Chapter 38
A Merry Christmas
Sirius opened the door to the apartment, leading Harry by the hand so he wouldn't trip over anything. Harry kept his eyes closed, grinning with excitement. "Sirius," he said breathlessly, once they were inside. "What is this all about?"
"Almost, Harry," Sirius encouraged, bringing his godson into the living room. "Sit down on the couch here."
When Harry sat, Sirius cleared his throat, and stepped back a few paces. "All right," he added, "open your eyes!"
When Harry did as he was told, he gasped. Sirius had completely re-decorated the apartment, using some type of bewitchment to make fake snow come from the ceiling. A Christmas tree sat in the corner, decorated with bright, multi-colored lights and tinsel, and Hedwig herself perched contentedly at the top in place of a star. A large quantity of neatly wrapped gifts lay under the tree, and the ceiling, as at Hogwarts, looked like the night sky, shining with thousands of gold stars.
"Wow!" Harry cried, shocked. "How did you do this, Sirius? This is incredible!"
"And that's not the last," Sirius added with a wink. Confused, Harry sat back as the older man whistled, and then he heard the tinkle of bells. Two, full-sized reindeer came trotting out from his bedroom, bobbing their heads and making small, grunting noises.
"This is brilliant!" Harry gasped, as they stood by the tree. He stood up, and went over to the one reindeer, petting its soft nose gently.
"And you asked how I did this, Harry?" Sirius smiled, and Harry looked at him. "Well, it's actually a rather funny story, and I have to admit, your father was of some encouragement."
Harry sat back down on the couch, waiting patiently to listen to what Sirius had to say. "We were in our seventh year at Hogwarts," Sirius began, "and as you can probably guess, we were pretty good wizards by that point. It was around Christmas, and I happened to be talking to James and Remus with my wand in my hand, and I accidentally shot a bolt of light out of it at your Dad."
Harry gasped. "You didn't hurt him, did you?" he sounded anxious, and Sirius sat down next to him, chuckling.
"No, not at all. Well, not exactly. When I turned to look at what I'd done, where your father sat was a brightly wrapped gift box."
Harry blinked. "A…what?" he coughed a little, and Sirius allowed him to lay down, so his legs were using his thighs as pillows.
"Yeah." Sirius grinned. "Apparently, when it came to the holidays, I had a real flare for transfiguring people and things into Christmas decorations."
"It took you seven years to figure it out, though?" Harry asked, smiling softly when Hedwig flew down from the tree, and perched on his stomach. He stroked her white breast, allowing her to nip his finger affectionately.
"Well, Im not sure," Sirius admitted. "It hadn't happened before that. Then again, I rarely talked while waving my wand around, either, but we were having a particularly good time at the Christmas eve feast in the Great Hall, and I got over-excited. Dumbledore was impressed, of course, and as you can probably imagine, deeply amused."
Harry was laughing now, and jumped when one of the reindeer nuzzled his neck with its nose. "But anyway," Sirius continued, "after transfiguring your Dad back to his usual self, I decided to see what else I could do. So I completely transformed the entire Gryffindor Common room into a theme similar to this. Professor McGonagall was rather impressed as well, I must say."
Harry laughed again, and yawned. "Sorry," he apologized, and Sirius smiled.
"You're probably exhausted," he said, and checked his watch. "It's only five thirty, but if you want to rest and take an early night, that's fine."
Harry yawned again. "It's Christmas eve, though," he whispered, and Sirius felt his forehead, just to be on the safe side.
"No fever. Well, how about I make us some tea, and then we'll see how you feel? Are you in the mood for some soup for dinner?"
Harry nodded. "I can just doze here on the couch, Sirius."
Sirius frowned, and then nodded. "Okay. Well, I'll still make some dinner for us, then. Any preference?"
Harry shook his head. "No," he replied softly, and turned over so he was facing the back of the couch.
Sirius stood in the kitchen, peering through the doorway at his godson. Harry had certainly changed in physique since his illness over the summer, and it was no delusion to tell that he was easily exhausted. "But he's going to be fine," Sirius told himself, filling a pot with water and sitting it on the stove. "He's going to be just fine"
After dinner was ready, Sirius filled two bowls and two mugs, and carried them into the living room. Harry was sound asleep by this point on the couch, his chest moving up and down gently with his calm breathing. Sirius set everything on the table, and gave the boy a gentle shake.
"Mmmmrph," Harry muttered, shifting slightly.
