Professor Dumbledore went downstairs and sat with James and Lily, both
looking rather sad.
"Cheer up, you two. Harry is a teenager, this was bound to happen anyway. He said he'll be down here soon."
"Oh, good. We'll have a nice conversation." James said very sarcasticly. Harry and James haven't had a 'nice conversation' since they were in the Trophey Room.
"Was that sarcasm?" Harry asked in the same tone as James as he came down the stairs. He rolled his eyes.
James didn't say anything. Harry sat next to Professor Dumbledore. The four of them chatted idley about plans for the school and the Order. After about an hour, Dumbledore left, and Harry and Lily and James remained silent for a little while.
"I'm going upstairs." Harry said suddenly, but Lily stopped him.
"Did you invite Ron and Hermione over, Harry?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I forgot to tell you, I'm sorry. They'll be here tommorrow."
"Excellent! And we've invited the Order memebers for the holidays as well. Grimmauld Place is much to gloomy."
Harry remembered Sirius running around decorating and singing at the top of his lungs when they were there for the holidays last year. It nearly brought a tear to his eye.
"Cool." Harry said. "Goodnight, mum, goodnight dad." He kissed his mother's cheek and went upstairs avoiding James's eye contact.
He got into bed without bothering to change into his pajamas first. He pulled the sheets half way over himself, not bothing to take off his glasses he closed his eyes. This was too strange. He wasn't sure if he believed his parents. He remembered when he and his parents were fighting with the paint. He never had so much fun with adults. He wondered if life could be like that all the time (not nessesarly with paint.) He remembered when they were in the trophey room, and James wanted to talk to Harry over a game of Quiddich. Hopefully he will offer that again one day. If they could have that much with paint, imagine what they could do with broomsticks. Harry still wasn't remotley tired now, he had too much on his mind but he kept his eyes closed.
He heard footsteps coming up the staircase, but he still didn't open his eyes. He heard his door creak open.
He felt his glasses slid of his face, and he assumed it was his mother. But when larger, gentle hands pushed the covers over his body and tuck them in, he realized it was his father.
"Goodnight, Harry." He whispered.
"Good night, dad." Harry answered, and he felt his father kiss his forehead, and then ruffle his hair and walk out of the door. "She's the brains behind all the operations, Remus tells me?" Lily smiled.
"Yes, I am. Harry is definatly the master wizard however." she teased.
Harry smiled at her, and so did Lily.
"I like this girl, Harry." Lily informed him, putting an arm around Hermione like a best friend.
"Ron and I like her too." Harry said. "Thats why we stick with her."
Lily smiled at the two of them.
"Well, you seem trustworthy enough, I am sure your father won't have a problem with leaving the two of you." Hermione looked at Harry with a politely confused expession.
"My parents are going to give the durselys a little shock today." Harry explained to her, and Hermione's eyes widened and she giggled.
James walked into the house at that moment, and the smile on Harry's face faded. Hermione noticed it, and she looked nervously at Lily, who shrugged.
"Harry, you haven't looked out back of the house yet have you?" James asked him, putting down a large bag on the table.
"No, why?" Harry asked, looking at the floor.
"Go look."
Harry looked at him, and Hermione followed him out back.
The back of the house was a large open area. A pond with a fountain in the middle was in the distance, and flowers bloomed against the side of the house. Harry nearly froze at what else he saw. A Quiddich feild that was almost as large as the one at Hogwarts! He looked up at the three rings on the left side and realized it was higher up then the ones at Hogwarts.
"Whoa!" Harry said excitedly. Hermione rolled here eyes.
They walked back into the house, and Harry smiled at his father.
"Thats huge!" he said.
"I know, don't you love it?!" James asked, smiling at Harry. "Hello Hermione, how are you?"
"Fine, thank you." Hermione said. Harry seemed in a much better mood, and that made James happy.
"When Ron comes, I'll call Remus over. We'll have a game!" James said excitedly, and Harry's eyes brightened.
"All this over Quiddich?" Hermione said rolling her eyes.
"Well, when you four go do that, Hermione and I will do girl things in here. What do you think Hermione?"
"Sounds like fun!" Hermione said eagerly.
"Do you know how to knit?" Lily asked her.
"YES! You do?" Hermione asked her.
"I LOVE to knit!"
James and Harry rolled their eyes and they chatted about quiddich and who would be competing in the world cup. Hermione and Lily began to make lunch together, giggling when the batter for the muffins went all over Hermione's hair.
"You know James, we should get going." Lily said when they finished eating.
"Yeah, your right." James said glumly.
"I'll just clean up a bit."
"No, you go. I'll clean it up!" Hermione said taking out her wand.
"Now dear, your a guest-"
"Oh please!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "Go, have a great time!"
When they left, Hermione and Harry cleaned the rest of the kitchen, talking while they did.
"Hey...how is Viktor doing?" Harry asked her, while he put away some dishes.
"Oh, he's good." Hermione sighed, "He has a girlfriend...so he is good."
"Oh..." Harry wasn't sure what to say. Hermione didn't look bothered by it, but he could tell she was. They didn't say more about it, until Hermione brought up something else.
"How have you and your dad been getting along?" "Terrible!" Harry sighed, putting the final dish away.
"Terrible? I am surprised!"
"Only conversations we can mantain with out shouting at each other is quiddich. I just can't seem to get along with him and I don't understand why. I don't think it is my temper getting the better of me, as Dumbledore said. I think it is just...well...."
"I argue with my mum a lot. That seems to be all I do!" Hermione said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Over what?"
"Oh, stupid things. Clothes and money...things like that." she shrugged. "It's normal because my mom thinks I am some sort of freak-"
"I am sure she doesn't think that."
"Yeah, maybe your right." The house was silent for a while after their conversation, until Harry decided to break the silence.
"Err..you wanna go for a walk?" Harry asked. It was a fairly warm night out for December. The moon wasn't quite out yet, and it wasn't too late.
"Um...yeah. Let me get my coat." She went to her trunk, and put on a dark black winter coat. Harry grabbed his own coat, and they walked outside.
"It's nice out, surprisingly." Hermione said, and Harry smiled at her. "We've better get home before your parents do. Did you leave a note?"
"No, I forgot!" Harry said, hitting himself in the forehead.
"Ha, your new at this, informing the parents thing."
"Yeah, well, I have been so independent for so long."
They walked in silence for a bit around the nieghborhood, until Hermione looked at her watch.
"It's seven o'clock. Let's walk back." Hermione sighed, and the two of them found themselves in a deep conversation about school. Hermione was surprised in Harry's anxiousness to get through his NEWTS.
"I promise I'll help you with your transfiguration and potions if you help me with my patronus!" Hermione said cheerfully, as they entered the house around seven thirty.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" yelled a voice, and Harry and Hermione started. Coming out of the living room was Lily, James and Professor Dumbledore.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? YOU SCARED US TO DEATH! NO NOTE, WE THOUGHT VOLDEMORT HAD KIDNAPPED YOU OR SOME OTHER WORST CASE SENERIO!" his father broke off, and looked at him angerly.
"Please Mr.Potter, we just went for a walk. We needed some air. We didn't expect you home until later, and we didn't think of leaving a note." Hermione explained quickly.
"HARRY, DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND-" His father started but Harry interupted him.
"NO, DAD, I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I AM NOT SOME SPECIAL CASE THAT NEEDS EXTRA PROTECTION. I AM CAPABLE OF TAKING CARE OF MYSELF! I HAVE ALREADY PROVEN THAT. DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THAT IF SOMEONE TRYED TO KIDNAP ME IN MY OWN HOUSE I WOULD LET THEM WITHOUT A STRUGGLE?!" Harry took a deep breath, and continued. "I AM GOING UPSTAIRS-"
"NO, YOUR NOT RUNNING AWAY FROM THIS ARGUEMENT!" James said angerly.
"GO BACK TO HELL WHERE YOU CAME FROM!" Harry immediatly regreted his words.
"I am sorry. I am so sorry I didn't mean that-"
The words had really stung James. He buried his head in his hands.
"Dad, I am sooo sorry. I didn't mean that. I didn't! I wasn't thinking, I'm sorry!" And he meant it.
His father moved his hands to look at him.
"Harry..."
"I am so sorry. I didn't even think!"
Lily had looked very taken aback,and so did Hermione, who went and stood by the door next to Professor Dumbledore.
"Have they been like this all day?" He whispered down to her.
"Not since i got here." Hermione whispered back. "I have never seen harry like this."
"I don't think any of us have."
"Was life better for you when I was dead, Harry?" James asked him softly, and Harry's head flew up.
