Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: A couple more chapters left in this story. I'm thinking of doing a sequel, if there is interest. =)
Harry was watching sitting and watching Hagrid bring in the Christmas trees to the Great Hall with excitement in his eyes.
"Looking forward to Christmas?" Lily asked, sitting next to him.
Harry nodded. "I love Christmas at Hogwarts. Here was the first time I got to have a good one."
"You mean your first year?" Lily asked.
Harry nodded, his eyes on Flitwick as he began charming ornaments.
"What about Christmas before Hogwarts?"
Harry shrugged. "I stayed in my cupboard while Dudley opened his presents. Then I had to clean up the all the wrapping paper and help with the dinner. Sometimes I got a small plate of food to eat in my cupboard while they ate at the table."
James clenched his fists. "I don't suppose you got any presents." He said sarcastically.
"Not really. Not until Hogwarts. Well, Uncle Vernon gave me an old hanger and laughed when I opened it. And Aunt Petunia would give me a bag of Dudley's old clothes and tell me it was more than I deserved."
"Unbelievable!" Lily stood up and began pacing. "How dare she? I should just turn her into a toad and be done with it!"
"Lily," James also stood and reached out, gently touching her arm. "It won't happen this time."
"It shouldn't have happened in the first place!" Lily hissed. Tears filled her eyes. "How could Petunia treat her own nephew like that? Ever? If her son had been left with us, we would have raised him and loved him as our own. Why couldn't she do the same? She hates me that much?"
"It's not your fault your sister is so horrid," James said quietly. "She made the choice to abuse Harry. To let her husband and son do the same. Whether she would do again does not matter because we are here."
Lily nodded, letting him pull her into a hug.
"We'll have a good Christmas, yeah?" James whispered to her. "Make it special for Harry."
Lily laughed, nodding her head. "My parents are going to visit family in Ireland for Christmas but I want to stay here and celebrate with you and Harry. Will your parents mind having us over, do you think?"
"Of course they won't mind, they're already so excited," James grinned. "Sirius and Regulus too. Remus will be going home to his family for the holidays, as will Peter."
Lily hesitated. "Can I invite Severus to your parents house? He doesn't have any family." She said sadly.
"Yeah," James said. "Invite him. That way Reg won't be the only Slytherin." He smirked.
"I really love you, James," Lily said softly.
"I love you too," James kissed her.
"Yuck!"
James rolled his eyes, laughing as he turned to his son. "What? Is there something wrong with your parents kissing?"
"It's gross?" Harry offered.
"Gross?" Lily went over to him and began placing kisses all over his face. "Take that, you imp!"
Harry giggled. "Mum!"
Sirius and Remus entered the hall and strolled over to them. "Is your mum embarrassing you, pup?" Sirius teased.
"Of course not," Lily pretended to look offended.
Remus smiled at Harry. "Ready to go Christmas shopping?" He and Sirius were talking about going to get Christmas gifts earlier and when Harry had overheard, he had begged to go with them.
Harry nodded and then motioned for Sirius to bend down so he could whisper in his ear. "I want to get my parents Christmas presents," He told Sirius. "But I don't have any money."
"How about I help you out?" Sirius whispered back. "You can pay me back when you get an allowance." he suggested when Harry looked to protest.
"Okay," Harry said in relief. "Thanks!"
"You and Remus won't let him out of your sight?" Lily asked anxiously as she tied a scarf around Harry. "Not for a second?" She and James had been hesitant about allowing him to go but knew their friends would be careful and protect Harry so they had agreed.
"Of course not, we'll keep a close eye on him," Sirius said. "Check in on Reg for me, will you?"
"Of course." Lily said. "He's with Severus in the library but we'll make sure he's not overexerting himself." She assured him.
"Thanks," Sirius relaxed. He worried for his brother, after what their sorry excuse for parents had done to him.
"Also, do the tether," James said. "Harry has a tendency to wander off." He eyed his son knowingly.
"Aw James," Sirius moaned, feeling bad for his pup.
"But Dad -" Harry started to whine.
"We'll do it," Remus spoke up before James could say anything. "Better safe than sorry."
Sirius and Harry both sighed. "Fine." Sirius grumbled.
HP
Harry sulked, knowing he was tethered to Sirius. No one could see it, and he couldn't feel it unless he stepped too far away but still...how embarrassing.
"So what do you want to get your parents?" Remus asked as they arrived at the village.
"Um, I don't know. Daddy mentioned needing a new broom servicing kit and maybe something pretty for mummy...like a necklace?" Harry said thoughtfully.
"Sounds good, pup," Sirius said cheerfully. "After that we can get some ice cream."
Harry brightened. "Yay!"
"A small one. You don't want to ruin your dinner," Remus said. He rolled his eyes when they both scowled at him. "Someone has to be the adult." he muttered.
