We are Hungry Men

I.

Chapter 1

James Potter

1981, October 31st

“Do you think British Muggles care about Halloween the way Americans do? No one else has put pumpkins out” James said as The Generation Game went to break. He leaned back in the arm chair at a curious angle. His chest bulged with excess chub, while his middle stayed curiously rigid.

“No, they’re so anti American. Wizards only celebrate it, because of ancient tradition. They don’t trick or treat or anything” Lily called back from the kitchen. “Do you think two Tray’s of Lasagne will be enough. We need to do another run to the co op soon. But their food is lousy,” Lily groaned. “Honestly I need to go a decent supermarket.”

“It’ll do me” James said patting his stomach. “God knows what Sirius is going to think when he sees me. All this sitting around barely leaving the house, I’ve gotten fat. Even the girdle is struggling.”

“It’s a few stone. You’ll manage” Lily laughed. “I put on more carrying Harry.”

James turned toward the kitchen. “That is very different, you carry it better. I’ll just end up resembling my Dad. All belly with a pair of stubby fat legs.”

Lily laughed, and James grinned at her, “You know I don’t think I’d mind that.”

“Oh really?” James got to his feet and walked to the kitchen barefoot. His arms wrapping around her. “When the war is over you want me fat…is this so I’ll be so hideous no one else will want me.”

“It’s because your happiest when there’s food infront of you” Lily replied kissing his cheek. “Your very easily manipulated that way.”

“You wound me Lils” James groaned kissing her neck. “Given Harry is in bed. That gives us a little bit of time to…”

“James” Lily sighed.

James pouted, “Harry gets to see your breasts more than I do. Aren’t we supposed to ween him off them..”

“I do. He likes both”

“I do too. You can tell he’s my son” James teased. “I’ve been wondering do you think we should expand our brood. Because none of our friends are going to have kids soon”

“You’ve gone from food to sex, to baby making. Sometimes I wonder what’s going on in your head” Lily wondered squeezing his hand.

“It’s a wonderful place” James said. “How far off is dinner?”

“It’s done. Do you really want a whole tray of lasagne to yourself.”

“Yes woman I’m famished” James insisted grinning. “And there’s not much else to do.”

“You really are becoming a fat man” Lily chuckled prodding his stomach. “You’ll rival that brute that Petunia married.”

James lifted his sweater and revealed the tight shirt and the Puckering buttons. Glimpses of a straining girdle underneath. “I used to fit into smalls and now look I’m outgrowing mediums. And it’s All … your … fault” James jiggled his pot belly for emphasis, grinning amused.

Lily kissed his lips gently. “My fault” she agreed.

James knees buckled and he cupped her behind. “Dinner? Then dessert. I’ll be good and not leave any leftovers.”

“Okay. God I can’t believe your talking me into this” Lily nodded.

“I am very charming” James grinned ruefully. “And Sex is just the molehill, the mountain is convincing you to get pregnant again” James said.

“I can’t exactly get a refill on a birth control prescription” Lily pointed out. “So it wouldn’t take much.”

“The downside of living in a safe house. With musty carpets” James said wryly. “Should be any day now. I hope.”

“Honestly, we did a good job making this habitable” Lily grinned breaking James hug. “Now go have dinner” Lily encouraged.

“Careful now or I’ll start resembling slughorn.”

“James Potter, don’t tease me with a good time” Lily replied. “Go eat. I’ll be a minute”

Lily walked to the television and switched it off. They’d put Harry to bed early, and now they had the evening to themselves. It was going to be a quiet evening right?

There was a knock at the door.

“I’ll get it” James groaned as he walked down the stairs. He shook his head as he smiled at Lily. “This is what I get for wanting to get laid.”

“Just go see who it is” Lily said wryly.

James looked through the peephole curiously. “Oh” he said trailing off.

“So?” Lily said hands on her hips.

James opened the door and two teenage boys stood wearing Parka’s and shivering slightly. One had dark hair and and the other had white blonde hair both boys had green eyes. There was something familiar about them. “We don’t have anything for trick or treating. And don’t you have to wear costumes?”

“Normally yes. But we figured what the hell. Time travel by a manic. We’re already stuck here might as well break things even more” The blonde one said looking terrified.

“He’s just freaking out. He’ll be fine in a minute. I’m..uhh….” The one with dark hair trailed off.

“James? Who is it?” Lily asked inching towards the staircase.

“Just a couple of teenagers. Relax you can stand down” James reassured.

“Actually you probably shouldn’t stand down. That’s sort of why we’re here. We were hanging near the church and there’s creepy looking bald dude heading in this direction. We thought he might be a maniac” The Dark haired boy warned.

“This is so bad” The blonde boy muttered shaking his head.

“This is Delphi’s fault. We’re out of options” Albus hissed.

“Who’s fault?” James asked not following.

“Not relevant. Okay sort of relevant, but not majorly important. Anyway just wanted to let you know the creepy man is coming this way. So be ready?” The Dark haired boy reassured, “Should I tell him about the rat thing..”

“Albus…”

“We weren’t going to use names.”

“No no I get that. It’s just” Scorpius whimpered. “He’s at the garden gate.”

James stared past them as a figure stood with dark robes. Voldemort, his eyes red and skin pale and clammy. “Boys inside now!” James bellowed and slammed the door shut. Holding himself against the door.

“Well so much for that plan” Scorpius panicked. “Instead we get to die with our grandparents.”

James paused for a second, looked at the two boys for a second. Smiled and then continued with the door. “Lily he’s here! Protect Harry!”

“Where’s your wand?” The blonde boy asked.

“Upstairs” James explained.

“I’ll find it. You seal the door” The brunette explained.

“Why me?” The blonde protested.

“Your better at locking charms”

The blonde sighed, and pulled out his wand and cast a few charms at the door. James stepped back and smiled. “Impressive.”

“I’m good at magic, top of my class” Scorpius grinned. “Also why don’t you have your wand on you.”

“Eh. Not much to do, but sit around and eat.”

“Eat?” The blonde questioned confused.

“Oh yeah. I’ve really put on weight since going into hiding. Obesity runs in our family.”

“Oh that explains so much” The blonde realised.

“Does it. Your thin?”

“You should see our older brother. He looks like a fridge and eats everything in it” The blonde grinned, then paused for a second. Shaking his head. He had a curious expression, slightly dazed.

“Got the wand!” The brunette boy said waddling down the stairs a couple of hundred pounds larger than he’d been before going up the stairs. “Here you go?” He puffed offering the wand.

James blinked and the blonde boy beside him was now equally obese. The two exploding out of their oversized clothes. “Thanks” he smiled. “You two are big lads.”

“Our Dad is massive. Like big obese mammoth. It’s a wonder we’re not fatter” Scorpius explained. “So what’s the plan?”

“We’re going to kill him? In history he kills you with the killing curse. Then goes against his promise to Severus killing Lily. And then tries to kill Harry. But the spell backfires.”

The brunette’s belly rumbled loudly. “I’m starving.”

“If I survive. There’s lasagna in the oven. If I don’t. There’s lasagna in the oven” James nodded. He thought for a second and then grinned. Waving his wand and shifting the couch until it acted as a barrier.

“Alright killing curse it is” James said.

“So you boys recognise your grandfather.”

“You’re thinner than I thought” The blonde admitted. “We don’t have that many photos.”

“We’ll change that. If we get through it” James grinned. “So boys what are you names? Tubby and Fatso?” He patted both their fat bellies.

“Shouldn’t say. In case we erase ourselves. We don’t know what’s changed already” The Blonde admitted.

James looked down at their large bellies, and decided not to mention their sudden expansion . The door blew off its hinges. “Canon line”

“Bombarda!” There was an explosion as Voldemort was thrown backward. “That worked” The brunette grinned.

“It’s the boy I want.”

“Which boy. There’s two teenagers right here” James declared. “Or do you mean my son.”

“It’s because of the prophecy. Voldemort doesn’t have the full thing” The blonde hissed.

“Full…thing?” Voldemort said pensive.

“He’s stopped, might as well” James said warily.

The blonde hesitated and looked at James who shrugged. “Yeah. You following the prophecy confirmed it. If you’d ignored it, you’d have been fine.”

Voldemort frowned, “That! Is not possible. I shall begin with..,”

“Avarda Kadarva” James bellowed, as the curse exploded out of his wand. He gripped it with two hands. As the powerful hex was hurled at Voldemort. His scream echoing in the night, searing into his white flesh like a lightning bolt. “Nasty.”

“Huh. Interesting” The blonde murmured.

“Boys up the stairs. Go..”

The two fat teenagers heaved themselves up, and waddled up the staircase. Jiggling with each stair. James decided that he would definitely make sure any grandchildren were spoiled rotten.

“Alright Volde. You and Me…” James grinned backing up toward the potion cabinet. He grabbed a bottle, feeling the shape to make sure it was the correct one.

The blonde boy watched from the staircase and his eyes widened. As he realised. Good. At least his grandchildren weren’t idiots. With a bit of sleight of hand James swallowed the potions contents. He felt himself becoming tired as Voldermort hurtled the killing curse at him. James threw himself to the ground as he passed out. Voldemort didn’t know any better as he walked up the stairs.

❧

“I can’t believe that worked” a voice murmured as Something delicious was waved under his nose.

“There he is. See I told you, this is good lasagna. Grandma’s cooking is delicious. No wonder I put a few pounds after every visit.”

James opened his eyes to the blonde boy waving a plate of lasagne under his nose. The house was a mess. Like a literal bomb had gone off. The brunette was sitting on the couch eating greedily. Harry beside him his face covered in lasagne, a large bleeding scar on his forehead.

“We should put a plaster on that. Lily will kill you” James muttered taking the plate.

“The scars iconic” The blonde grinned. “Here you’ll need to eat.”

“How long?” James yawned, as she scooped up a bite. “About twenty minutes. It wasn’t a strong potion.”

“We used it to sleep when Harry was younger” Lily yawned waddling out of the kitchen. Hand rubbing her belly gently. “We’re a bit immune to it.”

“Either way it worked” the blonde boy grinned.

“What worked?” The brunette grunted greedily as he scoffed a mouthful.

“Whatever we came here for…?” The blonde said confused. “To stop Voldemort. I think.”

