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Chapter Text

Disclaimer: This is just a fanfiction. I do NOT own any part of Harry Potter. 

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James Potter slipped a bit on the frosted sidewalk as he turned onto the narrow road at Godric's Hollow that Halloween night. He was cold, and a warm fire sounded wonderful. He shouldn't have been away so long. As he looked down the road, his heart  froze in his chest. Standing in the sky, lurid and prominent, was the Dark Mark. No, it couldn't be - it couldn't be their cottage, it was protected, it had to be another one... he raced along, half-desperate, half-afraid to know.

He rounded the hedge, and then he saw that where the right side of the top floor had been, a large whole gaped, blown open as if from a huge explosion.

James flung open the iron gate and raced up the pathway. A knife seemed to be piercing his stomach as he ran inside the house. "Lily! Lily!", he called out, desperately hoping that they were alive. Maybe they'd escaped...

His heart beat rapidly as he ran up the stairs. He burst into their bedroom to find that its ceiling was open to the sky. On the floor lay Lily's dead body, while Harry was alive in his crib, crying. A strange lightning-shaped cut stood out jarringly on his forehead.

James' steps stumbled, and then all went black.

"James .... Lily ... James ... is everyone alright?" came a voice. It grew shakier as it drew nearer and an attractive young man with sleek black hair entered the room. 

Sirius could tell Lily was dead from her open eyes and stiff body. A sharp jolt hit his stomach but slight relief washed over him when he saw that James was still breathing, albeit unconscious. He picked Harry up and comforted him before making his way to James with the toddler in his arms.

Sirius trembled as he shook James with his free arm. "James! James! Please wake up." The knots in his stomach lessened as the hazel eyed wizard opened his eyes.

James was confused at first, but as things began coming back to him, wracking sobs began taking over his body and soon he was wailing uncontrollably. Since Harry had stopped crying, Sirius put him back in his crib and went over and put his arms around his best friend. 

"It's all my fault," James cried out.

"James, it's not your fault that Peter was a treacherous rat," said Sirius, trying to placate and reason with the new widower. It was usually James who comforted him when he was upset over something. It was rarely the other way around.

As Sirius was still contemplating the best course of action, he heard someone enter the room and was glad to see the elderly wizard with a long white beard. The Hogwarts Headmaster was stunned by what he saw but quickly recovered. He paced the room looking somber, then walked over to Lily and closed her eyes before walking over to Harry's crib and picking him up. He pressed his lips and narrowed his eyes as he examined Harry's scar with steeple fingers before putting him down.

"Professor, look at what that sneaky worm-rat did," said Sirius heatedly.  

James was still crying and absent-mindedly blaming himself, oblivious to his surroundings.

"Were you not their Secret Keeper, Sirius?" asked Dumbledore. 

"No, we switched to that scum, Peter, last week. I thought it would be too obvious if I was their Secret Keeper, so I convinced James and Lily to switch to Peter." Sirius looked down in shame. 

With a flick of Dumbledore's wand, James slumped over as if in a deep sleep. . 

"I had to make him unconscious. He is not in a state to function. We need to get James and Harry to St. Mungo's. We'll discuss things further there," said Dumbledore calmly.

Sirius appreciated how Dumbledore always had a talent for keeping himself calm and composed in any situation.

"We can't apparate from inside the house. Let's get James and Harry outside the house," Dumbledore added. 

"What about Lily?" asked Sirius.

"She will receive her due respect, but unfortunately we cannot remove her body before the Aurors show up." 

Dumbledore levitated James outside the cottage while Sirius carried Harry. They apparated to St. Mungo's with the father and son.

James woke up in one of the wardrooms at St. Mungo's and immediately tried to jump out of the bed, nearly hysterical.  Sirius gently pushed him back while a nurse quickly gave him a calming drought, and after a few minutes, his friend was finally able to talk more composedly. 

"Is Harry alright? I remember seeing a cut on his forehead," he asked shakily.

"Harry's just fine," Sirius put fifteen month old Harry who had a bandage on his forehead on the bed next to James.

"Da da," Harry held his arms out to his father. 

James picked his son up and embraced him before carefully examining him. 

"Harry, daddy's really sorry he wasn't there to protect you," said James ruefully. 

"James, is it true that you switched your Secret Keeper from Sirius to Peter?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, and he betrayed us. I thought he was one of my best friends," James said dejectedly as he soothingly patted Harry who was lying on his chest.

"Professor, I don't understand. Voldemort attacked Harry and Lily, but now he seems gone. Not that I'm complaining, but Harry somehow survived with just a cut," said Sirius curiously.

Dumbledore stroked his beard. "I theorize that Lily sacrificed herself for Harry, invoking an ancient protection charm. Hence, when Voldemort cast the killing curse, it backfired on him instead."

"So Voldemort's gone for good?" asked Sirius hopefully. 

"I'm afraid there are ways for him to return since he had gone to great lengths to make himself immortal. But for now, he's gone," said Dumbledore. 

"It's my fault. I'm sorry, James. I'm the idiot who suggested that we switch to Peter." Sirius looked down, unwilling to meet his best friend's eyes. 

"It's not your fault, Sirius. It's that stinking traitor's fault. When I get my hands on him, he'll wish he was never born," James swore, clenching his fist. 

"I'll get him. I'll kill him and go to Azkaban instead of you. Harry needs you," Sirius vowed.

"Calm yourselves, James and Sirius. Peter will most certainly be caught and punished for his deeds. No need for either one of you to do anything rash and risk getting thrown in Azkaban," Dumbledore rebuked. 

"But he can easily escape in his animagus form," said James and Sirius together.

"I beg your pardon?"

James and Sirius exchanged uncomfortable looks. It was confession time.

=to be continued=

A/N: Please remember to give KUDOS if you liked the story and please SUBSCRIBE/BOOKMARK the story if you want updates. 

This is just the first chapter, so I had to get the attack out of the way. 

I will reveal where James was that night in a future chapter.

Chapter Text

Dumbledore's eyes were wide and mouth was open after James and Sirius had recounted how they became illegal animagi to keep Remus company during the the full moon. Harry on the other hand had now fallen asleep in his father's arms. 

"Well ... while I admire your friendship and intention to keep Remus company during his transformation, it was still very reckless indeed. You boys put yourselves and others in danger while you roamed Hogsmeade. Not to mention, being an unregistered animagus is illegal," Dumbledore rebuked with a calm tone.

"We're sorry, professor," said James and Sirius, bowing their heads and unwilling to look Dumbledore in the eyes. 

"I understand. You boys were still at the age where recklessness and fun were more intriguing than responsibility and consequences," said Dumbledore understandably. "I will send out an alert to the ministry and inform them about Peter being an animagus. Aurors will do their best to track him down."

Peter was successfully caught within two weeks. He tried hiding as a rat with the Weasleys, but Molly Weasley tactfully trapped him and turned him in after seeing the notice on the Daily Prophet about Peter's animagus form and his markings. Peter was sentenced to a trial and was thrown into prison, not just for betraying the Potters, but for several terrible deeds that he had done as a Death Eater. James, Sirius and Remus chose to avoid the trial as they did not trust themselves to face Peter out of fear of letting their anger get the better of themselves. Luckily for Prongs and Padfoot, the only charge they were faced with for being illegal animagi was to pay a heavy fine and register their animagi. This was mostly due to them being tried as juveniles as they were only fifteen at the time they became illegal animagi. The fact that James' son had just vanquished the Dark Lord also helped bring more leniency on their sentence.

James ran his hand through his hair and covered his face with a throw pillow before looking up at his best friends with a sullen face. The three Marauders were seated in the informal hall at Potter Manor. 

"I don't know how I'm going to do it without her," the newly single father said dejectedly.

"You're a great father, James. You'll do just fine." Sirius sat beside him and put an arm on his shoulder. 

"What if I screw up and Harry ends up thinking I'm a completely useless father," James's hazel eyes shone with apprehension.

"You won't screw up. You've always put Harry first and that's a sign of being a good father," said Remus reasonably.

"And I'll be there for you whenever you need help with Harry. I am his godfather." 

"You can always count on me for help too, James", said Remus placatingly. 

James began twisting his wedding ring and biting his lip. "Will you both please move in? I would really appreciate it," he looked hopefully at his best friends. 

Sirius and Remus exchanged looks before turning back to James.

"Of course, mate," Sirius tightened his grip on James's shoulder.

"Count me in too, mate," Remus stood up and took James's hand in his. 

"Thank you," said James gratefully.

"We'll be three men and baby. Although, we're probably the most clueless people to be raising a baby," Sirius sniggered with amusement. 

"We'll get the hang of it," said Remus.

I apologize that this is just a short chapter. I promise the next chapter would be a full length one. There will be flashbacks in future chapters for unanswered questions.

Chapter Text

Almost ten years had passed since Lily's death and a now eleven year old Harry Potter had grown up in a loving home, albeit one without a maternal figure. His Uncle Sirius was carefree and fun-loving, his Uncle Remus was firm but fair and flexible and his dad, James was a balance between both. Various pictures of him and the Marauders from over the years hung around the walls of Potter Manor. 

A tall, healthy and well-cared for Harry came down excitedly on the morning of his eleventh Birthday and entered the Potter Manor living room to be greeted by three cheerful Marauders. There was an assortment of presents in the living room from the Marauders and close family friends.

"Happy Birthday son!" James exclaimed as he embraced Harry.

"Thanks dad," said Harry, hugging his father back.

Sirius and Remus took turns hugging and wishing the birthday boy after father and son had pulled away. Harry looked at his pile of presents and one package in particular caught his eyes. He knew what was in the package. He had begged his dad for a Nimbus Two Thousand when he saw it on display at Diagon Alley. So far, he only owned a Comet Two Fifty. He opened the package from James with glee and stared slack jawed at his new broom, his eyes shining with awe as he stroked it. He remembered his manners when he noticed the amused Marauders admiring his antics.

"Thank you so much dad," said Harry as he gratefully hugged his father. 

"I'm glad you like it," James grinned.

"May I please take it to Hogwarts with me?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Sorry son, but first years aren't allowed to bring brooms," said James.

"I can sneak it in," said Harry cheekily.

"Harry, breaking minor rules is one thing, but breaking a major rule stated in your acceptance letter would be pushing it a little too far," said James. "At least that's what your grandfather told me when I wanted to sneak my broom into Hogwarts during my first year," he added as an afterthought.

James himself had often pushed it too far when he broke the rules during his school days, but he didn't want Harry repeating his mistakes. He had vowed to raise his son to be a better person than himself.

"I guess I can wait for my second year," said Harry thoughtfully.

"Come on Prongslet, you've got other gifts to unwrap," said Sirius.

Harry saw a cage with a snowy owl.

"Hagrid sent this," said Remus.

Harry had never met Rubeus Hagrid, but he had heard a lot about the kind and lovable half-giant who was the groundskeeper of Hogwarts from the Marauders. He read the note from Hagrid which said that he couldn't wait to meet him at Hogwarts. Harry dug into the rest of his presents, including the ones from Sirius and Remus and gratefully thanked his uncles. James reminded him that he would have to send out thank you notes to those who had sent him gifts.

In was a warm, sunny day as Harry and Marauders walked around Diagon Alley. They were there to spend Harry's birthday and get his school supplies. The Birthday boy was the most excited about getting his first wand and spell books. He was recognized and greeted by witches and wizards that he had never met. He had only been to Diagon Alley four times before as his dad usually preferred shopping at muggle stores, mostly to avoid the unwanted attention the Boy Who Lived received when they shopped in the wizarding world. 

They parted ways as Sirius went off to meet his fiancée, Miranda who urgently needed his assistance to sort out a problem with their wedding planner. The couple was set to get married during the Christmas holidays. Remus who was a successful author of fiction books that were quite popular in the wizarding world had to quickly meet his publisher for something. He also occasionally wrote non-fiction books. In the meantime, James and Harry headed to Gringotts. 

At Gringotts, father and son ran into large man with kind eyes and unkempt hair. 

"Hagrid!" James greeted Hagrid cheerfully.

"James!" Hagrid greeted him just as cheerfully. "It's so good to see yeh," 

"It's so good to see you too Hagrid."

"And this young man must be little Harry," said Hagrid fondly. "Yeh were just a baby the last time I saw yeh."

"It's really nice to meet you Hagrid," said Harry as Hagrid beamed. "And thank you very much for the owl. She's amazing," he added gratefully.

"Oh, it's nothing," Hagrid patted him.

Harry and James were right behind Hagrid in line, so they heard him tell the goblin something about a letter from Dumbledore and a very secret Hogwarts business involving "You-Know-What" in Vault 713. Harry wondered what was in Vault 713. After getting their money from Gringotts, he saw Hagrid carry a small package which he knew was the "You-Know-What". The half-giant quickly but politely bid them goodbye and said that he was in a hurry before hurrying off. Harry thought this was odd as James held his hand and led him out of Gringotts.

"What's 'You-Know-What' in Vault 713, dad?" he asked.

"No idea," James shrugged. But Harry could tell his dad was also curious about why Hagrid was acting strangely when he had the package with him.

Harry was left at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to get his uniform while James had to get something at the shop next door. Madam Malkin stood him on a stool next to a pale, blonde boy with a pointed face and began fitting him. Harry and the boy recognized each other. They had met three times before; once during Sirius' mom's funeral, once during the previous Quidditch World Cup Finals and once at a social event where the boy's father, Lucius Malfoy had invited Harry and the Marauders to one of his parties. James had declined the invitation. Despite having seen him three times, he had never spoken to the boy before. But he had overheard the Marauders say that Lucius was one Voldemort's Death Eaters who came back to the light side and claimed to have been bewitched.

"You're ... Harry Potter aren't you?" Draco eyed him with interest. Madam Malkin perked up with interest too but chose to remain quiet.

"Yes, you're ... sorry I never got your first name," said Harry.

"Draco. Draco Malfoy", said Draco pompously as he held out his hand and Harry politely shook it. "Where's your dad?"

"Next door, getting something," said Harry.

"My dad's next door at Flourish and Blotts. Mum's at Olivanders. Do you own a broom, Potter?" asked Draco.

"My dad just got me a Nimbus Two Thousand for my birthday," said Harry.

"Cool! I was planning on getting father to get me one after this. It's annoying that first years aren't allowed to bring their own broom, don't you think?" asked Draco.

"I know. It's a stupid rule," Harry agreed.

"I think I'll get father to agree to let me smuggle mine in somehow," said Draco.

"I tried to get my father to let me sneak mine in, but he says it would be pushing it too far to break such a major rule," Harry shrugged as they both sniggered.

"Fathers. They're great but it's annoying when they enforce rules," said Draco knowingly. "My father says it's a crime if I'm not chosen to play for my house."

"My dad's hoping I'll play for my house too," said Harry.

"Do you know which house you'll be in yet?" asked Draco.

"I'm hoping to be in Gryffindor like my parents and most of my father's family," said Harry.

"I guess most people prefer to be sorted into the house their family was in. I know I'll be in Slytherin. My whole family has been in Slytherin," said Draco. "You might want to consider Slytherin too though."

"Why?" asked Harry.

"That's the house that usually doesn't have any muggle-borns. You and I come from ancient wizarding families. You don't want to be mixing with that sort. They weren't brought up to know our ways. I don't think Hogwarts should let their kind in, do you?" asked Draco.

Harry felt a surge of anger but controlled it.

"My mum's muggle-born," he said indignantly.

"That's alright. At least your dad's pureblood," said Draco, clearly missing his tone and oblivious that he had touched a nerve.

Harry didn't know what to make of this boy. Talking to him about Quidditch and brooms was nice but he was also arrogant and bigoted towards muggle-borns. 

"You're done Mr. Malfoy," said Madam Malkin.

James came in just as Draco hoped down from the footstool.

"Good day Mr. Potter," Draco said politely.

James looked a little taken back.

"Good day, umm ... Lucius Malfoy's son right?"

"That's right," said Draco proudly. "I'll see you at Hogwarts, Harry". 

"See you at Hogwarts," Harry replied as Draco exited the shop.

James and Harry exchanged puzzled looks. 

"You're done too, dear," said Madam Malkin to Harry before father or son could say anything.

"Your Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus will be meeting us at Olivander's. We'll get your books and school supplies first," said James.

They exited Madam Malkins after paying her and headed to Flourish and Blotts next door.

=to be continued=

Please remember to give KUDOS if you liked the story and BOOKMARK/SUBSCRIBE to me if you want updates. Please review, so that I know if I'm going in the right direction or if my writing is any good.

Harry was mostly turned off by Draco Malfoy in the original because Draco reminded him of Dudley and Harry had been bullied. I really think that Harry would have been more tolerant of Draco's shortcomings if he wasn't bullied. They do have quite a bit in common like with their interest in Quiditch.

I will reveal more information in future chapters. So for those wondering things like where Harry went to school and what James and Sirius did for a living, these will be revealed in time.

Chapter Text

James and Harry exited Madam Malkins to see Lucius and Draco walking out of Flourish and Blotts and heading off in the other direction. At Flourish and Blotts, Harry was was intrigued to check out the various types of spellbooks. James had to drag him away from Counter-Curses (Bewitch your Friends and Befuddle your Enemies with the Latest Revenges: Hair Loss, Jelly Legs, Tongue-Tying and much, much more), saying that it was dangerous and he needed a lot more experience before attempting those spells.

Finally it was time to get what Harry was most excited for. His first wand. His father and him headed to Olivanders after they had gotten everything on his school list, including his books, cauldron and potion ingredients. They arrived just in time as Sirius and Remus showed up outside Olivander's.

When they entered Olivander's, an old man Harry assumed to be Garrick Olivander arrived at the counter. Harry found his silver eyes to be a little creepy.

"James Potter. Pleasure to see you again ... It seems like only yesterday that you were in here buying your first wand. Eleven inches, mahogany and phoenix feather, wasn't it?" said Olivander.

"Yes it was, sir," said James.

"Good wand. Pilable and excellent for transfiguration," Olivander added

He noticed Sirius and Remus beside James and stated their wand components just like he did with James.

"Harry Potter. I anticipated meeting you," said Olivander.

Mr. Olivander touched his lightning scar and said that he sold the very powerful thirteen and a half inches wand made of yew that gave him the scar. Even if there was remorse in his words, Harry couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.

He measured Harry's arm and gave him various wands to wave but none seemed to have the desired effect. After saying something about Harry being a tricky costumer, he brought a wand that he said was an unusual combination. It was eleven inches and made of holly and phoenix feather. Olivander claimed the wand to be nice and supple. Harry felt a warmth in his fingers and a stream of red and gold sparks came out of his wand when he waved it. He could tell the Marauders were elated and relieved beside him.

"Eleven inches and phoenix feather just like yours," Remus said to James.

Olivander was excited too but his excitement didn't last long as his face turned serious again.

"Curious ... curious indeed," they heard him mutter.

"Sorry, but what's curious sir?" asked Harry.

"A wand chooses it's wizard, Mr. Potter. It's curious indeed that you were chosen by this particular wand," said Olivander. "The phoenix feather in this wand came from a phoenix that gave only two feathers. The other feather resides in the wand that gave you your scar."

Harry felt an uncomfortable lurch in his stomach as the Marauders exchanged apprehensive looks. "What exactly does that mean?" 

"It means you and You-Know-Who have twin core wands," said Olivander.

Harry wasn't used to hearing Voldemort being referred to as You-Know-Who. He was raised by James, Sirius and Remus who were all bold and defiant enough to pronounce Voldemort's name. He knew that the wizarding world mostly referred to Voldemort as You-Know-Who out of fear, but he didn't see a reason to fear pronouncing a name.

"Is that a bad thing?" asked Harry apprehensively.

"That depends entirely on the situation, Mr. Potter. You both can't do any actual harm to each other with your wands. This may or may not work in your favor," Olivander said matter-of-factly.

They exited the shop after James paid seven galleons for his wand. 

Harry and the Marauders headed to the Platinum Hotel, a luxurious hotel where Sirius' wedding reception was to be held in December. They were to have lunch there with Sirius' fiancée, Miranda. As they headed into the hotel's restaurant, they saw a family of three blondes heading out. The father and son resembled each other as much as James and Harry did. 

"Sirius" 

"Cissa" 

Both cousins greeted each other with disdain. Harry almost forgot that Draco Malfoy's mother was Sirius's cousin. 

"Heard your wedding's the social event of the year," Naricssa sneered. 

"I would have sent you an invitation, except you've blatantly told me that you didn't want anything to do with anyone that was burnt off our family tree," said Sirius sarcastically.

"Are she and her husband invited?" asked Narcissa in reference to her sister, Andromeda and brother in law, Ted Tonks. She said the word husband with added disdain as she had nothing but contempt for her muggle-born brother in law.

"Of course," said Sirius.

Narcissa crinkled her nose.  "If those are type of people attending, my family and I wouldn't show up even if you sent us ten invitations."

Sirius controlled himself from saying that she wouldn't be receiving even half an invitation.

"There, there Narcissa. It's not for us to judge who your cousin invites to his wedding," said Lucius.

The Marauders knew Lucius was just attempting to be polite with an ulterior motive of liaising himself with the family of the Boy-Who-Lived.

"Well, at least you're marrying a pureblood. Lucius, Draco, let's go." Narcissa lifted up her chin in the air as she walked away with her husband and son. 

They entered the restaurant to be enthusiastically greeted by Miranda who gave the four of them a kiss on the cheeks each. Harry noticed that the gorgeous brunette in the her late twenties wore a dark blue dress that complemented her eyes.  

"Happy Birthday Harry! I arranged for a special Birthday cake for your party later" 

"Thanks Miranda," said Harry gratefully.

They had lunch which consisted of the special dishes that Miranda wanted to sample for her wedding.

=to be continued=

Please, please review! So that I know if I should change anything.

I know that James' wandcore was never revealed, but it's phoenix feather like his son's in my headcanon. It seems fitting to me considering they have the same patronus and they are only two known characters that have 11 inch wands.

In the book, Draco says his father was next door buying books while his mother was looking at wands. That's why the bookstore is next to Madam Malkins and I saw it fitting that Draco would have walked next door to meet Lucius and they were leaving as Harry and James entered.

Chapter Text

Harry paced up and down the Potter Manor hall before turning to face the Marauders. 

"I don't know what to think of Draco Malfoy. On one hand he seems alright and on the other hand he ... he disdains muggle-borns and seems like an arrogant git," he said in confusion. "His dad was a Death Eater, does that mean Draco is ... bad and I should keep away from him?"

"How did you know Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater?" asked James incredulously.

Harry grimaced sheepishly. "I might have overheard you, Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus mention it when Professor Dumbledore was over." 

"Overheard or eavesdropped?" the Marauders asked together, narrowing their eyes at him. 

Harry looked down, unwilling to meet any of them in the eye.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," Harry apologized. 

"Harry, Draco is not bad. He's an eleven year kid. It won't be fair to judge him based on who his father is," said James.

"But he has the same prejudice that Death Eaters have," said Harry.

"Of course he would," Sirius shook his head. "His parents, including my dear cousin raised him with those beliefs. Very few children your age actually question the beliefs of their parents."

"Harry, Draco doesn't necessarily have to turn out like his father. But if he only mixes with people with the same beliefs, it would only serve to strengthen his beliefs and make him like his father. If he mixes with people that have opposing views, it might broaden his perspective and actually make him question his beliefs," Remus reasoned. 

"So I should be friends with him?" asked Harry, confused. 

"Everyone deserves a fair chance, so it certainly won't hurt to give Draco one, as long as he doesn't cross too many lines and you remain firm on your principals. Even if you're not friends, there's no need to be enemies either. You can always be civil," said James.

"I guess it won't hurt to give him a chance," Harry shrugged.

"Are you sure about Harry being friendly with Lucius's kid?" Sirius asked James after Harry had left the room.

"I'm not saying they should necessarily be friendly but I don't want a repeat of our animosity with Snape in Harry and Draco's case. Now Snape's about to be Harry's professor and Harry's probably going to face the consequences of my past with Snape," said James ruefully.

Remus narrowed his eyes and  pressed his lips together. "You don't think Snape would take out his hatred against us out on Harry. I mean, after all these years."

"I wouldn't put it past him," Sirius twisted his lips. "He's always been so bitter and pathetic."

"I hope he doesn't, but either way, I don't want Harry repeating my mistakes. I'm not proud at all of how I handled my hate for Snape regardless of his faults. I know Harry wouldn't go nearly as far as I did but it doesn't lead to anything good," said James.

"I agree that we were arrogant berks in how we treated him and I'm not proud of it either. Our whole animosity was pretty pathetic," Sirius agreed. 

"Yes it was," Remus shook his head.  "James and you relentlessly bullied Snape. Snape in turn constantly followed us and tried to get us into trouble which made you both even more vindictive towards him, leading to the werewolf prank and both of you attacking him worse than usual after our OWLS."

James and Sirius bowed their heads and looked down in shame. 

"Even after James deflated his head and stopped hexing people for fun, your fights continued because by then Snape had started cursing James at every opportunity," Remus continued. 

"I agree that we went way too far, but you have to admit that Snape was no saint and was at least funny sometimes. Like the time he got pranked by us when we actually meant to prank Lucius Malfoy," Sirius reminisced bemusedly.

James, Sirius and Remus couldn't help but snigger as they remembered the incident. The Marauders regretted their bullying but couldn't help but still be amused by some of their pranks. They were in their first year and Lucius Malfoy was in his seventh year when they sneaked into the prefect's bathroom and switched the shampoo in Lucius' container with a potion that would turn his hair pink. Snape, with Lucius's permission, sneaked into the prefect's bath and used the soap and shampoo in latter's container while he tried out the prefect's bath. This resulted in Snape being the one to use the "shampoo".

=Flashback=

The eleven year old Maraurders, including Peter Pettigrew were heading towards one of the stairs in the Hogwarts castle when they saw a figure heading towards them. It was Snape and his head was wrapped with a cloth. He looked around to ensure they were alone.

"You'll all pay for this," he said dangerously.

"Pay for what?" asked James.

"For this," he snarled.

Snape looked around again before taking the cloth off his head. It was a pretty amusing sight. Snape's hair was pink, frizzy and sticking out in certain places. James, Sirius and Peter threw their heads back in laughter while Remus sniggered in amusement. 

"Your hair actually looks better Snivellus," Sirius mocked. 

"Don't call me that," Snape snapped.

"Actually Snivellus, we meant to prank Malfoy. It isn't our fault you were thick enough to use the prefect's bath and his shampoo. Who would have thought you even used shampoo," said a bemused James as his friends sniggered. 

"Can't say we're that disappointed with the result though," said Sirius as the four friends showed no signs of dialing down their amusement. 

"You all better watch your backs," Snape threatened, shooting them a look of pure venom  

"Ooh, we're shivering. I suppose Lucius Malfoy and his Death Eater friends are a warm up act compared to you," said James sarcastically.

Snape glared at them with utmost hatred  before walking away as he heard the sniggers of Marauders turned into laughter behind him.

=end of flashback=

"Ok, we might have gone a little overboard with the teasing," said James.

"Yeah, but he did look funny," Sirius said in amusement.

"Yeah," James and Remus agreed.

The three friends then had an amusing time reminiscing about several other pranks that they pulled or tried to pull at Hogwarts.

That evening, there was a Birthday party for Harry. The attendees were mostly his school friends. Harry had recently graduated from Brownstone, an elite private school. James sent him to a muggle school as he wanted him to get to know the muggle world. He also wanted Harry to be surrounded by kids who didn't know who he was or his fame as the "Boy Who Lived." At Brownstone, Harry was just an ordinary kid and considering most kids at his school were rich, he wasn't the rich kid either.

James conveniently picked a school that was a forty minute drive away from their home so that they could avoid his friends abruptly showing up at their wizarding home where there were moving pictures, paintings and magic. Since their home was a distance away, Harry's friends hardly came over and usually informed them before showing up. Hence, they usually had time to make the pictures and paintings stop moving and ensure the house looked magic free. The Quidditch pitch had a disillusionment charm placed on it. So far, there was only one incident where one of their ancestor's in his painting thought it was funny to scare two of Harry's friends by speaking to him. James had to obliviate their memories.

James owned a Quididtch team called the Phoenix Pioneers. Almost two months after Lily's death, Sirius and Remus had encouraged him to try-out for the Phoenix Pioneers as their new seeker. James was cooped up in the house in grief and they wanted him to have a change. He was initially reluctant but caved to the coaxing of his bestfriends, especially when they pointed out that doing something he loved would help him forget his pain.

Later in his career, James managed to get the seeker's position on the England's Quidditch team. He played for England twice in the Quidditch World Cup and won the cup for his country both times. During the non-world cup years, he retained his position at the Phoenix Pioneers but the owners of the Pioneers sold the team and moved out of the country in 1989. Desiring to follow his father's footstep as a businessman, James bought the team and retired as a player after he turned thirty. 

=to be continued=

Please review. Even if it's just a short 1 or 2 word review. Please. So that I know if I'm going in the right direction.

I just don't see James as an Auror especially since he's rich. I feel like if he was interested in being an Auror, he would have a gone for his Auror's training after he left Hogwarts. He joined the Order of the Phoenix instead. He could have done both if he wanted.

I assume he joined the Order as he desired to fight evil and he was loyal to Dumbledore but he didn't fancy becoming an overworked Ministry employee. I see him as being more interested in being a Quditch player. I apologize if any you don't agree with him being a Quiditch player/team owner and think he should have been an Auror instead.

Chapter Text

The Phoenix Pioneers was having tryouts for their new seeker at the Pioneer's Stadium. The team's owner James and head coach, Benjamin Wood were watching the tryouts and occasionally discussing each player who tried out. Their sons were having their own discussion a few feet away. 

"Charlie Weasley would have been perfect for the position," said Oliver Wood.

"Charlie Weasley?" Harry tried to search his brain as he remembered hearing that name before. "Oh right. The Gryffindor team's Seeker and Captain. You said he was good enough to play professionally."

"He graduated and I was made team Captain," said Oliver.

"Congratulations, that's great," said Harry enthusiastically, giving Oliver a fleeting hug.

Oliver clasped his hands over his head. "But without Charlie, our team's at a severe disadvantage. It's on me to find a suitable replacement and that makes me feel a little pressured."

"You'll find one," said Harry reassuringly.

"You're a great Seeker. If you're sorted into Gryffindor, perhaps you could become our Seeker," said Oliver with a sudden thought.

"But first years aren't allowed though," said Harry.

"Right ... " said Oliver, who was dull again. "Perhaps I'll get a seventh year. That way you can join the team in your second year. You're a good chaser too, better than the chasers on the team. If I find a good seeker, you could replace one of the chasers instead," Olivers offered.

"That wouldn't be fair. I don't want to take anyone's spot unless they've graduated," said Harry.

"It would be fair if you're a better player. As team captain, it's my duty to find to find the best player for each position even if it means replacing existing players." said Oliver a matter-of-factly.

"I guess. But I really hope it doesn't come to that," said Harry as Oliver grinned at what he thought of as extreme kindness. "Why didn't you ask Charlie Weasley to try out?"

"I did. He preferred accepting a job in Romania to work with dragons". 

"He prefers working with dragons?" asked Harry in amused disbelief.

"I couldn't believe it either," said Oliver as they both sniggered. 

Harry respected Charlie Weasley's preference and interests but couldn't help but be puzzled that he preferred working with dragons over being a professional Quidditch player as Harry couldn't imagine working with anything that dangerous and loved Quidditch.

"So, are you going to work the Gryffindor team as hard as your dad works the Pioneers?" Harry teased. 

Benjamin Wood was a strict, no-nonsense coach who pushed the team to their full potential and would even have a maniacal glint in his eyes when it came to Qudditch. He was Captain of the Gryffindor team during James's first three years at Hogwarts. Experiencing his strong-willed determination as Quidditch captain made James think he was perfect for coaching a professional Quidditch team

"I'd probably be working the team even harder than my dad, Harry," Oliver teased back with the same maniacal glint in his eyes as his father as the boys laughed it off.

That night, the Marauders and Harry were having dinner at the Potter Manor dining room when Sirius's upcoming wedding came up.

"Wedding's been brought up to early December because The Platinum Hotel is unavailable on our original date," Sirius announced. "Harry can get the weekend off from school right?"

"Yeah, but we would need permission from his Head of House to bring him home for the weekend," said James.

"Excellent! That won't be problem then. Surely Professor McGonagall would let Harry off," said Sirius cheerfully as if the matter was solved.

"Your father was a bit of her favorite, although she was both simultaneously fond and exasperated by him in school," Remus winked. 

"But what if I'm not in Gryffindor?" asked Harry apprehensively.

"Professor Flitwick from Ravenclaw and Professor Sprout from Hufflepuff are reasonable and fair. And if you're in Slytherin, Professor Snaaape..." James trailed.

James exchanged uncomfortable looks with both his bestfriends. He couldn't imagine having to ask Severus Snape's permission to bring Harry home for the weekend. He was sure it wouldn't go well. Harry had already heard a brief summary of his rivalry with Snape. The Marauders had merely told him that James and Sirius were at loggerheads with Snape from almost the moment that they met and how the house rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin was even more intense in their schooldays since Voldermort was at the peak of his power. They felt it was too soon to give Harry any more details on their relationship with Snape.

"Well, I'm sure if it comes to that, Professor Dumbledore as Headmaster would be able to overwrite Snape and allow Harry to attend the wedding," Remus reasoned. 

James agreed with Remus, but he still thought it would be incredibly awkward to constantly have to deal with Severus Snape if he was Harry's Head of House. He was prepared put aside his feelings and be civil to Snape just for Harry, but he doubted the Potion's Master would return the gesture. The last time he saw Snape was 11 or 12 years ago and while they both had enough self control not to start a physical fight, it wasn't pleasant. 

Almost a month later, it was the night of August 31st and Harry's last night home before he went off to Hogwarts the next day. James was tucking him in bed when the latter asked him an unexpected question.

"Dad, what if I'm in Slytherin?" Harry asked cautiously.

James searched his son's face and carefully pondered his answer. He knew he would still love Harry just as much if he was in Slytherin but he might be just a little disappointed if he was in Slytherin. He knew that not all Slytherins were evil. He had stopped viewing things as black or white in that sense. But there were still some of that lingering house rivalry, and the fact that Severus Snape was the Head of Slytherin. Snape would have more power to make Harry miserable as his Head of House.

James chose not to let this all out to Harry. He had already worried his son enough by giving him brief information on his rivalry with Snape, but that was just to give him a forewarning to be extra careful in Snape's class. Moreover, he certainly didn't want Harry to feel bad in any way if he did by chance get sorted into Slytherin. He just hoped Snape would be objective enough to not take out his schoolboy grudge against him on his son no matter which house he got sorted into. Knowing Harry's character though, he was almost certain he would be a Gryffindor.

"Harry, I'd still love you just the same if you were in Slytherin. It doesn't matter which house you're in but what you make of yourself in that house," said James. 

"It's just that Slytherin is associated with evil, Voldemort and the Dark Arts," said Harry.

"That's because by a coincidence, most but not all evil wizards happen to have been in Slytherin. But it doesn't mean that most Slytherins are evil. The Sorting Hat actually considered Slytherin for me," James confessed. 

"Really?" asked Harry, astonished.

"It considered all four houses actually. It said I had Hufflepuff's loyalty and dedication. Slytherin's disregard for rules, determination and resourcefulness. Ravenclaw's intelligence, wit, creativity and originality. In the end, it decided my Gryffindor traits were more prevalent and what I truly valued."

Harry relaxed a little bit, but still looked a little unconvinced.

"Harry, it's not that the hat detects evil in a kid and puts that kid in Slytherin. You know a few good Slytherins, including your godfather's cousin, Andromeda. Even Professor Slughorn who was the Head of Slytherin while I was at Hogwarts was good, albeit a schmoozer. He was your mother's favorite professor, in fact."

"So it would really be alright if I somehow go sorted into Slytherin?" 

"Certainly. You have nothing to worry about," James reassured his son. 

Harry finally looked convinced as he threw his arms around his father and held tight. "I love you dad"

"I love you too, son," James hugged him back. "Now, you sleep tight and don't worry about a thing, alright?" he said as he tucked Harry in.

Harry nodded. "Goodnight"

"Goodnight" James kissed Harry's forehead before leaving his room. 

Harry was unaware that after he had fallen asleep, his father had come back into his room and lovingly watched him sleep for a full hour. It was the last night he would get to see his son for the next few months. Sirius and Remus had joined him in lovingly watching him sleep at some point during the hour, but they only stayed for about fifteen minutes.

=to be continued=

Please review. Even if it's bad. But please make it as constructive criticism to improve the story. But good or bad, please review, so that I know if I'm doing a good job or if I should change my writing style or story's direction.

Please remember to follow the story with the Follow/Favorite button on top if you're interested in what happens next or if you want to give the story a chance to see where it goes.

James and Sirius actually have quite a bit of Ravenclaw in them. They're intelligent, they're witty and they're definitely creative and original. The Marauder's Map is a testimony to their creativity and originality. Not to mention the creativity and originality they would probably have used in their pranks.

Chapter Text

James and Harry were both standing in front of a mirror in the informal hall, trying but failing to comb their short, but messy black hair.

"It's no point, son, we're cursed with the Potter hair,"

"Oh, would you both stop fussing about your hair," said an amused Sirius.

"Not everyone is blessed with naturally great hair like you, Sirius," said James.

"Well, that's true." Sirius stroked his hair and gave it a flip.

Sirius had lustrous, sleek black hair that fell easily on his face.

"You could use your dad's Sleekeazy hair potion," Remus suggested. 

James' father, Fleamont Potter who also had his son and grandson's messy black hair was a famous potioneer who invented the Sleekeazy Hair Potion. The potion gave its' wearer sleek hair and massively increased their family's fortune. Fleamont sold the company for a large sum shortly before he died.

"Applying that potion takes at least an hour. It's best used only for formal occasions," said James.

Nevertheless, with a bit of muggle hair gel, they managed to groom their hair to be at least partially neat. It didn't work as well as Sleekeazy's, but it was much quicker to apply and needed no brewing.

James put both his arms protectively around Harry from the back. "Do I really need to send my boy away to school? Can't I just home-school him?" He clinged as tightly as possible to his son.

This was the fifth time he had said this ever since Harry got his Hogwarts letter. Aside from the fact that he would miss Harry, he was also a little overprotective of his son. The first month after Lily's death was the worst as he would refuse to leave Harry's side. For the next six months, he would only be comfortable leaving Harry with Sirius or Remus. It took a year before he was ready to hire a caregiver.

"Now James, Harry needs a proper education," Remus said in mock patience as if explaining to a child.

"And you don't want Harry to miss out on experiencing Hogwarts, do you?" asked Sirius.

"But what if it's not safe?" he asked defensively.

"James, there's no safer place than Hogwarts. Even back when Voldemort was at large, he never dared attack the school while it was under Professor Dumbledore's watch," Remus reasoned. 

"And I'm sure the few of his Death Eaters that still roam around *cough*Lucius*cough* would not dare do something Voldemort himself was afraid of," Sirius added.

James deliberated this before sighing and letting go of Harry. "I suppose you're both right."

There was a last minute hustle and bustle at Platform Nine and Three Quarters as students said their last goodbyes to their parents and boarded The Hogwarts Express. Harry looked his at father, godfather and Uncle Remus and took in their faces. It would be months before he saw them again. 

