A/N This chapter will be covering Christmas. I really wanted to get the whole year done in this chapter but it's too much.

Disclaimer- I do not own the Harry Potter franchise, otherwise Ginny Weasley wouldn't be Ginny Potter and Sirius Black would be Sirius Lupin. Also, barely half of what I'm writing is cannon. Keep that in mind

WARNING: this chapter will have depictions of abuse. I will put a warning before the scene so you can skip it if you would like. Only doing this so I don't get chastised. I know some people don't like reading things like that so.

Year 1 part 3

After Sirius's birthday came and went, Christmas neared closer by the hour. All three boys, James, Sirius, and Remus, were excited. No, more than excited, Thrilled. Out of all the holidays, Sirius hated because of his family, Christmas had not been tainted- yet. Remus was even excited. Despite it being only a week before the full moon, he was set on having a good Christmas.

Remus had always loved Christmas. Even if it was only a few days before or after the full moon, he still enjoyed the cheery holiday. His family didn't have a lot of money for presents, or for anything really, but they always made the best cookies. Mrs. Hope Lupin was the best cookie baker in the world- according to Remus. Around Christmas, she would make batches and batches of cookies of all types. Some they would use a cookie cutter on, others were just round and delicious. Always delicious. Remus couldn't wait to send his new friends a batch of his mother's delicacy. Well, he didn't have money for any actual presents, so he hoped the cookies would suffice.

James enjoyed Christmas almost too much. He always got what he wanted each year. There was always a cake, and a party, and lots of people who absolutely adored him. What was there not to love? His parents Christmas party was one of the best around. It almost matched the Malfoy's Christmas Ball. The Potter's were one of the oldest pureblood families around, not to mention one of the richest. Luckily, as the blood-traitors they are, they are also one of the nicest pureblood families.

The Potter's went to all the events- ministry, charity, and the like- but Fleamont and Euphemia always kept James out of it. James never went to an event and the only parties he attended were the few ones they hosted at their mansion. Yes, their mansion. In fact, the only parties James was allowed to join were the Potter's annual Christmas parties. Not that James minded. He never did like dressing up in a stuffy suit, but he did like being paraded around. He also likes the attention he got from the stuffy suit. For the sake of Christmas, he tried not to mind the suit and instead tried to enjoy his surroundings. The Christmas trees, the tinsel, the fairy lights, the Mistletoe- Oh what he would do for some Mistletoe and Lily Evans, but that's not the point. The point was that James Loved every minute of Christmas and couldn't wait to invite his friends to stay with him.

Sirius venerated Christmas the most out of the group. Sirius's 'family' hosted many people at their house, sometimes even the Minister of Magic. They held a great Christmas meal for all their guests and even had plenty of presents for Sirius and Regulus. To keep up appearances, Walburga and Orion would give each boy a respectable number of gifts, promise not to beat them if they behaved, and left them alone in between meal times. Christmas was the best in Sirius' mind. But he enjoyed his birthday almost as much now.

Although, as Christmas drew nearer, Sirius was on edge. He knew the minute he stepped foot in Number 12 Grimmauld Place, he would be beaten to a pulp by his mother. Not only had Sirius disgraced his family by being placed in Gryffindor, but he was friends with blood-traitors and half-bloods. The Black Scion was now considered a blood traitor- which although Sirius couldn't be happier about that fact- he knew exactly what the consequences would be. But maybe- just maybe- he could get away from the people he calls his family. He doubted Regulus would be able to convince them that Sirius shouldn't come home for Christmas break, but he could always hope. Sirius loved his little brother. Regulus and Andromeda were the only relatives he was proud to call his family.

One morning, a few days before Christmas break, James got the letter he had been hoping for. It was one from his parents saying he could invite his friends over for Christmas break. He was thrilled in hearing his parent's response. He knew they would be wary of Sirius, him being part of the Black family and all, so he purposefully left out the young boy's name. Nonetheless, James could invite his two favourite people on earth to his home, Remus, and Sirius. They were also allowed to stay until school started up again.

James was grinning as he walked up to the first-year boy's dorm. He knew Sirius would be there. He wasn't sure if Remus would be or not, but if he wasn't in their dorm, he was studying with Evans. God, why would she like to be around Remus over himself? James would never know.