“This explains why Grandma and Grandpa would never explain how they survived” Thr brunette said grinning. “Dad’s going to kill us. He turned to the baby, “No grounding me. I’m your favourite.”

The blonde snorted in amusement. “Grandchildren” Lily said wryly as she fed James a mouthful.

“Obese grandchildren” James murmured as he ate.

“They take after you” Lily teased. “Eat up and then you boys will need to get back..”

“Oh yeah how” The brunette frowned.

“I imagine. We’ll probably tell them” James added. “After a family dinner of course.”

“My grand babies aren’t leaving without a full stomach” Lily smiled.

“Grandma is the best” The brunette grinned eating happily.

The lasagne disappeared rapidly until all their bellies bulged. James put his around the two teenage boys. “Now do you boys want any advice about girls? Boys? Did you inherit the Potter charm?”

“We’re not really popular. At all” The brunette admitted. “I’m so bad at magic, I get called a squib on a weekly basis.”

“It takes time. Magic is an art form. Practice, some people are naturally gifted. But for most people it takes time. And there’s nothing wrong with being a dork” Lily smiled.

“Exactly. Your grandmother was a huge…” James stopped. “Right. We better see you two off.”

“Wait. Bellies out. I want a photo” Lily said finding a camera. “Not broken. Unlike everything else..”

James lifted his shirt and the two boys did the same. He heaved Harry onto his lap, undoing his onsie so his gut bulged out too.

“Perfect” Lily laughed. “Say Cheese.”

“Cheese” the three said grinning.

The camera flashed and Lily smiled. She grabbed a marker and wrote a time and date on the back. “Alright boys. Enjoy the future.”

“We will” The blonde smiled.

James hugged both teenage boys warmly. “Time travel. You make me proud” he murmured. As they waddled over to hug Lily tightly.

“So out of curiosity …” Lily enquired as she whispered to the boys.

The two teens looked at each other before the brunette whispered in her ear. “Wait. What did you ask them?” James asked.

“Never you mind” Lily said.

James frowned and walked to the doorway. With a pop four figures appeared suddenly in the street. A blonde, a brunette, a woman with brown curly hair and a red head. They were standing far enough he couldn’t figure out any details beyond that. Then he blinked. And the same four people were looking absolutely heavingly fat. Good. That was the future he wanted.

“I think your ride is here” James called to the two teen boys. James waved at the four.

The brunette man waved a fat arm back.

“Bye grandad” the brunette teen smiled.

“Bye” the blonde agreed.

“We’ll see you the long way round boys” James chuckled. He went to shut the door but realised it was off its hinges. “What a strange night.”

“Indeed. They were very sweet” Lily smiled.

“They reminded me of you” James admitted. “At least we know Harry gives us grandchildren,”

“We should Obliviate ourselves” Lily pointed out.

James sighed, “Must we? They were careful. They didn’t give away too much. We don’t even know their names.”

“How did Voldermort find us” Lily said sitting.

“No clue. They must have got to Peter” James sighed and looked broken. “Merlin, I hope it was quick.”

“We’ll worry about that tomorrow then” Lily reassured.

“For now. We tidy up and then I want to go to bed.”

“Do you? I’m pretty stuffed. Oh! Oh!” James realised his eyes widened.

“Cleaning first” Lily warned. “At least the boys put out the fires” Lily admitted. “Harry’s room looks a state.”

Chapter 2

James Potter

James Potter woke up on the 1st of November, he rolled over and smiled at his wife. They were alive.

“Pinch, Punch first day of the month no returns” Lily said eyes closed as she reached over and pinched his gut. “Tubby.”

“Tubby. Tubby? Careful who your calling tubby” James said gasping in horror as he kissed Lily. Climbing ontop of her. “Perhaps I’ll sleep like this.”

“Do it. And your never sleeping with me again” Lily grunted.

“Fair do’s” James rolled off her instantly. “Who’s turn is it, to get our calf up?”

“Yours. And you need to stop calling him that” Lily frowned. “He has a scar now he needs a much cooler nickname.”

“Pft, we’re an animal themed family. I’m a stag, you’re a doe. He’s our prodgeny, ergo Calf”

“I’m regretting holding that leaf in my mouth” Lily sighed.

“What else did we have to do during august? I still think we should have tried with Harry.”

“He’s one and a half. He’d have swallowed it” Lily chuckled.

James grinned and patted Lily’s stomach. “I tell you what. I’ll make breakfast,”

“Nothing involving the stove. You burn everything you touch. And honestly I don’t trust what condition the kitchen is in.”

“Got it. Cold food only” James nodded sitting up he looked down at the bloated mound in his lap. “I really am tubby.”

Lily nodded, before she rolled over onto her side. “Sexy and tubby.”

James grinned and heaved himself out of bed. Walking toward the room they’d co-opted into being a nursery. Harry was stood upright in the crib gripping on the bars tightly.

“How’s my calf. Do you feel more relaxed after sleep prison?” James grinned as he lifted Harry into his arms. “No bad dreams after the evil man tried to kill you”

“Fat Dada” Harry said patting James chest with his small fist.

“That’s right. I’m your fat daddy. Hey wait a second” James frowned. “Lily!” There was a sound of sniggering from their bedroom. Harry was smiling at proudly, “can’t stay mad at you. Come on breakfast” he grinned. “Then you can have tit juice.”

“You’re not allowed to call it that” Lily called back.

“We’re calling it that” he whispered to Harry.

James carried Harry downstairs the morning sun streaming through the broken windows. The room still looked trashed, and messy. But everything was quiet. Peaceful.

He put Harry down infront of the television, and flipped it on, waiting for it to warm up. Slightly impressed that it still worked. “We are so getting a new tv at our place” James muttered messing his son’s hair.

“Okay. Breakfast” James said walking into the kitchen. He couldn’t wait to go home, and hug Sirius again. He probably should diet, before he got any fatter, he’d never be able to live it down. James Potter’s stomach rumbled. He’d diet tomorrow …. Maybe.

“Cereal?” Lily checked.

“Yep. So what do we tell people, I mean he’s gone right. We can’t bring up the grandchildren thing. Blonde who do we know that’s blonde.”

“Many people. Stop overthinking it” Lily frowned. “I’ll send a patronus to the order.”

“But I know who our babies true love is. They didn’t give any clue. Actually there was a blonde. But they were far enough away and I think they had long hair…and.”

“I will obliviate you. Drop it James Potter” Lily called. As James carried the bowls out.

James watched as a blue doe disappeared out of the house. “I give it five minutes.”

“I give it two” Lily laughed taking the bowl off him. “For all last night. It was nice knowing everything turns out.”

“Yeah. Although I imagine it’ll be an interesting ride” James grinned.

They were about four mouthfuls of cereal in when Dumbeldore turned up.

“Less than two” Lily grinned as she opened the door. “That means I won, morning Dumbledore.”

“Good Morning Lily” He smiled, looking around the room. “Quite a mess,”

“Had the dark lord try to kill us. And then die. It’s been a weird day” James commented.

Dumbledore looked visibly surprised. “Excuse me.”

“Harry. Killed voldermort when his killing curse backfired” Lily explained. “We got very lucky. We might have died…”

“Yeah Harry might have to go live with your sister” James shuddered.

“Please. Sirius would take him. It’s his duty as godfather” Lily replied. “In no world would I ever want Harry to grow up with my sister.”

“You don’t mind if I examine where it happened?” Dumbledore asked.

“Not at all” James said handing his cereal to Lily. “There’s no body, the backfire destroyed him.”

“And the nursery” Lily commented. “I liked our nursery.”

Everyone who still remained in the order came to inspect the destruction that morning. It was very clear that Voldemort had in fact died.

“We can’t stay here tonight” Lily admitted to James.

“No we can’t. We could go visit your sister” James grinned.

“God No. We could get a hotel? Or go back to Potter Manor.”

“My bed. Merlin I could sleep on my proper bed” James grinned. “Does this mean the war is over?”

“God I hope so?” Lily smiled. “Also Harry is getting fussy.”

“Everyone wants to examine him. And his scar” James smiled. “Probably should take him somewhere.”

Dumbledore came down the stairs with Moody, frowning. “Now I assume Sirius was your secret keeper” Dumbledore began.

“No. It was Peter actually” James added. “Sirius and I figured he was too obvious.”

“I see” Dumbledore nodded trying to disguise his suprise. “Then we better locate Peter and see what’s become of him. Now do you need accommodation for tonight.”

“I think we’ll just go home” Lily commented.

“A wise plan” Dumbledore agreed. “I imagine it’ll an interesting time. With Voldermort’s corporeal body destroyed.”

“You don’t think he’s dead?” James asked.

“I think for all intents and purposes, no I don’t think he’s dead. Or at least not completely. But for now and as people would interpret it, he is dead” Dumbledore explained vaguely.

“So we’re safe?” Lily checked.

“I believe so, I don’t believe he’d be in a position to make a second attack any time soon” Dumbledore agreed. “I’ll go speak to the minister. I imagine you’ll get a lot of attention.”

“Oh great” James said rolling his eyes. “I’ve always wanted to be famous.”

“Oh don’t give me that” Lily scoffed. “You and Sirius would have started a band if you had any musical talent.”

“I’ll let you both sort through the destruction. I would advise you not do it quicker. Before the ministry arrive and start going through everything.”

“Noted” Lily nodded. “You’ll let us know about Peter right?”

“I will” Dumbledore confirmed. As he swept out the door.

❧

Rescuing their possessions turned out to be a more difficult time than they imagined in the light of day. They grabbed what they could and packed it into boxes and bags. It was a bit of a mess. But then the house looked like it’d exploded and then sunken in a bit. Which it had, which wasn’t remotely reassuring.

“We probably shouldn’t have slept here last night” James admitted.

“Probably not. But we were exhausted” Lily pointed. “Ah! Harry don’t put that in your mouth” Lily said spotting Harry picking up a bottle.”

James grinned at the pile of boxes and the cage where an orange cat was begrudgingly curled up. “We’ll be going back to the big house soon Bustopher” James reassured.

There was firm insistent knocking on the door.

“I wonder who that is” Lily said dryly.

James ignored her and opened the door. Sirius Black stood there with a satisfied smirk. His dark hair wavier than it had been traditionally. A black leather jacket across his shoulders and a tight red t-shirt that barely reached his fading black jeans. “Miss me?”