"Bye dad".

"I'll miss you, son," said James earnestly.

"I'll miss you too, dad," said Harry as both father and son embraced.

"We'll see you in December. Have a great term and don't forget to write to your dear old father," James said after they pulled away.

"I will".

"Bye Uncle Sirius".

"Well, Prongslet, try not to get into too much trouble. The key is not getting caught." Sirius winked. 

"Sirius," said Remus incredulously.

"Well, if he doesn't get into *any* trouble, his life would be boring," said Sirius as Remus rolled his eyes. "I'll miss you," he hugged Harry. 

"Bye Uncle Remus".

"Take care, Harry. We'll all be missing you", said Remus as he took his turn to hug Harry. 

After last goodbyes, Harry got onto the train and waved at all three Marauders as the train picked up steam and begin moving. They stood waving back at him and he didn't take his eyes off them until they were out of sight and neither did they.

Harry carried his trunk and his owl which he had named Hedwig and walked across the train's corridor to find a compartment. He carried his trunk easily as it had been bewitched to be light. His heart felt both excited and heavy. He was excited about his new adventure at Hogwarts. But he would also miss his father, godfather and Uncle Remus dearly, especially his father. He wasn't used to being away from his father.

"Potter"

He turned around to face to a blonde boy with pale skin and a pointed chin. 

"Alright Malfoy," said Harry.

"Come sit in my compartment", said Draco.

Harry hesitated at first but remembered what his father said about giving people a chance.

"Thank you," he said as he followed Draco into his compartment.

There were three boys in his compartment. Two of the boys were quite big sized and had the stereotypical look of bullies who weren't very bright. The third boy who was smart-looking and skinny was reading a book. All three boys looked up and gave Draco a questioning look.

"Oh come on. Would I bring in a muggle-born or someone who wasn't from the right sort of family?" asked Draco. "This is Vincent Crabbe, this is Gregory Goyle and this is Theo Nott," he introduced his friends.

Theo Nott, the bookish, smart-looking one was sitting on the seat by the window, with Crabbe and Goyle sitting beside him. Harry felt a surge of discomfort. He knew Crabbe, Goyle and Nott's fathers were former Death Eaters.

"Nice to meet you all," said Harry who extended his hand. The three boys took turns shaking his hand.

"And this is Harry Potter," said Draco.

"Harry Potter!" Crabbe, Goyle and Theo gasped.

Harry took a seat by the window, directly the opposite of Theo while Draco took a seat beside Harry.

"Do you have the ... scar?" asked Theo.

"Oh. Yeah," he brushed his fringe up to reveal his lightning bolt scar.

"Whoa," said the four boys in astonishment.

"Do you remember anything from that night?" Draco leaned forward, his eyes perking with interest.

"Not really. All I remember is a lot of green light," said Harry.

"The killing curse," muttered Draco.

"Sorry, what?" asked Harry.

"The killing curse. It's one of the unforgivable curses and gives out green light," said Draco.

"My mum died in front of me too. I was seven, so I remember it clearly and it was horrifying," Theo trembled and had gone slightly pale. 

"I'm sorry," said Harry sympathetically.

"You really don't remember anything?" asked Crabbe.

"Not even what you-know-who looked like?" asked Goyle.

Theo could sense Harry was getting uncomfortable with questions about the night he was scarred.

"Boys, please stop with the questions. He was just a baby, so of course he doesn't remember. I know how uncomfortable it is to speak about my mother's death," said Theo.

"Thanks Theo," Harry said gratefully as Theo nodded with a smile. 

Theo went back to his book while Crabbe and Goyle played Exploding Snap.

=to be continued=

I was planning on finishing the whole train scene in this chapter, but I had to cut it here as I still have some thinking to do about Harry and Draco's conversation on the train. I will continue the train scene in the next chapter.

Please review so that I know if it's any good, or if I should change anything. And please remember to follow me if you want updates on the story. Thanks!

Chapter Text

"So, I assume your favorite Quidditch team is the Phoenix Pioneers, since your dad owns it," Draco broke the silence after the initial discomfort about his scar and mother's death has passed. 

"Yeah ... but my personal bias aside, it's a good team though," Harry shrugged.

"That's true, I suppose. I usually root for the Pioneers when they aren't playing against my favorite team, the Blazing Dragons," said Draco

"The Blazing Dragons? Good team. Abrith is a great Keeper and Yaxley is a great Beater."

"They are, aren't they? I like the chasers, Triton and Brinx from the Pioneers."

"They're the best," Harry agreed.

"Isn't it nice that you finally found someone to talk about Quidditch with, Draco," Theo looked up from his book.

"Oh, in case you didn't know, these three are hopeless if you ever want a conversation about Quidditch," Draco explained to Harry as Theo playfully held out his tongue and went back to his book. "Did you see the Quaffle that Abrith saved in the last ten minutes of the game when they played against the Chudley Cannons in the semi-finals? Impressive wasn't it?" 

Harry and Draco continued having a fascinating conversation about Quidditch and eventually went on to talking about the spells that they tried at home and the subjects they were most interested in learning. They were both the most interested in the subjects involving a wand and the least interested in the "boring" History of Magic.

At about half past twelve, the trolley lady arrived and the five boys bought a handful of treats from her cart. They discussed Chocolate Frog cards and the wizards on the cards. Albus Dumbledore was on one of their cards. To Harry's surprise and discomfort, all boys expressed a disdain for Dumbledore whom Harry thought to be quite respectable from what he had heard of him. The headmaster had also visited his place a few times. But he recalled what his dad said about Lucius filling Draco's mind with rubbish and knew that their fathers were responsible for putting such thoughts into them. To avoid his dissonance, Harry changed the topic to Nicholas Flamel, a wizard on another one of their Chocolate Frog cards.

Crabbe and Goyle noisily threw Bertie's Every Flavored beans at each other as they tried to catch the beans with their mouths. They were only successful about half the time.

"Just ignore them. They love acting all silly. You'll get used to it," Draco said to Harry as he shot them a slight glare. "Are you still hoping to get into Gryffindor?" 

"My dad said it doesn't matter which house I get into, but I can tell that he would be slightly disappointed if I don't get into Gryffindor. I hate disappointing my dad." 

Harry didn't want to specifically mention Slytherin as not to hurt the feelings of the boys he knew were planning on getting into Slytherin.

"I understand what you mean. My father would be disappointed if I don't get into Slytherin and I hate it when I disappoint my father too," said Draco understandably.

"Me too", Theo agreed.

"I suppose it might be a bit of a problem if you got into Slytherin. My father told me that that Professor Snape and your dad used to hate each other in school. Not just your dad, but your godfather too. He's my mother's cousin isn't he?" 

"Do you know Professor Snape?" asked Harry.

"He comes around for dinner occasionally. My father used to be his mentor during his first year and my father's seventh year. They're still quite close." 

"Is he alright?" asked Harry, trying but failing to hide the slight fear in his voice.

"He's alright. You're afraid he'll take out his hatred for your father out on you, aren't you? He can't take out his grudge on you even if he wanted to. He's not allowed to. And with your fame, he can't get away with it either," said Draco.

Just then, the compartment door slid open and a girl with bushy brown haired girl entered with a shy looking, round faced boy beside her. They both looked familiar and the girl was already dressed in her Hogwarts robes.

The girl introduced herself as Hermione Granger and the boy beside her as Neville Longbottom and asked if anyone saw a toad as the boy had lost his. She had a bossy voice. All five boys shook their heads. The girl then stared at Harry and he recognized her. She was from the sister school of Brownstone, the all boys private school he used to attend. Her school was right across his school. He had seen her a few times and he knew her by name, but they had never spoken to each other.

His class teacher had told his class all about how Hermione Granger was the top girl in her school and how her grades were higher than theirs. Harry was in the Honours class and a few boys in his class felt insulted that a girl got better grades than them. Harry usually got mostly As and a few Bs. He was really good at Math and usually got A+s for it.

"You're from Brownstone aren't you?" asked Hermione.

"Yes," said Harry.

"Are you muggle-born too?" she asked excitedly. 

"No, he's not muggle-born. He's half-blood. But I suppose I can't expect a mudblood like you to know who Harry Potter is," said Draco.

Harry's stomach let out an uncomfortable lurch. Hermione didn't seem shocked and he knew it was because she didn't understand what the word "mudblood" meant. This made him sympathize with her even more. The boy with her, Neville Longbottom looked shocked and just as uncomfortable as he felt. He now remembered hearing about Neville's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom who were part of the Order of the Phoenix with his parents and were tortured to insanity by four Death Eaters. He remembered seeing his parents on a group picture of the Order. That's why Neville looked familiar, as he had a striking resemblance to both his parents.

"Are you really Harry Potter?" Hermione's eyes glowed as she eyed him intently. 

Harry nodded.

"I've read all about you. Did you know you were in ..."

"Modern Magical History and The Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts and Great Wizarding Events of the Twentieth Century. Yeah, I know," Harry finished for her.

"Look ..." Draco began.

"We've already said that there isn't any toad in here. Will you both please look elsewhere. We'll let you know if we see one," Harry cut Draco off as he stood up and ushered them outside of the compartment.

He didn't want to hear Draco insult Hermione for being muggle-born again. Even if she seemed a bit annoying as a know-it-all with a bossy voice, Harry didn't think she deserved to be insulted for her blood-status.

"How rude", Harry heard the girl say as he closed the compartment door.

"Thanks Harry. I thought we'd never be rid of that mudblood", said Draco. "And why is that boy concerned with finding his toad? If I had a toad, I'd lose it on purpose, wouldn't you?"

"Umm hmm," Harry agreed.

They remained silent for some time as Harry was left to his thoughts. He was really confused and didn't know what to feel about Draco. On one hand he seemed alright and it was nice talking to him about Quidditch, school subjects and family. On the other hand he was prejudiced against muggle-borns and his father was a supporter of Voldemort. But his Uncle Remus did say that Draco was only eleven and he could possibly change his opinions with the right influence. Could he really be influenced to change his bigoted mindset with the right influence? 

=to be continued=

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Please review, so that I know if it's any good! Even if it's just a one or two word's review.

Sorry that this chapter was fully on the train. I needed an elaborate train sequence between Harry and Draco for the future plot. Please let me know if it's too draggy and if I should hasten the pace of my story.

Chapter Text

Once they had reached their destination, Harry, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Theo stepped out of the Hogwarts Express to join Hagrid who had called out for the first years. As he was gathering the first years, Hagrid gave Harry a warm smile and wave which he returned. The groundskeeper's smiled faltered just a little when he saw Harry's company of the four future Slytherins. He wondered how he knew who they were, but remembered that Draco was the spitting image of Lucius.

Hagrid informed them that they were to get to Hogwarts on boats through the Great Black Lake. Harry, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle got into a boat while Theo offered to get into another boat with one of his female friends since they were only allowed four to a boat.

They were now in the Great Hall at Hogwarts as the sorting ceremony commenced. 

"Potter, Harry," called McGonagall.

It was Harry's turn to try on the sorting hat. Draco Malfoy, Vincent Crabbe, Greggory Goyle and Theo Nott had all been sorted into Slytherin, while Hermione Granger and Neville Longbottom had been sorted into Gryffindor. Harry had decided to let the Sorting hat decide his destiny even if his destiny was Slytherin. He heard many whispers among the students and staff members at the mention of his name. He felt many eyes on him as he made his way to the stool as the whole room watched him with interest due to him being "The Boy Who Lived". He picked up the sorting hat, put it on his head and sat on the stool waiting for its' verdict.

"Hmm ... not an easy one! I see bravery, and a disposition for chivalry and recklessness which would fit a true Gryffindor. I see loyalty, dedication, and a knack for forming strong friendship bonds which would fit Hufflepuff. I see intelligence and wit which would fit Ravenclaw. I also see talent, determination, resourcefulness and disregard for rules which would fit very well with Slytherin. Where to put you? ... Hmm ... You could do very well in Slytherin indeed ... But there's also ... hmm ..." the hat pondered.

After a good whole minute, the hat finally said "But alas, at the core you're a GRYFFINDOR."

Harry received the loudest cheer, especially from the Gryffindor table. Professor McGonagall looked elated for a brief moment before she consciously turned her expression back to neutral. He looked at Draco Malfoy who looked disappointed, but shrugged and gave him a small sad smile with a slight sneer. Harry heard a lot of whispering as he walked towards the Gryffindor table. The Gryffindors looked at him as if they were eyeing a priceless jewel as he took his place at the Gryffindor table.

He looked up at the staff table and saw Hagrid beaming at him with relief on his face. Professor Dumbledore looked pleased as he held up a glass in salute. His eyes then wandered towards a greasy haired man with a hook nose who was fixing him with a cold stare. Harry recognized him by his distinctive hook nose and greasy hair that the Marauders had described to him. He didn't know whether he was imagining things due to the Marauders warning him to beware of Severus Snape who used to be their arch-nemesis, but he thought he could feel an intense hatred from the Potion's professor's eyes that even his scar began to hurt.

Harry received a warm welcome at the Gryffindor table which included a hug from Oliver. Soon, they were joined by Dean Thomas and Ron Weasley. Ron took a seat next to him as they exchanged names and shook hands. Ron was briefly star-struck by Harry's name and asked to see his scar which Harry obliged.

"Ron Weasley? You wouldn't happen to be related to Charlie Weasley would you?" asked Harry.

"You know my brother?" asked Ron, astonished.

"Your brother? Cool! I heard he was the seeker on the Gryffindor team and an excellent one," said Harry as Ron looked abashed that Harry considered his brother and by extension him cool.

Harry and Ron quickly took a liking to each other as they fell into easy conversation. Ron thought Harry was lucky to be the privileged, only son of his father while Harry thought Ron was lucky to have a loving family with many siblings and a mother. He did consider himself lucky to have a loving family of his own with his father and uncles. He loved his father and didn't wish for a mother in place of a his father. But nevertheless, Harry always felt his family was incomplete without his mother and thought it would be wonderful to have siblings. He was introduced to Ron's three older brothers. Percy was a fifth year prefect while Fred and George were mischievous twins in their third year.  Ron also told Harry about his other two older brothers, Bill and Charlie who had graduated and worked in Egypt and Romania respectively. Aside from them, he was informed that Ron had a little sister, Ginny who would be starting Hogwarts the next year.

Early the next morning, Harry and Ron went to the Owlery to send letters back home. Ron had to use a school owl as he didn't own his own owl. As they were leaving the Owlery, they ran into Draco Malfoy and gang.

"Potter, pity you didn't get sorted into Slytherin," said Draco.

"The sorting hat considered Slytherin for a bit but decided I had more Gryffindor traits than Slytherin," Harry shrugged. 

"I'd pick my friends more carefully if I were you Potter. The Weasleys are far from good company to keep. They completely lack in class and status," said Draco as Ron's face turned as red as his hair.

"Say that again," Ron demanded.

"We both have different ideas of what class is, Malfoy. To me, the type of person someone is shows their class rather than which family they come from." 

"Alright, suit yourself, but I warned you," said Draco as he continued walking into the Owlery with his gang while Harry and Ron headed off to the Great Hall.

"Can you believe that Malfoy? Thinks he's all that just because he's rich," said Ron.

"Mafoy's a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he seemed alright when we spoke about things that didn't involved class or status. On the other hand, he can be such a git. But my dad says that it's his dad who planted nonsense into his mind," said Harry.

"I've heard of his dad. Lucius Malfoy. My dad says he was one of 'you know who's' biggest supporters," said Ron darkly.

James, Sirius and Remus were in the Potter Manor hall, reading through the letter they had received from Harry.

"My boy's in Gryffindor," said James proudly as the three Marauders exchanged high fives.

Remus furrowed his brows and pressed his lips together. "I wonder why the third corridor is out of bounds."

"When we were in school, the first thing we would have done was to check out what was *out of bounds* in the third corridor," said Sirius mischievously.

"Yeah", James and Remus agreed reminiscently.

"You don't think Harry would be intrigued to check out the third floor corridor, do you?" asked Remus. "I mean he did inherit your curiosity and knack for disregarding rules."

"That's true, but he doesn't have the inflated head that I had at his age though. Nevertheless, I'll write to him not to think it's clever to check out the out of bound corridor," said James.

Owls bearing letters from home flew into the Great Hall during breakfast, including Hedwig who brought a letter and care package to Harry from James. Across from his table, he saw Draco Malfoy receiving his own care package and letter.

Harry excitedly opened his letter which read:

Dear Harry,

CONGRATULATIONS on making Gryffindor! It's only been a day, and I miss you already.

Son, no matter how curious the third floor corridor is, please don't ever be intrigued to check it out. You never know what dangerous thing or creature could be in there. Remember that Hogwarts is also home to the Forbidden Forrest, so anyone thinking it's clever to check out the third floor corridor may very well be signing their death certificate. I'm not saying that you would try to check it out, but I'm just warning you in case.

I've attached a care package with your favorite treats. As your father, I advise you not to get into too much trouble and toe the line. As James Potter, I tell you to put those Zonko's products into good use.

Have a great time at Hogwarts. Take care and I love you. Your Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus send their love.

Love,

Dad

Harry grinned as he put his letter neatly away. He waited till he got back to the common room before opening his care package. The package consisted of products from Zonko's joke shop, Honeydukes and a large supply of Harry's favorite muggle candy, Cadbury.

"What are these?" asked Ron, picking up a box of Cadbury chocolates.

"It's a muggle chocolate. Try it. It's really good," said Harry courteously.

Ron opened the box and found many large rectangular Cadbury chocolates wrapped in a purple wrapper. He unwrapped one and took a bite of it.

Delight could be seen spreading across Ron's face as he chewed the chocolate. "It's really good. Better than chocolate frogs." 

Harry shared his treats with the Gryffindors surrounding him.

"Your father sent you Zonko's products?" George was slacked-jawed. 

"Just mild ones. He didn't send things like dungbombs or firecrackers," said Harry.

"Still, coolest father we've seen," said Fred, impressed.

"Make sure that stick in the mud 'prefect' doesn't see them," cautioned George.

"Who?"

"Percy," said Ron and the Weasley twins in unison.

"The school has decided to torture us by giving our brother authority to get us in trouble," said Fred.

"If he sees your Zonko's products, he'd use his 'prefect' authority to confiscate them," George warned.

=to be continued=

A/N: I hope this chapter is ok. My aim is to summarize things that are the same and expands things that I changed. I expanded the sorting ceremony because I wanted to detail how the hat put Harry in Gryffindor. I thought I'd give a little detail on the boat scene because Harry had different friends on the boat.

I'm working on giving detail in the right scenes and summarizing the right scenes. I hope it's ok if I almost skim through year 1 and year 2 because both years have the same Philosopher's Stone and Chamber of Secrets conflict. The real difference comes in year 3 where the plot would be quite different. Years 4 -7 would also have my own upgrade.

About Cadbury, I remember that during the 2000s (and probably the late 90s), there was a Cadbury product that came packaged in a nice big rectangular box. In the box, were several large rectangular Cadbury chocolates wrapped separately in purple wrappers. The chocolates had round edges. I'm not sure if that product was out in the early 90s, but if it was not, I apologize. I couldn't find the answer on the internet. If it was not out yet in 1992, please just imagine the Cadbury chocolate Harry received to be a product that was actually out back then.

Chapter Text

Severus Snape looked through the namelist of his first year Potion's class as he called out the names in alphabetical order.

"Draco Malfoy"

"Here," Draco held up his hand.

Snape looked at him approvingly. Draco looked so much like Lucius who was his friend and former mentor.

He finally reached Harry Potter's name. Potter's brat had arrived and he looked just like his worthless father. Bet Potter was proud of his son's fame. Both father and son received fame and popularity they didn't deserve. He mocked the kid by making a comment about his celebrity status and delighted in seeing the Slytherin students snigger in amusement. It was like seeing James Potter himself humiliated. To his surprise, rather than sniggering, Draco Malfoy shot Harry a wide-eyed look. He continued his roll call and until he reached the end of the name list.

He then began his same dramatic introduction speech that made his subject seem more intriguing than it really was. Draco's eyes perked up in interest, but Harry's eyes looked blank with disinterest just like his father's did during Potions class. Potions was the subject Lily was most passionate about and she always showed interest in it. He asked Harry a question from the Potions textbook. He ignored Hermione Granger's hand as he hated showoffs. Potter's only response was "I don't know sir". This satisfied him as it gave him an opportunity to further pick on Potter's brat. He mocked him by subtlety implying he was too stupid for his fame.

He asked him a second question and continued to ignore Hermione Granger's hand. He received the same "I don't know, sir" which only gave him more satisfaction. The kid was handing himself on a platter to be humiliated. He made a mocking comment about how he should have opened a book before coming. He enjoyed making James Potter's son look stupid. He asked him a third question and the annoying Granger girl held her hand up again a third time. That girl was beginning to look like just as big of a showoff as James Potter and even he wasn't as big of a show off till he achieved his Quidditch fame.

"I don't know sir, but Hermione seems to really want to answer a question though. Why don't you try her?" said Harry as a few Gryffindors laughed. Even Draco Malfoy looked like he was controlling a snigger.

This set him off. The brat was just like his father. Not only did he not inherit his mother's interest in Potions, he was a sarcastic, cheeky bastard like his father. Granger put her hand down after he snapped at her. Snape mockingly gave Harry the answers to the three questions. He also took this opportunity to deduct a point from Gryffindor.

Snape got the class brewing a simple potion to cure boils. He criticized quite a number of students but praised Malfoy and a few of his Slytherins. A clumsy boy, Neville Longbottom missed one of the instructions and caused an accident which had him in boils. He insulted Neville and snarled at him for missing the instruction and had Seamus Finnigan bring him to the hospital wing. Snape also decided he wanted an excuse to pick on Harry anyways, even if the boy had no part in the accident, so he accused him of trying to make himself look good by not warning Neville and deducted another point from him. He didn't care that he should objectively have punished the whole class by that logic. Snape saw the cheeky bastard open his mouth to retort but was stopped by his redhead friend.

"Potter," Draco called out as Harry and Ron were heading back to their Common Room

Harry turned around to see Draco Malfoy approaching him with his usual cronies, Crabbe and Goyle.

"Alright, Malfoy?"

Draco turned around to makesure no one else was within earshot.

"Blimey Potter. You were right about Professor Snape taking out his hatred for your father on you,"

"Yeah ... does a good job hiding his contempt, doesn't he?" 

"I'm fond of Professor Snape as my father's friend. But objectively, if I were you Potter, my father would hear about this. I bet your father could could use his influence to do something about it," said Draco.

"As intriguing as that sounds, I'm not sure if I want to go running to my dad to fix every problem I have, Malfoy. My dad usually fixed his own problems without relying much on his eldery parents," said Harry.

"I don't know about you or your dad, but I wouldn't put up with being treated that way by any professor. I'd have had any professor who treated me that way sacked," said Draco. "Not that I'm asking you to get Professor Snape sacked," he quickly added.

"You think it's that easy to get a professor sacked?" asked Ron disbelievingly.

"Of course it's impossible for you, Weasley, but for a Malfoy, anything's possible," Draco said with air of self-importance. 

"Thanks for the advice, Malfoy. We'll see you around," Harry quickly said as he walked away, ushering Ron along with him. He was afraid Draco would continue to insult Ron.

"I think one day I'm going to lose it and punch that git," Ron swore.  "Professor Snape is taking out his hatred for your father on you?"

"Snape used be enemies with my dad and uncles in school. They hated each other," said Harry.

"And he's taking that out on you years later?" asked Ron disbelievingly.

"Yeah, it pathetic".

"Are you going to write about this to your dad?" asked Ron.

"I'm not sure. It's just our first class. I think I'll wait to see how the next few lessons go before telling my dad," said Harry reasonably.

"I suppose that's reasonable," shrugged Ron.

Later that evening, Harry and Ron visited Hagrid's hut. Hagrid had sent him an owl in the morning, inviting him over for tea and Ron had asked to accompany him. While at Hagrid's hut, Harry saw an article on the Daily Prophet about a break-in at Gringotts on his Birthday. Putting two and two together from how Hagrid had emptied Vault 713 while he and his father were there, to how Hagrid wanted to leave Gringotts as soon as possible after he had retrieved the package and to how Hagrid was dismissive when he brought up the break-in, Harry suspected that the package Hagrid emptied from Vault 713 was what the thief was looking for.

Dear dad,

Classes are going on great but I'm still getting used to finding my way around the castle. Ron is a really great friend and fun to hang out with. His brothers are equally cool, but Percy's really uptight, especially about rules. Malfoy is a prick at times, but at times, he's alright. There's this annoying, bossy, know-it-all girl in class, Hermione Granger who can't keep her hand down whenever a professor asks a question in class. She's really smart though. She's muggle-born like mum, but like you, she's usually the first in Professor McGonagall's class to transfigure anything. Perhaps I should get Transfiguration tips from you when I'm home for the holidays. It's fun to imagine Hermione's reaction if I outshone her in Transfiguration.

Ron and I had tea at Hagrid's a few days ago. Did you hear about the break-in at Gringott's? Vault 713 was the vault Hagrid emptied on the very same day of the robbery. Do you think the package Hagrid emptied from the vault was what the thief was looking for? Since Hagrid said it was Hogwart's business, it must have been Professor Dumbledore who asked him to empty the vault. Isn't it odd that Professor Dumbledore knew to make Hagrid empty the vault on the same day of the robbery as if he expected an attempt robbery on the vault.

I have news. During my first flying lesson, I was the first to have my broom in my hand. Unfortunately, Neville Longbottom had an accident with his broom and Madam Hooch had to take him to the hospital wing. While they were gone, Draco Malfoy thought it was funny to take Neville's Remembrall and shot up in the air with it when Parvathi Patil asked him to give it back. I immediately shot up in the air too, ignoring annoying Hermione's protest. He asked me why I bothered and when I insisted he give it back, he relented by throwing it in the air towards me. I managed to catch the Remembrall with a dive, but Professor McGonagall showed up just as I landed. I thought I was in trouble and feared what you'd say if I was expelled on my first week. But fortunately, she brought me to see Oliver, praised my dive and asked him to make me the Gryffindor team's seeker. I'm the youngest seeker of the century, dad. They're bending the broom rules for me and I'm allowed to have one now. I can't believe it.

Hope you're doing well.

Take care. Send my love to Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus. Can't wait to see all three of you again,

love,

Harry.

Dear Harry,

Congratulations on making the team! Youngest seeker of the century. That's great! I'm really proud of you, son. Not just for making the Quidditch team, but for standing up for Neville. Professor McGonagall has written to me and I've sent your Nimbus 2000 with this letter. I'll arrange for your Quidditch things, including your robes. Professor McGonagall wants to keep your possession of a broom private for now, so please don't open your broom in public.

I'm glad you've found a great friend in Ron. Perhaps he would end up being your Sirius. I understand your feelings about Hermione, but to be fair to her, she's new to the Wizarding World. Perhaps she just wants to prove herself as she feels lost in a new environment. She might gradually tone down her behavior once she's more adjusted to Hogwarts. I can certainly train you in Transfiguration when you're home.

I found it odd too. I agree that Dumbledore probably expected the package in Vault 713 to be robbed. Being curious myself, I understand your curiosity about what's in the package and the attempt robbery, but please don't worry about it, son. I'm certain professor Dumbledore knows what he's doing and has it covered.

Take care. Your uncles send their love. We can't wait to see you again too.

love,

Dad.

A/N: Please, please review. Please give kudos if you like and bookmark/subsribe to the story if you want updates

Chapter Text

After word had reached the Slytherins that Harry was the Gryffindor team's new Seeker, he was confronted by a jealous Blaise Zabini with Draco Malfoy by his side. Blaise mocked him and accused him enjoying special privilege. He followed this by goading Harry and challenging him to a duel. Draco was clearly jealous as well from his expression, but he also seemed conflicted about showing it. Perhaps he was confused about how to view or treat Harry just like Harry himself was confused about him. Harry made Ron his second while Blaise made Draco his second.

Hermione who had overheard their exchange tried to "advice" Harry out of it, but he wouldn't have any of her interference. However, the bushy haired muggle-born was not to be ignored. She lay awake waiting for them. Harry and Ron chose to ignore her again, but she followed them out of the Common Room. Unfortunately, the Fat Lady had gone out visiting while they were arguing, so Hermione was trapped outside with them. If that wasn't enough, Neville Longbottom was also stuck outside with them as he had forgotten the password and was sleeping outside the portrait after he returned from the Hospital Wing. Neville was raised by his strict grandmother after his parents were tortured to the point of insanity by four Death Eaters shortly after Lily's death. Harry knew about Neville's parents, but chose to keep it to himself as the Marauders had advised him not to bring it up at school or to Neville.

As such, Harry and Ron were stuck having Hermione and Neville tagging along with them and had to endure former's nagging about how they got her into this. Harry argued back that she chose to follow them. They were to meet Blaise Zabini and Draco Malfoy outside the Trophy room, but soon realized that the boys were not going to show up and this was merely a ploy to get them out of bed. Filch who was tipped off by Blaise knew to show up near the Trophy room. While they were escaping Filch, they ended up in the forbidden third floor corridor. This led to them entering a locked room where they came face to face to with three headed dog. Fortunately, they managed to escape from the room before either of them was eaten. Even more fortunately, they managed to escape Filch. A very annoyed Hermione pointed out that the three headed dog was standing on a trapdoor and guarding something before heading off to bed. Harry was sure that the dog was guarding the thing in the small package that Hagrid had emptied from Vault 713.

Harry had half a mind to write to his dad about it, but he was afraid that his dad wouldn't take well to him almost being eaten by a three headed dog. James sent Harry's broom the next day and Harry was delighted to have a double victory over Blaise Zabini who was not only shocked to see him the next day but was also jealous when he confronted him and discovered he had just been sent a Nimbus 2000. Draco looked a little jealous as well, but Harry knew that Draco himself had a Nimbus 2000 at home. Zabini stormed off in rage after Flitwick arrived and told Zabini that Harry was made an exception by the school and allowed a broom. Once the Ravenclaw head of house walked away, it was just Harry, Ron and Draco left.

"What did I ever do to you?" asked Harry indignantly.

"I told you he was no good and you shouldn't be civil to him," said Ron.

"Shut it, Weasley," Draco warned

"He's right. You tried to get me in trouble for no reason," said Harry.

"It wasn't me. It was Blaise," said Draco.

"Well, you were in on it. You agreed not to show up for the duel and don't tell me you didn't know that Zabini had tipped Filch off," said Harry.

"I ... well, it's not fair that you get privileges that other first years aren't allowed," said Draco.

"I didn't ask for those privileges. What do you expect me do? Turn them down and let my house lose the Quidditch cup? Would you have turned them down?" asked Harry.

"I ... it's ..." Draco was lost for words.

"Come on Ron," said Harry as Ron and him headed upstairs, leaving Draco Malfoy to his jealous, entitled, petty and confused thoughts.

Dear dad,

I know Halloween is usually tough for us, especially for you. But I hope you stayed strong and remembered that mum is always with us in our hearts. I was a little upset, but I coped just fine especially with Ron and my other friends to keep my mind off it.

You were right about giving Hermione a chance. Yesterday on Halloween, Ron got annoyed that Hermione corrected his pronunciation of Wingardium Leviosa. She overheard Ron calling her a nightmare and walked away upset. We later heard that she was crying in the Bathroom. Professor Quirell then came in and informed us that there was troll in the dungeon. As all the students were escorted back to our Common Rooms, I remembered that Hermione wasn't informed. Long story cut short, Ron and I went to warn her. We heard the troll in one of the rooms and shut the door, but then realized it was girl's bathroom and that Hermione was trapped in it with the troll. We went in to save her and managed to knock out the troll. The professors, including Professor McGonagall showed up and Hermione took the full blame for me and Ron. We became friends after we went back to the Common Room.

Take care and I hope to see you, Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus at my first Quidditch match.

Love Harry.

Dear Harry,

I was worried about you spending your first Halloween away from home. I'm glad that you coped well and had your friends to keep your mind off it. It's true that Halloween is usually tough on me but you have nothing to worry about. Your uncles kept my mind off it too. There's not a day that goes by without me missing your mother, but thanks to your Uncle Sirius, Uncle Remus and you, it's usually so much easier on me that I get through it. All three of you are my backbone.

It's great that Ron and you have made friends with Hermione. The three of you could learn from each other. Ron and you could teach her to be more relaxed while she could help you both see the more serious side of things. From the things you've said about her, she actually sounds quite a bit like your mother and your Uncle Remus to be honest.

I'm proud that you were noble enough to put yourself in danger to save Hermione despite not liking her. However, you could have been seriously harmed. In future, please go to a professor first before putting yourself in danger.

Your uncles and I would definitely be there for your first match. We wouldn't miss it for the world. But forewarning, you might be a bit embarrassed by a proud, but teary dad. Take care and see you soon.

Love dad.

The morning of Harry's first Quidditch match had finally arrived. Aside from Quidditch, Harry had one more thing to think about. Snape had been limping after the Halloween incident and Harry had seen him go off somewhere else instead of to the dungeons with the other teachers during the troll incident. Yesterday, he had walked in on Snape's leg being bloody and mangled when he went to Snape's office to get his Quidditch Through the Ages library book back from Snape. Snape had unfairly confiscated it by making up a rule that he wasn't allowed to bring library books outside the castle and docked 5 points off Gryffindor for added measure. But he couldn't dwell on Snape for long. He had his match to think about which gave him a mixture of fear and excitement.

Harry was in the Gryffindor changing room with Ron, Hermione and the rest of the Gryfindor Quiddich team when James entered the changing room.

"DAD," Harry exclaimed as he excitedly flung himself on his father who hugged him back with equal enthusiasm.

Oliver Wood was greeting his dad a few feet away. Benjamin Wood was the Head Coach of the Phoenix Pioneers that James owned. After exchanging greetings, Harry introduced Ron and Hermione to James. Sirius and Remus were to arrive later. Oliver and Benjamin joined them and more greetings were exchanged between the Potters and the Woods.

After small talk, James and Benjamin left the changing room while the Gryffindor team headed to the Quidditch pitch about fifteen minutes later, after a pep talk from Oliver. Harry looked at the stands and saw his dad, Sirius and Remus waving enthusiastically at him. The latter two had just arrived.

Sometime later in the game, James noticed something off with Harry.

"Is it me, or does Harry seem to be having trouble with his broom?" asked James.

"But Harry's a natural with a broom. It can't be," said Sirius.

But soon, it couldn't be ignored.

"It looks like the broom is trying to throw Harry off." Remus fidgeted on his seat and bit his bottom lip. 

"Usually, only Dark Magic can interfere with a broom," said Sirius.

All three Marauders exchanged extremely apprehensive looks. 

"I have to do something." James quickly rose from his seat in full panic mode with his wand held out as Sirius and Remus followed suit.

"Look, Harry's back up on his broom again," said Sirius.

James, Sirius and Remus breathed sighs of relief as Harry landed on the ground. Harry had his hands clasped on his mouth and the Gryffindor stands erupted with cheers as he coughed out the snitch. Flint argued technicality that Harry swallowed the snitch instead of catching it. Fortunately, the Gryffindors won that argument and Madam Hooch still declared Gryffindors as the winners.

Not wanting to embarrass Harry by fussing on him in public, the Marauders waited for the crowd to disperse before heading off to the changing rooms to meet Harry. They saw Hagrid leaving the changing room while they were still a distance away. James flung his arms protectively around Harry when he entered the changing room.

"You had me worried," he said.

"I don't know what happened, dad," said Harry.

Both Sirius and Remus took turns hugging Harry after James had let go of him. 

"Snape jinxed Harry's broom but Hagrid swore that Snape would never do that," said Ron, frowning skeptically.

"But we saw him. He was continuously muttering things under his breath and never took his eyes off Harry. All the signs of trying to jinx someone," said Hermione.

"But how did Harry get back up on his broom?" asked Remus.

"I made my way to the Slytherin stands and set Professor Snape's robes on fire," said Hermione.

"Wow, I'm impressed," Sirius grinned, flashing his pearly whites. "You must be Hermione," he said, holding out his hand.

"Yes, sir" said Hermione, blushing as she shook Sirius's hand.

"Oh, please call me Sirius," he said courteously.

This was Harry's cue to introduce Ron and Hermione to his uncles.

"So, why would Snape try to jinx Harry's broom?" asked Remus.

"Because he hates Mr. Potter and he takes it out on Harry in class!" Ron blurted out. 

"WHAAT? What does he do?" James burst out furiously.

Ron gulped, quailing slightly. He then quickly told Harry's father about all the things that Snape had done or said to Harry. James, Sirius and Remus exchanged dark looks when he had finished.

"That sniveling git," Sirius muttered under his breath. 

"Why didn't you tell me, Harry?" asked James.

"Because I didn't want to be a whiny boy who complained to my dad about everything. The whole "my father will hear about this' is Draco Malfoy's style," said Harry.

"And we think that Snape is trying to steal whatever that three-headed dog thing is guarding," said Ron, quickly clapping a hand to his mouth in horror at what he'd just let slip.

"Ron!" Harry hissed.

All three Marauders turned to face Harry with non-nonsense looks on their faces.

"Harry, what's going on?" James demanded, his expression strongly suggesting he wasn't going to accept anything less than the truth.

Harry grimaced sheepishly at his father.

He then reluctantly began to explain everything to his dad, with Ron and Hermione chiming in at intervals. He told him about about the three headed dog that Hagrid had called Fluffy, Snape sneaking off somewhere when all the other teachers were heading to the dungeons to deal with the troll, Snape's bloody leg that he was sure had been bitten by Fluffy, and how Hagrid had let Nicholas Flamel's name slip.

"Are you three sure that you didn't just misunderstand certain things about Professor Snape?" Remus asked reasonably.

"Well, I wouldn't put it past him," said Sirius.

"Sirius, I know that he's not a saint and that we don't like him very much. Alright, James and you hate him, but we can't let that cloud our objective judgment," said Remus.

"Remus does have a point," James agreed. "Though, I wouldn't automatically declare Snape innocent."

"Who's Nicolas Flamel?" asked Harry, Ron and Hermione.

"Look kids, I don't think the three of you should get involved in this. Professor Dumbledore is a wise man. I'm certain that he has it under control," said James.

"But, daad ... Snape ..." Harry protested.

"Son, I don't know whether or not Snape is guilty, but I will be speaking to Professor Dumbledore about this and Snape's treatment of you. Please let me handle it," James implored.

"Alright," Harry reluctantly obliged.

"So we're heading to Professor Dumbledore's office?" said Sirius.

"Yes. More than anything else, someone just tried to kill my son and I want some heads rolling," said James, determined.

A/N: Please give kudos if you liked the story and please bookmark the story it if you like the story and want updates. Please let me know if you don't like my style of summarizing some of the book incidents.

Again, I had no choice but to recap certain incidents from the book, but I summarized those incidents. I'm focusing more on the differing scenes. Please be more patient for more changes and more scenes with the Marauders. Christmas break is definitely different. But you'll have to wait for year three for a different main plot conflict/mystery. Please let me know if I'm going too fast or too slow.