As he walked in the room, James saw Sirius on his bed reading. Yes, he was reading. Don't get too huffy he was reading about hexes and jinxes. Two of his favourite things to cast on people. Ever since James had gotten that book for Sirius for his birthday, Sirius had gotten detention twenty times in a matter of one and a half months.

"Hey mate!" James greeted as he plopped on Sirius' bed. Sirius looked up and smiled.

"Hey. I found the perfect charm for snivillous for us to cast on him. It will make him dance and sing whatever we choose. Don't you think he'd look funny singing Blodwyn Bludd(Pronounced "Bleeth" with a strong "th") and dancing an Irish jig?" Sirius asked.

James laughed. "Yes, and if it's good enough we might have to make it a yearly tradition. We should do it right before we leave for Christmas. That way he'll be dancing and singing until someone finds him and takes it off. I hear he's staying over Christmas break. Speaking of…." James trailed off. Sirius scowled and looked away.

"I don't want to talk about Christmas break. My parents sent me a letter last night saying they're expecting me home. I don't have a choice." Sirius finished solemnly. James frowned.

"Well, why don't you come home with me? I just got a letter from my parents saying I could. That's actually what I came up here to do. Please, stay with me over Christmas break." James begged.

Sirius stared intensely at his book. "I can't. if I don't come home, they might take their anger out on Regulus. I hope not, but they might. Even if he's their favourite now, I don't know that that will spare him. I have to protect him. You wouldn't understand" Sirius grumbled shaking his head. James nodded, knowing there was no use in fighting the brunet.

"Fine but of it gets bad, promise me that you will floo over. No matter how late. No matter what it is. If it gets to be too much, know that I will be there for you." James reprimanded. Sirius sighed.

"Yeah, of course," Sirius replied.

When it came time to go home, Sirius, James, and Remus all boarded the train. The boys were trying to hold back their laughter until they got to a compartment. When they finally reached their destination, they all plopped down, laughing hysterically.

"Oh, my fucking god! We HAVE to do that every single year. I mean, we literally have to!" Sirius exclaimed waving his hands in the air to express his point. Remus laughed even more.

"Sirius, how the fucking shite did you do that? I mean, that was brilliant, and you're, well…." Remus trailed off.

Sirius faked looking scandalized. "Remus! Do you not think I am just absolutely brilliant? I am hurt. No really, just hurt. You know what, I don't think I can look at you. Turn away, Remus, turn away." Sirius commanded. He then laughed as Remus actually did it. "Remus, I was joking. Jeesh, can't you take a joke?"

"I knew you were joking. That's why I did it. Anyway, why in the world did you make Snape sing and dance in front of the entire school. It was a bit cruel." Remus stated. Sirius smirked.

"That is exactly why I made him sing and dance in front of the entire school. Snivellous deserves it, the git. He purposefully made me look like a fool in potions and you know it." Sirius whined. James was still laughing, but he was finally calming down.

"If we don't do that every year I think I might actually die. Did you see the look on his face?" James asked. He never got his answer because they were abruptly interrupted.

"Did you make Severus do that? Potter? Black?" Lily Evans shrieked as she barged in their cabin. James smirked.

"It was his idea, but I helped Sirius carry it out. Didn't you think it was funny?" James questioned. Evans glared and looked as if she was about to explode.

"You idiot! How could you find that funny? Why did Severus deserve that? You made a fool of him in front of the entire school. And do you really think no one will find out you made him do that? how did you make him do that?" Evans ranted.

Sirius smirked. "Snivellous deserved it because he purposefully made me look foolish in potions. As for how we did it- you'll never know." He bragged. Evans looked as if she could murder him. She was breathing heavily and glared as if he was the bane of her existence.

"Black, you make yourself look foolish without Severus's help. I couldn't care less of how you did it; as long as I never see it happen again." Evans spat, and then turned to Remus, "I don't understand how you could possibly like these two… these two… imbeciles!" she shouted shakily. Lily then turned to glare at James one last time before she stormed out of the cabin.

Remus felt guilty for laughing. She was right. If it had been him who was charmed to dance an Irish jig and sing Blodwyn Bludd, he wouldn't have laughed.