James grinned and just enveloped Sirius in a hug, he squeezed him tightly. “Padfoot are you really here?”

“In the flesh Prongs” Sirius grinned. “Which you have a lot more of. What happened there?” Sirius roughly jiggled James love handle.

“Ahem” Lily coughed her wand out. “Step away from your wife, and confirm your identit.”

“But Dumbledore said we’d be fine” James pointed out, before he saw Lily’s glare. He winced and stepped back. “Sorry” he apologised to Sirius.

Sirius crossed his arms. “Codeword. Okay” he said wryly. “I like big penises and big swollen balls in my hand” Sirius said trying not to snigger.

“You’re such a child Sirius” Lily sighed.

“You should have owled” James said punching his shoulder.

“Owled? I heard you almost died and you killed Voldemort” Sirius replied punching him back. “And you got fat.”

“It’s not that bad” James said sucking in.

“Fat. Seriously you’re becoming as fat as…”

“Go on Sirius. Finish that thought I dare you” Lily said eyes narrowing. Crossing her arms over her chest.

“Peter” Sirius said carefully. “I was going to say Peter” he lied.

“Don’t antagonise my wonderful wife” James said. “We’re going back to the manor. You should bring Remus.”

“Ehhhh” Sirius hesitated.

“What did you do?” Lily sighed.

“We just…have drifted apart a bit. We haven’t really been talking… I thought he might have been the traitor…” Sirius stopped when he saw both James and Lily glaring at him. “Guess that instinct was wrong.” Sirius paused and grinned. “There’s my godson. Look how big you are” Sirius said scooping Harry up and hugging him enthusiastically.

“Sirius” James warned.

“Oh don’t judge me fat ass. My pants still do up” Sirius muttered.

“What?” James pulled up his jumper and sure enough he was missing the button his trousers. “Bugger that keeps happening. I’m running out of trousers.”

“If you ate less”

“Sirius. Stop trying to ruin him, I put a lot of work in” Lily warned. “Or I’ll hex you so you end up the same way.”

Sirius gasped horrified “You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me” Lily smirked hands on her wide hips.

“She would. That’s why I love my wife” James grinned. “Have you heard from Peter?”

“Nope.”

“We worried he might be dead. That’s the only way he’d have given up where we were staying” James said firmly.

“Right” Sirius muttered unsure.

“What do you think?” Lily asked.

Sirius sighed, “I think he sold you out. He’s been odd lately…odder than usual I mean.”

James eyes narrowed and he felt his stomach twist in pain. “I’m going to kill him” he muttered.

“Let the Aurors deal with that” Lily reassured.

“They won’t find him” James pointed out. “He’s unregistered. We know him better.”

Lily sucked on her lip as she stared at James. “Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”

“We won’t” James said darkly.

❧

They left Lily back at Potter Manor. As she began to sort everything out. James and Sirius walked in silence as they walked down the lane. Crossing the road as they caught sight of a cottage engulfed in trees.

The Pettigrew Home, It was one of the properties on a much larger estate. But the larger home had been burned down during the 1940’s. Now the cottage sat alone. With one sole occupant. Sirius knocked on the door which after a moment opened. A short fat woman with a round face, and greying hair appeared.

“Mrs Pettigrew. Is Peter in?” Sirius asked firmly.

James stood beside him arms crossed. “We’d like to talk to him.”

Her eyes widened slightly, as she stared at James. “Always a Mumma’s boy” Sirius said.

Their wands were out and Sirius had the older woman in his grip as he led her inside.

“He’s home isn’t he?” James whispered.

“He’s a good boy?” Mrs Pettigrew whimpered.

“So my wife and child dying is a good thing is it? Curious. Especially when I’m more of a pure blood than you” James goaded.

“You’re a blood traitor” Mrs Pettigrew hissed.

Sirius slapped her hard, “Peter, come on out or you’ll get to join the orphan club like James and I.”

Mrs Pettigrew started to cry. James looked at Sirius and nodded at him. He took Mrs Pettigrew pressing the wand against her neck. “I have a couple of spells that work wonders on death eaters” James commented.

Sirius transformed into the familiar form of a hulking black dog, he sniffed firmly.

“Come on Peter, I just want to talk. Or are you a coward?” James called out. “Or are you scared that the same thing that happened to your boss will happen to you.”

“What happened to The Dark Lord?” Mrs Pettigrew asked.

“I used the killing curse on him. And then he tried to use it on my son. And it backfired. He blew himself up. No more Dark Lord. Now all those Death Eaters who pledged themselves to him. Are going to be hunted down, it won’t take long I imagine” James chuckled. “That’ll include Peter, you were the one who encouraged him didn’t you? Whispered in his ear. Suggesting he betray his friends. For what? A seat at Voldermort’s table? Was it worth it?” James asked.

Mrs Pettigrew just sobbed.

Sirius crept up the stairs, as quiet as he could manage. His ears perked up listening, he heard the tiny scrabble of claws. And Sirius launched himself at him, gripping Peter between his teeth. He bit down and threw him down the stairs. Peter transformed back, his sides bleeding from large gouges.

“Glad you could join us” James sneered. “Was it worth it?”

“I don’t know what you mean” Peter lied.

“Come on mate. There was only one secret keeper and it wasn’t me. So why do it?” Sirius asked.

“I thought we were your friends?”

Peter looked down. “You had lives. I had nothing. I’m pureblood I deserve everything” Peter snapped. “Instead everyone looks at me with pity.”

“Petrificius Totalas” Sirius cast. “Sorry was I meant to let him finish monologing?”

“Nah” James smirked and cast a binding charm on Mrs Pettigrew and letting her go. She fell to the floor with a a thump.

“So what should we do” Sirius commented.

Peter’s eyes stared up at them.

“I want to make him hurt” James said darkly. “I want to punish him.”

“James” Sirius warned.

“I’m not going to kill him. But I’ll give him a leaf out of moody’s book” He smirked.

James waved his wand and a red lines started to appear on Peter’s wrists and ankles. His eyes widened and tears ran down his cheeks. As his hands and feet were slowly torn from their body. Leaving nothing but bleeding stumps.

“I would probably get him to St Mungo’s. But I imagine he’ll be arrested there” James smiled. “Goodbye Peter. I hope it was worth it.”

Sirius followed James out. The pool of blood following them slowly toward the door. “I’ve been thinking about you and Remus.”

“James. We don’t need fixing, I think it’s over” Sirius sighed.

“Nah. You just need something that’ll force you both to commit” James grinned.

“I’m not getting pregnant” Sirius sighed.

“Harry would love a cousin” James encouraged. “And you’d love being Remus wife.”

“James no” Sirius said chuckling.

“Sirius yes.”

“Maybe. The battle will be convincing Remus.”

Chapter 3

Remus Lupin

Remus Lupin slowly woke up, his body still hurt. He slowly sat up his body naked a fur hide draped over his body. He could taste blood in his mouth.

“You’re awake” grumbled a heavy fat voice. “When was the last time you ran like that?”

Remus rubbed his eyes and looked at the fat boarish man Brent, he had heavy chins and round beefy face. Thick hairy sideburns and furry bulging gut that had begun sagging. He sat on an upturned log In front of a fire. “Before the war” Remus replied his throat gravely.

“I can tell” Brent winked, and scratched his fat thick cock. “You were a good lay.”

Remus straightened, fear rising up through him.

He chuckled hard, “Your face, no we didn’t. You’re not really my type twink.”

Remus sagged in relief, and moved closer to the fire. “I have a….” He stopped himself, he didn’t know what to call it anymore.

“I have some pups and a wife at home” Brent smiled. “Keeps me fed.”

“When you say pups?” Remus asked.

“Term of endearment. It’s rare to pass it on” he reassured. “The Wizarding world might be scared of us, but we can still live our lives.”

“Aren’t you scared you’ll hurt them?” Remus said feeling the heat on his hands.

“No. Because I know when the full moon is, and I go away. And I come back a day or two later. My family understands. They help me, wearwolves aren’t solitary animals. We need a pack. We need family or we just wither and rot, or worse get lost to the wolf.”

Remus nodded, he knew James, Sirius and Peter would do anything for him. They would always protect him. But he’d always be dangerous, always a threat to Lily and Harry.

“You won’t hurt them. Trust yourself.”

Remus scoffed shaking his head. “I’m dangerous.”

Others began to stir, waking from their rest after their long night. Moving close to the campfire. Remus ended up sitting beside Brent.

“Do you take wolfsbane?” Brent asked.

“No I can’t afford it” Remus murmured.

“If there’s one thing I can tell you. The Wizarding World might not want us, but the muggle world doesn’t know better. Get a job, and start getting it. “You can’t live your life afraid, because that’s not a life worth living.”

Bowls of porridge were handed around and Remus ate quietly. He still hadn’t brought up Dumbledore’s request, to ask them to ally against Voldemort.

“Why do you stay out of the war?” Remus finally asked.

“Because neither side helps us. One side fears us, the other sees us as monsters that can be used as a tool” Brent admitted. “It doesn’t work in our favour. We keep our heads down and weather the storm.”

“But people are…”

“If we were under threat would they help us” Brent said firmly. “They’d far sooner let us die out. We are an inconvenience to them. They are so naive about us, they still believe muggles cannot become like us. There are far more of them in our midst, than wizards.”

Remus eyes widened, “what?”

“Muggles have been telling stories of our kinds for hundreds of years. Muggles are not as naive as wizards claim” Brent muttered.

“Brent. There’s a stag at the edge of camp”

“Fuck” Remus straightened. “I’ll kill them.”

“Friends of the animals are you?” Brent smirked.

“It’s a friend” Remus muttered. “I’ll go speak to him.”

Remus got up, rubbing the dirt he could feel stuck to his bottom. He walked to the edge of the makeshift camp, a stag stood its head raised high. “I really hope it’s you James. Otherwise I’m going to look crazy yelling at a stag.” The Stag leaned down and munched on a clump of grass. Remus folded his arms, and watched as seconds later the stag spat it out. Remus shook his head chuckling, “I’ll respect your commitment. Why are you here?”

The stag began to transform the sound of cracking on the bone. As the majestic stag turned back into James Potter.

“Afternoon Moony, how you feeling.”

