This is the second to last chapter and sadly, most of it sucks. I hate the
first half of it, but it's really all I could think of. It depresses me to
think that the last chapter may be as bad as this one, but I'll do my best.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sirius's pain soon went away and in no time at all it was Christmas Eve. They had planned a big dinner for the four of them, and invited Dumbledore, as well some other professors: Professor McGonagall, Professor Sinistra, Professor Flitwick, and even Professor Snape. Harry could handle all but the last one. He couldn't really understand why they were so friendly with each other as of late, and wasn't sure he liked it. However, he accepted it and moved on.
Before they were to all arrive, Harry, who was dressed nicely in royal blue wizard robes asked, "How's Snape going to get here? He's a deatheater...aren't their wards against deatheaters getting in?"
Sirius smirked, "Harry, do you remember what happened earlier this week? We had two deatheaters in here. The ward against them is only so they don't walk in. It's just like a ring that blocks them. Once they're in the ring they're fine. Everyone's flooing in."
"Oh," Harry said feeling a little stupid.
Sirius smiled and went back to helping Remus prepare dinner. Remus wouldn't let Sirius do anything but peel potatoes and stir ingredients, and he watched him like a hawk. Though he missed when Sirius tried to pour extra pepper into the potatoes and the top fell off, leaving a pile of pepper in the potatoes.
"Shit!" Sirius whispered so that Remus didn't hear him. He then quickly scooped potatoes from the bottom onto the top so they looked pure white again. He then set them aside and went on to something else. Harry in the meantime wrote confirmation letters to all of his friends. With the help of Hedwig and Sirius's and Remus's owls he got them all sent out before the guests arrived. Once that was done, Harry started feeling very nervous.
He had eaten with his professors before, but this time he was at his own house, and he didn't have Ron and Hermione there with him. It was nerve racking to have to sit with his teachers on a far more personal basis.
The first person to arrive was Professor Dumbledore. Harry went to greet him and he shook his hand firmly. Then Sorai came out and looked at Dumbledore calculatingly. Sirius had just that day told her about their relation, as he had finally started talking to her again in Yule-tide spirit.
Dumbledore grinned at her and she smiled back. He reached out his hand to shake, but she ignored it and ran towards him into a big hug. Dumbledore laughed at this and hugged back. She seemed like a little girl, so happy to see her grandfather again. Harry smiled as he watched. Remus walked in then and smiled at Dumbledore.
"Hey, Albus, Happy Christmas!" (I hate the term Happy Christmas, but JKR uses it so I am too for today).
Dumbledore shook his hand and said the same thing. Then Sirius came out and gave Dumbledore a man hug. They really had gotten close since Sirius had begun his headmaster training, and they were getting along better than they ever had before. Harry was happy to see this. As much as Harry needed Sirius as a parent, Sirius still needed his own, and he found one in Dumbledore. They started talking about the people who were left at the school and the interesting things some of them were doing when the fireplace again rang.
This time it was Professor McGonagall. She was nowhere near as relaxed as Dumbledore. Rather she was quite formal. She shook everyone' s hands and then sat stiffly on the couch. There was more small talk until Professor's Sinistra and Flitwick came within seconds of each other. Within another five minutes, Snape had arrived. They went to the dining room then and sat around the table. Harry hadn't said boo since Dumbledore's arrival.
Sirius and Remus sat at the heads of the table. Harry was stuck between McGonagall and Snape and sat across from Flitwick, Sorai and Sinistra. It didn't take much to see how unimpressed he was with the seating arrangement. Sirius sent him a few sympathetic looks at the beginning of the meal, but soon got caught up in the action of it all and Harry was altogether forgotten. He didn't really mind, though. If he was forgotten he wouldn't have to speak. However, he wasn't forgotten by all party's present.
While the rest of the table was busy talking about the many blunders of Neville Longbottom, Snape turned to Harry.
"So Potter, I've accused you of a lot over the years. I'd like to know once and for all what you have done in the past. I assure you I will not get you in trouble for anything you tell me here, I just would like to know."
Harry looked at Snape for a moment and then nodded his head.
"Alright, the ingredients that were stolen from my office..."
"First time was Hermione, we were making a polyjuice potion to get into the Slytherin common room. We thought Malfoy might be the one who had opened the chamber of secrets. Second time, the Gillyweed was actually Dobby the house elf. I had no idea how to breathe under water and Moody, Bart Crouch, told him how I could do it."
"Indeed," Snape said. "And was the polyjuice potion you made successful?"
Harry nodded his head. "For Ron and I...Hermione accidentally got a cat hair instead Millicent Bulstrode's though...she was in the hospital for a quite a while for that."
Snape nodded, "I was wondering what could keep a girl like that out for so long."
It was obvious Harry didn't like the term "A girl like that" but he let it slide. Snape moved on to another question.
"When Black escaped after we had him locked away, that was you right?"
Harry nodded.
"How'd you do it?"
"You probably know that Hermione had a time-turner?"
Snape nodded.
"Well, Dumbledore believed my story that Sirius was innocent. So he told Hermione what to do and told us we could save two innocent lives that night. Sirius's and Buckbeak's. So we went back two hours, freed Buckbeak, watched ourselves get beat up by a tree and then once Sirius was up in the office we flew Buckbeak up to the window and got him out. We then got off and he flew away...then we returned to the hospital wing just in time."
Snape shook his head. Harry looked down, but before he did caught the smile on Snape's face. He looked back up.
"If I had done all of that when I wasn't even in sixth year yet, I'd be dead. You're very brave Potter."
"Thanks, Professor," Harry said blushing slightly.
Snape nodded and went back to his meal. Harry did as well and for once thought Snape was right. He never realized it, but he had done so many things over the years that could have gotten him killed. He wasn't just little Harry Potter, or just the Boy who lived, he was a strong Gryffindor who could take care of himself, most of the time. He still needed help, but he could handle most situations.
The rest of dinner was spent telling stories of when Snape, Sirius, and Remus were kids. McGonagall and Flitwick had both taught them. Everyone had heard most of the stories before with the exception of Harry and Professor Sinistra, who began teaching a year after they graduated. She wasn't that much older than Sirius, Remus and Snape.
