AN: Guess what? No, really guess. I bet you can if you look at the title of this chapter. And this is chapter 25, which is awesome. No particular reason or rhyme. Hope you enjoy.

Oh and by the way. I am not going to be writing their Christmas'. I am going to skip to January. I have to get to the end so I can start the next year. I mean nothing really happened in this year and its 83,000 words. I have a serious problem. :P

The ending is just a bunch of letters to let you know what happened, just clarifying.

Chapter Twenty-Five: Let's meet the Parents, Shall We?

After a few days of Remus being back, and the boys apologizing to Carlee profusely, she finally agreed to forgive them. They were getting desperate, and it was almost time for them to leave for the holidays. Just 5 more days and they would be taking the train back to London. They would be separated for nearly 3 weeks. And after living with there friends for so long, it seemed a bit daunting. Actually only James and Peter seemed at all excited for the upcoming departure.

"My dad says that we're going to make a whole day of it. We're going out to breakfast in the morning with mum, then we'll go to the game and he says that we could probably go and meet the players afterwards. He's good friends with the captains father and he's asked him to see what he can do." James said still holding his father's latest letter. It was becoming clear to everyone that James' father was just as exited about this game as James was. Sirius wasn't sure weather he should be relieved that James obsession didn't sprout up randomly, or concerned that there was somebody else who loved Quidditch just as much as James.

"You know we are all super excited for you-" Carlee said, before getting rudely interrupted by Sirius.

"But would you shut up already?" He said throwing his hands in the air. "My Mother wrote me this morning and told me that I was expected at home for the holidays and if I even thought about trying to get out of it, I was going to be expelled from this school if she had to come here personally and drag me out by my ears. And believe you me; I would put up one hell of a fight." He was livid by the end of his speech and James was biting his lip. He didn't know what to say when Sirius started talking like that.

"Why wouldn't you be expected to come home? It's Christmas." Peter said clearly shocked that Sirius didn't want to go home.

"Well, my family doesn't really like me." Sirius huffed. "You all heard that letter that I got at the beginning of term. I don't really want to put up with three weeks of that. In person."

Remus was quietly listening. He didn't really want to go home either. They wouldn't be coming back to school until the 3rd of January and that would mean that he would have to transform at home. Now that he had had the experience of transforming at the school, he preferred it very much so to the cellar at his home. He loved his parents and having Christmas with them was always fun, but he was going to spend the entire vacation dreading the full moon more then he normally would.

But it was Carlee who was being uncharacteristically quiet during this whole discussion. Remus seemed to be the first to notice this. She was looking at the ground as she walked and pulling at the ends of her hair.

"What are you doing for Christmas?" He asked her, James and Sirius quickly looked over at her. Where they had learned to give her a wide margin of privacy, that just made them all the more interested when she was going to tell them anything.

"I think that I am staying here." She said snapping a smile on her face so quickly that Remus almost doubted that he had seen her frowning.

"Why?" James asked softly, hoping it was not pushing for too much.

"Well, where it would be nice to see Chris for Christmas, I am just not feeling up to three weeks of… them." She said nodding in the direction of Alec and Daniel, who were sitting on the other side of the courtyard with a group of their Slytherin friends.

"But it's Christmas." Peter said looking completely exasperated.

"That will make it even worse. All the relatives will be coming over. No, I think that I will stay here thank you." She said flipping her hair over her shoulder as Daniel caught sight of her and gave her the finger. "I didn't even do anything, the twat. Anyway, what about you Remus?"

"I don't know. I want to go home, but I sort of want stay here." He answered truthfully. She nodded, but Peter looked beside himself.

"But it's Christmas! You're supposed to be with your family."

"I don't like my family." Sirius muttered still staring Carlee's brothers down.

"Here here!" Carlee said putting her fist in the air.

"Well, I am going home." Peter said once he figured that no one was going to ask him what his plans were. "My cousins are coming in from Whales and my Grandma is going to make chocolate mint pudding, it's my favorite. On Christmas morning, we all wake up as soon as the sun comes up and we take turn opening presents. Only it take's so long because I have a fair few cousins you see-"

"That's real nice Peter, but what am I going to do?" Sirius stood up of the stone ledge he was sitting on and started pacing back and forth. Peter, a bit put out by the interruption, took his seat and began playing with his hands.

"I don't know. Lock yourself in your room for three weeks. That's what I would do." Carlee said.

"I think I would get a bit hungry."

