AN: Thank you to everyone who reviewed.

Osiris100: Yes Harry and Neville will be brothers. Rita will definitely be in this. On whose side? Not Sure. Sirius will be sticking to Dumbles and Several others.

Klester: Will Do.

Arnie1701: Glad you enjoyed Alice going off.

KingOfEternia: I'm glad you enjoyed Little Harry. The Letters will be posted in a separate story.

Millie Gray: Posting all the letters (Howlers included) in a side story. When I first posted this I didn't think there would be bashing. But there is and will be more. Mostly of Dumbles. Definitely won't be skipping straight to the boys in school.

Magitech: I have always found Dumbles easy trust of Snape weird. Frank is going to go to town with it. Sirius is going to demand he be put under the truth serum. It is not going to end well for Snape.

Jeramy-Toombs, rider-84, Raven Rae Kalysea: The letter will be posted soon

FeierceDeityLinkMask: I'm honestly not sure if you're annoyed or amused by the use of Caps….

ObsessedWithHPFanfic: I'm glad you liked the story

To the person who reviewed as 'AccountlessHPFan': I am glad you are enjoying the story. Don't worry if I disappear suddenly. I tend to do that until I get more inspiration but I have no intention of abandoning this story.

Jamiegc: I am glad you are enjoying the story.

Stacygrrl: Just because they didn't get Bella just yet doesn't mean they won' can bet that Albus will not leave them alone. He wants Harry under his control. The BWL books won't make it onto the shelves bc Alice, Frank, Sirius and Remus wont let them. And if they do Minerva and Augusta will tear Albus a new one. He wants Harry to be scrutinized, to have his every move watched. Yeah, Albus managed to convince James to give a good chunk to the OotP but a even bigger chunk resides in Harry's Trust Vault.

Hey everyone I need some ideas for who Remus, Sirius and Neville should end up with. Give me an idea in the reviews.

Chapter 5 Rewritten

Christmas

December 25, 1981
Longbottom Keep – 9 AM

"I'm glad the boys aren't old enough to jump in the bed and wake us up yet," Frank said with a grin as Alice set Harry and Neville down on the floor.

"Just wait," Augusta said with a small smile. "In a few years, they will be."

Minerva watched as Frank played with the boys, a fond expression on her face. "Have you decided where you're moving to?" she asked.

"France," Remus replied, smiling as Harry snatched a cookie from Sirius.

"Why France? And what about their schooling? Sirius, don't let the boy have a cookie—he'll spoil his lunch," Minerva added, shaking her head.

"We'll homeschool them until they're eleven, and then we'll let them decide where they want to go," Frank said, grinning as Alice began passing out presents.

Sirius nodded. "Lily loved the language and culture. She planned on living there with a friend to get her A-Levels before marrying James. Harry changed her mind." His smile was wistful.

"Enough talk—presents! Oldest to youngest!" Alice clapped her hands excitedly.

Augusta smiled as she picked up her first present. From Minerva, a photo album of their school years. From Frank, a box of her favorite chocolates. From Sirius, a simple gold bracelet adorned with small charms. From Alice, a new collection of mystery novels. And from Remus, a heart-shaped locket with pictures of Neville on one side and Harry on the other.

"Thank you, everyone," Augusta said warmly, gesturing for Minerva to open hers.

Minerva smiled as she unwrapped Alice's gift—a charm bracelet, much like Augusta's. From Frank, she received another photo album, this one filled with moments of her looking exasperated alongside the Marauders. From Remus, a book on flowers. Augusta gifted her a cat toy, earning an eye roll. Sirius handed her a textbook.

"Was the cat toy necessary?" Minerva sighed before glancing at Sirius. "And where did you find this?"

"James kept it in his vault," Sirius said. "When I saw it on the list, I figured you'd want to finish it."

Minerva nodded, running her fingers over the cover. "Thank you, Sirius. I will."

Alice touched the bracelet on Augusta's wrist. "The charms represent us—the dog is Sirius, the wolf is Remus, the bear is Frank, the dove is me, the cat on Augusta's bracelet represents Minerva, and the spider on Minerva's represents Augusta. The baby bear is Neville, and the lightning bolt is Harry."

"If you ever want to check that we're okay, just tap the bracelet and say Tutum—it means 'safe,'" Sirius explained.

"And if you're in trouble and need to leave, say Domum—'home,'" Frank added.

Minerva examined the charms. "And where will it take us?"

"Yours will take you to your ancestral home," Sirius said. "Mother's will bring her here."

"When we get settled in Paris, we'll add that with a different password," Alice added.

Minerva nodded, then gestured for Frank to open his presents. From Sirius, a leather jacket. From Remus, a set of leather gloves. Alice gifted him lullaby sheet music for his violin. Minerva's gift was a book on defense, along with a list of Defense Masters. Augusta gave him rare potion ingredients.

"Defense Masters?" Frank asked, glancing at Minerva.

"You were going to get your mastery before you went into hiding," she reminded him. "Everyone on that list is based in France."

Frank grinned. "Thank you, Aunt Min."

