Once a Potter, Always a Potter

by WarMunger98

Harry is not the only Potter left. He was lucky enough to have a little sister born just before James and Lily were murdered. Follow their journey through Hogwarts and beyond as the tackle love, mystery and a war. They will meet new friends and be reunited with lost family. M for violence, language and later sexual situations/scenes. Hinny. Slowly updating.

8. Christmas

Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, revelations, a Christmas to remember: Chapter 8

And now the next part of the plan must begin. Fate once more moved his pawns into position, ready to begin.

Harry awoke early Saturday morning to the sound of his sister sleeping soundly next to him. He studied her sleeping form, noticing the slight differences that had popped up since he was gone. No longer was she the skinny, ratty little girl. In her place was a healthy, beautiful young girl, soon to be a woman. Knowing that his sister was safe was a relief to Harry beyond belief. Above all else though, he was happy to be home, where he was loved and adored by his family. Not that Hogwarts wasn't home away from home, but wherever Rose was, was where Harry was the Happiest.

Deciding that she'd slept enough, Harry began nudging her lightly. Harry's tries were in vain though, as Rose failed to stir from her slumber. She never was a morning person, and the only response he got from her was. "Ughhhh go back to sleep 'arry."

Harry chuckled at his sister as he hopped out of bed to go and get ready for the morning. Having a shower and getting dressed, Rose was awake and up by the time he came back in to their room. "Why did you have to wake me up, you are such a prick." Rose scolded him.

Harry smirked as he rolled his eyes. "Good morning to you my lovely, cussing sister."

"Don't give me that lovely sister crap you suck up."

"Oh Rose! You cut me deep!"

Rose sent a threatening glare over to Harry. "Not nearly as much as I will if you keep on your current course."

"Alright, alright, I'll leave you be; I'll see you downstairs Rose." Harry winked at his sister as he chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah, prick." Rose muttered, happy that she could scold her brother now that he was home.

Making his way downstairs, Harry was greeted by his grandparents as they sat around the table enjoying their breakfast. "Morning dear, did you sleep well?" Juni smiled.

Harry chuckled as he piled his plate full of food. "About as well as I can when I've got a clingy little sister snuggling into me all night."

"She missed you something shocking." Alex reminded him.

Harry chuckled as he remembered Rose's wakeup call. "Didn't seem like it this morning that's for sure."

Alex joined in with his grandsons chuckling. "We heard. She's certainly got her mother's lungs. Which reminds me, we might have to sort out moving you two into your own rooms."

"Yeah, that'd be good, I'm sure Rose would like her own bed…maybe." Harry said. 'Id just have to get use to sleeping alone.'

"In your dreams Harry, you're stuck with me." Rose called out as she walked into the kitchen.

Harry rolled his eyes at this sister. "Welcome to the land of the living dear sister, not going threaten me with death?"

Rose merely slapped her brother on the shoulder as she took a seat next to him. "No, but I will if you don't stop snoring at night."

"See, why don't you just move into another room." Harry countered.

Rose smiled up at her Grandmother as Juni placed a cup of tea in front of her. "Because we've slept in the same bed for 10 years, it'd be weird sleeping alone…it has been weird sleeping alone!" Rose countered before taking a sip of her tea.

"Rose, sooner or later you'll have to put up with sleeping alone, just take one of my shirts."

With a blush, Rose stared down at her feet. "I have been sleeping with one of your shirts."

"I…Oh Rose…" Harry let out a watery laugh as he wrapped an arm around his sisters' shoulders, "Way to make me cry this early."

Rose rolled her eyes and slapped her brothers' arm, elated inside that Harry had been so touched. "That's what you get for saving my life you big boof."

The rest of breakfast was rather subdued as the family chatted about Harry's experiences at Hogwarts, worrying his grandparents when he told them about his broom getting jinxed. "I don't like that at all, did you tell Dumbledore?" Juni asked her grandson.

Harry nodded his head, "Yeah I did, but he said no one could prove anything, he just told me to keep an eye on things."

"Of course he did, not like he'd do anything to stop it in the first place." Alex grumbled from his seat.

Juni gave her husband a flick on the ear in return. "Alexander!"

Alex just grumbled a little before shooting off a wink to his granddaughter who smirked in return. Between the both of them, they'd been less then forgiving of the old man, much more then Juniper and Harry at least. Before long, everyone was done and went their separate ways for the day. Harry and Rose decided to Floo into Diagon Alley so Harry could buy some presents. They stopped off at the Quidditch store to pick up a pair of dragonhide keeper gloves for Ron, who was beginning to enjoy the position. For the twins, Harry picked up a practical joke book series, totalling four books. For Percy, he grabbed a new eagle quill, for Charlie, a book on rare and endangered magical species and dragons, and lastly for Bill, he grabbed him a book on old Celtic curses.

Now came the hard part, buying for Rose and Ginny. Rose had told Harry about the jewellery shop she went in the other day, avoiding the topic of what she bought in there. As such, Harry entered the store with Rose close behind.

The old Shoppe keep came walking in from the back, widening his eyes when he saw who was at his counter. "Mr Potter! What an honour it is to meet you!"

"Ah…you're welcome? I was looking to buy some jewellery today; my sister recommended the place." Harry flushed in embarrassment from the attention.

The Shoppe keep noticed Rose lurking behind Harry, before he realised, he'd served her before. "Oh my, Miss Potter! I didn't realise who you were when you came in! Now your purchase makes sense."

"Indeed, but I'd appreciate you not telling my lovely brother here what I bought. I'll just be outside okay Harry?" Rose told him.

Harry nodded his affirmative as he went back to browsing. "All good, just don't go wandering too far." Harry told her as he looked back over his shoulder, fixing her with a stern but caring look.

Rose rolled her eyes and smirked as she walked back out to the front. Turning his attention back to the jeweller, Harry began to browse the ring section. "I'm looking for a promise ring, I was wondering if you could charm it to say something when it is kissed?"

"Certainly, we can do that, what design would you like it in? and would you like a stone?" The jeweller asked.

Harry nodded his head in affirmative. "I was thinking a Claddagh style ring, and could the stones be ruby?"

"Of course, sir, I can have it ready for you in half an hour if you'd like. Would you still like the charm?" the jeweller said.

"Yes please, could you have it say…" Harry was at a loss of words as to what he wanted to have the ring say. Thinking entirely with his heart, Harry confirmed his order, "Have it say, 'Hearts entwined forever,' and once again only to show up if it's kissed."

The jeweller nodded his head in understanding and went about to his task. "Is there anything else you'd like whilst here Mr Potter?"

"Yes actually, I'd like to grab those diamond studded earrings there and lastly, I'd like to grab another Claddagh ring, this time could the stones be both ruby and emerald?" Harry asked,

The jeweller went about collecting the pieces Harry pointed out. "Yes, of course Mr Potter, would you like the other ring charmed as well?"

"Yes please, is it possible for it to say 'your protector always' when the wearer gets scared or upset?" Harry enquired.

"Why of course Mr Potter. Now, would you like to pay for all this now?" The greed in the jeweller's eyes was evident on what he wished the answer to be.

Harry placed a fat bag of galleons on the counter, causing the jewellers eyes to widen. "Yes thanks, that'll be much appreciated, and if you could keep them wrapped in a bag when you bring it all out, I'm going to be bringing my sister back in."

The jeweller nodded his approval as he went into the back of the shop to begin work. Harry stuck his head outside and spied Rose eyeing a pair of earrings in the shop window. "See anything you like?"

Rose rolled her eyes at her brother as she followed him into the store. "Knowing you, I won't have to worry about jewellery for the rest of my life."

Harry wrapped an arm around his sister and kissed her head softly. "You know me too well. I'm going to spoil you for the rest of your life."

Rose snuggled her head into Harry's shoulder, enjoying his company. "I'm glad I'll be going off with you next year, I couldn't bear to be away from you for another year."

Harry chuckled at his sister. "You'll get sick of me when you're older, and when you start dating Alec."

Rose smacked his arm as she turned red. "Low blow."

"Oh, come on, you get to tease me about Ginny." Harry retorted.

Rose rolled her eyes up at Harry. "Yes, but you're my big brother, I'm allowed too."

"And just because you're younger, means I can't tease?"

"Of course, didn't you know that?" Rose responded seriously.

Harry snorted at his sister's antics. "Obviously not, now shush you, let's look around."

For the next half hour, Harry and Rose browsed through the various pieces of jewellery, magical and muggle, that the store offered. Eventually, the old jeweller came back with Harry's purchases, and bid them good day as they left the store. Rose bothered Harry all the way home, asking him what he bought,

"Rose, it won't be a surprise if I tell you, now would it?"

Rose whined as she tugged on her brother's arm. "Haarrryyyy, just tell me!"

Harry continued in silence, ignoring his sister all the way up to the public floo grates. The rest of the day was spent in the muggle village, as Harry and Rose met up with Ron and Ginny at the edge of town to go shopping for the last people on their list. "Heya mate, how'd your Christmas shopping go?" Ron smiled at his best mate.

Harry blushed slightly; he wasn't about to tell his best friend that he brought a rather expensive promise ring for his sister. "Yeah, it went fine. Got everything out the way and done now. Rose has been pestering me about what I got her."

"I know how you feel; I hate Christmas shopping. Buying for younger sisters has to be harder than potions class." Ron groaned, "But I reckon she'll like what I got her."

Ginny and Rose stamped their feet in annoyance to their two older brothers. "Would you two quit teasing us!" Rose scolded the pair of them.

"Yeah! It's bad enough the adults are holding out on us, now you two as well!" Ginny added. Harry couldn't help but be enraptured by the way her fiery locks fanned out in her annoyance.

The older brothers chuckled to themselves as they each put an arm around their sisters. "Come on you lot, let's go buy some muggle junk." Harry suggested.

The foursome made their way into the town, stopping along the way to look at the various shops on the outskirts. Making their way into the town centre, they made their way from shop to shop, looking at what to buy. For Arthur, the foursome grabbed him a muggle adventure book, a model train, a pair of cheap binoculars and a set of bright coloured ties. For Juni and Alex, Ron and Ginny grabbed a pair of opal studded earrings, a new muggle cooking book, a guide to football strategies and a history of football in Britain.

Finishing up their shopping, the foursome made their way to the local café to enjoy some lunch. "bloody hell, who knew buying for muggles would be so difficult." Ron cussed.

Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother as she took a seat next to Harry. "Really Ron, it wasn't that hard, besides, it's well worth it."

Harry gave them both a smile as he spoke. "You know, you didn't have to get our grandparents anything."

"They would have been fine with not getting anything from you lot." Rose added.

Ginny gave her best friend and her crush a grin. "You know us Weasley's though, blood traitors and all that. We just love muggles."

"Speak for yourself, that family of yours you stayed with before coming here were right old wankers." Ron interrupted.

Ginny slapped her brothers' arm. "Ron! That's their family you're talking about!"

"Nah he's right Gin, the Dursleys were pricks." Harry added. 'Well…worse than that, but the correct words to describe them are not suitable for Ginny's ears.'

Despite hearing Harry call her Gin multiple times already, the small pet name made Ginny blush bright red. Looking up from behind her eyelashes, Ginny grinned goofily. "Still, only you can call them that."

Harry smiled at the girl before drawing his attention back to Rose, who had a smirk planted on her face. "So, should we get the Dursley's anything for Christmas?"

"The Dursleys? Don't be funny." Rose snorted.

"Whose being funny?" Came a familiar voice.

Turning around, the group found the twins walking into the café, striding towards them. "Hey you two, get your shopping done?" Rose flashed them a smile as they pulled up chairs next to the group.