"Of course not! I have never been happier!" Harry said angerly, and truthfully.
"You should show Hermione where she is sleeping, Harry. She hasn't unpacked yet. I need to talk to Dumbledore and your mother."
"I am sorry dad." Harry said yet again.
"That's alright, my son." James said. He couldn't help but look fondly at Harry when he said 'my son.'
Harry nearly opened his mouth, but Hermione gave him a glare, and he nodded his head. She came to his side and he helped her carry her trunk upstairs to the guest room. As they opened the door, Hermione shrieked softly.
"Its so pretty!" she said looking around the sky blue room, with a border of what looked like real butterflies around the perimeter of the room. There were three beds with pink quilts covered it what looked like real pink butterflies as well. Under the quilt was a bunch of warm blankets all different colors. There was two dressers,and a mirror in the corner, and it was quite spacey.
Hermione unpacked her stuff while Harry stacked the dozen heavy books she brought on the nightstand near the bed.
"I wonder what they're saying." Harry said, distractedly.
"Oh, probably just discussing what would ever make you say such a terrible thing." She gave him a dirty look and folded more shirts and pants.
"I didn't mean it."
"Oh, I know you didn't." Hermione shrugged.
"Ron should be here soon."
"Excellent," Hermione said sarcastically.
"Whats wrong?"
"Oh, I am just so tired of him always being so rude!" She angerly.
"Yeah, I see what your saying!" Harry smiled at her, and she grinned back him.
"He shouldn't be a prefect. You should be." Hermione said.
"Why me?" Harry asked curiously.
"Never mind." Hermione said softly. They went back downstairs to wait for Ron.
"Hey you two. Happy with your room, Hermione?" Lily asked. Harry realized Dumbledore was gone. James avoided Harry's eyes, and Harry didn't blame him. "Oh, It's lovely!" Hermione said eagerly.
"Glad you like it!" Lily said brightly, and they heard a loud thud in the fireplace.
"Ron!" Harry said excitedly. He went to greet his best friend. He gave him a hand off of the floor.
"Hey mate!" Ron said happily. He smiled at James and Lily.
"Don't you dare poke me!" James teased, and Ron grinned.
"Ha, don't worry. Hermione forbid me to poke you."
"That's right!" Hermione said with a smile.
"So mate, what's it like having to listen to parents now?"
"Strange!" Harry laughed.
Remus came shortly after Ron, and they were all in the kitchen laughing and talking about tommorow, Christmas Eve, and how exciting it was going to be for James and Lily to see all the order members again.
"Alright, game of Quiddich?" James asked, and Hermione and Lily rolled their eyes as Remus, Ron and Harry all agreed happily. They divided into teams, Harry and James and Remus and Ron.
"We'll be THE WAREWOLVES!" Ron said, and Remus laughed.
"We'll be...er..."
"The Lighting Bolts." James said, tapping Harry's forehead where his scar was.
"Fine!" Harry smiled.
"You Potter boys are going down!" Remus said.
"Ha, you wish, Mooney!"
When the boys went outside, Lily and Hermione began to knit by the fire.
"Oooh, Hermione, that is an excellent sock!"
"Thank you!" Hermione said. "Your hat is coming along great. Love the colors!"
"Thank you. So tell me, what is my son like when his parents arn't around?"
"Oh," Hermione laughed. She felt herself blushing. "He is very...well..heroic. I am sure he told you all about the Chamber of Secrets, meeting sirius, the Sorcerer's Stone, the twiwizard tort-"
"No, No he didn't tell me anything!" Lily said, she shifted in her chair so she faced Hermione. "Tell me about it!"
"There all very very long stories-"
"That's OK, we ahve time. They won't be in until midnight." Lily sighed.
So, Hermione began to explain beginning with their first year as they knitted. Finally, just when Hermione finished explaining, four muddy men entered the room.
"You boys have to wake up earlier then that to beat the Potter men!" James said, and Harry and James gave each other the high five.
Remus and Ron scowled.
"Don't worry Ron, We'll get our revenge!" Remus said.
"Yeah, tommorow! The warewolves challange you to a rematch!"
"Fine!" James said. "The Lighting Bolts agree!"
"ALL OF YOU, GO UPSTIARS AND GET CLEANED UP AND GO TO BED! IT'S NEAR MIDNIGHT!" Lily said.
"So I take it you ladies had fun?" Remus asked.
"Oh yes! We chatted for hours and we made a lot of socks, yarn book covers and hats!" Hermione answered.
Hermione smiled warmly at Lily who returned it.
As the four boys trudged upstiars, Hermione cleaned the yarn and needles.
"I am getting to bed too. Thanks for a great evening!" Hermione said, and she too went upstairs.
Lily knew tommorrow she was going to have a very busy day preparing and keeping all her guests happy, but she couldn't wait.
Something was nagging in the back of her head however. Something she knew she had to tell Harry. And soon. Before it was too late. It was around tweleve thirty when Harry finally got into bed. For now, Ron was in the other guest room across the hall and Remus in the one beside his. The Potter home was bigger then they imaged.
Again, Harry heard the door sqeak open. THis time he didn't pretend to be asleep. He went to sit up.
"No, lie down." James said softly. He sat on the bed next to him and ruffled his hair.
"C'mon dad, it's messy enough already!" Harry said, smiling at him through the darkness.
"Your a great flyer." James whispered to him.
"Thanks, you are too."
"Goodnight, Harry." He said. He felt his father kiss his head again, then ruffle his hair, and walk out of the door.
The next morning was Christmas Eve, and the Potter's and the rest all tried to dress their best. Lily and Hermione spent half the morning helping each other decide what to wear, and what to do with their hair.
Ron, James, Harry and Remus all thought on diffent lines. They didn't really care.
James Harry both wore a green sweaters (A/N- jumper, depending on where you live!)and baish pants accidently. Their tastes seemed the same. Remus threw on a brown sweater/jumper that wasn't tattered with dark pants and Ron wore nice robes that he got last year for being a prefect.
"You suppose they'll be down anytime soon?" Ron asked Harry when they and Remus and James sat down at the table. The women where upstairs still debating on what to wear.
"They'll be down eventually." James sighed. So far, he and Harry had come to a silent agreement not to argue on Christmas Eve. This was a family time, and the first one Harry would share with his mother and father, that he could remember.
Finally Lily and Hermione came down, both looking extremely pretty.
"You look like a candy cane." Harry told Hermione, taking her hand and spinning her around.
"I do?" She smiled at him. She was wearing a pretty knee lenth skirt that was red, and a pretty blouse that was white. She had her hair tied back like that the Yule Ball with a red bow holding it in place. Her hair looked like it had been straightened.
"You look great." Ron said.
James was staring at Lily who beamed at him. She, like Harry and James, wore green. Her blouse was green and she had a white long lenth skirt on. Her hair was tired back as well, with pieces curled framing her face.
"You haven't looked this great since our funeral." James informed her, and she slapped his arm playfully.
"You boys all look good." Lily said. She pulled out a comb and began trying to brush his hair.
"Don't bother." Ron, James, Harry, Remus and Hermione all said together, and Lily put the brush down with frustration.
"Ahh well...." she said, "Everyone will be here soon. I better start setting up."
"Let me help!" Hermioen said anxiously, and they went into the living room carrying a basket of decorations.
"Suppose we could get one quiddich game in?" James sighed.
"Before everyone comes? I doubt it." Remus said.
"You were always the sensible one out of our group of friends."
"Wasn't I?" Remus said proudly.
"Same here, Remus." Hermione said, hanging holly and wreaths. She glared at Harry and Ron, who laughed.
"She is right, she is the smart one." Ron agreed.
"You remember that time in in the Devil's Snare, Ron? The only time Hermione said anything stupid? I said 'so light a fire' and she goes 'BUT THERE'S NO WOOD.'" Harry recalled and Hermione threw a mistletoe at him Everyone in the house became a lot more attive when everyone arrived. Tonks and Kingsley arrived together. Tonks was crying and repeatedly hugged Lily and James. Kingsley shook James's hand and welcomed them back warmly. Mad Eye wasn't as believing as the rest. He demanded James and Lily answer a series of questions that only they would know. Once he decided they were trustworthy, he acted more friendly. Mrs.Weasley was crying as well and hugging Lily.
"Molly, I have to thank you for being so motherly to my son." Lily said.
"Oh, he's no trouble." Mrs.Weasley said, as Arther hugged Lily and shook James's hand as well.
Professors Dumbledore and Mcgonagall arrived, and Professr Mcgonagall was just as amazed as eeveryone else to see James and Lily.