Chapter Text

James sat across from Dumbledore, glaring at him. Seated on either side of him were Sirius and Remus who appeared to be giving him competition for glaring at their former Headmaster. James had gone into Dumbledore's office to vent out his anger, but he had too much respect for the professor for a full blowout. He would probably have trashed Dumbledore's office if anything actually happened to Harry, but the fact his son was alright made him more capable of a calmer and more rational confrontation.

"Now boys, I understand that Severus can be petty and immature but he genuinely switched sides and is working on our side to atone for his mistakes," Dumbledore tried to appeal.

"His treatment of his students doesn't sound like someone who's atoning for his mistakes," said Sirius.

"And there's no excuse for him taking out his anger against me on my son," said James indignantly. 

"I understand. But like I said, Severus is immature and hasn't quite licked his wounds from his past. All of us are susceptible to mistakes. Didn't you and Sirius make your share of mistakes in school, including your treatment of Severus which is part of the reason for his behavior towards Harry? I'm afraid some wounds run too deep for healing," said Dumbledore.

James looked down in shame and saw Sirius do the same from the corner of his eyes. He knew he was partly at fault for Snape's treatment of Harry and he wasn't proud of many things he did in school, including bullying Snape. However, it didn't change his feelings about Snape. He may have changed his opinion on his actions towards Snape, but he had no reason to change his opinion on Snape as a person because he had never seen Snape in a good light. Regardless of his guilt, he couldn't accept that Snape held no responsibility for his treatment of Harry or his other students like Neville and Hermione. Had Snape really reformed? Why was he bullying his students and Harry if he did? All these thoughts were confusing James.

"Professor, we aren't proud of being arrogant berks in school, but the difference is that we were teenagers and have grown out of such behavior," said Sirius. "And it's not like Snape was any close to a saint even back then. He was hanging out with aspiring Death Eaters and up to his nose with the Dark Arts,"

"I have to agree professor. James and Sirius were certainly no angels as teenagers, but there is no justification for Snape's behavior today. Snape is an adult and a professor while Harry is just a child that doesn't deserve to be mistreated," said Remus.

Dumbledore shifted uncomfortably in his seat. It was he who looked a bit ashamed now.

"I see your point. I will have a talk with Severus about his behavior and I promise to step in whenever I can," said Dumbledore.

"You really will, professor?" James narrowed his eyes.

"You have my word, James," the Hogwarts Headmaster reassured.

"Thank you. … But what about someone trying to kill my son during the match? Harry, Ron and Hermione think it's Snape because Hermione saw him muttering jinxes while Harry was having trouble with his broom," said James.

"James, I quite understand why Severus's actions might seem suspicious, but I assure you that despite his behavior toward your son, he has genuinely reformed from being a Death Eater and he is unequivocally working on our side. I cannot excuse his behavior towards Harry, but I can tell you with certainty that he does not wish death on Harry," Dumbledore said firmly.

"But, how can you be so certain?" asked Sirius, who was still scowling. "How can you truly tell that Snape is genuinely reformed and not just pretending?"

"I'm afraid the only evidence I can provide for now is my judgment. You may not trust Severus, but can you not trust me enough to know that I would not easily be fooled by a clever act?" said Dumbledore.

The three best friends exchanged skeptical looks.

"Perhaps Professor Dumbledore is right. We may not trust Severus, but I think we can trust Professor Dumbledore's judgment," said Remus reasonably.

James thought about it for a moment before he sighed.

"Alright professor, but even if I accept that it wasn't Snape who was trying to kill Harry, someone certainly was."

"Yes, I'm afraid so," said Dumbledore. "But I assure you that I will do everything in my power to find the culprit and prevent such an incident from occurring again."

The three Marauders left Dumbledore's office, reluctantly satisfied for the time being. They said one last goodbye to Harry before leaving.

James was at Flourish and Blotts at Diagon Alley when he caught glimpse of a girl about nine or ten trying to get a book out of a top shelf by standing on a ladder. The whole shelf was about to topple down on her before James quickly grabbed her away in the nick of time. Bystanders looked apprehensively at the ordeal as a worker at the store set the shelf back in its place with a flick of her wand.

"Are you alright?" asked James after he put her down.

"Yes. Thank you sir," said the girl with light brown hair and blue eyes.

"Cassie!" came an alarmed voice.

A pretty lady with light brown hair and brown eyes who strongly resembled the girl had run over, embraced her child and fussed over her for a little bit before looking up at James.

"James?"

"Becky?"

Becky Rowle was his ex-girlfriend. She was a year younger than him and they went out for a few months in his sixth year. Becky was part of his Quidditch team and they had a good relationship but something felt incomplete in their relationship. Things quickly ended when he realized that something was his unresolved feelings for Lily. It wasn't so much that he left Becky for Lily, but continuing the relationship felt like he was lying to himself and they ended things on mutual, amicable terms. They remained friends but had lost contact over years. Becky eventually married Sam Prince but unfortunately her husband had passed away seven years ago.

"Goodness, I can't believe this," said Becky.

"Neither can I," said James as the exes exchanged a fleeting hug.

"Thank you for saving my Cassie," Becky said gratefully.

"No problem," James shrugged.

"Cassie, this is James Potter, my friend from school," said the mother to her daughter.

"Nice to meet you Mr. Potter." Cassie held her hand out.

"Nice to meet you too, Cassie," James shook her extended hand.

"So how are Harry, Sirius and Remus? I heard Sirius is getting married."

"Terrific. Harry just started his first year at Hogwarts,"

"They grow up so fast. Cassie would be starting Hogwarts in two years." said a gleeful Becky.

Soon, James, Becky and Cassie were having ice cream together at Florean Fortescue's Ice-Cream Parlour. James and Becky caught up for old time's sake, the joys and woes of single parents being one of their topics of conversation. Like James, Cassie hadn't moved on to seeing someone else years after her spouse's death and they fully understood each other in that regard.

=to be continued=

A/N: My apologies for the late update. Please SUBSCRIBE TO ME or BOOKMARK the story if you want updates and please give KUDOS if you liked the story. 

The scene with Becky is a tester. I'm not sure if I want James to get remarried. I can't imagine him with anyone other than Lily and I think James would think it a betrayal to Lily's memory to get remarried. What do you guys think. I'm confused on whether or not he should move on.

Chapter Text

On the first Friday of December, Harry had been given permission to go home for the weekend to attend Sirius' wedding. He met his father at Professor McGonagall's office after his classes for the day were over.

"So, have you been waking up and getting to your morning classes on time," James teased as father and son were heading down the stairs of the castle. He was carrying Harry's trunk which had been charmed to be light on one hand while his other arm was around Harry's shoulder.

"I never had a problem waking up," Harry protested.

James narrowed his eyes.

"Well, you put me in a school that was so far away that I had to wake up at six-thirty in the morning to make it on time," said Harry.

"I'm sorry about that son, but there was no choice. I couldn't put you in a muggle school nearby as the risk of breaching the statute of secrecy was higher," said James.

"We could have moved to a muggle house near the school," Harry pointed out.

"And give up our family home and heritage? Our ancestor, Linfred the Potterer was awarded …" James began but cut off by Harry.

"A large land by the Ministry for his invention of skele-gro, built a small house there and for generations our ancestors worked hard to renovate the house to the mansion it is now, most notably Grandpa Harry and Grandpa Fleamont," Harry drawled. He had heard James tell this story at least a few times before and his father could get in a roll when he began talking about his family history.

"Oh, alright," said a bemused James as he ruffled a grinning Harry's hair.

Harry was greeted warmly by both his uncles when he entered Potter Manor. Sirius and Remus had lived with James and Harry for a few years after Lily died but once they were settled in their careers, they bought their own posh apartments at Luxury Ville, the area of apartment buildings in front of Potter Manor. Both Marauders were almost daily visitors at Potter Manor.

Just then, Harry heard Miranda's voice yelling at someone from a distance. It came from the living room and he saw her look livid as she yelled at a man and woman who were wide-eyed with fear.

"Bridezilla in full action", Sirius explained at Harry's questioning look.

"Come on Sirius, be fair to be Miranda. She's just stressed out with the wedding preparations", James reasoned.

"And having things go wrong the day before the wedding would be extra stressful", Remus joined.

"James, didn't you call Lily a Bridezilla too when she kept losing her temper over wedding preparation?" asked Sirius.

James looked away. "Well … to be fair, you called Lily that first and I just agreed with you," James stammered.

"Emphasis on you agreed with me".

"Emphasis on you said it first".

"Oh, knock it off both you," said Remus.

"Harry, how nice to see you," said Helen who had come from the kitchen.

"Nice to see you too, Helen", said Harry as she gave him a fleeting hug.

Helen was his caregiver. She was a tall and thin woman in her late fifties who wore her greying black hair in a tight bun. Befitting her character, Helen had a stern look about her face but her brown eyes were kind. James hired her because she reminded him a lot of his favorite professor, McGonagall.

"Harry, why don't you wash up and get dressed. I'm making one of your favorite dishes for dinner", said Helen as he obliged and she went back into the kitchen.

The Marauders were having Sirius's bachelor's night at the Platinum Hotel's bar with a few of their friends. Remus noticed James being preoccupied with his thoughts and knew he was reminded of his own wedding.

"So James, it has been ten years. When are you getting married again?" asked Sam just as Remus was about to covertly console the messy-haired wizard.

James looked at Sam as if he had suggested he threw his son off the hotel's highest floor.

"I will not give Lily's place to someone else," James resolved.

"You still think about her after all this years?" asked Phillip incredulously.

"Everyday" he said gloomily as his friends exchanged wide eyed looks.

"Well, thank you mates. Now you've got James all upset when my bachelor's party is supposed to be fun," said Sirius incredulously.

"It's alright. I'll be fine with a few more shots," said James and Remus knew he wanted to pull himself together as to not ruin the mood of Sirius's bachelor's party.

"You know on second thought, maybe I shouldn't. I don't want to risk having to go home to my son in an embarrassing state."

"Don't worry mate, if you're drunk to the point of embarrassment, Gunther over here would get you into a hotel room to spend the night," said Sirius as James complied.

Gunther was their hired sober escort to see that they got home or to a hotel room safely in case they were unable to do so.

Sirius and Miranda were married the next day and Harry was glad to catch up with his other family members who included the Tonks' and the family of James' cousin Luke who lived in the United States. Luke was the son of Fleamont's brother Charlus. He went back to Hogwarts on Sunday evening after Sirius and Miranda had gone off on their Honeymoon to Paris.

As December passed, Draco and gang got even more unpleasant due to Slytherin's recent Quidditch loss to Gryffindor. Still being reluctant to direct his antagonism at Harry, Draco would direct his antagonism towards Ron and Hermione. One such incident involved Draco mocking Ron about being the next gamekeeper when latter was offering to help Hagrid with a Fig tree. This resulted in Ron lunging at the obnoxious git. To his misfortune, Snape who witnessed this took five points off Gryffindor despite Hagrid's protest that Draco had started it. Aside from that, the Golden Trio frequently visited the library in fruitless efforts to find out about Nicholas Flamel.

Since the Weasley children were to stay at Hogwarts due to their parents and sister visiting Charlie in Romania for the holidays, James had asked Harry to invite the boys over to Potter Manor to spend the holidays. Hermione was to spend the holidays with her parents. An initially reluctant Molly agreed that her sons could spend the holidays at the Potters after James had reassured her in his letter that they would be in good hands. To the distress of the Weasley twins and Ron, she conditioned that they could only go if Percy came along.

"Say Percy, won't it be nice to spend Christmas at the Potters?" asked Fred innocently.

"I'm not comfortable staying at a stranger's house," said Percy apprehensively.

"Harry's not a stranger. He's my best friend," said Ron indignantly.

"But it still feels like an intrusion since we're strangers to Mr. Potter," said Percy as his brothers exchanged exasperated looks.

Just then an idea struck Fred.

"Percy, don't you want to experience what it's like to live in a mansion?" asked Fred as his brother's eyes perked up for split second but went back to being resolute.

"It has a Quidditch pitch", said George.

"I don't play Quidditch".

"It has a library with books that aren't available at Hogwarts", said Ron as Percy began deliberating.

"Mr. Potter, being the owner of a Quidditch team has close connections at the Ministry, particularly the Department of Magical Games and Sports. Some of them could show up for their Christmas party", Fred went in for the kill.

"If you impress Mr. Potter, he might introduce you and put in a good word for you to them. Didn't you want a good position at the Ministry?" George asked as Percy was finally sold.

=to be continued=

A/N: Please remember to SUBSCRIBE TO ME or BOOKMARK the story if you want updates and please remember to give KUDOS to the story if you liked it.

Please, please REVIEW so that I know if it's good or not.

Helen isn't supposed to be a duplicate of McGonagall. They just have common elements. She's actually more inspired by Marilla from Anne of Green Gables.

I think I'm going to start polls on my tumblr for this fic, so I have a clearer picture of what readers want. My tumblr can found on my profile. Two polls would include whether or not James should remarry and who Harry should end up with.

Please feel free to comment your thoughts on the above two questions in the comment section as well.

I will update in 4-8 weeks I promise.

Chapter Text

At the start of Christmas break, Harry and the Weasley boys were picked up at the King's Cross Station by the Marauders and brought to Potter Manor which was located in Springton Valley, an upper-class neighborhood where both wizards and muggles lived. Ron and his brothers were slacked-jawed as they looked around the house which was covered mostly in exquisite marble flooring and panel walls.

"You have a lovely home, Mr. Potter," said Percy courteously as the twins rolled their eyes at each other.

"Thank you Percy," said James.

The Weasleys enjoyed their tour around Potter Manor which included several halls, a kitchen, a grand dining room, 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, a game room, a library, a gym and a basement which included a Potion's lab. Harry and Ron had promised to Hermione that they would secretly research about Nicholas Flamel at the Potter Library. The boys were also shown their specific rooms. Ron was to sleep in Harry's room, the twins were to share a room while Percy was delighted to get an elegant large room all to himself. After a tour of the manor, they were given a tour of the backyard which included a garden, a Quidditch pitch, a guesthouse and a swimming pool.

Over the holidays, Harry had blast with Ron and his brothers. They would play Quidditch every morning, sometimes joined by the Marauders. James even provided them with much appreciated pointers. They played wizard chess and exploding snap and spent the nights gossiping over hot chocolate which mostly involved plotting against people like Snape, Zabini and Malfoy. They never actually planned on carrying out the plots, but had fun fantasizing them nevertheless. Percy mostly kept to himself in the library but was occasionally convinced to join in their activities. Besides that, the Marauders had even taken them out on outings to places like the museum and zoo.

There was a grand Christmas party at Potter Manor on Christmas Eve. Besides Sirius, Remus and Miranda, the guests included several friends and business associates including Jenny Parkinson, an old friend of James's who used to be two years below the Marauders in school .To Percy's delight, he was introduced to several prominent members from the Department of Magical Games and Sports including it's head, Ludo Bagman, The other Weasley boys on the other hand were delighted to be introduced to members of the Phoenix Pioneers.

"Wow, Harry flies just as great as you do," Jenny said with awe as the adults were watching the kids sans Percy play a game of Quidditch.

"He's probably better that I am," said James proudly.

"I think you're definitely at least just as good." The attractive blonde blushed.

"Yeah?" he grinned, oblivious that her blue eyes were gazing at him as his were busy watching his son.

Harry and Ron were awakened by the excited Weasley twins on Christmas morning. Equally enthusiastic, they ran down to the large Christmas tree in family hall. Percy could be heard yelling at the Weasley twins from upstairs about being disturbed from his sleep. Soon the Potters and Weasleys had gathered around the tree which was surrounded with presents and exchanged Merry Chirstmas hugs.

Harry received several wonderful gifts from his father, Sirius and Remus which included the next book in the mystery/adventure book franchise he was following and a diary, a roughly cut wooden flute from Hagrid, a jumper and a large box of homemade fudge from Mrs. Weasley and a large box of Cadburys from Hermione. Harry was touched that Hermione remembered his favorite chocolates and that Mrs. Weasley sent him a jumper. He would write thank you notes to them and Hagrid later. The Weasley boys received their share of gifts from their parents, Hagrid, Hermione and the Marauders.

There were lower scale Christmas lunch and dinner feasts that day which were only attended by the Marauders and Miranda.

That night, James entered Harry's room carrying a parcel behind him.

"Wondered why you received one less present than usual from me this year?" asked James.

"Because you have another one for me behind there," said Harry knowingly.

James grinned as he sat down beside his son.

"I saved the best for last," he said as he handed him the package.

Harry felt it and knew what it was as he tore the package open to find the Invisibility Cloak. He had anticipated the day he would inherit it but didn't think it would come this soon.

"You're giving it to me now?"

"Your grandfather gave it to me on Christmas of my first year, so I figured I'd keep up the tradition," James shrugged.

Harry broke into a wide grin and hugged his father. "Thanks dad!"

"Showing it to Ron and Hermione is alright. But please keep your possession of it a secret from everyone else," James implored as Harry nodded. "Unlike me, I trust you to use it wisely. You will, won't you?" he looked intently at his son.

"Well … does sneaking out for duels with Zabini and Malfoy count as using it wisely?" Harry asked mischievously as James answered his cheek by tickling him.

"I was only joking," said Harry between giggles. "I promise to use it wisely."

James stopped tickling Harry to find a grinning Ron who had just come out of the bathroom. But his cheeks were pink as if he was unsure if he was interrupting something.

"Alright Ron? Just wanted to give Harry his final gift. Well, goodnight boys," James kissed Harry's forehead and gave Ron a fleeting hug before exiting the room.

Harry excitedly showed Ron the cloak as both boys gleefully spent about an hour playing and experimenting with the cloak.

The Christmas holidays passed too quickly for the liking of Harry and the Wealsey boys who were having so much fun at Potter Manor. They returned to Hogwarts a day before classes began. Hermione was disappointed that they hadn't been able to find out who Nicholas Flamel was. Harry and Ron did try to look for information on Nicholas Flamel at the Potter's library but were unsuccessful.

A/N: Please remember to SUBSCRIBE to the story or BOOKMARK the story if you want updates and give KUDOS if you liked it. Please REVIEW so that I know if I'm going in the right direction.

Jenny's introduction is just testing the waters. It doesn't mean I'll go any further with pairing her with James. But I really need your opinions to decide.

Chapter Text

The night after he got back from Christmas break, Harry decided to go for a stroll as he was intrigued to try on his new cloak and take a walk around the castle without being seen, especially by Filch. He decided to visit the Restricted Section of the library to search for more information on Nicolas Flamel while he was at it. Unfortunately, he nearly got caught due to a screaming book in Restricted Section that resulted in Filch and Snape storming into the library. Harry managed to escape the library with his cloak, but his efforts to escape their clutches landed him in an empty classroom.

This classroom contained a magnificent mirror that showed Harry an image he never thought he would see. It was of him with both his parents standing behind him with their hands on his shoulders and two other kids smaller than he was on either side of him. His mother looked older than she did in her pictures and the same age as his father in the current day, but just as strikingly beautiful with her dark red hair and green eyes. She looked and felt more real than she did in any of her pictures as Harry reached out his hand towards her. He noticed that the two kids beside him very much resembled himself and his parents. The girl looked like his mother up to her dark red hair and green eyes, but had his father's lips and smile. The boy looked somewhat an even combination of both his parents with dark brown hair and his father's hazel eyes. He understood that they were supposed to be his siblings. "But how?" he wondered to himself. Was this mirror supposed to show the future? But it couldn't. His mother was dead, he thought sadly. Did the mirror show an alternate universe?

Harry immediately woke Ron up to show him the mirror, but Ron saw something entirely different. The red-haired Weasley saw himself as Headboy and captain of the Quidditch team with a Quidditch cup instead. Despite Ron's warnings, Harry was so entranced by the image of the family he never had that he returned to the mirror the next day. This time he was caught by Dumbledore who explained to him that the mirror showed a person their deepest desires. Harry realized that his deepest desire was for his incomplete family to be complete. Dumbledore moved the mirror to a different location the next day and as he said it was unwise to dwell on dreams. 

Dear dad,

I hope you're doing well. Classes and Quidditch practice have been going on alright but I'm worried about why Snape is suddenly interested in refereeing our next match against Hufflepuff.

I finally figured out what the three-headed dog is guarding. Opening a chocolate frog card with Dumbledore on it reminded me that I had read about Flamel being friends with Dumbledore on his chocolate card. This made Hermione remember one of the thick books she checked out for "light reading" which as our luck had it, contained information on Nicholas Flamel. He created the Philosopher's Stone and that's what Professor Dumbledore is helping Flamel guard. It's the Elixir of Life that stops a person from dying. No wonder Snape wants it. He even talked about "putting a stopper to death" during our first class.

I think Snape suspects that I know more than I should about the Philosopher's Stone and that's why he's out to get me by refereeing my Quidditch game. But I'm not letting him or the Slytherin team get to me. I can't let them think I'm a coward. I'll show them when we win.

Take care

Lots of love,

Harry.

Dear Harry,

Snape's interest in refereeing your match has me worried too. I'll write to Professor Dumbledore about this. As admirable as your fighting spirit is, your safety is my top priority.

Son, I don't know whether or not Snape is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone but I really don't think it's wise for you to continue investigating this. I'm sure Dumbledore knows what he's doing and has it under control. I don't want you to put yourself in any danger trying to figure this out.

Take care

Lots of love,

Dad.

The Marauders were in the Potter's kitchen with their respective mugs of hot drinks, discussing Harry's latest letter.

"I really don't know how to get Harry to stop putting himself in danger, investigating about what the Three-headed dog is hiding," said James apprehensively as he gulped his thick, hot chocolate. "Apparently it's the Philosopher's Stone".

"To be fair, he's acting just like his old man," said Sirius, sipping his strong coffee. 

"Nah, he's kind and compassionate like his mother. Not the arrogant toerag or showoff that I was at his age," said James.

"I think he's a lot like you too, James. You're both curious and adventurous, along with being thick-headed and stubborn when you've made up your minds. You both have a certain disregard for rules and a fighting determination when it comes to achieving your goals and you're both unfailingly loyal towards your friends," said Remus as he laid his mug of tea down on the kitchen counter. 

"And don't forget, sarcastic, cheeky and mischievous," Sirius added.

"Pot calling the kettle black", James teased. "But should I do anything beyond writing to Dumbledore about Snape refereeing Harry's game?"

"If I were you, I'd be at Dumbledore's office, kicking his table and insisting he changed the referee on the grounds that the current one has a motive to harm my son," Sirius slammed his mug on the kitchen counter.

"But maybe we should wait for Professor Dumbledore's reply before we decide," Remus reasoned as both his best friends reluctantly agreed.

Dear Harry,

I've written to Professor Dumbledore and he truly believes that Snape is genuine in wanting to referee your game. As much as I'm skeptical, he made a good point that it would be hard for Snape to harm you in front of a massive crowd. I pointed out how you were harmed in front of a massive crowd the last time, but he insists that wasn't Snape. As much as I don't trust Snape on a personal level, I do trust Professor Dumbledore. He promises to be at the game to oversee any unfair refereeing on Snape's part and any attempts to harm you. As much as part of me wants to, I won't keep you away from the game as I know how much it means to you. But nevertheless, I will be keeping a close watch on you and Snape during the game.

l'll see you at your next game. 

Take care,

Lots of love,

Dad.

Dear dad,

Thank you so much for letting me play. I'm sure it will turn out fine especially if Professor Dumbledore is overseeing it. Besides, I'll also have you watching over me. Can anyone truly harm me under my dad's watch?

I guess I'll give up investigating about the Philosopher's Stone if Professor Dumbledore has it under control.

I'll see you at my next game.

Take care,

Lots of love,

Harry.

...to be continued...

A/N: Please, please review so that I know if it's any good.

Please remember to SUBSCRIBE TO ME and/or BOOKMARK the story if you want updates and please remember to give KUDOS if you liked the story.

Question: Should I continue Year 2 (and Harry's subsequent years) in the same story? Or should I start a new story called Paternal Instincts 2 for Year 2 and Paternal Instincts 3 for Year 3, etc?

Does it make sense if James remains single for life?

Chapter Text

James clutched his chest as he sat in a healer's examination room at St.Mungo's, accompanied  by Perkins and Roberts, two Phoenix Pioneer players. He had accidentally been hit by a bludger while watching one of the team practices of the team he owned. Despite insisting he would be fine with self-healing spells, his players insisted on taking him to the hospital. He agreed out of respect for their concerns even if he was still convinced he didn't need a healer for a minor injury.

The door opened and an attractive blonde with big blue eyes, dressed in a healer's white coat entered. Her long hair was pulled back in a ponytail.

"James?"

"Jenny?"

"What happened?" she asked apprehensively.

"It's nothing to be honest. Just tiny bruises from being hit by a bludger."

Jenny kneeled down before him and leaned forward as she examined his bruises. He felt himself tingle as she ran her thin fingers around his torso. It felt odd that he would feel this way. But it was nothing. He just hadn't been touched that way in a long time, he told himself. Jenny furrowed her brows as she healed his wounds with her wand.

"All done." She stood up blushing.

"Right. Thank you very much, Jenny." He quickly pulled down his shirt before getting up from his seat.

"How's Harry?"

"Brilliant. Just started his second term at Hogwarts. Has his Quidditch match against Hufflepuff on Saturday."

"That's great. Last game was against Slytherin, so I presume my Ravenclaw is scheduled to defeat Gryffindor next," she said cheekily as he grinned.

"May the best team win," he said. "Speaking of games, we have get to back to team practice. We play the Strikers in two weeks."

"Good luck with the game. And wish Harry luck for me."

"Certainly. Take care, Jenny and thanks once again," he said as he exited the room with Perkins and Roberts

"You know her, sir?" asked Perkins after they had left the examination room.

"Yeah, we're good friends."

"Just friends?" Roberts winked suggestively.

James crossed his arms. "Yes, just friends."

Harry's game against Hufflepuff ended within a few minutes as he managed to catch the snitch. Unlike his last fluke shot victory where he spat his snitch out, this was a clear victory. And a really quick one at it. He finally felt like he had achieved something on his own other than just being a famous name. He felt a surge of pride as his dad and his uncles congratulated him and told him how proud they were of him.

"Harry, what took you so long?" asked a worried James as Harry returned to the tent after returning his broom to the broomshed.

Harry looked around and saw that the changing room was empty except for the Marauders, Ron and Hermione.

"Dad, I just saw Snape and Quirell in the Forbidden forest," said Harry.

"In the Forbidden Forest?"

"Yes, I saw Snape enter the forest and followed him there".

"Harry." James crossed his arms.

Harry gulped as he looked down, refusing to meet his father's eyes. "He seemed up to something, so I had to follow him. And it's a good thing I did."

"What did you see?" asked Sirius.

Harry recounted how he heard Snape and Quirell discussing the Philosopher's Stone and how Snape asked Quirell about his hocus pocus and threatened him when the latter refused to answer. Harry reckoned there were other things besides Fluffy guarding the stone including Quirell's hocus pocus and that Snape wanted to get past it.

"Well, there goes giving Snape the benefit of the doubt. Clearly he is trying to get past the three-headed dog to steal the Philosopher's Stone and trying to blackmail Quirell to do it," said Sirius.

"Maybe Harry misunderstood the conversation," said Remus.

"I did not. Snape asked Quirell if he found out how to get past Fluffy. He then asked him about his hocus pocus and threatened him when he refused to answer," said Harry indignantly.

"Harry, even if Snape is trying to steal the stone, do you really think he can under Dumbledore's watch?" asked Remus. "Don't you think Dumbledore has made sure the stone is well protected that any attempts to steal it would be unsuccessful?"

"From what Harry says, the stone's only safe as long as Quirell stands up to Snape," said Hermione.

"What if Snape figures out Quirell's hocus pocus?" asked Harry.

James put an arm on his shoulder. "Son, how about I tell Dumbledore about what you saw and have him look into it?"

"Alright" Harry nodded.

"Alright, it's getting late. We should get going. I'll see you at your next game." James kissed Harry's forehead and embraced him.

The Marauders left after exchanging goodbyes with the Golden Trio.

The next few weeks passed by almost uneventfully. His father had written to Dumbledore who had in turn replied that he would look into it. This relaxed Harry a little. Quirell looked paler and more frightened than usual but seemed to be doing well in not giving in to Snape's threats.

James's 32nd birthday was a relatively small event. Sirius, Remus and Miranda brought over a cake and several gifts. He received more gifts and greeting cards from other friends and relatives including Harry and Jenny vis owl.

They sat in the hall opening gifts after James had cut his birthday cake. James unwrapped the package that arrived from Jenny and looked with awe at the bronze leather bound book. It was a first edition copy of The Mystery of the Leather Box.

"Is that a first edition copy of your favorite book?" Sirius asked slacked jawed.

"Jenny must have gone through a lot of trouble to get hold of that," said Remus.

As touched as he was, James knew where they what they getting at and it made him uncomfortable.

"James, Jenny has been in love with you for years," said Miranda.

"But that was years ago when Lily was still alive. I told her that I loved Lily and only liked her as a friend. I'm sure she got over those feelings years ago."

"No, she hasn't. She tries to hide it, but as her best friend, I can tell. She wanted to move on and let you be happy with Lily. But now that Lily has been gone for years, why not give her a chance?" asked Miranda.

"Because … it would be betraying Lily's memory."

"No it won't. I'm sure Lily would want you to be happy." said Remus.

"I am happy. I have my son and my best friends. That's all I need."

"What about Jenny? She's almost thirty but still single because she has you in her heart. At least subconsciously, she's waiting for you."

"I never asked her to wait for me, Miranda," said James indignantly. But he felt pang of guilt at the things Miranda said. "I've never given her any impression that I was interested in getting married again."

"Mate, don't you want the companionship?" asked Sirius.

"No. I have all the companionship I need. Look, let's not argue about this anymore. Can we please move on to the next gifts and preferably another topic?"

"Alright, let's drop it. Let's not upset James on his birthday," said Sirius.

=to be continued=

A/N: Please, please review so that I know if it's good or I'm going in the right direction.

Please remember to subscribe to me or bookmark the story if you want updates and please give kudos if you like the story so far.

I haven't fully decided on whether James should end up with Jenny yet. If there are enough objections in the comments, I won't get them together. Is it realistic to have James single forever?

Chapter Text

James was in his room, looking at a picture of Lily as recalled the last time he saw her

=Flashback=

James was in the hall playing peak-a-boo with baby Harry and his invisibility cloak when Lily entered.

"Time for Harry's bedtime", she announced.

"Aww … sorry son. We'll play more tomorrow", James kissed Harry's cheeks and playfully nudged his nose as the toddler giggled before he stood up and handed him over to Lily.

"James, why don't you go visit Sirius for Halloween night? You'll be hidden under the cloak", Lily suggested.

"But … I can't just leave you and Harry".

"It's just for two hours or so. And I know being out for a bit would make you happy".

"Lily, I'm alright really. I don't need to …" he began.

"I know. But it would make you happier. And I want you to be as happy as you can be," Lily said kindly.

James didn't know if he could love her anymore then at that moment. "What did I do to deserve you?" he said. "You're really alright with this?"

"Of course. Would you feel better if I gave you a two hour curfew?" she teased.

He grinned as he kissed Harry "Curfew or not, I'll be back in two hours".

He looked at Lily and was sure his eyes reflected the love he felt for her. He saw it in her eyes too as he gazed into them and kissed her. "I love you".

"I love you too".

=end of flashback=

Tears rolled down James's cheeks. He still remembered her loving face as he left that night. If he had known it would be last time he'd see her alive, he would have kissed her longer. Or rather, he wouldn't have left at all. He would have been there to protect her and Harry even at the cost of his life. How could he ever give her place to another? His friends were being silly. Or was he silly for not moving on from the past? At this point he was confused. Harry had written to him that Jenny was cool and he was alright with it if he gave her a chance. James suspected it was Sirius or Remus who had written to Harry about it.

The Easter holidays were not much fun as they were loaded with homework and Harry only had time to play one Quidditch game with his dad. However, his dad was a great help with finishing his homework.

After they came back from the holidays, Harry, Ron and Hermione discovered that Hagrid was raring a dragon egg when they visited him to gain more information on the Philosopher's stone (They already suspected it when they saw him hiding something and looking at books about dragons at the library). The only information they managed to get from him about Philosopher's stone was that all the professors including McGonagall, Sprout, Quirell and Snape were guarding the stone with something related to their subject while his own contribution was Fluffy.

Hagrid said he had won the dragon from a stranger at the pub, playing a game of cards. The three friends were worried as Hagrid planned on raising a dragon in a wooden hut by simply following instructions from a book. Some time later, they were invited to watch the dragon egg hatch. It was during this that they discovered Draco had followed them and had seen the dragon through the window. The arrogant prick had overheard their conversation about Hagrid's note.

In the next week, they kept trying to convince Hagrid to send the dragon that Hagrid had named Norbert away. The gameskeeper was attached to Norbert and reluctant, but eventually accepted that he couldn't keep the dragon any longer and agreed to send it away if there was a proper home for it. Harry remembered that Ron's brother Charlie worked with dragons in Romania and Hagrid accepted his suggestion to send it to Charlie.

They continued helping Hagrid rare Norbert while they awaited Charlie's reply to Ron's owl. Charlie's reply asked them to bring Norbert up to the highest tower on Saturday to send him along with his friends who were about to visit him at Romania. On Saturday, Harry and Hermione had to do it without Ron as he was in the hospital with a dragon bite. Draco who had sneaked out to catch them was to their glee caught by McGonagall. Unfortunately, they were also caught but this by Filch after sending Norbert off. He brought them to McGonagall who fortunately believed they had invented the dragon story to fool Malfoy. Harry, Hermione and Neville had 50 points each taken off. Neville had sneaked out to warn Harry and Hermione about Draco following them.

Losing 150 points for Gryffindor at one go had turned Harry, Hermione and Neville into almost outcasts that Harry swore not to meddle again. He was almost tempted when he overheard a conversation between Snape and Quirrell that sounded like Quirrell had caved in but decided he was done poking around.

Harry, Hermione, Neville and Draco had their detention for the dragon night fiasco with Hagrid in the Forbidden Forest. Ever unique in his idea of safe, Hagrid thought it was a good idea to split the group up and send Harry and Draco, two eleven year olds off by themselves in a forest full of dangerous creatures while he went off with Neville and Hermione (Draco asked for Fang, Hagrid's dog to accompany them). He told them to shoot red sparks for their wands if they encountered any trouble.

Both groups were to look for a wounded unicorn. Harry, Draco and Fang encountered a terrifying sight that made the latter two run for their lives. A hooded figure was lowering it's head over a wounded unicorn and drinking it's blood. Harry felt unbearable pain on his scar. He was saved by a centaur named Frienze who explained that unicorns were pure and their blood can used to save someone who's even an inch from death. He also explained that the centaurs who predicted the future by looking at the stars foretold Voldermort's return. Frienze left him when the Hagrid and gang found him.

Harry deduced the hooded figure drinking unicorn's blood to stay alive was Voldermort and that Snape was trying steal the stone for Voldemort who planned on returning back to life and killing him. He confided this and the centaur's prediction of Voldemort's return to Ron and Hermione when he returned to the Common Room. He was a little comforted by Hermione words that Dumbledore was the one person Voldermort feared and he wouldn't dare harm him until Dumbledore's nose. She also added that the Centaur's predictions were much like fortune telling and weren't necessarily true.

=to be continued=

Please vote on this poll I created on tumblr about whether James should get with Jenny. https://tasha9317.tumblr.com/post/190794902119/do-you-think-james-potter-from-my-paternal#notes 

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I apologize that this chapter had a lot of summarizing of the book's events. But I had to cover all those things in this chapter. 

Chapter Text

Harry felt his scar occasionally burn for the next few weeks as he kept visiting Voldemort in his dreams. He was convinced it was some sort of a warning that Voldemort was coming to power. Harry really wanted to tell his father about it and would have liked nothing better than to have his father by his side for comfort. But James was busy in an international Quidditch conference in the USA. Harry didn’t want his father to cut short something important to his career to come solve his problems. He chose to wait till his father got back from his conference to tell him about it.

After their final exam, something struck Harry. He suddenly realized how odd it was that a stranger just happened to show up with the thing Hagrid wanted the most, a dragon. Ron, Hermione and him visited Harry and upon inquiry discovered the he had indeed let slip to the stranger how to get past Fluffy and had now let slip to Harry and friends. Playing music was the way to get past the three-headed dog as it put it to sleep.

The Golden Trio ran to McGonagall, asking for Dumbledore but she said that Dumbledore had been called on urgent business to the Ministry. When they told her about the stone, she assured them it was well protected. Harry was sure that Snape was the stranger Hagrid let slip the information to and sending Dumbledore to the Ministry was Snape’s ploy now that he had all the information he needed. He needed to act quickly. Snape was going to steal the stone right at that moment, while Dumbledore was away. If McGonagall wasn’t going to listen to his concerns, he was confident no other teacher would. He had to save the stone himself.

After initial reluctance, Ron and Hermione agreed to his plan and insisted on following him. They were temporarily blocked by Neville but Hermione had to regretfully petrify him. The Golden Trio snuck out in Harry’s cloak to where Fluffy was. They managed to get past Fluffy and several other obstacles until they reached a game of gigantic wizard’s chess. Ron who was a chess wizard guided their game of chess, but chose to lose and fall off his large chess so they could win and get to the next level. An injured Ron insisted he was fine and that Harry and Hermione should go on without him. The next obstacle was a set of potions and a riddle which Hermione figured out. But since there was only enough potion for one of them to get through, Harry insisted Hermione drink the potion that would take her back to where Ron was while he went ahead alone. Touched by his nobility, Hermione gave him the first hug he’d received from a girl. They both found that they admired each other’s strengths over their own.

Harry was shocked to discover that it was Quirell and not Snape who was trying to steal the stone. Quirell had whatever was left of Voldemort behind his head. The last obstacle was the Mirror of Erised where only one who wanted the stone but not seeking its power would get the stone. Harry got the stone and in a battle with Quirell, passed out.

___________________________________________________________________

Harry woke up the next day to find James by his bedside at the hospital wing. His father looked relieved as he saw him open his eyes.

“Dad, the stone. He’s got it. It was Quirell not Snape,’’ he said as did his best to get up.

“Harry, calm down. The stone has been saved”, he said as he helped Harry sit up.

“Really?”

“Really”

Harry relaxed for the first time in months as he buried himself in James as his father protectively wrapped his arms around him.

“I’m sorry, dad. I know you told me not get involved but there was no other way and Professor McGonagall refused to believe me”.

“I know. Ron and Hermione told me everything,” James stroked his back. “I just gave a piece of my mind to Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall. Not just because of this but because they thought it was a good idea to send first years into the Forbidden Forrest for detention. Maybe they were right in their view, but when my son’s safety was at stake, I couldn’t help it”.

“So how did the stone get saved?”

 His dad explained how Dumbledore had received Hermione’s owl and arrived in time to pull Quirrell off him.

“You have loads of gifts and wishes from your friends,” he said as he took a pack of Cadbury chocolates and handed one to Harry. “Remus says chocolate helps once you’ve been through a traumatizing event”.

Harry gladly took the chocolate and took a bite as his father did same.

“By the way, Harry, did you purposely trick Draco Malfoy to sneak out of his dorm room with a fake dragon story?”

