difficult time. He refused to move and could be seen shaking his head to people as they came to the back door to look on them. When Harry had calmed from his brief fit he again took his seat and looked at the floor.

"It's okay to cry, Harry. We all do at times." Remus said. "It's a lot better then blowing things up at Godric's Hollow." He added jokingly.

Harry laughed at this. "Yeah, probably. It's just that I'm not used to keeping things from my friends, and especially not from Serena. What can I do, Remus? I don't want to be like those people. None of them have any idea what it is truly like to face a truly powerful wizard. They don't understand the pain involved. They only see a need to keep things balanced between good and evil. It's almost cruelly neutral." He said seriously.

"Harry, if I've ever taught you anything let it be this. The only thing you can do in life is follow your heart. It has never led you astray before, so I know it won't now. Follow the path that you have set for yourself, and not anyone else's preconceived notions of what you should be in life. Just be true to yourself." Remus said, patting Harry on the shoulder.

Harry smiled. "Thank you, Remus. You always seem to know what to do."

"That is the benefit of age, Harry." Remus said with a smile. "I know it wont topple trees, destroy dark lords, or summon the swords of two of the Hogwarts founders to me, but age has given me a knowledge on life that surpasses yours."

"You're right of course." Harry said brightly. "It has it's uses as well, I've found. I think I should get some sleep myself now. Thanks again Moony."

"That's what I'm here for." Remus said with a fatherly smile. "Anytime you need me, you know I'm here right?"

"I know, Remus. I have you, Mum, Dad, Sirius, and Dumbledore all bursting to give me the life lessons you've all learned. What none of you will ever know is how much I truly appreciate it." Harry said. Then he made his way to the back door and disappeared.

"I know, Harry." Remus said to himself. "I remember when you and I were the only family we had. We are the only ones who know that feeling I believe. But I am glad that feeling is gone now."

"Wake up you git!" Serena yelled, hitting Harry with a pillow.

"Whaddayawant?" Harry mumbled, still half asleep.

"Mike just came to wake us and you didn't even move! It's Christmas and he wants to open presents." Serena said, smiling as she ruffled Harry's hair.

"Well, let him." Harry said rolling over onto his back and pulling Serena to him. "I have my present, after all."

"No, you don't. I'll give you that one later. I was wondering if you still wanted to talk to him about what you spoke to me about?" Serena asked.

"Yeah, but I'm not sure if it would be a good or bad idea. He might very well tell me to piss off." Harry said groggily, stretching. "So I can't have my present until later?"

"No. Besides, I have actual presents for you, as well as some interesting news." Serena said.

"How about I have the news before I go downstairs?" Harry asked. "Might help to wake me up."

"I hope so." Serena said, smiling brightly. "Here goes. I'm pregnant."

"What?" Harry asked, dumbstruck.

"You know, pregnant, with child, a bun in the oven, one on the way." Serena said, then noticed Harry's still shocked expression. "Knocked up! Bloody hell, Harry! I don't know any other way's to put it!"

"You're eating for two now. That's one." Harry said, shaking himself from his stupor. "Really? You're pregnant? I'm going to be a dad?" He asked excitedly.

"Yes, Harry. I wouldn't kid you about this." Serena said, laughing now. "That is not really a joke on my part anyway. Morning sickness sucks!"

"Better you than me." Harry said with a half smile before getting hit in the head with a pillow. "I was just joking!"

"Sorry." Serena said, her voice light. "Mood swing." She added in a sing song voice.

"Bloody hell, let's get out of bed before I get hit with another pillow then." Harry said smiling. "And keep your moods to yourself."

"Well!" Serena replied in a huff before smiling again. "Let's go then."

They made their way downstairs five minutes later and laughed at the mob forming by the tree. It seemed Michael's excitement had spilled over to everyone else. Even Dumbledore was opening presents for himself, though he was much calmer than many others. Harry took a seat in a chair near Dumbledore while Serena joined the mob under the tree. Harry, in his now normal fashion, waved his hand and smiled as the presents for him landed in front of him.

"I think I like this tradition." Harry said, smiling.

"What tradition is that Harry?" Dumbledore asked.

"Sitting by calmly as you do while everyone else attacks presents like a pack of wolves." Harry answered.

"There is something amazing about Christmas, isn't there? It always seems to bring out the child in everyone but those who are wise enough to instead enjoy the excitement of others. It is what makes us unique Harry. We enjoy the happiness of others as much as we enjoy our own." Dumbledore said with a smile.