"Harry, maybe we should put you to bed," Sirius suggested, trying to ignore the nagging worry inside of him.
"Huh?" Harry's eyes opened again, and he blinked. "Oh…sorry…fell asleep."
Sirius chuckled. "Yeah, I can tell. Well, try to take down some of your dinner down, and then you can go to bed."
Harry yawned, stretching his arms over his head. "Yeah," he whispered, "I'll try. I'm sorry, Sirius."
"Hey," Sirius replied, returning the hug. "I just want you to feel better, okay?"
Harry nodded, slowly drinking his broth. He was feeling incredibly drained, hating how even exerting himself ever so slightly was ridiculously exhausting. When he finished his dinner, he gave Sirius a quick kiss on the cheek, and told him he was going to lay down for the rest of the night. Sirius insisted he take his tea with him, and, after Harry disappeared into his bedroom, Sirius buried his face in his hands.
"Oh Harry," he breathed. "Isn't this ever going to end?"
When Christmas morning arrived, Harry awoke to the sound of more than just Sirius' voice. He sat up, feeling considerably better than the night before, though still fairly drained. It was snowing hard outside, and the thought of how cold it must be made him shiver.
Clearing his throat, Harry slid out of bed, and fumbled around on the nightstand for his glasses. Once he put them on, he wrapped his robe around himself, and put on his slippers. Yawning and hoping he didn't look too ridiculous, he peered out into the living room.
"Harry!" Sirius called, grinning, and nodded to their guest.
"Professor Lupin?" Harry gasped, hurrying out into the room.
"Hello, Harry," he replied softly. "I hope you don't mind that I've stopped by. I wanted to wish the both of you a Happy Christmas."
"I don't mind at all," Harry replied honestly.
"Are you feeling better, I hope?" Sirius asked, chuckling at his godson's messy hair…well, messier than usual on either accord.
"Yeah." Harry smiled.
"Well, shall we have breakfast and then open gifts?" Sirius suggested. "Remus, you can stay as long as you want, you know that," he promised, and Professor Lupin nodded.
"I just don't want to intrude on your and Harry's first Christmas together."
Harry grinned. "The more the merrier," he laughed, just as the telephone rang.
"I wonder who in Merlin's name that could be," Sirius laughed, as he picked it up. "Hello?" he paused, as Harry went to get some juice from the refridgerator. "Harry? It's for you."
Harry set the orange juice down on the counter, and picked up the phone. "Hello?"
"Happy Christmas." His heart leapt at the sound of Hermione's voice on the other end.
"Hermione," he breathed. "Happy Christmas to you, too. How are you?"
Sirius, he could tell, was trying hard not to laugh out loud, though the expression on his face was enough to give the idea away.
"Just fine. And you?"
"All right. I miss you." He lightly stepped on his godfather's toe, and Sirius merely pretended to make kissing impressions.
"I miss you so much, Harry. We just finished opening presents, and wait till you see some of the new clothes Mum and Dad have gotten me!"
"I'll bet you'll look beautiful." He turned his back on Sirius, who was now pretending to gag over the pancake mix. Lupin sat at the table, shaking his head, and sipping slowly from his cup of coffee.
"Harry, are you all right? You sound so tired," Hermione began, and Harry shrugged.
"I'm fine,"he insisted.
"Diagon Alley probably wore you out yesterday." She sighed. "We shouldn't have come over…"
"Hermione, don't say that," Harry begged. "I had a great time yesterday. I was tired last night, but that's normal for me now."
"Well, okay." She smiled to herself. "Listen, Harry…I have to go. Mum and Dad are fixing breakfast. I love you," she added quickly. "And say Happy Christmas to Sirius for me."
"Professor Lupin's here, too," Harry added, and Hermione gasped. "And I love you, too."
"Ooh! Might I say hello real fast?" she asked, and Harry lowered the phone. "Professor Lupin, Hermione wants to say hi," he said, and Lupin smiled.
"Of course." He took the phone from Harry, and, while he talked with Hermione, Harry gave Sirius a playful punch on the shoulder.
"You are annoying," he laughed, and Sirius merely shrugged.
"How is Hermione enjoying her Christmas?" he asked, cracking egss open and pouring the yolk into a bowl.
"She's having a good one so far, it seems." Harry poured himself a glass of orange juice, and, after Professor Lupin hung up the phone, he joined him.
"That was nice to talk to Hermione," Lupin said. "She's a nice girl, Harry. You're very lucky."