Next, Sirius unwrapped his presents. From Remus, a book on Ancient Runes and a list of Rune Masters. Minerva gave him a new sketchbook, while Augusta provided fresh art supplies. Alice's gift was a book on charms, along with a list of Charms Masters. Frank gave him a new pair of dragon-hide boots. The last gift surprised him most—the heir ring from his grandfather.

"Well, that's unexpected," Sirius murmured, sliding the ring onto his finger. "I suppose you and Ice want me to get my Masteries like I originally planned?"

"Of course," Remus said. "Prongs and Lily wouldn't want you to put your life on hold—you know that."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to talk to your grandfather?"

Sirius sighed. "Yeah. I guess I should before we leave."

"When?" Frank asked.

"Soon," Sirius said. "But for now—Remus, your turn!"

Remus rolled his eyes but reached for his presents. Unsurprisingly, they were mostly books. From Sirius, one on "dangerous" potions. From Minerva, a book on various herbs. Frank gave him a book on magical tattoos. Alice's gift was a collection of piano sheet music. Augusta's gift, however, left him speechless—a shrunken piano.

"The piano belonged to Frank's father," Augusta explained gently. "Neither Frank nor I can play, but I've heard you play, and I know Neville would love to hear it. Perhaps you could teach the boys when they're older?"

Remus swallowed hard, nodding. "Thank you, Augusta. And thank you, everyone. I'd love to teach them."

Alice beamed as she unwrapped her gifts. Frank had given her a set of mystery novels, Remus a book on magical herbs and fungi. Minerva gifted her a transfiguration textbook along with a list of Transfiguration Masters. Augusta's gift was a book of cello sheet music. From Sirius, a leather jacket that matched Frank's.

"Thank you, all of you," Alice said warmly.

Finally, they helped Harry and Neville with their presents. From Augusta, wizarding storybooks. Minerva added Muggle ones. Frank provided toys that encouraged learning. Alice gave each boy a new blanket. Sirius and Remus gifted them stuffed animals—Neville received a dove, a spider, and a bear; Harry got a cat, a stag, and a lioness. Both boys received a stuffed dog and a wolf as well.

Remus watched as Harry clutched the stag close, his chest tightening.

"'Rongs?" Harry asked, holding it out to Sirius.

"Prongs," Sirius murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Yes, little one. That's Prongs."

"Paddy sad?" Neville asked, pressing the dove against Sirius' face. "Icy make Paddy better!"

The room erupted in laughter.

"Kitties too!" Harry declared, adding the lioness and cat beside the dove.

Sirius swallowed, smiling as he pointed to each animal. "The bear is Frankie, the dove is Ice, the spider is Gran, the cat is Minnie, the stag is Prongs, the lioness is Lily, the dog is me, and the wolf is Moony."

Harry frowned. "'Ere Wormy?"

Sirius stiffened. Alice ran a soothing hand through Harry's hair. "Wormy did a very bad thing, little one. He upset Paddy, and until he apologizes, he can't visit."

Harry considered this, then simply nodded. "Oh. 'K."

As he turned back to playing with Neville, Sirius wiped his eyes. "How do we explain this when they're older?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"The same way we just did," Minerva said, rubbing his back gently. "And when the time is right, we tell them everything."

Sirius exhaled, looking around at his family. Maybe, just maybe, they'd be alright.

December 26, 1981
Residence of Lord Arcturus Black
Undisclosed Location
10 AM

"Lord Black, sir?" A tall, thin man stood at the threshold of the sitting room, his voice even and composed.

"Yes, Anthony?" Lord Arcturus Black responded without looking up from his book.

"Your grandson, Sirius, is here to see you."

At that, Arcturus' head snapped up. "What did you say?" He set his book aside and rose to his feet. "Sirius Orion Black is here?"

"It's Sirius Orion Black the Third, but yes, Grandfather," came a smooth voice from the doorway.

Turning, Arcturus took in the sight of his grandson. Sirius stood off to the side, dressed in his finest robes, arms crossed, leaning casually against the wall with an expression of utter boredom. But Arcturus knew better. Beneath that carefully crafted mask, he saw something deeper—the flicker of sorrow in his grey eyes, the quiet wariness, and, most of all, the unmistakable curiosity.

"I see your parents never managed to teach you proper respect," Arcturus said dryly. "Anthony, bring tea to the sitting room. Come, child. We have much to discuss."

Without another word, he turned and strode back into the sitting room, Sirius following behind.

Arcturus Black bore a striking resemblance to his grandson—both had the family's signature dark hair and grey eyes—but the similarities ended there. His cheekbones were sharper, his face more lined, though they were mostly laugh lines rather than frown lines. At his temples, strands of silver wove through the black, marking his age with dignity. A thin scar ran down the right side of his face, from the corner of his eye to his mouth. No one knew for certain how he'd gotten it, though the more outrageous rumors credited his late wife.

"They tried," Sirius remarked as he took a seat across from his grandfather. "But I refused to let it sink in."

"Indeed," Arcturus mused, accepting his cup of tea. "Now, tell me—why are you here?"

