"Harry, do you want to see the castle?"

            Harry replied to his father by clapping his hands and giggling.

            Okay then. I suppose that'll be a yes," James said as he pulled the broom up and flew off into the castle.

            The students at Hogwarts that were staying for Christmas break were quite used to James showing up and flying around the school. Occasionally there was a first year that hadn't a clue as to what was going on but for the most part everyone was used to the strange behavior from their substitute transfiguration teacher.   James flew through the staircase leading to the stone gargoyle after knocking over several suites of armor when Harry attempted to steer.

             "Candyland."

 When they stepped in, the shining blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore greeted them.

             "Hello James. I believe you know everyone here," Dumbledore calmly stated.

            Behind him stood Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Professor McGonagall, Severus Snape, Lily, and a fuming Mr. Filch.

            "You…you..," Filch stuttered

            James stared.

            "Yes…Me…Who did you think it was?" James slowly said as he set Harry on the ground.

             "Do you have any idea how many suits of armor you knocked over?!" Filch screamed.

            "Ohhh….That's what you're talking about…Yeah, I was letting Harry practice flying and he didn't want to let go so we knocked over a couple of those things," James announced.

            "A couple?! Try thirty-five!!! They ought to lock you up!!" Filch screamed.

            "Can't argue with that," Snape jumped in.

            "Shove it Snape."                                

            "Why would I listen to you Black?"

            "Do you not understand English?"

            "A hell of a lot better than you do."      

            "Enough!!" Dumbledore commanded before either of them could attempt to kill the other. "Argus, I'm sure the armor will be fine. Severus and Sirius, act like adults."

            Harry watched in amazement as his Uncle Sirius and the other man turned away from each other and Filch left the office scowling. He looked to his other side and saw a beautiful red and gold bird. It flew down to the ground and allowed Harry to pet his head.

             Five minutes later, Harry heard his mother yelling at his father. He knew it was nothing serious as it never was.

                        "You git, you're supposed to aim away from people!" Lily voiced to her husband.

            "I'm hurt. Why do you keep calling me a git?" James replied acting as though he was upset.

                        "Because you are one," she replied, smiling.     

                        "She's got you on that one James," Sirius stated.

                        "Do you ever shut up?" James asked.

                         "Nope!"                                                         

                        "Figures," James replied with a sigh.

                        "James. Apologize to Severus." Lily told him.

                        "Why should I?"                                                                                                          

                        "Because you nearly poked his eye out because you can't open a bottle of champagne!"

                        "I can too open a bottle of champagne!"

                        "Apologize or say goodbye to your broom. I've broken that muggle garbage disposer once before and I'm not afraid to do it again."

            "You wouldn't…"James said.

                        "You willing to try me? Besides, you're setting a bad example for Harry," Lily said smiling as she glanced down at Harry. Harry had noticed that for the most part, whenever his mother said this, his dad would give in.

                        "You always have to bring that up don't you?" James replied, "Alright Snape, I'm sorry."

                                    Severus nodded, too amazed to say anything as he wasn't expecting an apology.

                        Eventually, everyone was having a good time. Remus was trying to convince a very drunk Sirius to stop dancing on Dumbledore's desk, Lily and Severus were talking to each other, James, McGonagall, and Dumbledore were talking to each other, and Harry was playing with Fawkes.

             "Everyone in for a picture," Lily said. "Too bad Peter couldn't come. He's working, right?" she asked.

            "He said something about having to work overtime," replied Sirius.

                        On Christmas Eve! He should get another job if they're working him that hard. I can't remember the last time he had gone a day without working," she said.

                        "Oh well. Come on Lil, I thought you wanted to take a picture," James said.

                        "I do. And don't call me Lil. My name is Lily. With a 'y' at the end."

                        "Yes your majesty," he simply replied.

                        Lily scowled at him.

                        "Okay. Everyone smile," James said.

                        "Who's taking the picture?" Lily asked.

                        "My wand of course." He replied.

                        And with that, he muttered a few words and baby Harry woke up in his basket in the cupboard under the stairs once again.