George let out an exasperated sigh as he turned to Rose. "Yeah for the most part, got your gramps a foot thingy ball."

"Football George, bloody hell it's hard buying for muggles." Fred added.

"That's what I said!" Ron said.

Ginny gave her brothers a scathing look, about to argue when Harry leant forward and placed his hand on hers, causing her to blush. "Anyway, we were just finishing up when we saw you lot in here." George started.

"So, we thought we'd pay you a visit." Fred continued.

"And grab a bite to eat at the same time." George finished.

The group enjoyed themselves with their new company, talking about the practical jokes that the twins had performed during the school term. Ron eyed his best friend and sister a little strangely from time to time as the twins talked.

"Well we did transfigure his quill into a lizard." George was explaining.

"Oh, that's right we did too. Now I understand why he wouldn't talk to us." Fred added.

The foursome let out a laugh at hearing the twin's antics. "I'm surprised you lot haven't been expelled yet." Rose told them.

George and Fred shrugged as they answered her. "Nah, old Dumbles loves us." George said, "Yeah, pretty sure he was a joker back in his day." Fred added.

Eventually the group finished off their lunch and headed back to the Burrow. Harry and Rose hopped over to the Evan's to drop off their presents, before heading back to the Weasley's for a game of Quidditch.

"Come on Harry! I wanna see those seeker skills in action!" The blazing look in Ginny's eyes as she called out to Harry was enough to make the boy go doe eyed for just a brief moment before Rose kicked him in the shin.

Glaring at his sister, Harry helped Rose onto his own broom whilst rubbing his leg. Her refusal to fly alone both amused and annoyed Harry at the same time "Wait up Gin! I'm a little handicapped here!"

"HEY! I'm right here you know!" Rose scolded him.

He chuckled as he ruffled his sister's hair, shooting up into the sky on his Nimbus 2000. "Don't worry little sis, this broom more than compensates."

Ginny gave Harry a wide smile as he came pulling up next to her. "You know, you'll have to give me a shot on that later."

"Sure thing Gin, want to ride along with me or by yourself?" Harry teased.

Ginny blushed fiercely at him as she took off to go grab the quaffle.

The rest of the day was spent playing Quidditch, eventually coming down around dinner time. Molly had invited the Evans over to join them. As they all sat around the table outside, the group was surprised when another two guests joined them. Apparating on the edge of the Burrow's wards, Alec and his father Lennox came walking into the Weasley's front yard,

"G'day you lot, sorry for the rude interruption, was wondering if you have room for two more?" Lennox asked, "I ended up burning dinner, so Alec suggested we come and check out what you lot are up to." Lennox smiled sheepishly.

Molly stood up straight away and conjured another two chairs for the Henderson's. "Certainly Lennox, Alec, you're more than welcome to join us."

"Thank you, Molly, smells lovely by the way." Lennox complimented.

Molly flushed with embarrassment as she took her seat next to Arthur again. Lennox and Alec ended up sitting opposite the Potters, and next to the Evans.

"Good to see you two again, I was hoping we could catch up before Christmas." Lennox greeted the siblings.

Harry smiled at the two new guests as he continued to eat. "It's good to see you two as well. You missed out on our Quidditch match today Alec."

"Ah, bugger, oh well. We can always have one on Christmas." Alec replied with a wink.

"Sounds good to me, although Rose might need to ride someone else's broom."

Rose blushed as she elbowed Harry in the ribs. "Shush, I'll only fly with you."

Alec gave her a wink as well. "You can always fly with me if you want."

"That's okay, someone has to stop Harry from crashing." Rose blushed.

"So, Mr Henderson, we were wondering if you could tell us about our parents." Harry asked.

Lennox wiped his mouth with a napkin before he spoke up. "Certainly, but first, please, just call me Lennox, or Skippy if you really want."

"Skippy?" Rose asked,

Lennox nodded as he stood up. "Back at school your father and his friends learned how to become Animagi. I caught them one day and made them teach me how to become one." Lennox chuckled at the memory, "I ended up becoming a Kangaroo, how Australian I know."

To demonstrate, Lennox stepped back and transformed into a large, muscular Big Red Kangaroo, hopping around a bit for theatrical effect. The table clapped and hollered at the performance, before Lennox transformed back into his human form.

"As you can see, it's quite fun." Lennox said grinning as he took a bow.

Harry and Rose looked ecstatic at the performance they'd just witnessed. "That's wicked! What did our dad turn into?" Harry asked,

Lennox looked at the two with a melancholy look in his face before answering. "Your father, James, took the form of black stag with massive horns…hence his nickname Prongs. Sirius Black took the form of a big shaggy black border collie, they called him Padfoot. Peter Pettigrew, well he turned into a rat funny enough, so he was called Wormtail…and Remus Lupin, well Remus was a wolf of sorts…so they called him Moony."

Harry and Rose nodded in understanding, before Rose suddenly stood. "Give me a second, I want to grab something from home. I'll be right back"

And with that, Rose disappeared into the Burrow, returning a number of minutes later with a big leather-bound book. "Mum and Dad's photo album, you can point some people out after dinner!" Rose explained.

Lennox beamed at the young Potter as she sat back down. "A brilliant idea Miss Potter. Although my memory isn't what it use to be."

So, the night continued, with the friends chatting away and enjoying themselves. Lennox reintroduced himself to the Evans who he met briefly at James and Lily's wedding. Molly out did herself with dessert once again, as she levitated three massive treacle tarts out onto the table for everyone to enjoy, along with ice-cream. Eventually everyone stuffed themselves as full as googs and wandered back into the Burrow for tea and coffee.

Lennox, Rose, Harry, Alec and the rest of the Weasley children, minus Percy, took a seat at the kitchen table to have a look through the Potters photo album. Rose and Harry sat either side of the Henderson patriarch, listening to every word he said.

Lennox pointed out to a large portrait of people posing together. "This here is the Order of the Phoenix, Dumbledore founded it to fight Voldemort back in the first war. There's your mum and dad there, Sirius…Peter, Remus, Dumbledore, Hagrid, that there is Mad-Eye Moody, best Auror I've ever known. There's the Longbottom's, Frank and Alice, poor souls. Dumbledore's brother Aberforth, and lastly there's me"

Harry and Rose nodded as they looked hungrily on at this insight into the lives of their parents and their friends. Turning the page, Lennox pointed out the photo of a young boy on a toy broom being chased around by a big shaggy sheep dog. "Ah, there's you Harry, and Sirius chasing you around. You certainly did love to fly even then."

"Suppose I was born to fly then hey." Harry smirked,

"Too right Harry, you could become a professional!" Ron exclaimed,

Lennox continued on with the photos, pausing at a photo of four animals and two babies. "This must be one of the last photos they got together, there's Sirius, and that's you sitting on him Harry, and there's your dad, and Rose you're holding onto his antlers there, and there's Peter there, being held by Harry."

"Hey, that rat looks like Scabbers!" Ron interrupted.

Lennox head spun around to meet the boy's eyes directly, cocking his eyebrow slightly. "What do you mean…who's Scabbers?"

"Scabber's my pet rat, he looks just like that rat there, 'cept he's missing a finger." Ron explained.

If Lennox' eyes could go any wider, people might of thought that he was an owl. Jumping up from his seat, he called out for the Weasley parents. "Molly! Arthur! Could you come here please!"

Arthur and Molly came hurrying into the kitchen quickly at hearing their names. "What's the matter Lennox?" Molly's voice wavered a little in panic before she straightened her back.

"Ron, how long have you had your rat?" Lennox asked, almost quietly, as if someone was listening in.

Ron started to go bugged eyed as he tried to think. "I-I dunno, he was Percy's before mine, so about 10 years 'spose."

Lennox reared up in thought, muttering to himself. "That would be around the time he died…supposedly."

Lennox snapped his head towards the two elder Weasleys. "Arthur, could you please go into the ministry and grab a couple of Aurors, say it's for me. Molly, would you be kind enough to grab Professor Dumbledore, and tell him to bring some veritaserum. Ron, please grab Scabbers, and make sure he's locked in his cage."

The three Weasleys quickly scrabbled off to do their assigned tasks as Lennox sat back down again next to Rose and Harry. "Harry…Rose…there's something you need to know. Voldemort was after your parents for a while before he murdered them. More specifically he was after you Harry…he believed you could defeat him. So, Dumbledore hid them using a very powerful charm called the Fidelius Charm, which can only be broken if the secret keeper, a person who knows the whereabouts of the object that is hidden, tells someone the location.

"It is generally thought that James had chosen Sirius to be his secret keeper, as they were best friends, and as such we always believed it was Sirius who betrayed him. Peter went and faced off Sirius, and in the process 12 muggles were killed, and Peter was killed as well…all that was left was a finger."

Lennox paused as the two Potters stared on with shocked and emotion filled faces. "But…if Peter is alive…then it's very possible that we were all wrong, and an innocent man is currently jailed."

By that stage, Ron had brought Scabbers back down from downstairs. Ron passed the cage off to Lennox, who noticed straight away that the rat began to squeak and panic in the presence of Lennox. Bringing his wand out, Lennox said a silent incantation, and Scabbers glowed bright blue for a moment. Fury crossed the face of Lennox as he brought the cage up to his face. "Hello Peter…seems like you're not quite dead now are you." he spat.

Lennox sat the cage back down on the table and cast a number of charms at it silently, as he turned back to Ron. "Sorry Ron, you might not have a rat at the end of tonight."

"It's okay…he was a pretty useless rat to be honest." Ron shrugged.

Lennox smirked at the boy. "Yeah, well he wasn't exactly a brilliant wizard either so don't worry about that."

The groups attention was brought back to the fireplace as Arthur stepped out, the fireplace flaming up once more as a couple of Aurors followed through. They identified themselves as John Dawlish and Kingsley Shacklebolt. Kingsley was wearing rather exotic robes which matched his exotic dark, coffee skin and deep, heavy accent. Dawlish on the other hand was a big slab of stereotypical British man meat, his wiry greying hair giving him the look of an experienced warrior.

"Minister Henderson, I hope there is a good explanation for this." Dawlish greeted, his face refusing to betray any emotion.

Lennox glared at the Auror in frustration before turning to Kingsley. "Dawlish, Kingsley, it's good to see you both. And the reason you're here will be discussed shortly once another member of our party is here."

Kingsley and Dawlish nodded their understandings as Kingsley made his way over to Harry and Rose. "Ms Potter, Mr Potter, it's not often I meet celebrities. It is an honour to meet you both, Kingsley Shacklebolt, at your service." The Auror greeted in his deep soothing voice, bowing his head ever so slightly.

"Nice to meet you Mr Shacklebolt, so how's your evening going so far?" Rose tried to make light of the situation, even with her heart racing.

Rose's comment hit it's mark however as a deep chuckle escaped Kingsley's mouth. "Much better now that I'm meeting the boy-who-lived and his sister."

As the group chatted idly amongst each other, a noise from the lounge room brought them back to attention, as the imposing figure of Albus Dumbledore entered the room. His eyes scanned his surroundings briefly before they fell on the Potter siblings. "Ah, Rose, Harry, I was not expecting to see you until Christmas, but alas it appears fate has other ideas."

"Professor, I wouldn't ask you to come here if I didn't think it was important." Lennox approached Dumbledore with haste, almost dragging him along.

Dumbledore merely patted Lennox's shoulder as he made his way over to the table. "It is quite alright Mr Henderson, now, let us see who we have here, Mr Shacklebolt, if you could please stun this rat."