After purchasing a broom kit and finding a pretty necklace with a emerald green heart stone, they went to the three broomsticks and ordered small bowls of ice cream.
"How's your ice cream?" Sirius asked.
"Yummy," Harry said as he spooned up more chocolate and raspberry. "Thanks for bringing me."
"No problem, pup. We're having fun." Sirius said.
"Are you excited about Christmas?" Remus asked.
"Yeah," Harry's eyes lit up. "My first with my parents! That I remember, anyway."
"Christmas at the Potter's is the best. Your grandmother makes the best Christmas cookies and pie." Sirius told him.
"I can't wait," Harry said happily. He looked at Remus. "Too bad you can't come."
"Wish I could, but my parents would miss me," Remus winked at him.
"So where are we going next?" Harry asked as he scooped up the last of his ice cream.
"I need to some gifts for my parents," Remus said. "Maybe the bookstore?"
"And Zonko's," Sirius said enthusiastically.
"Yay!" Harry cheered.
After they had finished their ice cream, they walked out of the tavern and immediately heard a cackle of laughter.
"So! This is the child I have heard about!" Bellatrix suddenly appeared in front of them. Her eyes were gleefully on Harry.
"Back off!" Sirius snapped, pushing Harry behind him, wand out. Remus also had his wand trained on Bellatrix.
"I just wanted to speak with him," Bellatrix said sweetly.
"No. Stupefy!"
Bellatrix laughed and blocked the spell. "Naughty, cousin! Oh, wait. You're not my cousin, you've been disowned. A traitor to the Black family." Her eyes flashed.
"Some family," Sirius scoffed.
"Your brother turned out to be a traitor as well." Bellatrix sneered. "Quite a disappointment and embarrassment. I personally look forward to dealing with him. He was set to become a death eater and rejected the great honor!"
"Yes, killing innocents is such an honor," Sirius mocked. "And you won't get near my brother or Harry. You'll have to go through me first."
"Hmm, well if you insist...stupefy!" Bellatrix managed to knock out Remus while Sirius ducked, pulling Harry with him.
"Expelliarmus!" Sirius shouted. He grinned when her wand went flying out of her hands.
"Accio wand!" Bellatrix snapped. She glared at Sirius. "I will have that child. My master would like to speak with him. Crucio!"
"Ahh!" Sirius fell, twitching from the pain.
Harry, his accidental magic responding to his fear, managed to banish the tether that attached him to Sirius and actually blasted Bellatrix back several feet.
"Oh! You stupid kid!" Bellatrix growled. "Crucio!"
Harry let out a cry as the curse hit him and he crumpled to the ground.
By now, Remus had regained consciousness and grabbed Harry, shielding the spells Bellatrix kept sending with a strong Protego.
"I've called the Aurors!" Madam Rosmerta yelled as she ran out of her pub, her own wand in hand.
Bellatrix sneered at her. She smirked at Harry, who was crying. "Till we meet again, Potter!" She then disapparated.
"Pup?" Sirius took Harry from Remus. "We need to get him back to Hogwarts." He said worriedly. Harry was having spasms from the curse.
"Let's go," Remus said. "I'll send a message to James and Lily."
HP
James and Lily ran to the infirmary as soon as they got Remus's message. They burst into the room to find Harry unconscious on a cot, Pomfrey waving her wand over him in a diagnostic.
"Harry!" Lily cried. "What happened?" She asked Sirius and Remus.
Sirius was still having slight spasms. "Bellatrix cornered us."
"What?" James eyes darkened.
"She knocked me out and cast the Cruciatus on Sirius and Harry," Remus said, guilt and worry in his voice.
"Mr. Black, you should be sitting until I can get to you," Pomfrey scolded.
Sirius waved her off. "I'm fine."
Regulus and Snape entered the infirmary. "Siri?" Regulus hurried to his brother. He and Snape had been with James and Lily when the message came through.
"I'm fine, Reg." Sirius assured him, pulling him in for a hug.
"What happened?" Regulus asked with concern.
Remus relayed everything that happened during their confrontation with Bellatrix.
"I can't believe anyone could cast such a curse onto a child," Pomfrey said as she spelled a potion into Harry.
"Bellatrix is insane and incredibly cruel," Snape said seriously. "She likes hurting people."
Pomfrey finished with Harry. "He will be fine. He shouldn't feel the effects of the curse when he wakes."
James ran his hand through his son's hair. He wanted to hunt down Bellatrix and kill her. She had dared to hurt his son!
Pomfrey then turned and gave Sirius a potion.
"Ugh, tastes horrible," Sirius said even as he relaxed. "I should have had you spell it into me instead."
"Oh, honestly," Pomfrey huffed while Regulus snickered.
Harry slowly woke up. "Mummy? Daddy?" He murmured.
"Hi, baby," Lily cooed, putting her hand on his forehead. "How are you feeling?"
