Chapter Twenty-four

A/N: Thank you guys so much! I just LOVE the response this story has gotten. This is the Christmas chapter. (I couldn't bear to ruin Harry's first real Christmas with Marge, so the Dursleys are visiting her.) After this, I plan on having several small time skips.

Christmas Eve found the little family finishing up with the tree and some house decorations. Harry was having LOTS of fun with the tinsel, currently he was rolling on the floor laughing like a lunatic as both Sirius and Remus attempted to rid themselves of the stuff.

"Not funny pup!" Sirius' admonition was ruined by his giggles as he tried to pry the tinsel out of his hair.

"I didn't know it would do that!" shrieked Harry through his laughter, "I didn't want to blow it up! I only tried to move it I swear!"

"Just goes to show you," said Remus, chuckling as he plucked a piece of tinsel out of his ear, "you have to be careful with magic. You never know what will happen."

Harry nodded, still laughing, "I will."

Sirius meanwhile, had changed into Padfoot and attempted to shake the sparkly stuff off him Seeing his reflection in the large standing mirror, he yelped and immediately changed back, causing both Harry and Remus to howl with laughter.

"Not funny!" he mock growled, which had the opposite effect, "Padfoot does NOT look good in sparkles!"

Remus ran his fingers through his hair, causing the last few pieces of tinsel to fall out, "OK cub, let's finish decorating the tree." he said.

"What's next?" Harry asked eagerly.

"The last thing is the star," said Sirius, taking a small box from his pocket and enlarging it, "I know we were going to pick one out, but I thought you'd like this better. It's the one James and Lily used for your first Christmas."

"Really?" exclaimed Harry excitedly.

"Yup," said Sirius, ruffling Harry's hair as he handed him the box, "got it out of the vault yesterday. I didn't think of it until after we talked about picking one."

"Thank you!" said Harry, while giving Sirius a bone-crushing hug.

Harry opened the box to reveal a large star, silvery and glinting with many small magical lights in different colors.

"Oooooo!" exclaimed Harry, "pretty!"

"Yes it is," said Remus, "want to put it up?"

"Yeah!"

"Alright then," said Remus, crouching down, "get up on my shoulders then."

Handing the star to Sirius, Harry scrambled onto Remus' back, and moved to perch on his shoulders. Remus stood up carefully, and Sirius handed the star back to Harry, who very carefully placed it on the very top of the tree.

"Good job pup," said Sirius as he pulled Harry off Remus' shoulders and into a hug.

"Now that the tree is done," said Remus with a smile, "who's up for some cocoa and cookies?"

"I am! I am!" exclaimed Harry and Sirius together.

"Great, just great," Remus muttered good naturedly, "now I have TWO five-year-olds to deal with."

Sirius did the mature thing and stuck his tongue out at Remus, causing Harry to giggle.

"Real mature," grinned Remus, "alright then, to the kitchen!" he cried, hoisting a still giggling Harry onto his shoulders once again.

Albus Dumbledore smiled as he looked over the Great Hall. Ah Christmas, he thought, I just love the holidays. Everyone is in such good spirits this time of year.

He smiled to himself, best of all, he thought, Despite what he said to Arabella, he hasn't contacted me again about visiting with Harry. He smiled his grandfather smile as the students filed out. I was so sure he'd want to see Harry for Christmas. Though I'm not sure if that is encouraging or worrisome.

He smiled as the professors as they left for their own quarters and wished them "Happy Christmas." before making his way to his own rooms.