Kingsley complied and sent a red stunning spell at the rat, who jumped in his cage before rolling over petrified. Opening up the cage, Dumbledore placed the rat on the ground and waved his wand in an incantation. Slowly but surely, Scabbers started to take on the form of a human, as arms lengthened and his legs became longer, a human head formed and fur was replaced with clothes. Sitting in front of them was a stocky, porpoise, balding man with rat like teeth and eyes.

"I…I can't believe it…you know what this means Albus?" Lennox gapped.

Dumbledore nodded his head in approval as he leant down next to Peter, his face a neutral mask whilst his eyes shone with fury. "Indeed, I do Lennox, revenerate."

The rat like eyes suddenly sprang to life as the Peter Pettigrew staggered back into the kitchen bench, scrambling for safety. "L-Lennox…it's good to see you old friend." He grovelled as he sat up onto his knees, his hands scrabbling for Lennox's robes.

Lennox yanked his robes out of Peter's reach before pulling his wand out and placing it on the man's throat. "You should be dead! It was you, wasn't it!"

Peter shrivelled up as far as he could against the bench at the touch of Lennox' wand. "I-I-I don't k-know w-what you're ta-talking about."

Lennox pressed his wand tip further into Peter's throat. "You know exactly what I'm talking about! You can't hide this anymore Pettigrew!" Peter let out a little whimper at Lennox's forceful voice, "You betrayed the Potters, didn't you! You betrayed your own friends!" Lennox spat into Peter's face.

"Lennox, perhaps now is an excellent time to try out Severus' potion making." Dumbledore gently told Lennox, as he placed a hand on the man's shoulder.

Lennox softened at the touch and recalled his wand from the rat's throat. "Fine, but one move and I'll blast the rat back to the hole he crawled out of."

Dumbledore nodded and waved his wand at Peter, forcing his mouth open, allowing him to place a couple of drops of Veritaserum into his mouth. Peter's eyes glazed over and his face went limp as Dumbledore cancelled the charm on his mouth. Standing back up, Dumbledore stared down at the man with fury in his eyes.

"Is your name Peter Pettigrew?"

Peter's head nodded slowly. "Yes."

"Were you the secret keeper for James and Lily Potter?" Dumbledore continued.

Once again Peter nodded. "Yes."

"Peter, did you betray Lily and James Potter out of your own free will?"

Peter nodded again. "Yes."

"Why?" was all Dumbledore asked, trying to contain his own anger.

"She stole him away from me, I wanted James for myself…but she stole him from me." he said in an eerily neutral tone.

"Who Peter, who stole James?" Dumbledore pressed.

"Lily, she stole James from me. I wanted him all to myself. I loved him. More than how a friend should. James took me in, protected me, loved me like a friend, even a brother. But I wanted more. I wanted James to be mine forever. But he betrayed me by marrying that mudblood." Peter automatically let out.

Arthur and Lennox had to restrain Harry as he tried to lunge at the man. "How dare you talk about my mother like that!" Harry cried out.

Rose wasn't much better. Ginny had told her what the word meant many weeks ago, but unfortunately no one was stopping her from stepping forwards and railing her fists against Peters face. "You bloody arsehole! How dare you!" Lennox quickly let go of Harry and went to grab Rose as Alex quickly pulled the youngest Potter back before she could do any real damage.

Peter showed no emotion as he continued to take the insults and blows. "So, you betrayed Lily and James Potter, as well as their two children, out of jealousy of James' love for Lily and his children?" Dumbledore enquired.

Peter only nodded this time, saying nothing as the Aurors stepped forward to take him off to the ministry. "Peter, you are truly the most despicable man I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. You put Gryffindor's to shame." Dumbledore's words passed over the still trance like Pettigrew, who just stared onwards towards his former headmaster's face.

"Kingsley, make sure you get Madam Bones to bring Sirius out of Azkaban, and set a retrial for him as soon as possible." Dumbledore instructed.

The two Aurors nodded their affirmative as they took Peter outside and out of the Burrows wards, disapparating with a pop. Dumbledore turned to Rose and Harry, who had both taken a seat at the kitchen table, their heads in their hands. Rose's eyes glistened with tears as she silently cried, her head falling onto Harrys shoulder.

"I think…we can all agree, that what we witnessed tonight was necessary to prove the innocence of a man failed by our society." Dumbledore told them as he placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

Lennox looked up at his old headmaster and nodded his head. "Agreed, I…I can't believe it though…Peter, of all the people."

Harry and Rose looked at Lennox. "Sirius, was he a good man?" Harry asked.

Lennox turned to look at them and smiled, "Second only to your father. One of the kindest and loveliest men I've had the pleasure of knowing. Both brave Gryffindor's, although the practical joker always."

Harry and Rose chuckled at the idea of their father being a joker much like the twins. "So, what now?" Rose asked.

This time Dumbledore spoke up. "We shall have a trial for Peter, and a retrial for Sirius, and this time, we shall throw the guilty into prison, not the innocent."

"Well…I don't know about you lot but I think I need a cup of tea." Molly interrupted.

"I'll help you Molly." Juni added, snapping out of her grief at hearing the truth behind her daughter and son in laws murder. Alex joined Arthur as the elder Weasley comfited the older man, who had just suffered hearing about his daughter's death once again.

Ginny came over to Harry and grabbed the boy's hand, pulling him up. "Come on, let's all go outside." The gentle touch of Ginny's hand on his made Harry's head snap up as emerald eyes met chocolate once again.

With an almost trance like nod, Rose and Harry followed Ginny's orders and made to head outside, Ron and Alec on their tail, and the twins not far behind. Percy was currently helping with the preparation of the tea and so stayed behind. Marching through the yard, Ginny led the group to a cluster of trees close to the pond by the Burrow, her hand never once leaving Harry's, whose, in turn never left Rose's.

She stopped at the trunk of the tree and spun around, embracing Harry in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry Harry…I'm so sorry." She cooed softly into Harry's ear as her hand went up to softly stroke his messy hair. The embrace was all too emotional for Harry, who sobbed a little as the Weasley boys all stared at their feet in embarrassment.

Once his sobs had returned to a quiet snivel, Harry returned the embrace and held onto the youngest Weasley tight. "It's okay Gin…I'll be okay."

Warmth and love spread throughout Harry's body as Ginny and him embraced. It felt like they were the only two people in existence at that point. The scent of Ginny's floral hair wafted into Harry's nose like some sort of euphoric drug. The sensation of feeling her dainty hands on his back, through his hair and around his neck made Harry feel tingly all over. It was different to any other kind of hug he'd had, it was special, it was intimate, but most importantly it was incredible. Harry eventually, and reluctantly, snapped back to reality and broke the embrace, smiling at his crush before turning around to face his sister and grabbed her into a tight embrace. "Why us H-Harry…w-why couldn't we h-have a n-normal family." Rose cried into her brother's shirt.

Harry stroked his sister's hair as he cooed into her ear, letting her soak his shirt in her tears. "I don't know Rose, but no one will ever take our family away from us again." he reassured her.

Rose nodded her head as she continued to soak his shirt. Ron came over and placed a hand on his best mate's shoulder, who returned the gesture by smiling at him. Alec in the meantime placed a gentle hand on Rose's shoulder, gently squeezing it in reassurance. The acts of love and friendship were broken by Professor Dumbledore as he came outside and over to the children.

"I have just made the last arrangements for Sirius' release. We should see his trial soon." Looking down at the embracing children, Dumbledore let a small sigh escape his lips, "My dear…dear children. You should never have had to witness that…you especially Harry, Rose. At least now, justice can be set."

Harry let go of his sister, and in a surprise to all in the group, walked over and embraced his headmaster in a tight hug, joined reluctantly by Rose shortly after. "Thank you for everything Professor…thank you." Harry whispered hoarsely.

Dumbledore stiffened at their touch, but relaxed and returned the embrace a moment later, beaming down at the two young Potters. "My dear children, you are very welcome. I must leave you now, but I shall see you soon, either at the trial, or on Christmas day." The twinkling in Dumbledore's eyes were almost back again, but they were still faded, rocked by tonight's events.

With once last smile, Dumbledore bade his farewells to the other children and retreated back inside the house. The group of kids sat down underneath the tree by the pond just taking in each-others presence. Ginny and Rose each took one of Harry's shoulders, laying their head atop it. Unseen to all, Ginny and Harry's hands entangled themselves together by their side, each gently stroking the others thumb with theirs.

"Blimey…I don't even want to think about what I've done with that…rat…" Ron broke the silence.

Fred and George looked at their little brother with raised eyebrows. "Whatever do you mean Ronnikins." Fred Asked.

"Do we really want to know Ronny?" George added with a smirk.

Ron turned to face his elder brothers with a slight scowl. "Well I mean…I've had him in my bed ever since I got him…so basically I've been sleeping with a grown man…and a murder." Ron paled and shuddered at the thought.

"Best not think about it Ron, it's for the best." George petted Ron's knee in sarcastic comfort.

"Who could do that, betray your own friends like that. Dad always talked about how the group of friends let Peter in, looked after him, protected him. And then he does something like that out of jealousy." Alec spoke up.

Harry stared at the sky as he laid his head against the tree, stroking Ginny's hand and Rose's hair. "I'm still finding it hard to process everything…I wish…I really just wish he picked someone else. I know that's selfish of me to ask but Rose and I lost both our parents. What if we had them?"

Rose buried her head into Harry's neck as fresh tears streamed down her face. "It's not selfish at all mate, it's completely understandable." Ron reassured his friend.

"And besides, that bastard paid dearly for his mistake." Ginny added, shocking everyone with her language.

"Miss Ginevra, don't let mum hear you speaking like that." Fred teased,

Ginny glared at her older brother for calling her by her proper name. "Watch it Fred, otherwise you might end up waking up in a trunk, with no way out!"

Fred stuck his hands up defensively as he smirked at his younger sister. "I retract my statement little sis."

"Going soft there Fred." George teased.

"I think you know that's for the best Forge."

"Indeed Gred."

Eventually Molly called them all back insides, coaxing them in with tea and cake. Getting up, Harry and Ginny shared a quick smile as they released each-others hands and made their way back inside. Waiting for them inside was a pile of scones and small Neenish tarts along with a big pot of tea. Lennox had already helped himself, drinking a large cup of black tea. Opposite him sat Juni and Alex, whose eyes were red from crying. Arthur stood next to his wife, his hands wrapped around her as she stood and watched the children come back in.

Harry and Rose took a seat next to their grandparents as they poured themselves a cup of tea each. "Thank you for everything Mr Henderson, we appreciate you acting so quickly." Harry spoke up.

Lennox smiled at the young Potters, setting his own cup down. "It was nothing, don't worry about it. I'm just glad the truth finally came out."

The group sat there in relative silence as they enjoyed their cups of tea. Eventually the Evans beckoned their grandchildren homewards as they finished up their tea and cake. Moving into the lounge room, Arthur lit a fire and threw some floo powder in for the Evans to step through. Juni and Alex went first, baying farewell to the Weasleys, and then Rose. Lastly, Harry made his way over to the fireplace, but before he could, he grabbed Ginny's hand and pulled her close, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you…for everything."

Ginny nodded in stunned silence as Harry let go, and disappeared into the fireplace with a smile on his face. Ron smirked at his sister who was turning red in the face. "How do you like that; Ginny just got a peck by Harry Potter."

Ginny scowled at her brother, whacking him in the arm as she retreated back up to her room.

Rose and Harry went straight to bed that night, Rose cuddling up to Harry, tears still silently marking her face. Harry just let her cry, stroking her hair and holdings her close until she eventually fell asleep. And then he let his own tears fall…soaking his pillow as he thought about his parents and what could have been.

