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Growing up, Remus always loved the holiday season. The cosiness of wrapping himself up in fluffy pyjamas by the fireplace and munching on some chocolate, a record playing quietly in the background while he reads and smiles to himself as his father asks his mother for an impromptu dance. It was just the three of them most of the time, neither of his parents being particularly close with the rest of their family, and that’s exactly how he liked it. Quiet and calm. Peaceful. The other 364 days of the year, Remus is trapped in his head, consumed by all the uncontrollable negative thoughts racing around his mind. But on Christmas day? It's as if the very air he breathes is magic, filling the marrow of his bones with an impossible sense of comfort and tranquillity. A day dedicated to love and togetherness. A day dedicated to showing just how much these people truly mean to him.
When he went to Hogwarts, he became friends with chaos personified. Remus has always had a mischievous streak to him, sneaking up on his ma when she is baking and scaring her or reorganising some of the things—nothing too important—in his dad’s study. His three dormmates helped that side of him flourish, and though he missed his parents terribly, his new friends got him through each day. He kept them all at arm's length at first, terrified of what will happen if they find out about his condition. It took a long time for his dad to work through his prejudices, and the only reason he was successful in that endeavour is because they are related. How would a bunch of eleven-year-olds that have only known him for a few months react to him being a werewolf? But none of that mattered when he ran into his parents' arms when he got off the Hogwarts Express that winter. It didn’t even matter when they found out a year later and done everything in their power to ensure he knew they didn’t think of him any differently, that they don’t see him as the monster he believes himself to be. The three boys accepted him wholeheartedly, and he has never felt more loved in his life. Five people who know his deepest, darkest, deadliest secret and none of them hate him? It was unthinkable to him, yet that was his reality. A reality he would never take for granted.
Remus often felt undeserving of many things just for being who he is, for things about himself that he cannot control. But every Christmas morning, waking up to many people sending him reminders of just how loved he is, makes him feel like he is enough, at least for that one day. His favourite day of the year.
After they graduated Hogwarts, the four marauders rented a flat together, since they are extremely codependent, according to Lily. For years, their Christmas Days were spent opening presents together and drinking before going their separate ways to their families for dinner. At first, Sirius went to the Potters with James. Until the year the two of them finally got together after pining after the other in secret for a decade, where Sirius will spend the 25th with the Lupin’s in the Welsh countryside.
It was adorable watching Sirius throw half his wardrobe all over their room trying to find the perfect outfit the night before and watching him anxiously twist one of his rings on his fingers as the pair of them walk up the path to the small cottage.
“There's nothing for you to be nervous about,” he reassures him. “You've met my parents countless times before. We have dinner with them every other Sunday.”
“But I know what this holiday means to you, Moons. I just want it to be perfect for you.”
Remus smiles softly at him. “I will be spending the day with my three favourite people, how could it be anything but perfect?”
He places a tender kiss to his lips before opening the front door, a wave of hot air and the wonderous smell of meat cooking instantly hitting them as they step inside. “Ma, Dad! We're here!”
The greying couple embrace the two of them in one giant, albeit awkward, group hug before either of them have the chance to take their shoes and coats off.
“Merry Christmas,” they all say in unison before going to the living room and are handed a mug of hot chocolate that is more whipped cream and marshmallows than drink. They exchange presents and laugh together, and he watches as the tension gradually bleeds out of his boyfriend’s shoulders, relaxing with the easy banter between him and Dad while Remus and Ma roll their eyes affectionately at their antics.
“You're banned from the kitchen.”
“What?” Sirius exclaims with fake indignation.
“I do not want my childhood home burnt down,” Remus jokes, though they both know that would be a real possibility if he helped with the cooking like he offered to.
“I can chop some vegetables or do something that doesn't involve the oven.”
“I think that's a lovely idea,” Ma remarks before he could protest. “Meals always taste better when made together.”
Remus sighs exasperatedly, but he could never refuse anything she wants. She instructs the three men around the kitchen, clearly enjoying ordering them around while she focuses on the turkey. It's more fun than he thought it would be, and soon enough, they're all sitting around the table with a glorious feast before them and a warm glass of butterbeer. Everyone is so relaxed, even Sirius despite all his previous worries. His bark of a laugh is infectious, the purple paper crown and dopey grin on his face making his heart skip a beat, still unable to believe after all these months that this man is his. One day, I am going to marry this man.
The snow falling outside. The warmth of this house, both physical and emotional. The food and family and safety. It’s just perfect. This season is perfect. His family, the life he never thought he could have. The life he never thought he was worthy of. Remus wouldn't change a single thing. Sure, there are times when things are tough, but he will always make it through when he has the most amazing people by his side, guiding him, being there for him. Nothing could ever change how grateful he is that his life didn't end that day when he was five years old. This truly is the most wonderful time of the year.