Harry gulped. He was almost hoping his father would forget the detention part in the realm of everything else that happened. Nevertheless he explained to his father about how he helped Hagrid sneak out a dragon.

James ran his hand through his hair. “I’d probably have done the same in your place, and I’m afraid I passed that inclination to you. But I won’t completely fault you for trying to help Hagrid. It was actually a good idea to get Charlie to take the dragon”.

Just then, Dumbledore arrived and Harry had more questions about his scar, how he saved the stone and Nicholas Flamel. The Headmaster explained that his mother’s sacrifice left a mark in him and that’s why Quirrell couldn’t bear to touch him. He further explained that Nicholas Flamel had just enough time left to sort his affairs and would die at a very ripe old age.

___________________________________________________________________

James took Harry home that day, but not before he checked in with Ron and Hermione. Harry was upset that he had to miss the final Quidditch match which Gryffindor lost. But nevertheless, Gryffindor won the House Cup due to Dumbledore awarding last minute points to Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville.

=to be continued=

This is the last chapter for year one. Please let me know if I should continue Year 2 here or in a new fic. Please, in a dilemma here.

By the way, in my poll about whether James should marry Jenny, 71% of you voted yes. But the votes not closed yet, so if you’d like to vote, please vote here:   https://tasha9317.tumblr.com/post/190794902119/do-you-think-james-potter-from-my-paternal#notes  And if you’re interested in HP, Marauders, Jily content, you could follow me on tumblr.

Please comment and let me know what you think. Please remember to give kudos if you liked the story and subscribe to or bookmark the story if you want updates. 

Chapter Text

So sorry for the late update. I will try my best to update more frequently. I've decided to include year 2 with year 1. But will probably start year 3 in a separate fic. What do you guys think?

The National Quidditch Stadium was buzzing with excitement as hundreds of wizards began taking their seats at their respective boxes. Harry was glad the English Quidditch League finals were usually held during the first week of the summer holidays. It saved the trouble of him having to get permission from school to attend. Something he wasn't quite sure his dad would agree to. James being the owner of a Quidditch team afforded them the privilege of siting at the Top Box. Both father and son were joined by a large company, including Sirius, Remus, Sirius's wife, Miranda, Jenny, Ron and the Weasley twins.

"Ah, Mr. Potter, how do you do?" came the voice of Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic.

"Very well, sir. How do you do?" said James.

"Very well. And how do you do, Harry," he greeted Harry cheerfully.

Harry replied with the same courtesy as his father. He had met Fudge several times before and was always treated with special care and almost fatherly affection by the minister, probably due to his fame as the Boy Who Lived.

"Mr. Black… Mrs. Black… Mr. Lupin… Ms. Parkinson." Fudge politely acknowledged the rest before looking curiously at Ron and the Weasley twins.

"These are Ron, Fred and George Weasley", said James.

"Ah, yes. Arthur Weasley's boys. Pleasure".

"Please do sit at the front row with me," Fudge said courteously to Harry and company.

To Harry's dismay, sharing the Top Box with them were the Malfoys. It was an awkward moment when Fudge who was unaware of their history tried to introduce them. It gave Harry a surge of pleasure to see the jealousy in Draco's eyes when he saw Harry and family in the front row (while his family was in the second row) or when he saw Harry receive attention and extra hospitality from Fudge. With the Malfoys, was a houseelf that he heard being addressed as Dobby. They were soon joined by Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports.

The finals were between the Phoenix Pioneers and the Blazing Dragons. The Pioneers were owned by James while the Dragons was Draco's favorite team. It was a splendid game and the Pionneers were leading by seventy points but alas, Drayton, the seeker of the Dragons caught the snitch. Half the crowd including the Malfoys erupted with cheers. Harry slumped back on his seat in defeat. He was used to seeing the Pioneers win. To make things worse, he turned around to see Draco Malfoy smirking at him in amusement. He turned towards James to see him look just as disappointed as he put his arms around him.

As the owner of the Pioneers, it was common courtesy for James to stay back for the celebration party after the game even if his team lost. The rest stayed with him except Remus who escorted the Weasley boys back home as Molly had only permitted them to come to the game but not the party.

Sirius exited his cubicle in the men's room to see Draco Malfoy by the sink. Despite seeing him as an arrogant little git, he couldn't help but also see his brother Regulus in him; and even a little bit of himself. Like him and Regulus, Draco was raised with the ideology of pureblood supremacy and how great his family was. Sirius was more rebellious and went against his family, but Regulus like Draco, bought into their family ideology.

As a teen, Sirius was more concerned with his own ideals and saw his brother as lost cause and too soft to break away from their family. But for a long time, he had been wondering if he did right by his brother. He had wondering with guilt as to whether he could have saved his brother by being a better big brother. And here was another young boy destined for the same fate as his brother. Perhaps if Voldemort never came back, he'd just be another regular arrogant bigot. But if Voldemort rose again like expected, the only pathway laid out for him by his family was him becoming a Death Eater. But could he save this boy if he tried? He was after all only a twelve year old boy. In some ways, the idea of doing so felt like a redemption and second chance with his brother that would alleviate his guilt.

"Draco Malfoy", Sirius had approached the boy before he could have second thoughts.

Draco narrowed his eyes. "You?"

"Yes, me. As you must already know, your cousin, once removed", said Sirius.

"My mum says you're a blood traitor and no longer part of our family", he sneered.

"I had to rebel against the pressure our family placed on me to follow a laidout path. Surely, you understand that pressure even if you yourself aren't a rebel".

For a moment, Draco furrowed his brows and pressed his lips.

"Our family lays out the best path for us. I don't understand why you would go against that", he said disdainfully. "Offer Potter my condolences that his team lost. Perhaps I might feel charitable enough to owl him a box of tissues should he need them to wipe his tears with", he added before he began walking away.

Sirius sighed as he silently drew his breath. This was going to be harder than he thought. Putting up with the annoying little shit without hexing him was just the first problem.

The rest of July passed too quickly for Harry's liking as he enjoyed his summers. He spent a week vacationing in Los Angeles, where his father's cousin lived. Disneyland was among the places he had the pleasure of visiting. The rest of his summer was spent lazing around, playing Quidditch, swimming and doing loads of fun activities with his dad, including but not limited to playing Quidditch together. James had a talent for coming up with creative ways to have fun. He even let Harry practice the spells he had learnt, but only with his supervision. Frequently joining them in their activities were Sirius and Remus. He also often exchanged owls with Ron and Hermione.

=to be continued=

A/N: Please, please review. And please remember to subribe to me/or the story if you want updates and give kudos if you like the story.

In my survey of whether James and Jenny should get married, most of you voted yes. So I'm going for a yes. I hope that's alright. I mean, it's been more than 10 years, so he probably should move on.

Chapter Text

Harry’s twelfth birthday was celebrated with the company of family and friends, including the Weasleys. Ron slept over that night and was with Harry when the Malfoy house elf, Dobby showed up to warn Harry not to return to Hogwarts. They concluded that Draco was just playing prank on them. The same conclusion was reached even when they discussed it with his father. James offered to speak to Lucius, but Harry said it wasn’t a good idea as Dobby might be severely punished and he didn’t want Draco thinking he fell for his prank.  

A Quidditch game with his father in the heat of summer was always one of the many things that made Harry feel the warmth of home and family. Both father and son were attempting to score Quaffles over each other as an owl flew towards them.

“I won!!” Harry said cheekily when he scored a Quaffle while James was preoccupied with taking the letter from the owl.

“That’s cheating,” James tickled Harry as the latter giggled.

“Who’s the owl from?” he asked as they landed on the ground.

“Hogwarts. Must be your new school list.”

Harry sulked. He loved Hogwarts, but he was having so much fun at home. Nevertheless, he opened his letter and scanned through the list.

“Dad, aside from the Standard Book of Spells, the whole book list is written by a Gilderoy Lockhart. Is he a famous wizard?” asked Harry.

“Lockhart’s a famous author that claims to have been on many adventures based on which he writes in his books. But I knew him in school. He gave teenage me a run for my money in conceit and attention seeking. As headboy, I had to rebuke him for pasting a huge picture of him of himself on the school notice board to advertise his autograph signing. He refused to comply until I threatened him.” James shook his head.

“People wanted his autograph in school?” Harry was astonished. He didn’t think Lockhart was a successful author even back as a student.

“Yeah. He had his looks, charm and marketing skills. Managed to build himself up to be to be more that he was with the gift of his gap. In school, he used to give out beauty and fashion tips. Wasn’t hard to convince people of his knowledge, given his looks and how he groomed himself. He probably should have stuck with his area of expertise; beauty and fashion tips.”

Harry raised his eyebrows. “The things he currently writes about aren't his area of expertise?”

“I’m afraid I’m not entirely convinced of his magical knowledge. I rather suspect he’s at least exaggerating his hand on experiences. But this is of course just an assumption”.

Just then, Hedwig arrived with a letter from Hermione.

“Hermione’s still on vacation with her parents but she’ll be home soon and plans on going to Diagon Alley next Saturday,” said Harry.

“Brilliant, we’ll do our Diagon Alley shopping then too. Owl the Weasleys if they’re free next Saturday, so we can coordinate,” said James.

Diagon Alley was packed when Harry arrived outside Flourish and Blott’s. Joining him were the Marauders, Weasleys, Grangers, Miranda and Jenny. A large poster outside Diagon Alley announced that Gilderoy Lockart was signing autographs for his new book that day. Mrs. Weasley, Miranda and Jenny looked elated as James and Sirius rolled their eyes at each other. Harry suspected the latter two women only tagged along to meet Lockhart.

“Miranda fancies the insufferable prick” said Sirius as he crossed his arms and pouted.

“I do not” protested Miranda. “I just happen to admire his work.”

“Which you have to admit are admirable and well accomplished. Doesn’t hurt that he has his good looks to go with it,"  Jenny added.

“Jenny, you too?” James asked increduously. 

“I think you're both just jealous” said Miranda.

“Are not,” said James and Sirius together.

“We just see through the surface of Lockhart’s pretty package,” said James.

“Umm hmm” neither Miranda nor Jenny seemed to believe their explanation.

As they listened to Lockhart’s speech, Harry couldn’t help but get the same vibes from Lockhart that his father suspected. Something about Lockhart seemed fake. His thoughts were interrupted by Lockhart calling him up front. He turned towards James who also looked uncomfortable.

“Lockhart, there’s no need to …” James began.

“Nonsense, come on, boy. Don’t be shy,” he dragged Harry upfront as James mouthed “It’s alright, just go with it”.

After bragging about having Harry by his side and having their picture taken, Lockhart announced that he would be Harry’s professor. Harry really hoped his father’s intuition about Lockhart wasn’t entirely true as he wanted to learn proper Defense Against the Dark Art’s from a competent teacher. Fortunately, he already had competent teachers in the form of the Marauders. Just the other day, his dad taught him the basic disarming spell, Expelliarmusl Harry enjoyed expelling things from the arms of his family and household staff until James had said the household staff were off-limits to practice the spell on. But regardless of whether Lockhart was a competent professor, Harry’s bigger worry was that Lockhart would not leave him alone in school and continue to bring unwanted attention on him. His thoughts were interrupted by Lockhart giving him a free copy of his collection of books for school.

Harry took James aside after Lockhart had let him go and Mrs. Weasley has taken his books to get them autographed by Lockhart.

“Harry, don’t worry. I’ll do all that I can to stop your picture from making the frontpage. Unless, you actually want to be on the frontpage,” James winked as Harry scowled. “I’ll take that as a no”.

“Dad, do you mind if I gave my free books from Lockhart to Ron? I want him to also have new books”, said Harry.

“Certainly. I was going to suggest the same thing. I’ll be right back with a new set while you inform Mrs. Weasley,” he said as Harry nodded.

“Here are the Transfiguration and Potions ones,” said Jenny.

“Thanks” said James as he added the books to the completed collection in front of him.

“James, is part of the reason you don't like Lockhart because Lily used to go out with him?”

“Oh come one Jenny. Lily only went on one date with him that ended with her throwing her drink on him,” James grinned at the memory. “Although to be fair, she would probably have done the same thing to me if we went out in fifth year.”

“Yeah,” she chucked. “So Lockhart’s going to be Harry’s professor.”

James narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together. “I pity the Hogwarts students. But at this moment, I really need to find a way to stop Harry’s picture from making the front page.”

“Any ideas so far?”

“I was thinking about asking Crouch for help. He may only be indulgent because of Harry’s fame, but I figure there’s nothing to lose. What do you think?”.

“That might work, but the moment you voluntarily ask a favor from Fudge, you’ll be obliged to return any favor he asks you which might require you compromising your principles,” Jenny pointed out.

“That’s true. But do you have any better ideas on how to handle this?” he asked.

“I have a friend who’s an editor at the Daily Prophet. I could get him to handle this,” she offered.

“That would be brilliant. Thank you very much Jenny,” said James gratefully.

Just then they heard a noise behind them. They turned around to see Arthur had shoved Lucius against a shelf.

“What’s going on?” asked Jenny apprehensively.

“Even the most decent person feels like punching Malfoy every two sentences that come out of his mouth. At some point, they lose self-control to not act on it,” James shrugged before they both ran towards the commotion.

As they left Flourish and Blotts after the fight has been diffused, Harry explained to James the events that led up to Arthur attacking Lucius including Draco mocking him about making the frontpage, Ginny defending him, Lucius showing up and mocking Arthur for his lack of money and Arthur finally losing his cool when Lucius’s taunts had gone too far.  

A/N: Please, please review so that I know if it's any good. After various protests, I've decided that I'm going to keep James and Jenny as friends for now and develop them as friends. And then I'll see how it goes and how readers feel.

Chapter Text

Harry was having a relaxing evening watching tv in his room when he heard a knock on his balcony door.

“Ron? Why didn’t you come through the front door? Is everything alright?”

“Harry, look,” Ron pointed to a flying Ford Anglia hovering right at the edge of his balcony.

Fred was in the driver’s seat and George was beside him.

“Whoa,” Harry was slacked-jawed at the fray in front of him.

“Dad bewitched our Ford Anglia to fly. The twins and I thought it would be fun to take it for a ride and I wanted you to join us,” Ron explained.

“Yeah, come on Harry. It would be fun,” George hollered from the car. “I promise I have it under control. We’ll just take a quick five minute ride and have you back safe and sound before your dad notices you’re gone”.

“Come on Harry. PLEEAASE,” Ron pleaded, rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

James wasn’t home, so Harry supposed he could be back before James got back. A ride in a flying car did sound fun and the Weasley boys did reach all the way to his house safely.

“Alright, I’m in. Just let me leave a quick note for my dad,” he said to the gleeful Weasley boys before he quickly scribbled a note for his dad and got into the backseat of the flying Ford Anglia with Ron.

Harry snuck back into his room through his bedroom window to find his father seated on his bed. James’s arms were crossed and his lips were pressed together. Harry gulped. The ride had taken longer than expected.

“Where were you young man? You left with just a single note saying ‘went for a ride with the Weasley boys’,” James’s arms were still crossed.

Harry had the left that note just in case. Which was probably a good thing because his father might have been out looking for him or have filed a missing person’s complaint. But this was one of the few instances he had seen his father look annoyed and even angry.

Harry explained that the Weasley boys had showed up with a flying car that Arthur had bewitched to fly and asked him to join them for a ride.

“Harry, you had me worried." James rebuked as Harry looked down. “And getting in a flying car driven by a fourteen year old with no proper training was dangerous. You could have crashed. You could all have gotten hurt”.

Harry hated when his father was disappointed. He’d rather be yelled at.

“I’m sorry dad”, he managed to mutter, not meeting his dad’s eyes.

“Harry, you are not to do this again,” James said firmly. “You are not to leave this house without permission except in an emergency. Going for a ride isn’t an emergency. Is that clear?” he narrowed eyes towards him.

Harry nodded. “Yes, dad”.

“Alright. Go to bed as it’s past your bedtime. I’ll see you tomorrow," he said as he left.

James didn’t know whether to be impressed by Weasley twins driving a flying car or be annoyed by their recklessness. It was harder to be annoyed as he would probably have thought it was a clever idea to drive his dad’s flying car at their age. James hadn’t punished Harry as he usually didn’t for first time offenses, but he sometimes wondered if he was too harsh or lenient on Harry. He would certainly have done the same thing in Harry’s place when he was twelve, which made him feel like a hypocrite for any rebuke that he gave Harry. But regardless of what young him would have done, it was his duty as a father to rebuke Harry’s mistakes, especially when they put him in danger. He would have to owl Arthur. He didn’t want to get the Weasley boys in trouble, but he had to check if they had returned home safely and Arthur was the more lenient parent.

It was time to begin a new school year at Hogwarts as September 1^st arrived. The day had sprung on both the Potters and the Weasleys which delayed their journey to King’s Cross. They found themselves dashing towards Platform Nine and Three Quarters a few minutes before eleven. In their haste, even the parents went through the barrier as they reached it, without looking back to see if their children got past. Harry and Ron decided to go through the barrier together as they were the last ones, but were both thrown back as they tried.

Without much time to ponder on why they couldn’t get through or the right course of action, Harry and Ron decided to take the flying car to school. Their reasoning for not waiting for their parents was that their parents wouldn’t be able to get through the barrier back to them. Not their best decision making or logical reasoning. As McGonagall would later point out after their tumultuous ride to Hogwarts that ended with their car crashing into the Whomping Willow, the sensible decision would have been to owl her. They were unfortunately brought to Snape first, but fortunately were not expelled as that power rested with McGonagall. Harry begged her to add the fact that they couldn’t get past the barrier when she said she had to write to their families. After the first time his father rebuked him for getting on a flying car, he didn’t want his father thinking he deliberately disobeyed him by taking a flying car to school for fun.

The next day, Ron received a howler from Molly for their stint with the flying car. Although Harry mostly sympathized with Ron, he couldn’t help but feel a little amused. But he also felt bad that Arthur was facing an inquiry at work. Harry gulped and braced himself as he opened his dad’s letter. Would his dad understand? Or would he tell him off like Molly did to Ron? At least it wasn't a howler. 

Dear Harry,

I hope you are alright. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and I panicked when you and Ron didn’t show up at the platform and were missing with the car when we got back. I was relieved when Professor McGonagall owled me that you both had reached safely even if through a flying car. She pointed out that you could have owled her when I tried to reason that you couldn’t get past the barrier.

I understand that you did what you could to get to school under the circumstances and that other solutions might not have occurred to you. But in future, please don’t panic and make impulsive decisions when you face situations like this. I probably shouldn’t be the one to talk about being impulsive, but it’s alright for you not go to school if it came down to it. I would prefer that over you risking your life to get to school. And remember that I would always have found my way to you and did my best to get you to school, even if I couldn’t get to you through a barrier.

But do not be worried. And tell Ron not to worry either. I know Mr. Weasley is facing an inquiry at work, but the law only says it’s illegal to bewitch a muggle item if it’s being used by muggles and not if it’s for our personal use. I’ll do my best to help him if he gets into any trouble. I’ve attached your care package. Take care, I love you and I’ll see you at your first game.

Love, dad.

Harry felt a sigh of relief as he folded his letter. He mostly knew that his dad would understand and his father’s letter made him feel better.

“What did your dad say?” asked Ron as Harry handed him his letter.

Ron gaped as he read Harry’s letter. “I hate you Harry”

Harry grinned “If it makes you feel any better, your dad would probably have said something similar if he was the one to write to you. And my mum might have sent me a howler or an owl with a harsher rebuke if she was alive”.

“Well that’s true,” Ron agreed.

=to be continued=

I need to explain one thing. I know that it’s a long shot that James got past the barrier before Harry, but I really needed Harry and Ron to get to school that way so that Ron’s wand is broken. Otherwise Lockhart’s memory charm in the Year 2 climax would be successful.

Yes, I can change the course of the story so that they aren’t down there in the first place and the adults actually do their job. But from the moment I thought of this fic, I had a scene in mind that I really like for when Harry returns from battling a basilisk and I really think Harry’s battle down there is essential especially since I’ve not yet decided the course I’m taking in year 4-7. But if you guys would rather have a different climax of the adults taking care of Tom Riddle, I would change that with popular demand. But I needed Ron’s wand broken just in case.

Chapter Text

Harry still felt bad about Arthur facing an inquiry at work even if his father’s letter had made him feel a little better about it. Hermione who had been cold to them since last night thought Ron deserved the Howler, but the good thing was that she thought they had been punished enough that she went back to being friendly to them.

Their first class of the day was Herbology with Professor Sprout. They found Lockhart helping her treat the Whomping Willow who then preceded to humble brag about not being better at Herbology than Professor Sprout. To Harry’s dismay, he took him aside and blamed himself for Harry’s flying car incident. Lockhart was under the impression that Harry wanted more taste of publicity after the publicity Lockhart had provided him at Diagon Alley since his front page appearance had been canceled by his father. Despite Harry’s feeble attempts to explain that it wasn’t so, Lockhart continued his false belief and “advised” Harry to calm down as he wasn’t there yet to be flying cars to school. Harry could merely shake his head in exasperation as the clown walked away.

At Herbology, they learned about Mandrakes. Hermione earned ten points for correctly answering that Mandrakes were an essential part of antidotes and had a cry that was fatal. They had to use earmuffs due to to this. But since they were only working with seedling Mandrakes, their cry would merely have knocked them out without their earmuffs. Harry also met a muggle-born named Justin Finch-Fletchey and Collin Creevey, a first year muggle-born boy with a camera who was a fan of him.

Classes continued as usual with Draco and gang being gits and Lockhart proving to be a useless teacher who only liked blowing his own horn but never lived up to his boasts when it came to action. But to Harry’s surprise, Hermione fancied Lockhart to the point of circling his classes on her timetable with hearts and being blind to his incompetence.

Oliver Wood got the team training hard in Quidditch. On one such morning when the Gryffindors entered the Quidditch pitch for practice, they were met with the Slytherin Quidditch team. Apparently Snape had given them special permission to train their new seeker who to Harry’s dismay was Draco Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy had bought the whole Slytherin team Nimbus 2001s. Draco made a smug insult about the Gryffindor team being too poor to buy those brooms for their team. Hermione replied to this by pointing out that at least they didn’t buy their way on the team. This enraged Draco to the point of calling Hermione a mudblood.

Both Harry and Ron furiously pointed their wands at Draco and said “Eat slugs”. Draco began coughing out slugs from Harry’s spell but the spell on Ron’s wand which was broken and held together with spellotape backfired and caused Ron to start coughing out slugs.

Ron and Draco were carried to the Hospital Wing by their respective housemates. The spells were removed by Madam Pomfrey with a swish of her wand. It disheartened Harry and Ron to have to explain the meaning of mudblood to Hermione who hadn’t heard of that term.

Harry braced himself for what was about to come as he was sure Draco would write to his father and Lucius would do everything in his power to ensure Harry was punished. But fortunately, Lucius couldn’t do much beyond getting Harry detention. 

James placed three mugs in front of himself before he sat down with Sirius and Remus. They just had dinner and Miranda who was tired was taking a nap in one of the guest rooms. James appreciated them for spending the day with him on Lily’s death anniversary.

“Miranda easily gets tired nowadays. I’m afraid something might be up with her.” Sirius frowned.

“Maybe she’s just tried from work. If it persists, you could consult a healer to be certain,” said Remus.

“Yeah”.

“So Remus, how’s your new book going along?” asked James.

Remus took a gulp from his mug. “Alright, just have a bit of a writer’s block. How’s the team?”

“Great. I’m certain you’ll work through your writer's block Remus. Sirius, how’s business?”

Sirius owned a clothing company with clothes line aimed at modernizing the fashion of youths.

“Pretty good”.

James looked uncertainly at the clock.

“James, what’s wrong? It’s the tenth time you’ve looked at the clock,” Sirius pointed out.

James bit his lip as he twisted the ring on his finger. “It’s just … Harry. He hasn’t written yet and the Halloween feast should have been long over.”

Just then there was knock on the window from Hedwig.

“Finally” James breathed a sigh of relief as he approached the window, opened it and freed Hedwig off the letter in his hand.

After he had read Harry’s letter, he flopped on the sofa and began running his hand through his hair.

“What’s wrong?” asked Sirius and Remus together.

“I don’t know but something is. Harry heard voices while he was returning to the Halloween feast from Saint Nicholas’s Deathday Party with Ron and Hermione”.

Sirius sniggered “Deathday Party?”

“Apparently it was his 500^th death anniversary.”

“Still, who celebrates that.”

“I don’t know, I don’t attempt to understand the mind of a ghost. But anyways, Harry heard a voice saying it was time to kill and it was hungry. When he followed the voice, he found Filch’s stupid cat petrified with ‘The Chamber has been Open. Enemies of the heir beware’ written on the wall above it in blood.”

Sirius and Remus gasped. 

“What’s the Chamber of Secrets?” asked Sirius.

“I wish I knew but I’ve never heard of it,” James shrugged.

“I’ve read about it. There was a legend that when Salazar Slytherin left Hogwarts after clashing with Godric Gryffindor over not taking in muggle-borns, he left a Chamber of Secrets that could only be opened by his heir when they came to Hogwarts. The Chamber of Secrets was supposed to kill muggle-borns when it was opened,” Remus explained.

“Do you think it could be someone who heard of this legend playing a prank?” asked Sirius.

“Maybe, but that doesn’t explain the voice Harry heard and Filch’s cat being petrified,” said James.

“If it is The Chamber of Secrets, then Slytherin’s heir is at Hogwarts which brings the question of who it is. There aren’t any known Slytherin heirs left. My father said the Gaunts were the last of Slyhterin’s heirs and they had died out except for Morphin Gaunt in Azkaban,” said Sirius. “My mother was disappointed that there was no chance of our family marrying into the Gaunts.”

“Maybe Slytherin has a another branch that people didn’t know about,” said Remus. “And probably a first year because if they were at Hogwarts before, they would have opened the Chamber of Secrets earlier, wouldn’t they?”

“They could have been waiting for the right time or just have figured out it's location now. It seems unlikely a first year could figure out how to open the Chamber of Secrets,” said Sirius.

“Or it could be a professor rather than a student,” said James.

“The only new professor is Lockhart,” said Remus.

“The only Slytherin professor is Snape,” said Sirius. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it was him”.

“He did try to paint Harry as guilty even if there was no evidence Harry did anything other than be the first one on the scene. The git even tried to get Harry’s Quidditch privileges taken away,” said James indignantly.

“Probably just figured out how to open it,” Sirius added.  

“To be fair, that could just be Snape being a his usual petty, vidictive self against Harry,” said Remus. “I mean, Snape was bigoted against muggle-borns but he did like Lily, so I don’t think he had a murderous hate for muggle-borns.”

“You have a point Remus. Perhaps we shouldn’t jump to conclusions and presume Snape’s guilt with no evidence. But the mystery of who aside, the question is why Harry heard voices that Ron and Hermione couldn’t hear when this happened?” said James apprehensively.

“Maybe we should do research on the Chamber of Secrets and that might give us a clue,” Remus suggested as James and Sirius nodded in agreement.

“And I’ll write to Dumbledore about it too.” James stood up from his seat. “But first, I’ll write to Harry not to worry and that I’ll look into it.”

“Is Harry in trouble?” asked Sirius, concerned.

“Nah. Fortunately Dumbledore and McGonagall didn’t jump on Snape’s ‘charge Harry with no proper evidence’ bandwagon,” said James.

Chapter Text

Dear Harry,

I'm sorry that you went through that. I hope you're alright. Would you like me to come over? I would  gladly  do so and it's no trouble at all for me. I'm  relieved  that you aren't in any trouble especially when none of it was your fault. I'm afraid that I have no answers to why you heard voices but am trying to investigate. As for the Chamber of Secrets, the only information I have so far is the brief history of it on Hogwarts: A History. I've attached your copy with the page folded so you, Ron and Hermione can read. But don't you worry about a thing. I'll owl Dumbledore and do my best to find out what's going on.

Take Care.

Love, dad.

Dear dad,

Thank you for understanding. I'm alright. I promise. No, dad, please. It wouldn't be necessary for you come over. Please don't be worried about me. Thank you for sending over my copy of Hogwarts: A History. I've read the history. Who do you think is the Heir of Slytherin? Ron and I think it might be Draco Malfoy. Hermione thinks we're being silly.

A few kids at school think that I'm the Heir of Slytherin including Justin Finch-Fletchey, all because I happened to find Filch's cat.

Take care.

Love, Harry.

Dear Harry,

I'm glad you're alright. I understand and I'll respect your wishes about not coming over. That's funny, your Uncle Sirius and I briefly suspected Snape could be the heir. But your Uncle Remus made us fairly acknowledge we had no proof and it was solely based on our personal bias. I'm not sure of the history of the Malfoys or whether they could be the heirs of Slytherin. I wouldn't be surprised if they were but as your Uncle Remus would say, we should wait for more evidence before charging them as guilty.

Don't worry about those kids. Kids can be idiots.  If anyone directly accuses or insults you for it, the only appropriate thing you can do if you do it to your face is stand up for yourself by denying it and reasoning that there's no evidence to their accusation. If they're still unreasonable, they aren't worth it. Ignore them. The gossipers whispering behind your back instead of directly confronting you aren't worthy of an explanation or your time. And their silly beliefs aren't worth getting yourself down over. Ignore them unless they antagonize you beyond just gossiping. I know it can be hard to ignore suchpeople but you need to keep stay strong, keep your head up and remember that you have plenty of family and friends who love you and believe you. The  idiots will understand the truth soon enough as the truth will always come out.

Take care,

Love, dad.

Harry felt better reading his father's letter. He didn't include the part where they were planning on using Polyjuice Potion to spy on Draco Malfoy. His dad was relaxed about rules, but he didn't think his dad would be calm about them going that far in breaking rules. Harry really did want to see his dad for comfort but told him not come over as he didn't want to worry him. On top of that, he didn't want to look like some baby needing daddy to come comfort him if the school found out his dad came over. It might also have made the situation look even more serious than it was and draw more attention to himself. Harry knew that James also really wanted to come over but was respecting his wishes. He was even skeptical of telling his dad about kids avoiding him and thinking he was Heir of Slytherin but chose to open up mainly because he wanted his father's advise.

Unfortunately, it would take a whole month to prepare a Polyjuice potion. The book they needed to brew a Polyjuice potion was in the Restricted Section and students weren't allowed to take out any book from the restricted section without a signed permission slip from a professor. Fortunately, Hermione managed to butter Lockhart up into signing her permission slip to take the book out. Speaking of Lockhart, Harry and Ron found him to be an incompetent idiot who never failed to demonstrate that at least once each class, but Hermione for some reason fancied him. She would defend and make excuses for him every time Harry or Ron brought up something against him. For some reason, her crush on Lockhart irritated Harry more than it probably should have.

It was finally the day of the Gryffindor vs Slytherin Quidditch match when James made his way to the Gryffindor tenth with Sirius and Remus. He enthusiastically hugged his little boy who hugged him back just as tightly. Sirius and Remus took their turns hugging Harry when they were done.

"Malfoy's the seeker in this game," Harry scowled.

He put his hands on Harry's shoulder "Harry, it doesn't matter who has the better broom. Your skills count for more. You just do your best, and you'll have reason to be proud regardless of the outcome, alright?"

Harry nodded.

James had offered to get Harry a Nimbus 2001, but Harry had declined as he didn't want to seem like some petty spoilt kid getting one right after Malfoy showed off with his. Despite his own objections to such behavior, he had even offered to get the whole Gryffindor team Nimbus 2001s as well if it was Harry's wish, but his son thought the same way as him declined. If it was just against Slytherin, they could convince themselves it was even, but they would have an unfair advantage against the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs if the whole team had Nimbus 2001s and be no different that Slytherins in doing so.

James, Sirius and Remus left for the stands a few minutes before the game.

Things were going good at first with Gryffindor leading and Harry and Draco still being on the lookout for the snitch. But soon, it seemed the bludger was targeting Harry. But it couldn't be. He must have been imagining it. James saw Wood call a time out but couldn't hear what they were discussing. He had half a mind to go up there and find out what was going on but he didn't want to be one of those annoying interfering parents especially when no other parent went up there. James also didn't want to embarrass Harry lest people think he had some over-protective coddling daddy.

Things didn't get better when the game resumed. The bludger still seemed to be targeting Harry. James didn't know what to do short of just walking up there and blasting the bludger or yelling the game be called off. He refrained from both those things the whole game but had finally reached a breaking point and was about to do something when he saw the bludger hit Harry's arm.

James's heart was beating rapidly as he stood up and began making his way to where Harry was. The bludger tried to make a second attack towards Harry but he managed to avoid it before making a dive for Draco. James was confused at first but noticed the snitch above his head. His boy was trying to catch snitch despite the pain he probably felt and a bludger out to get him. His heart went out to his son and a part of him wished he didn't pass down such stubbornness and determination to his son. It would keep his son much safer. James kept his wand out and his eye on the bludger as he heard the Gryffindor stands erupt with cheers. Harry had managed to catch the snitch. James couldn't be any prouder of his son. He ran towards Harry and noticed that Sirius and Remus had been behind him all along.

It took a while before he managed to get the through the crowd surrounding Harry.

"Don't worry, I'll fix it" came Lockhart's voice.

James's nerves tensed up. He didn't like the sound of Lockhart fixing anything on Harry. He heard Harry protest but Lockhart dismiss it and cast a spell before he finally reached the front of the crowd. Harry was bending his arm like rubber.

"Harry!" he ran towards him.

"Dad"

"Are you alright? What's wrong?" James put his arms around him and began fussing over him.

"Harry broke his arm and with this fool's brilliant spell work, he's got no bones left in his arm," said Hagrid angrily.

James felt himself flaring up. "You bastard. Look at what you did to my son". He wanted nothing more than to punch Lockhart or cast a really nasty spell on him but he took a deep breath and calmed himself. He was an adult man with self-control. He especially didn't want to attack his son's teacher in front of his son.

He saw Sirius and Remus look just as angry as him.

"I really meant to …" began Lockhart.

"Let's get him to the hospital wing," said Remus.

With that, Harry was brought to the hospital wing.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

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Madam Pomfrey wasn't pleased either and lectured them on how they should have come to her first. James had to point out that there was a tiny problem of the crowd getting in the way and enabling Lockhart to beat them to it. He sat beside Harry by his bedside who gave him a worried, helpless look as he held his hand.

"Son, you'll get through this. You'll be alright," James put his arm around Harry and stroked his hair as his son leaned into his chest.

"Your father's right Harry. We're here for you," Sirius also sat beside Harry and put his arm on his shoulder.

"Madam Pomfrey will have you fixed in no time," said Remus, joining them on the bed.

Ron and Harry argued with Hermione about Lockhart since she continued to defend him. James hoped she would eventually get over her infatuation with Lockhart and see him for the phony that he was.

Madam Pomfrey returned with a bottle of Skele-Gro after Harry had changed into his pyjamas.

Harry squeezed James's hand with a painful look on his face when he swallowed the Skele-Gro. He did his best to comfort his son as Ron, Hermione, Sirius and Remus all scurried to help Harry gulp down some water.

They were all pondering how the bludger got fixed when the rest of the Gryffindor team showed up to see Harry with plenty of treats. What looked like it was going to be a small hospital party was quickly shut down by Madam Pomfrey who asked everyone to leave.

"I'm staying with my son," said James.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that ," said Madam Pomfrey.

"Why not?" He crossed his arms.

"Because we don't usually allow anyone including parents to stay overnight unless it's a severe case. As distressing as your son's situation is, he isn't in a severe state needing parental care. He's perfectly fine under my care," she said.

James pressed his lips and took a few deep breathes, his arms still remaining crossed. "But Madam Pomfrey …"

"Dad, it's alright. I'll be be fine," said Harry reassuringly.

He knew that his son would have preferred him staying but didn't want to make a fuss or have rules bent for him.

"Alright Harry," he relented. "I'll see you tomorrow alright? Owl me or have someone do it if you need anything. I love you," he kissed Harry's forehead.

"Alright. I love you too dad," Harry hugged him.

After exchanging goodbyes, they all left Harry alone with a heavy heart.

Sirius read and reread the piece of parchment in front of him. He bit his lips and furrowed his brows, unsure if he was doing the right thing.

Dear Draco,

Do not be disheartened by the Quidditch match and do not listen to your father if he tries to make you feel like a failure for it. It had nothing to do with your lack of skill but more of luck. You could have won just as easily. I'm in no way taking away my nephew's victory and am glad it was him who won, but I had to write as I know how it feels to have parents to who scorn anything less than victory. 

Cousin Sirius.

Sirius didn't actually think Draco could win over his Harry and hated that he had to write that, but some manipulation was needed to get through to that boy. He had committed to try taking on the boy as a project and decided to stick to it. Folding the parchment, he tied it to his owl and sent it Draco Malfoy's way. James, Remus and Miranda had been skeptical when Sirius had told them of his desire with Draco Malfoy but were nevertheless supportive and hoped for the best outcome.

After about an hour, his owl returned with a reply. Sirius quickly opened it.

Sirius Black,

I'm not sure if I should be owling you. I don't think my father would like this. I don't even entirely understand why you owled me. But nevertheless I appreciate you acknowledging that your nephew won due to his luck rather than being more skilled than I am. If I'm being honest, it actually made me feel better.

Draco.

Sirius sighed exasperatedly but felt himself smiling when he felt two arms around him.

"Draco replied?" asked Miranda.

"Yeah," he handed the owl to her as she read through it.

"Sweetheart, this is just the beginning. I'm sure he'll eventually come around," she said encouragingly.

"I know. And I realize that I chose to take on this suicide mission and should probably have more patience to see it's results, but it's still frustrating to deal with that boy".

"I understand sweetheart. But you'll feel better when you focus on the finishing line over the roadblocks in between and I trust you'll succeed." She cupped both his cheeks.

"You're right," Sirius put his arm around Miranda and kissed her forehead.

Harry had been awakened by Dobby to find out it was him who closed the barrier to Platform Nine and Three Quarters two months ago and confunded the Bludger to go after him. He had to resist the urge to strangle the house elf. This was even harder when Dobby said it was to "protect" him. Dobby refused to divulge more other than telling Harry that the Chamber of Secrets existed and that he had to leave to which Harry was confused as he wasn't in danger from the Chamber as a half-blood. Harry refused to leave Hogwarts especially when his muggle-born best friend would be in danger. Once Dobby had left, the staff including Dumbledore and McGonagall came in with a petrified Collin Creevey, the next victim of the Chamber. Harry who was pretending to be asleep overheard them confirming what Dobby had said about the Chamber.

After Harry had been released from the Hospital Wing the next day, he found Ron and Hermione brewing the Polyjuice Potion in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and filled them in on last nights events.

James sighed exasperatedly as he paced up and down the front door of Sirius and Miranda's apartment. It had been ten minutes and they still weren't home after asking him to come over immediately for an announcement. He had stupidly left his copy of their key at home. Just then, a blonde hair, blue eyed girl walk towards him.

"Alright Jenny? They called you for their announcement too?"

"Yeah. Said it couldn't wait," she said and they exchanged a fleeting hug.

"How's Harry? Has his arm recovered?"

"Yes. No thanks to that moron, Lockhart"

"He might have …" she began but fell silent at his look. "Sorry. I promise. No more blind defending of Lockhart facilitated by my hormones."