Little did the two Potters know, that life was soon going to take a turn for the better, Fate mused.

That turn started the next day, Sunday the 22nd of December, 3 days till Christmas. It was decided that Sirius Blacks 'retrial' would take place the next day, Monday the 23rd, as to avoid the three-day Christmas break. Dumbledore came over to the Weasleys early Sunday morning to announce the decision, before arriving at the Evans to relay the same news. It was decided that both families would pay testimony during the trial, since they were all present at the moment of truth that fateful Saturday night. Harry and Rose found out about the news at breakfast that morning, only nodding in understanding, still too numb from the night before to talk.

Sunday was very subdued, as the Potters stayed at home for the day, reading books by the fire or watching old VCR's. Eventually after midday, Ginny and Ron made their way over to the Evans to catch up with their best friends.

The two siblings came out of the fireplace, catching themselves before they fell flat on their faces. Ron was the first to straighten himself out, flashing the Potter siblings a small smile. "Hey you two, mind if we visit?"

Harry shook his head as his heart returned to a normal pace. "Go ahead, what's up?" Harry pointed over to the empty couch, suggesting Ron and Ginny take a seat.

"We just thought we'd check up on you…we know last night was…rough." Ginny explained as she sat next to her brother. Her eyes watched Harry's movements before she had to tear herself away.

Rose snorted as she took a stuttering breath. "You can say that again." She replied dryly.

Ron's gentle smile turned downward for a moment before it returned with optimism. "So, do you two wanna do anything?"

Harry sat up and looked at his friend. "Want to watch another muggle movie?"

"Sure thing, whatcha feel like watching?"

Ginny and Rose gave each-other a look. "Why don't we watch a romance? Something funny as well! That'll cheer us all up." Rose suggested. Ginny's eyes lit up at the prospect, her eyes fluttering over to Harry's as she subconsciously rubbed her cheek.

The two boys gave a look of disgust as their sisters bounced up from the couch to go search for a movie. They eventually settled on Pretty Woman. Throughout the movie, Ginny and Harry shared looks with each-other, occasionally smiling at the other when they caught one of them staring. At some point in the movie, Ron had fallen asleep on the couch, and Harry and Ginny had moved to sit together on the carpeted floor, holding hands once more. Their entwined hands sent sparks up either one's hands, and a fluttering in both their hearts as Harry shyly ran his thumb along Ginny's. By the time the movie was over, Ron was well and truly fast asleep. In an effort to wake him up, Ginny grabbed a cushion and wacked her big brother hard on the head.

"Wassapping!" Ron all but shouted as he shot up immediately, his hand cradling his head.

"Come on you lug, time to go home, mum wants us back for dinner." Ginny told her brother as she got to her feet, "Besides, there's no point putting another movie on if you're just going to sleep that one too."

Ron glared as his sister as he sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Well maybe you should've put something more interesting on." Ron snapped back before making his way over to the fireplace, "Alright you two, we'll see you tomorrow then!" Ron threw some Floo powder into the fireplace, sending green flames flying before he stepped in and whooshed off to the Burrow.

Taking off after her brother, Ginny went over to Floo back home, turning around before she left to say goodbye. "Take care…both of you. See you soon."

In a remarkable display of courage, Ginny let out a determined huff and strode back over to Harry, planting a soft kiss on his cheek before disappearing into the floo. "What…what just happened." Harry spluttered.

"I think you just got kissed by Ginny Weasley." Rose smirked as she whacked her brothers' arm, "That would be revenge for last night I presume."

"How'd you know I kissed her?"

Rose just shrugged and sent a smirk her brothers' way. "I have my ways."

For the Potters, the rest of the day was quite relaxing. Rose helped Harry study and complete his holiday homework, and Harry taught Rose all he learnt in the last four months. Eventually it was dinner time, then bed time, and soon their heads hit their pillows and they fell softly to sleep. In Harry's mind, images of the last couple of days flashed in front of his mind, the majority of them of Ginny. An image of her smiling softly to him popped up in his mind, yet she looked older, her eyes holding something different that he wasn't quite sure about. When he woke around midnight after Rose accidently whacked his face, Harry had to think over what he just saw. It felt like a memory, but it couldn't have been. Maybe his imagination was making dreams for him now…proper dreams that didn't involve his past memories.

They were all ready for an early start that Monday morning, even Harry, who had to put up with Rose's fitful sleep. Juni woke them up at the crack of dawn so that they could floo over to the Ministry in London to sit in at the trials of Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew. Making their way into the kitchen for breakfast, the siblings sat down groggily and began to silently pile their plates with a small amount of food.

"Are you all ready for today dears?" Juni asked, "Got everything you need?"

The siblings nodded at their grandmother as they continued to silently eat. "You know, you don't have to do this dears." Juni added, "The Weasleys and Aurors can testify for you."

"No…we need to do this…for Mum and Dad." Harry said forcefully, a look crossing his face that reminded Juni of Lily, "If we don't, what legacy are we leaving them."

"Besides, I want to see that rat get taken down." Rose added.

Harry grinned at his sister who beamed back. "Couldn't have worded it better myself sis."

"Right back at you, big brother."

The group of early risers eventually finished up breakfast and departed for the loungeroom. Alex was currently sitting by the fire with a large cup of tea, having been tending the flames so that they could use the Floo. "Morning you lot, ready for today?"

Rose made her way over to her grandfather and gave him and hug. Instinctively, Alex wrapped his arms around his granddaughter. "As much as we'll ever be." she told him, "We'll make sure that man pays for what he did to mum."

Alex gave both of his grandchildren a wan smile as he stood up to bid his wife goodbye. "You go get justice for our little girl my love." He cooed into her ear.

"You know I will Alex, you know I will." Juni whispered back.

Breaking the embrace, Juni strode over and threw some floo powder into the fireplace, turning it to green. She beckoned the two Potters on before she followed them through, turning around to blow a kiss at her husband and love of her life. Harry and Rose stepped out at the Burrow, where a solemn crowd greeted them around the Weasley longue room. Ginny was the first to greet them, standing up and striding over to Harry to embrace him.

Her arms went straight to his neck, pulling herself up so she could rest her chin on his shoulder. "Whatever happens today, we'll do it together." She whispered softly, "I'm here for you."

"Thanks Gin, eventually this will all be over." Harry sniffed as he felt his eyes dampen. He held Ginny a little tighter, no matter how hard his heart was beating.

"It will be, but for now you need to do your parents proud."

The pair broke apart as Ginny went over to embrace Rose in a similar manner. Ron in the meantime had come over and embraced his best friend in a tight man hug. "You alright mate?" He asked as he pulled back.

"Yeah, I will be, you lot certainly make things better." Harry smiled.

Ron grinned at his best mate as he took his seat again. "Well, us Weasleys are good like that."

Before Harry and Rose could sit down, Molly came striding into the room. Spotting the two Potters, she immediately went over to sweep them both into a bone crushing hug. "Oh, my dears, you are so brave for what you're doing today!"

"Thanks Mrs Weasley, it'll be easier with everyone by our side." Harry was finding it easier to return Mrs Weasley's embraces. In truth, he almost relished the motherly feeling she radiated.

As Molly finally let the two siblings go, her eyes finally began to shed the tears she was holding back. Sensing his wife's distress, Arthur stepped in as he came over to join them. He laid a gentle hand on each of the Potter siblings' shoulders, giving them, a light squeeze and he gently smiled down at them. "Remember you two, that you're not alone in this. We're all here for you. You're both incredibly brave for what you're doing, but don't feel like you have to bottle it all up."

Harry looked up at the Weasley patriarch, his eyes watering a little as he nodded his head. "Thank you, Mr Weasley." The whisper was barely there, but Arthur heard it.

Rose's reply was much less subtle, her arms flying around the taller man's waist as she hugged him around the middle. Arthur stiffened for a moment before he relaxed and laid a gentle hand on Rose's head. Breaking away, Rose smiled a little bashfully as she took her place next to her brother. After the little pep talk that Harry and Rose had received, the group sat for a while, drinking tea and enjoying an early morning cake before finally having to go over to the Ministry and prepare themselves for the trials. Arthur threw some floo powder into the fireplace for the group, before he stepped through himself. Soon after, Percy, then the twins, Ron, Harry, Rose, Juni, Ginny and Molly made their way through to the ministry where they were greeted with the hustle and bustle of the early morning commute to offices. The group made their way over to the security desk where they were subjected to a wand weighing and given name tags with their business at the ministry highlighted. The security guard only stared at Harry's forehead for a moment or two, still long enough to pip Harry off as he glared at the man going past.

Arthur led them through the winding mess of the Ministry, whilst Harry and Rose gawked on, eventually finding a set of elevators to beckon them into. Making their way down deeper and deeper into the ministry, Harry and Rose questioned Arthur about the different aspects of the ministry, such as the paper planes carrying messages, the different departments, and where exactly they were going.

"The trial is set in the Wizengamot, the high court. It's all the way down in the department of Mysteries." Arthur answered the Potter's question.

"Department of Mysteries?" Harry asked, "What's so mysterious about it?"

Arthur stepped back a bit further into elevator as another office worker stepped in. "It's where all sorts of unknown magic are invented or experimented on. It's mostly research and inventing new spells."

The Potters nodded at the answer and sat in relative silence as they travelled down to the bottom level. Arriving at their stop, the group made their way out and down a hallway to a set of large black stained oak doors. Pushing them away, the group were greeted with the sight of dozens of older wizards and witches seated in an amphitheatre style courtroom. Around the room sat stone seating for witnesses and friends and family to sit on. In the centre sat a large wooden chair with straps fastened on the armrests.

Harry took in the crowd sitting in front of him. He recognized a few faces, most notably Professor Dumbledore, who sat near the bottom of the seating, and Lennox, who sat next to him. Harry waved at the two, who both gave him a wide smile and wave back as they resumed their conversation. Continuing to scan the room, Harry took in the other members of the court, noticing that many of them were older wizards and witches. Thinking to himself, Harry wondered how many sentences were carried out because of tradition and rules instead of justice. Harry's thoughts were interrupted when the doors they had just entered through opened up once more, revealing a procession of robed wizards and witches, headed by a man in his early 60s, with thinning grey-blonde hair and a fat face. Following him was a woman in her late 50s, wearing a bright pink cardigan underneath her Wizengamot robes. She had toad like features, with bulging eyes and a thin, stretched mouth and mousy brown hair. Flanking them were a row of what Harry assumed were Aurors judging from what Kingsley and Dawlish were wearing the other night.

The two figures made their way up to the court seating, just as one of older Wizengamot members stood to attention. "All stand for the minister of magic, the honourable Cornelius Fudge!"

Harry and Rose stood, looking around as the others around them and the court all rose as the so called 'minister of magic' took his seat at the podium in the middle of the court seating. As the minister sat, the rest of the courtroom sat with him.

"We are here today for the retrial of one Sirius Orion Black, are all members present." The minister spoke out.

Dumbledore cleared his throat at this point. "Let it be stated for the record that this is the trial of Peter Pettigrew and the first trial, not a retrial, of Sirius Black due to not receiving a trial directly after his arrest."

The minister glared with venom at the headmaster. "Yes yes, you are correct Dumbledore, as usual", he said the last part under his breath, "Let the records show that this is indeed the trial of Peter Pettigrew and Sirius Black."

Clearing his voice once more, Fudge waved his hand at the two Aurors guarding the entrance. "Aurors, bring in the first defendant, Sirius Orion Black."