"It's a good trait to have." Harry said happily. "I've got news for you."

"Really? Please, do not let the suspense build too much Harry." Dumbledore said, looking intently on Harry.

"Serena's pregnant. I'm going to be a dad." Harry said as a sloppy grin formed on his face.

Dumbledore smiled cheerfully. "Ah, another Potter in my lifetime. What wonderful news! Congratulations, Harry."

"Thank you, Albus." Harry said. "Now I think I should open some of these, so as to not disappoint anyone."

"Ah, yes. I must finish as well. Thank you for the book, Harry. I do wonder how you knew that Merlin was my role model, and more so how you came across an autographed copy of his only book, but it is a wonderful present." Dumbledore said.

"I read somewhere that you were a great fan of Merlin. I'm just glad to see it was spot on. I won't tell you anything else, as it would ruin the present." Harry said cheerfully.

"Thank you, Harry." Dumbledore said smiling again.

Harry opened his presents easily, taking his time as he observed what he had received. Ginny had given him muggle clothes, the one thing she always said he needed more of. Neville had chosen a series of video games that Harry had commented on before coming to England. Hermione, in usual fashion, had given him a large collection of books he had looked at one day. Ron gave him tickets to the next quidditch game in America, which he found hilarious as he had given Ron the same thing. They looked at each other and laughed as they opened the presents from each other.

Serena had given him something very special to him. It seemed that she had taken a picture of Sirius, James, Remus, and Lily and had it blown up to the size of a poster. He smiled happily as he saw it, knowing she had went to a lot of trouble to find the photo since they were all the same age. Sirius had given him a broom cleaning kit, which he thought odd until he found his parents had given him a new broom. The Firebolt 3000. Harry looked at it in awe and smiled happily at his parents.

Michael's present was by far the most impressive to Harry's belief. At first he had no idea what the meaning of it was. He unwrapped the present and saw a necklace with a medallion made of gold. On the medallion was a lion and a snake woven together. However, they were not fighting and actually looked to be co-operating with each other. Harry looked from the necklace to Michael questioningly when Michael answered his unasked question.

"Serena told me a story about how you became so strong. She said that Gryffindor and Slytherin gave you their power to help you. I thought you might like the medal." Michael spoke sheepishly.

"I love it!" Harry said. "It's one of the best presents I've ever gotten. Thanks Michael."

"You're welcome Harry. Thank you for the broom." Michael replied. "I just don't have anywhere to keep it, and I can't use it until next year."

"That is something I wanted to talk to you about." Harry said softly, trying to keep it a secret between them. "I was wondering if you'd like to stay with me and Serena during the summer."

"Really!" Michael exclaimed. "Yeah, I'd love to!"

"Well, if you'd like, you could stay at my home for all the holiday's. But there is something that would have to be done." Harry said carefully.

"What?" Michael asked eagerly.

"Me and Serena would have to adopt you." Harry said uneasily. "Not to treat you like a son, but to treat you like a little brother. It's something we can't get around."

"So I'd have to be part of another family?" Michael asked. "I'd have to forget mine then."

"No, Michael. Never forget them. Just be a part of another family. A family that is here to look after you while your family can't right now."

"You wouldn't let me forget them if I said yes, would you?" Michael asked.

"No. In fact, I'll help you remember them any way I can." Harry said seriously.

"So will I." Serena spoke warmly.

"It's really okay?" Michael asked.

"Yes." Harry said.

"I'll need someone to help me with a baby. You'd be a lot better then Harry." Serena replied laughing.

Michael laughed, then looked at Dumbledore. "Is this really okay?"

"I believe it would be a splendid idea, Mr. Anderson." Dumbledore said. "Harry and Serena will need someone to keep them on their toes with a new child being born. Perhaps you are the perfect sort for it."

"Brothers?" Michael asked.

"Yes. Brothers." Harry said.

"Sweet!" Michael said, now excited again.

"Totally." Harry said in a laid back tone.

"God help me!" Serena exclaimed.

"I'm at your service madam." Harry said, bowing gracefully.

"Shut it, you git." Serena said, shoving Harry playfully.

"Hey, Harry!" Neville called. "You seemed to have forgotten my Christmas present mate!"

"No I didn't. Go look outside. Alone!" Harry called to him.

Neville walked out of the room and Serena smiled at Harry. Harry nodded and smiled at Ginny who returned it quickly when she heard Neville yell at the top of his lungs.

"Mum! Dad! You're better!"

"Happy Christmas Neville." Harry said to himself, smiling.