The group was roaring with laughter as the night came to an end. Everyone was having a good time, including Snape and Harry. Though, Harry was looking forward to everyone leaving. He got his wish at nine o'clock when everyone started heading towards the fireplace. Snape and Dumbledore were the last to go.
"Thanks for your hospitality, Sirius, I believe I was wrong about you all those years."
"Same here, Sev!" Sirius said, he had definitely had a bit too much wine. He wasn't drunk, but he was definitely close to it. Snape actually laughed at being called that and waved goodbye before heading through the fireplace.
Sorai had already gone up to her room before Dumbledore left, so Sirius took his last minutes there as an opportunity to get something fixed.
"Before you go Albus...you remember what I told you happened...with Malfoy?"
"Indeed."
"Well, that guy, Jacob Whitman," Sirius spat the name, "Can still get in here...think you can fix that for me?"
"The second I get back Sirius."
"Thanks," Sirius said yawning.
"Goodnight, Sirius, thanks for a wonderful Christmas Eve. I don't believe I've had such a good time in years."
Sirius smiled proudly and said, "It was my pleasure! Good night!"
Dumbledore said goodnight to Remus and Harry as well and then left. Once he was gone Harry plopped down on the couch and finally relaxed. Despite the fun he was starting to have, Harry hadn't let his guard down once. He simply wasn't comfortable surrounded by his teachers like that.
"Did you have a good time Bud?"
Harry shrugged. Sirius gave him a funny look and sat with him on the couch. Remus took a seat in a comfy chair nearby.
"You didn't have a good time did you?"
"No, I had a little fun."
"I ignored you didn't I? I'm so sorry, I'll admit, I completely forgot about you...I knew you weren't going to have the best time, and I meant to include you more...I'm really sorry Harry."
"It's okay, you had a good time. It's not like I hated it. It wasn't that bad. I've been through worse."
"Still, you were stuck between Severus and Minerva! I know they aren't your favorite people in the world."
"It's okay, Snape talked to me a bit...it's fine Sirius."
Sirius just shook his head.
"Will it make you feel better if we ignore you when I have my friends up?"
Sirius looked at Harry and then shook his head, "Wouldn't work, I can not be ignored...I don't allow it to happen."
Harry laughed and nodded. "Whatever Sirius, it's cool. You were having a good time."
"Well if you're sure you're okay with it."
"Really, it's fine."
"Alright, what do you want to do now? It's too early to go to bed."
"I've been craving apple cider actually...hot apple cider. It's one of the few luxuries I was allowed around the holidays at the Dursleys...back before I went to Hogwarts. Do we have the capabilities to make some?"
Sirius looked to Remus for the answer. He nodded his head, smiling at how much Harry wanted something as simple as hot apple cider for Christmas. He came back with three mugs of it in no time and they sat down to watch another movie. "A Christmas Story."
Harry just about spit his cider all over the couch when the kid in the movie shot himself in the eye, breaking his glasses. It seemed like something he would do himself. He was really enjoying the movie.
Apparently it had come out just in time for Harry's first Christmas, so technically he had seen it before. Sirius, Remus, James and Lily had all gathered on Christmas Eve just like they were doing then to watch it at James and Lily's house.
At one point in the movie Sirius paused it and said, "This is the exact point where James made us stop the movie so that he could go change your diaper! We picked on him so bad for that, didn't we Moony?"
Remus laughed remembering how they always picked on James when he had to be the Daddy.
"He didn't mind though, he loved taking care of you," Remus said reminiscently.
"Yes he did," Sirius said sadly. "I really miss Prongs." Sirius said thickly.
"Me too," Remus mumbled.
"I do too," Harry said. "I never really knew him, but I miss him...I've missed him all these years. My mum too."
"Yeah...Lily. She made the best Christmas dinner that year...and she mashed everything up for you, Harry. Man those two would have been the best parents for you. The best."
"Well, you're doing a pretty good job," Harry said sincerely. All three seemed pretty choked up, so they went back to watching the movie in silence. When it ended Remus got up, shut the television off and turned on the lights. He looked at Sirius and saw his face was tearstained and red.
"Padfoot..." Remus said.
"I really miss them...so much."
"Come here," Remus said sitting beside him. He put his arms around his best friend and pulled him close.
"I thought when we stopped talking about it, you stopped thinking about it?"
Sirius sniffed and shook his head. "I tried to stop thinking about it, but I just couldn't. Every scene in that movie held a memory of them. A memory that made me think about how much I missed them. I want them back, so much."
"Me too, Sir, me too, but they don't want us to be like this. They want us to be happy, even without them around. So be happy, just for them."
"I can't Rem..." Sirius said, unable to control the flow of tears streaming quickly down his cheeks. "I have to go upstairs."
Remus and Harry watched him speed out of the room and head up the stairs.
"Poor guy," Remus said shaking his head.
Harry looked somewhat confused. "Why's ihe like this right now...why didn't he get like this before?"
Remus shrugged. "Being sent to Azkaban right after your parents deaths, Sirius never got a chance to get over it. Things like Christmas are what bring back the most memories. I got just like that after like, the first five Christmas's without everyone. He just can't take it all at once like that. In the future, he'll be able to deal with it, but he has to get over their deaths first."
"Oh," Harry said. "Should we make sure he's alright."
"Well, we know he's not. I think right now he should be alone if he wants to be. He'll come find us if he needs us."
"Right," Harry said.
"How about a game of chess before bed, Harry?"
"Sure."
They actually played two games. Remus one both and then they both went to bed. On the way to his room, Harry stopped into Sirius's to say goodnight. He found his godfather tangled in a mass of blankets, his face still wet from tears, sound asleep. He stepped out and then went on to his own room. He was quickly as soundly asleep as Sirius.
The next morning Harry woke up to whispered voices. He cracked one eye open and saw Sirius and Remus talking in his doorway. He slowly sat up and glared at them.
Sirius just laughed at him. "Don't you dare glare at me, Harry Potter!"
"Why are you waking me up? What time is it?"
"It is nine o'clock. I can't sleep past six on Christmas day. Do you know how much it took not to wake you up sooner?!"
Harry sighed and fell back on his pillows. Remus laughed, but Sirius, like a drill sergeant bent down next to his ear and yelled. "Harry James Potter! Your presence is requested immediately in the living room. If you refuse to get up, consequences will consist of a bucket of ice water!"