"I sort of feel bad she was so upset, but I don't understand. Why is she so upset? It wasn't her who was dancing and singing "Long Live the Vampire in Me." (A/N My own title. I made it up and could only imagine Snape singing this. I laughed ((he does kind of act like a vampire))) It doesn't make sense!" James exclaimed. Sirius rolled his eyes.

"I don't even understand what's so bad about it. It's not like he got hurt. What's the big deal?" Sirius asked, truly confused with what was so wrong about it. Remus shook his head.

"You two have big problems. I think they are too big for me to fix." Remus stated getting out a book to read.

James' brow furrowed and he stared at Sirius. Sirius wore a similar expression and looked as if he was thinking.

"I don't see it." Sirius finally stated.

"Me either" James agreed. They got out a game of exploding naps and played till they reach platform 9 ¾.

As the Train pulled up to the station, Sirius got very panicky. He felt as if he wanted to cry but his eyes were completely dry. The young boy started to hyperventilate and closed his eyes to try and calm down. James noticed this and pulled the brunet into a hug.

"Everything will be alright, Sirius. And remember, you have my floo address. Use it if you must. I will not mind; nor will my parents." James reminded him. They got off the train and collected their luggage. James led Remus and himself over to his parents. He was ecstatic when he found out Remus could stay for Christmas; even if he had to leave for New Years. They glanced at Sirius one last time before greeting the Potters. Euphemia and Fleamont were waiting with open arms.

"James! Come here, we have missed you so much." Mr. Potter said as he pulled the boy into a hug. After James father let go, his mother pulled him into an even deeper hug, not letting go for a while. Remus stood there awkwardly, staring at the ground not sure what to do.

"James! You barely wrote. How many times did we tell you to use that owl we got you? Do we have to take him away since he is in such little use?" Mrs. Potter scolded the raven-haired child. James cowed and apologized. Remus chuckled, not thinking James cowed to anyone. Being the very arrogant child, he is, James never looked sorry for anything.

When Mrs. Potter was done chastising the boy, she looked over to see a very skinny, scarred, boy with soft, curly, brown hair. She smiled at him.

"You must be Remus. We've heard much about you. We're thrilled that you can stay with us for the holiday, even if it is only for a week." Euphemia greeted. Remus blushed slightly and smiled back at her.

"Yes, it's so nice to meet you, Mrs. Potter. Thank you for having me." Remus replied in a small voice. Mrs. Potter smiled even more.

"Please, call me Mia. (I am giving her a nickname out of pure laziness because I don't want to type out Mrs. Potter or Euphemia every time) And you are very welcome. Now let's go boys. I want to help Willy with dinner. He still tries to everything himself, no matter what I say." Mia said shaking her head in disapproval.

"Willy?" Remus inquired. Do they have a servant? Remus wondered.

"Willy is our House Elf, but he's old and tries to do all the house work plus all the cooking when he can barely move around. He's ridiculous, but he's probably going to die soon anyway, so my mother refuses to let him off." James explained rolling his eyes. Remus' eyes widened in shock.

"You have a House Elf? Wow! I've never actually seen one before, but Ted says they have hundreds in Hogwarts' kitchen." Remus babbled excitedly. James laughed.

"You really haven't seen one before? Well, don't get too excited. They're just ugly little creatures that do housework. Really, not a big deal." James enlightened.

"Well, for you, of course, it is not exciting. But think of how amazing they are. They can apparate through Hogwarts wards, and with a snap of their fingers cook an entire dinner and clean an entire room! It's brilliant!" Remus said, even more, excited than before.

"God, Remus, you can make boring things sound even more boring. You really should have been in Ravenclaw." James told the small boy.

"I'm a Gryffindor and you just have to deal with it. Plus, what is wrong with being fascinated by House Elves. They are amazing creatures. Just because you don't have any natural magical properties like that doesn't mean you need to be jealous." Remus playfully reprimanded him. Mia smiled and chuckled.

"He's right, Jamsie. Excuse James, he has always been somewhat appalled by my old house. Always wanting to be a Gryffindor like his father. He's never appreciated knowledge or books. It might change someday, hopefully." Mia claimed.