Harry was gaining a lot of attention as well. The Weasley kids where all bombarding him with questions.
"Oh Harry," Ginny said "Your mother is so sweet!"
"Thank you, she is." Harry smiled.
Fred and George where very excitable as well when they found out that they would be dining with Prongs and Mooney that night.
Harry Ron and Hermione stuck close together as always. They chatted idley together.
"So, who is spending the night here?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Oh, most the Order." Harry told her. He leaned against the doorway casually.
Hermione noticed what was over his head, and smiled at him. She moved in and kissed his cheek.
"Look up." She said, when he was bemused.
"Oooh, mistletoe!" Harry said, comprehension dawning on his face.
Harry noticed his father taking with Professor Dumbledore over drinks, and they were both looking gravely at him.
"What on earth do you supppose they are talking about now?" Harry said, noticing this.
"Don't be so offensive." Hermione said softly to him.
"Yeah, your right, Candy Cane."
Hermione blushed at the name. Harry spun her around again, and she laughed. She had a feeling that name would definatly stick.
"Oh, please don't call me that!" Hermione laughed.
"You get used to it." Lily said, walking by. "It's better then Silly Lily."
Harry was still bothered by the fact that his father looked nervous about something and kept glancing at him. James was currently talking to Hagrid now, Harry saw, and he went back to talking to Hermione and Ron.
"Yeh know you got a hell of son, James. Great kid." Hagrid told James. "What's wrong?" Hagrid asked, when James remained silent.
"Well, Harry and I haven't been getting along. He apologized for it, but he shouted at me to 'go back to hell where i came from.' We have been at each other's neck a lot lately."
Hagrid looked rather angry at this but quickly recovered himself.
"I'll be talkin' to him, I will!" Hagrid said.
Finally, Dumbledore motioned for Hermione Harry and Ron to follow him into the kitchen. They walked in to see Lily was already there, pacing nervously.
"Oh, Harry! There is something we need to tell you before it is too late."
James came in the room now, and looked at Harry sadly.
"Are you sure we should tell him?" James said.
"Yes, I am positive!" Dumbledore said. "James...It will happen tommorow, if it does happen."
Professor Dumbledore spoke in so sadly that Harry was starting to feel very anxious. He felt Hermione's hand find his shoulder.
"Maybe I should tell him," Lily said, looking at James nervously. "Harry may be a bit mad about what we're going to tell them."
"When isn't he mad with what I have to tell him?" James said.
"I am standing right here you know, and i am not deaf." Harry said. Hermione put her other hand on his other shoulder warningly.
"You see?" hissed James.
"Let me tell him." Lily said again sternly.
"No. If he gets mad, he'll be mad at you. He is already always mad at me. I may as well." James said again. "Harry, you know this spell that brought us back? It could be temporary."
"It could be....what?!"
"Harry, there is a 50/50 percent chance that your parents will make it."
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? I WOULD HAVE TRIED TO NOT GET ATTACHED, YOUR BOTH DISHONEST! WHY WOULDN'T YOU TELL ME SOMETHING LIKE THIS? AM I TOO MUCH OF A CHILD, DAD? ARE YOU STILL THINKING ON THOSE LINES?" Harry found that he wasn't even angery. He was hurt. He turned on his heel and run upstairs hoping no one from the party saw him. James made to follow him, but Lily stopped him.
""What did I tell you?" Lily said angerly. "No, we'll explain later." Lily said, sighing. "Don't get him madder at you then he is now."
"When will you know for sure?" Hermione asked shakily.
"Tommorrow. Midnight." James said. He sighed and buried his head in his hands.
"Come on Ron, we have to be there for Harry now." Hermione said. Hermione lead Ron upstairs to Harry's bedroom, where he was sure to be. She knocked softly on the door, looking anxious.
"Who is it?" Harry asked from inside roughly.
"It's Candy Cane and Ron." Ron said, knocking on the door again.
"It's unlocked."
It was. Hermione and Ron walked into Harry's room and saw him sitting on the armchair by the window, his head to his knees and gripping his hair.
"Come on, mate! They'll make it." Ron said. Harry looked up at Ron and Hermione.
Ron seemed to know what Harry wasn't angry as he had just acted, but worried.
"No, knowing my luck? Never!" Harry said. He couldn't bear to even look Hermione or Ron in the eye.
"Then Harry, face the facts. Go down there and spend time with your parents. This may be all you have." Hermione looked extremely sad, and what she said sounded a little too truthful to say with out hurting him, Harry knew she was right.
"Right." Harry said dolefully.
"Aww, don't worry Harry. They still got a really good chance. Dumbledore says you'll know by tomorrow. Christmas, at midnight.
"What a pleasant Christmas." Harry said acerbically.
"Well, I think it may be better then you expect." Hermione said, and when Harry looked at her with wonderment she just grinned.
"Lets just say Dumbledore let something slip to Ron and I."
They went downstairs, and the fact that his parents may actually make it kept Harry in a good enough mood to somewhat enjoy the rest of the party. The members of the Order kept coming up to him, and asking about his parents.
"James behaving himself?" Moody teased.
"I remember him at Hogwarts!" Kingsley was saying. "Multiply your detentions by a hundred, and you'll get how many detentions he got in a year!"
"Your mother is a sweetheart!" Tonks told him, accidently breaking a glass on the table. "Sorry!"
He didn't go anywhere near his mother and father however, though like Hermione said he should be spending time with him. He knew his life would go back to the way it formerly was. Somehow, he knew that he would be OK either way. He lived without his parent's before, and his parents knew death before. It wasn't something he couldn't face. He knew however, if he lost his parents this time.he would have something to miss, Like how he missed Sirius.That was what Harry knew he couldn't face. "No, Hermione." Harry said the next morning. He was lying in bed fast asleep until Hermione came in and began to pull his arm. Ron had bunked with Harry last night along with Fred and George.
"Harry, GET UP!" Hermione said, laughing as he groaned and went back to sleep.
"Where's the fire, Hermione?" Fred asked grumpily. He got up and shook his brother awake as well. Ron, still fast asleep, grunted.
"I don't want to get up!" Harry insisted when Hermione pinched his cheek.
"I don't care!" Hermione told him, "Your mother sent me to wake you."
"Why?"
"Because breakfast is ready."
"LATER."
"No, NOW!" Hermione said. She managed to yank him out of bed as the twins went to get changed.
"Grr.FINE!" Harry said. He shooed Hermione out, and he woke Ron. They changed into nice clothes again for Christmas and went downstairs. Harry noticed Hermione was wearing a vertical striped white and red silk V neck blouse that had a ruffle along the neck line and it that clung gentley to her. Also, she had on a red skirt like the one last night, but longer and it twirled when she spun around to hug him and Ron.
"Merry Christmas!" She said entergically. The rest of the party goers where all at the table, and Hermione was helping Lily serve the food.
"Truly, Hermione, I feel bad! You shouldn't have to help me, you're a guest!"
"Oh, please. I can see why they called you Silly Lily."
Harry felt a strange sensation. Was this the last time he would ever see his parents? He knew that is mother was doing what she would want to do if she only had one day to live: have guests. She kept looking anxiously over at Harry when he didn't reply to her merry Christmas. Her eyes looked puffy as though she had cried herself to sleep. He didn't see his father around, but Professor Dumbledore winked at him when he sat down. He told him that his chances his parents would remain alive where better then before. Harry grinned at him.
"Have some sausages, Harry." Remus said, passing him the plate, while Ron dug into the bacon and Hermione nibbled on toast.
"Sleep well, you three?" Tonks asked from across the table.
"Perfectly, until little miss Candy Cane came and woke us up." Harry said, glaring at her mischievously.
"Tonks and Ginny slept in my room. We stayed up half the night talking." Hermione said, grinning at Tonks.
"It was fun!" Ginny said, taking a sip of her orange juice that her mother put in front of her. Molly was also anxious to help Lily.
"Silly Lily, sit down now!" Molly said. "Let me finish. You haven't gotten a wink of sleep, and you haven't eaten yet!" Molly said.
Lily sat down next to Harry, frowning at the nickname.
"They still calling you candy cane?" Lily asked Hermione brightly.
"Oh yes." Hermione said.
"Well, no offence, but you look more like a candy cane now then ever." Harry said, and she flung a piece a bread at him.
"So what's this other big surprise?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Oh, Dumbledore told me not to tell you. Its for your whole family." Hermione said grinning, and Dumbledore smiled at her.
"I think he'll like my little surprise, don't you hermione?"