Harry smirked and tossed his pillow in Sirius's face. He then sat up again and swung his legs out. He was just wearing boxers, so he threw on some pajama pants and a sweatshirt and left the room with Sirius and Remus. They both rushed down the stairs before him and stood next to the Christmas tree. Presents extended nearly six feet around it. They couldn't wait to see the expression on Harry's face when he saw it. Remus even had a camera ready.
Harry seemed confused as he slowly made his way down the stairs, but he immediately figured it out when he reached the bottom. His jaw dropped open as he saw the piles of gifts wrapped in bright, shiny paper. There were big ones and small ones, some in funny shaped packages. Harry just stared at them, not saying a word, but joy in his eyes. He really seemed like a five year old boy, rather than a fifteen year old, but Sirius and Remus understood the reasoning behind that. Remus snapped a few pictures and then got Harry to sit down on the couch. He sat next to him and Sirius sat between the couch and the tree.
"What do you think, Harry?" Sirius asked, smiling knowingly. "I can't believe you guys did all this...definitely the best Christmas I've ever had and I haven't even opened them yet."
Sirius laughed at him and then yelled, "C'mon Sorai, are you almost ready?!"
"Two more minutes, Sirius!" Came Sorai's voice from the kitchen. And in just under that Sorai came out carrying mugs of cocoa for all of them as well as a plate of muffins.
"Dig in Harry, so we can crack into those gifts."
Harry wasted no time, nor did the others. In no time they had all eaten and Harry was being handed his first present. It was from Sirius. He opened it to reveal a photo album. The album had pictures that Sirius had some how collected. Unlike the one Hagrid had given him, this one chronicled the life of Harry. In it he found pictures of himself as a baby, surrounded constantly by Remus, Sirius, and his parents. There were pictures of him at the Dursley's too, wizarding photos of him at the Dursleys. He flipped further and found pictures of him at school some from each of his five years. There were also newspaper clippings throughout the entire thing.
He looked up at Sirius with watery eyes. "How did you do this?"
Sirius beamed seeing how happy it made Harry. "Well, the baby ones are all mine, and a few are Remus's. I made copies of everything, so I have the same album really. Anyway, I imagine you remember a lady by the name of Arabella Figg?"
Harry nodded suspiciously.
"Well, she was your fathers nanny when he was a kid. Remus asked her to keep an eye on you while you were there. She took lots of pictures and Remus kept a running account of them all those years you were stuck there."
"So, I didn't just forget about you," Remus said smiling.
"I know," Harry muttered, smiling at a picture where he was rolling on the grass laughing, he had just accidentally sent Dudley up a tree. There were tons like that.
"And the Hogwarts ones?"
"We got those from various sources. I bribed the Creevy kid for some, and the rest I got from the professors. Without letting the students know, they are constantly taking pictures of you students. They got some great ones of you, Ron and Hermione, didn't they?"
"I like this one," Harry said pointing to one of Harry talking to Hagrid by the lake.
"Thanks so much, Sirius."
"You're welcome, bud."
Next Harry unwrapped a present from Remus. It was an ordinary, blank muggle video tape. There was a piece of masking tape on the side of it that said, "LJ Wedding."
Harry looked up hopefully and Remus smiled and nodded back. It was a tape of his parents wedding.
"This was actually supposed to be a birthday present, but I never had the chance to give you it. I actually didn't have a copy of my own. I found this at the Dursleys. I umm...searched it after they had been killed. I think your aunt did have some love left for your mother, even if she didn't show it. Otherwise she wouldn't have kept this."
"Can we watch it?"
"After you open the rest of your presents," Sirius said like it was a punishment. Harry grinned at him. He opened the rest of his presents and wound up with stacks of books, clothes, and weird wizard devices that were supposed to keep him safe. He felt like he had the same amount of defense equipment as Mad Eye Moody. Sirius and Remus opened their presents as well, but they made Harry finish first. Harry had gotten each of them a framed picture of the three of them. It had been taken over the summer by Sorai, just before Remus had been sent away. Here he was thinking he had been clever for the pictures, but it was nothing compared to what Sirius had given him. Both Remus and Sirius loved the pictures, though.
He also got them small things, like nice nameplates for their offices at school, etc.
And, Sorai, not to be forgotten received a few things from each of them. She felt she didn't deserve anything at all though, and was simply not in the Christmas spirit. Once everything was opened and neatly arranged in piles, the four of them sat down and watched the tape of Harry's parents wedding. He sat in a silent reverie as he watched the film. It was the first time he had seen his parents in action, the first time he heard his parents talking in normal voices. He had of course heard his parents when he was close to the dementors, but never had he heard the happy music of his mothers voice, and the laughter behind every word his father said.
Harry's eyes were misted over as he watched the ceremony. He wanted to cry when he saw the tears of joys in his mothers eyes as James and she walked through the crowds throwing rice at them as they left the church. The tape cut for a few seconds and then they all reappeared wearing different clothes. It was the wedding reception. The camera was focused on the happy couple. A familiar voice came from behind the camera, Sirius's.
"Mr. And Mrs. James Potter, how does it feel to know you will never sleep with another human being for the rest of your lives?"
Lily blushed and smacked Sirius, making the camera wobble. James just laughed at his best friend. "It feels amazing," he whispered, staring lovingly into Lily's eyes. She smiled and kissed him softly on the lips.
"Awww..." came Sirius's voice from behind the camera. Lily just shook her head at Sirius, grinning from ear to ear.
"Congratulations," another very familiar voice came and Remus stepped directly in front of the camera, so that all that was seen was the black of his tuxedo. Sirius moved so he got a full shot of them all. He first hugged James and then Lily.
"Thanks Moony," James said. Remus was smiling, but there was a sadness in his eyes, Harry noticed.
"Are you okay, Rem?" James asked. "I mean, you were supposed to be the first to tie the knot...but with what happened...are you alright?"
Remus smiled earnestly and said, "I'll be fine. Thanks James." James patted Remus lightly on the back. Then Peter came up behind them all. Harry wanted to throw something at the screen, to yell and warn his parents, but he kept his mouth shut and watched, biting his lip.
"Hey guys, that was a great wedding. Excellent food!"