"Don't you have house elves?" James said raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, but they don't exactly listen to me very well." Sirius muttered. James couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Then tell your parents. They are supposed to listen, it's like house elf law."

"Shut up James." Sirius said kicking a rock. Carlee shot James a look and James shook his head, but didn't say anything more.

"Well, I don't know what to tell you then." Carlee said.

"CARLEE!"

The whole courtyard went quiet and everyone turned to look at the angry blonde who stood at the main entrance to the court yard. Her curly hair was frazzled and pulled back into a half pony, though random strands seemed to be flying out all over the place. Her lips were pressed tightly together and her hands were in fists at her sides.

"Oh shoot." Carlee whimpered. She quickly slid behind Sirius who put his arms out in front of her. Remus and James quickly got on either side of him.

"Move!" Ella shouted pointing at the boys. They quickly jumped out of the way.

"Thanks a ton." Carlee snapped, then looked up at her sister and smiled. "Listen, I was going to talk to you about it, really I was."

"When?" Ella yelled, still on the other side of the courtyard.

"Umm…"

"That's what I thought." Ella said. "You want to stay here for Christmas, all by yourself?" It was more of a statement then a question and Carlee didn't really think it needed answering anyway.

"Good." Alec quipped loud enough for the all the silent students in the courtyard to hear him. "We don't want her at home anyway." Ella and Carlee both turned on him, Ella momentarily forgetting her quarrel with Carlee. Alec took a step back before he even realized what he was doing.

"Don't you dare-" Ella started.

"Are you admitting that you are related to us?" Carlee said looking at her older brother shocked. Alec looked about ready to retract his previous statement, but Ella rounded on Carlee again.

"You listen here Carlee, you are coming home-"

"No I am not!" Carlee shouted. "I don't want to go home," She gestured to Alec. "And he's right, nobody wants me there anyway."

"CARALINA ALYSON-MARIE BAKER! You are coming home for Christmas, do you hear me?" Carlee was staring at her sister with her mouth slightly ajar.

"You did not just use my whole name." Carlee said as though Ella had just physically attacked her. "You promised me that you wouldn't tell anyone my name!"

"Come home, or I will be broadcasting it to the rest of the school."

"It's too late for that, you just shouted it out in front of all these people." Carlee said waving her hands at the crowd.

"You better be packed and ready to go by the time the train gets here." Ella said and with that, she turned around and left.

Needless to say, the next few days were rather tense. Between Carlee and Sirius' moods about having to go home, Remus' dread of having to transform without Madam Pomfry, and Peter's disappointment in everyone being so angry around the holidays, that left only James. And he was finding it rather hard to have one sided conversations all day. So when the train finally did pull up in Hogsmade station, he was relieved.

Thought he started to wish that he was back in school after the first two hours of strained silence. Frank had come by to wish them a merry Christmas and say goodbye, but quickly found an excuse to leave after only a few moment despite James' pleas.

When the train finally pulled into London, James smiled at everyone, wished them a happy Christmas and then almost ran from the compartment, almost forgetting his coat and mittens.

"Yeah, well I am off as well." Peter said, not bothering with pleasantries, and soon he was gone too.

"Happy Christmas, to both of you. I'll try and write." Remus said waving at Carlee and Sirius.

"Me too." Carlee said smiling for his benefit. Then Remus ran of towards his parents, who were standing underneath the large old clock. Sirius and Carlee looked at each other and sighed. Carlee managed another weak smile.

"I guess we should get off the train." Sirius said.

"I guess. I was thinking about hiding under the seats, but Ella would kill me and I don't think the train goes back to Hogwarts until we ride it back in three weeks anyway."

"Probably better then going home."

"There's no food here."

"Touché. But it might still be better." Carlee nodded. They walked off the train slowly, side by side and then as slowly as they could manage, they started walking to the front of the platform. Carlee's mum and dad were the first to spot her and ran up to both of them. Sirius stepped aside, but stayed close. He still hadn't wished her a happy Christmas or said goodbye. And he wanted to meet her parents any how, after knowing her for a term, he was curious.

"Hey pumpkin!" Carlee's dad said reaching out and enveloping her into a hug. She hugged him back and then kissed his cheek smiling.

"Hey daddy." Sirius frowned slightly. He didn't want to admit it, but he was slightly disappointed. He had been thinking this whole time that Carlee was in a similar situation. But there was no denying the fact that Carlee loved her dad, and he loved her.