"Oh yes!" Hermione grinned. After breakfast had been cleared, Lily invited them all into the living room to talk and hang out.
"You know mum, the decorations look great. You and Hermione did a great job."
"Thank you. You have great friends in Hermione and Ron." Lily smiled.
Hagrid made his way past everyone and up to Harry with a frown.
"We need to talk, Harry." He said, seriously. Harry got up and followed him into the now vacant kitchen.
"Listen to me." Hagrid said softly. "Yer dad tells me yer not getting' along well."
Harry didn't understand how this concerned Hagrid, so he didn't say anything.
"I am disappointed in you, Harry." He said sincerely.
"What?" Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I would do anythin' to have my father back. And you get yers, a real miracle, a real marvel.and how do you treat 'em?"
"Hagrid-"
"Harry, you have a father now. I'll be the one to tell ya, shall I? You have a father.and you may not have em for long from what I hear. You get in there and you talk to him!"
Harry was a bit beleaguered and bewildered at Hagrid's speech. Hagrid just didn't understand. No one would. Harry however did what Hagrid said. He found his father alone in his room.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." James said in an irritated tone.
"Why aren't you at the party, exactly?"
"Because I am in no mood for celebrating when I could be dying tonight."
Harry didn't know what to say to these words, so he sat down on the bed next to his father.
"I will miss you."
"Not nearly as much as you missed Sirius."
He was unfortunately right.
"Yeah, well I have known Sirius for three years, and you for only three days."
"I wish I could be more of a father to you."
"Unfortunatly, I haven't needed a father."
James looked saddened. He was right. Harry had always made it fine on his own. Forced to grow up so fast, but then-
"That doesn't mean I don't want one. "
Harry went back downstairs in higher spirits. He found Ron and Hermione talking to Dumbledore but they stopped and averted their eyes when he reached them. Hermione had a smile playing on her lips.
After about twenty minutes, James came into the room, wearing some sort of twisted smile. He looked meaningfully at Harry, and he nodded towards the door. Harry stood and followed him. Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore all came too. Harry was the only one who didn't know what was going on.
"We have something-err.someone to show you Harry." They walked into the empty dining room, where a man was sitting in the armchair. From this angle, Harry couldn't see his face. He could tell he had dark, shaggy long hair. He was sitting tensely in the chair, reminding Harry forcibly of -
"Sirius? The gift receiver is here." James said. The man rose, and faced Harry, a large smile on his face.
"Hi, Harry." The man said. His eyes where shining.
"S.Sirius?" Harry said. He felt like he was dizzy and woozy. He didn't understand it. This was all too unreal. He felt his world go black. He wasn't present anymore. A stream of colors went by his eyes. His head hurt. Where was he? He couldn't understand.
Harry suddenly woke up. He realized he was in his room, on his bed and his mother was dabbing his face with a cold cloth.
"I..I saw Sirius.I.dreaming!" Harry said weakly.
"Shhh Harry." Lily said softly, still dabbling his face. "Lay back down."
He felt Hermione grasp his hand. She was sitting in the armchair beside his bed.
"You missed most of the party, I am afraid." Professor Dumbledore told him, grinning. "How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts."
"It should. You hit that marble floor pretty hard!" James said.
"I saw Sirius.but he is dead!" Harry repeated himself more urgently this time.
"Shush, Harry." Lily said again gently laying his head back on the pillow.
"No, Tell me what is going on!"
"Not now, Harry You hit your head pretty hard."
"I tried to catch you on the way down mate, but I missed!" a voice said from the corner. He saw Ron, and laughed.
"I'll remember that." Harry teased.
"I have to go downstairs, the last of the guests are leaving." Lily said. She handed Hermione the cold cloth, and she continued dabbing Harry's forehead, going over, Harry noticed, his scar.
"Such a burden to you." Hermione said tearfully. Harry found that a bit random, but he didn't say anything.
"Did I really see what I thought I saw?" Harry asked Hermione. She squeezed his hand tighter.
"Try to close your eyes a bit, Harry." Lily said, coming in the room again. "Relax."
"Not until someone tells me what is happening!"
"Lily, he isn't going to be distracted that easily. Believe me, I have tried. We shall invite Sirius in, shall we?"
"But.but he just fainted!" Hermione said. "Are you sure it's wise?"
"Yes, IT IS!" Harry said, pulling his hand from Hermione's angrily. "SIRIUS!" Harry shouted. He felt a tear in his eye. He tryed not to let it out. "I was right! Your alive! How? HOW?" Harry asked. He felt near fainting again.
Sirius didn't say a word. He went to his godson, and held him in his arms tightly, being careful not to bump his head.
"Sirius, your back! Your back! Your back!" Harry kept saying. He felt his voice begin to crack. He looked and saw James leave the room, and Harry wondered why for a moment, but then Sirius began to speak.
"Yes, I am black from the dead! Erm...I mean back from the dead."
Harry gripped him yet tighter and they heard sobs. They broke apart and saw Lily and Hermione both crying.
"Whats ever wrong?" Professor Dumbledore asked them.
"Its just so beautiful!" Hermione sniffed, and she and Lily hugged.
"Women." Sirius and Harry muttered together.
"I can't believe this!" Harry said. He realized he was shaking. Hermione reached for his hand again and she excepted it, as Sirius hugged Lily and shook dumbledore's hand.
"I have a lot to thank you for, Profesor." Harry said, sitting up in bed.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I can't repay you! You gave me my mother my father and my godfather..."
"Oh harry. No one knows better then me that family is important. Now, i gotta get going. James and Lily, I will be back later tonight to see....to see if all goes well."
When he left, Sirius went to Harry and draped his arm around his shoulder.
"I hear you and James beat Remus and Ron at Quiddich-"
"Ha, your not distracting me that easy. Explain please." Harry said, stopping him with is hand.
"Fine." Sirius said, looking down at him. Lily still didn't let him sit up for too long.
"Its simple to explain really. Dumbledore brought me back with James and Lily...however, we didn't tell you because i wasnt doing too well at all. I was really sick and close to dying...er...again. We didn't what to get your hopes up and then have me die again-"
"Where'd my dad go? All the maraduars are back! Well, the ones worth knowing." Harry said, and Ron sn!gered.
Sirius looked behind him and saw that James wasn't there.
"I will be right back." Sirius said and he left Harry's side. Sirius walked out of the house into the cold night air. The wind cut his face, and the snow that was beginning to fall looked like diamonds against the never ending sky. He found James down by the pond past the Quiddich field, throwing rocks.
Sirius came silently behind him, and picked up a smooth rock and threw it into the pond. Both James and Sirius saw it ripple, even though the pond was beginning to freeze.
"Hey, mate." Sirius said.
"Hi." James said, averting his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Sirius asked, though he felt he already knew.
"How do you do it?" James asked breathlessly.
"Do what?"
"Get along with him." James still avoided Sirius's eyes. He kept his back to his best friend, so Sirius had to strain to here what he was saying even over the silent dark sky.
"Harry, you mean?"
"Yes. He didn't cry when he first saw me." James grinned looking into the water.
"Yeah, well. You learn. He didn't like me at first. He wanted to kill me."
"What?" James said. He turned to face his friend looking astounded.
"You want to know why?"
"Yes!"
"Well, He thought I was the one that killed his father and his mother. He wanted his revenge. He loved you before he even really knew you." Sirius whispered.
James found Sirius's glance. He was smiling.
"You know what his patronus is? Its your animagi form. Prongs." Sirius told him. "That means you're his comfort."
James nodded. Sirius could see from the glint of moonlight James had a tear in his eyes.
"Come here, mate!" Sirius said, and they embraced in a brotherly hug.
The two of them walked back into the house with their arms around each other, just as the snow began to fall heavily.
James and Sirius went back up into Harry's room where Hermione was still next to Harry and Ron was doing great impressions of Lockhart, making them both laugh.
"I missed you." Harry said to Sirius as he sat back on the bed with Harry.
"I was gone for five minutes-"
"No, I mean.when you died."
"Oh.I see." Sirius said. "Hey, it's snowing out. It looks beautiful." Sirius said, and he opened Harry's shade on his window, so the snow was visible. What a perfect Christmas. Harry thought. James was thinking just the contrary. He made to leave the room again, but Harry called him back.
"Look, I only have about four more hours with you, possibly." Harry said, looking at his watch. "Therefore, I want to know about some of the things you, Remus and Sirius did at Hogwarts."
"No, I would rather go downstairs. I want to talk to your mother." James said.
"Cheer up, you two. Harry is a teenager, this was bound to happen anyway. He said he'll be down here soon."