"You were in Ravenclaw? My dad was too. My parents were sure I would go there as well but the hat surprised them, and me, with its decision. I like Gryffindor, though." Remus told them.

"Of course, you do, my boy. Who wouldn't? In my day, Gryffindor was at it's prime. Professor Dumbledore was the Head of House. A brilliant time. He is an amazing man, doing great things for Hogwarts as it's Headmaster. The exact opposite of his predecessor's. For example, Phineas Black. Awful man, he was. The whole Black family. With an exception of my mother, of course." Fleamont lectured. James scowled. He knew his father was trying to get at something.

"Sirius isn't like his family, Dad. In fact, he's nothing like them. But you probably won't believe me until you meet him. Are we really related to the Blacks?" James asked trying to stray from the subject of Sirius. He was worried sick about the young boy and wanted to get home and get his mind off it.

"Yes, but I believe it's mostly by marriage and quite a few times removed. I trust your judgment James, but the Black family is bad news. Even if he isn't like his family, it won't do well to associate yourself with him. But of course, it's your choice. It won't matter either way, to us, James, we just want to warn you." Fleamont clarified.

"I agree with you, Mr. Potter, but Sirius really isn't bad. He is a lot of fun, but he's damaged. You're right, the Black family is bad news, but there are exceptions. Such as Sirius' cousin Andromeda. She's amazing and is even dating a Muggleborn. But Sirius' Mother is absolutely awful." Remus explained. Mr. Potter sighed.

"I suppose to every rule, there are always a few exceptions. But like you said, Walburga Black is absolutely dreadful. I heard she has been talking to the Minister, trying to get him to write and sign a bill that would demand execution to all werewolves, even the innocent ones." Fleamont revealed. Remus perked up and his heart stopped.

"Those poor dears. None of them choose their fate. That wretched Greyback, always deciding their destinies for them. Now that's a beast that the world needs to be rid of. The rest of those inflicted can hardly be held accountable for their actions. They've either been brainwashed by that monster or have to live in the world, chastised by everyone around them. They didn't ask for that. hundreds of innocent children. If the Minister ever signs that bill, I'd…. I don't know what I'd do, but it would not be pretty." Mia raged. Remus was so taken aback that he had stopped walking. No one had ever held those same belief's as Remus had. No one.

"What's wrong?" James asked.

"I… I guess I just thought… I mean you're purebloods. Even half-bloods and Muggleborn think that werewolves are disgusting; I assumed you would as well. I suppose I was wrong." Remus corrected himself.

Mia frowned. "You don't believe that, do you?" She asked gently.

"No, well… they are monsters, but they're not disgusting. I have…. A relative with Lycanthropy, a far-off relative, I've only met once, and they seemed, nice. Not disgusting." Remus lied. Mia shook her head sadly and James scowled.

"They aren't monsters but once a month. One night out of twenty-eight days- the wolf comes out to play. That doesn't seem like a monster to me." James told him. Remus felt himself tearing up so he let the conversation drop and started walking again. They finally reached their destination- a portkey.

When they took the portkey, it landed them at a huge mansion. It was absolutely enormous. It also had an orchard, a garden, a greenhouse, a Quidditch pitch, and at least fifty other acres of land. When they walked in the door, they entered a well-decorated foyer. It was a nice size and had stairs at the back, and hallways on either side of the stairs. To ones right of the foyer, they would enter a door to an office and meeting room. The office was where Fleamont did his work. if one turned left, it would lead them to a hallway. At the end of the hallway was a fair-sized dining room. The first room on the right of the hallway was a beautiful living room, decorated in blue.

If you went up the T-shaped stairs, to the right one would find guest room after guest room. If one went up the left side of the stairs, they would be led to two suits. The suit on the left was Mr. and Mrs. Potter's suit, complete with an in-suit bathroom.

The suit on the right was James's, also complete with an in-suit bathroom. It was made up of a total of three rooms connected by a "small" sitting room. "small" as in smaller than anything else in that house. There was also a fair-sized bathroom. When you walked into the sitting room, there were four doors, three on opposite walls. James had always slept in the room with the door on the opposite side of the entrance. In other words, the room at the back. The doors on each wall lead to a room. The room to the right was smaller because on the right wall there was also a door leading to the in-suit bathroom. To make it simple I will call the room to the left Room A, James' room- Room B, and the room on the right Room C.