"Carlee." Her mom said nodding and then she tried to place a hand on Carlee's shoulder, but Carlee moved away towards Sirius, completely ignoring her mother. Comprehension dawned on Sirius' face and he nodded. It was her mother that was the problem.

"This is Sirius. He's one of my friends at school." She said looking at her dad while she spoke.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Sirius." Her dad said holding out his hand. Sirius smiled and shook it. "The names Tom. And this is my wife Olivia." Tom had a very friendly demeanor and looked as though you could sit and talk to him for hours and spill all of your secrets. He looked as though he was in his early 50's, with his blond hair slowly graying and residing farther back up his head. His eyes were the same brilliant blue as Carlee's, which instantly made Sirius feel relaxed around him.

"It's nice to meet you too sir." He smiled brightly and then turned to Olivia, who seemed to have suddenly found the sleeve of her jacket very interesting. She was standing with her painted lips pursed and her cold green eyes avoiding the two small children in front of her. Her dark brown hair was falling down to her chest, and it was curly, just like Carlee's. Sirius couldn't help but think that this woman could look very friendly, like her husband, if she would just smile. But she didn't and continued to avoid Sirius' eyes. Carlee sighed and crossed her arms.

"Anyway, Ella should be-"

"Ella was already taken home by Tim and Lucy, as were you other sibling and your cousins." Olivia snapped sharply. "I thank you for taking your time and dawdling."

"You are most welcome." Carlee whispered under her breath.

"Sirius!" Some one shouted from behind Olivia and Tom. They turned around, and Olivia made a squeal of recognition.

"Oh it can't be!" She said walking over to the woman who had called Sirius. Carlee and Sirius exchanged frightened glances. The mere thought that their mothers actually knew each other was completely horrifying to each of them. "Walburga!"

"Oh how wonderful to see you Olivia." The other lady said grabbing Olivia by the shoulders and kissing each of her cheeks. Walburga was older, but extremely pretty. Her black hair was pulled back into a tight knot on the back of her head, which gave her a very elegant air. Her dark bluish eyes were in think slits, making her look as though she was scrutinizing everything that she looked at. Her robes were the finest, most expensive type, with real gold thread spun into the cloth.

"Is that your mother son?" Tom asked Sirius, who looked taken back at being addressed as 'son'.

"Yes sir." Sirius said looking at the floor.

"Ha, how ironic, your mothers seem to be friends themselves. I guess it seems to run in the family, hey?" He nudged his daughter ands took hold of her trunk. I'll go and take this home. You can stay here with them. See you in a few." He kissed the crown of her head and apperated away.

"Luckily, being completely oblivious doesn't run in the family." Carlee said sadly and turning to Sirius she added, "Well, this should please them then. Unless your mother likes to tell people how much of a disappointment you are."

"Not unless it's just a school full of children."

"Then we should get lucky here." Carlee said linking arms with Sirius and holding her breath for a moment before exhaling.

"Oh, there you are!" Walburga exclaimed pulling her son into a hug and out of Carlee's grasp. "This is my eldest son, Sirius Orian Black." Sirius looked shocked by such close proximity, but complied none the less.

"Oh yes, I only just met him. He seems to be friends with my daughter, Caralina Isabella Baker." Carlee shook her head and muttered to herself. Sirius wondering if it was because her mother used her whole first name, or said a different middle name then Ella had used in the courtyard.

"Oh I have heard about her." Walburga said. Olivia seemed to freeze for a moment, but quickly composed herself. "She is your seventh daughter, isn't she?"

"Yes, we have quite the houseful." Olivia chortled.

"I don't know how you do it." Walburga said, her arms still resting on Sirius' shoulder. "I mean, I have only the two, and it's hard."

"Yes, well Tom loves children." She said, only Carlee could hear how her voice grew harder.

"Did you catch the paper this morning?"

"No I am afraid not." Olivia smiled.

"Oh, well, there has been another attack on muggle borns. But that's not what queer. Obviously, I could care less what happens to the mudbloods, but a few pure bloods went missing this time. And not even the blood traitors, some genuinely good pure bloods." Walburga said, emphasizing all the right words to make this piece of news all the more dramatic.

"You don't say." Olivia said putting her hand over her mouth.

"Were there any people murdered?" Carlee asked looking up at Walburga.

"Hush girl, we're talking." Her mother said swatting her over the head. Sirius found it unnerving how much Carlee flinched at her mother's hand.