"Oh, good. We'll have a nice conversation." James said very sarcasticly. Harry and James haven't had a 'nice conversation' since they were in the Trophey Room.
"Was that sarcasm?" Harry asked in the same tone as James as he came down the stairs. He rolled his eyes.
James didn't say anything. Harry sat next to Professor Dumbledore. The four of them chatted idley about plans for the school and the Order. After about an hour, Dumbledore left, and Harry and Lily and James remained silent for a little while.
"I'm going upstairs." Harry said suddenly, but Lily stopped him.
"Did you invite Ron and Hermione over, Harry?" she asked him.
"Yeah, I forgot to tell you, I'm sorry. They'll be here tommorrow."
"Excellent! And we've invited the Order memebers for the holidays as well. Grimmauld Place is much to gloomy."
Harry remembered Sirius running around decorating and singing at the top of his lungs when they were there for the holidays last year. It nearly brought a tear to his eye.
"Cool." Harry said. "Goodnight, mum, goodnight dad." He kissed his mother's cheek and went upstairs avoiding James's eye contact.
He got into bed without bothering to change into his pajamas first. He pulled the sheets half way over himself, not bothing to take off his glasses he closed his eyes. This was too strange. He wasn't sure if he believed his parents. He remembered when he and his parents were fighting with the paint. He never had so much fun with adults. He wondered if life could be like that all the time (not nessesarly with paint.) He remembered when they were in the trophey room, and James wanted to talk to Harry over a game of Quiddich. Hopefully he will offer that again one day. If they could have that much with paint, imagine what they could do with broomsticks. Harry still wasn't remotley tired now, he had too much on his mind but he kept his eyes closed.
He heard footsteps coming up the staircase, but he still didn't open his eyes. He heard his door creak open.
He felt his glasses slid of his face, and he assumed it was his mother. But when larger, gentle hands pushed the covers over his body and tuck them in, he realized it was his father.
"Goodnight, Harry." He whispered.
"Good night, dad." Harry answered, and he felt his father kiss his forehead, and then ruffle his hair and walk out of the door. "She's the brains behind all the operations, Remus tells me?" Lily smiled.
"Yes, I am. Harry is definatly the master wizard however." she teased.
Harry smiled at her, and so did Lily.
"I like this girl, Harry." Lily informed him, putting an arm around Hermione like a best friend.
"Ron and I like her too." Harry said. "Thats why we stick with her."
Lily smiled at the two of them.
"Well, you seem trustworthy enough, I am sure your father won't have a problem with leaving the two of you." Hermione looked at Harry with a politely confused expession.
"My parents are going to give the durselys a little shock today." Harry explained to her, and Hermione's eyes widened and she giggled.
James walked into the house at that moment, and the smile on Harry's face faded. Hermione noticed it, and she looked nervously at Lily, who shrugged.
"Harry, you haven't looked out back of the house yet have you?" James asked him, putting down a large bag on the table.
"No, why?" Harry asked, looking at the floor.
"Go look."
Harry looked at him, and Hermione followed him out back.
The back of the house was a large open area. A pond with a fountain in the middle was in the distance, and flowers bloomed against the side of the house. Harry nearly froze at what else he saw. A Quiddich feild that was almost as large as the one at Hogwarts! He looked up at the three rings on the left side and realized it was higher up then the ones at Hogwarts.
"Whoa!" Harry said excitedly. Hermione rolled here eyes.
They walked back into the house, and Harry smiled at his father.
"Thats huge!" he said.
"I know, don't you love it?!" James asked, smiling at Harry. "Hello Hermione, how are you?"
"Fine, thank you." Hermione said. Harry seemed in a much better mood, and that made James happy.
"When Ron comes, I'll call Remus over. We'll have a game!" James said excitedly, and Harry's eyes brightened.
"All this over Quiddich?" Hermione said rolling her eyes.
"Well, when you four go do that, Hermione and I will do girl things in here. What do you think Hermione?"
"Sounds like fun!" Hermione said eagerly.
"Do you know how to knit?" Lily asked her.
"YES! You do?" Hermione asked her.
"I LOVE to knit!"
James and Harry rolled their eyes and they chatted about quiddich and who would be competing in the world cup. Hermione and Lily began to make lunch together, giggling when the batter for the muffins went all over Hermione's hair.
"You know James, we should get going." Lily said when they finished eating.
"Yeah, your right." James said glumly.
"I'll just clean up a bit."
"No, you go. I'll clean it up!" Hermione said taking out her wand.
"Now dear, your a guest-"
"Oh please!" Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "Go, have a great time!"
When they left, Hermione and Harry cleaned the rest of the kitchen, talking while they did.
"Hey...how is Viktor doing?" Harry asked her, while he put away some dishes.
"Oh, he's good." Hermione sighed, "He has a girlfriend...so he is good."
"Oh..." Harry wasn't sure what to say. Hermione didn't look bothered by it, but he could tell she was. They didn't say more about it, until Hermione brought up something else.
"How have you and your dad been getting along?" "Terrible!" Harry sighed, putting the final dish away.
"Terrible? I am surprised!"
"Only conversations we can mantain with out shouting at each other is quiddich. I just can't seem to get along with him and I don't understand why. I don't think it is my temper getting the better of me, as Dumbledore said. I think it is just...well...."
"I argue with my mum a lot. That seems to be all I do!" Hermione said, shrugging her shoulders.
"Over what?"
"Oh, stupid things. Clothes and money...things like that." she shrugged. "It's normal because my mom thinks I am some sort of freak-"
"I am sure she doesn't think that."
"Yeah, maybe your right." The house was silent for a while after their conversation, until Harry decided to break the silence.
"Err..you wanna go for a walk?" Harry asked. It was a fairly warm night out for December. The moon wasn't quite out yet, and it wasn't too late.
"Um...yeah. Let me get my coat." She went to her trunk, and put on a dark black winter coat. Harry grabbed his own coat, and they walked outside.
"It's nice out, surprisingly." Hermione said, and Harry smiled at her. "We've better get home before your parents do. Did you leave a note?"
"No, I forgot!" Harry said, hitting himself in the forehead.
"Ha, your new at this, informing the parents thing."
"Yeah, well, I have been so independent for so long."
They walked in silence for a bit around the nieghborhood, until Hermione looked at her watch.
"It's seven o'clock. Let's walk back." Hermione sighed, and the two of them found themselves in a deep conversation about school. Hermione was surprised in Harry's anxiousness to get through his NEWTS.
"I promise I'll help you with your transfiguration and potions if you help me with my patronus!" Hermione said cheerfully, as they entered the house around seven thirty.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" yelled a voice, and Harry and Hermione started. Coming out of the living room was Lily, James and Professor Dumbledore.
"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? YOU SCARED US TO DEATH! NO NOTE, WE THOUGHT VOLDEMORT HAD KIDNAPPED YOU OR SOME OTHER WORST CASE SENERIO!" his father broke off, and looked at him angerly.
"Please Mr.Potter, we just went for a walk. We needed some air. We didn't expect you home until later, and we didn't think of leaving a note." Hermione explained quickly.
"HARRY, DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND-" His father started but Harry interupted him.
"NO, DAD, I DON'T UNDERSTAND. I AM NOT SOME SPECIAL CASE THAT NEEDS EXTRA PROTECTION. I AM CAPABLE OF TAKING CARE OF MYSELF! I HAVE ALREADY PROVEN THAT. DO YOU SERIOUSLY THINK THAT IF SOMEONE TRYED TO KIDNAP ME IN MY OWN HOUSE I WOULD LET THEM WITHOUT A STRUGGLE?!" Harry took a deep breath, and continued. "I AM GOING UPSTAIRS-"
"NO, YOUR NOT RUNNING AWAY FROM THIS ARGUEMENT!" James said angerly.
"GO BACK TO HELL WHERE YOU CAME FROM!" Harry immediatly regreted his words.
"I am sorry. I am so sorry I didn't mean that-"
The words had really stung James. He buried his head in his hands.
"Dad, I am sooo sorry. I didn't mean that. I didn't! I wasn't thinking, I'm sorry!" And he meant it.
His father moved his hands to look at him.
"Harry..."
"I am so sorry. I didn't even think!"
Lily had looked very taken aback,and so did Hermione, who went and stood by the door next to Professor Dumbledore.
"Have they been like this all day?" He whispered down to her.
"Not since i got here." Hermione whispered back. "I have never seen harry like this."
"I don't think any of us have."
"Was life better for you when I was dead, Harry?" James asked him softly, and Harry's head flew up.