Lily laughed at him and James hit him lightly on the back. "I'm glad you liked it Wormtail. Maybe it'll be your turn soon."
Wormtail looked hopeful. "Maybe I'll go try to meet a lady right now!"
They all laughed as they watched him go away. "The day Wormtail gets a lady is the day I betray James and Lily," Sirius laughed as did the rest of the group.
"Jamie!!!!" A shrill voice yelled and the camera was turned to Sorai who was running towards them in a pink sundress. She threw her arms around one of her second brothers and hugged him tight. "Congratulations!"
"And Lil' Lily!"
"Hey, Sorai!" she said, hugging her back.
"Sor, you want to take the camera? I'm sick of it! I want to be in this film too!" Sirius whined like a child.
Sorai looked into the camera and said, "Of course little brother!" Then there was a bunch of blurriness until the camera focused on Sirius.
"Hello," he said starring into the camera, "My name is Sirius Black, and I am the best man of this wedding," Sirius wrapped his arms around each of his friends shoulders. "I have known James here, and Lillian since we were a mere eleven years old. A long time, wouldn't you say? It is with shock and amazement that I stand here today. It's really a wonder they both haven't killed me yet."
Sirius was blushing as he watched himself. If he recalled correctly he had already downed at least five glasses of wine and was really feeling it. But he was having a good time, and that's all that mattered.
On the tape he went on and on, making all of his friends at the wedding laugh, as well as those in the living room. But soon, the reception ended and a limo was shown driving away, the words "Just Married" written on the back. All that was left was static.
Harry wiped quickly at the tears that had just started flowing over his eyelids and turned to Remus and Sirius, who also were near tears.
"Wow," Sorai muttered. Even she was close to tears and she had known the Potter's the least.
"You okay, Harry?" Remus asked, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Thank you so much," Harry muttered hugging Remus. He rubbed Harry back as he hugged him, knowing full well what emotions were probably running through Harry's head just then. "You don't know how much this means to me. I-I never heard their voices before...I didn't know the way they acted...now I know." Harry said, letting the tears out.
Remus laughed slightly and rocked Harry back and forth. "You're welcome Harry." Sirius cried a bit too, but he kept it relatively hidden.
Once Harry had stopped crying he asked, "How did Aunt Petunia get a copy of that?"
"Every guest at the wedding got one. Most of them probably could have done without the scene with me, but you know, I'm glad they did so I could see it again."
"If every person at the wedding had one, how come you didn't get one, Remus?"
"Well," Remus said looking slightly embarrassed. "After they died I watched it so many times it, er, broke."
Harry looked at him with a sad smile.
"I think we've all done enough moping today, how about we do something fun!" Sirius said, trying his best to lighten the mood.
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"Snowball fight?" Remus suggested.
Sirius grinned evilly and nodded. They all got up and put on snow gear and trekked through the deep snow. They took their places around the yard and began making forts. It was going to be Sirius and Harry against Remus and Sorai. Using mostly magic Sirius constructed a huge snow fortress. He made the walls of it completely indestructible and constructed a window of ice so they could see what the others were up to.
Remus and Sorai, who said they were "playing fair" constructed a regular snow fort the way any muggle would have.
Sirius shook his head at the sight of them. "Playing fair my ass," he said. "Wait till you see what Moony over there can do with a snowball. He knows every trick in the book."
"He's that good huh?" Harry asked.
"Lets just say he doesn't really need a fort at all."
Harry gulped, "We're doomed."
"Not quite, I know a few good ones myself."
Harry looked at him skeptically and then began forming huge snowballs with his gloved hand. He had a small pile of them ready when Remus and Sorai called saying they'd finish. The snowball war was ready to begin. Sirius took two of the snowballs Harry had made and rushed out of the snow fort. He threw them into the air and muttered some curse that sent both of them right at Remus who had left his fort to throw some Sirius's way. Sirius's snow balls went high in the air when they reached Remus and fell straight down on his head. He glared at Remus but laughed when his hit. As his snowball went it got bigger and bigger. It was larger than Sirius's head when it hit him in the stomach, knocking him down and burying him in snow. The war went on like this. Each trying different techniques with each throw. Sirius taught Harry a lot of tricks and they were definitely holding there own, but definitely losing as well.
Once Sirius and Harry were thoroughly soaked, and Remus and Sorai only mildly soaked, they went inside. They ate grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, one of Sirius's favorites and then watched a new movie that Remus had gotten for Sirius. After that Harry spent the rest of the night alone in his room, trying to find places for all his new things. Once everything was packed away he once again looked through his new photo album. Over and over again he flipped through the pictures, paying special attention to the ones taken before his parents died. They both looked so happy when he was around them. In every picture they beamed with pride at the sight of their baby boy. He opened to one of himself sleeping on his fathers chest. One of James's arms was wrapped securely around Harry's back, the other was wrapped around his sleeping wife. It was a beautiful picture and Harry fell asleep staring at it.
The next morning Sirius came to wake him up. Harry had slept much later than he usually did, and it was time for him to get ready for the arrival of his friends. He smiled to himself as he saw the picture. He lifted the album off of Harry's lap and set it aside. Then he set to work waking Harry.
It didn't take much to do it. Harry groggily opened his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to wipe the sleep out of them.
"Morning Sunshine," Sirius joked.
Harry stretched his arms and then tried to focus on Sirius, but found he couldn't. Squinting, he tried harder, but everything was still blurry. Sirius laughed at him and put his glasses on his face. Harry blushed and smiled.
"What time is it?"
"Almost eleven. Your friends are supposed to be here around 12:30, you should get up and get ready."
Harry nodded and Sirius left the room. Harry sat up in bed and looked over at his album. Again, he picked it up and looked through it, this time he stared at one picture of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the common room together third year. They looked so happy and carefree.
That's just the way that Harry wanted them to be today. He didn't want to think about the bad things that day, didn't want to worry about protecting them. For the day, Harry wanted nothing more than to have fun with his friends, and maybe soon find himself with another picture, similar to the one he was staring at.
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Abrupt ending, but it had to end sometime. Originally that was going to be the last chapter, but I couldn't fit it all in. Which means I'm going to have to add a bit of fluff into the last chapter. I'm considering that to be a good thing, but you may disagree, I'm sorry if that's so. My goal is to have the last chapter out by Sunday, but I don't always meet my goals, so we shall see.