"Anyway, you know the Lestranges of course," Olivia nodded. "Well, Roland just vanished, into thin air."

"Oh his poor family. And just before the holidays too." Olivia took a step closer to Walburga, pushing Carlee out to the side. "You know, before now, I was supporting the person behind all the previous attacks. Our world could do with a good purification."

"You are so right." Walburga said.

"You should come over to tea later this week. Or maybe the following. I'll send you an owl dear, we shall get together though." Olivia smiled, and then her smile turned into a sneer as she looked down at Sirius. "And maybe he can come too."

"Oh thank you ma'am. I would like that very much." Sirius smiled up at her, not noticing the look of horror on Carlee's face.

"Yes," Walburga said nodding. "I think that is possible. After all, being placed in Gryffindor, I am quite proud that he found such a respectable person to be friends with. I mean, with the riffraff that end up in that house."

"I know, I myself am pleasantly surprised." Olivia nodded. "Well, look for my owl. Goodbye."

"Goodbye." And with that, they kissed each other's cheeks again and took their children home. Carlee and Sirius didn't even get to say good bye, all Carlee was able to manage was a half hearted wave before her and her mother vanished.

Dear Remus,

I hope that you and your family are well. How un-Carleeish does that sound? :P gross. Okay, anyway, I sort of need some advice. My mother has invited a certain Sirius Black over to my house, and I don't really want him to come. I mean, I love Sirius, I do, but I don't want him at my house. But he is going to be here in like, 42 hours and 28 minutes. I am freaking out here. FREAKING OUT. I don't really know what you are supposed to say to that, but whatever. Chris says hi, he is reading this over my shoulder and now asking my why I don't want one of my best friends over at our house. Then I glared at him, he now understands.

Now he is laughing at me for writing down the conversation we are having, but I know that you want to get to know him, so you can do that through me. Actually, I have just told him to go write you a letter, I shall send it with this.

Again, hoping that you are well,

Carlee, your best friend, no matter how much candy Sirius and James might give you. 3

Hey Remus,

So, I am Chris, I don't really know you or anything, but I laughed at Carlee, and she told me to write to you. I don't really know if she is going to send this or not, but whatever. I kind of just do what she tells me to, you've met her, she's scary.

Anyway, the moon thing, that seems like something that we can call it. That's not the only reason why I didn't go to Hogwarts. I mean, it's a big part, seeing as how only a few people even know, and I don't want to tell anyone else, but there's other… stuff.

Carlee said that what I had was an inadequate way of getting to know you, so I know it is stupid, but here are some questions.

What is your favorite color? Your favorite animal? Where do you live? Do you like to watch movies, you know, muggle movies? If so, have you seen James Bond? If you haven't, why not?

Okay, write back

Chris

Dear Chris,

I was really glad that you decided to write to me, and I am sorry if the only reason you did was because of Carlee. I have never met anyone my age, that is…well, you know. And I just wanted to get to know you. I don't remember telling Carlee that, but she seems to know everything.

As for your question, I like purple, cats, by the sea, yes, yes, and the last question if void.

I don't know if I am stepping over any lines, but when you, well the moon thing at Hogwarts is a lot easier then at home. Madam Pomfry is amazing, as is Dumbledore, they treat me like I am an actual human.

I do hope that you change your mind.

Remus

Hey Sirius,

I am sorry that the tea got canceled, I know that you were looking forward to getting out of your house. I don't know if I'll see you till school, but Happy Christmas.

Carlee

Carlee,

Don't worry about it, you mother rescheduled, that's all. I'm coming over in two days. See you soon!

Sirius

James

You will never guess where I was yesterday! I was at Carlee's house. Turns out that our mother's were friends and they had tea and Carlee's mom said that I could come. Her house is huge! I mean, I thought mine was fairly large, but she live in like a freaking mansion, with more rooms and stuff added on.

America was pretty cool too. I mean, there was a lot of farms and muggles. Though her family all dressed like muggles too. Her mom said it was because they had to blend in. I had to wear some of her brother's clothes.

She lives on a farm, so there were all sort of cool animals there and stuff.

Anyway, I just wanted to brag, hope you had fun at the Quidditch match, and I do hope that the Tornados won for your sake.

Happy Christmas,

Sirius

AN: Hope you liked, I had fun writing it. This is now the longest Chapter. That's two longest chapters in a row! I am on a roll. Review and tell me what you think.

~Craz