The gargoyle opened and he walked by his desk, only to spot a letter laying on the clean (for once) surface. What could this be? He asked himself, reaching for the parchment. Sitting in his chair, he quickly opened the letter and read;

Albus,

While we don't want to interfere with Harry's family holiday, both Sirius and I would like to see him in a few days, so I can meet him and we can give him his present. Sirius told me about you not wishing to tell Harry about magic yet, and while we don't understand it, we will abide by your wishes. I promise that Harry's gift will be purely Muggle. Happy Christmas, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Remus J. Lupin

Damn! He thought, I KNEW it was too good to be true! Worse yet, now the damn werewolf wants to meet the boy. Even if Sirius missed it the first time, he might not miss the abuse this time. Even if he does, Lupin won't. He plucked a lemon drop from the bowl and popped it in his mouth and sighed. Fawkes trilled mournfully at him. He shot a glare at the bird and sighed again. I could try to put them off, but that could backfire. It might make them suspicious. He let out another long-suffering sigh, he would need to contact the Dursleys. In the meantime, he would need to send a reply. He sighed once again as he reached for quill and parchment.

….

Sirius, Remus, and Harry were sitting in the living room enjoying the last of the cocoa when they were startled by Dee popping in front of them.

"What is it, Dee?" asked a puzzled Sirius, "is something wrong?"

"No sir," said Dee, "yous is getting a letter at the cottage."

Remus smiled at Sirius' startled look, "is it from the headmaster?" he asked.

"Yes sir," Dee said, "Fawkes is bringing it, that is why Dee came to get yous."

Remus looked over at Harry, seeing the empty mug in front of him, he smiled, "bed."

"Awwww," said Harry, "just a little while longer?" he pleaded.

Sirius grinned, "the sooner you go to sleep, the sooner it will be Christmas," he said, ruffling Harry's hair.

Harry grinned happily, "OK!"

Remus smiled, "we'll tuck you in, but then we will need to go with Dee, but I promise it won't be long and we'll be back before you wake up."

"OK," said Harry as he got up and headed for his room, "promise?"

"Of coarse pup," said Sirius as he watched Harry get into bed.

The two Marauders tucked him in and waited until he was almost asleep before leaving the room.

"So," said Sirius as they made their way to the fireplace, "what did you do?"

Remus gave him a look as if to say, 'who me?'

Sirius only smiled, "don't give me that look, Moony. I know you too well."

Remus paused, "I thought Dumbledore might find it suspicious if we didn't want to see Harry for Christmas, so I wrote him a letter asking to meet him after the holiday."

Sirius barked a laugh, "brilliant! Trust you to think of that!"

Remus laughed and grabbed Sirius' hand and the floo powder, "Lupin Cottage!" he called as he threw it in the fire. Tugging Sirius' hand, he pulled them into the green flames.

After stepping out and spelling the soot off them both, Remus walked toward Fawkes and, as the phoenix gave no warning, gently untied the letter from his leg.

Fawkes gave a trill as Remus stroked his head, then turned to sit with Sirius and opened the letter.

Dear Sirius and Remus,

First, I wish to thank you for contacting me, rather than attempt to contact Harry's family directly. I see no problem with you meeting Harry, but I must ask you to give me a few days to get in touch with the family. As I do not know their holiday plans, I don't want to risk contacting them while they are visiting or being visited. I thank you for your patience in this matter, and wish you a Happy Christmas. I will send Fawkes with a date and time for you to see Harry.

Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.

"Well," said Sirius, "at least he's letting us see Harry with no problems."

"True," replied Remus, "but maybe he thinks we'd be suspicious if he tried to put us off. Let me just write a reply and send it back with Fawkes."

"Great," said Sirius as he summoned a parchment and quill, "you write better than I do anyway."

"Padfoot," Remus said with a smirk, "Harry writes better than you do."

"Ouch Moony," said Sirius with his hand over his heart, "that hurts."

Remus smiled as he picked up the quill and began to write, "I can tell,"

"You wound me," said Sirius with a smirk.

Albus sighed again as Fawkes flamed in with the reply. Quickly untying the letter, he read

Albus,

Thank you for your reply. We understand that you don't want to interrupt Harry's holiday. Happy Christmas, and hope to hear from you soon.

Remus J. Lupin

Albus sighed, put the letter on his desk, and shuffled off to bed. At least they're willing to wait, was his last thought before sleep claimed him.

A/N; Next up is Christmas Day! Thanks to all those who followed, favorited, and reviewed! You guys are great!

Kiani Skyrider