Chapter Twenty-Five

A/N: I plan on doing Christmas day and the already planned meet up in this chapter, then a time skip, maybe Harry's 6th birthday. Then maybe one chap per year, more if something special happens.

Sirius was jarred awake after what seemed like a few minutes' sleep by a bouncing, giggling bombshell that literally exploded on top of him.

"It's Christmas! It's Christmas!" cried a still bouncing Harry excitedly.

Sirius groaned and rolled over, "mmm hmmm"

Remus smiled and got up, "coffee's on. I set it up last night when we got back."

Sirius smiled, finally opening his eyes, "you're the best Moony. Now if we can get this one to stop bouncing on me, we'll be great," he said with a mock stern glare in the direction of his still giggling godson.

Harry stopped bouncing just long enough to stick his tongue out at Sirius and blow a loud raspberry.

"Oh yeah?" Sirius said, sitting up and grabbing Harry around the middle, "what you got to say now huh?" he asked, tickling Harry mercilessly.

"Stop! Stop!" cried Harry.

Sirius grinned, "Are you gonna blow anymore raspberries at me?"
"No!" cried Harry through his laughter.

"All right you two," said Remus, coming in with a mug of steaming coffee, "breakfast is on the way, then we can open presents."

"Yay!" Harry yelled, causing the two Marauders to wince slightly at the volume.

Harry scrambled up and streaked excitedly out of the room.

Sirius flopped back on his pillows and groaned, "what time is it anyway?" he asked, sitting up again and taking the coffee from Remus' outstretched hand.

Remus smiled and flicked his wand. Displayed in the air were the numbers 5:38am.

Sirius groaned again and gulped coffee.

Remus smiled again, "I did warn you," and chuckled when Sirius sent a glare his way.

Still chuckling, Remus started out of the room, "I would get dressed before Harry comes in and starts bouncing on you again."

"He is a little ball of energy, isn't he?" Sirius chuckled, giving the now empty coffee cup in his hands a sad look.

Remus nodded and took the empty cup from him, "more will be on the table when you come out, I promise."

Sirius shot him a grateful look before shuffling off to the closet.

Remus smiled as he headed toward the kitchen, only to nearly be run over by Harry coming back to check what was taking so long.

"Whoa there cub," he said with a smile, "Sirius is getting dressed. How about you help me mix up some pancakes while we wait."

"OK!" exclaimed Harry.

They went into the kitchen and Remus got out the pancake ingredients, he mixed everything together and then stood Harry on a chair by the counter in front of the big mixing bowl.

Handing him a big mixing spoon he said, "OK cub, just stir until all the lumps are smooth."

"OK Uncle Moony," said Harry and began to stir while Remus turned the bacon, cracked several eggs and poured another cup of coffee for Sirius.

Sirius came shuffling into the kitchen only slightly more awake than he had been when Remus left him. Sitting down, he grabbed the coffee and chugged it without bothering to sweeten it. Remus chuckled at his antics and put the pot by his elbow.

"I'm done!" called Harry, "see? The batter's all smooth."

Remus walked over, "good job cub! Now let's get these made."

"Can I play Lego til they're done?" asked Harry.

"OK cub," said Remus, ruffling Harry's hair, "go set everything up, Uncle Padfoot will be out in a minute."

"OK," said Harry before racing excitedly from the room.

….

Once breakfast was done, Remus made cocoa, (and anoter pot of coffee) for everyone and they settled around the tree ad it's ENORMOUS pile of presents. A much revived Sirius played Father Christmas, once everyone had all their presents,

Sirius sat on the couch next to Remus.

"All right pup, start opening!" called Sirius.

Harry tore into his pile of presents, sending the brightly colored paper flying everywhere.

"Thank you! Thank you!" called Harry as one by one, he opened several Lego sets, the newest video game console along with many games, a few movies, an artist's kit with a few extra sketch pads, some coloring books, action figures both magical and muggle, a child's potion kit, a bicycle, a sled, puzzles, board games, packets of seeds and cuttings of mgical plants for his garden, an album with pictures of his parents, and many, many books along with several boxes and bags of candy also both magical and muggle.

"You've got one more there, kiddo," said Sirius as Harry ran over to hug him.

As Harry ran over to rip the paper off a long package half hidden at the back of the tree, Remus gave Sirius a Look, "you didn't!"

"Of course I did," chuckled Sirius, "it's not a real one. It's a 'practice broom.' Goes only about a foot higher than a toy broom at the lowest setting."

"Setting?" asked Remus.

"It's got settings to go a little higher as he gets older, until he's ready for a real broom," answered Sirius.

Remus smiled as Harry squealed with joy, "can I go fly it? Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?"

"All right go on. We'll be out in a few minutes," said Remus.

Harry raced out of the room clutching his new broom.

"Don't worry Moony," said Sirius with a smile, "that thing's got so many coushioning charms on it, it's nearly impossible for him to fall off."

Remus chuckled and shook his head, "all right. Let's go watch the cub fly. We can open our presents later, when he's all tired out."

"OK Moony, at least let me clean up. You did all the cooking."

Remus smiled and Sirius waved his wand, causing the pile of ripped paper spread accross the room to disappear. Another flick caused the dishes and pans to start washing themselves.

"Thanks Padfoot," said Remus wryly but with a smile as they headed for the yard.

"Anytime," said Sirius with a grin and a wince as Remus playfully smacked him on the back of his head.

…..

Most of the rest of the day was spent watching Harry fly, playing with his toys, and having a snowball fight in the yard. Remus and Sirius having figured out how to change the 'weather'.

They even built a small hill so Harry could go sledding. Later that afternoon, after Remus went to start on the Christmas dinner, Sirius even took Harry for a short flight on his own broom. Harry wanted to try a ride on Sirius' motorcycle, but Sirius told him that would have to wait a while. He did start teaching Harry to ride his bicycle, and by the time Remus called them in, he was getting pretty good at it.

"It's almost like riding a broom," said a grinning Harry, "I mean, you have to learn how to balance and all."

"You're right pup," said Sirius, "you'll be wizzing along on it in no time I bet."

Harry hugged him, "thanks Uncle Padfoot. This is the best Christmas ever!"

"You're welcome pup," Sirius said, returning the hug, "now let's go eat. I'm starved!"

After a wonderful dinner of turkey with gravy, stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, Yorkshire pudding, and cranberry sauce. Remus brought out a large Christmas pudding and a plate of several small mince pies.

"Ooooooo!" said Harry, eyes going big at the sight of the pudding, "I never had that before!"

Remus smiled, "we have to light it first," he said as he poured the brandy over it.

Sirius turned out the lights as Remus lit the large pudding. Harry watched with wide eyes as the pudding blazed.

Once it was done, Remus cut a large slice and passed it to Harry, along with a mince pie. After he and Sirius served themselves, they all dug into the treat. After they had all finished their dessert, Sirius offered to 'clean up' again.

Remus grinned, "I should make you do it the muggle way."

Sirius gavn exaggerated pout, "but then I wouldn't be able to watch a movie with the pup!" he mock whined.

"That's why I'm not,"

Sirius stuck his tongue out at Remus.

Harry giggled.

"All right cub," said Remus, "movie or games?"

"Games!" cheered Harry, bouncing in his seat.

"All right then let's go!" hollered Sirius, swinging Harry onto his shoulders, "to the living