The two Aurors guarding the courtroom door retreated to the outside, returning soon after with a dishevelled looking man with scraggily, messy black hair, sunken grey eyes and torn clothing. The man looked like walking death. Sirius did not resist as the Aurors dragged him up to the wooden chair in the middle of the room, neither did he object when the clamps on the arms of the chair strapped him in. He merely looked up at the minister with tired eyes and awaited the questioning.

"Aurors, please apply the Veritaserum." Fudge instructed.

The Auror took out a small vial of the clear looking liquid from his pocket before taking out the stopper and dropping two drops into Sirius' opened mouth. The effects were immediate, Sirius eyes glazed over and his whole body relaxed into a robotic composure.

Leaning forward onto the podium, Fudge stared Sirius in the eye. "State your name for the court."

"Sirius Orion Black." Sirius answered; his voice hoarse from years of idleness.

The clerk taking note began to record the information being spoken, as a Quick Quills notepad caught what he couldn't. Leaning forward again, Fudge asked him. "Were you, Sirius Orion Black, the secret keeper for Lily and James Potter?"

Sirius shook his head slowly. "I was not." This revelation brought many a gasp from those who were only hearing the news now. At this time, an older witch with an eyepatch on one eye stood up.

"Mr Black, why were we led to believe you were secret keeper when clearly you weren't?"

Sirius slowly turned his head to face the older witch. "It was a ruse…I was the most likely target. Peter was considered…insignificant…on Voldemort's radar." He finished as people whelped and cringed at mentioning Voldemort's name.

"And so, Peter Pettigrew was made Secret Keeper because you were more likely to be target, is that correct?" The older witch confirmed.

Sirius nodded his head slowly again. "Yes…that is correct."

Many members of the jury and court were looking towards the minister, calls for release were being hurled around the room. "I think…we should interrogate the next suspect before we draw conclusions." Fudge announced, his voice wavering.

The two Aurors at the back doors disappeared again, this time bringing back the very reluctant Peter Pettigrew, who was kicking and thrashing as the two Aurors dragged him into another chair that was conjured next to Sirius. Peter's eyes widened at the sight of his old 'friend', doubling his efforts to try and escape,

"MR PETTIGREW! You will restrain yourself!" The minister called down from his podium.

The two Aurors eventually managed to strap the rat into the chair, although he continued to thrash and fight against them. "ITS ALL A LIE, I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING I SWEAR!" He screamed as loud as he could,

Fudge covered his ears from the noise and motioned for the Aurors to apply the Veritaserum. Forcing Peter's mouth open, the Aurors placed a few drops of the truth serum in, before allowing his mouth to relax again. The rat's eyes glazed over and his body relaxed, much like the other night.

Fudge once more began to question the suspect, "State your name for the court."

"Peter Pettigrew." The rat said quietly and robotically.

The court once again gasped, believing that Peter was dead and had been for many years. The older witch stood up again, staring down at the suspect. "Why were we lead to believe that you were dead for 10 years Mr Pettigrew?"

"I was hiding…" Peter answered in barely a whisper.

"From who!"

"The order of the Phoenix…and Sirius Black."

The older witch looked towards Dumbledore. "Albus, was the Order after Peter?"

"I can assure you Madam Bones; the order does not hunt down targets to assassinate. Peter was a member, and until the other night, I myself had no idea of his current state." Dumbledore answered Madam Bones.

Madam Bones once again pulled her attention to Peter. "Why were you fleeing the order and Sirius, Pettigrew?"

Peter looked around the room, robotically going over the various livid faces of the court. "I was Lily and James Potter's Secret Keeper; I gave the Dark Lord their whereabouts not long after I was given the position."

Sirius, now leaving his state of lethargy due to the truth serum, reacted violently at hearing these words. "YOU TRAITORIOUS SCUM! I'LL KILL YOU!" Sirius thrashed around in his chair, trying with all his strength to get to Pettigrew.

"MR BLACK! RESTRAIN YOURSELF!" Fudge cried out.

Sirius continued to rock the chair, the Aurors behind now fast approaching. Before they could subdue Sirius, Harry sprung down the stairs of his aisle, running full bore at Sirius before stopping just behind Sirius' chair.

"Leave him alone!" Harry stood firm as the Aurors pulled their wands and advanced.

Rose quickly joined her brother, standing firm as she gripped his hand. "Let us deal with him."

The Aurors looked at each other briefly before holstering their wands again, still keeping a distance. Still holding onto his sisters' hand, Harry led them both to the front of Sirius' chair. As they got closer to Sirius, Harry had a memory flash in his eyes of a much healthier looking Sirius Black chasing him around as he flew on a small broom. "Hello Sirius…it's us…Harry and Rose?" Harry's hand gently landed on Sirius' shoulder.

Sirius looked up in fright at the two figures as he felt a hand touching him. "H-Harry…R-Rose…" A sob escaped his lips as he closed his eyes tight and opened them once more, "It's really you…you're okay? Oh, thank Merlin."

Smiling softly, Harry nodded his head as Rose's hand went to cup Sirius' scrappy beard. "It's really us. Sirius…you need to calm down now. We need to continue the trial." Rose whispered softly.

"Mr Potter, Miss Potter! If you are quite done, may we continue this trial!" Fudge's impatient voice travelled down from his podium.

Harry just turned and scowled at the minister, making him squirm. "You may continue. We'll both be staying here though."

Fudge nodded dumbly as he motioned towards Madam Bones to continue the interrogation. Nodding her thanks to the two Potters, Madam Bones continued to question Peter. "Why were you made Secret Keeper for the Potter's instead of Sirius Black?"

"I was deemed less of a threat to the Dark Lord, and also not as close to the Potters as Sirius…They thought I was the least likely person he would target." Peter told them.

Madam Bones shook her head before continuing. "Why did you join Voldemort, Peter?" Once again, the mention of Voldemort's name brought cringing and whelps.

Peter looked around at the court once more. "I was in love with James Potter…however the Mudblood Lily Potter stole him from me. I plotted to remove her, but then she gave birth to the blood traitor Harry. I knew then I had to seek assistance from the Dark Lord. My Master."

Sirius, although subdued by the Potter siblings, growled like a dog at the rat. Madam Bones, clearly taken aback by Peters answer, cleared her throat before continuing her interrogation. "So, you allowed the murder of the Potters because you could not gain the love from James Potter that he showed his family."

"Yes."

Silence fell on the courtroom before Dumbledore finally stood up to address the court. "My fellow Wizengamot members, I do believe we have heard everything we need to hear today! Let justice be served I say. However, if you so wish to, there are a number of witnesses that provide even more support to either of the cases."

Most of the court at this point shouted in agreement, calling for Sirius' release and Peter's imprisonment. Peter, who at this point was coming off the truth serum, began to panic and cry as members of the court called for his punishment to be made.

Eventually, Fudge managed to gain control of the court once more. "I think it is agreed that Mr Black is clear of all charges. As an apology from the entire ministry, we shall grant you the same pay rate as myself for the time you spent imprisoned."

The court applauded the decision, as did the witnesses behind Harry and Rose. The two siblings grinned down at the now smiling Sirius, who could only beam up at the two Potters.

"I recommend no less than 40 years imprisonment for Mr Pettigrew, extended to whatever the Jury believes is fair." Fudge added.

The courtroom shouted in agreement, whilst others called for life imprisonment. Peter shrunk in his chair as his fate was decided. Eventually the court concluded and Fudge rose out of his chair. "It is decided then, for the meantime, Mr Pettigrew shall receive the sentence of 40 years, to be reviewed at a later date. I now call this meeting of the Wizengamot concluded. Good day to you all." Fudge tapped his wand on the podium, a loud series of bangs echoing across the room, before he made his way out of the courtroom, followed by his retinue close behind.

The Aurors guarding the door retrieved the now sobbing Pettigrew, dragging him out of the courtroom and deeper into the Ministry. The clasps around Sirius' wrists released themselves, allowing him to flex and rub his wrists in freedom. Slowly, Sirius stretched his legs as he tried to stand, his legs shaking a little before he managed to right himself. With a shaky breath, Sirius looked down into the expectant eyes of Harry and Rose.

His hands went out to grip Harry's face between his hands, making the boy flinch a little. "Look at you…you're all grown up. My little pup…you look so much like James." Releasing Harry, Sirius turned to Rose, gripping her face as well, "And my little Rose petal…you look just like Lils. You're all grown up and I haven't been there for you…"

An almighty sob ripped through Sirius' throat as his legs shook underneath his body. His hand shot up to cover his face as tears began to silently roll down his cheeks. Feeling a little uncomfortable, Harry looked at Rose, a silent agreement going between them as they both stepped forwards to wrap their arms around Sirius' middle. For a moment, Sirius stilled as his sobs came to a halt, before he let out a watery chuckle as his hands landed on the sibling's backs.

"Sorry…I'm a bit of a wreck at the moment."

"Nonsense, there's nothing to be sorry about. You've just been released from prison; I can't even begin to imagine what you went through." Rose looked up at Sirius through her long lashes, her brown eyes sparkling from unshed tears as her smile made Sirius' heart flip.

"Thank you…both of you. It's been a long time since I've seen you both…since…well…that night."

Harry squeezed Sirius a little tighter as his throat seized up. "It's alright Sirius. You're here now, that's all that matters."

"Who're you living with? Hopefully the Evans."

Rose gave her brother another look as they both untangled themselves from Sirius. "We ah…we only just moved there. We were placed with Aunt Petunia and the Dursleys before then."

A look of pure fury etched itself onto Sirius' face, making Harry wrap a protective arm around his sister's waist. Sirius noticed the action, only making him angrier, before he calmed himself. "Sorry, I'm not angry at you two. I just remember how horrible Lily's sister was. Who placed you there?"

"I did."

Sirius turned around to face the aging headmaster of Hogwarts, who had stepped down onto the main floor, followed by Lennox. "Albus? You placed them with Lily's sister! What the fuck is wrong with you man!"

"Many things my dear Mr Black. But that is a discussion for another day. I placed the young Potter's with their aunt because that was at the time the safest place for them. It was my fault believing in redemption that almost cost the Potter's their lives before I finally moved them to their grandparents home." Dumbledore looked down at the two Potter siblings, offering them a small, sad smile. The twinkle was long gone from his eyes, replaced by the remorse that Harry had seen on the night of their rescue.

Sirius noticed the look that Dumbledore had as well, his fury diminishing as he realised the scenario the headmaster was going through. "We can discuss this at another date. For now, I want to get myself cleaned up and reacquainted with my godchildren." Turning back to the Potters, Sirius' gave them a small smile, "I'm not sure if anyone's told you yet, but I was made your godfather by your mum and dad."

"Don't worry, we've been told." Harry said with a smile.

Sirius' smile widened as a sudden giddiness overtook him. The realisation of his release and the possibility of seeing his best friend's children again finally sinking through. With a whooping cheer, Sirius swept the young Potters up into his arms, adrenaline and endorphins keeping muscles from collapsing in on themselves. "It's so good to see you both again!"

"Sirius! You really need a bath!" Rose complained as she giggled hysterically. Harry and Sirius joined in with the laughter, Sirius' barking laughter echoing against the flagstone floor.

"Sorry to interrupt you folks, but I thought I might just come say a word."

Turning back around, Sirius smiled as he recognised his old school friend. "Lennox Henderson, it's been a long time. You've aged." Sirius grinned as he gripped the older man's hand.

"Same to you, you old mutt. Mind you, I haven't spent 10 years in Azkaban." Lennox smirked good naturedly.

Sirius let out a dry chuckle as he took his hand back. "So, how's life? Last I heard you had a little boy. Alexander wasn't it?"