“What’s the password” Remus said eyes narrowed.

“Pop goes the Weasel. I’m not singing the song.”

“Why are you here” Remus said cooly.

“Missions over” James said honestly.

“Are you alone?”

“There’s a dog with its tail between his legs. Hiding behind a tree” James offered.

“And…”

“You both need to talk Remus and we need to talk.”

Remus frowned, “what’s that’s supposed to mean.”

“Here, Lily sends her love and told me to tell you. To stop being stubborn and listen” James added. “And she threatened with multiple expletives to slap you both until you make up.”

Remus chuckled, “That sounds right.”

James handed him a bag of clothes. “Figured you’d need something to change into.”

Remus took the bundle and changed into the trousers and shirt. They were James and were a little looser than what he wore. The shoes were his old ones, comfortable and familiar.

“How far is a caf?”

“Ten minutes walk. We walked up from there” James reassured, he squeezed Remus shoulder. “I’ve missed you.”

Remus smiled although it felt hollow. That voice whispering quietly in his head they didn’t trust you. Sirius appeared from behind the tree. He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. They were silent as they walked. They eventually came to the river and crossed over. They heaved themselves up the bank and slowly crossed the park Signs of a high street.

James sighed dramatically, “Your both exhausting.”

“You’re both just going to stand there and brood?” James sighed. “I’m gonna get some chips.”

James looked both ways and crossed the road, opening the door to a greasy cafe. Remus noted the way his behind his straining in his trousers.

Remus watched and looked over at Sirius, he hesitated for a moment. Could they get back to how things were, “Has he put on weight?”

Sirius grinned, it was a familiar grin that Remus hated how much he had missed it. “Wait till you see Lily. It would be considerably underselling to describe her as curvy.”

“Seriously?” Remus murmured. “What did they do for all their isolation, eat?”

“Honestly I think they did” Sirius said wryly.

Silence fell over them, “Is that all we have to talk about? Our friends.”

“It’s easier than talking about us” Sirius admitted.

“Yeah” Remus nodded he dipped his head. There was a park bench and he sat down. “Is the war over?”

Sirius nodded, “Yeah.”

“What happened?”

“Not yet” Sirius sighed. “Not yet.”

“So we can only talk about us?” Remus said swallowing.

“Yeah” Sirius nodded. “Or we can join Porky across the road.”

“Speaking of where’s Peter?” Remus grinned.

Sirius face tightened, “That’s…later.”

Remus considered for a moment. “Okay. I think I need to hear what’s happened. Then us.”

Sirius nodded, “Are we done?”

Remus paused, “I..”

“Are we?”

Remus swallowed and considered for a long moment. “Done? No. I don’t think we’re done.”

Sirius sighed in relief, “Good. Fuck… I can’t lose you.”

“Sirius” Remus said gently. “I could never give you up. You’re my family, and I don’t know how I’d cope without you. You keep me human.”

“You’re the best human out of all of us” Sirius said taking Remus hand. “You care. Come on, let’s go check Prongs hasn’t choked on a chip.”

Remus smiled and squeezed his hand back, and the two carefully crossed the road. James had commandeered a table that was a bright orange yellow. The worn tiled floors and the pained walls that had seen better days. James had a styrofoam container bloated with chips and drowning in gravy, along with a Coke. “You have to get your own” James grunted chewing. Or at least that’s what Remus presumed he said, he couldn’t quite tell with how full James mouth was.

Remus ordered a greasy sandwich with egg, and bacon. He didn’t get chips, Sirius got a coffee. “So. What happened?”

James paled a little and swallowed. “Voldemort came. Halloween night. Lily and I got really fucking lucky. Harry he survived Voldemort’s killing curse” James explained.

Remus laughed, “Oh come on James. What rubbish…”

“James and I made Peter secret keeper. Thought it was too obvious to keep it as me. Peter had been the traitor, he was a death eater” Sirius said honestly.

“You’re not joking. Voldemort really…. oh fuck…”

“Yeah. Voldemort is destroyed, I don’t want to say dead. Because Dumbledore doesn’t buy it, which is concerning. But yeah he was destroyed” James said sighing, he grabbed a handful of chips.

“What happened to Peter?”

Both Remus and James looked guilty.

“What did you do.”

Remus could barely look at them when they were done. He understood, he hated that he understood.

“He’s in custody” James murmured. “We didn’t kill him, but we hurt him. We didn’t kill him.”

“I wish you had” Remus admitted. “And I hate that. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I wasn’t there.”

Remus took a shuddering breath and began to cry.

Sirius was holding him tightly, whispering gently into his ear. Telling him it’s okay. “I love you” he murmured into Remus ear.

James sighed and looked at both of them. “We have to be strong. Because we survived, and we have to live for all those people who sacrificed themselves” James warned. “And the next few months are going to be hell.”

“All the trials” Remus murmured.

“I’m gonna get some more” James grinned as he heaved himself to his feet, and walked back to the counter.

“I don’t want to get left behind by James” Sirius admitted.

“Okay? What are you saying?” Remus frowned.

“Well James has a wife and a kid. I don’t want to be the fun uncle Sirius. I mean I do. But I want to have kids that grow up together. So James and I compare milestones and pit them against each other. I want a family Remus. I want a family with you, and I know you don’t want children. But I need this….i think we need this.”

Remus swallowed, all he could think about was Brent.

”You can’t live your life afraid, because that’s not a life worth living.”

“You want a baby?”

”….. We need a pack. We need family or we just wither and rot, or worse get lost to the wolf”

“Yeah. I want a baby. Maybe two.”

“Okay” Remus agreed.

Sirius blinked staring for a moment. “But I. Was gonna pitch how I was going to carry our child. Because that way…”

“I said okay” Remus chuckled. “Let’s have a baby.”

Sirius smiled and kissed Remus gently. “And marry me…”

“Okay” Remus grinned.

“Are you sure you are sure Remus? I expected more of an argument.”

“I got some good advice. And it helped realise what’s important” Remus smiled.

“I got more chips, and I got a few sausages too” James grinned sitting down at the table. “I have missed take away.”

“You don’t need it tubby,” said Sirius, prodding James belly firmly. James scowled back and spitefully scoffed a chip.

Chapter 3

James Potter

10 Years later

“Sir” A voice asked from the doorway. His assistant Gabriel a young man plump with rosy cheeks and brown eyes. His pin striped suit straining over his muffin top like belly.

“Yes Gabe” James said looking up, his seat groaning audibly under his weight. In the decade since Voldemort’s death, James weight had steadily increased growing his plump pot belly until it was a large bulging sphere. Adorned with a flabby pair of moobs and a backside that bulged out wider than his gut.

“I have news” Gabe grinned conspiratorially.

James chuckled and leaned back, his seat groaning audibly as he leaned backwards. “Go on” His eyes flicking up to the photograph he proudly displayed on the wall. It was taken at an event where he had successfully started to advocate for select causes. He particularly advocated that the ministry subsidise the production of Wolfsbane potion. Minister for Magic Millicent Bagnold had relented quickly when James publicly pushed back against her criticisms when he told reporters. “If the individuals pushing against the legislation. Are so against helping a minority of people. Then perhaps they’d prefer I turn my attention to disproving any claims by Pure Bloods being under the Imperious Curse during the war.” The legislation was very quickly pushed through. Mostly out of wanting to avoid opening that specific Pandora’s box. The photo featured James (Considerably Thinner) standing with Lily (heavily pregnant), Remus (When he briefly decided to grow a moustache), and Sirius (Also heavily Pregnant). It was one of his favourite photos, and had kickstarted his career at the ministry.

“Dumbledore has turned down becoming minister for a second time! And according to someone very high up. They’re thinking of asking Cornelius Fudge” Gabe said with a smirk.

“Fudge? That idiot” James groaned. “Seven years stuck with him, absolutely not” James said firmly.

“I figured you’d react that way Sir, so I made the liberty of soft launching your name in as a possible alternative for Minister” Gabe said with a proud smile as he handed over a folder.

James chuckled amused as he reached his fat fingers gripping the manilla folder. “From Head of Department for the Welfare of Magical Creatures to Minister of Magic. Gabe while I appreciate the initiative, I think it’s a little …” James trailed off as he opened the folder. “Preference rating of 79%?”

“It is very high, not dumbledore high. But..”

“Merlin. Gabe, what do you think?” James asked honestly.

“Sir, I think you should do it. Certainly, you’d be the youngest minister in a considerable period.”

“It’ll be an uphill battle against the purebloods” James admitted his chin wobbling.

“Sure, but they’re sort of a minority these days” Gabe pointed out. “What’s the worst that can happen?”

James considered for a long moment, trying to imagine any downsides. “Okay. Put my name forward” James agreed.

That evening James got into the lift, he always tried to be first to walk into the lift. Everyone got a look when a fat man was the last one to step into the lift. Forcing their girth into the narrow space. Barty ‘my face is half moustache’ Crouch stepped in beside him. “James” he said with a nod.

“Barty” James said as the lift doors closed.

“So, Minister eh?”

James offered a casual laugh, “Perhaps, my assistant spent all afternoon pitching the idea. I can’t imagine it’ll happen, I’m too divisive especially among the old families.”

“You could try to win them over” Crouch pointed out stiffly.

“Honestly, I’d rather try to tame a dragon naked” James commented.

The lift doors opened, “How did you make the tough decision?” James asked, his fat palm holding the door open as he waddled forward.

“About my son?” Crouch asked hesitating slightly. “I knew exactly what I had to do. Goodnight James.”

“Goodnight” James offered, as he waddled across the atrium towards the fireplaces. He groaned audibly as he climbed into the fireplace, he groaned a lot more in general now days. Probably the downside of being in his thirties. “Potter Manor” and he found himself sucking in as he barreled through the floo network. The voice in the back of his head, telling him he might get stuck one day. Finally, he slid out onto the carpet around the fireplace. Worn down from many uses of the floo. “I’m home” James called out.

“Dad!” Harry beamed from the couch. He was a round fat eleven year old boy. With round little glasses that sat on his chubby face. James didn’t want to admit how much Harry resembled Billy Bunter. Especially given his beefy figure, Lily had said he more closely resembled James. But he wasn’t sure if that’s a good thing. “How was work? Did you see anything cool?”