Harry blushed. "Definitely am," he replied.
"Are you excited about the production?" Professor Lupin asked, once breakfast was on the table, and the three of them sat eating. It was a relief to see Harry's appetite back to normal; he ate just as fast as any normal fifteen year old boy. Harry nearly choked on his eggs.
"Excited er…isn't exactly the word," he admitted. "Terrified is more like it."
Sirius laughed. "You'll be fine."
"You have extraordinary talent," Lupin added. "Sirius, you should have heard him sing."
"I would have if someone had remembered to tell me," Sirius teased, and Harry stuck out his tongue.
"Ha ha," he laughed. "Professor, are you really…"
"Harry," Lupin laughed, "since we're not in school, you can call me Remus. I don't find it necessary to keep calling me Professor."
Harry grinned. "Oh…yes. Remus, are you still going to be conducting? I was rather surprised that you knew how to play the piano!"
Lupin grinned at Sirius. "Well, that's one of my er…many hidden talents."
"He's very musical," Sirius laughed. "He played for James, Lily and I all the time on the holidays. I remember dancing with your mother, and having James cut in because I was well, hogging her."
It was Harry's turn to laugh. "Too bad we don't have a piano, Sirius," he said softly. "I would like to hear you play."
Lupin smiled. "Well, you'll hear plenty of it, I'm sure." He grinned. "I must admit I'm still in a bit of shock over the very idea of having a production at Hogwarts."
"D'you know how it happened, Remus?" Harry asked. "I really shouldn't tell you…as long as you promise not to tell Dumbledore…"
Lupin cocked his head to one side. "Harry," he said, "you're talking to one of the Marauders. We excel in sneakiness."
Sirius snorted into his coffee. "You?" he laughed, and Lupin raised an eyebrow. "Well, so I was one of the er…more respectable of the four of us, but you have to admit, Sirius, that I had my share of mischief, too." Sirius tapped his mug, a smirk still on his face. "Go on, Harry," Lupin added.
"Well, it was all an accident, actually, that happened in one of our potion's lessons," Harry continued. "Neville made a big mistake with a draught we were making, and his cauldron basically exploded. It fell into the air and all the contents fell on Snape's head. Next thing we knew, he was forcing some of us to sing in turn, and that's when he came up with the idea about the musical. So I don't know how long the spell'll last, but…"
Sirius's face was turning blue with surpressed laughter, and, shockingly, Lupin was the first one to burst out loud. Before Harry knew it, both his godfather and his teacher were rolling on the floor with mirth. When Sirius was finally able to take a breath, he pounded the table with his fist. "Oh, oh…that is priceless," he howled. "Imagine when the spell wears off, and how Snape'll feel then!"
"Well," Lupin sniggered, "let us hope that it doesn't wear off until the play is over. Could you just imagine if he returned to his normal self in the middle of opening night?"
It was Harry's turn to laugh. "That would be terrible," he agreed, coughing a little. "So, when can we open presents?"
Sirius looked at Lupin. "Do you want me to go?" Lupin asked. "I shouldn't stay…"
"Where are you planning on going, Remus?" Sirius asked softly, and Harry wet his lips.
"You don't…have anywhere to go for Christmas, do you?" he asked softly, and Lupin sighed.
"I'm used to it, Harry," he admitted, and Sirius hugged his friend.
"Stay, Remus. You're always welcome here, and you know it."
Lupin nodded. "I just don't want to be intruding…"
"You're not intruding," Harry promised. "I'd hate the idea of you spending a holiday by yourself. Come on, let me help clean up and then you can join us opening presents."
"And I do believe you have a few for yourself under the tree," Sirius told Lupin, who began helping them clear the table.
"Sirius," Lupin sighed, and Sirius gave him a warning look.
"Go and sit down," he insisted, and Lupin retreated into the living room. Once the three of them were sitting together on the floor, Sirius began to deal out the different gifts to their rightful owners. "I hope you like what I've gotten you, Harry," Sirius said softly, and Harry merely smiled.
"I'm sure I'll love everything, Sirius," he replied, and Lupin cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"I well…I got you something as well," he added.
"You didn't have to," Harry started to protest, and Lupin shook his head, handing Harry another package.
"No, I insist."
"Well, who wants to go first?" Sirius asked, pleased by his own, rather generous pile of gifts. Harry coughed into a fist, and pulled his robe more tightly around his body. Lupin gave him a curious expression.