"Of course not! I have never been happier!" Harry said angerly, and truthfully.
"You should show Hermione where she is sleeping, Harry. She hasn't unpacked yet. I need to talk to Dumbledore and your mother."
"I am sorry dad." Harry said yet again.
"That's alright, my son." James said. He couldn't help but look fondly at Harry when he said 'my son.'
Harry nearly opened his mouth, but Hermione gave him a glare, and he nodded his head. She came to his side and he helped her carry her trunk upstairs to the guest room. As they opened the door, Hermione shrieked softly.
"Its so pretty!" she said looking around the sky blue room, with a border of what looked like real butterflies around the perimeter of the room. There were three beds with pink quilts covered it what looked like real pink butterflies as well. Under the quilt was a bunch of warm blankets all different colors. There was two dressers,and a mirror in the corner, and it was quite spacey.
Hermione unpacked her stuff while Harry stacked the dozen heavy books she brought on the nightstand near the bed.
"I wonder what they're saying." Harry said, distractedly.
"Oh, probably just discussing what would ever make you say such a terrible thing." She gave him a dirty look and folded more shirts and pants.
"I didn't mean it."
"Oh, I know you didn't." Hermione shrugged.
"Ron should be here soon."
"Excellent," Hermione said sarcastically.
"Whats wrong?"
"Oh, I am just so tired of him always being so rude!" She angerly.
"Yeah, I see what your saying!" Harry smiled at her, and she grinned back him.
"He shouldn't be a prefect. You should be." Hermione said.
"Why me?" Harry asked curiously.
"Never mind." Hermione said softly. They went back downstairs to wait for Ron.
"Hey you two. Happy with your room, Hermione?" Lily asked. Harry realized Dumbledore was gone. James avoided Harry's eyes, and Harry didn't blame him. "Oh, It's lovely!" Hermione said eagerly.
"Glad you like it!" Lily said brightly, and they heard a loud thud in the fireplace.
"Ron!" Harry said excitedly. He went to greet his best friend. He gave him a hand off of the floor.
"Hey mate!" Ron said happily. He smiled at James and Lily.
"Don't you dare poke me!" James teased, and Ron grinned.
"Ha, don't worry. Hermione forbid me to poke you."
"That's right!" Hermione said with a smile.
"So mate, what's it like having to listen to parents now?"
"Strange!" Harry laughed.
Remus came shortly after Ron, and they were all in the kitchen laughing and talking about tommorow, Christmas Eve, and how exciting it was going to be for James and Lily to see all the order members again.
"Alright, game of Quiddich?" James asked, and Hermione and Lily rolled their eyes as Remus, Ron and Harry all agreed happily. They divided into teams, Harry and James and Remus and Ron.
"We'll be THE WAREWOLVES!" Ron said, and Remus laughed.
"We'll be...er..."
"The Lighting Bolts." James said, tapping Harry's forehead where his scar was.
"Fine!" Harry smiled.
"You Potter boys are going down!" Remus said.
"Ha, you wish, Mooney!"
When the boys went outside, Lily and Hermione began to knit by the fire.
"Oooh, Hermione, that is an excellent sock!"
"Thank you!" Hermione said. "Your hat is coming along great. Love the colors!"
"Thank you. So tell me, what is my son like when his parents arn't around?"
"Oh," Hermione laughed. She felt herself blushing. "He is very...well..heroic. I am sure he told you all about the Chamber of Secrets, meeting sirius, the Sorcerer's Stone, the twiwizard tort-"
"No, No he didn't tell me anything!" Lily said, she shifted in her chair so she faced Hermione. "Tell me about it!"
"There all very very long stories-"
"That's OK, we ahve time. They won't be in until midnight." Lily sighed.
So, Hermione began to explain beginning with their first year as they knitted. Finally, just when Hermione finished explaining, four muddy men entered the room.
"You boys have to wake up earlier then that to beat the Potter men!" James said, and Harry and James gave each other the high five.
Remus and Ron scowled.
"Don't worry Ron, We'll get our revenge!" Remus said.
"Yeah, tommorow! The warewolves challange you to a rematch!"
"Fine!" James said. "The Lighting Bolts agree!"
"ALL OF YOU, GO UPSTIARS AND GET CLEANED UP AND GO TO BED! IT'S NEAR MIDNIGHT!" Lily said.
"So I take it you ladies had fun?" Remus asked.
"Oh yes! We chatted for hours and we made a lot of socks, yarn book covers and hats!" Hermione answered.
Hermione smiled warmly at Lily who returned it.
As the four boys trudged upstiars, Hermione cleaned the yarn and needles.
"I am getting to bed too. Thanks for a great evening!" Hermione said, and she too went upstairs.
Lily knew tommorrow she was going to have a very busy day preparing and keeping all her guests happy, but she couldn't wait.
Something was nagging in the back of her head however. Something she knew she had to tell Harry. And soon. Before it was too late. It was around tweleve thirty when Harry finally got into bed. For now, Ron was in the other guest room across the hall and Remus in the one beside his. The Potter home was bigger then they imaged.
Again, Harry heard the door sqeak open. THis time he didn't pretend to be asleep. He went to sit up.
"No, lie down." James said softly. He sat on the bed next to him and ruffled his hair.
"C'mon dad, it's messy enough already!" Harry said, smiling at him through the darkness.
"Your a great flyer." James whispered to him.
"Thanks, you are too."
"Goodnight, Harry." He said. He felt his father kiss his head again, then ruffle his hair, and walk out of the door.
The next morning was Christmas Eve, and the Potter's and the rest all tried to dress their best. Lily and Hermione spent half the morning helping each other decide what to wear, and what to do with their hair.
Ron, James, Harry and Remus all thought on diffent lines. They didn't really care.
James Harry both wore a green sweaters (A/N- jumper, depending on where you live!)and baish pants accidently. Their tastes seemed the same. Remus threw on a brown sweater/jumper that wasn't tattered with dark pants and Ron wore nice robes that he got last year for being a prefect.
"You suppose they'll be down anytime soon?" Ron asked Harry when they and Remus and James sat down at the table. The women where upstairs still debating on what to wear.
"They'll be down eventually." James sighed. So far, he and Harry had come to a silent agreement not to argue on Christmas Eve. This was a family time, and the first one Harry would share with his mother and father, that he could remember.
Finally Lily and Hermione came down, both looking extremely pretty.
"You look like a candy cane." Harry told Hermione, taking her hand and spinning her around.
"I do?" She smiled at him. She was wearing a pretty knee lenth skirt that was red, and a pretty blouse that was white. She had her hair tied back like that the Yule Ball with a red bow holding it in place. Her hair looked like it had been straightened.
"You look great." Ron said.
James was staring at Lily who beamed at him. She, like Harry and James, wore green. Her blouse was green and she had a white long lenth skirt on. Her hair was tired back as well, with pieces curled framing her face.
"You haven't looked this great since our funeral." James informed her, and she slapped his arm playfully.
"You boys all look good." Lily said. She pulled out a comb and began trying to brush his hair.
"Don't bother." Ron, James, Harry, Remus and Hermione all said together, and Lily put the brush down with frustration.
"Ahh well...." she said, "Everyone will be here soon. I better start setting up."
"Let me help!" Hermioen said anxiously, and they went into the living room carrying a basket of decorations.
"Suppose we could get one quiddich game in?" James sighed.
"Before everyone comes? I doubt it." Remus said.
"You were always the sensible one out of our group of friends."
"Wasn't I?" Remus said proudly.
"Same here, Remus." Hermione said, hanging holly and wreaths. She glared at Harry and Ron, who laughed.
"She is right, she is the smart one." Ron agreed.
"You remember that time in in the Devil's Snare, Ron? The only time Hermione said anything stupid? I said 'so light a fire' and she goes 'BUT THERE'S NO WOOD.'" Harry recalled and Hermione threw a mistletoe at him Everyone in the house became a lot more attive when everyone arrived. Tonks and Kingsley arrived together. Tonks was crying and repeatedly hugged Lily and James. Kingsley shook James's hand and welcomed them back warmly. Mad Eye wasn't as believing as the rest. He demanded James and Lily answer a series of questions that only they would know. Once he decided they were trustworthy, he acted more friendly. Mrs.Weasley was crying as well and hugging Lily.
"Molly, I have to thank you for being so motherly to my son." Lily said.
"Oh, he's no trouble." Mrs.Weasley said, as Arther hugged Lily and shook James's hand as well.
Professors Dumbledore and Mcgonagall arrived, and Professr Mcgonagall was just as amazed as eeveryone else to see James and Lily.