“Nothing interesting today” James said as he heaved himself to his feet. He waddled over leaning his gut on the back of the couch. “What are we watching?”

“Blue Peter” David Potter grinned, he had messy Red hair, with freckled cheeks and a bright smile. James thought he looked so much like Lily. “Wanna watch, Mummy brought us cupcakes.”

“Cupcakes” James grinned. “With my tummy well I might scoff them all.”

“Dad” Harry groaned chuckling.

“You can only have one!” David gasped.

“One? That won’t last me” James replied. He pushed David against his belly, “feel my belly it’s been hours since I ate.”

“Fine two. But that’s it” David said prodding James belly.

“Keep them. I’m sure your Mummy has put some aside for the biggest belly in the house” James declared.

The two boys shook their heads. “Mum’s is bigger”

James laughed, “I’ll tell her you said that.”

Both boys protested as James waddled out of the room grinning.

“Winding up the boys?” Lily said wryly as she lay on the couch reading a book. “Couldn’t help it. It’s going to be odd when Harry goes off to Hogwarts” James said hugging her. “How’s the book? Is he better than me at husbanding?”

“He’s fictional. And no. You get me wetter” Lily grinned.

“Lily” James gasped. “The boys are in there.”

“They’re fine” she dismissed.

“Where’s Evan?”

“Upstairs building a block city” Lily explained. “I checked on him a few minutes ago.”

“So I’m potentially going up for a promotion” James offered.

Lily paused and rested the book on her belly. “Aren’t you already head of department?”

“Yes. Apparently turned down going for minister. Again. Gabe thinks I should go for it, he even ran a few polls.”

“You? minister?” Lily grinned.

“Yep. I don’t know what to think” James said honestly.

“My husband, speechless and yet still talking” Lily said wryly. “It does mean, you might have to suck up to some pure bloods.”

James grimaced, “It’s ridiculous. How are they believed them, and they get to carry on like nothing happened” James complained.

“Because It’s convenient, almost every pure blood family basically joined his side. They don’t want to admit they have that much of a problem.”

“We went to school with them. They’ve been trash for years” James complained. “It’s why I’m tempted to say no to this minister thing. I’d have to compromise on that.”

“I know. I know” Lily agreed. “But it just means we know better. You hold the moral high ground. We don’t want Harry having anything to do with any former death eaters.”

“Even..” James began.

“Especially Severus. I can’t believe Dumbledore gave him that job. I don’t care what he offered, he should still be in prison” Lily said firmly.

James kissed her chubby cheek, “Merlin I love you so much, especially the way you hold grudges” he murmured. “When is dinner, it’s a stew so whenever?”

James grinned and rubbed her belly proudly. “So glad I married you. By the way, the kids think you’re fatter.”

“They what?!?” Lily gasped horrified. “Oh absolutely not.”

The front door opened, “What’s James done now?” Remus asked. In the intervening decade a surprising thing had happened. Remus had gotten fat, it turned out that most wolves when given regular doses of wolfsbane you were prone to gaining weight. Most wolves managed it with exercise, Remus hadn’t. James suspected it was his passion for chocolate. His belly bulged out soft and fat giving him a sort of pear shaped appearance, although his face while plump didn’t hold his weight. However James suspected the other reason was being the full time parent of his twins Marlene and Lyall.

“For once it wasn’t me” James grinned. “You are Early for dinner?”

“Thought I’d let the kids play before dinner. So I don’t have to spend hours of them complaining” Remus grinned.

“Uncle Remus!” Evan Potter beamed from the top of the stairs. He had dark hair and he was a slim waif of a boy. He had James dark eyes and Lily’s wry smile.

“I see. What am I then?” James asked.

“Hi Dad” Evan sighed rolling his eyes. Another thing the boy had inherited from Lily. “Uncle Remus. I’ve been building a city. Come look.”

“He’s been at it all afternoon.”

“Really? Slughorn finished early?” Remus asked.

“He had a dinner to attend” Lily said wryly.

“I can’t believe you agreed to let him tutor” Remus chuckled waddling slowly toward Lily.

“Uncle Remus!” Evan pouted.

“Five minutes” Remus offered. “It would be rude of me not to greet your parents.”

“Where are Harry and David? Aunt Lily?” Marlene asked with a sweet firmness.

“Watching the tv” Lily smiled.

“Come on Lyall” Marlene said firmly.

“I want to see Evan’s city” Lyall answered as he waddled after Evan heading up the stairs. Who grinned brightly. Marlene huffed and waddled into the sitting room.

“He likes being in the good books of powerful people” Lily said wryly, “And I’m not cut out to be a teacher.”

“You could just send them to primary school” Remus chuckled. “Marlene and Lyall enjoy it. Well mostly enjoy it” he reflected. “They get slightly annoyed by the healthy eating.”

James snorted, “Where is your doting husband.”

“Coming straight from work. Apparently there was an issue about Hogwarts. Something about those vaults” Remus shrugged.

“We should have found those” James frowned.

Lily scoffed, “Hogwarts is full of chambers and passages, built on other chambers and passages. I think we don’t know half the places in that school.”

“The map was perfect” James declared.

Lily rolled her eyes. “And yet you still lost it.”

“Dad! We can’t hear the Tv” Harry called out.

“So why were you guys raising your voices.”

“The kids think Lily is fatter.”

“Your kids need thicker glasses” Remus grinned.

There was a womph from the sitting room. Followed by the sound of fart. Harry and David ran from the room coughing and covering their faces. Sweating.

“Uncle … Sirius” Harry puffed out of breath.

“Daaaad” Marlene groaned.

“Yes?” Sirius grinned as he walked in smirking.

“You’re a pain” Lily sighed. “Dumbomb? Really?”

“I couldn’t help it, they didnt notice when I flooed in” Sirius shrugged. “Hi Darling” he grinned kissing Remus warmly.

“Hello. Your late?” Remus commented.

“Had to finish paperwork. Because I was gonna get yelled at it if I didn’t” Sirius grinned. “Missed you.”

“Missed you too” Remus smiled.

“How about dinner? While the sitting room airs out” James said chuckling.

“Food!” Harry beamed enthusiastically.

❧

“I actually have some news, I’d like to float” James said as he wiped his mouth, after gluttonously stuffing in a fourth serving of stew.

“I knew I made enough” Lily said to Remus.

“Alright. You know best” Sirius said wryly. Having joined them for dinner. As he glanced over smiling at Remus who belched greedily.

“Guys. I’m trying to announce something here” James groaned.

“Dad. You have to do the cup thing” David suggested.

“We’ll just talk until then” Harry called out. There was a nod of agreement from the other children.

James sighed and picked up the glass tapping it with his spoon. They all quieted.

“Okay. I have some news” he attempted again. “I’m submitting myself to be elected as minister for magic.”

Sirius burst out into a fit of laughter. Then stopped when no one else was laughing. “You’re being serious.”

“Yes” James said firmly.

“Who’s the other option?”

“Fudge” Lily said wryly.

“Oh God, yeah okay that makes sense” Sirius nodded. “He’ll say he’s more experienced being older.”

“I think after the last austere minister. People want a change” James admitted.

“Competent too I bet” Sirius commented. “If your being genuine.”

“I am. But I want my families permission. Because this will change things” James admitted honestly. “So if any of you don’t want me to do it. Then I won’t.”

“Do it!” Harry said firmly. “You always complain about the ministry. You could make things better.”

James smiled, “It’s not that simple. There will be a lot of compromising I imagine.”

“But you can try. And it’s important to try, that’s what you always tell me.”

James smiled at Harry. “Your definitely are taking after your mother.”

Lily chuckled, “Go for it. We’ll all support you.”

“Thankyou, all of you” James grinned proudly at his extended family. “Then I better win this election.”

Chapter 4

Harry Potter

Harry Potter’s feet touched the floor. He liked that his feet touched the floor. He looked beside him at his brothers, David was almost an inch away, so he sat near the front of the chair. Mostly to prove he could. Evan didn’t care and was happy swinging his legs back and forward.

Harry felt his stomach gurgle loudly. He frowned at that. He’d had breakfast of course. But that had been hours ago. Mum and Dad had been busy trying to make sure his robes fitted. As Dad had done them up and immediately burst the seams. So Harry had to make cereal instead. Hurriedly eating it before they had to leave.

He was almost wishing they had tutoring with Professor Slughorn. Who was here too, although he wasn’t on the stage. He could see his enormous figure sitting in the third row.

Harry’s belly gurgled, and he let out a yawn.

“Probably shouldn’t yawn during your Dad’s speech” Sirius whispered.

Harry closed his mouth, “But they’re just talking…. Stuff.”

Sirius grinned, “Yep. It’s like a game. You have to say the right thing. To advance”

Lily glared at them both.

Harry blushed, “Sorry Mum.”

Harry’s belly gurgled audibly, he could hear Sirius grinning. A chocolate bar appeared in his lap.

Harry looked around and confused and saw Uncle Remus winking at him. Harry unwrapped the chocolate bar and took a bite. It disappeared quickly barely having time to savour it. His belly gurgled again, complaining at the pitiful snack.

“If I am elected minister. I will pledge to make the wizarding world equitable. As a Pureblood. I know of the privilege I have been afforded. But I also fought in a war hard for people who didn’t have those privileges. A war that I got very lucky in surviving” James took a long breath. “Voldemort” there were gasps from the crowd, “Grindlewald. The cycle will repeat again if we don’t change.”

There were claps from the crowd.

Harry smiled proudly, even if he had been a little bored. He could see the enthusiasm in the crowd. People were standing on their feet.

“Boys” Lily prompted.

Harry heaved himself to his feet, his fat belly bulging now. His shirt which had already tight. Now groaned, his buttons strained across the arc of his gut. He sucked in a little.

Lily guided them all forward. Harry slowly lumbered forward. He could smell the lingering oder of his Dads farts. Harry was a nervous farter too.

There were numerous photographers who all moved toward the front. A barrage of flash photography began. Harry was blinded as the flashes reflected against his glasses. Momentarily stunned he stopped sucking in and his belly bulged out against his straining shirt. The pressure causing his shirt to rip along the front placket. Harry felt his face turn a deep red. There wasn’t really anyway to hide it etiher, especially from the bubbling laughter from the audience. Mortified Harry stepped backwards and tripped over a cable. As he thumped on the ground Harry felt his trousers rip.