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Sirius's pain soon went away and in no time at all it was Christmas Eve. They had planned a big dinner for the four of them, and invited Dumbledore, as well some other professors: Professor McGonagall, Professor Sinistra, Professor Flitwick, and even Professor Snape. Harry could handle all but the last one. He couldn't really understand why they were so friendly with each other as of late, and wasn't sure he liked it. However, he accepted it and moved on.
Before they were to all arrive, Harry, who was dressed nicely in royal blue wizard robes asked, "How's Snape going to get here? He's a deatheater...aren't their wards against deatheaters getting in?"
Sirius smirked, "Harry, do you remember what happened earlier this week? We had two deatheaters in here. The ward against them is only so they don't walk in. It's just like a ring that blocks them. Once they're in the ring they're fine. Everyone's flooing in."
"Oh," Harry said feeling a little stupid.
Sirius smiled and went back to helping Remus prepare dinner. Remus wouldn't let Sirius do anything but peel potatoes and stir ingredients, and he watched him like a hawk. Though he missed when Sirius tried to pour extra pepper into the potatoes and the top fell off, leaving a pile of pepper in the potatoes.
"Shit!" Sirius whispered so that Remus didn't hear him. He then quickly scooped potatoes from the bottom onto the top so they looked pure white again. He then set them aside and went on to something else. Harry in the meantime wrote confirmation letters to all of his friends. With the help of Hedwig and Sirius's and Remus's owls he got them all sent out before the guests arrived. Once that was done, Harry started feeling very nervous.
He had eaten with his professors before, but this time he was at his own house, and he didn't have Ron and Hermione there with him. It was nerve racking to have to sit with his teachers on a far more personal basis.
The first person to arrive was Professor Dumbledore. Harry went to greet him and he shook his hand firmly. Then Sorai came out and looked at Dumbledore calculatingly. Sirius had just that day told her about their relation, as he had finally started talking to her again in Yule-tide spirit.
Dumbledore grinned at her and she smiled back. He reached out his hand to shake, but she ignored it and ran towards him into a big hug. Dumbledore laughed at this and hugged back. She seemed like a little girl, so happy to see her grandfather again. Harry smiled as he watched. Remus walked in then and smiled at Dumbledore.
"Hey, Albus, Happy Christmas!" (I hate the term Happy Christmas, but JKR uses it so I am too for today).
Dumbledore shook his hand and said the same thing. Then Sirius came out and gave Dumbledore a man hug. They really had gotten close since Sirius had begun his headmaster training, and they were getting along better than they ever had before. Harry was happy to see this. As much as Harry needed Sirius as a parent, Sirius still needed his own, and he found one in Dumbledore. They started talking about the people who were left at the school and the interesting things some of them were doing when the fireplace again rang.
This time it was Professor McGonagall. She was nowhere near as relaxed as Dumbledore. Rather she was quite formal. She shook everyone' s hands and then sat stiffly on the couch. There was more small talk until Professor's Sinistra and Flitwick came within seconds of each other. Within another five minutes, Snape had arrived. They went to the dining room then and sat around the table. Harry hadn't said boo since Dumbledore's arrival.
Sirius and Remus sat at the heads of the table. Harry was stuck between McGonagall and Snape and sat across from Flitwick, Sorai and Sinistra. It didn't take much to see how unimpressed he was with the seating arrangement. Sirius sent him a few sympathetic looks at the beginning of the meal, but soon got caught up in the action of it all and Harry was altogether forgotten. He didn't really mind, though. If he was forgotten he wouldn't have to speak. However, he wasn't forgotten by all party's present.
While the rest of the table was busy talking about the many blunders of Neville Longbottom, Snape turned to Harry.
"So Potter, I've accused you of a lot over the years. I'd like to know once and for all what you have done in the past. I assure you I will not get you in trouble for anything you tell me here, I just would like to know."
Harry looked at Snape for a moment and then nodded his head.
"Alright, the ingredients that were stolen from my office..."
"First time was Hermione, we were making a polyjuice potion to get into the Slytherin common room. We thought Malfoy might be the one who had opened the chamber of secrets. Second time, the Gillyweed was actually Dobby the house elf. I had no idea how to breathe under water and Moody, Bart Crouch, told him how I could do it."
"Indeed," Snape said. "And was the polyjuice potion you made successful?"
Harry nodded his head. "For Ron and I...Hermione accidentally got a cat hair instead Millicent Bulstrode's though...she was in the hospital for a quite a while for that."
Snape nodded, "I was wondering what could keep a girl like that out for so long."
It was obvious Harry didn't like the term "A girl like that" but he let it slide. Snape moved on to another question.
"When Black escaped after we had him locked away, that was you right?"
Harry nodded.
"How'd you do it?"
"You probably know that Hermione had a time-turner?"
Snape nodded.
"Well, Dumbledore believed my story that Sirius was innocent. So he told Hermione what to do and told us we could save two innocent lives that night. Sirius's and Buckbeak's. So we went back two hours, freed Buckbeak, watched ourselves get beat up by a tree and then once Sirius was up in the office we flew Buckbeak up to the window and got him out. We then got off and he flew away...then we returned to the hospital wing just in time."
Snape shook his head. Harry looked down, but before he did caught the smile on Snape's face. He looked back up.
"If I had done all of that when I wasn't even in sixth year yet, I'd be dead. You're very brave Potter."
"Thanks, Professor," Harry said blushing slightly.
Snape nodded and went back to his meal. Harry did as well and for once thought Snape was right. He never realized it, but he had done so many things over the years that could have gotten him killed. He wasn't just little Harry Potter, or just the Boy who lived, he was a strong Gryffindor who could take care of himself, most of the time. He still needed help, but he could handle most situations.
The rest of dinner was spent telling stories of when Snape, Sirius, and Remus were kids. McGonagall and Flitwick had both taught them. Everyone had heard most of the stories before with the exception of Harry and Professor Sinistra, who began teaching a year after they graduated. She wasn't that much older than Sirius, Remus and Snape.
The group was roaring with laughter as the night came to an end. Everyone was having a good time, including Snape and Harry. Though, Harry was looking forward to everyone leaving. He got his wish at nine o'clock when everyone started heading towards the fireplace. Snape and Dumbledore were the last to go.