Lennox nodded. "Yeah. Although he goes by Alec, prepubescent rebelliousness and all."

"Ah, I know the feeling. At least, I know what it's like to be the rebellious teen."

Lennox chuckled again. "Aye, I do believe you and James got into plenty of trouble. Anyway, I thought I'd just let you know that if you need anything, just give me a floo call. I've done quite well for myself these days."

"Oh?" Sirius' raised an eyebrow.

"Aye, all the way up to Commonwealth Minister. Appointed by the Queen herself. Doesn't give me many bonuses but it certainly makes some people squirm." Lennox grinned.

"I can imagine." Sirius grinned back, "Anyway, if you don't mind, I'd like to spend a little more time with my godchildren."

"Of course." With a nod of his head, Lennox bayed Sirius farewell, "Just remember, I'm only a floo call away."

Sirius returned the nod before he turned back to the young Potters. "So, I don't know about you but I've been told I need a bath. And honestly, I could do with some fresh clothes." As if to prove a point, Sirius plucked a loose thread from his mangy prison uniform.

"Come on, you can meet Grandma." Rose took charge of the situation and grabbed hold of Sirius' hand, dragging him along to where her Grandmother stood talking with Mr and Mrs Weasley.

Seeing the two approach, Juni broke her conversation with Molly, making her way over to her grandchildren before she took them into a tight embrace. Sirius followed them over, greeting the mother of his long dead friend. "Hello Mrs Evans, it's nice to see you again."

Juni broke her embrace with Harry and Rose, before embracing Sirius in a tight hug. "Sirius, it's so nice to see you again…I'm so glad everything worked out."

"So am I. I've been told that you've been looking after Harry and Rose for a little while now. Thank you, it…it means a lot to know that they're safe, now at least."

Juni pursed her lips a little. "So, I take it Albus told you of their prior situation." The thought of what her daughter did to her own niece and nephew made Juni's blood boil, "At least now they're safe and well…relatively happy."

"We are happy Grandma! Even if I do have to put up with Harry's snoring!"

The group laughed at Rose's comments. "Come on Sirius, come meet the Weasley's!" Harry tugged on Sirius' hand as if he was a little boy again. The gesture made Sirius' heart melt as he followed along diligently, "Mr Weasley, Mrs Weasley, Gin, and the rest of you lot..."

"HEY!" Ron and the twins interrupted.

"…I would like you to meet Sirius Black, my godfather." Harry introduced Sirius with a bright smile, a hint of pride in his voice as he looked up at his godfather with something akin to reverence in his eyes.

Molly and Arthur stepped forward to shake Sirius' hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lord Black." Mr Weasley shook Sirius' hand.

"Please, Please, just Sirius…Lord Black makes me sound like a ponce."

The group laughed and chatted for a while, until one of the Aurors came back to move them along. They all decided to grab some lunch at Diagon Alley, so that Sirius could check into Gringotts and reinstate his vault. Sirius went off with Harry and Rose to Gringotts, leaving the others at the Leaky where they would have lunch afterwards.

Walking into Gringotts, the goblins behind the counters eyed the threesome suspiciously, especially Sirius who was still clad in his shabby prisoners' uniform. They walked all the way to the end, where they were greeted by the same Goblin that greeted Harry and Rose the first time they came to Gringotts.

"Lord Black, a pleasure to have you back with us, what can I do for you today." The goblin greeted with a hint of sarcasm.

Sirius smiled professionally at the goblin. "Greetings, I'm looking to reinstate my vault as well as withdraw some gold from them." Sirius told them, "Oh, and while we're at it, we might as well check how the Potter fortune fairs."

Harry and Rose looked up at Sirius curiously. "We've got plenty of gold with us already Sirius, we don't need more." Harry told him.

Sirius chucked. "No no, I'm not talking about withdrawing gold, I'm talking about looking into what your parents really left you."

Harry and Rose's eyes widened at the thought of having even more money, slightly embarrassed at the thought.

Following Griphook, the Goblin who had led the pair down earlier in the year, through the bank and to the mine carts that took them to the vaults, the group made small talk, discussing Sirius relationship with their parents and stories of their time at Hogwarts. Riding the mine cart down into the depths of Gringotts, the cart pulled to a stop near the very bottom of the cavern system. This time Sirius hopped out, examining the vault as Griphook opened it for him. Inside was filled to the brim with piles of gold and artefacts lining the vault floor. Sirius filled two large money bags before returning to the cart.

"We can go on foot from here to the Potter vault, it's not far." Griphook interrupted before Sirius sat down.

"Oh, alright, let's go then you lot." Sirius beckoned them all on, his right leg only limping slightly.

Walking further down the cavern, a thought crossed Harry's mind, making him question Sirius. "Sirius, how come your family vault is much further down then the rest?" Harry enquired.

Sirius smiled at the young Potter before explaining. "Well, you see, the older the house the further down the vault normally is. These were where the original vaults were built, and are the most protected. The Potters and Blacks are some of the oldest families in Britain, the Weasley's and Henderson's are just as old but they are what are considered minor families, although the Potters aren't on the sacred 28 list either, even though the Weasley's are." Sirius explained,

"The sacred 28?" Rose asked as she caught up from dragging along behind.

"Yes, the 'original' 28 wizarding families of Britain, the 'pureblood' families. Most of the families on there are pompous, arrogant, prejudice bastards, the exceptions being the Weasleys, Longbottom, Abbott's, Ollivander's, Shacklebolt's and a few others. The Potters were supposed to be on there but the old wizard that wrote it up didn't like your family's pro-muggle views." Sirius smirked at them, "Good on them I say."

Harry grinned at his sister at the idea that their family were hated for their defence of muggles. "Well, sounds like we need another list. Maybe the Sane 28 instead." Harry suggested, causing Sirius to chuckle as he ruffled Harry's hair.

Soon enough, the group found themselves outside of another large vault door. The metal of the door shimmered a light hue of green and sometimes blue in the candlelight of Griphooks lantern. Along the edges, tiny specks of rust gathered in almost unnoticeable patches, however the centre of the monumental passage was clear of all blemishes. In the centre of the door was a carved tree, as large as an oak and as tall as a mountain ash. Either side of the tree was a guardian beast, a large stag on one side and a rearing dragon on the other.

"Sirius? What's that crest supposed to be?" Harry's question echoed along the passage walls, causing the boy to blush in embarrassment.

Sirius either didn't notice or didn't care, instead flashing a bright smile at Harry and his sister. "That's your family crest. I'm afraid I don't exactly know the history behind it, Jamie never told me. But the stag I think is the traditional animal of the Potters…I'm not sure about the dragon though, that is a bit odd."

Pleased with the answer, Harry and Rose smiled at each other as they learned even more about their family, although the answer only served to make them thirstier for knowledge about their family. They were snapped out of their conversation as Griphook opened up the vault with his bony hand, sliding it down the middle as the tree branches withdrew within themselves until a bare tree stood in its place. The stag and dragon retreated to the edges of the door as a great straight crack formed in the trees trunk. Slowly, the crack ran the length of the door, allowing it to finally swing upon on its hinges. Almost immediately a bright light erupted from the vault as sconces light up along the walls, the light reflecting off the piles of gold, silver and bronze coins.

"Oh…" Rose and Harry echoed each other in their initial observation.

A noise from the back of Sirius' throat drew their attention back to reality. "Good, looks like things are running smoothly. Oh, and welcome to the Potter family fortune young ones." Sirius patted them both on the back, "Of course, you can't legally access this until you're of age, but in the meantime, it'll just sit here and grow bigger with interest. What's more important however is the family investments."

"Investments?" Rose asked.

"Your family had shares in a vast amount of wizarding companies and, knowing your Grandpa Potter, probably some muggle ones too…but like I say, you won't have access until you're of age." Sirius explained, "But don't worry, I'll make sure everything is on track, then I'll let it run its course and you'll be even richer."

Finishing up their business in Gringotts, the threesome made their way back up to the surface to have lunch with the Weasleys and Juni. Sirius treated them to whatever they wanted off the menu, stating it was his wish to make those who gave him his freedom, happy. Although everyone ordered lavishly, Harry noted that Sirius ordered rather modestly, a simple soup of the day seeming to nourish him.

Not long after, the group decided it was best to head home and call it a day, seeing as it was Christmas eve the next day, and everyone would be busy decorating their houses. It was decided that Sirius would stay with the Evans in one of spare rooms, once it was made liveable. In the meantime, he would stay on a camper bed in Harry and Rose's room. The two siblings were more than happy to share with their 'new' Godfather.

The day passed and eventually everyone retired to their separate houses for the night, readying themselves for the onslaught of Christmas. That is how Harry, Rose and Sirius found themselves chatting into the night as they sat in Lily's old room.

"I remember coming to this old place when I was only just fresh out of Hogwarts. Your mother wanted to introduce James and his friends to your grandparents." He told them, "Your gramps got along with James like a house on fire, but I think Juni took some talking to see that James was a responsible person, and not just a prankster." Sirius chuckled as he remembered long past memories, a melancholic smile spreading itself across his face.

Harry and Rose were currently sitting on the edge of their bed listening to Sirius, taking every word in. "Listen…I don't know what your grandparents or even Dumbledore have said…but I think we need to discuss your Guardianship."

"Our guardianship?" Rose asked.

Sirius nodded slowly. "Well…you know your mum and dad, James and Lily, made me your Godfather, which, now that I'm legally free and innocent again, I can resume." Sirius explained, "Of course I'm not about to take you away from your Grandparents, but it just means that I have to spoil you extra now."

Taking a deep shuddering breath, Sirius closed and reopened his eyes a couple of times to dispel the mounting tears. "And most importantly, I'm going to start taking an active role in your lives. That's the least you deserve my sweets."

"Hey, no problems there." Rose beamed as she took Sirius' hand in her own, "We didn't exactly get spoilt before moving here. Or positive attention for that matter."

Sirius' face fell once more. "I don't know what Dumbledore was thinking, placing you with that woman and her husband. And I bet they haven't been punished, have they?"

"'fraid not." Harry nodded.

Sirius face contorted with anger for a moment before relaxing. "If it wasn't for that rat, I could have been there for the two of you, instead you had to live with that disgusting excuse for a man and his wife."

Harry placed a hand on Sirius' spare hand, smiling softly up at him. "It's okay, we had each other. We made sure we were safe…for the most part."

"Yeah, I couldn't ask for a better brother." Rose added, her head dipping as she frowned, "He always made sure I got enough food, even giving me his share sometimes."

"And I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat."

A small tear left Sirius' eye as he pulled the two siblings into his arms, wrapping them in a tight embrace. "How on earth did you two become so amazing, so like your mum and dad, even when you lived with those…people."

The two smiled softly at their godfather, returning the embrace. Before long, the three of them called it quits and retreated to Never Never Land as they let sleep overtake them. For Sirius, this was the first time in 10 years that he had slept on a proper bed. He was asleep faster than anyone else in the room, snoring like a lawnmower as he slept like a baby. Harry and Rose merely chuckled at their godfather before letting sleep overtake them as well. Rose clung to her brother for a period before Harry finally shoved her off as her breathing steadied out into the sleeping pattern, he had grown accustomed too.

Christmas eve was busy all round for the household. The Evans were busy putting up decorations and the Christmas tree around the Evans home. The Weasleys were busy decorating the Burrow, including with their traditional gnome Christmas tree angel. Sirius in the meantime, had gone out to Diagon Alley to buy himself a new wardrobe and presents for everyone in thanks for his release. Thus, that is how Harry and Rose found themselves hanging tinsel all around the Evans house.