Harry felt his eyes water, but he was determined not to cry. James looked back and turned around heaving Harry up and cuddling against his gut. “Just relax it’s okay. Don’t worry. Happens to me all the time” he reassured.

He looked at Lily, who guided Harry and his brothers off stage in what almost felt rehearsed.

Lily groaned audibly as she kneeled down. “Come here” she said gently. “Let’s fix that up.”

“I’m… I’m sorry” Harry sniffed wiping his tears on his arms.

“You did nothing wrong. But I know you probably feel a little embarrassed right now. That’s okay” Lily said warmly. “Can i fix up your shirt?” Harry nodded and Lily waved her wand the large gap of stitching began to knit itself closed. Lily waved it again and the shirt expanded, “There. Now turn around”

Harry turned around, “Is it my fault if Dad looses the election?”

“No. Not at all. Politics is big, and complicated and it’s more than your father. So no it won’t be your fault. Embarrassing things happened to everyone. Trust me I have many stories about your father. All done.”

Harry turned back to his mother, “I won’t eat anymore.”

Lily chuckled and kissed Harry warmly. “You won’t do anything of the kind.”

James appeared in the wings, “That was good. Right? Right?”

“Yes. Yes it was” Lily smiled.

“Dad…I’m..”

“Harry it’s fine. Seriously” James reassured. “Siriusly.”

The boys groaned, “again?”

“It’s his favourite joke” Remus commented joining them. “And your speech was fine.”

“No. No. It’s my favourite joke. He nicked it” Sirius said wryly. “Last chocolate bar was probably a bit much” he said to Harry.

“No I should have gotten a larger shirt” Lily dismissed. “And he didn’t get a proper breakfast.”Sirius frowned. “Don’t start.”

“Oh I’m definitely not incurring the wrath of Mrs Lily Potter” he grinned.

“Oh no” Remus sighed, pushing Sirius away. “Nope. Let’s go…”

“Sirius Lupin, you get back here right now!” Lily warned.

“Can’t. My husband is leading me away” Sirius grinned. “Bye Enabler.”

“I’m going to suffocate him with my ass” Lily muttered murderously.

Harry frowned, he looked at his brother, both of them had heavy protruding tummies. Big. Just like their parents. Evan wasn’t, he was normal. Harry was jealous of that.

❧

Harry picked up the tongs and put more of the miniature sausage rolls on his plate. The Paper plate was sunken slightly as it struggled under the weight. He waddled back to where his brothers were sitting on chairs. Their own plates weighing down.

“You went for fifths?” David gasped.

“I’m hungry” Harry grunted as he greedily stuffed in a sausage roll. Harry thumped down on the chair. It groaned underneath him. He stood up and leaned against the wall, and chewed.

“Don’t want to break a chair too?” Evan asked curiously.

Harry hated how his brain twisted it into something malicious. “No.”

“Hello” Harry looked up and there was a boy standing there. He looked uncomfortable like he didn’t want to be there. He knew the feeling.

“Hi” Harry offered crumbs spraying out.

“I’m Theodore Nott, my father brought me.”

“Okay” David shrugged, crumbs spilling out.

Theodore huffed slightly. “Your very fat”

“I’m not” Evan grinned.

Harry and David stared at Evan with a frown.

“Yes we’re fat” Harry said firmly. “Does it matter.”

“I guess not” Theodore shrugged. “My Dad wanted to come to listen to what your father has to see. He won’t vote for him. He just wanted to listen.”

Harry frowned and shoved a sausage roll into his mouth.

“Boys” Mum’s voice cut through the noise of the room. “Come over here, we don’t associate with the children of death eaters. We have morals in the family.”

“Okay” Harry said swallowing. He took his plate and lumbered over to his Mum, his brothers following in his wake. They knew the stern look in their mum’s eyes and not to push it. But even Harry could see the way people looked at Lily in surprise. James smiled at Lily approvingly. Harry looked back at the boy, his eyes were watering. An olderman was hurriedly leading him out. His face as red as beetroot.

“Mum?” Harry said unsure.

Lily gave him a sympathetic smile. “They did terrible things during the war and killed many people. They claim to have suffered under the use of curse. That doesn’t work that way. People prefer to believe them and not punish them. Than face the truth that they are bad people who did bad things for the wrong reason. Those people shouldn’t be raising children. Because there’s no guarantee that they won’t become just like their parents.”

Harry nodded and decided he wasn’t going to bring it up again.

❧

Every morning at breakfast a new routine began. Multiple newspapers arriving. Dad would sit there at the head of the table and read them carefully as he ate breakfast. Every day for months, frowns for the bad headlines smiles for the good.

“It’s not good for you to read these” Mum commented waddling in with another plate. “They’re bias.”

“I can’t trust the polls, I can’t trust the papers. What am I supposed to trust?”

“James” Mum said hugging him gently.

“I think your great” Harry offered. “And You do read the papers too much. You get moody if they’re bad.”

“Exactly” Mum said smiling at Harry.“You’re chasing the high. Chasing the positivity.”

“When does the election end?” David groaned.

Harry grinned, “One more month.”

“And then Dad wins?” Evan asked.

“A lot could happen in a month” James warned.

Everyone groaned audibly.

“Oh come on guys” James insisted.

❧

The election arrived, they’d gone out as a family that day to vote. That evening they all sat around the wireless. Mum had ordered pizza and they all greedily ate listening. Evan fell asleep cuddling up to Mum’s belly.

Harry and his cousins started playing monopoly. David was loosing badly.

“Pay up” Harry grinned.

“That’s unfair” David whined.

“You landed on Mayfair. So you have to pay Me” Harry repeated.

“He’s right Davey. That’s how it works” Marlene agreed nodding firmly.

David gritted his teeth, and Harry knew he was about to cause a tantrum.

“Here we go” Lyall groaned. “I told you we should have played uno.”

“Kids. This is it” Dad announced as he turned up the wireless up.

They all headed back to where the adults were sitting around listening to the radio.

“And we have the final count results” The announcer said. “Wizards all across the United Kingdom voted today in their choice for Minister of Magic. Cornelius Fudge and James Potter have been the been in an impressive battle.”

“Come now. James Potter has steam rolled Fudge. Young and Capable are a powerful combination.”

“Yes but his divisive comments about purebloods. Really hindered his chances of winning them over.”

“I don’t think he wanted to win them over.”

“Get on with it” Sirius groaned.

“Honestly at least quidditch commentators know when to shut up”

“Can we go back to our game?” Harry asked.

“Just a minute” Lily warned.

“And yes the final vote has been called. James Potter has been elected minister for magic with an overwhelming majority. We’ll have more details about the demographics about the vote shortly.”

There was a cheer that erupted.

“I did it” Dad gaped. “I did it! I can’t believe it.”

“James you might be the youngest minister in History” Sirius commented.

“Congratulations James. You’re going to be brilliant. I love you” Mum said hugging Dad tightly. Rubbing his belly fondly and he did the same.

Harry smiled at them, he hoped one day he would find someone who cared about him like that.

“Come here boys” James grinned tearing up a little.

Harry and his brothers were pressed against their Dad’s big belly. It was warm and comfortable. As he hugged them. “I love you all so much.”

Harry smiled, he couldn’t imagine his life any other way.

Chapter 5

James Potter

“Urrrrrrrrrrpppppp” James belched greedily, as he licked his lips lazily. “Oh… Lily” he groaned. His fat arms jiggling as he reached up and cupped his wife’s big heavy breasts.

“Yes? My big Tubby pig?” She asked moaning her red hair hanging down her fat belly swollen with stretchmarks.

James groaned as his erect cock pressed into her. “You feel so good. You feel so so good” James moaned. He thrusted rocking his body back and forth. Lily bounced her belly wobbling and her breasts heaving as she impaled herself on his shaft.

“You getting close James?” Lily said puffing. “I want you to finish inside me.”

“Merlin yes. You feel so good. Oh Merlin. Lily I’m going too” James groaned as he felt the apex of his orgasm rapidly approaching, “ohhhhhhh” James groaned as he came hard.

The bedroom door burst open and Harry stood in the doorway. His mouth falling open. “I got my letter…..” he trailed off. As he just as quickly shut the door.

“Oh god” Lily laughed mortified.

“That’ll be some trauma” James groaned his head falling back. “Did you finish? I mean did I make you know?”

“James your huge thick cock is rock hard inside me. I finished” she reassured.

“Good. Good. I love you” he grinned.

“I love you too.”

❧

Sirius laughed hard, “He walked in on you having sex?”

“Yep” James nodded taking a sip from his beer.

Sirius sniggered.

“You should really put a lock on that door” Remus commented.

“Oh I know. But have you seen my husband. He locked himself in a walk in closet” Lily said wryly.

“Oh that was one time” James protested.

“And you never living it down” Sirius agreed.

“I can’t believe Harry is going off to Hogwarts this year” Remus admitted. “He’s gonna give Professor Mcgonagall a heart attack.”

“He had better not. He’s not going to follow in any of your footsteps” Lily said firmly.

James, Sirius and Remus all looked at her.

“He won’t. He’s a good boy.”

They all continued to stare at her.

“Do not ruin him” Lily growled.

“Lily. He’s half James” Remus pointed out. “So at a minimum he’s only half sensible.”

“Oh god” Lily groaned.

“We’ll look, given the size of Harry. He’s going to struggle to sneak away. Are you giving him the cloak?” Sirius asked.

“Absolutely not” Lily said firmly.

James nodded leaning back slightly out of her eyeline. He completely planned to let it get into Harry’s hands.

“Are you going to get him a pet?”

“Maybe an owl, but that’s more for practicality’s sake” James admitted.

“So this weekend? What’s your plan, I was thinking we could go down to the quidditch?” Sirius suggested.

“Actually I can’t. Tomorrow we’re going to my nephew’s birthday” James sighed.

“It’s not lyall’s birthday tomorrow” Sirius frowned.

“His other nephew” Remus sighed.

“Oh the fat one.” Sirius groaned. “Your sister has terrible taste.”

“It won’t be that, we’re going to the zoo anyway” Lily commented. “And you’re not the ones who’ll have to hear your sister making comments on your well every five minutes.”

“Pray for me” James warned.

“Pray for us” Lily corrected.