"Thanks for your hospitality, Sirius, I believe I was wrong about you all those years."
"Same here, Sev!" Sirius said, he had definitely had a bit too much wine. He wasn't drunk, but he was definitely close to it. Snape actually laughed at being called that and waved goodbye before heading through the fireplace.
Sorai had already gone up to her room before Dumbledore left, so Sirius took his last minutes there as an opportunity to get something fixed.
"Before you go Albus...you remember what I told you happened...with Malfoy?"
"Indeed."
"Well, that guy, Jacob Whitman," Sirius spat the name, "Can still get in here...think you can fix that for me?"
"The second I get back Sirius."
"Thanks," Sirius said yawning.
"Goodnight, Sirius, thanks for a wonderful Christmas Eve. I don't believe I've had such a good time in years."
Sirius smiled proudly and said, "It was my pleasure! Good night!"
Dumbledore said goodnight to Remus and Harry as well and then left. Once he was gone Harry plopped down on the couch and finally relaxed. Despite the fun he was starting to have, Harry hadn't let his guard down once. He simply wasn't comfortable surrounded by his teachers like that.
"Did you have a good time Bud?"
Harry shrugged. Sirius gave him a funny look and sat with him on the couch. Remus took a seat in a comfy chair nearby.
"You didn't have a good time did you?"
"No, I had a little fun."
"I ignored you didn't I? I'm so sorry, I'll admit, I completely forgot about you...I knew you weren't going to have the best time, and I meant to include you more...I'm really sorry Harry."
"It's okay, you had a good time. It's not like I hated it. It wasn't that bad. I've been through worse."
"Still, you were stuck between Severus and Minerva! I know they aren't your favorite people in the world."
"It's okay, Snape talked to me a bit...it's fine Sirius."
Sirius just shook his head.
"Will it make you feel better if we ignore you when I have my friends up?"
Sirius looked at Harry and then shook his head, "Wouldn't work, I can not be ignored...I don't allow it to happen."
Harry laughed and nodded. "Whatever Sirius, it's cool. You were having a good time."
"Well if you're sure you're okay with it."
"Really, it's fine."
"Alright, what do you want to do now? It's too early to go to bed."
"I've been craving apple cider actually...hot apple cider. It's one of the few luxuries I was allowed around the holidays at the Dursleys...back before I went to Hogwarts. Do we have the capabilities to make some?"
Sirius looked to Remus for the answer. He nodded his head, smiling at how much Harry wanted something as simple as hot apple cider for Christmas. He came back with three mugs of it in no time and they sat down to watch another movie. "A Christmas Story."
Harry just about spit his cider all over the couch when the kid in the movie shot himself in the eye, breaking his glasses. It seemed like something he would do himself. He was really enjoying the movie.
Apparently it had come out just in time for Harry's first Christmas, so technically he had seen it before. Sirius, Remus, James and Lily had all gathered on Christmas Eve just like they were doing then to watch it at James and Lily's house.
At one point in the movie Sirius paused it and said, "This is the exact point where James made us stop the movie so that he could go change your diaper! We picked on him so bad for that, didn't we Moony?"
Remus laughed remembering how they always picked on James when he had to be the Daddy.
"He didn't mind though, he loved taking care of you," Remus said reminiscently.
"Yes he did," Sirius said sadly. "I really miss Prongs." Sirius said thickly.
"Me too," Remus mumbled.
"I do too," Harry said. "I never really knew him, but I miss him...I've missed him all these years. My mum too."
"Yeah...Lily. She made the best Christmas dinner that year...and she mashed everything up for you, Harry. Man those two would have been the best parents for you. The best."
"Well, you're doing a pretty good job," Harry said sincerely. All three seemed pretty choked up, so they went back to watching the movie in silence. When it ended Remus got up, shut the television off and turned on the lights. He looked at Sirius and saw his face was tearstained and red.
"Padfoot..." Remus said.
"I really miss them...so much."
"Come here," Remus said sitting beside him. He put his arms around his best friend and pulled him close.
"I thought when we stopped talking about it, you stopped thinking about it?"
Sirius sniffed and shook his head. "I tried to stop thinking about it, but I just couldn't. Every scene in that movie held a memory of them. A memory that made me think about how much I missed them. I want them back, so much."
"Me too, Sir, me too, but they don't want us to be like this. They want us to be happy, even without them around. So be happy, just for them."
"I can't Rem..." Sirius said, unable to control the flow of tears streaming quickly down his cheeks. "I have to go upstairs."
Remus and Harry watched him speed out of the room and head up the stairs.
"Poor guy," Remus said shaking his head.
Harry looked somewhat confused. "Why's ihe like this right now...why didn't he get like this before?"
Remus shrugged. "Being sent to Azkaban right after your parents deaths, Sirius never got a chance to get over it. Things like Christmas are what bring back the most memories. I got just like that after like, the first five Christmas's without everyone. He just can't take it all at once like that. In the future, he'll be able to deal with it, but he has to get over their deaths first."
"Oh," Harry said. "Should we make sure he's alright."
"Well, we know he's not. I think right now he should be alone if he wants to be. He'll come find us if he needs us."
"Right," Harry said.
"How about a game of chess before bed, Harry?"
"Sure."
They actually played two games. Remus one both and then they both went to bed. On the way to his room, Harry stopped into Sirius's to say goodnight. He found his godfather tangled in a mass of blankets, his face still wet from tears, sound asleep. He stepped out and then went on to his own room. He was quickly as soundly asleep as Sirius.
The next morning Harry woke up to whispered voices. He cracked one eye open and saw Sirius and Remus talking in his doorway. He slowly sat up and glared at them.
Sirius just laughed at him. "Don't you dare glare at me, Harry Potter!"
"Why are you waking me up? What time is it?"
"It is nine o'clock. I can't sleep past six on Christmas day. Do you know how much it took not to wake you up sooner?!"
Harry sighed and fell back on his pillows. Remus laughed, but Sirius, like a drill sergeant bent down next to his ear and yelled. "Harry James Potter! Your presence is requested immediately in the living room. If you refuse to get up, consequences will consist of a bucket of ice water!"