Harry was gaining a lot of attention as well. The Weasley kids where all bombarding him with questions.
"Oh Harry," Ginny said "Your mother is so sweet!"
"Thank you, she is." Harry smiled.
Fred and George where very excitable as well when they found out that they would be dining with Prongs and Mooney that night.
Harry Ron and Hermione stuck close together as always. They chatted idley together.
"So, who is spending the night here?" Hermione asked Harry.
"Oh, most the Order." Harry told her. He leaned against the doorway casually.
Hermione noticed what was over his head, and smiled at him. She moved in and kissed his cheek.
"Look up." She said, when he was bemused.
"Oooh, mistletoe!" Harry said, comprehension dawning on his face.
Harry noticed his father taking with Professor Dumbledore over drinks, and they were both looking gravely at him.
"What on earth do you supppose they are talking about now?" Harry said, noticing this.
"Don't be so offensive." Hermione said softly to him.
"Yeah, your right, Candy Cane."
Hermione blushed at the name. Harry spun her around again, and she laughed. She had a feeling that name would definatly stick.
"Oh, please don't call me that!" Hermione laughed.
"You get used to it." Lily said, walking by. "It's better then Silly Lily."
Harry was still bothered by the fact that his father looked nervous about something and kept glancing at him. James was currently talking to Hagrid now, Harry saw, and he went back to talking to Hermione and Ron.
"Yeh know you got a hell of son, James. Great kid." Hagrid told James. "What's wrong?" Hagrid asked, when James remained silent.
"Well, Harry and I haven't been getting along. He apologized for it, but he shouted at me to 'go back to hell where i came from.' We have been at each other's neck a lot lately."
Hagrid looked rather angry at this but quickly recovered himself.
"I'll be talkin' to him, I will!" Hagrid said.
Finally, Dumbledore motioned for Hermione Harry and Ron to follow him into the kitchen. They walked in to see Lily was already there, pacing nervously.
"Oh, Harry! There is something we need to tell you before it is too late."
James came in the room now, and looked at Harry sadly.
"Are you sure we should tell him?" James said.
"Yes, I am positive!" Dumbledore said. "James...It will happen tommorow, if it does happen."
Professor Dumbledore spoke in so sadly that Harry was starting to feel very anxious. He felt Hermione's hand find his shoulder.
"Maybe I should tell him," Lily said, looking at James nervously. "Harry may be a bit mad about what we're going to tell them."
"When isn't he mad with what I have to tell him?" James said.
"I am standing right here you know, and i am not deaf." Harry said. Hermione put her other hand on his other shoulder warningly.
"You see?" hissed James.
"Let me tell him." Lily said again sternly.
"No. If he gets mad, he'll be mad at you. He is already always mad at me. I may as well." James said again. "Harry, you know this spell that brought us back? It could be temporary."
"It could be....what?!"
"Harry, there is a 50/50 percent chance that your parents will make it."
"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME? I WOULD HAVE TRIED TO NOT GET ATTACHED, YOUR BOTH DISHONEST! WHY WOULDN'T YOU TELL ME SOMETHING LIKE THIS? AM I TOO MUCH OF A CHILD, DAD? ARE YOU STILL THINKING ON THOSE LINES?" Harry found that he wasn't even angery. He was hurt. He turned on his heel and run upstairs hoping no one from the party saw him. James made to follow him, but Lily stopped him.
""What did I tell you?" Lily said angerly. "No, we'll explain later." Lily said, sighing. "Don't get him madder at you then he is now."
"When will you know for sure?" Hermione asked shakily.
"Tommorrow. Midnight." James said. He sighed and buried his head in his hands.
"Come on Ron, we have to be there for Harry now." Hermione said. Hermione lead Ron upstairs to Harry's bedroom, where he was sure to be. She knocked softly on the door, looking anxious.
"Who is it?" Harry asked from inside roughly.
"It's Candy Cane and Ron." Ron said, knocking on the door again.
"It's unlocked."
It was. Hermione and Ron walked into Harry's room and saw him sitting on the armchair by the window, his head to his knees and gripping his hair.
"Come on, mate! They'll make it." Ron said. Harry looked up at Ron and Hermione.
Ron seemed to know what Harry wasn't angry as he had just acted, but worried.
"No, knowing my luck? Never!" Harry said. He couldn't bear to even look Hermione or Ron in the eye.
"Then Harry, face the facts. Go down there and spend time with your parents. This may be all you have." Hermione looked extremely sad, and what she said sounded a little too truthful to say with out hurting him, Harry knew she was right.
"Right." Harry said dolefully.
"Aww, don't worry Harry. They still got a really good chance. Dumbledore says you'll know by tomorrow. Christmas, at midnight.
"What a pleasant Christmas." Harry said acerbically.
"Well, I think it may be better then you expect." Hermione said, and when Harry looked at her with wonderment she just grinned.
"Lets just say Dumbledore let something slip to Ron and I."
They went downstairs, and the fact that his parents may actually make it kept Harry in a good enough mood to somewhat enjoy the rest of the party. The members of the Order kept coming up to him, and asking about his parents.
"James behaving himself?" Moody teased.
"I remember him at Hogwarts!" Kingsley was saying. "Multiply your detentions by a hundred, and you'll get how many detentions he got in a year!"
"Your mother is a sweetheart!" Tonks told him, accidently breaking a glass on the table. "Sorry!"
He didn't go anywhere near his mother and father however, though like Hermione said he should be spending time with him. He knew his life would go back to the way it formerly was. Somehow, he knew that he would be OK either way. He lived without his parent's before, and his parents knew death before. It wasn't something he couldn't face. He knew however, if he lost his parents this time.he would have something to miss, Like how he missed Sirius.That was what Harry knew he couldn't face. "No, Hermione." Harry said the next morning. He was lying in bed fast asleep until Hermione came in and began to pull his arm. Ron had bunked with Harry last night along with Fred and George.
"Harry, GET UP!" Hermione said, laughing as he groaned and went back to sleep.
"Where's the fire, Hermione?" Fred asked grumpily. He got up and shook his brother awake as well. Ron, still fast asleep, grunted.
"I don't want to get up!" Harry insisted when Hermione pinched his cheek.
"I don't care!" Hermione told him, "Your mother sent me to wake you."
"Why?"
"Because breakfast is ready."
"LATER."
"No, NOW!" Hermione said. She managed to yank him out of bed as the twins went to get changed.
"Grr.FINE!" Harry said. He shooed Hermione out, and he woke Ron. They changed into nice clothes again for Christmas and went downstairs. Harry noticed Hermione was wearing a vertical striped white and red silk V neck blouse that had a ruffle along the neck line and it that clung gentley to her. Also, she had on a red skirt like the one last night, but longer and it twirled when she spun around to hug him and Ron.
"Merry Christmas!" She said entergically. The rest of the party goers where all at the table, and Hermione was helping Lily serve the food.
"Truly, Hermione, I feel bad! You shouldn't have to help me, you're a guest!"
"Oh, please. I can see why they called you Silly Lily."
Harry felt a strange sensation. Was this the last time he would ever see his parents? He knew that is mother was doing what she would want to do if she only had one day to live: have guests. She kept looking anxiously over at Harry when he didn't reply to her merry Christmas. Her eyes looked puffy as though she had cried herself to sleep. He didn't see his father around, but Professor Dumbledore winked at him when he sat down. He told him that his chances his parents would remain alive where better then before. Harry grinned at him.
"Have some sausages, Harry." Remus said, passing him the plate, while Ron dug into the bacon and Hermione nibbled on toast.
"Sleep well, you three?" Tonks asked from across the table.
"Perfectly, until little miss Candy Cane came and woke us up." Harry said, glaring at her mischievously.
"Tonks and Ginny slept in my room. We stayed up half the night talking." Hermione said, grinning at Tonks.
"It was fun!" Ginny said, taking a sip of her orange juice that her mother put in front of her. Molly was also anxious to help Lily.
"Silly Lily, sit down now!" Molly said. "Let me finish. You haven't gotten a wink of sleep, and you haven't eaten yet!" Molly said.
Lily sat down next to Harry, frowning at the nickname.
"They still calling you candy cane?" Lily asked Hermione brightly.
"Oh yes." Hermione said.
"Well, no offence, but you look more like a candy cane now then ever." Harry said, and she flung a piece a bread at him.
"So what's this other big surprise?" Harry asked Hermione.
"Oh, Dumbledore told me not to tell you. Its for your whole family." Hermione said grinning, and Dumbledore smiled at her.
"I think he'll like my little surprise, don't you hermione?"