❧

“Mum? Aren’t we meant to get out of the car?” David asked. They were parked in the carpark outside of a zoo and park.

“We will in a minute” Lily said.

James could see his enormous nephew Dudley, heaving himself out of parents car. “Merlin, he’s huge.”

“You’ve seen our boys” Lily pointed out.

“Thats different, our children have lovely personalities” James grinned. He leaned over and squeezed Lily’s hand. “You ready?”

“No. Not particularly” Lily admitted. “But we’ll have to go. It’s only a few hours.”

“Exactly. A few hours” James nodded. He opened the car and climbed out, out of the corner of his eye, he could see his bodyguards waiting nearby. He gave them a nod.

He opened the back door and the boys climbed out. “Why isn’t there zoo’s for us?” Evan asked. “I only get to look at books with pictures of them.”

“Well a lot of them are very dangerous. When your a bit older, I could take you to one of the dragon sanctuaries. I think there’s on in Romania” James suggested.

“Really?” Evan grinned.

“And by older. I mean of age” James clarified, eliciting a frown.

“Dad. Is Dudley really going to like the present?” Harry asked his dad dubiously.

“He’ll hate it. But did you want to get him something good?” James commented.

“I don’t really want to hear him complain either way” Harry pointed out.

James chuckled, “Davey. Get a move on.”

Lily climbed out of the car. She looked nervous and James waddled over and took her hand as they slowly walked towards her sister.

The Dursleys were interesting. Lily’s older sister Petunia had always been a bit stuffy. She was thinner with neat blond hair and a long face. Not unlike Lily’s mother. Lily had taken after her father a very round man with bright red hair. He’d died of a heart attack the year before Harry was born. James had been glad he’d at least managed to walk Lily down the aisle.

Vernon Dursley, Petunia’s husband was a barrel chested man with a thick moustache and an ego just as big. He hated James and also Lily with a vicious determination that he was better.

“Vernon” James greeted, “it’s good to see you” he said offering a hand.

Vernon Dursley tensed up instantly but shook James hand begrudgingly. “Yes. James Potter wasn’t it?”

“Yes. Glad you remembered” James grinned. “I know that’s difficult for you”

He turned to Petunia who was fussing over her son Dudley a very fat blonde boy, who gave a spoiled smile. James thought he reminded him of Augustus Gloop, from that movie Remus had made them watch. “Hello Petunia, Happy Birthday Dudley.” Petunia offered him a tense nod

“Boys” Lily prompted.

“Happy Birthday Dudley” Harry, David and Evan said in monotonous unison.

James supressed a chuckle as Lily shot him a look.

“We got you a present” Harry said holding out the box.

“Is our son fatter than theirs?” James asked as he put his arm around Lily.

Lily smiled at James. “Really?” She said wryly.

“In your opinion.”

“Dudley is fatter.”

“Damn. Next year then” James grinned. Lily elbowed him.

“What was that?” Petunia asked.

“Nothing” James and Lily smiled.

“Boys, these are Dudley’s friends” Petunia said.

James was relieved his sons were able to look like they were interested.

“Who are they?” Vernon pointed at the Aurors who were standing at a safe distance.

“Oh. They’re my bodyguards, I’m high up in the government.”

Petunia stared at him horrified. Dudley’s friends were very impressed.

“Don’t worry, they’re discreet” Lily reassured.

“What government would employ you?” Petunia grimaced.

Lily leaned over and whispered into Petunia’s ear. James just grinned.

“So Dudley how many presents did you get?”

“Thirty six. Last year I got thirty seven” he muttered pained.

Harry rolled his eyes. “That’s a lot of presents, you’re so lucky being an only child.” He said dripping with sarcasm. James couldn’t help but smile proudly.

“If you were an only child, you wouldn’t get that many” Lily pointed out.

They wandered through the park. It was interesting. Harry and his brothers stuck to together, politely keeping a distance from Dudley. Lunch was painful, the food was good however he was forced to make small talk with Vernon. Who boasting proudly about his job at some manafacturing buisness.

“So how’s things at your little cottage?”

James smiled like a cat with prey, “Little? No we moved back to my family’s manor years ago. It’s got seven bedrooms.”

Venon stared at him, “That’s very funny.”

James tilted his head, “Vernon, you know I come from an incredibly rich family.”

Vernon looked horrified.

James just sat back and patted his gut. “I’m assuming there will be cake at some point.”

“Dad. You know you only get one piece” Harry grinned.

❧

“Coffee. For my beautiful wife” James said waddling to Lily as she sat on a bench outside the reptile house.

“Did you have to say that to Vernon?” Lily asked as she took the coffee.

“He acts like I’m some hippie living out of a caravan” James scoffed.

“At least the boys have been on their best behaviour” Lily smiled.

“They have. To be fair, when Dudley is the bar. Anything is an improvement” James grinned.

“Our boys are growing up” Lily sighed.

“They are” James grinned. “Today has been nice. A family day out, I miss those.”

“So do I” Lily smiled.

“How much trouble could they get into in the reptile house?” James asked.

There was a loud echoing shriek from inside the reptile house.

“Petunia” Lily sighed as she heaved her large body up. “You just had to say it.”

“Men” James said to his bodyguards as they followed them into the reptile house. A huge large snake was slithering on the floor. Hissing at Harry.

Who stood completely nonplussed, hissing back at the snake.

“Is he talking to the snake?” Lily blinked.

“Yep” James swallowed uneasily. “At least we know what pet to get him.”

Lily whacked his belly, “Not helping.”

James looked at his sons, Evan was cowering behind David. Who was watching Harry.

“She’s trying to get back to the Amazon” Harry said turning back to his parents.

“Right. And you talked to the snake.”

“Yes. She’s rather nice” Harry smiled.

James nodded, “Okay. Can you tell your snake friend, to move towards Graham. And Graham is going to organise to take her home.”

Harry turned and hissed to the snake. The snake hissed back and slid towards Graham who Harry helpfully pointed out. James noticed the thumping, he had been tuning out Petunia’s horrified screams. Dudley was behind the solid plate glass.

“Huh” James noted.

“It’s impressive wand less magic” Lily admitted. “But my sister will kill me.”

“A little memory charm I think” James offered.

“How many of those have we used over the years” Lily sighed.

“Not enough” James squeezed Harry’s shoulder warmly, “We’re going to talk at home. Okay?” Harry nodded his smile fading. “You’re not in trouble” he reassured. James approached the window and offered a reassuring smile to Dudley. “Away from the window.”

The screams from petunia filled his ears and shot her a look. Dudley stepped back, and James waved his wand. The window dissapeared, and James helped Dudley out. Before he replaced the glass.

“All better” James smiled. “Just a little accident.” A few quick memory spells, made the moment disappear. It was better that way.

“Petunia? Sorry I was just saying goodbye. Lily and I need to make tracks?” James said with a reassuring smile.

“Oh. Of course Goodbye” she said quickly.

“Vernon” James nodded. “Happy Birthday Dudley” he said walking back to his family.

“Shall we go?” Lily said.

“Am I in trouble?” Harry asked.

“No. You can’t help accidental magic” Lily reassured.

When they were finally back in the carpark. David exploded with, “You can talk to snakes! Since when?”

“I don’t know” Harry shrugged. “It’s normal right?”

“It is not normal no. You’re a parcelmouth” James explained.

“A parcel what? Is that a post thing?” Evan asked.

James laughed, “No it’s what it’s called. It turns up in Pureblood bloodlines.”

“Ah so it’s your side” Lily grinned prodding James belly.

“Maybe. I’d have to look it up, but in all likelihood. It’s probably where he inherited it from” James confirmed.

“Is it all reptiles? Or just snakes?”

“No you can’t talk to dragons. Just snakes” James said opening the passenger door. “Get in the car. You three.”

❧

“Ha! Found it!” James grinned carrying a book into the dining room. “Okay. So Parcelmouthes don’t particularly run on the Potter side. But, my great great great? Grandfather Ominous Potter brought it from his side. He was a Gaunt and married in, so Harry probably inherited it from there.”

The boys who had been eating dinner.

“Well I suppose that’s something” Lily sighed.

“It traditionally is associated with dark wizards..”

“Am I going to be a dark wizard?” Harry frowned.

“No. He just means purebloods” Lily smirked.

“Exactly” James laughed.

“Do I have special powers?” Evan asked.

“Yeah. Being skinny” Harry teased.

Evan frowned.

“Being a wizard is special enough” Lily said. “Anyway talking to snakes doesn’t come in that handy.”

“Awww…”

Chapter 6

“Boys don’t run off” Lily said firmly to David and Evan. Harry nodded in agreement.

“But this is boring, and crowded” Evan groaned.

“I know, but we need to get Harry’s school

Supplies” Lily said firmly.

“Why don’t we split up?” James suggested.

“You’ll just go eat in the leaky” Lily snapped.

“Hey. Relax. We’ll manage” James reassured. “I’ve already grabbed money out at Gringotts.”

“Aww. But I wanted to ride the roller coaster” Evan whined.

“It’s not a roller coaster. It’s a mine cart” David explained.

Lily sighed tensely.

“Hello Family” Sirius grinned.

“For the love of all that’s holy, are you that addicted to one another” Lily snapped.

Harry sniggered, “You’re in trouble” he murmured.

“Sirius insisted” Remus said putting his arms up in surrender. “How about this. You and Sirius, and James and I.”

Lily considered for a moment, “Okay, only because I trust you.”

“You trust Moony over me?”

“He’s responsible” Lily said firmly.

“I’m minister for magic” James protested.

“I’m protesting formally” Sirius nodded firmly.

“Then you can go home” Lily said firmly.

“Oh fine” Sirius huffed, “You and me then, first stop is the (pet shop).”

“We’re not testing Harry’s ability” Lily sighed. “He can’t even have a snake anyway.”

“Oh Minnie loves me” Sirius grinned.

“She probably has therapy over you” Lily sighed.

“Alright. James leaned over and looked at the list. He really needs a lot stuff, did we need all this.”

“Yes” Remus nodded.

“He has the potion equipment already at least” Lily commented.

“Alright, we can manage this Moony” James grinned.

“Boys. Go with your Dad, keep him on task”

“Pet shop” Sirius grinned.

“I’m buying your children a baby dragon” Lily said firmly.