Harry smirked and tossed his pillow in Sirius's face. He then sat up again and swung his legs out. He was just wearing boxers, so he threw on some pajama pants and a sweatshirt and left the room with Sirius and Remus. They both rushed down the stairs before him and stood next to the Christmas tree. Presents extended nearly six feet around it. They couldn't wait to see the expression on Harry's face when he saw it. Remus even had a camera ready.
Harry seemed confused as he slowly made his way down the stairs, but he immediately figured it out when he reached the bottom. His jaw dropped open as he saw the piles of gifts wrapped in bright, shiny paper. There were big ones and small ones, some in funny shaped packages. Harry just stared at them, not saying a word, but joy in his eyes. He really seemed like a five year old boy, rather than a fifteen year old, but Sirius and Remus understood the reasoning behind that. Remus snapped a few pictures and then got Harry to sit down on the couch. He sat next to him and Sirius sat between the couch and the tree.
"What do you think, Harry?" Sirius asked, smiling knowingly. "I can't believe you guys did all this...definitely the best Christmas I've ever had and I haven't even opened them yet."
Sirius laughed at him and then yelled, "C'mon Sorai, are you almost ready?!"
"Two more minutes, Sirius!" Came Sorai's voice from the kitchen. And in just under that Sorai came out carrying mugs of cocoa for all of them as well as a plate of muffins.
"Dig in Harry, so we can crack into those gifts."
Harry wasted no time, nor did the others. In no time they had all eaten and Harry was being handed his first present. It was from Sirius. He opened it to reveal a photo album. The album had pictures that Sirius had some how collected. Unlike the one Hagrid had given him, this one chronicled the life of Harry. In it he found pictures of himself as a baby, surrounded constantly by Remus, Sirius, and his parents. There were pictures of him at the Dursley's too, wizarding photos of him at the Dursleys. He flipped further and found pictures of him at school some from each of his five years. There were also newspaper clippings throughout the entire thing.
He looked up at Sirius with watery eyes. "How did you do this?"
Sirius beamed seeing how happy it made Harry. "Well, the baby ones are all mine, and a few are Remus's. I made copies of everything, so I have the same album really. Anyway, I imagine you remember a lady by the name of Arabella Figg?"
Harry nodded suspiciously.
"Well, she was your fathers nanny when he was a kid. Remus asked her to keep an eye on you while you were there. She took lots of pictures and Remus kept a running account of them all those years you were stuck there."
"So, I didn't just forget about you," Remus said smiling.
"I know," Harry muttered, smiling at a picture where he was rolling on the grass laughing, he had just accidentally sent Dudley up a tree. There were tons like that.
"And the Hogwarts ones?"
"We got those from various sources. I bribed the Creevy kid for some, and the rest I got from the professors. Without letting the students know, they are constantly taking pictures of you students. They got some great ones of you, Ron and Hermione, didn't they?"
"I like this one," Harry said pointing to one of Harry talking to Hagrid by the lake.
"Thanks so much, Sirius."
"You're welcome, bud."
Next Harry unwrapped a present from Remus. It was an ordinary, blank muggle video tape. There was a piece of masking tape on the side of it that said, "LJ Wedding."
Harry looked up hopefully and Remus smiled and nodded back. It was a tape of his parents wedding.
"This was actually supposed to be a birthday present, but I never had the chance to give you it. I actually didn't have a copy of my own. I found this at the Dursleys. I umm...searched it after they had been killed. I think your aunt did have some love left for your mother, even if she didn't show it. Otherwise she wouldn't have kept this."
"Can we watch it?"
"After you open the rest of your presents," Sirius said like it was a punishment. Harry grinned at him. He opened the rest of his presents and wound up with stacks of books, clothes, and weird wizard devices that were supposed to keep him safe. He felt like he had the same amount of defense equipment as Mad Eye Moody. Sirius and Remus opened their presents as well, but they made Harry finish first. Harry had gotten each of them a framed picture of the three of them. It had been taken over the summer by Sorai, just before Remus had been sent away. Here he was thinking he had been clever for the pictures, but it was nothing compared to what Sirius had given him. Both Remus and Sirius loved the pictures, though.
He also got them small things, like nice nameplates for their offices at school, etc.
And, Sorai, not to be forgotten received a few things from each of them. She felt she didn't deserve anything at all though, and was simply not in the Christmas spirit. Once everything was opened and neatly arranged in piles, the four of them sat down and watched the tape of Harry's parents wedding. He sat in a silent reverie as he watched the film. It was the first time he had seen his parents in action, the first time he heard his parents talking in normal voices. He had of course heard his parents when he was close to the dementors, but never had he heard the happy music of his mothers voice, and the laughter behind every word his father said.
Harry's eyes were misted over as he watched the ceremony. He wanted to cry when he saw the tears of joys in his mothers eyes as James and she walked through the crowds throwing rice at them as they left the church. The tape cut for a few seconds and then they all reappeared wearing different clothes. It was the wedding reception. The camera was focused on the happy couple. A familiar voice came from behind the camera, Sirius's.
"Mr. And Mrs. James Potter, how does it feel to know you will never sleep with another human being for the rest of your lives?"
Lily blushed and smacked Sirius, making the camera wobble. James just laughed at his best friend. "It feels amazing," he whispered, staring lovingly into Lily's eyes. She smiled and kissed him softly on the lips.
"Awww..." came Sirius's voice from behind the camera. Lily just shook her head at Sirius, grinning from ear to ear.
"Congratulations," another very familiar voice came and Remus stepped directly in front of the camera, so that all that was seen was the black of his tuxedo. Sirius moved so he got a full shot of them all. He first hugged James and then Lily.
"Thanks Moony," James said. Remus was smiling, but there was a sadness in his eyes, Harry noticed.
"Are you okay, Rem?" James asked. "I mean, you were supposed to be the first to tie the knot...but with what happened...are you alright?"
Remus smiled earnestly and said, "I'll be fine. Thanks James." James patted Remus lightly on the back. Then Peter came up behind them all. Harry wanted to throw something at the screen, to yell and warn his parents, but he kept his mouth shut and watched, biting his lip.
"Hey guys, that was a great wedding. Excellent food!"
Lily laughed at him and James hit him lightly on the back. "I'm glad you liked it Wormtail. Maybe it'll be your turn soon."