James chuckled. "Thank you. What happened to your hand?" he narrowed his eyes to the bandage on her left palm.

"My nephew. Had to babysit the little monster," Jenny explained.

"Come Jenny. He's only five. He might be a little mischievous but monster is little harsh, ain't it?"

"He bit me when I tried to stop him from using my wand. And bad enough to leave this," she held up he hand. "It would take a day for it to heal."

"Yikes" James gritted his teeth.

"Not funny," she said at his amused look.

"Sorry. I do sympathize but ..." he began but was cut off by Sirius and Miranda arriving with a large bottle of orange crunch and a large box of chocolates.

"Is Remus here yet?" asked Sirius as they exchanged greetings.

"I'm here," came his voice.

Soon they were seated on the sofa with Sirius and Miranda looking gleefully at their three guests.

"Come on Sirius, don't leave us hanging. What's your announcement?" asked James.

Sirius and Miranda exchanged smiles before turning towards them and saying "We're pregnant"

Jenny squealed as Miranda and her jumped into each other. Squealing aside, James himself was no less enthusiastic as he practically pounced on his best friend.

"Congratulations mate!" James exclaimed. "I'm really happy for you". 

"Thanks mate". They gave each other once last squeeze and pat before letting go of each other.

They continued taking turns exchanging hugs before settling on the couch and celebrating with their orange crush and box of chocolates. Orange crush was their favorite fruit drink that couldn't rival any other ordinary orange juice they've tried.

"Wish Harry was here to celebrate. But we'll send him an owl soon," said Sirius.

"He'll feel like he's becoming a big brother," said James.

"Harry's technically this baby's godbrother since Sirius is his godfather," said Remus.

"True," they agreed.

=to be continued=

Guys, I have to say that one reason that I'm considering James and Jenny is because in every Lily lives fanfic I've seen, she always marries Snape or someone else, and I'm like "Oh yeah, Lily, if you're going to be that way, then James can be too". But of course I haven't decided yet and am considering the fact that most fans seem against it.

Chapter Text

Hi guys, I apologize that chapter is a "little" shorter as I wanted to stop right before Christmas break, so that next chapter would cover the Christmas break.

As the weeks passed, Harry, Ron and Hermione were done almost done brewing the Polyjuice potion; or more accurately Hermione brewed it and Harry and Ron occasionally pitched in at her instruction. They still needed a few ingredients which were only available in Snape's private stores. Furthermore, they had to finish the potion before the holidays as Harry didn't want to miss Christmas with his family and he couldn't find a valid excuse to give his dad even if he reluctantly chose to stay at Hogwarts. James may be lenient but would probably not take well to what his friends and him were doing.

Their only option was to steal from Snape's stores which they did during one of their Potion's class. Harry and Ron created a distraction by throwing one of Fred's Filibuster fireworks into Goyle's cauldron while Hermione slipped into the back of the dungeon during the fiasco. Their plan was a success as Hermione managed to steal the ingredients while Snape was none-the-wiser about their deeds. He looked suspiciously at Harry but had no proof of any fault on his part.

Dear Uncle Remus,

I hope you're doing well. We had our first Dueling Club lesson today. I would have been more excited if it weren't the fact that it was run by Lockhart and assisted by Snape. The only spell we learned was the disarming charm (Expelliarmus) which I  already learned from my dad during the summer and even that was from Snape as Lockhart was useless. 

I need your advice on something that happened during my first dueling lesson. Snape had me paired with Malfoy and after we took turns hexing and jinxing each other, he conjured a snake into the room. The snake seemed to be going towards Justin Finch-Fletchey (A Hufflepuff muggle-born I just met), so my instinct was to tell the snake not to attack him. I didn't realize it then, but no one else understood what I said as I apparently spoke in Parseltongue . They thought I was telling the snake to attack Justin.

Many students began to think I'm the heir of Slytherin and a dark wizard because I have Voldemort and Salazar Slytherin's special gift (Parseltongue was Slytherin's rare gift). The next day, when I tried to find Justin to explain myself, I found him petrified as the next victim of the Chamber of Secrets. Fortunately for me,  Professor Dumbledore believed I had nothing to do with attacking Justin, but for the students who thought I was the Heir of Slytherin, this only confirmed their belief. I'm now almost an outcast except with Hermione, the Weasleys and a few Gryffindors.

I'm skeptical about  writing to dad about this because I'm worried as to how he or Uncle Sirius would react to me speaking in Parseltongue and having Slytherin's rare gift. And I'm worried if they'd think less of me or also think I'm a Dark Wizard. What do I do? Please don't tell my father or Uncle Sirius about this just yet.

Love Harry.

Dear Harry,

I am sorry for what you're going through. I'm afraid I have no explanation as to why you can speak in Parseltongue.  As far I know, your father and you have no descent from Slytherin and your father certainly doesn't speak Parceltougue. What does Professor Dumbledore say about this?

I'm afraid I have no better advice than to keep your head up and ignore the ignorant students who think you're Heir of Slytherin. The truth would certainly come out soon as  the culprit can't hide forever and the students accusing you would then realize how unfair they were to you.

As for your father and Sirius, don't worry about their reaction. They love you to death, especially your father. They'd accept you no matter what. Even if you became a Death Eater, they would still love you and try to get you back to the right path rather than give up on you and shun you. James and Sirius may be biased when it comes to people they don't like, but I can assure you that they're both reasonable enough to not jump to conclusions with their biases when it involves their loves one. In fact, your father in particular is more likely to bend over backwards coming up with explanations that favor his loved ones. They would be worried about you being a Parseltongue  and try to figure out why you had that gift, but they certainly won't think any less of you or think that you're a Dark Wizard.

I think like myself, your father and godfather  would be more worried that there are more attacks in the school. The only reason your father still hasn't pulled you out of Hogwarts is because he still somewhat trusts Professor Dumbledore is handling the situation and that the Heir of Slytherin, whoever it might be is targeting muggle-borns rather than half-bloods like yourself. But all of us worry about the muggle-borns at Hogwarts, especially Hermione.

Love Remus.

Harry felt a little better from Remus's letter. He was right about his father and Sirius. Harry not longer worried about how they would perceive him, but he worried that James might be a step closer to pulling him out of Hogwarts if he knew he was falsely accused of being the Heir of Slytherin and was bullied for it. James would want to protect him from that, but Harry didn't want to leave Hogwarts. He loved Hogwarts and his friends, and he couldn't just leave while muggle-borns were being attacked. He had to figure out who the culprit was and put a stop to the attacks. He also wanted to prove his innocence. 

Harry wrote back to Remus to at least wait or the Holidays before telling James or Sirius. By then, he expected to have figured out through Polyjuice Potion if Draco Malfoy was the culprit. The potion was finally ready shortly before the break. Harry, Ron and Hermione disguised themselves as Crabbe, Goyle and Milicent Bulstrode, but Hermione who took her potion in one of the toilet stands told them to go ahead without her. They drugged Crabbe and Goyle with a Sleeping Draught that they put in cupcakes and hid them in broom cupboard. Their efforts ended up being almost fruitless as it turned out, Draco wasn't the Heir of Slytherin. However, they did find out a bit of useful information from Draco while disguised as Crabbe and Goyle in the Slytherin Common Room, like the fact that the last time the chamber was open, a student died.

Hermione apparently had taken cat's hair instead of Millicent Bulstrode's hair and her face had turned into a cat's face. She had to be in the Hospital Wing for weeks even when they left for the Christmas break, fortunate that Madame Pomfrey didn't ask too many questions. The Weasley children were once again invited by James to spend the Holidays at Potter Manor when they decided to stay at Hogwarts rather than visit their brother Bill in Egypt with their parents. Percy initially considered it his duty as prefect to stay back at Hogwarts and assist the staff during difficult times but they managed to persuade him to join them as Mrs. Weasley didn't allow the rest of the Weasley children to leave Percy by himself during Christmas. 

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

Harry was treated to his favorite beef caserole, Chocolate Cake and other wonderful dishes when he came home for Christmas break with the Weasley children. After being delightfully filled, he continued reading his Lord of The Rings copy on his bed while waiting for Ron who was in the shower. James loved muggle literature, especially classics like Lord of the Rings and had introduced him to a few gems including the Lord of The Rings/Hobbit special edition boxset James got him two Christmases ago. 

Both Harry and James had a similar taste for mystery, adventure and fantasy fiction. Lily on the other hand loved romance and Jane Austen and his father still kept her copies of Jane Austen's novels safe in their library. Perhaps one day Harry might give them a read even if he felt they might not be his cup of tea as simply holding the same copies that were read by his mother made him feel like a part of her was with him. Besides, his dad said Jane Austen books were great and more social commentary rather than romance. 

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Come in" he answered as James entered.

"Everything alright son?" his father asked he took a seat by Harry's bed.

"Yeah dad. Thanks for letting Ron and his siblings stay here for Christmas break."

"No problem. It's actually a pleasure to have them. But I was asking about school," James lowered his glasses.

"Aside from having to put up with Snape during Potions and boredom during History, classes are great, dad."

"And the attacks at school? Part of me feels like maybe I shouldn't send you back to Hogwarts until Dumbledore finds out who's behind the attacks."

"Dad, you don't have to worry about me," Harry said quickly. "If it helps, the attacker is only targeting muggle-borns."

"I know. But I can't help but worry. You're keeping yourself safe aren't you? I understand that it might be tempting to try t o figure everything out, but I don't want putting yourself in danger for it."

Harry gulped as an uncomfortable knot formed in his stomach.

"Of course, dad. I am keeping myself safe."

"Okay. I trust you. And don't worry about it. I'm sure Dumbledore would figure it out soon enough." James patted his shoulder.

Harry nodded uncertainly. He wanted to believe his father, but Dumbledore's track record hadn't been good. If it wasn't for Harry, they'd never had figured out it was Quirell last year. Not to mention, Dumbledore didn't exactly figure out Peter Pettigrew was the spy, which might have saved his mother's life.

"You know you can come to me with anything right? I'm always here for you," his father interrupted his thoughts.

"I know. You're the best father anyone could possibly ask for, dad," Harry wrapped his arms around his father who returned his hug.

"I do my best," James stroked his hair.

"Alright," said James as he let Harry go. "I won't keep you up any longer since we have an early day tomorrow. Goodnight son," he kissed Harry's forehead.

"Goodnight dad," said Harry.

The uncomfortable lurch in Harry's stomach didn't cease even after James left. He felt guilty for keeping his investigation from his father, but as much as he hated keeping anything from James, he didn't want to worry his father. And he was also afraid his father would stop him from figuring out who the culprit was, which could result in more people being harmed. 

James stood at the stairs of Potter Manor and tapped his foot impatiently as he looked his watch.

"Boys!" he hollered. "We're going to be late for church."

Sirius, Miranda and Remus were in the hall waiting for them. So far, only Percy and Ginny were dressed up and ready to go. The other boys including his son were dallying.

"The twins and Ron don't know the meaning of being prompt. I can almost say for certain that Harry's just waiting on Ron," said Percy.

"I'm not too sure. My boy's not the quickest when it comes to getting ready either," he said. "Harry, is everything alright. Do you need me to come up there?"

"No. It's alright We're coming," Harry hollered back.

Two minutes later, his son and the Weasley boys were finally downstairs, ready to go.

After church, Harry sat by the fireplace at Potter Manor hall with his father, the Weasley children, Sirius, Remus and Miranda, having hot chocolate.

"We're having twins," Miranda announced, cuddled under Sirius's arms as they smiled radiantly at each other.

Fred and George let out a loud cheer to this as they burst the firecrackers they had in their pockets.

"Good luck with that," Percy said to Sirius and Miranda as he shook his head disapprovingly at the twins.

"So when are the babies coming?" asked Harry.

"They're due July 3rd," said Miranda.

Having hot chocolate around the fireplace after church was their usual Christmas Eve midnight tradition and it had a certain charm of making Harry feel blissful and unaware of his troubles as they sat around the fireplace with everyone in more cheerful spirits than usual.

On Christmas morning, Harry and the Weasley children were greeted with plenty of wonderful Christmas presents from James, Sirius and Miranda, Remus and Mr. And Mrs. Weasley. There was merely a small Christmas dinner with just Remus and the Weasley children this year as Sirius and Miranda were having Christmas dinner with Miranda's family. However, they did come over for lunch.

New Year's was a great celebration as they heralded 1993 with a big party at Sirius and Miranda's house, which was simultaneously their house warming party. Sirius and Miranda were moving into a mansion a few doors away from the Potters, a decision made due to the two new upcoming additions into their family. The had fortunately found a place that looked splendid and didn't need too much renovation. They only renovation left was setting up the bedrooms for the twins.

During Christmas break, Harry's father and uncles had given him, Ron and the Weasley twins magic lessons especially in DADA and it was nice being thought self-defense by competent teachers instead of Lockhart. Snape may know his stuff, but Harry couldn't stand being in the same room as him for more than two minutes to even remotely want duelling lessons from him. Ginny on the other hand refused lessons and mostly kept to herself in the library, even more than Percy did as Percy at least occasionally joined in the DADA lessons and a game or two. 

Harry had almost forgotten about the Chamber of Secrets and the problems at his school. He was usually a little sad to go back to Hogwarts, leaving his dad, but this time, he outright dreaded going back. A part of him wanted to just take his dad's offer to be homeschooled until Dumbledore got to the bottom the who was behind the attacks. Not seeing his friends was one thing, but he couldn't bring himself to just stay at home and relax when students were being attacked at school, especially when one of his best friends was a muggle-born. And so back at Hogwarts he was when Christmas break was over.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

Harry and Ron visited Hermione in the Hospital Wing every evening and brought her the day's homework. They were filling her in on the non-development of the Heir of Slytherin mystery when Harry noticed a Get Well Soon card from Lockhart that Hermione slept with under her pillow. Harry was torn between amusement and annoyance at this.

They were returning from their visit to Hermione when they noticed a flood of water coming from Moaning Myrtle's bathroom. Upon investigation, they discovered that Moaning Myrtle had caused the flood due to her anger that someone had thrown a book at her. Harry picked it up despite Ron's aversion that it could be dangerous and found it was an old diary from fifty years ago that belonged to a T.M. Riddle. Ron remembered that name on a Special Services award he had to clean during his detention.

The diary was completely blank but Harry suspected it belonged to a muggle-born as it was printed by an agent in Vauxhaull Road, London. Ron thought it wasn't much use but Harry found himself having a certain fascination with it and decided to pocket it.

The diary was shown to Hermione once she was out of the Hospital wing in February. She too was fascinated by it like Harry and wondered if it had hidden power. Ron on the other hand still didn't see the point in keeping it. Harry was curious as to why someone would want to get rid of it or what Riddle received his Special Services for. Hermione noticed the same thing he did, that the diary was from the same year that the Chamber of Secrets was last opened. She theorized that Riddle got his Special Services for catching the Heir of Slytherin and that he wrote all about it in his diary. However, even her invisible ink couldn't reveal anything written on it. For now, they were at a dead end.

Harry asked his dad and uncles in the owls he sent them but they were just as clueless as to who T.M. Riddle was. Sirius and Remus shared Ron's sentiment that it was just an old diary that wasn't worth anything but James suspected the same thing that Harry and Hermione did. However, instead of being eager and enthusiastic, James was apprehensive of Harry keeping something that could be dangerous. His father would blindly walk into danger if it was his own self in danger but would be extra cautious of any potential danger towards Harry.

The next day, Harry and Hermione headed to the Trophy Room with an unenthusiastic Ron to have a look at Riddle's award, but the award could neither confirm nor deny Hermione's theory as it did not specify what the award was for. However, they did find Riddle's name on an old Medal for Magical Merit and a list of Head Boys.

"To be fair, Head Boy's aren't all prudes. My dad was Head Boy and is much closer in character to the twins than Percy," said Harry when Ron unflatteringly compared Riddle to Percy.

"I can't imagine Fred or George as Head Boy. If your father was like them, I wonder how he was selected as Head Boy?" asked Hermione curiously. "Not that your father wasn't qualified. I'm just curious based on what we know of his school days." She quickly added at Harry's look.

"Uncle Sirius says my dad grew up and bit and toned down in sixth year," Harry shrugged.

As the winter came to an end, the Manadrakes were almost ready to revive the petrified victims. Attacks seemed to have seized but Ernie MacMillan still believed Harry was the Heir of Slytherin while Lockhart credited himself with stopping the attacks. Harry was able to be in fully cheery mood on Valentine's Day as he got his hopes high that the Heir of Slytherin had lost their nerve and that the monster had gone into hybernation.

Dear dad,

I hope you're doing well. Happy Valentine's Day and thank you for the extra special care package. Valentine's Day began well except for Lockhart's over the top decorations. I could gag.

I got a singing Valentine from Ginny but I don't know how to respond. It was embarrassing, not because she sent me one, but because it was sung to me in public. Worst of all, Malfoy was part of the crowd and didn't lost the opportunity to make it worse. He took one of my books and refused to give it back even when Percy stepped in as Perfect. I lost my temper and took it back from him with a disarming charm. However Percy said he had no choice but to report me for using magic in the corridors, so I'm likely one step closer to giving the Weasley twins competition for most detentions and that's saying something given that they've likely dethroned you and Uncle Sirius.

But coming back to Ginny, what do I do about Ginny? I've never been sent a Valentine before. Do I talk to her about it? I like her as Ron's sister but I don't think I feel that way about her.

With lots of love,

Harry.

Dear Harry,

I'm doing well. I'll be surprised when Lockhart isn't over the top in something.

I always thought there should be exceptions to the rule with the "No magic in corridors" rule. Punishing self-defense with that rule is injustice. I'm proud of you for way you handled that. At your age, I would likely not have handled it with as much decency.

You're funny son, but no way the Weasley twins have dethroned me and your Uncle Sirius. Especially not in just three and half years at Hogwart. Right?

As for Ginny, I understand your embarrassment. But I also sympathize with Ginny. Normally I'd advise to figure out your feelings and either ask her out if you fancy her or turn her down gently if you don't. But since you're both only eleven and twelve, I think you're both too young to be going out. Hence, I think you should ignore it and treat her as you normally do. She's probably embarrassed, so bringing it up would only make that worse for both of you. You can revisit how you feel when you're a bit older.

With lots of love,

Dad.

Chapter Text

That night, Harry causally flicked through Riddle's diary when something within him told him to write it in. Dipping his quill into ink, he wrote "My name is Harry Potter". He though it was worth a try but didn't expect anything until the words he wrote disappeared and new ones appeared by magic. The words were seemingly from Riddle who wrote "Hello Harry Potter. My name is Tom Riddle".

Thus begin an exchange between Harry and Tom Riddle. Or Ghost Tom Riddle? Harry wasn't too sure of how a dead Tom Riddle was writing to him. But it was intriguing and he asked him about the Chamber of Secrets. To his excitement, Riddle said he could show him. Moments later Harry was pitched head first into the diary. He seemed to have been brought back in time fifty years ago to June 1943, the previous time the Chamber of Secrets had been opened. He saw a young Tom Riddle who was a very handsome boy about sixteen, but found that no one could see him. Harry realized it must be a memory.

Harry saw Riddle interact with a much younger Albus Dumbledore who still had his auburn hair and was the Transfiguration professor back then. Riddle subsequently went into the Headmaster's room and tried to plead with the headmaster, Professor Dippet to not shut down the school as Hogwarts was his home and he had no proper home to go back to. As much as Harry loved Hogwarts, he never imagined that there were students who considered Hogwarts their real home because they didn't have proper homes to go back to. He felt sorry for Riddle. Professor Dippet on the other hand insisted the school had to be shut down due to the attacks, especially since a student had been killed.

Harry continued following Riddle who confronted a then teenage Hagrid, still in his third year. Apparently, Hagrid had been hiding a large spider friend that was responsible for the attacks. Riddle exposed Hagrid and got him expelled.

Harry didn't know what to think as he was led out of the memory but he immediately filled Ron in when he got to bed. The next day, he, Ron and Hermione had their discussion. Hermione tried reasoning that maybe Riddle caught the wrong monster, but they were eventually forced to conclude that it was Hagrid's spider that was causing the attacks, especially when the attacks stopped once Hagrid's spider was caught. Harry however was certain that Hagrid didn't intend to kill anyone and was simply too naïve to the danger of the spider. He also surmised that Riddle received his Special Service Award for catching Hagrid's spider. They contemplated asking Hagrid but decided against it unless there was another attack.

Dear dad,

I hope you're doing well. Classes have been going great but we second years now have to choose our elective subjects for third year. Ron and I are looking into taking the easiest ones and would love advise on that. Two is the minimum number of electives required. Which electives did you take?

Oliver is really overworking us with his determination to win the cup. With the amount that he makes us practice and schoolwork, I don't think I can get it all done without extra hours in a day. But regardless, I'm excited for my final Quidditch game. See you at my next Quidditch game against Hufflepuff.

Lots of love,

Harry.

Dear Harry,

I'm doing well. I hope you're alright. Your Uncle Sirius and I also took the easiest electives and the minimum number of electives required. We took Care of Magical Creatures and Divinition. We'd have loved to take Muggle Studies which seems easier than Divinition, but Uncle Sirius's parents refused to sign his subject permission slip if it included Muggle Studies. Since I refused to be separated from Uncle Sirius, we took Divinition instead. But I'd definitely reccomend Care of Magical Creatures for easy. 

Your Uncle Remus and that rat took the same subjects as us but Uncle Remus also took Ancient Runes. Your mum took Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Care of Magical Creatures. Arithmancy and Ancient Runes are definitely the harders classes but I wouldn't dismiss them if you're interested. I never took Muggle Studies but your mum says it was easy, so I recknon Divinition and Muggle Studies are both around the same level of diffuculty and two of the easiest electives along with Care of Magical Creatures. However, Divination might be a bit more complicated, especially since it involved having the "inner eye". Your Uncle Sirius I both thought Divinition was a hoax or a class, so I personally wouldn't reccomend it. But of course, that's mostly based on our personal interest. If you find yourself interested in the subject matter of Divinition, you have my full approval to take it. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong, but what interests you the most. 

I'm excited for your final game too and really hope Gryffindor wins. Not just as a Gryffindor and your father, but so Oliver would relax a bit next year. But win or lose, what's important is that you have fun and do your best. The Pioneers are also preparing for their final game of the season which is again, against the Dragons. After losing to them last year, we're more determined to win this year. They're in the best form that they've been in years and I'm more hopeful for a win.

You're Uncle Sirius and Aunt Miranda are almost done renovating their new mansion. I'm really glad that it's so close to ours. Their nursery room for the twins are done and they're more excited than ever to become parents. Miranda is in her third trimester and Uncle Sirius thinks that at least one is a Qudditch player in making with how much they kick.

See you at your final game.

Lots of love,

Dad.

Harry really wanted to write to his dad about what happened with the diary but that would involve admitting that he kept Riddle's diary, wrote in the diary suspected to be dangerous, interacted with the diary and let himself be pulled into the diary, all in an effort to find out more about the Heir of Slytherin mystery that James had specifically forbade him from pursuing. He appreciated his dad's advise and was now leaning towards Muggle Studies instead of Divination. His mum's taste was very similar to Hermione's as Hermione was also taking the same electives, but with two more subjects. Harry didn't know how she going to cope with that many subjects.

The evening before his Quidditch match, his room had been ransacked and Riddle's diary had been stolen. But only a Gryffindor knew the password into the Common Room, so he had to entertain the idea that it was likely the work of a fellow Gryffindor. He couldn't report the robbery or tell his father and they would involved confessing his adventures with the diary and why it was in his possession.

Harry decided to focus on his Quidditch game the next morning and worry about his stolen diary later. But that morning, he heard voices, just as he, Ron and Hermione were heading to collect his Quidditch things. Hermione quickly headed to the library, saying she had just understood something as Harry and Ron continued heading to the Gryffindor Quidditch tent. Harry was worried and sure there would be another attack that he didn't know how to stop. His only comfort was that he would be seeing his father, whose presence had a way of making him feel protected and that everything would be alright. He would tell James about the voice and perhaps his father could do something to stop any attack. James forbade him from investigating, but didn't forbid him from seeking help when he heard voices, which was in itself something out of his control to be forbade.

Chapter Text

James, Sirius and Remus exchanged worried glances when Harry recounted to them the voices he heard and how Hermione had rushed to the library. Harry looked at them, hoping one of them would have the answers but was afraid this was something not within their power to solve.

"I don't think it's a good idea for Hermione to be off alone when you just the heard the same voices that led to the attack of a muggle-born twice before," said Remus apprehensinvely. 

"Harry, lets go to Dumbledore about this," said James.

"Dad, I think we should wait till the end of the game?"

"Yeah". James put his hands on Harry's shoulders, searching his eyes intensely. "Harry, are you sure you're alright to be up in the air?"

"Yeah. I'm alright. It might even be a good distraction."

"Alright. Good luck out there." James embraced him.

Whether or not Gryffindor would finally win the cup, Harry didn't find out as McGonagall announced that the game was canceled just as they arrived at the pitch. All the students were ordered to return to their dormitories but Harry and Ron were told to follow McGonagall. Harry felt an uncomfortable lurch in his stomach as he followed McGonagall with Ron, his father and his uncles. His heart began to pound when he realized they were entering the hospital wing.

"Professor, what's going on?" he began to ask before he noticed who was on the hospital bed.

Harry's heart sank as he saw Hermione's petrified body. On the bed beside Hermione's was a petrified Penelope Clearwater. He looked at his father and uncles. The color on their faces had gone. James put his arms around Harry's neck in comfort as Harry leaned in closer.

Professor McGonagall held up a small circular mirror that was found in Hermione's hand and asked Harry and Ron if either of them could explain it, but they could both only shake their heads.

"Professor, I'm taking Harry out of Hogwarts till you get to the bottom of these attacks," said James, crossing his arms.

"Now James, don't be hasty. We have added extra security precautions for the students. They will no longer be moving around Hogwarts without adult supervision. And they are to be in their dormitories except during classes or meals, both of which they will be escorted to and from by a professor," said Dumbledore.

James hesitated "I don't know."

Harry needed to convince his father. He couldn't leave. Not when Hogwarts was in this state. "Dad, please. I don't want to leave Hogwarts."

"Harry, it's not forever. You can come back once Hogwarts is no longer in danger. And you can still see your friends," James reasoned.

But that wasn't Harry's problem with going home. He wouldn't mind going home if it weren't for the school being in danger and him being confident he could find the culprit with just a bit more investigating.

"But dad, Professor Dumbledore said there would be extra precautions. Besides, I'm not a target as a half-blood and no one else is going home. Please," he implored.

James looked from Harry to Dumbledore before relenting. "Alright, but one more attack, and you're coming home without a protest. Do we have a deal?"

"Yes." Harry nodded.

"Alright, I'll be leaving. Are you going to be alright son?" James took his hands in his.

"Yeah. It's just that this time it was one of my best friends."

"Don't worry. Hermione will be just fine in a couple of weeks once the mandrakes are ready.

Harry nodded as he embraced his father.

The new rules at Hogwarts were that they had to be back in their common rooms by six in the evening and that they were not allowed to leave their common rooms after six. Furthermore, they were to be escorted by a teacher to and from their classes and the bathroom. Worst of all for Harry, Quidditch practices and evening activities were suspended.

Harry had never seen Professor McGonagall look so distressed as she expressed her fear that the school may have to be shut down if the culprit isn't caught soon and pleaded with anyone with any information to come forward.

Harry may have been doing his investigation, but he didn't have any substantial information to come forward with other than what he found out about Hagrid. He didn't want to get Hagrid in trouble without any concrete proof. It could have been a misunderstanding. And Dumbledore who was a professor at the time must know of Hagrid's past, mustn't he?

George pulled Harry out of his thoughts to inform him of Percy being in shock due to Penelope being a prefect and his prior assumption of their immunity to the attacks. He had to do something and after a brief discussion, Harry and Ron decided to pay Hagrid a visit.

They snuck out with the cloak to Hagrid's hut and were barely in his hut for a few seconds, when they heard footsteps and hid under the cloak. Hagrid's visitors consisted of Dumbledore and Cornelius Fugde who Harry recognized as the Minister For Magic. Fudge regretfully informed Hagrid that he has been pressured to arrest him due to the attacks. Despite Hagrid's protests, it was out of both Fudge and Dumbledore's hands. Hagrid was unfortunately arrested to both Harry and Ron's horror. But before leaving, he seemed to sending them a cryptic message with "Whoever wants to know the truth would just have to follow the spiders". To add salt to the wound, Dumbledore was temporarily removed as headmaster of Hogwarts. Harry knew who to blame; Lucius Malfoy. With Dumbledore gone, he knew things would get worse.

Harry wrote to his dad regarding Hagrid and Dumbledore's fates, omitting the part about him sneaking out. James is usually lenient about sneaking out, but Harry didn't think he would be this time, when the school was in danger and if his motive was investigating the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets. Harry expressed his faith in Hagrid but omitted what he had seen in the diary. He hated keeping things from his dad but he knew no other way to save the school.

James replied him, worried about school and Harry but trusting of Hagrid's innocence. Like Harry, James also deduced that Lucius Malfoy had used his influence to remove Dumbledore from Hogwarts. His dad further added that he would try his best to get them both back at Hogwarts. He also offered to bring Harry back home. Eventhough Harry would have loved to see his dad, especially since it would make him feel safer in the current situation, he had to refuse.

Chapter Text

I promise that this is my last try of James/Jenny. Depending on the response, I will or won't pursue their relationship anymore.

Ever since Lily's death, James wasn't a fan of weddings. It reminded him too much of his inherent loneliness. Not that he needed company in the form of a romantic partner. He had plenty of company in the form of his son and friends. Not quiet the same but he was perfectly alright, he would tell himself. But despite his apprehension of weddings, he had found himself once again at a wedding reception out of courtesy to the Mullens who were good family friends. As he watched Sirius, Miranda and her seven-month big baby bump on the dance floor, his thoughts were transported back to a certain time in a 1980 when he and Lily were happy expectant parents.

James's gaze shifted to Jenny who was dancing with a handsome man about their age and laughing at something he said. He felt his lips tighten and knots form in stomach before his thoughts were interrupted by Remus who had returned from the men's room.

"What?" he asked when Remus looked at him with a enigmatic smile and raised eyebrows.

"Nothing". Remus got busy stirring his coffee before adding "The song's almost over. It would be a cue to a certain gentleman to cut in and dance with the lady he has his eye on".

He loved Remus, but that best friends of his was losing it. "I do not have my eye on any lady," he said incredulously.

"Oh. Then I must have imagined you staring longingly at a certain blonde and handsome gentleman".

"Yes, it was all in your head".

"Umm hmm" Remus wouldn't wipe the annoying smirk off his mouth.

"Alright fine. I was looking. But only because looking at 'any' couple especially at a wedding reminds of my days with Lily," he admitted.

"And what you miss".

"No" He asserted. "I'm alright the way the I am. I just had a bit of nostalgia from the past. That's all".

"What's going on?" came Sirius's voice.

James looked imploringly at Remus.

"Remus, want to dance?" came the voice of an twenty year old with pink hair. It was Sirius's cousin once removed, Nymphadora Tonks or Dora as they would call her. 

"Umm… I …" Remus begin blushing and stammering uncomfortably.

Normally James would more sympathetic, but if Remus was on his case, he would be on his. "What Remus is trying to say Dora, is that he would love to dance with you. Right Remy?"

Remus glared at him. "Umm yes". He sheepishly followed her to the dance floor. "Jenny, James over there could really use a dance" he said as he passed her on his way.

It was James's turn to glare a Remus's amused face. Whoever thought kind Remus wasn't capable of revenge was wrong.

"Come on James. You haven't danced all evening," said Jenny.

"Uh… alright".

"Really sad about Dumbledore and Hagrid". Jenny broke the ice as they were dancing.

"Yeah. I'm afraid the attacks would only increase."

"Maybe the replacement might see something Dumbledore didn't and find the culprit," she suggested.

James appreciated the optimism but couldn't share the sentiment. "I'm afraid I don't have much hope for that."

"Do you think Hagrid had anything to do with the attacks?"

"Absolutely not. I know Hagrid. It must have been a misunderstanding. Dumbledore would never have kept him at Hogwarts if he was guilty."

"I suppose that's true," she agreed.

"Unfortunately the only way the Ministry might grow a brain and realize removing Dumbledore and Hagrid did no good would be if another attack happened." He knew how cynical and pessimistic he sounded but it was unfortunately the truth as he saw it.

Their conversation continued this way, moving into more pleasant topics, but James was careful not to ask a single thing about the man she was dancing with earlier. After all, he didn't care to know.

The Marauders were gathered together at James's place the next morning for breakfast.

"I was thinking about Hogwarts and how something has to be done," James announced.

"But what?" asked Remus. "We are at a dead end as to who the culprit is".

"Yeah" Sirius agreed. "We can bet on Malfoy or Snape all we want, but we have no way of figuring it out, especially when we're not at Hogwarts. Oh, wait. I got it. Harry's at Hogwarts. Perhaps we can guide him into investigating for us," Sirius suggested.

"No. I don't want Harry putting himself at risk like that," James said dismissively. "I meant what if we figured out who did it fifty years ago? That might clue us on who's doing it at present."

"I am all for that," said Sirius. "But how exactly do we do that?"

"By looking at the records," answered James.

"The only records we have show that Hagrid was caught responsible and expelled. Surely you don't believe Hagrid …"

"No, no, of course not. I thought we might be able to see things that people missed fifty years ago."

"James is right. Maybe if we look at all the other relevant players, it might open up the suspect list."

"I guess that's true," said Sirius.

The three friends agreed to go the local library to obtain any news articles or books that they could find on what happened fifty years ago at Hogwarts.

Harry had passed the past few weeks in dread. He hated the new rules and was in fear as to who would be attacked next. Draco Malfoy was one of the only few people who seemed gleeful. Harry had the urge the hex the glee out of the prick, especially when he suggested Snape take over Dumbledore's place. He swore he would be on the next train back home if Snape ever became Headmaster. The only highlight was that the Hufflepuffs, including Ernie McMillan begin believing him as they believed he wouldn't harm Hermione.

Harry and Ron finally saw spiders to follow according Hagrid's "Follow the spiders" instruction. They managed to sneak out with his cloak and despite their apprehension, followed the spiders all the way into the Forbidden Forest. They were met by a giant spider named Aragog who was Hagrid's friend. He insisted that Hagrid was innocent, that he was the creature Hagrid was hiding fifty years ago and that had nothing to do with the attacks. Apparently following spiders into the Forbidden Forest and speaking to a scary giant spider was not a wise idea as they would soon find out when Aragog's children began cornering them. Aragog said he wouldn't let his children harm Hagrid but couldn't deny them the meat of Hagrid's friends.

Harry didn't know how he got through the next few minutes of his life. His heart was pounding and he felt his whole life flashing before him. He didn't dare look at Ron. It was all his fault that his best friend was in this predicament. Ron had been apprehensive of following spiders, especially due to his phobia of them, but Harry had convinced him. Harry closed his eyes, hoping for a miracle, even one that would only save Ron. That miracle came in the form of the The Weasley's Flying Ford Anglia that he and Ron had lost when they arrived on their first day. Both boys quickly got into the Ford Anglia with Fang (who they had taken as company) and Harry managed to fight off a few spiders on their way with the spell he picked up from Tom Riddle in the diary.

Harry didn't know whether he should thank his luck, the Ford Anglia or Tom Riddle when they finally arrived to safety. Ron began cursing Hagrid for leading them down the road. As much as Harry liked Hagrid, Harry couldn't blame him.

"That was a complete waste!" Ron was still fuming. "All we've found out is that Hagrid is innocent. Which we've already guessed. Bit self-serving for Hagrid put our lives at risk just for that." He shook his head.

"Maybe not Ron. We know that the spiders flea before that creature."

"Yeah. Now we just have to figure out which creature that is".

"Wait .. what if she never left?" Harry realized that Moaning Myrtle may have been the girl who died fifty years ago.

Chapter Text

In the next few weeks, there was no opportunity for Harry and Ron to sneak out and speak to Moaning Myrtle. They were still being escorted from class to class and back to their Common Room right after classes were over. As if things couldn't get any worse, McGonagall announced that their exams would go on as usual on the first week of June. Harry had barely paid any attention to his lessons as he was a bit preoccupied. When he expressed his concern to his father, James told him not to worry about it and just do the best that he can.

Three days before their exams, McGonagall announced that the mandrakes were almost ready and that those who were petrified would be revived the next day. Harry was greatly rejoiced by this news and should probably have relaxed since the petrified students would wake up to reveal their attacker. However, sense was never his strongest suit. Harry couldn't resist the opportunity to sneak out and speak to Moaning Myrtle when Lockhart expressed exasperation of still needing to escort them when the danger was over. Harry latched on to this and buttered Lockhart up into leaving their class on their own.

As Harry and Ron stole away from their class and were on their way to the Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, they were caught by McGonagall. Harry quickly came up with a lie that they were going to see Hermione. This did the trick as McGonagall got emotional and allowed them to see Hermione.

Harry and Ron stopped by the hospital room to see Hermione in order to maintain their cover. When Harry held Hermione's hand and told her everything would be alright by tomorrow, he noticed a piece of paper clutched in her tightly gripped hand. After much struggle, he managed to free the paper from Hermione's hand. The piece of paper contained information on Basilisks, a large type of snake that apparently could kill you if you looked into it's eyes but the crow of the rooster was fatal to it.

"This is it Ron. No wonder I was the only one who hear it as I speak parseltongue. And no wonder all the roosters were killed."

"But how come no one he died?"

"Because no one looked at it directly. Justin saw it through Sir Nicholas. Sir Nicholas couldn't die again. Hermione and Penelope saw it through mirrors which Hermione must have warned Penelope to look into. And Mrs. Norris …. Mrs. Norris must have seen it through the water."

"And how could something so large get around without anyone seeing it?"

Harry pointed to Hermione's scrawl on the paper "Pipes".

Harry and Ron rushed to the staffroom to inform McGonagall of their discoveries, but they quickly hid in the closet when they heard the staff come in while talking about a student being taken. Even in the dark, Harry could feel Ron's fear and grief when they heard the staff say Ginny was taken. Apparently the Heir of Slytherin had taken her and left a note on the wall saying that her remains would remain in the chamber forever. The students were to be sent back the very next day. Lockhart who was late to the scene had the rest of the staff sarcastically leave it to him to handle the crisis and save Ginny.

More than an hour later, Harry and Ron were back in their common room. Harry had already sent an owl to his father who wrote back with concern, telling him to stay safe in his common room and that he would pick him up at King's Cross tomorrow. But he and Ron could no longer sit there doing nothing, especially when Ginny's life was in danger and the staff didn't have the information to save her. They sneaked out and fortunately were not questioned too much due to sympathy for the Weasleys and Percy not noticing them.

Dumbledore almost faltered at the glares of James Potter, Molly Weasley and Arthur Weasley who were seated in front of his desk. Perhaps he couldn't blame them for their anger. First Ginny was taken and few hours later, Ron (another Wealsey child) and Harry went missing. Dumbledore had been brought back shortly after the ministry received news of Ginny.