"Are you cold, Harry?" he asked, and Sirius felt his godson's forehead, which seemed to be an automatic gesture whenever Harry was feeling off.
"You're starting to feel a little warm," he sighed, and Harry shook his head.
"I'm fine, Sirius," he insisted. "Hermione just reckons I wore myself out in Diagon Alley yesterday."
Sirius cocked his head to one side. "Are you feeling achy anywhere?" he asked, and Lupin raised an eyebrow.
"Let Harry enjoy his Christmas, Sirius," he spoke up. "If he's not feeling well after we've opened gifts, then we'll just let him lay down a while."
Harry gave his godfather a hug. "Don't worry," he promised, though Sirius still had a bit of worried pang in his gut.
"You can go first," he told Harry, who had no idea where to start. He decided to open Lupin's gift first, which turned out to be a book.
"I thought you'd want to read the story before you participated in the play, Harry," he explained, when Harry read the title: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. "It's actually quite good. I read it myself."
Harry nodded in understanding. "Thanks," he replied, making a point to start reading it that night. He could just see Hermione's delighted expression when he told her he read the novel first. From Sirius, he received a few new articles of clothing, including a couple of pairs of jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, and…
"Sirius…" Harry sniggered, holding up a glass bottle. "Is this…"
"Cologne, yeah," Sirius laughed. "I thought you might want to give yourself a bit of a spice. It's supposed to turn the girl's on, according to the salesman. And it's a light scent, so it shouldn't bother you at all."
Harry spritzed a bit of the cologne on his wrist, and sure enough, it was a pleasant smell; almost like cinnamon. "I'm sure Hermione'll like this," he said, and Lupin chuckled. He also received a practice snitch, which had a switch that could control the speed of the tiny golden ball. "So it won't fly away," Sirius explained. "There's a high, medium, and a low setting, and it has an alarm to let you know where it's gone. It also has a feature where you clap and have it return from where it's flying. Supposedly the Quidditch World Cup players use it all the time at practice."
Harry held the replica of the golden snitch, amazed at how realistic it looked. He peered closely at the switch, and, just for amusement, turned it onto medium. It zoomed above his head and towards the top of the Christmas tree, startling Hedwig, who hooted in irritation.
"Clap, Harry," Sirius told him, and Harry did as he was told. He clapped twice, and the ball immediately began to make its way towards him. He quickly caught it in his palm, feeling the tiny wings fluttering fast against his hand.
"That's really cool," he said. "This'll be great for practice!"
"One more gift," Sirius added, handing Harry another package. It was large and flat, and he peered at it with curiosity. "This was in your bedroom at Godric's Hollow. I…I gave it to Hagrid when he took the motorcycle, and had him keep it safe until well…" Sirius' voice cracked, and Harry decided it was best not to answer, and he tore the paper carefully from the object. Inside sat a large frame, with a collection of pictures of his parents and friends. "You can hang it in your dormitory," Sirius whispered, and Harry watched as the pictures were moving; the subjects smiling and waving.
"That's their wedding picture, isn't it?" Harry asked, pointing to the center photograph. He recognized his mother at once, her long red hair hanging loose about her shoulders. Her green eyes were shining as she stood next to her husband; she wore a long, old fashioned, white wedding gown, and a crown of flowers around her head. James Potter wore a black suit and tie, and looked like the happiest man alive.
"Yeah," Sirius explained. "There are more."
"Oh my God, is this you?" Harry laughed, pointing at another picture on the left. It was of the four Marauders, though the sight of Peter Pettigrew made his blood boil. Sirius peered at the photograph, and began chuckling. "Look, Remus," he laughed, and his friend glanced over Harry's shoulder.
"Oh dear." Lupin laughed along with his friend. "Look at James…good gracious, he was always fussing with his hair!"
"Sirius, this is great," Harry said softly. "Thank you." He gave his godfather another hug, and felt Sirius kiss the top of his head quickly.
"You're welcome, Harry."
"Now you," Harry insisted.
The rest of the gift opening went without much ado, and when they were finished, Sirius made the three of them a pot of hot cocoa in the kitchen. The entire day was a quiet affair, and Lupin spent until late evening with them. "I should go," he began, once dinner was over, and clean up finished. "I had a really good time, Sirius. And Harry. Thank you for letting me stay."
Sirius gave his good friend a hug. "Anytime, Remus."