Wormtail looked hopeful. "Maybe I'll go try to meet a lady right now!"
They all laughed as they watched him go away. "The day Wormtail gets a lady is the day I betray James and Lily," Sirius laughed as did the rest of the group.
"Jamie!!!!" A shrill voice yelled and the camera was turned to Sorai who was running towards them in a pink sundress. She threw her arms around one of her second brothers and hugged him tight. "Congratulations!"
"And Lil' Lily!"
"Hey, Sorai!" she said, hugging her back.
"Sor, you want to take the camera? I'm sick of it! I want to be in this film too!" Sirius whined like a child.
Sorai looked into the camera and said, "Of course little brother!" Then there was a bunch of blurriness until the camera focused on Sirius.
"Hello," he said starring into the camera, "My name is Sirius Black, and I am the best man of this wedding," Sirius wrapped his arms around each of his friends shoulders. "I have known James here, and Lillian since we were a mere eleven years old. A long time, wouldn't you say? It is with shock and amazement that I stand here today. It's really a wonder they both haven't killed me yet."
Sirius was blushing as he watched himself. If he recalled correctly he had already downed at least five glasses of wine and was really feeling it. But he was having a good time, and that's all that mattered.
On the tape he went on and on, making all of his friends at the wedding laugh, as well as those in the living room. But soon, the reception ended and a limo was shown driving away, the words "Just Married" written on the back. All that was left was static.
Harry wiped quickly at the tears that had just started flowing over his eyelids and turned to Remus and Sirius, who also were near tears.
"Wow," Sorai muttered. Even she was close to tears and she had known the Potter's the least.
"You okay, Harry?" Remus asked, putting his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Thank you so much," Harry muttered hugging Remus. He rubbed Harry back as he hugged him, knowing full well what emotions were probably running through Harry's head just then. "You don't know how much this means to me. I-I never heard their voices before...I didn't know the way they acted...now I know." Harry said, letting the tears out.
Remus laughed slightly and rocked Harry back and forth. "You're welcome Harry." Sirius cried a bit too, but he kept it relatively hidden.
Once Harry had stopped crying he asked, "How did Aunt Petunia get a copy of that?"
"Every guest at the wedding got one. Most of them probably could have done without the scene with me, but you know, I'm glad they did so I could see it again."
"If every person at the wedding had one, how come you didn't get one, Remus?"
"Well," Remus said looking slightly embarrassed. "After they died I watched it so many times it, er, broke."
Harry looked at him with a sad smile.
"I think we've all done enough moping today, how about we do something fun!" Sirius said, trying his best to lighten the mood.
"Like what?" Harry asked.
"Snowball fight?" Remus suggested.
Sirius grinned evilly and nodded. They all got up and put on snow gear and trekked through the deep snow. They took their places around the yard and began making forts. It was going to be Sirius and Harry against Remus and Sorai. Using mostly magic Sirius constructed a huge snow fortress. He made the walls of it completely indestructible and constructed a window of ice so they could see what the others were up to.
Remus and Sorai, who said they were "playing fair" constructed a regular snow fort the way any muggle would have.
Sirius shook his head at the sight of them. "Playing fair my ass," he said. "Wait till you see what Moony over there can do with a snowball. He knows every trick in the book."
"He's that good huh?" Harry asked.
"Lets just say he doesn't really need a fort at all."
Harry gulped, "We're doomed."
"Not quite, I know a few good ones myself."
Harry looked at him skeptically and then began forming huge snowballs with his gloved hand. He had a small pile of them ready when Remus and Sorai called saying they'd finish. The snowball war was ready to begin. Sirius took two of the snowballs Harry had made and rushed out of the snow fort. He threw them into the air and muttered some curse that sent both of them right at Remus who had left his fort to throw some Sirius's way. Sirius's snow balls went high in the air when they reached Remus and fell straight down on his head. He glared at Remus but laughed when his hit. As his snowball went it got bigger and bigger. It was larger than Sirius's head when it hit him in the stomach, knocking him down and burying him in snow. The war went on like this. Each trying different techniques with each throw. Sirius taught Harry a lot of tricks and they were definitely holding there own, but definitely losing as well.
Once Sirius and Harry were thoroughly soaked, and Remus and Sorai only mildly soaked, they went inside. They ate grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, one of Sirius's favorites and then watched a new movie that Remus had gotten for Sirius. After that Harry spent the rest of the night alone in his room, trying to find places for all his new things. Once everything was packed away he once again looked through his new photo album. Over and over again he flipped through the pictures, paying special attention to the ones taken before his parents died. They both looked so happy when he was around them. In every picture they beamed with pride at the sight of their baby boy. He opened to one of himself sleeping on his fathers chest. One of James's arms was wrapped securely around Harry's back, the other was wrapped around his sleeping wife. It was a beautiful picture and Harry fell asleep staring at it.
The next morning Sirius came to wake him up. Harry had slept much later than he usually did, and it was time for him to get ready for the arrival of his friends. He smiled to himself as he saw the picture. He lifted the album off of Harry's lap and set it aside. Then he set to work waking Harry.
It didn't take much to do it. Harry groggily opened his eyes and tried unsuccessfully to wipe the sleep out of them.
"Morning Sunshine," Sirius joked.
Harry stretched his arms and then tried to focus on Sirius, but found he couldn't. Squinting, he tried harder, but everything was still blurry. Sirius laughed at him and put his glasses on his face. Harry blushed and smiled.
"What time is it?"
"Almost eleven. Your friends are supposed to be here around 12:30, you should get up and get ready."
Harry nodded and Sirius left the room. Harry sat up in bed and looked over at his album. Again, he picked it up and looked through it, this time he stared at one picture of Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the common room together third year. They looked so happy and carefree.
That's just the way that Harry wanted them to be today. He didn't want to think about the bad things that day, didn't want to worry about protecting them. For the day, Harry wanted nothing more than to have fun with his friends, and maybe soon find himself with another picture, similar to the one he was staring at.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Abrupt ending, but it had to end sometime. Originally that was going to be the last chapter, but I couldn't fit it all in. Which means I'm going to have to add a bit of fluff into the last chapter. I'm considering that to be a good thing, but you may disagree, I'm sorry if that's so. My goal is to have the last chapter out by Sunday, but I don't always meet my goals, so we shall see.