"Oh yes!" Hermione grinned. After breakfast had been cleared, Lily invited them all into the living room to talk and hang out.
"You know mum, the decorations look great. You and Hermione did a great job."
"Thank you. You have great friends in Hermione and Ron." Lily smiled.
Hagrid made his way past everyone and up to Harry with a frown.
"We need to talk, Harry." He said, seriously. Harry got up and followed him into the now vacant kitchen.
"Listen to me." Hagrid said softly. "Yer dad tells me yer not getting' along well."
Harry didn't understand how this concerned Hagrid, so he didn't say anything.
"I am disappointed in you, Harry." He said sincerely.
"What?" Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"I would do anythin' to have my father back. And you get yers, a real miracle, a real marvel.and how do you treat 'em?"
"Hagrid-"
"Harry, you have a father now. I'll be the one to tell ya, shall I? You have a father.and you may not have em for long from what I hear. You get in there and you talk to him!"
Harry was a bit beleaguered and bewildered at Hagrid's speech. Hagrid just didn't understand. No one would. Harry however did what Hagrid said. He found his father alone in his room.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing." James said in an irritated tone.
"Why aren't you at the party, exactly?"
"Because I am in no mood for celebrating when I could be dying tonight."
Harry didn't know what to say to these words, so he sat down on the bed next to his father.
"I will miss you."
"Not nearly as much as you missed Sirius."
He was unfortunately right.
"Yeah, well I have known Sirius for three years, and you for only three days."
"I wish I could be more of a father to you."
"Unfortunatly, I haven't needed a father."
James looked saddened. He was right. Harry had always made it fine on his own. Forced to grow up so fast, but then-
"That doesn't mean I don't want one. "
Harry went back downstairs in higher spirits. He found Ron and Hermione talking to Dumbledore but they stopped and averted their eyes when he reached them. Hermione had a smile playing on her lips.
After about twenty minutes, James came into the room, wearing some sort of twisted smile. He looked meaningfully at Harry, and he nodded towards the door. Harry stood and followed him. Hermione, Ron and Dumbledore all came too. Harry was the only one who didn't know what was going on.
"We have something-err.someone to show you Harry." They walked into the empty dining room, where a man was sitting in the armchair. From this angle, Harry couldn't see his face. He could tell he had dark, shaggy long hair. He was sitting tensely in the chair, reminding Harry forcibly of -
"Sirius? The gift receiver is here." James said. The man rose, and faced Harry, a large smile on his face.
"Hi, Harry." The man said. His eyes where shining.
"S.Sirius?" Harry said. He felt like he was dizzy and woozy. He didn't understand it. This was all too unreal. He felt his world go black. He wasn't present anymore. A stream of colors went by his eyes. His head hurt. Where was he? He couldn't understand.
Harry suddenly woke up. He realized he was in his room, on his bed and his mother was dabbing his face with a cold cloth.
"I..I saw Sirius.I.dreaming!" Harry said weakly.
"Shhh Harry." Lily said softly, still dabbling his face. "Lay back down."
He felt Hermione grasp his hand. She was sitting in the armchair beside his bed.
"You missed most of the party, I am afraid." Professor Dumbledore told him, grinning. "How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts."
"It should. You hit that marble floor pretty hard!" James said.
"I saw Sirius.but he is dead!" Harry repeated himself more urgently this time.
"Shush, Harry." Lily said again gently laying his head back on the pillow.
"No, Tell me what is going on!"
"Not now, Harry You hit your head pretty hard."
"I tried to catch you on the way down mate, but I missed!" a voice said from the corner. He saw Ron, and laughed.
"I'll remember that." Harry teased.
"I have to go downstairs, the last of the guests are leaving." Lily said. She handed Hermione the cold cloth, and she continued dabbing Harry's forehead, going over, Harry noticed, his scar.
"Such a burden to you." Hermione said tearfully. Harry found that a bit random, but he didn't say anything.
"Did I really see what I thought I saw?" Harry asked Hermione. She squeezed his hand tighter.
"Try to close your eyes a bit, Harry." Lily said, coming in the room again. "Relax."
"Not until someone tells me what is happening!"
"Lily, he isn't going to be distracted that easily. Believe me, I have tried. We shall invite Sirius in, shall we?"
"But.but he just fainted!" Hermione said. "Are you sure it's wise?"
"Yes, IT IS!" Harry said, pulling his hand from Hermione's angrily. "SIRIUS!" Harry shouted. He felt a tear in his eye. He tryed not to let it out. "I was right! Your alive! How? HOW?" Harry asked. He felt near fainting again.
Sirius didn't say a word. He went to his godson, and held him in his arms tightly, being careful not to bump his head.
"Sirius, your back! Your back! Your back!" Harry kept saying. He felt his voice begin to crack. He looked and saw James leave the room, and Harry wondered why for a moment, but then Sirius began to speak.
"Yes, I am black from the dead! Erm...I mean back from the dead."
Harry gripped him yet tighter and they heard sobs. They broke apart and saw Lily and Hermione both crying.
"Whats ever wrong?" Professor Dumbledore asked them.
"Its just so beautiful!" Hermione sniffed, and she and Lily hugged.
"Women." Sirius and Harry muttered together.
"I can't believe this!" Harry said. He realized he was shaking. Hermione reached for his hand again and she excepted it, as Sirius hugged Lily and shook dumbledore's hand.
"I have a lot to thank you for, Profesor." Harry said, sitting up in bed.
"Oh?"
"Yes. I can't repay you! You gave me my mother my father and my godfather..."
"Oh harry. No one knows better then me that family is important. Now, i gotta get going. James and Lily, I will be back later tonight to see....to see if all goes well."
When he left, Sirius went to Harry and draped his arm around his shoulder.
"I hear you and James beat Remus and Ron at Quiddich-"
"Ha, your not distracting me that easy. Explain please." Harry said, stopping him with is hand.
"Fine." Sirius said, looking down at him. Lily still didn't let him sit up for too long.
"Its simple to explain really. Dumbledore brought me back with James and Lily...however, we didn't tell you because i wasnt doing too well at all. I was really sick and close to dying...er...again. We didn't what to get your hopes up and then have me die again-"
"Where'd my dad go? All the maraduars are back! Well, the ones worth knowing." Harry said, and Ron sn!gered.
Sirius looked behind him and saw that James wasn't there.
"I will be right back." Sirius said and he left Harry's side. Sirius walked out of the house into the cold night air. The wind cut his face, and the snow that was beginning to fall looked like diamonds against the never ending sky. He found James down by the pond past the Quiddich field, throwing rocks.
Sirius came silently behind him, and picked up a smooth rock and threw it into the pond. Both James and Sirius saw it ripple, even though the pond was beginning to freeze.
"Hey, mate." Sirius said.
"Hi." James said, averting his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Sirius asked, though he felt he already knew.
"How do you do it?" James asked breathlessly.
"Do what?"
"Get along with him." James still avoided Sirius's eyes. He kept his back to his best friend, so Sirius had to strain to here what he was saying even over the silent dark sky.
"Harry, you mean?"
"Yes. He didn't cry when he first saw me." James grinned looking into the water.
"Yeah, well. You learn. He didn't like me at first. He wanted to kill me."
"What?" James said. He turned to face his friend looking astounded.
"You want to know why?"
"Yes!"
"Well, He thought I was the one that killed his father and his mother. He wanted his revenge. He loved you before he even really knew you." Sirius whispered.
James found Sirius's glance. He was smiling.
"You know what his patronus is? Its your animagi form. Prongs." Sirius told him. "That means you're his comfort."
James nodded. Sirius could see from the glint of moonlight James had a tear in his eyes.
"Come here, mate!" Sirius said, and they embraced in a brotherly hug.
The two of them walked back into the house with their arms around each other, just as the snow began to fall heavily.
James and Sirius went back up into Harry's room where Hermione was still next to Harry and Ron was doing great impressions of Lockhart, making them both laugh.
"I missed you." Harry said to Sirius as he sat back on the bed with Harry.
"I was gone for five minutes-"
"No, I mean.when you died."
"Oh.I see." Sirius said. "Hey, it's snowing out. It looks beautiful." Sirius said, and he opened Harry's shade on his window, so the snow was visible. What a perfect Christmas. Harry thought. James was thinking just the contrary. He made to leave the room again, but Harry called him back.
"Look, I only have about four more hours with you, possibly." Harry said, looking at his watch. "Therefore, I want to know about some of the things you, Remus and Sirius did at Hogwarts."
"No, I would rather go downstairs. I want to talk to your mother." James said.