"Okay, I think," Harry said, sitting up. "Are Sirius and Remus okay?"
"We're fine, pup," Sirius assured him.
"Bellatrix," Harry shuddered. She was just as scary and insane as ever.
"Don't worry, you're safe now," James told him, putting his arm around him.
"I'm so sorry we didn't protect you better," Remus said unhappily.
"Yes you did. He's here and safe," Lily said. "That's what matters."
"Now he should eat a good dinner and then perhaps have an earlier bedtime." Pomfrey said briskly.
"What about Sirius?" Regulus asked, still worried for his brother.
"I was talking about Mr. Black," Pomfrey smirked.
Sirius made a face as everyone laughed. "Funny."
HP
Harry was beyond excited as he and his parents flooed to the Potters on Christmas Eve, along with Sirius and Regulus. Snape was staying at Hogwarts and would floo through the next day. He immediately ran to the tree, which was partially decorated. "You didn't finish," he said to his grandmother.
Mrs. Potter beamed. "We wanted you to help us. I even bought some new ornaments!"
Harry eagerly took the box she handed him and began hanging the ornaments, as far up as he could reach. James and Sirius began helping him.
"Come on, Reggie," Sirius said, handing his brother an ornament.
Regulus took it, his eyes just as full of wonder as Harry's. In the past, if his parents got a tree it had been a simple one that came already decorated. This would be his first time decorating a tree.
Lily began charming various ornaments to glow and soon, the tree was finished.
"Ready for the lights?" Mr. Potter asked, taking his wand and waving it over the tree. He flicked his wand and the tree glowed in multi colored lights.
"Oh, it's brilliant," Harry breathed, his eyes wide.
"How about some dinner?" Mrs. Potter suggested.
After dinner, the evening was spent playing games, eating Christmas cookies and Harry and Regulus playing in the snow Lily had charmed in one corner of the room.
"How do you feel your studies have gone so far?" Mr. Potter asked as they sat in the sitting room.
"Well enough. Although N.E.W.T.s will soon be upon us," James said, leaning back on the sofa. "Hopefully we'll be ready for those."
"I'm doing pretty well but I definitely need some extra study time," Sirius admitted. "I want to be an Auror so my grades need be good. James, you still want to be one right?"
James hesitated in answering.
"You don't?" Sirius asked in surprise.
"I did," James said. "But it would mean a lot of time away from home." His eyes glanced towards Harry. "Plus it's dangerous and I don't want Lily and Harry worrying. I'm thinking of something else in the ministry. Maybe with the department of magical games and sports."
"Sounds right up your alley," Mr. Potter nodded.
"So I'll be doing the Auror training alone." Sirius sighed.
"I'll join you when I graduate."
Sirius turned and frowned at his brother., who was standing behind him "Nah, you don't want to be Auror." He said.
"Why not?" Regulus scowled.
"It's too dangerous," Sirius said dismissively.
"Then it's too dangerous for you," Regulus countered.
"Reg -"
"When I'm seventeen and graduate school, I can join and there's nothing you can do about it," Regulus smirked.
Sirius's eyes darkened.
"That's over a year away," Mr. Potter said quickly. "You may change your mind. You too, Sirius. You may start the training and then decide it doesn't suit you. So there's no point arguing about it now."
"Fine." Sirius said slowly, his stern gaze on his brother.
Regulus shrugged. "Sure."
"He's just being rebellious," Sirius muttered after Regulus went back to play with Harry. "He doesn't want to be an Auror."
"Hmm," James said, amused. "Time will tell, I suppose."
HP
Harry woke up and after realizing what day it was, jumped up. He saw a stocking with his name on it hanging at the end of his bed. He picked it up and dumped it on bed, happily surveying the toys and sweets that were inside. He then jumped up from the small bed his dad had transfigured and jumped onto the bed his parents were in. "It's Christmas!" He sang out.
"Huh? What?" James groaned as his son landed on his stomach. "Umph!"
"Merry Christmas!" Harry beamed.
Lily grinned and reached for him. "Merry Christmas, love." She said, nuzzling his neck. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yeah. But can we go downstairs?" Harry pleaded.
"Yes, but first use the bathroom. And put on your dressing gown and slippers," Lily told him, laughing as he ran off to the loo.
James rubbed his stomach ruefully. "Kid is heavier than he looks."
"Wimp." Lily teased as she got out of bed and summoned her own dressing gown.
"Hey, is pup up yet?" Sirius poked his head through the open door. "Where is - oof!"
Harry crashed into Sirius's legs. "It's Christmas!"
Sirius picked Harry up and swung him around. "I know! Let's go see the presents!"
Regulus appeared behind them, yawning. "I think it's a toss up who is more excited. Sirius or Harry." He remarked.
Harry giggled as Sirius headed downstairs, still holding him.
