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Word Count - 360

Everlasting Gratitude

"You would have my everlasting gratitude if you would keep him," Remus muttered to James, as he followed Sirius through the door. "Until Christmas is over at least."

"Oh come on, Moony, he can't be that bad!" James replied, laughing as he closed the door behind his friends.

It was their first Christmas in Godric's Hollow, and their first with Harry, so he was super excited about the holiday this year.

Apparently, Remus didn't share that enthusiasm, even if Sirius did.

"There's my little Bambi!" Sirius called, picking Harry up from the rug he'd been laid out on.

"What did you just call my son?" James asked, frowning at his friend. "What the hell is Bambi?"

"How do you not know who Bambi is?" Sirius replied, rocking Harry gently in his arms. "You're literally married to Lily, and I know she introduced you to Disney. It's like, the greatest Muggle thing that exists!"

"Bambi is?"

"No, Disney is, you dumbass. But Bambi is a little baby deer. And you're a big deer. Keep up, James!"

James stared at Sirius for a long moment. "You've lost your mind haven't you? Is this why Remus wants us to keep you?"

Sirius gasped and pouted at Remus. "How very dare—"

"You've been singing Christmas songs since mid November," Remus said, deadpan as he stole Harry carefully from Sirius' arms. "You're driving me insane."

"But Christmas!"

"But insanity!"

"None of you appreciate my genius," Sirius complained, shaking his head. "Lils!"

Lily greeted them cheerfully, kissing their cheeks. "Merry Christmas, guys."

"It's not Christmas yet," Remus pointed out, though he smiled at her.

"We're having a week long Christmas," James said, shrugging as he accepted his son from Remus. "So I expect you to stay for the whole week, naturally. Peter will be here tomorrow."

"So, you're keeping Sirius, but I have to stay too?" Remus clarified, raising his eyebrow.

James nodded and smiled. "Sounds about right, yeah."

Remus sighed. Of course.

Later, when Sirius used Silent Night as a lullaby for Harry, Remus waited until the baby was asleep and safe in his cot before he hit Sirius.

It was only right, after all.

Written for:

North - Wreath, S1. Evergreen Branches: Everlasting

East - Yuletide, Step 3. 8. Godric's Hollow

South - Stocking: Felt Tips: "How do you not know who Bambi is?"

365. 326. Lullaby