"Blimey, tinsel drives my nose crazy." Rose sniffed and scratched her nose in annoyance as she turned to her brother, "It's like it hates me or something."

"Nonsense, it's just because it's dusty." Harry chuckled.

"So you say, but what If I'm allergic to it?"

"I don't think you can be allergic to tinsel, I mean, it's plastic, isn't it?"

Rose shrugged. "I don't know, I suppose it is, but why can't I be allergic to it?"

Just as they were discussing the properties of tinsel, Juni walked into the longue room where they were hanging tinsel carrying a tray of sugar cookies. "How are those decorations coming along you two." She asked as the held out the tray for them, "Oh, you've done a wonderful job, it's beautiful!"

"Thanks Grandma, I think I'm allergic to the tinsel though." Rose smiled as she swiped a sugar cookie off the tray, munching into it with a cheeky grin.

Juni for her part, raised an eyebrow at her granddaughter in curiosity. "Allergic to tinsel? Didn't know that was possible."

"Well now you know." Harry chucked, ruffling his sister's hair.

Harry and Rose continued to decorate until the whole house was done around midday. The decided not to visit the Weasleys till later, suggesting that they would be too busy to entertain guests. Instead, they retreated to their room to wrap up some last-minute presents that they had gotten yesterday in Diagon Alley. Most notably was a book on the all-female Quidditch team, the Hollyhead Harpies, which Harry had gotten Ginny as a distraction present from her main present…the promise ring.

Before long, Sirius returned to the house and found the two siblings finishing up their wrapping. He looked like a changed man, with silky groomed hair and facial hair, well dressed, and grey eyes shining like steel, full of mirth and love.

"You know, your father did the same thing." Sirius chuckled, "Waiting till the last minute to wrap presents."

Harry turned around and rolled his eyes. "Hilarious Sirius. You look much better by the way."

"Yeah, you look fantastic, you actually look human." Rose joked dryly.

Sirius laughed as he made his way over to ruffle Rose's hair. "You lot should head over to the Weasleys for a bit, I've got to wrap your presents." Sirius wiggled his eyebrows at them.

"Alright, we'll head off then. We'll see you later." Harry called over his shoulder as he dragged Rose back downstairs, "See ya Sirius!" Rose called out.

Making their way to the longue room, Harry threw some foo powder into the fireplace before stepping in and whooshing away to the Burrow. He was greeted with bright decorations lining the walls and ceiling, as tinsel, baubles, wreaths and lights made the room sparkle to life. Ron, who sat in front of the tree wrapping presents, noticed Harry coming out of the fireplace jumped up straight away to greet his friend.

"Hey mate, come to see the chaos, have you?"

Harry laughed as he slugged Ron in the arm. "Nah, Sirius just told us to rack off so he can wrap presents apparently."

A sound behind them signalled the arrival of Rose, as she stumbled out of the fireplace. "I hate floo travel." She muttered angrily, dusting herself off.

The two boys chuckled at her. "Hey Rose, how's things your end?"

Rose shrugged at the youngest Weasley brother. "Not bad, nowhere near as decorated as here. It looks amazing in here!"

"Yeah, we like to go all out 'round Christmas time. It's normally the only time of year when the whole families around these days." Ron smiled as he peered around the room, a hint of pride on his face.

As they were chatting, Ginny bounded into the room with a box full of Christmas tree decoration. "Hey Ron I've got the…oh! Harry! Rose! What are you doing here?"

Rose smiled over at her friend. "We got kicked out for a bit, so we decided to come annoy you for a bit."

"And by the look of it, you could use a hand." Harry added.

Ginny laid the box down on ground by the Christmas tree and went over to hug her best friend. Breaking off, Ginny bit her lip worriedly as she eyed Harry, before finally gathering the courage to latch her arms around his neck in a tight hug that set her heart ablaze with a flurry of feelings.

"So, want to give us a hand with these decorations?" Ron coughed awkwardly, making Ginny jump away from Harry.

Harry nodded his head; his cheeks tinged a bright pink. "Of course, what goes on first?"

Ginny took out a large roll of tinsel and handed it to Rose and Harry. "Tinsel first, then candles, then baubles and the other decorations."

"Oh no, not tinsel." Rose groaned, "My nose it going to explode."

Harry rolled his eyes as Ginny gave her friend a concerned look. "Why is your nose going explode?"

"My dear sister believes that she's allergic to tinsel." Harry explained with a chuckle.

"How can you be allergic to tinsel?" Ron interrupted.

"Dunno, ask her."

Rose just rolled her eyes. "Don't ask me, ask my nose."

"But Rose, we can't ask your nose, it doesn't have a mouth." Ginny broke out into a giggle.

As they were joking, the twins noticed that they had guests and joined them in the longue room. "Oh no, look what the kneazle dragged in Fred." George said, "It looks like the Potters have come to help add to the chaos."

"It certainly looks like that dear brother of mine." Fred added, "Have you come to cause chaos and mayhem."

Harry and Rose rolled their eyes in unison. "No, we've come to help you dimwits, Sirius kicked us out to do presents." Rose explained.

Fred and George held their hands in surrender and mock pain. "Oh, dear little Rosey, you wound us!" Fred exclaimed.

"My heart, I don't think it can take much more Fred!" George added.

"You lot are terrible." Ginny whacked her brothers in the chest as she went by them to fetch more decorations, "Now shut it and give us a hand will you."

The group of friends made room for the twins to come over and help as they set about decorating the Weasley family Christmas tree. At one point, Molly came in with a large tray of mince fruit pies, offering them to the kids, before retreating back to the kitchen for Christmas preparations. The Potters eventually made their way home before dinner time, but not before Harry snuck in another kiss to Ginny's cheek, causing them both to blush, thankfully only Rose saw the exchange and shared a knowing look with her brother.

They spent the night enjoying each-others company, enjoying a lovely meal that Juni had prepared. Alex and Sirius got on quite well, and enjoyed chatting to each-other about sports, both muggle and wizard. Eventually, Juni pushed the two Potters to bed as they would be having a long day tomorrow. Alex had cleared out a spare bedroom during the day, so Sirius could move into there, much to Rose's disappointment.

"Alright you lot, I'll see you both bright and early tomorrow morning." Sirius smiled softly down at the two Potter's as he leaned against the doorframe of their room.

Harry launched forward to give his godfather a tight hug. "See you in the morning Sirius."

"Have a good sleep Uncle Sirius." Rose joined in the embrace.

Sirius chuckled as he ruffled the twos hair before leaving them for his own bedroom. The Potters slept soundly that night, excited about the presents they would receive and the fun they'd have having their first proper Christmas.

The two Potters awoke early Christmas to the feel of a wet tongue on their cheeks. Rose and Harry's eyes sprung open immediately as the panicked over what could be licking them. What greeted them was a big shaggy, black Border Collie that had jumped up onto their bed. Confused, the two Potters looked at each other.

"Where the heck did this dog come from?" Rose asked her brother.

Harry shrugged his shoulders as he petted the dog behind the ears, a low whine of pleasure coming from the beast. "No idea, we should probably ask Gran. He's certainly a handsome looking dog."

The dog in question barked affirmatively, as if to say thank you for the comment. Making their way downstairs to the Kitchen, the dog followed them all the way.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" Harry called out from the doorway.

"Merry Christmas my dears!" Juni rushed over to embrace them both.

"Merry Christmas Grandma." Rose responded, returning the embrace.

"Merry Christmas Grandpa." Harry greeted his grandfather with an embrace.

Alex returned the embrace with a warm smile on his face. "Merry Christmas lad."

Harry turned his attention now to the dog that was behind him, grinning when he only found Sirius standing in its place. "It was you! You cheeky bugger Sirius!"

Sirius chuckled as he went over to embrace his two godchildren. "Couldn't help myself, I thought it would hilarious to see your faces, and boy I wasn't wrong."

Rose slapped his arm playfully, "Sirius, you're terrible!"

"No, I'm Sirius."

Harry copied his sister in slapping Sirius' arm playfully. "Never make that joke again."

The group returned to their seats as Rose and Harry sat either side of Sirius and began to pile their plate full of food. The group discussed what was happening for the day, Juni explaining that they were going to have lunch over at the Weasley's before everyone came to the Evans house since they had the most room. Hermione and her Parents would be arriving in the afternoon, as would the Henderson's.

Thus, near midday, the group gathered up their presents for the Weasleys, thanks to Sirius who charmed a bag to fit the lot into, and made their way over to the Burrow. Although they would be opening their presents at the Evans later that night, the group still wanted to pass the presents off to their receivers first. Harry was immediately assaulted by a thick head of long red hair as Ginny came running up to greet him in a tight hug,

"Merry Christmas Harry!" She cried out as she crashed into him, all care in the world washed away by holiday spirit.

Harry grimaced as he felt himself getting crushed, before returning the embrace. "Merry Christmas Gin, could I maybe, you know, breath?"

Ginny released him with a sheepish smile as her brothers and Parents made their way into the longue room. The rest of the Evans and Sirius also made their way through the floo, allowing everyone to wish each other a merry Christmas. Before long, Molly shooed them off to the kitchen where the table had been magically extended and multiple chairs conjured for the guests that would be arriving.

Making his way to sit down next to Ginny and his sister, the group heard the fireplace spring to life once more as the Henderson's made their way out of the longue room,

"Merry Christmas you lot!" Lennox called out as he made his way into the kitchen,

The group called out their replies as Lennox and Alec made their way to the table and took a couple of seats,

"So, good Christmas so far you lot?" Alec asked his friends,

Harry and Rose nodded exuberantly. "Bloody brilliant" Harry told him, "Got our Godfather out of prison, and now we're about to have our first proper Christmas."

Ginny looked at Harry quizzically, "First proper Christmas?" she asked him,

Rose and Harry nodded. "Vernon and Aunt Petunia didn't exactly make Christmas…enjoyable. Most of the time they made us sit and watch them unwrap their presents, before making Christmas lunch and dinner."

"And if it wasn't satisfactory, we wouldn't get a morsel." Rose added.

Ginny grimaced at the casualness in Rose's voice. "That's horrible! How could anybody do that to their own family!" The responding shrug from Rose only worsened the feeling in Ginny's gut.

Sensing her distress, Harry reached around to pet Ginny softly on her back. "It's alright Gin, things are better now. Isn't that right Rose?"

Rose managed a tight smile, directing it at her friend and then her brother. "Course it is, it's the best."

The group sat and enjoyed each-others company as Molly and Juni began to serve up lunch. Around 1 in the afternoon, Hermione and her parents made their way to the Burrow, driving all the way from London. Harry, Rose and their friends went outside to greet their bushy haired friend, even though the ground was covered in ice and snow.

"Hey Hermione!" Harry called out from the doorstep.

Hermione bounced up to the doorway to hug her friends, Ron included, who turned very red in the face. "Merry Christmas everyone! Have you had a good Christmas so far?"

Alec nodded his head in reply. "Dad and I only just got here but it's going alright so far, foods on the table if you and your folks are hungry."

Hermione nodded her head. "I think I'm as hungry as Ron for once."

Everyone laughed at Hermione's comment, even Ron, as they led the Grangers into the kitchen were everyone greeted them, Arthur especially.

The group took their places, with the children at one end and the adults at the other, as Arthur sat talking with Alex and Richard about muggle technology and culture. Juni, Molly and Jean had taken to discussing their home lives, and in Jean's case, her work with her husband. Lennox and Sirius had joined the kids at one point and where joking about their time at Hogwarts. The group enjoyed themselves thoroughly as they ate and drank and talked well into the afternoon. Eventually, Molly and Juni got their attention and directed them to head to the Evans house via floo for the rest of the Christmas celebrations. Arthur stayed behind so that he could direct Bill and Charlie when they arrived by international portkey later in the afternoon.