If you went down the stairs and faced the foyer how one would when they walked in the front door, there were two hallways on opposite sides of the stairs. If one went down the hallway to the left, they would enter the kitchens. If you were to enter the hallway on the right, you would find a hallway turning right halfway through, and a mudroom at the end of the original hallway. If you went through the door at the back of the mudroom, you would be lead out to the Quidditch pitch or the orchard. If you went back through the original hallway and turned in to the adjoining hallway, you would be lead to a pair of French doors. Through the doors, you would find a Ballroom.

The Ballroom itself accounted for half the house. It was a two-story high ceiling and a room that was larger than the great hall at Hogwarts with no doubt. The room could have easily held tables to fit 500 people and still left room for a dance floor.

When James finished giving Remus the house tour, Remus was shocked. He was also out of breath, but that wasn't the point.

"So, do you want to see the greenhouse?" James asked. If he was tired, it was not showing. They had just walked through almost the entire mansion and James wanted to walk through the greenhouses. Remus was utterly overwhelmed. He was sure he was going to get lost.

"Do you have a map of this place?" Remus asked, half joking, half worried he would get lost. James held out a finger as if to say, "one moment" and walked over to a cabinet near the Ballroom door and pulled out a paper.

"Mum's idea. So, do you want to pick a room in my suit?" James asked as he handed the astounded boy a map.

Warning depictions of abuse ahead not extremely graphic, don't worry.

The walk and Portkey to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place were relatively silent. Sirius was scared, to say the least, but he was brave. He would handle it. He knew what was ahead and would take whatever was coming to him. But he was still allowed to be scared, right?

Kreacher had been charged with picking him up from the station. The strange elf was grumbling about 'Blood Traitors' and 'Bad Blood.' Sirius was a pale white color by the time they reached the front door.

He would take this, for Regulus. Sirius knew Regulus would be beaten again and has been before, but if he could save his brother from just one hit, he would do it. He loved his younger brother to a point to which he doesn't even realize or understand. To save Regulus, Sirius Black would give his life.

When they walked through the door, Walburga Black didn't give her son a moment to rest before starting what Sirius could only hope to avoid.

"Sirius Orion Black. You are a disgrace to the Black family. You are a disgrace to your name. You're a filthy, disgusting Blood traitor! My own flesh and blood have betrayed me! Now get up here and take your punishment!" she shrieked.

Sirius warily made his to the tapestry room. He knew that's where she was because that is where she always punished him. At least when he did anything to" tarnish" the family name. He stood up straight and walked in the room. He saw his scowling mother standing in the middle of the room with a broom. Not just any broom, his own riding broom. He walked up to her boldly and stared her in the eyes.

"I'm glad I'm in Gryffindor. I am happy to be a blood traitor. But if you must 'punish' me, I will take it like any Gryffindor would- bravely, not backing down. You won't win this battle mother. I'm in Gryffindor and there is nothing you can do about it." He told her standing in front of hero openly without any hesitation.

She scowled even more. Without saying another word, she slapped him right across the face. He drew his hand up to his lip that was slit, but not before keening over at another of his mothers blows. She smacked him on his side and he momentarily lost balance. Before he could regain balance, she kneed him in the ribs. He fell to the ground and kicked him. In between kicks, Sirius could hear shouting's of "bane of my existence," or "strains of dishonor," and even, "filth of my blood." She finally stopped after she kicked hm in the head and he lost consciousness.

The next thing he remembered was someone putting a glass to his lips and saying, "Drink, Sirius." And then he passed out again.

When he finally woke up for good he was met with the last thing he wanted to see, Kreacher. Okay, maybe second to last. Kreacher was dressing a wound on Sirius' head. Sirius ached all over. His arm had been draped over his stomach to protect it during the beating and had broken. But when he checked his arm again it felt merely bruised. Sirius finally got Kreacher to get off him and he tried to sit up.

"Woah! Hey, calm down and lay back. I didn't realize you were awake yet. Here drink" Regulus said while handing him a glass of water.