"I'll see you at Hogwarts, then, Harry. Well…" he pause, looking at Sirius. "Possibly sooner. Enjoy the rest of your holiday."
Harry watched as Lupin disappeared down the hallway, and, when Sirius shut the door after him, Harry went to sit down on the couch. "It's been a good Christmas," he said softly, and Sirius sat down next to him.
"You bet," he replied. "Harry, I…I wanted to tell you something."
"Mmmm?" Harry sipped from a glass of water, which he had used to take a couple of advil down for his current headache.
"There's something I…thought you should know about Remus and I. He will be coming over more frequently," he added, and Harry smiled.
"I'd like that," he replied, and Sirius lowered his head.
"Harry," he began, "haven't you…wondered…why I haven't been dating any women? Why I haven't had…a you know, girl to speak of?"
Harry nearly choked on his water. "Well, I kind of thought it was because you'd been in Azkaban for twelve years, Sirius," he admitted. "You didn't have time for girls!"
Sirius smirked. "Well, true, but…I mean…you would think, a single man my age would be interested in looking, right?"
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. You've been preoccupied with me since you got out of prison."
"Harry, listen. This is going to be very awkward for you, I'm afraid, but I…I've been waiting for the right time to tell you, and I figure now is best."
"You're…" Harry swallowed. "you're gay, aren't you?"
Sirius was very quiet, and Harry blinked. "Yes, Harry." Sirius replied.
"Why are you telling me this now? You've had forever to tell me," Harry replied, and Sirius touched his shoulder.
"You had a lot on your mind, Harry. It's not a bad thing, you know. Lupin and I discussed it a lot over the past year while you were at school, trying to reach a conclusion to how we felt about each other. We've been feeling as more than friends since we left Hogwarts, but then of course, as you said, there was the little detour at Azkaban."
"An old married couple," Harry muttered under his breath, remembering what Snape had told Sirius and Lupin in the shrieking shack. He'd wondered what the potions' master had meant by that. "Sirius, I'm not freaked out, I'm…surprised, I guess, but I'm glad you…"
"Harry, if you're upset by it, that's understandable," Sirius replied. "But it's the truth. I hope this doesn't make your class with Remus awkward," he added quietly, and Harry shrugged.
"No," he promised. "It won't, Sirius. I'm glad you told me."
Sirius sighed with relief. "Good," he agreed. "I'm sorry I took this long to tell you."
Harry shook his head. "Sirius," he replied, "it's okay, really. I'm not condemning you or anything for being in love with my teacher."
Sirius laughed heartily, and pretended to put his nephew in a headlock. Eventually he let go, and hugged Harry tight. "Well, I'm glad you're okay with this. I honestly wasn't sure how you'd react…it was a rather sudden bit of news, you know."
It was Harry's turn to laugh. "As if I'm not used to sudden news already." He suddenly paused, sneezing into the crook of his arm.
"Bless you," Sirius told him quietly. "I think you're coming down with a cold, Harry. You've had a bit of a fever all day." He rested the back of his hand against Harry's forehead. "Not as warm, but I really want you to take it easy."
"I know." Harry cleared his throat. "Sirius, I really do miss Hermione. A lot."
Sirius gave Harry a hug. "I know you do. I know. She's helped you through so much. I'm sure you'll be able to see her over the rest of the holiday, though."
Harry settled back against the couch. He hoped, deep down, that he would one day marry Hermione. It was very early for that to even be a thought, he knew…they were only sixteen, after all! But he loved her so much; loved her with everything he had in him. And didn't his own parents fall in love at sixteen, and marry not long after they graduated from Hogwarts? It wasn't unheard of.
"I wouldn't let her go for anything," he told his godfather, who smiled.
"I'm sure she knows that, Harry," he replied. "She's very lucky to have you."
Harry gazed up at the ceiling, still bewitched by Sirius' Christmas charm. He felt his eyes drooping after a while, and, after a bit of prodding, decided to turn in again.
"Merry Christmas," he told Sirius, who nodded.
"Good night, Harry." Sirius settled back as Harry went into his room, and watched as Hedwig adjusted herself on her perch. He gazed towards the window, and smiled when he saw snow beginning to fall once more. "It is a very Merry Christmas," he added to himself. "I am thankful to have Harry here with me." He stood, removing his wand from his pocket, and aimed it at the fireplace. Water spurted out from the end, extinguishing the flames, so the only light in the room was from the twinkling stars. "Night Hedwig," Sirius whispered, before deciding to turn in himself.