The group made their way to the Evans dining room, where their large table easily sat the whole group. Molly, Juni and Jean all enlisted the help of the kids, and Lennox and Sirius, to help bring out food to the table. Before long they were stuffing themselves full once more as roasts of lamb, beef, pork and chicken were consumed, mince fruit pies and Christmas pudding, roast vegetables and gallons of gravy along with them. Before long, the whole group was stuffed beyond belief, even Sirius, who hadn't eaten a proper meal for many years, was finding it hard to fit his 5th serving in.

"Alright everyone, I think it's time for presents no?" Arthur called out from his end of the table.

The table erupted in agreement as chairs scraped against wood as the group made their way to the Evans longue room. Sirius, Lennox and Arthur had gone in beforehand to conjure a few more couches and chairs for everyone, as well as stack presents into their owner's piles. It seemed as though the two Potter's would be receiving the most this year. As they entered the longue room, the kids, minus Percy, hurried over to their piles and began to sort through them.

The adults found their own piles and began to unwrap along with their children. Harry looked at his pile and smiled at how many presents there were. He opened the first, which came from the Weasley elders. They had gotten him a lovely knitted hat along with a traditional Weasley sweater that Molly made personally. Harry's had a large H in gold stitched to the front of his emerald green sweater. Harry couldn't help but try and swallow the lump in his throat that had sprung up. Receiving such a personal gift left him in a slight blubbering mess as he fiercely wiped at his eyes.

"Thank you so much Mrs Weasley." Harry called out, his voice crackling a little with emotion. Molly for her part just smiled sweetly as she placed a hand on her heart, a blush colouring her cheeks.

Opening the parcel from his grandparents, Harry smiled as he saw that they had gotten him a set of muggle clothing, including new jeans, shirts and t-shirts to wear out and about. Harry thanked his grandparents with a quick hug before he moved onto the individual presents from his friends. The twins had gotten him a bunch of fireworks and joke items, Percy, a personalized diary with snitches and other Quidditch items decorating the covers and pages. Bill and Charlie, who had arrived before dinner, had gotten him a book on old Roman spells and Curses, and a pair of Dragonhide seeker gloves. Ron had gotten his best friend a book on famous seekers throughout the ages, adding a page at the very end dedicated to Harry himself, the blank lines ready to be filled out.

Hermione had gotten Harry a bunch of VCR's movies that Harry hadn't seen yet. Alec gave Harry a boomerang from Australia, and a book on the history of the Scottish settlers of Australia. Before moving onto Ginny and Rose's presents, Harry noticed a few from Hogwarts, including one from Dumbledore, Hagrid and most surprisingly McGonagall. Harry opened the one from Hagrid, revealing a lovely leather wallet which Hagrid explained had an undetectable charm on it and a lightening charm, thanks to professor Flitwick, alongside some rather fearsome looking fangs which Hagrid explained would bite off the fingers of any pickpockets. Unfortunately, it deemed Harry a pickpocket as well, as he had to quickly pull his fingers back before the fangs ripped his fingers off.

Moving onto the one from Dumbledore, Harry was almost brought to tears as he was presented with a number of items from his parents, including his parents head boy and girl pins. Treasuring them, he handed them to Sirius who smiled at the memory,

"Who'd have thought that a trouble maker like James would end up head boy, and married to the smartest witch of our year." Sirius mused with a soft smile.

Moving onto McGonagall's, Harry was surprised when it was revealed that she had gotten him a book on advanced transfiguration spells, with a note written into the front page,

Mr Potter,

Merry Christmas,

I know it is very queer for a professor to grant a student a present, however, being who you are, I thought little of it. Your father will always hold a special place in my heart, as shall your mother, and so shall you and your sister. Furthermore, your skill in transfiguration is exemplary, and thus I find it necessary to present you with a challenge.

Enjoy these spells, I look forward to seeing what you've learnt once you return,

Yours,

Minerva McGonagall

Harry smiled at the present from his head of house, before putting the book aside. Before Harry could move onto his next present, Sirius handed him another package which he was storing behind his back. Harry beamed at his godfather as he took it with thanks. "You didn't have to Sirius!"

Sirius waved his hand in dismissal. "Of course I did, I have to make up not being there all these years."

Harry chuckled at his godfather as he began to unwrap his present. Inside, Harry found a miniature, fully functioning Quidditch pitch board game, with 14 players and all. Exuberant, Harry beamed at Sirius as he shouted out to Ron to take a look. "Hey mate! Look at this would you!"

Ron looked over in his friend's direction, spotting the pitch. "Wicked! We've gotta try that out later!".

Harry gave his mate a thumbs up as he moved onto his last two presents, Ginny and Rose's. Harry moved onto Ginny's present first, saving his sisters for last. Opening it up, he gasped at the photobook, and shed a tear as he looked inside to find it full of pictures that had been taken recently. There were photos of him and his friends at his 11th birthday, whilst playing Quidditch at the Burrow, some of them walking around town with his family and friends, and of course lots with Rose and himself. Harry smiled over at Ginny, mouthing a silent thank you as she returned his thanks with a soft, warming smiling, mouthing your welcome in return.

Moving onto his sisters, Harry opened it up slowly, only to reveal a small jewellery box. Opening it, Harry was presented with the lionheart pendant that Rose had gotten him that day in Diagon Alley. Harry slipped it through his fingers, smiling at his sister who had just opened her present from Harry.

Rose had gotten a very similar haul to her brother, receiving a maroon and gold Christmas jumper and hat from the Weasleys, a set of clothes from her family. Some fake joke jewellery from the twins as well as a love potion making book. A personalized diary from Percy featuring different flowers, graced with a red rose on the front. Ron had gotten her a bunch of sweets, and Hermione and Alec had gotten her a number of muggle and Australian treats respectively. Hagrid had sent her a purse much like Harry's with charms on it to lighten it and extend it…and fangs. Dumbledore had sent her a number of books of her mother's that he had, including her old textbooks in charms which had hand written notes in them.

Sirius had gotten her a lovely set of diamond studded earrings cut into the shapes of hearts. Ginny had gotten Rose a set of romance novels that she had mentioned to Harry at one point, suggesting that he had said something to her at one point. Moving onto her brothers, Rose excitingly opened the jewellery box that she unwrapped to be greeted by a lovely Claddagh style ring with rubies and emeralds set into the ring. Harry was just opening his own present from his sibling when Rose looked up at him.

Harry smiled as he shuffled on his knees over to his sister. "The pendent is amazing, thank you sis."

Rose smiled as she picked up the pendant which he and placed over his head already. "It symbolizes that you saved my life, and that you are noble and brave."

Harry smiled broadly as he laid a kiss on his sister's head. "Slip the ring on would you."

Doing as told, Rose slipped the ring onto her wedding finger, with the heart facing outwards to show she was still single. "It's lovely Harry, thank you so much."

"Now I know this will be hard, but try really hard to feel scared or afraid, think about a horrible memory, and then look at the ring."

Rose gave her brother a strange look before she thought about the time she thought Harry was going to be taken away from her. Feeling dread and anxiety, Rose opened her eyes and looked down at her ring, which now displayed the words 'your protector always'. A tear rolled down Rose's eye as hugged her brother fiercely.

"You will always be my protector, I love you Harry," She cooed into his ear as her arms squeezed tighter around his neck.

A tiny chuckle escaped Harry's lips as he returned the embrace, his arms circling her petite frame. "I love you too Rose, I'll always be there for you, no matter what."

With the presents done and dusted, the group began to pack away their gifts and make their way home. The Henderson's left first, using the Evans floo to head straight home, baying everyone goodnight. Next were the Weasleys and the Grangers, who had to drive home. Molly and Juni had both offered to let them stay the night, but Richard Granger explained that they were spending time with his parents on boxing day.

As the Weasleys departed, Harry gave Rose a signal to get the other adults out of the room as he grabbed Ginny's hand just before she could head off.

"Just wait a bit would you Gin?"

Even though her heart was racing, Ginny nodded her head in a nervous agreement. "S-sure Harry."

Rose, taking the meaning, asked the others in the Room to give her a hand with the dishes. As they left the room, Rose turned back to give her brother a wink before disappearing herself. They both missed the knowing look Juni threw over her shoulder as she led Alex into the kitchen to help their granddaughter clean up.

Leading Ginny over to one of the couches, Harry pulled out the small jewellery box that held the promise ring, and handed it to Ginny. "Merry Christmas Gin, I wanted to give this to you alone. I don't think your family would have understood."

Ginny eyed the box anxiously as she slowly opened it. She gasped as she looked at the Claddagh ring with rubies set in the ring. Harry took the ring from her and slipped it onto her wedding finger, once again angling it so that it made her appear single. The action made Ginny's stomach summersault as a deep longing feeling drifted into her heart. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was saying to herself that she wanted Harry to slip it on the other way.

"Give it a kiss." Harry interrupted her thoughts, his lips formed into a shy smile that graced his tomato red face.

"A-a Kiss?"

Harry nodded his head, encouraging her on. Slowly, Ginny brought the ring up to her mouth and kissed it softly, pulling her hand back, trying to avoid Harry's eyes. Slowly but surely, words began to appear on the ring, 'Forever or never' to be exact. Ginny gasped as she looked at the words now forming.

"Ever since I met you, I've been drawn to you. I had no idea what it was at first, but now I do." Harry told her, "Ginny, I care about you deeply and this ring is a promise ring, which means it can either be a symbol of our friendship which will last forever, or…it can symbolise that one day we will be together, and that is a promise."

By this stage, Ginny was bright red, and had a couple of tears streaming down her face. She looked at Harry with soft eyes as she gently leaned in, stopping a couple of inches from his face to close her eyes before laying a soft, chaste kiss on his lips, her bottom lip sitting flush against Harry's. The kiss caused Harry's eyes to widen before he closed his eyes and sank into it, causing a small moan to come through Ginny's throat. Pulling back, both bright red in the face, Harry coughed nervously as he rubbed the back of his neck. Sensing his discomfort, Ginny took his hand in hers and squeezed.

"Thank you, Harry, thank you so much. It's wonderful…you're wonderful." Her voice was laced with emotion as she smiled bashfully at him.

Harry's lips were tingling with excitement as he smiled goofily at her. Standing up, Harry led Ginny back over to the fireplace, throwing some more floo powder into the fireplace for her, before wrapping her into a tight hug and baying her goodnight. "Goodnight Gin, I'll see you tomorrow yeah?"

Ginny couldn't help but smile at the hopefulness in his voice as she gave him a nod. "Goodnight Harry, thank you for everything…you wonderful boy."

And with that, Ginny stepped into the fireplace and whooshed off to the Burrow, leaving Harry alone with a big goofy grin on his face. A voice clearing its throat behind him broke him from his trance. Turning around, Harry smiled at Rose, who was leaning against the doorframe.

"Went well then did it?"

Harry nodded his head as he made his way over to his sister. "It did indeed" He told her, "I tell you what Rose, this has to be the best Christmas ever."

"That it is big brother, that it is".

Fate has a funny way of working. Some have tried to argue that in the past, they have tried to manipulate people's lives, even their destinies. Fate mused that the idea of their intervention being malevolent was simply ridiculous. No, they formed the destinies that heroes must live up to…and fate knew then that Harry Potter was on the right path. Eros would be pleased that they had won the bet.