Anne-with-an-e's 2009 Christmas Fan Fic

A Marauder Christmas Story
by Anne-with-an-e

Author's Note: I don't own anyone you recognize; they belong to J.K. Rowling. Also, this was originally going to be a song fic to Amy Grant's 'Grown-Up Christmas List', but the plot mutated somewhat, and I ended up with this, which I sort of like better. The piano thing was inspired by a scene from the movie version of  "Little Women."

Dedicated to all who need angels.


Remus Lupin walked down the snow-dusted street on Christmas Eve. The London shop windows were brightly light and Muggle cars rushed back and forth, no doubt hoping to beat the predicted snowfall. No one paid him any attention.

He passed a church. Through the window in the door, he could see people readying the building for the midnight Christmas service.

Remus continued on his way, leaving the center of London behind. When he reached his small house on the edge of the neighborhood, he took out his key, and went inside.

After hanging up his hat and cloak on the rack by the door, he went into the living room. He sat down at the piano, moving his fingers over the keys. God rest ye, merry gentlemen...... That one had been Lily's favorite; Sirius' also, though he sang it differently, with hippogriffs, rather than gentlemen.

Remus smiled slightly remembering how the piano had come into his possession. It had been the previous Christmas, when the Potters were alive. Christmas Eve had been two days after the full moon....

 ***********************

Lily Evans Potter ran around the living room of Remus' house, putting up decorations as James sat on the couch with five-month-old Harry.

"One wall wreath is enough, I think, Lils," James said, removing his finger from Harry's mouth to avoid being bitten by his son's one tooth.

"I like it," Lily said, stepping down from the small ladder and surveying the room.  There was greenery strung all around the room, a tall tree in one corner, and a large something against the wall, under the window. It was covered by red curtains, which had been conjured by Sirius.

"You've outdone yourself, Lily," said a voice from behind them. The Potters turned to see Sirius Black standing in the entrance to the living room, a bag in his hand.

"Do you want me to put those under the tree?" Lily asked him, indicating the bag.

"Sure," Sirius said, handing it to her.

"Where's Remus?" James asked.

"He knew we were coming tonight, right?" All of a sudden, Lily seemed worried.

" 'Course he did," Sirius replied, turning to look behind him. " But he didn't know we were decorating his house! He's coming now, I'll make sure he has his eyes closed."

After Sirius left the room, Lily vanished the step-ladder, and James, still holding Harry, stood up beside his wife.

From where they were standing, James and Lily could hear the voices of Remus and Sirius in the hall.

"What's this all about, Sirius?"

"You'll see."

The two entered the room, Sirius following Remus, covering his eyes from behind. Remus limped slightly, walking with crutches, because he'd hurt his leg the night of the full moon.

"Can I look now?" Remus asked, sounding somewhat exasperated.

"All right," Sirius said, "now!"

He moved his hands. Remus' jaw dropped.

"Happy Christmas, Remus!" They said in unison. Harry gurgled happily and chewed his finger.

Remus was stunned. "It's.... It's beautiful...."

James grinned. "You haven't even seen the best part!" he said. "Sirius, Lily?"

Lily and Sirius smiled widely and pulled the curtains off the large object.

Remus's breath caught in his throat. It was a piano, the most gorgeous piano he'd ever seen. The wood was a dark brown, almost black. The keys were a bright white and shiny pitch-black.

"It was going to be a birthday present," James said, "but we couldn't find one good enough."

Remus was completely speechless as he sat down at the beautiful instrument.

"Play something," Lily suggested.

Remus placed his fingers over the keys, playing the first thing that came to him. God rest ye, merry gentlemen, may nothing you dismay......

They all sang with the familiar song, Lily in a high, sweet voice, Sirius in a low voice, James and Remus lower than Lily, but not quite as low as Sirius. The music floating over the piano and into history.........

 ********************************

Suddenly, the memories were too strong. Remus lept up from the piano bench, hurried to the door, grabbed his hat and cloak, and ran out into the night.

He walked back the way he had come, not really paying attention to the buildings around him.

It was then that he realized he was in front of the church again. Not knowing what else to do, he went inside. The Church seemed to be waiting quietly for midnight.

Remus sat down in a pew toward the back of the church. He rested his elbows on his knees and put his head in his hands.

"Tell me it'll be all right. They're gone, and I'm alone, and I don't know what to do. Just give me a sign of some sort, please." He whispered the prayer to himself.

"Excuse me, but, may I help you?"

The voice made Remus start, and he looked up. A young man was standing there; he couldn't have been much older than Remus himself.

"I'm sorry," Remus said, standing, "I thought the church was empty."

"It's all right," the man said kindly. "May I ask your name?"

"Remus."

"Can I help you with anything, Remus?"

"I don't think so. I was just sort of lonely."

The young man gave a small smile. "Why don't you come to my office for a bit, and we'll talk. My name's James, by the way. I'm the pastor here."

THE END