Regulus looked as if he were a smaller duplicate of Sirius when you first looked at him. But if you stared long enough you would realize his eyes were slightly further apart, and also a deeper shade of gray with a tint of blue, while Sirius' eyes were most definitely silver. Regulus also had a slightly (relatively) larger nose. His hair was also kept short.

Sirius' hair was the only freedom he had ever gotten, mostly because he only ever got it cut when he was going to be seen publicly.

Sirius tried to smile when he saw his younger brother but stopped when it hurt too much.

"Reg." Sirius greeted hoarsely. His voice showed how much in need of a drink he was. Sirius tried to sallow and wetten it but his throat was too dry. Regulus then held the cup of water to Sirius' lips as Sirius drank. "Thanks." He again attempted a smile but winced when he found it painful. Sirius fell back down against his pillows. He had the worst headache.

"I know you probably don't feel like talking, but how was school?" Regulus asked, wanting to keep Sirius' mind from drifting, which it often did.

"Amazing," Sirius replied. "I can't wait until you're there with me and I didn't have t worry about you, as much." He finished with a small tired laugh. Regulus sighed.

"You shouldn't have to worry about me at all. You have plenty of other things to think about, all of them more interesting than me, I'm sure. But you should rest some more. I'll come back later." Regulus promised his brother. He had been holding Sirius' hand and he gave it a tight squeeze in advance to make his leave. Before he could, Sirius grab his hand harder, pulled him down, albeit gently, and gave him a small hug. Regulus was caught completely off guard. Since when did Sirius hug? Regulus wondered. When Sirius let go, he didn't ask the questions lingering in his mind, and just left Sirius to his sleep.

The next couple days, as Sirius was recovering, the two brothers talked for hours in Sirius' room. Each night Regulus would try to leave but Sirius would tell him to stay and sleep in his bed. Regulus found Sirius' new obsession with physical interaction odd, but never corrected it because he knew they both had enough of being told they were wrong. Regulus finally realized one night why Sirius needed a snuggle buddy for bed. Sirius had awful night terrors. He would be thrashing and mumbling, but Sirius had never mentioned them after Regulus woke him up.

Christmas Eve as coming very quickly, only being a day away when the guests arrived at Grimmauld Place. All the most pompous, ignorant, pure-bloods came, insulting his every step. That was Sirius' last straw. Well, Sirius had kept it all together until someone brought up Muggleborn's.

James, Remus, and even Lily sometimes, helped him realize that muggles aren't all bad. It had taken one trip to the muggle studies room for the idea to finally sit. Sirius realized that muggles were the best thing one the earth that was possible.

When the haughty purebloods started spouting off insults of the highest offense, he got up from where he was sitting and left the room. His mother had noticed and starting yelling at him again. She ah put up a silencing charm so she didn't hold anything back. When she was finished Sirius was crying silently and sniffling as he made his way to the Floo. He didn't care about what would happen, he promised James.

It was near Midnight when Sirius came through the Floo. Mia and Monty (Mr. Potter had admitted to not wanting to be called Fleamont) were talking at the sitting room table in front of the fireplace when he arrived. He was hyperventilating and mumbling how he needed James

"James said I could come through if it became too much, I need James. I… I... I need…" Mia saw the upset boy and immediately her maternal instincts kicked in. She pulled him into a hug and muttered soothing things.

"It's alright, you're alright." She repeated over and over, he had started to calm down when James had gotten there.

"What's wrong… Sirius? What are you doing here so late? What… what happened?" James asked. When Sirius couldn't answer he pulled his best mate into a hug.

"It was too much. You said if it was too much, and it as too much." Sirius babbled in between breaths.

"It's okay, Sirius. You're alright now.

A/N Ha Ha! Yes, I'm leaving it like that, it's late (in my time) and I want to get this out before I sleep. I've been awake for 17 hours and it's my story, I have that right. Plus, the rest would be pretty boring. But hey, you will still have one more chapter for the first year- even though I think I say that every time. Anyway, here is your extra-long chapter that should make up for the shortness of the last one. This one took me a while because I have been busy so don't expect anything new for at least like... a week and a half. But hey, I might surprise you and me.

Bye

Love Marauderfascination