DISCLAIMER: I own everything that you don't recognize for Harry Potter.

NOTE: If you're a hard core Harry Potter fan and can't stand anything that drifts away from the basic story plot of the story then don't read this Fic. Sorry but I'm a very strong believer in broadening the horizons and asking the basic question of What If? A bad habit but what are you going to do?

If . . .

Chapter 2: A year in the making

December 25 1985

"Happy Christmas!" Sirius yelled as he apparated in to Lily and James parlor. It had been seven months since Lily and James had moved in to a flat above Mike's electronics in London.

"Where is everybody?" Sirius asked no one in particular.

"We're in here Sirius. Don't you think that it's a little early to come over?" James asked greeting his friend in boxer shorts only then returning to his room to take a shower.

"We always woke up at 5:30 to open presents when we lived together why would this be any different?" Sirius answered innocently.

"Because I didn't even know there was a 5:30 in the morning Sirius." Lily came out in XL pajama pants and a tight long sleeved thermal shirt.

"But you were the smartest girl in school!" Sirius stated.

"I think I'm going to regret asking this but would you like some coffee Sirius?" Lily asked from the kitchen.

"What's coffee?" Sirius asked running into the kitchen to find out what she was talking about.

"What?" Lily asked incredulously.

"I'm sorry am I supposed to know what every muggle invention is now that I'm out of Hogwarts?" Sirius asked sarcastically.

"No I just thought that you of all people would know what coffee is." Lily defended.

"Did I hear someone say coffee?" James asked emerging from his room in sweat pants and a long sleeved shirt that had The Comets across the chest.

"Yes, Sirius doesn't know what it is." Lily told her boyfriend.

"Oh no!" James said.

"What?" Lily and Sirius said at the same time.

"You told him about coffee, now he's going to have to have it." James finished by shaking his head.

"No I don't!" Sirius said.

"Oh yes you do. When Lily mentioned that her sister new boyfriend rode a motor bike you went out and you got one. Then when we went to Lily and Saydey's flat last year for Boxing day and you saw Lily's stereo system, records, and albums you just had to have it and you went out that day and got one for yourself. And you weren't any help." James said turning from Sirius to his girlfriend, "you helped Sirius put charms on that bike so it will fly and you went out with him and helped him pick out that stereo and those records."

"Do you still listen to them Sirius?" Lily asked ignoring James.

"Oh yes, quite often. I need something to keep me occupied when I need something that I can dance to." Sirius said.

"Do you have the Queen album?" Lily asked. "I really want it but I haven't had the time to get it."

"The new one?" Sirius asked.

"Yep." Lily answered.

"I do, but its not as good as the first ones." Sirius said

"Really? Well do you think you can lend it to me so I can hear what it sounds like?" She asked.

"But of course!" Sirius smiled at her.

While they were having this conversation James just sat down at the kitchen table with his head in his hand. When Lily had just asked Sirius if she could borrow his album the coffee finished. He walked over to the cupboard with the glasses in it and took out three mugs.

"Oh coffee's done." Lily said when she looked down at the coffee maker. James handed her and Sirius each a mug. Lily, then, poured some in to her mug, she did the same for Sirius and James.

Sirius took a sip of the scolding hot, brown, liquid, his reaction was caught on camera courtesy to James. He spit the sip he had just taken out all over the Kitchen floor. After he had wiped his mouth and gotten a drink of water he sat down next to Lily.

"My dear Lillers, this is not one of your best inventions." He sighed.

"Well first of all I didn't invent it, I don't know who did. Second of all try it with some cinnamon, cream and sugar." She said putting them in to his mug. He took a timid sip and then swallowed it.

"That is defiantly one of you better inventions Lil." Sirius stated and continued drinking his coffee.

"Congratulations Lily! You've created a monster." James stated but Lily couldn't retaliate because then two pops came from the parlor.

"I can't believe you're still getting me up at 5:30 to open presents." Saydey's groggy voice floated towards them.

"It smells like coffee." Remus said trying to make his girlfriend feel better.

When the two entered the kitchen they were met with 'Happy Christmas' and two mugs of coffee.

"So you knew about coffee and you didn't tell me?" Sirius asked hurt.

"James told us not to tell you." Saydey defended herself and her boyfriend

"James! I am shocked and appalled!" Sirius said turning his puppy dog face on them.

"Everybody's here, let's open presents." James directed his friend's attention away from coffee to the prospect of getting lots and lots of presents.

"Yes lets!" Sirius jumped up and practically ran to the parlor with coffee in hand. He was followed by his four other friends who were laughing his spunkiness. "Me first!"

"It wouldn't be Christmas if you didn't go first." Remus stated. They each sat on the floor, in front of their separate piles of gifts.

"Santa knew I would be here and not home! Man he's so good!" He mused. This made his friends shake their heads and laugh.

Sirius' presents consisted of a Ricky Springfield album from Lily, a box of tools from Saydey, a book of muggle inventions from Remus (that got him a dirty look from James), James got him a 'babe magnet' a magnet that brought babes to you, he also got some merchandise from his favorite Quidditch team the Comets (James likes the same team if you were wondering) from Santa Clause.

James got an Auror's guide to survival from Sirius. Lily got him some plaid pajama pants. Saydey got him two tickets to see the Comets in their next game. Remus got him a leash for a dog (for Sirius but no body said anything). Santa got him a picture frame with a moving picture of Lily and himself.

Remus got a pair of wool socks from Lily. Saydey got him a pair of silk pajamas. He got a broom service kit from Sirius. James was thinking like Remus was, he had gotten him a dog leash for Sirius. Santa got him a box of sweets from Honeydukes.

Lily got a couple candles from Saydey. Sirius got her A LOT of stickers (she introduced them to him to them when they were fifteen and now it's his favorite muggle invention). Remus got her a beautiful sweater. James got her a dark green cloak with Celtic design around the edges made with gold thread. Sirius made fun of Lily because Santa didn't get her anything.

Saydey got bubble bath and spray from Lily. Remus got her a winter hat with matching scarf and gloves. James and Sirius collaborated and got her gold earrings with matching ring. Santa got her a box of 100 kinds of magical nail polish.

After two hours of unwrapping and thanking each other the women went into the kitchen and cooked breakfast while the men cleaned up the wrapping paper. They ate their eggs, beacon, and toast, then went into the living room and talked about what they were planning on doing the next day. Saydey and Remus were going to Remus' house to see his brother, Seth, and his mother. Sirius was going to go see how old Albus Dumbledore was doing. James and Lily were going to Lily's house to see her mother and father and try to keep as much distance between themselves and Petunia as they could.