The three parents glared even harder at McGonagall and Snape who had just come in. Dumbledore supposed they would be angrier at McGonagall and Snape who were actually present at Hogwarts when their children went missing.

"What irresponsibility is this? Three children missing, including two of my babies." Molly's arms were crossed but tears were streaming down her cheeks and her voice was shaky and tearful.

"We're terribly sorry Mrs. Weasley. We acknowledge that we should have been more cautious. But if I must say, we had very strict rules about the students leaving their Common Rooms and escorted them whenever they needed to be out of their Common Rooms for classes or meals. They could only have been taken or missing if they had broken those rules and wandered off without an escort," said McGonagall.

"Precisely." Snape agreed. "Potter, much like his father has a habit of strutting around when he's not supposed to, asking for danger."

James stood from his chair with such force that the chair flew a few feet behind him. A petty, heated argument ensued between the former arch-enemies.

"ENOUGH" shouted both Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"If you both want to be treated like adults, stop acting like teenagers." McGonagall rebuked them.

"Anyways, I've looked at my assigned areas and have found nothing," said Snape. 

"Why aren't the other professors back yet? Are we just suppose to sit here and do nothing while waiting for them?" asked James indignantly once they had gotten him to sit back down.

"The staff will be back soon I'm sure. However, I must be frank that looking for them is likely futile as even if we knew where the Chamber of Secrets was, we would likely need to know Parseltongue to enter it. But Fawkes has just left, I bet he has gone to assist Harry."

The staff entered one by one before James could respond. They each said the same thing about their lack of success except Professor Trelawney who said she thinks she saw the sink area in the forbidden girl's bathroom open but she couldn't take any chances going down there all by herself especially when no one else knew where they were.

"I'm going down there." James determinedly stood up from his seat with both Arthur and Molly following suit. "If they're not there, I'll search the whole castle if I have to."

"Dad"

They all turned around to see Harry at the doorway with Ron, Ginny and Lockhart behind him. He was covered in blood and his hair looked messier than usual.

A/N: Before I get to 3rd year, I would love your thoughts on whether Harry's main love interest should be Hermione, Ginny or an OC? Will you be okay if I went with Hermione? I mean after all, I presume Harry won't be exactly the same with a different upbringing.

Chapter Text

"I'm going down there." James determinedly stood up from his seat with both Arthur and Molly following suit. "If they're not there, I'll search the whole castle if I have to."

"Dad"

They all turned around to see Harry at the doorway with Ron, Ginny and Lockhart behind him. He was covered in blood and his hair looked messier than usual.

James and Harry ran towards each other before Harry buried himself in his father's cloak. "It was scary," he began sobbing.

He had been resilient throughout his ordeal with the basilisk but when he saw his father, it sunk into him how terrifying the whole thing was and how much he needed feel safe and comfort in James's arms.

James tightly wrapped his arms around Harry and stroked his hair. "Son, it's alright. You're safe now".

From the corner of his eyes, he noticed that Molly was comforting Ginny and Arthur was comforting Ron.

"Harry, Ron, Ginny, are you ready to tell us what happened?" asked Dumbledore gently.

"It was all my fault," Ginny cried as she began her side of the tale.

Harry finished the tale with his side of the story with Ron occasionally jumping in when Harry was stuck while Dumbledore and McGonagall occasionally asked questions in between. All the adults were pale when they had finished their tale and James held Harry tighter.

Dumbledore took the diary that Harry gave him with interest and explained that not many people knew Voldemort was once Tom Riddle.

"You saved her" Mrs. Weasley came over to give Harry a hug and kiss. "And you too," she hugged and kissed Ron. She then gave Ginny a mild rebuke for interacting with something that had a mind of its own and the youngest Weasley apologized again.

"Ginny, you mustn't blame yourself. It is not your fault that Tom possessed you," Dumbledore pacified her.

"But I was silly enough to write in the diary," she said.

"You did what most girls your age would have done. Now, you must rest," said Dumbledore.

"It's a good thing I told James not to get Ron a new wand for Christmas. Imagine if he had a working wand and this wretched Lockhart used it to wipe out their memories," said Molly, horrified.

"Good thing we broke the rules to fly to Hogwarts, or I would still have had a working wand for Lockhart to use," Ron pointed out.

"Well, you wouldn't be in this situation if you had just gone to Professor McGongall instead of Lockhart," said Mrs. Weasley.

"There, there. The children could certainly have made wiser choices, but they did save the day at the end. Let's no longer rebuke them," said their Headmaster.

After Dumbledore assured them that he would owl the Ministry to release Hagrid and that the petrified students would be woken up soon, he sent the Weasleys and Lockhart off to the Hospital Wing and Professor McGonagall off to arrange for the feast while Harry and James stayed back as Dumbledore wanted to have a word with him.

Dumbledore thanked Harry and said he must have showed him true loyalty for the hat to find him. Furthermore, he explained that Voldemort left a part of himself in Harry the night that he tried to kill Harry and that's why he could speak Parseltongue. This reignited Harry's fear about about being in the wrong house. However, Dumbledore made him realize that he was true Gryffindor because he had pulled out the Gryffindor sword from the hat and that even if he had certain Slytherin traits, his choice and value of Gryffindor traits were what mattered.

As James and Harry were leaving, Mr. Malfoy burst into the room nearly knocking them over. James pulled Harry out of the way just in time. Dumebloedre explained to Mr. Malfoy that they had found the culprit and it was the same person the last time. Harry could tell that Mr. Malfoy was doing his best to maintain a neutral reaction. The Headmaster went on to state the repercussions on the Weasley family if Ginny had been found to be the one responsible for the attacks while Mr. Malfoy continued to play dumb. Harry couldn't take it any longer and indirectly accused Lucius for slipping the diary in her cauldron. Lucius denied it and asked him to "prove it".

Dumbledore admitted that no one would be able to prove it but threatened Mr. Malfoy not to go giving out any more of Tom's school things or that Arthur would makesure they would be traced back to him.

Harry then got an idea and slipped his sock in the diary before running after Mr. Malfoy. "Mr. Malfoy, this belongs to you so I thought I'd return it," he said as he forced the book into Mr. Malfoy's hand. Mr. Malfoy threw it to Dobby but soon realized he had freed Dobby when Dobby found the sock. He lunged to attack Harry but Dobby protected Harry with his magic and threatened Mr. Malfoy to leave Harry alone. He had no choice but to walk away, no longer having a house elf.

When Harry went back into the Dumbledore's office, Dumbledore suggested that he, Ron and Ginny spend the weekend at their houses, given the trauma they had been through which Harry heartily accepted. He and the youngest two Weasleys left with their respective parents after the Feast.

The next day, James came into Harry's room as he was playing his play station.

"Will you pause that for a bit Harry? I need to talk to you," said James.

Harry expected this. He knew he was due for even more rebuke after how many rules he broke and how he put himself in danger. James had simply left him rest first before it. He paused his play station as his father sat at the side of his bed.

"Son, I know that you had good intentions and I am really proud of you for saving the day. But you willfully disobeyed me and put your life in danger. That is not alright. Do you realize how worried I was about you?" James's voice shook at the end.

Harry looked down, unable to meet James's eyes. "I'm sorry dad. But I really did go to the staff and heard that they left Lockhart to handle it. That's why I went to Lockhart and brought him with me."

"Yes, but you certainly knew Lockhart was useless and was only left in charge sarcastically. You could still have gone to Professor McGonagall," his father pointed out.

"I guess I didn't think that far," Harry admitted.

"Harry, this gives me no pleasure but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ground you during the summer. No flying, television, computer and play station for a week."

"I guess that's fair. Does that include this weekend? Because I was just told our final game is back on next Saturday."

"No. The first week of your summer break with only exception being the finals between the Pionners and Dragons. I really hope you've leart your lesson to go to an actual competent adult before thrusting yourself in danger," said James apprehensively.

"I really have dad. I have learnt my lesson, I promise," Harry reassured his father.

"Alright" James relaxed. "On another note, I just got invited to be the manager of of Great Britain's team in the 93/94 Quidditch World Cup. Our first Qualifying game is this summer against The United States."

"That is great dad!" Harry hugged him. "I'm proud of you. Are any of the Pioneers on the Great Britain team?"

"I'm not sure yet. I haven't received the list of players. But I'm sure at least one or two of them are on the team. But best of all, it's an away game in LA so we still get to visit your Uncle Richard like we planned".

"Cool"

Uncle Richard was James's cousin who had settled in LA.

"Alright. I'll see you for lunch in half an hour. I love you".

"I love you too dad," said Harry as his father hugged him and kissed his forehead before leaving the room.

The school year soon ended with Gryffindor wining their final Quidditch game and finally wining their Qudditch Cup after years. Oliver Wood was ecstatic. Gryffindor also won the House Cup due to Harry and Ron receiving 200 points each for saving the day at the Chamber of Secrets and Gryffindor receiving points for their Quidditch Cup. As for Lockhart, he was at St. Mungo's with what was seemingly permanent brain damage from his memory charm that backfired.

Miranda gave birth to twins; a boy Regulus Orion Black who is called Reggie and a girl, Leia Elizabeth Black on June 25th 1993, a few days before Harry's school term ended. Harry only got to meet them once he was back home for the summer. Reggie resembled Sirius up to his black hair while Leia resembled Miranda up to her dark brown hair.

=to be continued=

A/N: I chose June 25th  1993 for the birthday of Sirius's twins as it's my exact birthday up to the year, lol.

Okay, I have previously asked regarding James/Jenny and have received mixed response. Due to the mixed response, I am giving a genuine final call. But before you lock in your answer, keep in mind, that their relationship would mostly be a background relationship and more importantly, if they do get together, it would be because James genuinely wants to and NOT because he's forced or obligated. Hence, lock in your final votes in the comments. I will count the number of comments for and against.

Chapter Text

Year 3 contains an original mystery along with the Peter subplot to set up future years.

Harry, James and Remus were at the LAX Airport waiting to be picked up by Uncle Richard (James's cousin).They had chosen to take a flight instead of travelling by magic as Harry wanted to experience flying on a plane. The flight was an enjoyable one with first class seats, and delicious food and snacks. But nevertheless, it was a really long flight and Harry was exhausted. The plane seat was really comfy but he couldn't get much sleep on it.

Sirius would be joining them at the game and would travel by Portkey. He didn't want to leave Miranda and the newborn twins for an extended period of time. Harry's own former nanny, Helen was hired as the nanny of the Black twins. The Great Britain Quidditch team would be travelling there the next day by Portkey.

The first two weeks of Harry's summer break had consisted mostly of him reading and completing his homework as he was grounded from flying, video games, computer and TV. James helped him with his homework but refused to allow him to practice magic or teach him new spells until his grounding period was over. But thankfully those days were over. He loved reading his murder mysteries and fantasies but it was boring without the rest of his hobbies. The weeks after his punishment was over were more fun. And he couldn't wait to have more fun on his trip.

Uncle Richard finally arrived in his Mercedes Benz. A man of thirty nine, he was reasonably handsome with brown hair and grey eyes. He was the son of James's paternal uncle, Uncle Charlus.

Enthusiastic greetings, inquiries and hugs were exchanged between Uncle Charlus, James, Harry and Remus.

"Harry, you've grown quiet a bit. Looking more like your dad every year," said Uncle Richard.

"Thanks".

They arrived at Uncle Richard's mansion which was similar to their own but had more Hollywood style to it and there was no Quidditch pitch. Uncle Richard and his American wife, Aunt Cassandra had a nineteen year old son, Byron and an almost thirteen year old daughter, Anastasia. Byron had graduated from Ilvermony a year ago and was about to get married to his fiancee Rachel while Anastasia was about to begin her third year at Ilvermony.

Aunt Cassandra spent their first dinner complaining about how her son refused to accept Ophelia, the "gem" she found from an elite, respectable family with a large wedding dowry. And despite her son and husband trying to stop her, went on to say that Rachel was neither from a respectable family nor would she was able to provide any kind of dowry. She appealed to James to talk sense into her son, but Harry wondered why she thought his father would be on her side. James himself didn't marry into money or an "elite, respectable family".

James in an awkward position, could only respectfully answer that he didn't think those things mattered. After an argument between her and her son, Uncle Richard finally convinced her to drop it. Harry hadn't met Rachel, but already felt sorry for her that she would have such a mother in law to put up with for life. Aunt Cassandra surprised him with this side to her, but he realized that was because she was usually nice to him and he never had much of a chance to see that side of her.

The next day, James met the Great Britain team at their practice area where they arrived by Portkey. As the clock struck twelve that very night, Harry received his Birthday gifts and letters from Ron, Hermione and Hagrid. Ron was on vacation at Egypt with his family after Mr. Weasley won 700 Galleons at a lucky draw. Hermione was on vacation at France with her parents. They had spoken to Harry over the phone several times during the summer. He received a Pocket Sneakoscope from Ron and an amazing Broomstick Service Kit from Hermione. Harry was pleasantly surprised at this side to Hermione that was more than just books and showed she understood him. From Hagrid, Harry received a monster book that begin attacking him the moment he opened it. James and Remus, whose rooms were the nearest to his heard the noise and rushed into his room before they managed to tackle the book and tie it shut.

"What on earth was Hagrid thinking sending Harry that book? I know he doesn't have the best intuition of danger, but I have half a mind to send him a howler for it," said James indignantly.

After they recovered, Harry was wished a Happy Birthday but had to wait till the he woke up in the morning for his gifts. His gifts included a Firebolt from James. If Harry marveled at the Nimbus 2000, the Firebolt made him explode with pleasure. They spent the rest of his Birthday going to see the summer blockbuster of 1993, Jurrasic Park at the theatre, having lunch outside and a cake cutting ceremony in the evening before they played outside with Harry's broom.

The next few days, James was mostly busy with the team. Harry occasionally followed him to watch but mostly hung out with Remus and the rest of the Potters.

Sirius joined them on the day of the game. To Harry's displeasure, Draco and his father were also there. Even worse, they were rooting for the same Great Britain team. Great Britain won and moved on to the next round.

In the middle of preparing for the game, they also prepared for Byron and Rachel's wedding. Aunt Cassandra had various disputes with the bride over the wedding preparations. But at last, the wedding went as smoothly as it could have gone.

James lay in his room confused by his thoughts. He missed Jenny and as much as he tried to convince himself otherwise, it wasn't quite in the same way as he missed Sirius. This filled him with guilt. He wasn't supposed to feel whatever it was he was feeling for anyone but his wife. Yet he was forced to accept that Lily was technically no longer his wife but his late wife. Death had done them apart and left a hole in hid life. He missed having a companion and all the ups and downs of being married which wasn't quite the same as the companionship of a son or best friends regardless of how much he loved those relationships. He still loved and missed Lily as a person as well, but she could no longer be that companion anymore. Does he really need that companionship just because he misses it though? He lived just fine without it all this while. Hadn't he? Or had he changed?

Harry knew what was to come from the look on his father's face as his father entered his room the day before they were set to visit Disneyland.

"Harry, we just heard that Peter escaped from Azkaban." James was pale and Harry swore there were more wrinkles on his father's face.

"But how?"

"The keeper apparently forgot to place the daily charms that disabled him from transfiguring."

"So what happens now?"

"I don't know. I'll have to go over to see what can be done. I'm sorry son. I don't think we can go to Disneyland tomorrow," said James ruefully.

Harry pouted.

"I know son. But we've been to Disneyland. We can go again next year."

"Yeah"

"We're leaving the day after tomorrow. Alright?"

"Alright", Harry resigned.

Harry hoped Peter would be caught before the next game or at least before Hogwarts. He was afraid of the bad things Peter could potentially do and a more selfish part of him was also afraid his dad would cancel his Hogsmeade trips.

=to be continued=

PS: Do you think I should go the canon route of Voldy rising again for year 4-7 or should I go with route of him failing and focusing on other mysteries in futures year (along with the horcurx hunt)? 

Chapter Text

Guys, I have created a poll for this fanfic (but read the A/N first). I kindly request your help to vote on this so I decide on Harry's endgame. Thank you : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCehK--HhKI1u7m9ZYxvCuXQ/community?lb=UgkxREF2NmOqDkoJ5OuJlnN6cmrxO_jwPBZs

The next day, Harry, James and Remus headed back home. James and Remus quickly left to gain insight on the Peter situation while Harry was left with his nanny, Helen. His father only returned after dinner and Harry met him at their hallway.

"Dad, what's going on? Has Peter been found yet?" asked Harry.

James looked down. "I'm afraid there has been no sign of him. It's almost impossible to find a rat."

"Oh. Umm … I don't think he'd want to risk it by trying anything though," Harry reasoned, his fingers crossed.

"Son, we can't be sure of that. If Peter's been holding a grudge or is still out to do Voldemort's biding, you'll be the first person he looks for. I can't risk that."

"What does that mean?" Harry asked indignantly.

James's lips tightened. "I'm sorry son. It pains me to say this but I can't permit your Hogsmeade trips until Peter is found.

Harry crossed his arms "But you already signed it".

"I know. I'll have to owl Professor McGonagall about retracting my permission until he's found".

"Then why don't you just lock me up here, dad? Why send me to Hogwarts at all? Harry's voice began to rise.

"Harry…. There will be dementors placed outside Hogwarts and you will more easily be supervised by the staff there. But at Hogsmeade, it's open season."

"THIS IS NOT FAIR. Why should I have to suffer because that rat escaped? We don't even know for sure that he'll be be after me."

"Harry, I understand that you're upset and it's not fair but please understand that I can't risk your safety even if there was only a fraction of a chance he was after you. It's only until he's found."

"You just said it's almost impossible for him to be found. Dad, please. There must be a way around this. I can't be expected to give up Hogsmeade or freedom forever if he's never found," Harry pleaded.

"Harry please" It was James's turn to implore. "I'm sorry. I don't like doing this but for now, there would be no Hogsmeade trips. But I promise that I will do my best to find Peter as soon as possible".

"I HATE THIS." Harry stormed off to his room and slammed his door, ignoring his dad's voice calling back to him.

He hated losing his temper at his dad but he couldn't help it. A rational part of him knew James was just trying to protect him but it didn't make him any less angry. Not necessarily at his father but at the situation. Maybe a little at his father. Surely his father could figure out a way without having to punish him for no fault of his. Harry never felt more stifled. He needed to get way from everything. Without much thinking, he found himself packing his trunk and sneaking out his window. He was about to sneak out the back gate but remembered that there were charms placed around it. When they first came back after Lily's death, James had wizards place as security around their mansion, but as Sirius made peace with his father shortly before the latter's death, Orion Black had told Sirius where he could find the protection charms placed around Grimmauld Place and convinced him to use them despite them being dark magic as it was for protection and not something dark. Sirius and James decided to see the gray area and embraced the idea of using those charms to protect their homes.

"Harry, where do you think you're going?" came his dad's voice behind him.

Harry thought he could die of shame and guilt when he saw the look on his dad's face when he noticed Harry with his trunk. Besides his father, stood Jenny who had just come over.

"I don't what to do." James ran his fingers across his hair. "Even if he inherited my recklessness and impulsiveness, I always thought he was a lot more mature and sensible than I was at his age."

Harry didn't say much when they brought him in and James controlled himself from getting angry and tried to be understanding about his situation. More than being angry, he was hurt and disappointed. But he had managed to at least convince Harry to agree to be patient until he tried to figure out some solution to his Hogsmeade situation.

"He's a teenager now. I'm afraid it comes with territory," said Jenny.

"I wish teenagers would understand when their parents are just trying to protect them," he said exasperatedly.

Jenny put a hand on his shoulder "If it makes you feel any better, they usually come around. I'm sure Harry understands. He just let his frustration about the situation get the best of him".

James flopped his head back on the couch and sighed. "What am supposed to do? Let him have his Hogsmeade trips and freedom at the risk of his safety? Or stay firm and have him permanently angry at me? Even if I did that, I'd also have to have him resent me more by taking away his cloak to prevent him from sneaking into Hogsmeade."

"James …"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to unload. I'm just completely lost about what to do" He clasped his hands on his head, feeling completely defeated.

"Maybe you could have Aurors as Harry's bodyguards during his Hogsmeade trips. Maybe even have Sirius in his animagus form," Jenny suggested.

James perked up. "That is … brilliant. But wait … I don't think Harry's going like having bodyguards. He'll be too embarrassed and afraid his schoolmates would make fun of him."

"They don't have to be obvious about it. They could be in disguise at a distance. His schoolmates may know Sirius is a dog animagus, but they don't know precisely what his dog form looks like."

James pondered over this. It really was a good idea. "Thank you Jenny," he squeezed her hand. "This might actually work. I'll go run it by Harry and hopefully he accepts this compromise.".

"I'm glad I could help. I should actually get going. I only came over to update you on the Peter situation."

"Why don't you stay for a drink?"

"I'd love to but I have loads of pending work at home. Next time I promise".

"Alright".

Harry didn't know whether to feel guilty or angry when James entered his room.

"Harry, we need to talk." James sat by his bed.

"Dad … I … it's"

It was hard to read what his dad was feeling.

"Firstly, Jenny suggested that you could go to your Hogsmeade trips but with bodyguards including your Uncle Sirius in animagus form."

"But I'll be made fun off."

"They'll follow you in secret at a distance. I'm afraid that's my only compromise for this situation. Are you willing to accept that?"

"I guess I'll be alright with that. Thanks dad."

Harry's now felt even more guilt. He really could have been more patient and even if he was banned from Hogsmeade until Peter was caught, his father was only trying to protect him. Also, Harry knew he would have sneaked into Hogsmeade with his cloak even if he was banned. "Dad I'm really sorry. I was just so angry that I didn't think and just wanted to get away."

James sighed. "Harry, I understand that you were angry but do you honestly think that running away was the best solution?"

Harry looked down. "No".

"Can you promise me you'll be more patient in future not jump to rash decisions in future? And that you would trust I have your best interests at heart and won't deliberately make a decision that makes you unhappy without good reason"

"I promise".

"Are we good?"

Harry nodded "Thanks dad" He laid his head on James's lap. "I'm sorry"

James stroked his hair. "It's alright son. I just want you to be save."

A/N: I really need an opinion on Harry's endgame. I torn between Hermione, an OC and Ginny (but more towards Hermione or an OC). With the OC, I even have a backstory (Jane Eyre inspired backstory with my own spin and changes) and if I go with an OC, I would need to start next chapter showing her at home with her abusive relatives. Hence I would really appreciate quick opinions on who I should pair Harry with so I know how to start next chapter.

Chapter Text

Guys, I posted a poll on my Youtube channel about who to pair Harry with and so far Hermione is winning. But you can still vote. You can also vote on whether James should end up with Jenny (a final vote). BOTH polls are on my community tab in the following link (the most recent and third most recent poll): https://www.youtube.com/@Tasha9315/community  But if you can’t access the link, search for my channel Tasha9315 (My channel name is Tasha Kay but you can only find it if you search my previous name Tasha9315). Or let me now and I’ll help you get access.

A week before school began, Harry and James met the Weasleys and Grangers at Diagon Alley. Minister Cornelius Fudge was very accommodating in providing security for him and his father. They were even personally met by Fudge at The Leaky Cauldron where the latter promised to do all he could to catch Peter and provide security for their family. Harry wondered if their family and friends would be in danger from Peter but Fudge and his Aurors assured Harry that Peter would not be in such a powerful position to kidnap any of them if they stuck together and didn’t wonder off alone. Even muggles were made aware of Peter as an escaped convict in the muggle news. However, the Weasleys and Grangers were to stay at The Leaky Cauldron until school began where they were guarded by Aurors while Blacks and Lupins (including Remus’s dad) stayed at Black Manor. Harry and James also opted to stay at The Leaky Cauldron for the week until school begun so that he could spend time with his friends.

“Mr. Potter, you were Headboy back in your seventh year too, weren’t you?” asked Percy as they sat down together for dinner. He had been pompously wearing his badge since they arrived and didn’t realize that his twin brothers had jinxed it to alternatively say Bighead Boy and Pinhead to the amusement of the others.

“Yes. I was honestly shocked when I got my badge and thought someone was playing a prank on me,” answered James.

“If you were like us in school and were never prefect, maybe George or I would become Headboy in our seventh year,” said Fred.

Percy rolled his eyes. “Nonsense Fred. I’m sure Mr. Potter had at least toned down his behaviour and stopped acting like a fool if he was chosen as Headboy,” he said indignantly. “Right Mr. Potter?” There was a flicker of pleading doubt in his voice as he asked this.

James laughed. “For the most part. We certainly weren’t hexing or pranking anyone for fun anymore. But if we still acted like fools sometimes, what the staff didn’t know didn’t hurt them if you know what I mean,” he winked at Fred and George who winked back.

“Well, you two will never stop your antics so you can forget about becoming Headboy,” said Percy.

“Mr. Potter, which electives did you take for your OWLS?” asked Hermione, quickly changing the topic.

“Care Of Magical Creatures and Divination. Sirius and I wanted to take the two easiest subjects for convenience but we didn't take Muggle Studies as Sirius's parents wouldn't allow him to and I didn't want to be separated from him. Remus and Peter chose to go with our electives so we could be together.”

“Cool. Just like me and Harry, except that we're both allowed to take Muggle Studies instead of Divination. Hermione on the other hand wants to run herself to the ground with five electives,” said Ron.

“I do NOT. If it impossible, I wouldn’t have been allowed to take all those classes.” Hermione snapped.

“If you’re taking that many electives, wouldn’t they clash with each other?” asked George. “We’ve been asking the same thing to Bill and Percy but they’ve never given us a straight answer.

“Don’t worry Hermione. Professor McGonagall has a way to get us through all those classes,” said Percy who got eleven OWLS back in his fifth year.

“How?” they all asked.

“I can’t say. It’s a secret. But you can always drop one eventually like Bill and I dropped Divination.”

“I’m most excited for Ancient Rune and Arithmancy,” said Hermione.

“Lily was too,” said James softly. “She took them because she wanted a challenge along with Care of Magical Creatures.”

Harry held his dad’s hand as he noticed the pain in his dad’s voice and face.

They continued conversing in this way throughout dinner after the awkward moment had passed.

The next morning, Harry came down to breakfast to see the everyone bent over The Daily Prophet and speaking in hushed tones.

“What’s going on?” he asked before taking a seat next to Hermione.

Hermione passed him The Daily Prophet and Harry narrowed his eyes as he saw the headline.

St. Mungo's Hospital and Belleview Orphanage robbed of centuries old records on the same night.

Wednesday, August 25^th, 1993: There was a break-in and robbery at St. Mungo's and Belleview Orphanage last night. Nothing was stolen accept St. Mungo's birth records from the twelfth century and Belleview's orphanage records from the same century. It is believed to be the work of the same person with a common motive for both crimes as records from the same century were stolen from both places. It is curious indeed as to what a person could want with birth records and orphanage records from the thirteenth century. Aurors are doing their best to investigate and get to the bottom of this case.

“Why would someone want birth records and orphanage records from 700 years ago?” asked Harry.

“That’s what we’ve been wondering,” answered Hermione.

Just then, Fudge entered the Inn followed; or rather, hounded by the Press.

“Minister Fudge, has there been any updates on Peter Pettigrew?” asked a reporter.

Fudge pressed his lips together and fidgeted with the ring on his finger. “Now, now, we’ve been doing everything we can to find Pettigrew. We will keep your informed once we have more information.”

“What about the break in and robbery at St. Mungo’s and Belleview?” asked another reporter.

“We’re also doing everything we can to find out who’s behind that,” said Fudge, trying to keep his composure.

“Does Peter Pettigrew have anything to do with the break in? It can’t be a coincidence?” asked a third reporter. 

“Now … now … we don’t know. We can’t think of any reason he would have to do that but as I’ve just said, we’re doing our best to investigate.” Fudge stammered.

“Is Peter after Harry Potter? What has the Ministry been doing to protect The Boy Who Lived?” asked the same third reporter.

Fudge wiped a sweat off his forehead. “We’ve provided Auror protection for Mr. Potter and his close ones. He is in safe hands. We’ve even placed Dementors outside Hogwarts to catch Peter Pettigrew if he tries to get to Mr. Potter there.”

“But Minister …” a reporter began.

Fudge’s eyes lit up as he noticed Harry. “Speaking of the boy, here’s our Mr. Harry Potter and his father. See, they’re in safe hands. Come on both of you.”

“Minister, is this …” James began but Fudge cut him off.

“Come on Mr. Potter. One picture with you and your son won’t hurt. The people are worried about The Boy Who Lived. Let them see he’s in safe hands. Bring them here,” he ordered his bodyguards.

Fudge’s men practically dragged Harry and James to either side of Fudge. Harry looked awkwardly at James who gave him a sympathetic and helpless look that read “Sorry son. But it’s alright. Let’s just get the one picture done with.” The Minister put his arms around Harry and James as the reporters snapped pictures.

“How do you really feel about Ministry’s protection for you and your son, Mr. Potter?” the same third reporter asked James.

James briefly gave a line or two about how the Minister was doing their best to protect him and his son. Harry had to admire how his dad could speak with confidence and composure despite the discomfort he could tell his father was feeling.

“Mr. Potter, are you worried about sending your son back to Hogwarts?” asked the first reporter.

“Why would I be? There are dementors guarding it now,” answered James, trying to hide his annoyance.

“And young Mr. Potter …” the third reporter began.

“I think that’s all my son and I have to say for now. We’ve told you all we know,” James cut her off.

“But I’m not done. Can we just have two more words Mr. Potter?” asked the third reporter.

“Certainly …"  "We’re” James held up a finger as if he were counting. “Done” James held up a second finger. He then took Harry and led him back to his seat at the dining table.

“Dad, do you think Peter has anything to do with the break-in and theft?” asked Harry once Fudge had gone upstairs and the reporters had left.

“Maybe. But I can’t think of any reason for him to do it,” James shrugged.

“Perhaps those things contain information that could help ‘You Know Who’ gain power. It would be easy for him to break in with his rat form,” suggested Hermione.

“You could be right. But I’m afraid the Ministry is not going to do all they can to investigate the break in and theft,” said James.

“But Fudge just said they were,” said Harry.

“He’s a Minister, Harry,” said Arthur. “He has to say what pleases the public. But The Ministry wouldn’t consider a theft of birth records and orphanage records from seven hundred years ago to be important enough to waste their resources on.”

Ron went pale “So if Peter really is behind this as some plot to get ‘You Know Who” back in power, no one is truly going to stop him?”

“I’m afraid not, son,” said Arthur.

“Maybe Sirius, Remus and I could try to figure out what’s going on as Private Detectives,” said James.

“Maybe Ron, Hermione and I could help you from Hogwarts,” Harry offered.

“NOO” said all the parents in unison.

“Harry …  I almost lost you twice in the past two years when you tried solving a mystery at Hogwarts,” said James.

“James is right,” Molly cut Harry off before he could respond.

“But mum …” Ron began.

Molly crossed her arms. “Haven’t you three almost gotten yourselves killed quiet a few times meddling in things children your age shouldn’t be meddling in?”

“I have to agree with James and Molly. Leave it to us adults to figure this out,” said Arthur.

“They’re right Hermione,” said Mr.Granger.

“At least they have some idea of what’s going on in this world. Your father and I can’t be constantly worrying about you putting yourself in danger, especially in a world we know almost nothing about,” said Mrs. Granger.

“But what if we happen to come across certain things that could be useful. Can we at least let you know?” asked Hermione.

“As long as ‘happen to’ truly happened by chance and you three are not putting yourselves in danger, I suppose we can accept that,” said James.

“And if we’re careful …”

“No Harry”

“I meant if there was a lead that we could investigate without putting ourselves in danger and it was more convenient for us to do it, would you allow us too?”

“Only if you come to us first,” said James.

“James I don’t know if …” said Molly.

“I meant if they got our permission first and if it was harmless.”

“Alright” said Molly. “But only if you got permission from us and it was harmless.” She warned. “Do we make ourselves clear?” Molly crossed her arms again and glared down at each of Harry, Ron and Hermione. All three of them nodded in agreement. “And Ginny, this only applies to them. Not you.”

“But why? I’m only a year younger.”

“Because I’m your mother and I said so.”

“Fine”. She stormed off in a huff.

Chapter Text

Later that day, Harry, Ron and Hermione got their school supplies, accompanied by their parents and the rest of the Weasley children. Since the Weasleys still had money left over from Mr. Weasley's winnings, they were able to buy Ron a new wand and robes. The Weasleys were also able to afford at least half of their children's books new, especially since the books this year were not quiet as expensive as Lockhart's books last year. Unfortunately for the lady working at Flourish and Blotts, that included four Book of Monsters for the Weasley children (sans Ginny who was only a second year and Percy who a seventh year) and Hermione.

Hermione's parents gave her extra money to buy an owl as a pet since her Birthday was coming up. Once they got their supplies, James and Remus accompanied The Golden Trio to the Magical Menagerie while the rest of their families went back to The Leaky Cauldron. Remus himself was looking for a new owl to deliver his letters as his current one was getting on in age.

As they looked around at the owls, Hermione's eyes grew wide and shone bright at the sight of a silver owl with a rose red beak and streaks around it's wings and body.

Harry felt a tingle as she tugged at his arm and he didn't know whether it was from the owl or from Hermione. "Harry, isn't she magnificent. I can tell it's a she!"

"Yeah, she is," he agreed. Hermione was right. The owl was like no other that he had seen and you could look at her forever.

Hermione got the owl whom she named Aurora. They headed to the counter at the same time as Uncle Remus who had a large ginger cat and a regular brown tawny owl with him. There was no polite way to put it, but the cat was quiet the opposite of beautiful, unlike Hermione's new owl. It looked grumpy and it's face looked like it had been squashed.

"I figured I'd give this poor cat a home since the lady at the counter said no one else wants her," Remus explained when he noticed Harry, Ron and Hermione gaping at his choice of a pet.

Hermione patted the cat. "That's a really kind thing you're doing, Mr. Lupin. I might have taken her myself if I hadn't seen Aurora first. What's her name?"

"Crookshanks".

They headed back to the Leaky Cauldron after Hermione and Uncle Remus had paid for their respective pets.

Harry and James were getting ready for bed in their shared twin bed room at The Leaky Cauldron when he decided to get a few things off his mind.

"Dad, I want to get something really nice for Hermione for her Birthday, especially since she did for me on my Birthday …. But I don't know what to get."

"That's right, the kit was amazing. I don't know how I've never thought of getting one for our brooms," said James.

"It's a relatively new invention," Harry shrugged.

"Yeah. But as for what you should get, ask yourself what she likes and what she doesn't. And work from there. But there's also a line you should probably stay within. You don't want to go too simple if you want to match what she gave you. But you don't want to go too extravagant to the point it overshadows what she gave you either. I made that mistake with your Uncle Remus once because I thought I was doing a nice thing for him, but he felt bad that his gift for me wasn't as grand as mine for him, even if I didn't expect any such thing. And there's Ron. Your gift should probably not cost significantly more than what he gives Hermione. You don't want to make him feel bad either."

"Right. The only hobby I know of Hermione's is reading. But I don't know the type of books she likes outside of our school ones." Harry was frankly a little ashamed of his lack of knowledge regarding one of his best friends.

"You could discreetly ask her parents." James suggested.

"Her parents. Of course. They should know more.Thanks dad," Harry said gratefully. "There's also Ginny …. She seems embarrassed around me. Probably because I saved her the end of last school year, but I feel bad. How do I tell her that she has doesn't have to be embarrassed or awkward in front of me?"

His dad laughed. "If you don't mind me saying, though I assume you noticed, the girl fancies you. Even before you saved her."

"I kind of figured, but now it just seems worse. I care about her as Ron's sister but I don't think I feel the same way back. What do I do?" Harry asked sheepishly.

"At least at the moment, there isn't much you can do beyond continuing to be nice and doing your best to make her comfortable around you. You're both still too young to do anything about any romantic feelings you may have. And if you don't feel the same way as you said, there's even less reason to do anything about it unless she directly tells you that she fancies you. Then you could probably be honest as politely as possible."

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Too young? Dad, I'm thirteen. Didn't you have your first girlfriend at thirteen?"

"That didn't work out well to be honest. But alright. Thirteen may be reaching the somewhat acceptable age, but Ginny's twelve is still too young," said James. "And I guess I'm not ready for my boy to grow up that fast." He confessed.

Harry sat beside James. "I'll always be your boy, dad. I'm just not little anymore."

His father stroked his hair. "I know. Is there a lucky young lady that you do fancy?"

"No. At least not at the moment".

"Would I be awful for being relieved about that?" asked James.

"Dad …." Harry shook his head, grinning.

Two days before school was due to open again, Hermione turned thirteen. They had a very small celebration at the Leaky Cauldron with just cutting a cake and having a meal were joined by Remus and the Blacks. Uncle Sirius and Aunt Miranda even brought the their two month old twins who added much delight to the affair.

After discreetly speaking to Hermione's mom, Harry gathered that Hermione, like him, loved murder mysteries but that she also secretly loved romance novels. How he had missed that he and Hermione shared that interest was beyond him. His dad suggested that he should probably not give her a gift based on something she was keeping secret and so romance novels were off the list. He instead got her a starter set of his favorite Mick Hinds murder mysteries as Mick was practically the Agatha Christie of the wizarding world. To his relief, Hermione loved them and he could tell from her eyes and expression that it was genuine. She was even happier that they had an interest in common. They spent at least an hour the next day speaking of all the mystery novels they had read while Ron was playing wizards chess with his siblings.

A/N: I know Hermione's Birthday is supposed to be September 19 th  and she is supposed to be turning 14 during this time. But I decided to take the liberty of changing her birthday to make her younger than Harry due to my personal preference. I mean since this is fanfiction. Plus, her Birthday isn't that significant to the story in canon and hence I'm not really altering anything drastic with this.

Chapter Text

During their stay at The Leaky Cauldron, Harry filled Ron and Hermione in about their history with Peter and how the adults thought Peter would be coming after him. They listened with apprehension while reassuring him and themselves that Peter would be caught and that they would be safe at Hogwarts till then. Harry also told them about his agreement with his dad about Hogsmeade.

September first arrived, fortunately or unfortunately. Harry was dressed up, packed and ready to go when James entered their room at The Leaky Cauldron.

"Ready son?"

"Yeah" Harry nodded.

James then took out a velvet box from his pocket that Harry knew contained their ancestral bracelet or bangle bracelet. He opened it to reveal the magnificent 916 karat gold piece of jewelry with hints of diamonds and white gold through out it's design. The bracelet had a circular shaped center piece with a lion motif holding together it's circle. The center piece was made of mostly gold but with hints of diamonds that would show beautifully at the top of it's wearer's wrist.

James fastened the bracelet around Harry's left wrist. A part of Harry melted at the thought of his father passing on an essentially prized family heirloom to him this young.

"Dad, I appreciate it but isn't it too soon to pass it on to me?" he asked. "And I'm not sure if I deserve it." He said the last part softly as he looked down.

James put his palm on his shoulder. "Son. I don't know why you think you don't deserve it but I can assure you that you are not any less worthy of this. Also, nothing you've done is worse than the worst things I've done. Do you hear me?"

Harry nodded. "But isn't it too soon though? I feel bad if you don't get enough time with it."

"Nah, don't be. I've had twenty years with it, which is plenty. My dad gave it to me when I was your age, so it just seems like the right time to pass it on. Besides, it's kind of our family's good luck charm, so you should have it now that you're a teenager. I could always borrow it from you if I ever feel like wearing it."