"Straight to the point, as always," Sirius said with a smirk. "I want to know how I ended up as the Heir to the Black name. My mother disowned me. So how, exactly, am I still in line for the title?"

Arcturus let out a quiet growl of irritation. "The day I agreed to let your father marry that horrid woman was a mistake," he muttered. "Yes, she removed you from the family tree, but neither I nor your father allowed her to fully disown you. When he learned of Regulus' death, your father insisted I make it clear that you were the rightful heir. Any son you have will inherit the title, but should you remain without an heir, I suggest you name young Potter."

Sirius blinked. "Wait—let me get this straight. Mother never actually disowned me, Father made sure I was named heir instead of someone else, and you're suggesting I name Harry as my successor in case I never have children?" He ran a hand through his hair. "Did I miss anything?"

"That about sums it up," Arcturus replied, sipping his tea.

Sirius exhaled sharply, then frowned. "Then why didn't my father insist I come home after I ran away?"

"Because he loved you." Arcturus set his cup down, his gaze unwavering. "When he heard you'd gone to the Potters, he was elated. You were away from Walburga, and that was all that mattered to him. He asked Charles Potter to keep you there, to ensure you never had to return. Charles agreed."

Sirius dropped onto the couch, stunned. "Wait. Charles Potter and my father—were they… friends?"

Arcturus chuckled. "Oh, more than friends. Orion and Charles were much like you and James. The two of them were inseparable—until your father married Walburga, that is. Unlike you, however, your father didn't have the misfortune of an outright insane mother. Hesper could be eccentric, but Walburga took madness to a whole new level."

Sirius swallowed. "Charles once said he should have been my godfather instead of Uncle Alphard."

Arcturus nodded. "That's because he was your godfather. Alphard was only called your godfather to appease Walburga."

Sirius stared at him. "And no one thought to tell me?"

"We didn't want your mother to know," Arcturus said simply.

Sirius shook his head, exhaling sharply. "Merlin's bloody beard…" He pinched the bridge of his nose before looking back up. "Alright. You clearly have more to tell me."

Arcturus smirked. "Indeed, I do. We have a great deal to discuss if you are to restore the Black name to the highest levels of respectability."

He reached for a folder on the table and slid it toward Sirius.

"Let's begin."

Longbottom Keep
3 PM

"Sirius?" Remus called as his friend stepped out of the Floo, brushing soot from his robes.

Alice glanced up from the couch, where she had been reading. "How did it go?"

Sirius stood there for a moment, his expression unfocused. "It was… informative," he said slowly, as if still processing everything.

Remus frowned, stepping closer. "Are you alright?"

"I'm… fine," Sirius murmured, though the dazed look in his eyes said otherwise. "I think."

Frank exchanged a glance with Remus before sighing. "Right. Time for a nap."

Without waiting for an argument, he and Remus each took an arm and steered Sirius toward the stairs.

Alice shook her head fondly and turned back to her book. "Try not to let him overthink himself into a coma," she called after them.

Sirius let out a huff of laughter—but didn't resist.

Longbottom Keep
7 PM

"Sirius? You okay?" Remus asked as Sirius dropped onto the couch beside him.

"Yeah," Sirius exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "It was just a lot to take in at once." His expression softened as Alice handed him Harry.

"Pa'foo!" Harry squealed happily, immediately grabbing a fistful of Sirius' hair.

"Hey, Prongslet," Sirius chuckled, conjuring a handful of shimmering bubbles. "Did you have a good day?"

"Yeh!" Harry cheered, reaching out as the bubbles floated around him.

Sirius grinned. "What did you and Neville get up to today?"

Alice glanced up from her spot. "Mostly playing with blocks," she said with a fond smile, "but Harry took Prongs and Lilium everywhere."

"Lilium?" Sirius raised an eyebrow, watching as Harry swiped at a bubble, only for it to pop in his tiny hands.

Alice laughed. "The lioness. He wanted to give her a nickname, so Frank suggested Lilium—it means Lily in Latin."

Sirius hummed in understanding just as Harry let out a tiny yawn and nestled closer against his chest.

"I think it's bedtime," Sirius murmured, shifting to stand. "Come on, little man."

"Tory, Pa'foo?" Harry mumbled sleepily, his green eyes peering up at Sirius.

"Of course, Prongslet."

As he and Frank settled the boys into their beds, Frank shot him a curious glance. "Which story tonight?"

Sirius smiled as he pulled the blankets up over Harry and Neville, memories stirring in his chest.

"Once, long ago, there were four little boys in a compartment on a scarlet steam engine…"

AN: That's all for this chapter. Again thank you to everyone who has reviewed so far. I hope you enjoy the letters which will be posted tomorrow or Wednesday. Once again I need Ideas for pairings.

The pairings are as follow:

Harry/Fleur

Neville/ ?

Sirius/ ?

Remus/?

Frank/Alice

PLEASE DO NOT suggest Tonks for Remus. I love the pairing but it's not for this story. If you guys can't think of anyone I'll make an OC for Remus or Sirius. Neville must have someone canon. Preferably not Gabrielle, if it gets enough request for it then I will.

Thanks guys.