I do not own Harry Potter.
Grey Wren & Dumbledoresucks: I am sorry if you are not enjoying this story. No, James is not being "forced" to believe anything; he is doing what he can with the information he has. It's not just Dumbledore's story, it is what everyone believed happened. We'll get a bit more from James' perspective and thought process about the issue when we get to book three, but for now, James doesn't believe the Sirius he knew was capable of killing 12 innocent people for revenge, so Peter's death bed accusation about him being the traitor makes some sense. Besides, even if he did believe Sirius innocent of all of it, without Peter, there would be no way of getting him out of Azkaban, as he'd still be considered a mass murderer with no proof otherwise. Even Harry didn't believe Sirius' story until he knew Peter was alive. If you are hoping for a big confrontation, you will be disappointed. Like in the book when Sirius and Remus forgave each other for thinking the other was the spy in about a sentence, it's not going to be a huge deal. I think the three of them feel they've wasted too much time together to waste more on being mad.
As for Dumbledore, there will be no character bashing in this fanfiction. I endeavor to treat every character like they are treated in the books, which means gray characters like Dumbledore and Snape, who everyone has strong opinions about, will be treated with respect and given the benefit of the doubt.
Harry,
This invisibility cloak has been my family for generations. I think it's time it was handed down to you. Your mother says to make sure you use it well, which probably means use it better than I did when I was in school!
Merry Christmas!
Dad
Dear Mum and Dad,
Merry Christmas! Thanks for everything! And thanks especially, Dad, for your invisibility cloak! Yes, Mum, I shall be sure to 'use it well.'
Hagrid gave me a wooden flute he must have whittled himself. Mrs. Weasley sent me a box of fudge and a hand knitted sweater. Christmas dinner was incredible, and afterwards the Weasley's and I had a huge snowball fight most of the afternoon. Did I tell you that a few weeks ago the twins were punished for enchanting snowballs to bounce off the back of Quirrell's turban?
Then I broke in the chess set you gave me by losing spectacularly to Ron. He's the best chess player I know.
Merry Christmas, and thanks again!
Love,
Harry
Dear Mum and Dad,
We've found Flamel! His name was on Dumbledore's chocolate frog card. That's why I thought that I'd heard it before; I'd read it on the train coming here. They worked on alchemy together. This was enough information for Hermione to find him in a book she had already checked out. Nicholas Flamel is the only known maker of the Sorcerer's Stone! The stone has the power to turn any metal into solid gold and produces the Elixir of Life which will make the drinker immortal. Flamel is six hundred and sixty-five years old!
One more thing. The quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Gryffindor is coming up, and Snape is refereeing. Most people think it's an attempt at keeping Gryffindor from overtaking Slytherin in the house championship for the first time in seven years. I know you said not to worry about him, but Ron and Hermione think I shouldn't play, and I'm a little worried myself. What do you think?
Love,
Harry
Dear Harry,
I wouldn't put it past Snape to referee a quidditch match just to help Slytherin win, but I don't think he is trying to kill you. Don't worry, and win the game quick so you can wipe the smiles off the Slytherin's faces!
So, the package from Gringotts was the Sorcerer's Stone? That makes sense. Nicholas Flamel must have known someone was after it and asked Dumbledore to protect it, since they're friends. There is sure to be more protection on it than just Fluffy. I'm sure it's perfectly safe.
Good luck with the match and be careful.
Love,
Dad and Mum
Author's Note: Harry stayed at Hogwarts over Christmas break specifically to keep looking for Flamel, although he probably told his parents it was to keep Ron company (just like in the book, the Weasleys stayed because Mr. and Mrs. Weasley went to Romania to visit Charlie). Harry doesn't mention the Mirror of Erised because he tends to be very stingy with information, particularly with adults, so while he's telling his parents a lot, he's not telling them everything. As for what he saw, please headcanon what you want. Personally, I think he saw his parents and a host of other relatives (just like in the book) in a world where he lived with them in the wizarding world always instead of being with the Dursleys for ten years, but I'm sure there are other options just as good. Let me know what you think :)