Harry wrapped his arms around his father. "Thanks dad".

"You're welcome" His father hugged him back and kissed his forehead.

Ron then came barging in, complaining about Percy. Tea had dripped on his photo of Penelope Clearwater (Percy's girlfriend) and "Photo Penelope" was now hiding her blotched face. Percy accused Ron of doing it but Ron claimed to be innocent. Fred and George didn't make things better when they interrupted by congratulating Ron.

They then went down to breakfast together.

Two seven-seater cars arrived from the Ministry to pick the Potters, Weasleys and Hermione. Hermione's parents had gone home due to unavoidable work commitments. Harry was marched to one of the cars by his father (Both cars were driven by furtive looking wizards dressed in green velvet robes) where he got into the back with Ron, Hermione and Percy (to Ron's disgust) while James sat at the front. The rest of the Weasleys followed them in the other car.

When they arrived at King's Cross, they took turns entering the barrier to Platform nine and three quarters. Molly and Ginny. Arthur and Percy. The Weasley twins. Ron and Hermione. And finally, Harry and James.

James took Harry aside before they boarded the train. "Harry, promise me, you'll be extra careful," he pleaded anxiously.

"Dad, don't worry. I will. Besides, isn't the school protected by dementors waiting to catch Peter if he shows up?"

"Yeah, but it would keep me more at peace to know that you'll still be careful and not be completely dependent on the dementors. As I've told you, they're the worst creatures to have around and will suck out all the happiness from those around them." James's tone and eyes darkened as he said this.

"I understand. I promise I'll be careful".

"No sneaking out of the Common Room after hours?"

"But what if it's something urgent or important?"

James folded his arms. "Harry … But alright, if it's for a really good reason which would be judged by my judgement. And only with your cloak and makesure you're not seen by anyone."

"Alright, I promise".

James held Harry with a tight grip which Harry returned. "I'll see you during your first Quidditch game. And remember that I'm a mirror or an owl away away." Sirius had lent Harry his mirror so he could better comminucate with James given the circumstances. 

"I will". Harry got on the train and waved at his father till he couldn't see him anymore. For some reason, he felt a bigger pang than usual when saying goodbye to his father.

Harry, Ron and Hermione got into a compartment with an adult male wizard who was stout and plump with light brown hair and almost shabbily dressed. He introduced himself as Professor Edgar lverton, their Defense Against The Dark Arts Professor.

Once introductions were over, the four of them talked about Peter's recent escape and dementors being placed at Hogwarts. Just then, Harry heard a faint whistling sound from his trunk that turned out to be from the Pocket Snekoscope that Ron had gifted him. They concluded that it was broken and decided to get it checked at Hogsmeade after Ron stuffed it in Harry's sock and shut it back into his trunk.

They continued their journey talking about all the places they planned on visiting at Hogsmeade, to which Professor Iverton had plenty of stories. In the mid-afternoon, it began to to rain and shortly after they had their lunch from the Trolley, Draco Malfoy and gang burst into their compartment, making snide comments about Harry and Ron and a jab about the money Mr. Weasley had just come into. Harry had to hold Ron back from responding as Draco noticed Professor Iverton. He took a step back and looked uncertainly to Crabbe and Goyle who shrugged in confusion before turning to Harry who answered him "This is Professor Iverton, our new Defense Again The Dark Arts professor."

"Is there a problem young man?" asked Iverton.

"Umm… no sir. We were just saying hello," said Draco before he and his croonies were gone.

Guess he wasn't stupid enough to pick a fight in front of a professor.

Ron swore that he wouldn't take any nonsense from Draco this year and began punching his fist in the air as a gesture of what he'd do if Draco made one more comment on his family.

Harry and Hermione calmed him down and told him to ignore Draco.

The rain continued to pour more heavily as it got darker, and the train began slowing down. Ron thought they were already there, but Hermione pointed out that it was too early for them to have reached Hogwarts.

As the train gradually got slower, Harry poked his head out of the compartment to find that other students also had their heads curiously sticking out of their compartments.

"Keep calm," said Professor Iverson. "I'm going to ask the driver what's going on and will be back shortly".

Neville entered their compartment as Iverson was about to leave and ended up stepping on his foot.

Iverson told them to remain calm once again before illuminating his wand and trying to head out. However, this time he bumped into Ginny as he opened the compartment door. She had also come there out of fear. Hermione calmed Ginny down and made her take a seat just as Harry had done to Neville a few moments earlier.

It turned out to be fortunate that Iverson was stalled as just then, the compartment door opened and illuminated by the flames of Iverson's wand was a cloaked figure that towered to the ceiling with its face hidden by its cloak.

Harry had been told by his father that the presence of a dementor would make you relive your worst memory and feel like you'd never be happy again. But it was even more dreadful than he expected. What he went through in the next few moments could only be described as an ordeal and he felt as if he was fighting for his life before he heard a woman's terrified screaming. However, he lost his consciousness just as he reached out trying to help whoever it was.

Harry opened his eyes to the concerned eyes and worried looks of all those who were in the compartment with him. After inquiring if he was alright, Harry inquired about the screaming voice but was told that no one was screaming. Professor Iverson gave him a large piece of chocolate and insisted he eat it before leaving the compartment to have a word with the driver. Once Iverson was gone, Harry found out from his friends that Iverson had driven the dementor away by casting an unknown spell with a silvery substance. They had gathered from his words that the dementor was looking for Peter. Ron said that he thought Harry was having a fit.

Harry felt weak, not just physically but mentally when he thought about the fact that he was the only one who was so strongly affected by the dementor to the point of having a fit and fainting. He did however feel physically better once eating the chocolate. Iverson soon returned and Harry feeling embarrassed, was silent throughout their remaining journey. Once the train arrived, he, Ron and Hermione got into a coach with Iverson. They got off the train to be met by the last person Harry wanted to see (or second last if you count Snape). Draco mocked Harry about fainting but backed off when he saw Iverson come out of the compartment.

Once they were in Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall took Harry and Hermione aside and led them into her office. Harry was more embarrassed when McGonagall told him Iverson had owled her about what happened in the train. She brought Pomfrey in to examine him, and Pomfrey was pleased about Iverson giving him chocolate and glad to finally have a Defense professor who knew his stuff. Once Harry assured them that he was alright, McGonagall told him to wait outside while she had a word with Hermione. Hermione came out of McGonagall's office a few minutes after he left it, looking pleased.

"What did Professor McGonagall want? She didn't give you a gift, did she?" Harry asked teasingly in reference to her looking pleased.

Hermione blushed. "No... I mean, I promise to tell you about it one day, Harry but please understand that I can't right now". Her tone was almost pleading and apprehensive.

Harry chuckled. "Hermione, It's alright. I understand. I was only joking."

They went to the Great Hall to find that they had missed the sorting. However, they were in time for the feast. Dumbledore gave his opening speech and introduced the new teachers including Professor Iverson for Defense Against The Dark Arts and Hagrid for Care of Magical Creature. The Gryffindor table cheered for Iverson and Hagrid, especially Harry and friends.

Dumbledore's face contorted as he introduced the final professor. "And finally, it … saddens me to inform you that… Professor Charity Burbage has sadly passed away two days ago." He trembled and struggled to get his words out as he fidgeted with his hands but composed himself enough to add "But I am nevertheless pleased to introduce Professor Gisella Ortega who will be replacing her."

Harry barely noticed the new professor who stood up as he felt a small throb in his heart. He heard gasps from the students across the room as he looked around at the wide-eyed looks of his fellow Gryffindors.

"Susan Bones told me that she was murdered," said Parvathi.

"Murdered?" Those around her said together.

Her death was shocking enough but Harry couldn't believe she was murdered. Wouldn't this have been in the Daily Prophet? He expressed this to those around him.

"I supposed the Ministry must be trying to hush it up," said Hermione.

She was probably right. It was difficult getting through the meal with such news but nevertheless they were hungry and managed to somewhat fill themselves up before heading back to their Common Rooms.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

Harry, Ron and Hermione congratulated Hagrid on his new teaching position after the feast, during which their new Care of Magical Creatures professor tearfully expressed his gratitude towards Dumbledore. The first thing Harry did when they entered their Common Room was head straight to his dormitory and fish out his communication mirror from his trunk that Sirius had lent him. 

"Hey dad"

James's smiling face appaeared at the mirror. "Alright son? How are things so far?"

Harry recounted to James what happened in the train with the dementors and confided in his dad regarding how he felt weak that he was more effected by the dementors than everyone else around him.

James bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. "Son, the dementors effect you more because your worst memory is seeing your mother die. I reckon that's worse than the worst memories of Ron, Hermione or any other kid who was there with you. So please don't feel like there's anything weak in you. It's not the case at all".

Harry felt a little better from what his dad said. "So it's really because of that? And not because I'm weak?"

"It really is. Read any book on dementors and it would tell you that it's effect on people is based on their worst memories. That's why you relived your worst memory. Are you alright now? The dementors aren't bothering you while you're in Hogwarts, are they?"

"No no." Harry waved his arms in dismissal. "The dementors are outside of Hogwarts. They aren't a bother at all while I'm in Hogwarts. I'm alright now dad. Really. Have you heard of Professor Charity Burbage?" 

His father's face contorted as he clasped his hand over his head. "Yeah. Poor lady. She was one the nicest professors though she never officially taught me."

"What happened to her? I mean how did she …"

"Apparently, she was found dead at home, and killed with the killing curse. No suspects yet."

"Dad, this might be a long shot but do you think her murder has anything to do with either Peter's escape or the theft at St. Mungo's and Belleview? I can't help but feel it's not a coincidence," said Harry pensively.

James leaned back and put both his hands together in steeple position. "I can't think of how they're related but you're right that it's probably not a coincidence. The person behind the thefts may have had a need from Professor Burbage in regards to the theft. Or Peter may have had a need from her in regards to whatever he's up to with serving Voldemort. Or both if Peter himself is behind the thefts. But this is all speculation of course. They may all very well be unrelated crimes. We can only say for sure with more hard evidence."

Harry nodded in agreement. Sure, his gut feeling may tell him there a connection but they couldn't be sure with no hard evidence. He continued chatting with his father for some time before the other four boys in his dorm came in. After a brief greeting between James and the other boys, Harry and James called it a night. Right before that, his father told him that he would have a word with Fudge about the dementors at the train and urged them to beware and have a talk with Hagrid if he brought something too dangerous to class.

The next morning Harry entered the Great Hall with his two best friends to find Malfoy and his fellow Slytherin friends making a mockery of his experience with the dementors. Hermione held his hand and advised him to ignore them. Fred and George cheered him up by pointing out how Malfoy himself had entered their compartment out of fear and reminding him that the blonde git stood no chance against him during their upcoming Quidditch match.

Professor McGonagall handed out their new timetables. Bickering ensued between Ron and Hermione due to the former being puzzled at latter's timetable showing various classes at the same time. Harry knew Hermione was hiding something and gaslighting Ron in her denial. She clearly had three classes lined up for her first period including Muggle Studies and Divination. He remembered her private meeting with Professor McGonagall and wondered if it had anything to do with what she was hiding.

Just then Hagrid arrived and expressed his excitement for his upcoming lesson and how he spent all night preparing for it. The Golden Trio were to be in his first ever lesson. Ron was a little worried about what Hagrid had prepared. They loved their new half-giant professor, but he didn't have the best danger radar.

As they headed to class, Harry whispered to Ron while Hermione was a few feet ahead and busy checking her timetable. "Ron, about Hermione's timetable, she told me last night that there's something between her and McGonagall that she can't tell us right now but she'll tell us when she's ready. Maybe we should let her tell us when she's ready?"

His best-friend raised his eyebrows before sighing. "I guess" he muttered.

Their first class for the day was Muggle Studies and Harry was a bit excited for a new class that was a refreshing change to the classes he was used to in the past two years. He was curious as to how wizards studied about muggles and muggle culture.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

Harry, Ron and Hermione had an easy time locating their Muggle Studies classroom which was an extra relief when he found out from a few other Gryffindors like Seamus, Dean, Lavender and Parvathi that the Divination classroom was extremely hard to find and located on the top of a tower quiet far off from their Grand Hall or Common Room. Professor Gisella Ortega was already waiting for them. She was a beautiful woman in her late twenties (or at least looked that age) with light brown skin and black hair but had a certain unpleasantness on her face.

"Sit down everyone" she began. "I said sit down." Gisella demanded, glaring at the few who were still standing. "I'll get straight to be point. I do not tolerate any playing around in my class. No tardiness. No speaking unless you're spoken to," she said in tone that make Harry confused if she was another Snape or another McGonagall.

Just then Neville accidentally dropped his book.

Gisella shook her head and turned to the hapless boy. "Your name?" she asked in a rebuking tone.

"Neville … Longbottom …. professor." Neville answered her shakily.

"Mr. Longbottom. I do not like my class being disrupted by clumsiness either. Is that clear?" she snapped at him.

"Yes professor," he said before picking his book back up.

Maybe she was a Snape. McGonagall was strict but not like this.

"Harry Potter!" Gisella rubbed her hands together and smiled at him. "Pleasure to have you in class. Come up here." She gestured beside her.

"I …"

"Come up here Potter." Her lips were smiling but her eyes gave a warning glare.

Harry reluctantly got up from his seat and went up front to stand beside her.

"And you are?" she asked Ron.

"Ron Weasley".

"Do us a favor and take a picture of me and your friend will you?" Gisella handed Ron a camera.

"Professor … is this really …" Harry began

"It's just a picture Mr. Potter. Now smile." She put her hand around him and turned his face to face Ron. "Take it now." She snapped her fingers at Ron.

Ron shot an apologetic look at Harry before snapping the picture.

Gisella ushered Harry back to his seat and took her camera back. So she was a Lockhart as well as a Snape which made Harry feel like gagging.

"Alright. For this year, we'll just be learning the basics of how muggle politics, culture and technology work. Open to page one," Gisella ordered.

Harry opened to page one of Introduction to Muggle Studies. Chapter one was the study of Muggle Monarchy. Gisella's lesson included a heavy dose of gossip on the current UK Royal Family which Harry thought was needless since they just needed to know the basics of monarchy in muggle countries with a focus on the UK and not the drama within the Royal Family.

"I didn't think anyone could embody the worst of both Snape and Lockhart," said Harry said as he, Ron, Hermione headed to their Transfiguration class.

"I wish she would stick more to the book and be less about gossiping. But it was still better than Divination which involved a lot of guesswork. Divination is complete rubbish especially compared to Arithmancy," said Hermione.

"What are you talking about?" asked Ron. "You haven't had an Arithmancy or Divination class yet. Or at least both classes went on at the same time as Muggle Studies. Surely you couldn't have been at three places at once?"

"Nonsense Ronald. How can anyone be at three places at once," Hermione answered back before hurrying off ahead of them.

Harry always knew Draco Malfoy was an idiot but his stupidity reached a new height during their first Care of Magical Creatures lesson after lunch. Hagrid taught them how to open their Monster book which got snide comments and insults from Draco, causing Harry to bicker with him.

Hagrid then introduced the class to Hippogriffs. Apparently they had to bow to it and wait for it to bow back before they were allowed to do anything with it. Harry offered to try first. When he successfully got a hippogriff, Buckbeak to bow, Hagrid pushed him to ride on it. Draco and gang were jealous when he had a successful ride back. The real problem began when the class was divided between hippogrifs and Draco, Crabbe and Goyle happened to be paired with Buckbeak. After Draco successfully got Buckbeak to bow, the stupid blonde git got cocky and preceded to insult Buckbeak despite Hagrid's clear instruction to never insult a hippogriff. Within seconds, Buckbeak had attacked Draco and gashed his arm. Hagrid then carried him to the Hospital Wing while the rest of the Slytherins spoke ill of their new Care of Magical Creature's professor.

Once classes were over, Harry, Ron and Hermione snuck out to see Hagrid at his hut. They reassured Hagrid that he wasn't at fault as he had warned the class not to insult hippogriffs. Hagrid appreciated their concern but was worried that Draco's father would kick up a storm and get him in trouble. He then realized they were breaking curfew and rebuked them before walking them back to the castle. Normally Hagrid wouldn't have minded Harry visiting after hours, but with Peter believed to be out to get Harry, he wasn't too thrilled and made them promise not to be out after hours.

That night, Harry filled his father in on Professor Ortega while they conversed through their mirrors.

"Oh, wow, a Snape and Lockhart in one professor. Sometimes I think Dumbledore is trolling students with who he hires. Perhaps he thinks the experience would teach them a valuable lesson. I had a professor who was a lot like Lochart in sixth year and he played a part in me seeing how inflated my own head was back then," said James.

"I thought mum calling your out made you deflate your head?"

"Your mum calling me out for the arrogant toerag I was certainly played a part but I'd say my inflated head professor and Professor Dumbledore's advise played their parts too."

Harry grinned "Dad, you don't think Ortega would publish the picture would she?" His grin turned into a frown.

"Don't worry about it. She won't be able to publish it as she has no story to sell with a picture of you and your professor during an ordinary lesson. She'll just make herself look bad. But regardless, I'll write to Dumbledore to make sure she doesn't get any clever ideas."

"Thanks dad. Regarding Hagrid …."

James raised his eyebrows and frowned. "What happened? He didn't bring anything dangerous to class did he?"

Harry explained what happened with Draco Malfoy.

James bit his lip and ran his hand through his hair. "Blimey. It's not Hagrid's fault Draco Malfoy didn't listen to instructions but I'm afraid you're right that Lucius Malfoy would certainly turn it against him. But don't worry. I'll do my best to help Hagrid. And I'm certain Dumbledore wouldn't let Hagrid be punished for something that wasn't his fault either. Alright?" James said placatingly at Harry's worried look.

"Alright" Harry relaxed a little.

The spoke a little longer before they called it a night.

The next morning, as Sirius was at the backseat of his car while his driver cum bodyguard, Hollister drove the car. James, Remus and him had hired drivers cum bodyguards while were out of their houses as an added security measure along with the charms placed around their homes.

They were passing by Potter Manor when a figure emerged in front of their car, causing Holister to pull the emergency break. Sirius's heart skipped at beat when he saw who was in front of him and he was sure he had turned pale white. He got down from his car, rubbed his eyes and made sure he wasn't dreaming or mistaking who was in front of him. The person in front of him was … no he couldn't be …

"Regulus?"

"Hello big brother".

"How? … They said you were …."

=to be continued=

A/N: Just a reminder that Harry and Hermione won the poll. Is everyone okay with Hermione being Harry's pair? Also, I have edited the second year Christmas to include Ginny being with them at Potter Manor as I forgot about her. And I change Harry's favorite food to beef caserole. But these are quiet minor irrelavent changes.

Chapter Text

"Regulus?"

"Hello big brother".

"How? … They said you were …."

"I can explain." Regulus held up his hands. "Please hear me out" he implored.

Sirius took Regulus inside Black Manor and into one of the empty rooms where no one could hear them. He took a look at his brother that he hadn't seen in fourteen years. The thirty-two year old man in front of him had a more mature face than the eighteen year old boy Regulus was the last time Sirius had seen him. But aside from that, he looked quiet the same. His hair was still the same almost shoulder length black hair and there didn't seem to be any noticeable change in his weight. Sirius and Regulus resembled each other quiet a bit. Both were thin, had similar facial features (though Sirius was said to be handsomer) and had the same sleek black hair which Sirius in the recent years had kept short and stopped growing out. He couldn't believe that his brother who he thought he had lost and failed was standing right in front of him. Sirius pinched himself. As much as he felt a warmth and affection for the man in front of him, he was also cross and annoyed that Regulus hadn't contacted him in fourteen years and let him believe he was dead.

"How have you been Sirius?"

Sirius crossed his arms. "Really? Regulus, you said you wanted to be explain, so start explaining where you were all these years and why you waited till now to show up at my house."

Regulus began explaining how back in 1979, Voldemort had asked to borrow Kreacher to which he enthusiastically agreed. This received an eye-roll from Sirius. Regulus found out afterwards that Voldemort had used Kreacher to test the defenses guarding his locket Horcrux at the cave. Fortunately, Kreacher had managed to escape using house-elf magic and Regulus had subsequently gone back and exchanged the locket for a fake one during which Kreacher had helped apparate him out before the inferi killed him. He was on his way to seek out Sirius but had met with an accident during which he lost his memory. He had only recently regained his memory and had been at Grimmauld Place with Kreacher for the past few months.

Sirius had listened to Regulus's whole tale without interruption and didn't know how to feel when he finished. A part of him was shocked. A part of him of was happy that his brother was alive and well. Another part of him was proud of what his brother did. A part of him felt guilty for being angry since Regulus's memory loss was a good reason for him not reaching out all these years. It was overwhelming to have all these emotions bundled up in him at once and he wasn't sure how to react or which emotion to react on. He stood staring blankly at Regulus for a while before reacting.

Sirius ran his hand through his hair and his brows were furrowed. "Blimey. I don't know how to respond. I've heard of horcruxes but never though anyone would actually make one. I hate to say I told you so, Regulus, but I did warn you that Voldemort was bad news."

Regulus flinched at the mention of 'you know who's' name before crossing his arms. "I know .. alright. I screwed up. But I tried to make it right."

Perhaps Sirius was being a bit harsh. His brother seemed to have come to his senses and was trying to reach out. "I'm sorry. You're right. We've all done things we shouldn't have as teenagers. The most important thing is that you redeemed yourself."

"I'm not sure if I redeemed myself. I mean I didn't really stop 'you know who'." Regulus looked down, clasping his arms.

"You had a conscience when you realized he went too far and you switched his horcrux with a fake. For that I'm proud of you," said Sirius.

Regulus narrowed his eyes. "Really?"

"Well yes," Sirius shrugged. "We didn't get along much, growing up. And while a part of me thought you were an idiot for the path you chose, a part of me felt like I failed you. That I should have tried harder to get through to you," he said ruefully. "In fact, this might sound silly but I've been reaching out to Draco Malfoy, trying to save him because I felt guilty that I didn't try hard enough to save you."

"Draco Malfoy?"

"He's Narcissa's son with Lucius. Yes, the bastard procreated, unfortunately. And our dear cousin helped him do it. He's in Harry's class. Harry's …"

"James's son. I know. I heard about you know who's downfall," Regulus finished for him. "Maybe we can start over?"

Sirius nodded in agreement.

"So what's been going on with you? And how are James and Remus? I can't believe Peter was a traitor."

"They're good. We'll catch up later. First we should tell James, Remus and Professor Dumbledore about the horcrux."

"Alright".

Sirius wasn't sure he was prepared to tell Regulus that he had a son named after Regulus in honor of his then assumed to be dead memory. Was it weird to have a son named after his brother if his brother was still alive?

Soon, the Marauders, Regulus and Dumbledore were at the Grimmauld Place living room, staring at the Slytherin locket horcrux. They had first filled in James and Remus before sending a patronus message to Dumbledore to meet them at Grimmauld Place. Grimmauld Place needed a good cleaning and Walburga's portrait kept lamenting about how blood traitors were in her house and pleading with Regulus not to become a blood traitor like his brother. Regulus knew there was no point in reasoning with his mother's portrait. Kreacher wasn't too happy either but was forced to obey both Regulus and Sirius and had affection for Regulus despite his disapproval of Regulus's current actions. Walburga's portrait was ignored and thankfully could barely be heard all the way in the hall where they explained everything they knew to their former headmaster. They were all shocked when they found about Regulus and the locket horcrux but quickly recovered as there were more pressing issues to address.

Dumbledore stroked his beard and steepled his fingers together before examining the horcrux. "I rather suspected Tom had made more than one horcrux".

"More?" They gasped together. Regulus glanced at Sirius, James and Remus who all looked pale with widened eyes

"Tom?" asked Regulus.

James answered him. "Tom Riddle was Voldermort's birth name before he fashioned himself a new one."

Regulus flinched before nodding "Oh"

"The diary that Harry found was a horcrux," Dumbledore continued.

James pressed his lips together. "Well that explains why it came alive but it's completely ghastly that someone would make even one horcrux, let alone multiple ones," he said, disgustedly.

Regulus was now confused. What diary came alive? He shot his brother a questioning look who gestured back that he would explain everything later.

"How many do you think he made professor?" asked Remus.

"That is a good question Remus and what I'm trying to find out."

"Is there any way to destroy a horcrux?" asked Regulus.

"Yes, basilisk venom. That's what Harry used to destroy the horcrux in the diary at the end of last school year," said Dumbeldore.

Regulus was still confused. Where on earth did Harry get basilisks venom from? But nevertheless he'll wait for his brother and his brother's friends to explain it later.

"Blimey, my son destroyed a horcrux" said James with a surge of pride.

"So we just need to get more venom from the dead basilisk in the Chamber of Secrets to destroy this locket?" asked Sirius.

The Chamber of Secrets is real? And they found it? Now they really lost Regulus.

"The sword of Gryffindor has basilisk venom from when Harry used it on the basilisk," said Dumbledore.

So Harry fought a basilisk and destroyed a horcrux all before he turned thirteen. Regulus was both impressed and curious for the whole story.

"Alright, then let's get the sword of Gryffindor and destroy the locket," said Remus.

"We need Harry for that," said Dumbledore. "The locket can be only destroyed by the basilisk's venom once it's opened with parseltongue. I'll get Harry to do it." 

"Professor, Harry won't be harmed or effected by this, will he?" asked James. 

"Worry not James. Harry will be perfectly alright and he would have me by his side." 

"But there are more of these .... horcruxes?" asked James apprehensively . "So Voldemort might still be able to come back?"

"I'm afraid yes. But leave that to me. It is now my life's mission to find and destroy every horcrux he ever made".

"But how?" asked Regulus. "Do you think he ever told anyone the details?"

"Probably not. But a lot can be deduced of man simply by researching his history and understanding who he was. For instance, each Hogwarts founder has a relic, with this locket being Slytherin's. If Voldemort used one as a horcrux, we can deduce he at least tried to use the rest," said Dumbledore.

"So this sword is a …" began James.

"Fortunately, no. It's the one relic he never got his hands on. But I'm afraid we can't say the same for Hufflepuff's or Ravenclaw's. I'll have to find out where they are and thankfully I have my sources," said Dumbledore.

"But what about Regulus?" asked Sirius. "Would Voldermort's supporters go after him for leaving?"

Regulus looked at his brother's face and saw something he barely ever saw in the past; worry and fear. Worry and fear for him.

"Sirius, I'll be fine. Besides, with 'you know who' gone and his most loyal followers behind bars, I doubt any of his followers still outside are loyal enough to risk going after his traitor."

"Regulus is right. But nevertheless, to be on the safe side, bodyguards can be hired for Regulus just like you've hired ones for yourselves," suggested Dumbledore.

The rest nodded in agreement.

"Do you need our help researching Voldemort's history or with anything else, professor?" asked James.

"Not at the moment. But I will certainly need your help in future and will seek it when the time comes".

After last goodbyes, Dumbledore returned to Hogwarts.

Sirius, James and Remus collectively filled Regulus in on everything he missed. After the number of times he heard Voldemort's name mentioned, Regulus was beginning to get used to hearing the name.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

I made a MISTAKE last chapter. I forgot that parseltongue was needed to open the Locket and destroy it. I have made a small alteration last chapter to reflect this.

Regulus was introduced to his sister in law, nephew and niece. He was touched that his nephew was named after him. That night, the Marauders and Regulus were looking through the books at the Grimmauld Place library when James heard Harry call him through the mirror.

"Hey son! How was classes today".

"Alright, especially since Malfoy hasn't returned to classes or the Great Hall yet," said Harry. "Dad, are you at Grimmauld Place?"

"Yeah. We're just researching certain things for Professor Dumbledore. Dumbledore told you about Regulus and the locket?" James asked cautiously.

Harry nodded as he narrowed his eyes and raised his eyebrows. "I was shocked. I mean .. I thought …"

"Yeah. So were we."

"The locket … " Harry began turning white as he wrung his hands together. "I had to open it with parseltongue and it began showing me all sorts of scary things like you .…

"Me dying?"

Harry nodded again. "And also that Ron and Hermione no longer wanted to be friends with me and me being expelled. But Professor Dumbledore then destroyed it with the sword". He began taking rapid, shallow breaths.

"Son, it's alright. You're safe now. Breath in. Breath out."

Harry obeyed as he brought his breathing back to normal.

"Are you alright?"

Harry nodded.

James felt a surge of guilt and an uncomfortable churn in his stomach as he ran his hand through his hair. He hated that Harry had to go through that and wished there was some other way. "I'm sorry son. We wouldn't have put you through that if it weren't for that fact that we could only open the necklace with parseltongue."

"No dad. It's alright. I'm glad to help. Professor Dumbledore said it was infested with Voldemort's dark magic and could give him power if not destroyed. But it's destroyed now. That's good right?"

As much as James was relieved that the horcrux was destroyed, the guilt felt earlier returned. He wanted to to be open about the existence of horcruxes but Dumbledore told him Harry was too young to know the details. James supposed Dumbledore just gave Harry a brief version of it being dark magic. "Yes certainly" James smiled.

"Is Regulus there?" asked Harry.

"Yes" said James. "Regulus" He hollered. "Could you come over here for a bit?"

Regulus strolled over. "Did you find something, James?"

"Harry, meet Regulus. Regulus, meet Harry".

Harry and Regulus exchanged greetings that were slightly awkward but pleasant for the most part.

"James, I couldn't find anymore information on horcruxes but I found this and think it might pertain to the recent thefts at Belleview and St. Mungo's," came Remus's voice.

Remus only noticed Harry in the mirror once he had reached James and Regulus. "Oh, hello Harry. Didn't see you there." He had a large book in his hand. "How have you been?"

Sirius had also made his way to them. "Harry, how have you been?"

"I'm good …"

"Harry, we'll speak to you tomorrow alright." James cut him off.

"Dad, if you trust me at all, please let me hear about what Uncle Remus found".

"Alright. But you promise not to do anything without consulting me?"

"I promise". Harry crossed his heart.

Remus handed the book he was holding with it's intended page open to James who read it out aloud.

Godric Gryffindor's Lost Family Heirloom

The sword of Gryffindor left at Hogwarts isn't the only Gryffindor family heirloom. Godric Gryffindor was known to have a stone that held the power of youth and healing, called the Stone of Gryffindor. It was passed down the line to the eldest son in each generation until the twelfth century, when the last holder Cyprus Gryffindor and his wife, Megara Gryffindor were killed by those attempting to steal the stone. The murderers were however unsuccessful in retrieving the locket. It is rumored that the stone was secretly placed with Cyprus's infant son, Branderick Gryffindor. Baby Branderick's nurse had managed to escape with him and confessed to placing him in the orphanage. Till today, no one knows what happened to the child who was the last remaining Gryffindor in the male-line. It remains unknown if Grynffindor's bloodline still continues.

"Twelfth century. Orphanage. Powerful heirloom. Doesn't it paint a pattern? Seems like the thief who stole St. Mungo's twelfth century birth records and Belleview's twelfth century records were looking to trace the chain of the heirloom's possession by finding out what happened to Branderick Gryffindor," said Remus.

"Doesn't the stone sound a lot like the Philosopher's Stone?" asked Harry.

"Similar, but not the same. The Stone of Gryffindor holds the power of eternal youth and healing," said Sirius.

"Do you think that Peter is trying to find The Stone of Gryffindor for Voldemort just like Quirell tried to do with The Philosopher's Stone?" asked Harry.

"Maybe but I doubt he can trace the chain of possession down that many centuries," said Sirius.

James turned red and clenched his fist. "We still need to find that rat and stop whatever he might be planning".

"By the way Harry, I heard how you saved the Philosopher's Stone and what you did in the Charmber of Secrets. I must say they were truly admirable," said Regulus.

Harry blushed. "Thanks but I had a lot of help, really. And I'd say what you did in defying Voldemort was equally if not more admirable."

"Thanks Harry. What I don't understand is how the Gryffindors in possession of the stone still died instead of staying young." said Regulus.

"They probably thought using it to stay young or immortal was unethical," suggested James.

They continued theorizing for sometime but could only speculate and were at a dead end as to the truth. The only thing they all almost firmly believed was that Peter and Voldemort were trying to get the Stone of Gryffindor. Harry bid them goodbye before filling Ron and Hermione in. Always thirsty for knowledge, Hermione was eager to check out the rare books from Grimmauld Place with information not found in the books at Hogwarts.

Draco Malfoy didn't return to class until their Monday afternoon Potions class. He had a sling on his arm and Harry was sure he was pretending and playing up his injury. Snape told Draco and the Slytherins inquiring about his injury to settle down. This annoyed Harry to no end. He doubted that Snape would tell the class to "settle down" if Gryffindors were late. He most certainly wouldn't have if Harry was late. He'd have used it to give Harry detention and deduct House points regardless of the circumstances. Draco manipulated Snape into making Ron do his work with his pathetic bit of acting. They had to listen to him make jabs about Hagrid potentially being sacked all through it while resisting the urge to punch him or hex him.

Neville as usual, had trouble brewing his potion and Snape as usual, being the jerk he was, gave him hell for it. It was a shrinking potion and Snape, looking at the state of Neville's clearly unsuccessful potion announced that he would feed it to Neville's pet toad, Trevor. This put poor Neville in a awful state. However, Hermione managed to mutter instructions to Neville behind Snape's back that enabled him to fix his potion. Harry had to admire how Hermione fixed that potion with her covert instructions. Snape suspected Hermione had helped Neville and being bitter that he didn't get the satisfaction of seeing Neville fail and Neville's toad harmed, took five points off Gryffindor on the pretext of Hermione helping him.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

The Gryffindor students filed into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, their usual banter muted by the presence of their new professor. Harry, Ron, and Hermione took their seats, their curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar setup. Harry's eyes scanned the room, noting how pristine it was, with desks aligned in precise rows and shelves stocked with an assortment of labeled books and artifacts. It was a stark contrast to the usual chaotic setup of their previous Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons. At the front of the room stood Professor Iverson, a short, plump man with an air of approachable authority.

"Good morning," Iverson said, his voice calm and steady. "I'm Professor Iverson, and I'll be guiding you through the intricacies of recognizing and defending yourselves against the dark arts this year."

Iverson's gaze roamed over the students, pausing briefly on each of them. His eyes had a thoughtful quality, as if he was taking in more than just their physical presence.

He continued, "Defense Against the Dark Arts is not solely about learning spells and counter-curses. It's also about understanding the subtler signs of danger."

Hermione's hand shot up. Iverson's gaze settled on her as he nodded. "Yes, Miss…?"

"Granger," Hermione answered. "Will we be learning advanced spells this year, Professor?"

Iverson's smile broadened, though his eyes remained focused. "Advanced spells will come in due time Miss Granger. For now, it's crucial to develop your observational skills. Not every threat makes itself known with dramatic displays. Sometimes, danger reveals itself through subtle, almost imperceptible signs."

Harry listened intently, his interest piqued by the concept of detecting danger through subtle signs rather than relying solely on spells.

Iverson moved to his desk and picked up a quill, holding it up for the class to see. "Consider this quill," he said, his tone casual but precise. "It seems ordinary, doesn't it?" He set it back down, his fingers lingering on it for a moment longer than necessary. "But a cursed quill might produce a discomfort or ink of an unusual hue."

A murmur of interest rippled through the classroom. Students exchanged curious glances, some leaning forward to get a better view of the quill.

Iverson continued "Today's lesson on cursed objects will be a practical one outside of the classroom."

The class displayed a mix of apprehension and anticipation. They had never experienced a practical class before, and the mention of handling cursed objects left them feeling simultaneously intrigued and uneasy.

"Follow me," Iverson instructed.

The Gryffindor students followed Professor Iverson outside the classroom, down the deserted corridor, their excitement momentarily interrupted by a commotion. Peeves, the notorious poltergeist, swooped into view.

"Look at this! Gryffindors off to a new adventure!" Peeves cackled, spinning through the air.

Iverson stopped and addressed Peeves calmly. "Peeves, we're on our way to a lesson. Please refrain from causing a disturbance."

Peeves hovered closer, still grinning. "And if I don't? What then?"

Iverson's tone remained steady but firm. "If you insist, I'll have to inform the Headmaster. I'm sure he'd be interested in your latest antics."

Peeves hesitated at the mention of the Headmaster. "Alright, alright! I'll find another way to amuse myself," he grumbled, drifting away.

Harry and the rest of the class were impressed by Iverson's composed but effective handling of Peeves.

Iverson turned back to the students. "Let's proceed."

They were led down a second corridor towards the staff room, where Iverson gestured them inside. The room was unoccupied except for Professor Snape, who was at his seat with his usual scowl in place.

Iverson greeted Snape with a nod. "Good afternoon, Severus."

"Good afternoon," Snape nodded back in acknowledgement before his eyes swept over the students. "You must be warned about Longbottom, Edgar. It would be unwise to entrust him with anything difficult without Miss Granger hissing instructions in his ear," his tone dripping with barely concealed disdain.

Neville turned scarlet as Harry glared at Snape. Snape couldn't refrain from bullying Neville even in another professor's class.

Iverson's expression remained calm as he nodded. "Thank you for the heads-up, Severus. I'll keep that in mind."

He led the students further into another room in the staff area, where more objects were arranged for examination. The new room was filled with an assortment of intriguing and mysterious items on the tables and shelves. Harry looked around, feeling a quiet sense of anticipation.

"Alright. I've placed several objects around here—some cursed, some not. Your task is to identify which are cursed using only your instincts and the principles I'm about to teach you," said Iverson.

The students spread out towards the various items.

Iverson subsequently began explaining the ways to identify cursed objects including recognizing slight temperature changes, usual sounds, a change in the object's aura, subtle physical reactions, behavioral changes in the object, discrepancies in magical resonance, altered colors or textures, emotional influence, anomalies in refection and unexpected magical reactions. They were shown examples as he did so.

He then instructed them to began their own examination of the objects in front of them. Hermione meticulously inspected a set of old, dusty tomes, while Ron poked at a peculiar-looking jar. Harry wandered to a corner where a small crystal vial rested on a pedestal. He picked it up, turning it in his hands and peering through the clear liquid inside.

As the students worked, Iverson moved among them, offering occasional guidance. "Remember to trust your instincts," he said to a group gathered around an ancient-looking object. "The subtleties are often the most telling."

The class continued, with students focusing intently on their task. Iverson's calm demeanor and the challenge of the exercise created an atmosphere of concentration and curiosity.

When the bell rang, they began gathering their things. Hermione turned to Harry and Ron, her expression pensive. "Professor Iverson seems more knowledgeable than the Defense professors we've had so far," she observed. "He's delving into much darker territory than before."

Ron slung his bag over his shoulder, casting a wary glance at the objects they'd inspected."Yeah," he agreed. "Makes you wonder what darker things we've been brushing past all this time."

"It's probably for the best," added Harry. "So we're more prepared to face actual darkness out there."

As they left the room Harry's gaze drifting back to Iverson, who was tidying the room with methodical care. The professor's careful attention to detail and emphasis on observational skills had left a clear impression. This year's Defense Against the Dark Arts class would be both challenging and unique.

James leaned back in his chair, as he surveyed the informal living room of Potter Manor. The firelight flickered across the walls, casting long shadows over the marble floor, exquisite furniture and the collection of magical artifacts that adorned the room. Sirius Black and Regulus Black were bent over the cribs where Sirius's twin babies, Reggie (Now known as RB) and Leia, were nestled. The baby twins cooed and giggled as their father and uncle entertained them with soft, animated toys and gentle charms.

Jenny and Miranda were seated together on the couch, huddled over some papers and whispering intently. Remus, seated in an armchair, was studying a piece of parchment with his usual thoughtful expression, though he occasionally glanced up to smile at the playful scene before him.

Jenny looked up, her eyes alight with excitement as she addressed the whole room. "I heard about a dark artifact gala at Obscura Hall next month. They're showcasing some rare items, including a Gryffindor Crest Medallion that's recently surfaced."

"A Gryffindor medallion?" James asked, raising an eyebrow. "Let me guess—it's either a key to some ancient treasure or just a really expensive paperweight?"

Sirius was grinning delightedly as he floated a small, shimmering charm above Leia's crib, chimed in. "Either way, it's bound to attract attention. Dark wizards love their shiny trinkets."

Remus glanced up from his parchment with a subtle smile. "And here I thought you were just into shiny things for their aesthetic appeal, Sirius."

"Guilty as charged," Sirius laughed, shrugging nonchalantly. "But let's face it, anything with Gryffindor's name on it is bound draw a crowd."

James's eyes widened and brows furrowed as he tilted his head. "Hold on. What's Obscura Hall, and how on Merlin's earth do you know about this illegal dark artifact gala?"

"Obscura Hall used to be a rehabilitation center near Knockturn Alley. It was shut down years ago after a scandal, and now it's used by dark wizards for their artifact galas and secret gatherings. I heard about the gala from a patient," Jenny, who was a healer at St. Mungo's, explained.

"So you think that since the thief at St. Mungo's and Belleview is after the Gryffindor Stone, they'd be after the Gryffindor Medallion as well?" asked James. 

"Exactly."

"Then we need to get in," said James.

Regulus, who had been gently waving colorful smoke over Reggie's crib, looked up with a thoughtful expression. "Dark wizards don't put their treasures on display without ensuring they're protected. So the gala is likely to be heavily guarded. We'll need to be careful if we plan to get close."

"They haven't met us and our ways. Dodging fancy security at a gala is child's play to us," said James as he exchanged playful smirks with Sirius. "But nevertheless, we'll be careful," he added to an apprehensive Regulus.

Sirius leaned in, twiddling his fingers. "And the thief after the Gryffindor Stone will probably be at the gala. Sounds like a prime opportunity to make our move and catch them in the act."

Remus, maintaining his calm demeanor but with a hint of a grin, added, "Just to be clear, by 'make our move,' you don't mean actually steal anything, right?"

James chuckled. "Come on, Moony, where's your sense of adventure? But not to worry. We'll keep it low-key. Wouldn't dream of ruining the big night for dark wizards."

"If we're going to this gala, I'd better make sure Sirius behaves," Miranda interjected. "Last thing we need is him charming every witch there while we're trying to catch a thief."

Sirius raised his hands in mock surrender while Leia reached for a floating toy in her crib. "Hey, I can multitask. Besides, someone's got to keep the crowd entertained."

Jenny's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I'll work on getting us invitations and digging up more on the medallion so we don't actually have to worry about sneaking in. Miranda and I will handle that while you four come up with your plan—defense or otherwise."

James shrugged. "Defense, attack—depends on who makes the first move. But don't worry, we'll be ready."

Regulus nodded in agreement, his expression serious. "We should also inform the Order about this. If the heirloom is as powerful as we believe, it's crucial that we don't let it fall into the wrong hands."

"Good point," James replied. "We'll coordinate with the Order."

"Just try not to burn the place down while you're at it," Miranda added with a playful grin.

Sirius, still grinning, responded, "No promises, but we'll keep the fireworks to a minimum."

As Jenny and Miranda exchanged a conspiratorial look and left to make arrangements, James watched them with a mix of excitement and anticipation. The prospect of uncovering the truth behind the Gryffindor heirloom and catching the thief was thrilling. Gryffindor's heirloom, a dark artifact gala, and a bunch of dark wizards—what could possibly go wrong?

With that, he joined his friends at the table, ready to dive into their next adventure.

=to be continued=

Please review and let me know what you think of Iverson and his class. And of the upcoming adventure of the Marauders. Let me know what you think of the dialogue, narration, characterization, character dynamics, etc. Would love to hear it.

Chapter Text

Harry and Ron had just finished recounting the details James had shared over the two-way mirror to Hermione. The crackling fire in the Gryffindor common room cast a warm glow, but it did little to ease the unease that had settled in Harry's chest.

Aurora swooped in with hardly a sound, landing gracefully on the armrest of Hermione's chair. Hermione retrieved the letter from her beak, glancing at it briefly before setting it aside. "It's from my parents," she said with a brief smile before her expression turned serious. "So, this dark artifacts gala has a Gryffindor medallion that your dad thinks might be linked to the Gryffindor Stone?"

"Yeah," Harry replied. "He's sure. Whether or not there's a connection between both heirlooms beyond belonging to Gryffindor, he thinks the thief would still be after it just in case."

Aurora stretched her wings slightly, feathers ruffling before she settled back down. Her silver plumage caught the firelight, and her red beak gleamed as she maintained a still, watchful presence. The low hum of their conversation blended with the soft crackling of the fire.

Ron fidgeted with a piece of parchment, eyes focused. "Makes sense. I just hope they figure out how to get in and catch whoever's behind this."

Hermione's face turned pale. "If the medallion is linked to the stone, I can't even imagine what could happen if someone gets their hands on it."

They exchanged apprehensive looks as Hermione's words hung in the air, the fire crackling softly beneath the weight of the conversation. Harry felt an urge to reach out to Hermione's hand and tell her everything will be alright but refrained.

"I hope they haven't already gotten hold of the Stone." His voice cut through the heavy quiet.

Ron and Hermione nodded in agreement. "Did your father mention having a plan to get in?" asked Hermione.

"So far, they're still working on it," said Harry. "They're prepared to break in if they don't get invites."

Aurora adjusted her footing on the armrest, wings twitching before she stilled again, her gaze sweeping across the room.

Ron's brows furrowed as he absently twisted a corner of a parchment. "Do you think they can manage it? The security at these events is bound to be tight."

"Yeah, but I have full faith in the breaking-in skills of my dad and his friends." Harry met Ron's concerned gaze with a firm nod and what he hoped was a reassuring look.

Hermione frowned thoughtfully. "I should look into anything related to this. Although, I doubt I'll find anything more than what's in Grimmauld Place's library. I'm sure your dad and his friends are covering all their bases there."

Aurora tilted her head slightly, a brief movement of her wings before she settled into her perch again. Her eyes reflected the flickering firelight as the room fell into a quiet lull. The conversation continued, the urgency of their discussion mingling with the calm of the evening.

James sat with Sirius, Remus, and Regulus around the low table in Potter Manor's informal living room. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting shadows over the map of The Obscura Hall sprawled across the table. Scribbles and annotations covered it, marking off each potential entry point. They had all been ruled out. Too many enchantments, too many guards, or simply impossible.

"We still don't have a clear plan," James said, leaning backin frustration. "Every entrance is either locked up tighter than Azkaban or crawling with security."

Sirius, lounging in his usual careless way, tapped his fingers against the edge of the table. "We need more than a plan. We need a miracle or at least a distraction big enough to give us a shot."

Regulus furrowed his brows."What about the underground passageways? They were used during the war by some high-ranking wizards. If they're still intact, we could slip through undetected."

James looked over at him, considering it. "It's an option, but I'm not sure if it'll get us far enough inside."

Remus nodded thoughtfully as he leaned forward, studying the map. "If we can find one that hasn't collapsed, it could work. But we'd need to be sure there are no lingering curses or protections left over from the war. The last thing we want is to trip an alarm."

Sirius grinned, half-joking, "Oh, come on, Moony, what's a mission without a little danger?"

"We've had enough 'little danger' to last a lifetime, Padfoot. I'd rather not add to that list," Remus said dryly.

Before anyone could respond, a soft knock interrupted them. Alfred, Potter Manor's butler appeared at the door.

"Mr. Potter," Alfred began, "A Ms. Veronica Delcroix is at the gate. She claims urgent business. Shall I send her away?"

Veronica was the last person they needed in the middle of this. He and Veronica had casually snogged a few times back in 5th year. Sirius and her were involved in 7th year but Sirius was more emotionally invested and had his heart broken as Veronica used and threw him. He glanced at his best friend whose entire posture stiffened at the mention of her name. Remus exchanged a knowing glance with James, the tension in the room palpable.

"Let her in," James said after a moment. "But keep an eye on her, Alfred. I don't trust her."

Alfred nodded and disappeared, leaving a thick silence behind.

Sirius grumbled, still staring at the map. "I can't believe we're letting her in. She's always got an agenda."

James shrugged. "Better to know what she wants than be left guessing."

Remus leaned back in his chair, arms folded as he considered the situation. "Whatever she's after, she won't make it easy. Veronica never does anything without a game in mind."

A few minutes later, the door swung open, and Veronica swept in, exuding her usual confidence. Her dark hair fell in perfect waves, her smile was practiced, but her eyes were calculated and assessing.

"James. Sirius. Remus. Regulus," she greeted them, her voice dripping with familiarity. "I hear you're planning something rather daring involving The Obscura Hall."

James looked up, barely acknowledging her."Veronica, you must be lost. The party for people we don't trust is at Malfoy Manor."

"Ah, but what's a party without a little intrigue? I thought you'd appreciate the thrill," Veronica quipped flirtatiously.

"Veronica, if we wanted a thrill, we'd go broomstick racing in a lightning storm, not get tangled in your schemes," Sirius scoffed in growing frustration.

Her smile widened, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Straight to the point, as always, Sirius. But I'm here to help, believe it or not." She let her gaze linger on the perfect-haired Marauder as her smile turned coy. "And offer… assistance."

James raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair as he crossed his arms. "Right, and I'm the King of Great Britain." He'd known Veronica long enough to understand that nothing came without strings attached with her. "Why are you really here?"

Veronica let out a light, musical laugh and took a step closer to the table. Her perfume, a familiar, overwhelming scent drifted toward him. "You wound me, James. I heard you were trying to get into the gala and thought I might offer my assistance. By the way, did you know that place used to be a home for the mentally disturbed?" She scrunched her nose at the last two words.

"You must have had your own wing," said James.

Her lips twitched in amusement, though she didn't falter. "Touché, James. Always quick with a comeback." She turned her attention to Sirius. His gaze was stony, unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders spoke volumes. "But jokes aside, why are you trying to get in? Dark Arts is hardly your specialty."

Before James could respond, the door to the living room swung open again. Jenny and Miranda stepped in, both dressed warmly from their outing, unaware of the tense atmosphere they were walking into. Jenny's bright blue eyes darted towards James in confusion as she noticed Vernoica.

Miranda who had been pushing the twins in a stroller raised her eyebrows. "Sorry, are we interrupting something?"

Veronica's smile didn't waver, but the arrival of the women clearly threw her off balance for a moment. "Oh, no interruption at all. We were just discussing a little… heist," she said lightly, though the tension simmered beneath her words.

Sirius finally looked up."You're not interrupting. Veronica was just about to tell us what she really wants."

Veronica's eyes lingered on Sirius for a beat too long, her smile turning predatory. "It's still hard to believe, you know," she began, her voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Sirius Black, the heartthrob of Hogwarts, now playing house. With twins, no less."

Sirius's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Veronica turned to Miranda, her smile sharpening. "I still remember how madly in love with me he was back then. Everyone could see it. Sirius, the untamable rebel, completely smitten. We had something so... intense," she purred, her eyes flicking to Miranda's, gauging her reaction. "But alas I let this one go due to the the folly of youth. After me, I honestly didn't think anyone could tie him down."

James, sensing the growing discomfort, intervened. "People grow up, Veronica," he said firmly."Sirius has, and he's happy. You might want to accept that."

Miranda's grip on the stroller tightened slightly, her expression unreadable, but the tension in the air was palpable.

Veronica continued, her words like venom wrapped in honey. "I suppose people change. I just hope Sirius isn't settling because he couldn't have me."

James felt the air shift immediately. Sirius was staring at Veronica, his mouth slightly open as if to respond, but for once, words failed him. His usual sharp tongue was stilled, and it took James by surprise. He glanced at Miranda, who stood rigid beside him, her grip on the baby tightening. Her face was no longer calm. It was stormy and her eyes were blazing with fury. She looked like she wanted nothing more than to slap the smug smile off Veronica's face. The tension rolled off her in waves, her jaw clenched so tightly James wouldn't have been surprised if she cracked a tooth.

Jenny stood next to Miranda, arms folded tightly across her chest, mirroring her friend's irritation. James could sense the storm brewing between them, a shared frustration that crackled in the air like electricity. Before anyone else could speak, he stepped in.

"Sirius has moved on, Veronica. So we'll thank you to leave the past where it belongs and get to the point of why you're here," said James.

"Fine" Veronica pulled out a sleek envelope from her bag and held it out, her movements slow and deliberate. "I've brought these," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "Tickets toThe Obscura Hall Gala. You'll need them to get in. I'm sure it'll be... illuminating."

The rest of them exchanged confused looks.

"What's the catch?" Sirius narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah, why are you helping us?" asked James.

Veronica's lips curved into a knowing smile. "Let's just say I have no love for dark arts gatherings, but keeping certain... connections alive might be useful in the future."

Sirius scoffed, folding his arms over his chest. "Connections, huh? You've burned enough of those already, haven't you?"

Veronica's eyes flickered with a brief flash of irritation before she regained her composure, her smile sharpening.

"Oh, I'm well aware of the bridges I've burned, Sirius. But let's be honest, you're all stuck here fumbling through plans that are leading nowhere. With these tickets, you won't have to go through the trouble of figuring out how to get in. I'm offering you a straightforward solution to your problem. You get access, and I get to watch the chaos unfold from a distance."

"We should take it. I mean, it's not like we have a better option right now. We might as well use the tickets and see what we can uncover," said Regulus.

"I agree. Sometimes, it's worth taking a risk if it means we can gather information we desperately need. We can't afford to let this chance slip away," added Remus.

James met Sirius's gaze, both of them exchanging a long, silent look. Sirius's lips twitched, his expression hard to read but clearly torn between frustration and reluctant agreement. James clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of the decision pressing on them. It wasn't ideal, but it was the best option they had.

With a subtle shift of his shoulders, James gave a slight nod, and Sirius, after a moment's hesitation, mirrored it. "Fine" they said simultaneously as they turned around to face Veronica.

"Wise choice" Veronica's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she handed the tickets over. But as Sirius reached for them, her fingers lingered just a second too long, brushing against his hand. She made it look effortless, a casual gesture, but James didn't miss the way her gaze flickered to Sirius's wedding band, her touch a whisper of something more than just business.

James glanced at Miranda who looked like she wanted to tear Veronica's eyes out. Beside her, Jenny rested a firm hand on Miranda's arm, her eyes blazing with shared fury.

James cleared his throat, breaking the tense silence. "Right. We've got what we need," he said, his eyes flicking to the tickets now in Sirius's hand. "We'll figure out the rest from here."

Veronica's smile remained, but she took a step back, clearly satisfied with her parting blow. "I'm sure you will. Keep in touch, Sirius," she winked at him. She cast one last lingering glance at them before turning on her heel and sweeping out of the room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor.

The room stayed quiet for a moment after she left, tension still hanging in the air like smoke. Sirius finally exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening around the tickets. "That woman hasn't changed a bit."

James nodded but said nothing, his eyes drifting to Miranda, who hadn't taken her eyes off the door Veronica had just exited.

"Let's just focus on the plan," Regulus said, breaking the silence, his voice firm. "We've got work to do."

With that, they all leaned back over the map, but the unsettled energy still lingered, a reminder that nothing with Veronica ever came without strings.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

Miranda leaned into the plush embrace of the sofa, her legs tucked beneath her. The firelight flickered lazily across the room, casting shifting shadows along the walls. Sirius sat beside her, his arm draped over the back of the couch, fingers occasionally brushing against her shoulder in absentminded affection.

She should have felt warm, comfortable and secure.

Instead, her mind kept looping over Veronica’s perfectly manicured smirk, the way her words had slithered beneath Miranda’s skin, leaving something insidious in their wake.

"Veronica Delcroix," Sirius drawled, tipping his head back against the cushion. "What a bloody nightmare."

Miranda let out a short breath; something between a scoff and a laugh. "Understatement of the century."

Sirius smirked, pleased with her agreement, and stretched his legs out. "Should’ve used the same Langlock spell on her mouth that James and I used to use on Filch back in school. Would’ve spared everyone a headache."

Miranda huffed in amusement, but the levity felt hollow. She didn’t want to talk about Veronica. Didn’t want to admit, even to herself, that she was still thinking about her. That she was still hearing her voice in the back of her mind.

Sirius turned his head slightly, his sharp eyes catching hers. "You alright?"

The question made something tighten in her chest.

"Of course," she said automatically.

His gaze lingered for a moment too long. "You sure?"

Miranda forced a smirk, tilting her head in faux amusement. "I think I’d know if I wasn’t."

It was a good enough deflection. At least, it seemed to be. Sirius shrugged, letting the moment slip away as easily as it had come.

"Good," he said simply, as if that was the end of it. "Don’t let Veronica get in your head, alright?” he clasped her hand. “She’s not worth it."

Miranda nodded, her expression smooth. "Of course," she said, because it was what he expected.

But inside, the words rang hollow.

It should have been easy. Shrug it off. Laugh about it later. Move on.

And yet, she couldn’t quite shake the feeling that Veronica had seen something she shouldn’t have. Had caught a glimpse of something Miranda didn’t want to examine too closely.

Not yet.

Sirius put his arms around her, absent and warm. She closed her eyes briefly, letting herself lean into it. Just for a moment.

Then, she exhaled and settled deeper into the couch, resting her head against his shoulder.

It wasn’t a lie if she didn’t say it out loud.

October passed almost uneventfully. Professor Iverson’s classes continued to be a favorite among students, while Snape’s and Ortega’s lessons remained as unbearable as ever for Harry. The calm of the month was interrupted only by Harry’s first Hogsmeade trip, which, despite the extra protection his dad had set up —including Sirius, in animagus form, keeping a discreet eye on him—turned out to be a delightful experience. Harry was grateful that the protective measures didn’t detract from his enjoyment.

The much anticipated Quidditch match against Slytherin was meant to be Gryffindor's first of the season in November. However, due to Malfoy’s persistent faked injury, the match was rescheduled to be against Hufflepuff instead, much to the annoyance of the Gryffindor team. Not only did they lose the chance to face their longtime rivals, but Hufflepuff, led by the talented Cedric Diggory, promised to be tougher competition than they had expected. That only made the switch all the more frustrating.

The wind bit at James’s face as he stood in the stands, watching the Hufflepuff-Gryffindor match unfold. He was alone due to the Ministry’s new rule permitting only parents or legal guardians at Quidditch matches. The crowd, normally a roaring sea of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff pride, was muted by the heavy storm that had set in. The first rumble of thunder shook the stands, and rain poured down, splattering his glasses and soaking through his robes.

The players battled against the blustering wind and driving rain. Harry, ever the determined Seeker, darted back and forth across the field, his broom swaying precariously in the gusts. A twinge of worry gripped James as he watched his son’s small frame cut through the air, barely visible in the downpour. He had never been comfortable with Harry flying in conditions like these. The storm was turning treacherous, and it was only a matter of time before disaster struck.

The Hufflepuff and Gryffindor teams were neck and neck, though James could barely see the action.  The rain fell in relentless sheets, and James’s heart pounded as he squinted through the downpour. The match was pure chaos; the players were little more than blurred streaks of red and yellow across the pitch.

James cast a spell on his glasses, sharpening his vision through the storm. When the game briefly halted, he and Hermione hurried onto the field, both intending to fix Harry’s rain-splattered glasses. Before they could, however, Madame Pomfrey arrived with goggles for all the players and firmly insisted the match continue, despite James’s request to postpone it. Resigned, James adjusted Harry’s goggles with a quick spell to match his eyesight, offered a few words of encouragement, then pocketed his son’s glasses and returned to the stands.

When the match continued, it got slightly better. But soon, something felt off.  James gripped the railing, his breath quick and shallow. Then a creeping cold seeped into his bones; unnatural, suffocating. This was more than the storm. The temperature plummeted, and a sickening dread clawed at his chest…..Dementors.

James’s breath hitched, his eyes darting towards Harry. His son was struggling to hold his broom steady. For a split second, Harry’s focus faltered, and his broom wobbled  beneath him. James’s blood turned to ice as Harry began falling off his broom. 

“Harry!” James screamed, but his voice was swallowed by the wind. He tore across the field, legs pounding against the wet grass, wand drawn. He pushed his legs harder, his heart a frantic drum in his chest. It felt like an eternity before he reached the field. With a flick of his wand, he slowed a plummeting Harry down as Dumbledore who was beside him caught Harry. James deduced that Dumbledore had acted at the same moment, casting the same spell to slow Harry’s descent but shifted his focus to catching Harry when he noticed James controlling the fall. As Dumbledore handed Harry’s unconscious body to him, James vaguely noticed that a few other professors had run over and sent incorpeal patronuses streaking towards the dementors while McGonagall saved the broom. 

He got on his knees, his shaking hands reaching for his son who was pale and limp. James pressed a trembling hand to Harry’s chest and heard a heartbeat. Relief slammed into him, so fierce it nearly knocked him over. He exhaled sharply and tightened his grip tightening around Harry. Dumbledore’s fury crackled in the air, his wand flashing as he sent a surge of silver mist hurtling toward the Dementors. James barely registered any of it. His entire world had shrunk to the boy in his arms. As he gathered his bearings to bring Harry to the hospital wing, Ron, Hermione and a few professors had gathered around him to assist.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

James had barely sat down when Harry's eyes snapped open. Immediately, the boy lurched upright, his green eyes darting around the hospital wing, scanning the faces surrounding his bed. The entire Gryffindor Quidditch team stood there, still covered in mud, along with Ron and Hermione, who looked drenched and frazzled.

“Dad” he said weakly.

“Harry, are you alright?” asked James.

“Yeah,” he answered.

Harry sat up so suddenly that they gasped. “What happened?”

Hermione made a tiny squeaking sound, her eyes red and puffy.

Fred, George, Alicia and Ron took turns explaining what happened. Harry was distraught at hearing that Gryffindor lost the match.

James observed as they tried to pacify Harry and calculated how much Hufflepuff needed to lose their next matches for Gryffindor to win before chiming in. “Son, I know it sucks to lose a match, but don’t let it get you down. It’s perfectly normal for even the best professional seekers to sometimes not catch the snitch. And you only didn’t catch the snitch because of those darn dementors. I’ve lost a few matches both at Hogwarts and on Phoenix Pioneers.  One was due to me falling off my broom much like you did,” said James.

Harry blinked, caught off guard. “You’ve also lost a match, falling off your broom?”

James nodded. “During my first match in sixth year, I reserved as seeker instead of my usual Chaser position. Snape and his gang of Death Eater gremlins jinxed my broom”.

“Good to know Snape was a prick even in school,” Harry crossed his arms.

James chuckled. “To be fair, I was also an arsehole. Probably more than Snape in some ways. Emphasis on ‘some ways’. But at least you and I suffered actual injuries Harry. Meanwhile, Malfoy’s out there acting like a faint breeze is a fatal injury. Honestly, the biggest miracle today is that he hasn’t staged his own funeral."

This got a small laugh out of Harry and along with laughs from the rest of the room. “Malfoy would probably demand a full procession with white horses and a gold coffin,” he said, shaking his head.

James joined in the next round of laughter that followed Harry’s response. He was glad to see Harry beginning to cheer up but could see in his eyes that he was still worried and upset. Probably not just about the match but about the dementors too.

“Dumbledore was furious about the dementors entering Hogwarts grounds and is determined to make sure it never happens again, Harry,” said James.

“That’s right Harry. We’d never seen him angrier,” said Hermione.

Ron nodded eagerly. "Yeah, he helped your dad slow you down when you fell.”

Harry swallowed, then took a breath. "Did someone get my Firebolt?"

"You mean this?" James held up the Firebolt, perfectly intact. “Professor McGonagall saved it with her wand.”

Harry let out a relieved breath, his shoulders slumping. "Thank goodness”.  

Before James could say anything else, the doors to the hospital wing swung open, and Madam Pomfrey bustled in, her sharp eyes scanning the room.

"Out! Out, all of you!" she ordered, flapping her hands at the gathered students. "This boy needs rest, not a full house of visitors!"

“But Madam Pomfrey—” Fred started.

“No buts!” she huffed, already striding toward Harry’s bed. “Mr. Potter has been through an ordeal, and I will not have him overexerting himself.” She gave James a pointed look. “That includes overly enthusiastic fathers.”

James held up his hands in surrender, but he flashed Harry a quick grin before standing. “Alright, alright, we’re going.”

The Gryffindor team and the rest of the visitors reluctantly shuffled toward the exit, offering Harry last words of encouragement before leaving. James lingered a moment longer, reaching out to ruffle Harry’s already messy hair.

“You’ll be alright, Harry,” he said, his voice softer now. “Owl me if you need anything and get some rest alright?” James bent down and kissed Harry’s forehead.

Harry nodded with a small smile. “Alright. Goodnight, dad.”

“Goodnight, son,” James said, giving his shoulder a squeeze before finally stepping away.

Madam Pomfrey turned her attention to Harry, gently pressing a hand to his forehead. “Honestly, it’s a miracle you weren’t hurt worse. Falling from that height—” She clucked disapprovingly. "You’ll need rest, plenty of chocolate, and absolutely no excitement for the rest of the night.”

Soon, Harry was out of the hospital wing and attending classes as usual. The Defense Again The Dark Arts classroom was already warm when Harry, Ron, and Hermione slipped inside, the lamps glowing a soft gold against the stone walls. It smelled faintly of aged parchment and something sharper like steel. Professor Iverson stood at the front of the room, carefully adjusting the placement of a few unusual objects on a velvet-draped table.

One looked like a cracked mirror framed in coppery vines. Another resembled a helmet with dragon scales fused into the metal. But the one that caught Harry’s eye was a gold necklace with a large ring-shaped pendant with a wide empty space in the center, like an eclipse waiting for its sun. The pendant was lined with fine grooves, as though it once housed a gem that left behind it’s perfect hollow.”

"Today, we'll be learning about ancestral magic and protective enchantments," Iverson announced, his voice brisk but steady. "These are spells and items passed down through bloodlines, often misunderstood and often dangerous. But they’ve saved lives as often as they’ve taken them."

Harry glanced sideways at Hermione, who was already taking down notes.

"As you’ll recall from last week’s reading," Iverson continued, “such heirlooms often require more than ownership. Many respond to blood, to intent, or even to legacy.” His gaze moved across the room but didn’t linger anywhere long. “This necklace, for example …” He picked up the old necklace carefully, holding it between his thumb and forefinger, “was once believed to house a protective gem, forged during the early centuries after the Founding of Hogwarts.”

Hermione’s hand shot up.

“Yes, Miss Granger?”

“Was it tied to a specific family line?”

Iverson tilted his head, amused. “A good question. Some think it belonged to a northern noble wizarding family. Others argue it was made for one of the Founders themselves, though that’s always speculative.”

Harry frowned slightly, his eyes drifting to the empty socket at the heart of the pendant. It looked almost too perfect, like something had been meant to sit there for centuries, and now it was gone.

“Can it still work without the missing gem?” asked Dean from the next row.

“That depends.” Iverson gently set the necklace back on the cloth. “Some heirlooms cling to remnants of their former power. Others? Empty husks.” He moved to the edge of the table and gestured toward the drawer beneath. With a soft click, it shut itself and shimmered faintly with a weave of runes, nothing dramatic but just enough to make Hermione's eyebrows lift in interest.

“Nothing to worry about,” Iverson said easily. “That drawer holds a few items from the Department of Magical Artifacts for temporary academic use. It’s sealed with a ward keyed to my magical signature and Professor Dumbledore’s”.

The class went on with quiet murmurs as they were invited to examine the items, including the necklace. Harry was clearly itching to have a close look at the necklace. Ron poked Harry’s arm with his quill and he took the necklace in his hands, whispering, “Bet Malfoy thinks that thing belongs to his family.”

Harry didn’t laugh. His eyes were still on the necklace, drawn to the space where something precious had once belonged.

He couldn’t say why exactly, but something about that empty space in the pendant and the delicate way Iverson had handled the pendant stuck with him, like a thread he couldn’t quite tug free.

=to be continued=

Chapter Text

I am so so sorry for the delay. I was really trying to makesure I have everything ploted out for year 3 for the mystery to flow well.

The outside of The Obscura Hall hummed with restrained magic. Floating lanterns bobbed in the drizzle, their warm glow reflecting against slick black marble steps. Guests, dressed to the event's code- opulent tuxedo robes and gown robes- glided up the staircase beneath an enchanted canopy that shimmered with starlight;the faint hum of violins spilling from the grand hall within.

Inside, the Gala was a spectacle of wealth and shadows. Chandeliers shaped like golden serpents shed molten light across velvet-draped tablesand portraits whispered as guests passed. A faint trace of rare incense hung in the air. Conversations blended into a low, decadent murmur:the sound of old money wrapped in self-importance.

Sirius smoothed the sleeve of his deep navy robes, the silver threading catching the chandeliers' light like starlight on water. With her hand on his arm, Miranda's crimson gown robes drew the light like quiet fire. James stood aheadof them, adjusting the cuff of his cobalt-blue robes, all polish and casual confidence. Jenny's pale-gold robes shimmered softly beside him, elegant but unpretentious. Remus, in sky-blue robes, added calm to the was every inch the noble in emerald and silver; posture perfectand expression unreadable. Veronica's black satin caught the chandeliers' light like a mirror; flawless, cold, and designed to remind everyone she was.

Together, they looked immaculate: united and composed, and somehow still out of place among the self-satisfied splendor surrounding them.

"It's like a Death Eater reunion," Sirius murmured under his breath. "Minus the masks."

Regulus arched a brow. "Give them an hour."

They passed waiters bearing trays of floating hors d'oeuvres and goblets that refilled themselves at a guest's whim. They declined a glass of elf-made wine with polite smiles. They preferred clarity tonight: too many secrets in the air to let their mindsdull, even for a moment.

At the far end of the ballroom, under a canopy of enchanted frostlight, stood the auction platform;its velvet pedestal gleaming with relics. Sirius's gaze lingered briefly on the centerpiece: a medallion of gold and scarlet, circular, ornate, and unmistakably ancient. The supposed Gryffindor heirloom. His wife, brother, friends, and Veronica joined him in staring in awe at it.

"Oh, look who's here," said Veronica, amused.

They turned around to where Veronica was eyeing to see Lucius and Narcissaa few feet away. Lucius was dressed in immaculate silver robes embroidered with platinum thread; the Malfoy crest gleaming faintly on his breast. His cane:polished ebony topped with a silver serpent's head clicked softly with every step. Narcissa was draped in ice-blue silk robes that shimmered with their own chill;her diamonds catching the light like tiny blades. Her hand rested lightly on Lucius's arm as they moved together with that practiced grace of people who believe the world should part for them.

They exchanged cool nods and calculated smiles with passing guests. Narcissa's chin tilted slightly higher with each greeting; Lucius's polite charm never touched his eyes. They looked, as always, like beauty sculpted over something colder.

Then Lucius's gaze drifted lazily across the hall and froze as it landed on their group. Narcissa followed his line of sight. For a brief, suspended moment, her expression shattered,her painted calm drained away, and her mouth fellopen ever so slightly.

"Regulus," she whispered, almost soundlessly.

Lucius's grip on his cane tightened, knuckles whitening. His posture stiffened; disbelief flickered across his otherwise impassive features. Without exchanging a word, the couple began to move through the crowdtowards their direction.

Regulus, standing near the edge of the group, had already noticed. His shoulders squared, his face smoothing into polite neutrality, though his eyes betrayed something else: weariness, perhaps, or readiness.

Sirius exhaled slowly. "Well," he muttered, "this should be fun."

The Malfoys approached like a storm front dressed in silk. Guests parted instinctively, uncertain whether they were making way for power or poison. Sirius watched them come with a kind of grim amusement.

"Regulus," Narcissa breathed as she came to a halt before them, her voice trembling between disbelief and disdain. "It really is you. You're alive?"

Regulus's lips quirked into the faintest smirk. "Guilty as charged," he said, his tone dry, almost bored, as if being presumed dead and reappearing at a gala were an everyday occurrence.

Lucius's eyes narrowed. "How?" he asked, his voice smooth but cold. "How is it possible? You were gone. Vanished."

"And where have you been all these years?" Narcissa pressed. "Do you have any idea the scandal you caused?"

"To the first question," Regulus said coolly, adjusting the cuff of his emerald robes, "I was never dead. As you may recall, they never found a body;rather sloppy of them, really."

He paused just long enough to enjoy the flash of irritation that crossed Lucius's face. "As for the second, I lost my memory in an accident fourteen years ago and only recently regained it. I'llthank you not to pry beyond that."

"So you've joined your brother, then, cousin?" asked Narcissa. "Did you manage to bring him and Potter to their senses, or have you been entirely brainwashed by their little crusade?"

"I've seen the error of my ways," Regulus replied evenly, folding his hands behind his back, "and I find I quite agree with my brother and his friends."

The temperature seemed to drop by a few degrees. Narcissa's eyes widenedwith disbelief."You can't possibly mean that," she crossed her arms."You, siding with them? With blood traitors?"

Sirius's mouth twitched. That line never gets old.

Lucius's low chuckle broke the tension. "Come now, Narcissa," he drawled. "He shares half his brother's DNA. Hardly shocking."

His gaze shifted to James and Sirius, assessing them with that trademark Malfoy smugness. "What is surprising," he continued silkily, "is seeing you two at an event like this. Knowing your history, I rather suspect you've come with… an agenda."

Sirius gave him a long, lazy look, one corner of his mouth curling. There it is, he thought: the inevitable Malfoy sneer, right on cue.

"Oh, not to worry, Malfoy," said Sirius. "Our agenda is nothing compared to yours last school year."

Sirius felt the ripple of amusement from his company. Lucius's expression didn't change, but his jaw tightened just slightly. Narcissa's head snapped around, her poise stiffening, but she recovered quickly, her gaze shifting to Jenny on James's arm with the precision of a blade.

"Looks like you've upgraded your company, Potter," Narcissa remarked, sounding almost amused.

James's eyes swept lazily around the glittering hall before returning to her. "Really? Cause,I look around and only see downgrades."

Sirius sniggered as Narcissa's smile tightened: the kind that could shatter glass.

Lucius stepped in before she could retort. "Of course you wouldn't recognize good breeding or society, Potter. It's a rare stroke of luck when you do befriend one, and they usually end up being blood traitors like yourself."

His pale eyes swept over the group, his smile faint and dangerous. "But do take care, all of you. The Dark Lord's time will come againand when it does, being pure-blood or merely wizard-born won't protect you if you're determined to oppose true power in favor of championing riffraff and being a disgrace to the name wizard-born."

"You mean the one you crawled away from when it fell," James said.

Sirius had to fight the urge to bark out a laugh.

A faint twitch tugged at the corner of Lucius's mouth.

"Bold of you to mention Voldemort after that little diary incident," Sirius added. "Heard he wasn't thrilled."

Narcissa's expression iced over; Lucius's grip on his cane tightened.

Before the tension could climb any further, Remus stepped forward."The gala's about to begin," he said.

On cue, the announcer called out "Ladies and gentlemen, if you'll kindly take your seats, the auction will now begin."

Narcissa slid her hand through Lucius's arm."Come, Lucius.

He allowed her to guide him away, his posture stiff with unspoken irritation.

"I hope you both don't do anything that would get our family removed from the Sacred 28," she said as parting remark, walking away with her husband before they could respond.

The moment they were gone, James, Sirius, and Remus exchanged a look: one of collective, weary exasperation. Remus's eyes flicked upward in a silent plea for patience, James's mouth tightenedand Sirius's shoulders dropped in a long-suffering the corner of his eyes, Sirius noticed a flicker of amusement on Veronica's face. Of course she found the whole thing entertaining. It was amazing she didn't open her mouth or suck up to the Malfoys.

Sirius and the rest of gang took their seats with Miranda on his left and James on his right. Remus sat beside Jenny while Veronica who had tried to sit beside him settled for siting beside Miranda. His former caught his eye and offered the faintest smirk: the kind that said she found the whole scene tastier than the hors d' ignored her.

Across the room, a plump manwho had been hoveringnear a display casewith his figure angled toward the artifacts like a crow toward shiny thingshurried to his seat. He dabbed his brow with a handkerchief, eyes flicking down to a small pocket notebook he kept tucking away whenever someone passedbefore he took his seat. The quill clipped to his sleeve twitched as though itching to take notes.

"What's Iverson doing here?" James asked softly so only those beside him could hear.

"You mean Harry's new professor? Are you sure it's him?" Sirius raised his eyebrow.

James nodded. "I've only seen him once during Harry's Quidditch match but I'm sure it's him."

"He seems to be taking inventory," Remus pointed out as they exchange puzzled looks.

Closer to the center of the hall, an attractive women sat, her expression fixed in polite boredom. She was wearing a sleek silver robethat matched the glass gaze kept drifting toward the stage before snapping back every time she caught herself.

"Well, that's the second new Hogwarts professor to show up at this event," James gestured his eyes towards the woman. "Gisella Ortega. Saw her during Harry's Quiddich match too."

"Probably bored of regular gossip," said Sirius.

"Probably. But she seem preoccupied with more than just gossip," said James.

The gang exchanged uneasy was surprising enough to see one of Harry's teachers at such an event but two felt like more than a coincidence. Or was it?

The announcer lifted his hands. "Our first object of the night: the Gryffindor Medallion. A relic of antiquity: rare, storied, and quite impossible to replicate."

A glass case glided onto the platform, the medallion gleaming beneath enchanted starlight. A ripple of whispers passed through the room. Veronica's expression showed aflicker of recognition, then forced bland amusement. Iverson scribbled something hastily before stuffing the notebook back into his robes. Gisella's eyes sharpened, her chin lifting as though taking stock of who reacted.

The announcer gestured grandly. "We shall begin the bidding at—"

A sudden crack. Not the sound of apparition, but sharper. The whole room went dark. A commotion eruptedincluding a sharp, high-pitched scream from a woman.

It was a good few minutes before the lights came back on.

The medallion was gone.

Gasps and whispers rippled through the hall.

Sirius's blood fired. "Someone just made a bloody stupid mistake." He looked toward Miranda and his friends; each of them had gone pale.

Across the room, Iverson had also gone sheet-white, clutching his notebook like a lifeline. Ortega backed one careful step into the shadows. Veronica didn’t scream or gasp; she simply raised a brow, as though she’d been expecting the evening to get interesting.

None of them looked innocent.

to be continued=

Please review and let me know what you think so far. I spent so much time trying to nail both James' comebacks to Lucius as I really wanted to channel Harry's cheek. Not sure if I succeeded.