"Wow," Harry said, blinking at the all the brightly colored presents that were piled under the tree.
"Good morning," Mrs. Potter said cheerfully as she walked in from the kitchen, carrying a large tray that held tea and hot chocolate. "Breakfast is still cooking so we can open presents first."
"Yay!" Harry cheered.
James and Lily sat with their son as he opened his presents, enjoying his reactions to the various clothes, toys, books and games. They could tell he appreciated everything he got, and he thanked everyone profusely when he was done.
"Pronglet, this is great!" James said as he opened his gift from Harry. He held up his broom servicing kit. "I needed a new one!"
"Oh, Harry," Lily breathed as she opened her necklace. "It's so beautiful. Thank you, love."
"You're welcome," Harry beamed. "But Sirius helped me," He admitted. "I don't have any money."
"We have an agreement, so it's all good," Sirius winked at Harry.
James ruffled his son's hair. "We'll work out an allowance for you. Start it in the new year, okay?"
Harry nodded happily.
Breakfast was a full English and after they ate, they were all stuffed. Harry spent the rest of the morning playing with his new toys and then in the afternoon, Snape flooed through. He held some presents in his arms and put them under the tree.
"We have a present for you!" Harry said, pointing to a shining green wrapped present.
"You got me a gift?" Snape asked in surprise.
"That is usually what occurs on Christmas," Sirius drawled.
"Not for everyone," Snape said quietly.
Sirius paused before pointing to a red and gold wrapped present. "That's for you, from me and Reg."
Snape smirked at the Gryffindor colors and tossed him a green and silver wrapped present. "For you and Reg."
Sirius stared at the gift and then laughed.
They had a grand feast for dinner and opened more presents. They finished with dessert and playing exploding snap. It was the best Christmas Harry had ever had. He fell asleep on the sofa, tucked up next to his mum and covered with a Quidditch themed blanket that Snape had gotten for him.
"He should sleep well tonight," Lily lightly chuckled, her arm around him.
"Doesn't he usually?" Mr. Potter asked in concern.
"No. Sometimes he has nightmares," James said softly. "Bad ones."
"Poor dear," Mrs. Potter tsked.
"I'll take him up," James said, reaching for his boy. Harry, still asleep, automatically snuggled into his dad's chest.
"I better go finish tidying the kitchen," Mrs. Potter said as she stood.
"I'll help you," Mr. Potter said as he followed her.
"Seeing James and Harry together is the sweetest thing," Lily sighed. "Harry really enjoyed today." she said happily.
"It was a very nice day," Snape agreed. "Thank you for letting me be a part of it."
"Nothing beats Christmas here," Sirius said, his eyes landing fondly on Regulus, who was sound asleep on the recliner. "I should get him to bed."
"He seemed to enjoy the day," Lily said with a soft smile.
Sirius nodded. "Kind of like Harry, his first good Christmas."
Lily nodded. "I hate thinking about the time Harry spent with my sister..." She trailed off. "I don't understand how she could have been so cruel to her own nephew."
"She was abusive to him?" Snape asked, a dark look coming into his eyes. Harry was special, he couldn't imagine being cruel to him. Not now.
"Yes. She and her husband and her son," Lily said bitterly. "And based on how she acted a few weeks ago, I don't think she'll change. She was awful to him again."
"She was awful to you," Snape pointed out. "Not a big surprise she would be horrible to her own nephew. I told you before, she's jealous because you are special. Same reason she would be jealous of Harry."
Lily nodded slowly. "You're right. And she taught her own son to do the same. Dudley."
"Dudley," Snape blinked. "That's his name? Are you sure she loves her son?"
Lily laughed. "According to Harry, she does. Or will, I suppose I should say."
"I can't imagine anyone being cruel to pup," Sirius said.
Snape fidgeted. "He said I was, as a professor." He said quietly. "He said I protected him in secret but was horrible to him."
"But you've already changed," Lily pointed out.
"And you already care about Harry." James said, rejoining the room and sitting down next to Lily. "Petunia saw him and instead of welcoming him, called him a freak."
"She's a freak," Snape muttered.
"Some people are just horrible," Sirius said. "Like my mother and father. They abused me as a kid and look at what they did to Reg." His voice was bitter. He could never forgive them for hurting his brother.
Lily shook her head. "To hurt their own child the way they hurt him, to treat you the way they did is despicable."
"Even though they are not official death eaters, they have that same devotion to the dark -" Snape began.
Sirius coughed, eyeing Snape and raising his eyebrow.
Snape rolled his eyes and huffed. "The same devotion to Voldemort." He stressed, causing Sirius to laugh. "Many of his followers offer up their children, whether their children want it or not."
"The sooner Voldemort is gone, the better," James said, anxiety filling him knowing that monster was after his son. Once Voldemort was destroyed, Harry would be safe.
TBC: