DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER.

The term had just ended and it was time for the Christmas holidays. Snape sat at the Gryffindor table in the evening just after classes had ended, wondering what he would do. Normally, he would have gone to Malfoy Manor, but as Lucius was no longer his friend, staying there was out of question. Although he knew that his house in Spinner's end was close to where Lily lived in Cokeworth, he did not want to go back to his abusive father. He wondered whether he should stay back at Hogwarts and study, or try to see if he could go with Lily to wherever she was staying for Christmas.

Just then, Sirius turned up and waved to Snape. Sitting down beside him, he asked, "Hey Cobra, what's your plan for the Christmas holidays?" Snape replied, "I absolutely have no idea what I should do. I don't know whether I should stay back or not, but I don't want to go back to my abusive father. That's for sure."

Sirius knew what he was talking about, because Severus had one day told James and Lily what his life at home was like. Sirius had been there too, and he in turn had told Snape about how the Black family was cruel towards muggleborns and was deep into the dark arts, and how the rest of his family (except Andromeda Tonks) had tried to force him to follow their ways which he simply could not stand, even using brutal methods to make him obey. Sirius was able to understand what Snape had gone through, and Snape was also able to understand what Sirius' life at Black Manor had been like.

Just then, Lily came over and sat across Snape saying, "Hey Sev! How about coming over with me to my parents instead? They'd be happy to have you over. James is coming and so is Sirius. And I'd love for you to come over."

Snape beamed in joy and exclaimed, "Thank You! I'm just so happy right now! I have a place to go. I was just going to ask if I could come over with you to wherever you're planning to go, and my wish was granted."

James came over and said, "It'll be really nice for you to come. My parents are more than happy that we made it up with each other. They'll be coming over for Christmas. They're quite exited to meet you."

Snape smiled and said, "This is going to be a great holiday! The only thing that might not be so pleasant is…"

"My sister." Lily finished for him. "She's still the same. Since last year, she's been in London doing a typing course. She met this guy called Vernon Dursley around the same time that I went back home after my sixth year, and now apparently they're planning to get married. I haven't met him yet, but my parents don't like him. They say he's rather arrogant, close-minded and selfish, but Petunia won't listen to them at all."

James replied, "Well, I was a pretty arrogant bully myself once upon a time and…"

"Yes yes, we know about that, but it's in the past, and now we're friends and not bitter rivals, so let's not recall such times." Snape said, cutting him off.

The train ride back to London was the most interesting one that Snape had ever had so far. They all shared a compartment together, with Lily sitting by the window next to James and Severus, and Sirius, Remus and Peter sitting across them. They revised a few important charms for a while, and then spent the rest of the train ride playing wizarding monopoly. They stopped ten minutes before the end of the ride, with Snape being the richest person at the end of the game, much to Sirius' chagrin as he was the first to end up bankrupt. They then packed up the game and exited the train when they arrived. Remus and Peter, who were going to stay with Peter's parents, wished them a merry Christmas and then left with Peter's parents after crossing the barrier into the muggle world and a couple of hugs.

Outside the barrier to platform 9 ¾, at the entrance to King's Cross Station, a middle aged couple stood outside with excitement on their faces as they waited for their daughter. As soon as Lily arrived at the entrance with Snape, James and Sirius and saw the couple, she pulled her trunk behind her as fast as she could and flew into their arms.

"Mom, Dad, I'm so happy to be back!" Lily cried out as she hugged her parents. They hugged her back while her mother said, "Lily Darling! We've missed you! We're so happy you're back!" Her father continued, "We're so happy you've had an interesting year so far with your good friends."

After they ended the hug, Lily's father turned to the group and said, "Welcome. We're happy to have you all here."

Snape replied, "I'm happy to be here as well. Thank you for allowing us to stay over."

Lily's mother looked at him and said, "Hello Severus. I know you have been friends with my daughter since childhood, but I'm so happy that you see her as your sister and look out for her. Lily has written to me about you. Thank you for being such a good brother to her."

"Seeing Lily as my sister has improved a lot of things in life for me Mrs. Evans." Snape replied. Lily's mother said, "Oh don't be so formal. Just call us Wendy and Ken, or Aunt Wendy and Uncle Ken if you prefer."

Ken then said, "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's get you all loaded up. This way please."

A few minutes later, they were all on their way to Lily's house in Ken's van. Ken of course was driving, with his wife next to him. James and Lily sat in the middle row while Sirius and Severus sat in the back row. They were all chatting mostly about their fun days in Hogwarts and their upcoming NEWTs.

A black car went past them on the highway. All of a sudden, Sirius suddenly shouted, "Uncle Ken! We can overtake that car! Let's overtake him! Come on! Let's go faster!" Severus smacked him in the arm and said indignantly, "Are you out of your mind Sirius?! This isn't a race or a game of quidditch. Have some sense and apologize!" Sirius said, "Oh ok. Sorry Uncle Ken. I just got excited."

Ken just laughed and said, "It's alright son. Things like that happen on and off, but there's a speed limit to maintain."

After some time, the group reached the Evans residence, a big house in Cokeworth within walking distance of Spinner's End. However, the area in which the house was located was much more spacious, had some trees around, and was close to the river. As the group piled out of the van, Ken unlocked the door to the house and they all entered. Ken then proceeded to show the group to their rooms. Lily of course, would be sleeping in her own bedroom. Luckily, it so happened that there was a sofa bed in the guest bedroom and a double queen sized bed. While James and Sirius took the queen bed, Severus preferred the sofa bed. After the boys had settled in their room, they all took a look out of the window, which happened to face the river. There were beautiful trees in that spot. It was certainly a good thing this house was located in a much more spacious and beautiful area unlike Snape's house in Spinner's end, which was quite narrow and looked unhealthy.

By then, it was 7:30 pm in the evening. The boys and Lily came down for dinner. As usual, Sirius sat on James' left side, Lily sat on his right side, and Severus sat on her right side. Lily's parents sat across them as they were about to eat their meal of vegetable lasagna, pumpkin soup, salad, and homemade chocolate cheesecake for desert.

"This is so delicious Mom!" exclaimed Lily as she took a bite of her lasagna. "I second that!" James exclaimed. Severus and Sirius loved it too and agreed with Lily and James on that.

Wendy responded, "Oh thank you dears. I'm so happy you're all enjoying it."

As they ate their meal, Lily suddenly asked, "Mom, Dad, how's Tuney doing? Is she coming over for Christmas this time?" Ken sighed and sadly replied, "I doubt it. She's so occupied with Vernon that she hardly even writes to us. In fact, she's just all of a sudden, decided to get married on the 27th. There are just the last minute preparations to take care of, such as who will be the bridesmaids, and so on. Of course, I'll have to be there to walk her down the aisle, but it's just too rushed up. We would have postponed it to after your final exams, but Petunia is extremely adamant upon marrying Vernon as soon as possible."

Wendy continued, "We would have informed you sooner about the wedding date, but it was decided too soon. Only two weeks ago. We thought it would be easier if we personally explained it all to you. Of course, we would never exclude you from something like this. You know that Lily dear."

Lily felt sad that Petunia would just rush through with the wedding like this, but felt better upon hearing her parents' explanation. At least, the wedding had not happened yet.

Lily asked, "Mom, is there any way that I can see Petunia before the wedding? Let's say, maybe tomorrow, or day after tomorrow?" Wendy looked concerned at the thought of it, but then said, "I'm sure we'll be able to work out something. Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be able to speak with her. But just watch Vernon. Somehow, I can tell that he isn't a good person."

The rest of the meal was eaten on a cheerful note. Afterwards, Severus sat on the sofa to read a book while Sirius stared at the grand piano in the living room. Lily, seeing his interested look, promptly went over to the piano and began to play some soft notes. She went on to play Fur Elise and Spring (part of the Four Seasons), at the end of which, all the boys and Lily's parents started clapping. Sirius then had a go at the piano, and didn't seem to be quite so good at it, but not so bad at it either. James then had a go, and played some tunes that he made up. Lily clapped at end and kissed James on the cheek.

When it was time for bed, Lily and James stood by the fireplace, about to go up. Being the last ones in the living room, James and Lily had been talking about their future love plans. Just before going up to their rooms, Lily and James shared a kiss. They then went upstairs, and just before Lily went to her room, she said to James, "I Love You." James hit the bed and went happily to sleep, even as Sirius snored heavily and Snape slept quietly.