“I have no problems with that” Sirius grinned.

“You’re impossible” Lily snapped.

“Come on chubby” Sirius grinned.

“I will punch you in the balls” Lily warned. “Come on Harry.”

Harry followed his parents into the (pet shop). It was filled with any number of cages and creatures. Harry grinned at a cat who was stretching out in one of them.

“Mum can’t I just take Bustopher”

“No because our cat is grumpy. And won’t cope” Lily chuckled.

“Away from the cats, and over to the snakes” Sirius grabbed his shoulders and led him over to a series of glass tanks. “Speak..”

Harry turned and looked at Sirius. “Seriously.”

“I know that’s my name” Sirius grinned.

“That was bad and you should feel ashamed” Lily said from the other end of the shop.

“Just you know do your thing” Sirius encouraged ignoring Lily. “Find one who you enjoy the company of.”

Harry raised an eyebrow, “Mum will never let me get a snake.”

“Yes. I will not” Lily agreed.

“It’s a good thing I’m she’s not buying” Sirius grinned.

Harry frowned and looked at the various snakes. “Hello” he offered and they all suddenly paid attention to him. “I would like to choose one of you to come home with me?”

“Oh Merlin, he can talk to snakes” Sirius grinned.

A black snake that had a green and bluish colour up the length of its body, looked at Harry. “I would” she offered.

“Okay. Why should I choose you?”

“Because I am not boring like them”

“Hmm. Alright what is your name?”

“Hestia.”

“That one” Harry said pointing to the snake. “Her name is Hestia.”

“Sirius, no” Lily warned. “Harry you can’t take a snake. Not as a first year” Lily pointed out.

“I’ll sneak her in” Harry insisted.

“Fine. Fine, you still need to get an owl” Lily said firmly.

Harry grinned and followed his mum to the owl ages. A white snowy owl caught his eye. “That one” Harry said firmly.

“That was quick” Lily said wryly.

“A snake and an owl. God help me when it’s your brothers turn.”

“The snake is an early birthday gift from me” Sirius pointed out.

“After we done mum, can we go look at brooms?” Harry asked.

“Yes Mum can we?” Sirius added unhelpfully.

“Robes first, A wand and then we’ll see.”

❧

Draco was in mood, or as much of one as an eleven year old could be. He’d been woken up early by Dobby, his family’s house elf. His parents had decided that a Saturday was the perfect day to buy his school supplies. Father stayed at home with his younger brothers (Thank Merlin). But that did mean mother was far more stressed than otherwise.

Draco hadn’t been in Madame Mankins, usually his parents shopped at Gladrags Wizardwear. But apparently school robes were only available via the one shop. Which seemed a bit silly.

“Ah, splendid come this way Draco was it?” Madame Mankin asked, she was a stern looking woman. Her grey hair up and curled to perfection.

“He’ll need a full set of uniforms” Mummy explained.

“Of course” Madame Mankin nodded. “Here now come stand up here. And if you could take your jacket off” She encouraged.

Mummy slid Draco’s jacket off and folded it over her arm. “Now darling, I’ll be back I’m going to sort out your books. Then we’ll sort out your other supplies” She said squeezing his shoulder gently. “Be a good boy, my darling.”

Draco nodded innocently, and offered his most sincere smile. Waving to Mummy as she walked out. Draco’s face instantly dropped and he sucked on his bottom lip. “I hope this won’t take too long” Draco said stiffly.

“It’ll take as long as it takes, young man” Madame Mankin said wryly.

Draco rolled his eyes with distaste. Honestly, he didn’t quite understand why they couldn’t have just had them tailored at the manor. It can’t have been that difficult. A tape measure sprawled out from the end of his wand and wrapped around his stomach.

“On the tubbier side I see” Madame Mankin commented quietly.

Draco grimaced at her, “Excuse me?”

She didn’t press further, but Draco sucked in. The tape measure tightened and Draco felt a sharp jab to his middle. “That won’t do you any good. You should stop scoffing pies.”

“I don’t scoff anything thankyou very much. It’s baby fat” Draco said wishing he’d been allowed to get his wand first. So he could hex her.

“Hardly” she muttered under her breath.

Draco ignored her, as she began to measure his various limbs. Scribbling down notes onto a nearby notepad.

Draco heard noise behind him, and a voice asked. “My Mum sent me to get fitted for robes.”

“Of course laddie, come this way” A woman replied.

Out of the corner of his eye, Draco saw a tubby boy. Tubby perhaps was underselling it, he looked like he permanently taking a deep breath. Everything bulged especially his fat spherical stomach, and his messy dark hair and round glasses did nothing for him. There was something familiar about him, he’d seen him somewhere.

“Hello, Hogwarts, too?” Draco enquired.

“Yes” The boy replied. He looked familiar, really familiar. It irritated Draco how his visage sat on the tip of his tongue.

“My father’s next door buying my books, and mother is up the street looking at wands” Draco explained. “And then I’m going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don’t see why firsts years can’t have their own. I think I’ll bully Father into getting me one and I’ll smuggle it in somehow.” The boy looked at him queerly. So Draco pressed on, “Have you got your own broom?”

“Yes” The boy said obviously. “It’s my Dad’s old one. Although I want to get a new one.”

“I see, play quidditch at all?” Draco asked. Relieved he wasn’t talking to a muggle born.

“Yes. I’m rather good at it” the boy said with a smug smile.

“I do too. Father said it’ll be a crime if I’m not picked to play for my house and I agree. Know what house you’ll be in yet.”

“No” he said simply. “I haven’t really thought about it.”

“Well no one really knows until they get there, do they” Draco admitted truthfully. “But I’ll be in Slytherin all my family have been. Imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I’d leave wouldn’t you?” Draco smirked nodding over toward a fat Hufflepuff girl who was puffing as she tried on jumper’s.

“Mhmm” the boy nodded back.

“How are the robes going?” A woman asked as she hugged Harry affectionately. She had striking Red hair, and was morbidly obese. Draco grimaced repulsed. A Weasley typical.

“Aye, he’s been no trouble Mrs Potter. Although we’ll have to send away for robes.”

“I figured. He takes after his father” Mrs Potter smiled. Draco noticed she slipped Harry a chocolate bar. Not that he needed it. Draco eyed him as he unwrapped the chocolate bar. His eyes seem to light up in delight.

“I think I have everything I need” The woman smiled. “Let me ring you up at the counter.”

“Oh. Goodbye then” Draco offered politely. Or as much as he could muster.

Mrs Potter looked at Draco with severe eyes, “Harry, don’t talk to him. He’s a pure blood, not worth demeaning yourself talking to them” She scoffed at him. “The only reason they all end up in slytherin, they’re too stupid and inbred to be let near anyone else.”

Draco blinked in shock. The boy laughed pompously and smiled at his mother. “Dad and Uncle Sirius are Pureblood.”

“That’s different darling” Mrs Potter said guiding him away. Draco didn’t catch the rest of the conversation. “They knew better.”

“Your done dearie” Madame Mankin said firmly. Draco stepped off the footstool and and paid with the money mother had given him. Carrying the bundle in brown paper out onto the street.

“Draco darling over here” Mummy waved at him from the doorway of the Apocathary. Draco trotted over, puffing from the short distance. “Did you get your robes?”

“Yes” Draco nodded, following her in. “Mother, there was a boy in there. His mother said it was demeaning for him to be talking to a pure blood?” He asked.

Mother looked tired and squeezed his shoulder. “Some feel that way.”

“She said all Slytherin’s are inbred, and the only reason we’re there is because we’re there is because we are too stupid for anywhere else.”

“Who was this woman” Mother frowned.

“Mrs Potter?” Draco said uncertain.

“Ah” Mother said irritated. “The Minister for Magic’s wife. She has a grudge against us.”

“Why?”

“We’ll talk about it at home” Mother said firmly.

❧

Harry stared at the open wand box cautiously. He did like the wand, it felt right in his hand. It was balanced and it felt strong. However something in his stomach sickened him knowing it was also the twin of the wand of the man almost who killed him.

“Can I have a go?” David prodded ignoring Harry’s distracted look. “At your wand?” He added noting he was being ignored.

“No” Harry refused without looking up. “It’s mine.”

“Come on, just once I won’t break it.” Harry shot his brother an annoyed look, and David shoved him. “Share.”

“Make me” Harry replied snarkily.

That turned out to be the wrong thing to say. As an enormous belly forced its way between them. “Break it up you two. David, Harry doesn’t have to give you a go. Ask nicely” Dad said firmly. “We’re in public, good behaviour” Dad asked, as he waddled back to his seat beside Sirius, who sat on Harry’s other side.

“You know If you keep staring at the wand it won’t break.”

“But He had a wand like this. Voldemort I mean. He had the same wand.”

“The Wand chooses the wizard, Mr Potter” Sirius said impersonating Mr Olivander.

Harry rolled his eyes, “That doesn’t help Uncle Sirius.”

“Yes. Voldermort had the same wand” Sirius agreed, there were a few hisses nearby from nearby tables. “You’re not him. And maybe that’s the point, so you can do great things.”

Harry considered this, he wasn’t really sure what great things meant. “I guess.”

“I wouldn’t focus on it. It probably won’t be the only wand you have” Sirius reassured.

“Do you think this means I’m destined for Slytherin?” Harry’s wondered aloud.

Dad leaned forward his gut bulging against the table. “No” he said firmly.

“Nah. The sorting hat works in mysterious ways” Sirius reassured. “You’ll end up where you’re supposed to be. I did.”

Remus smiled across at Sirius and nodded. “Lily? Can I order a round of beers?”

“As long as you get me one” She pointed out.

Sirius stood up and grinned and Dad looked at his midsection curiously before turning back to Remus. As Sirius walked to the bar. “Is he?”

“Nope. He’s just putting on weight” Remus said wryly.

“Uh huh” Dad said eyes narrowing. “When you’re older” Dad offered to his quizzical expression. “Let’s order you seconds. Food always improves my mood.”

Harry nodded licking his lips hungrily. Food did always makes things better.

Chapter 7

Harry

Harry waddled slowly behind his Dad, as he greedily ate a chocolate bar. He wasn’t sure if he’d last until he got to Hogwarts.

Evan bobbed alongside him, “Are you nervous? I’d be nervous? What if the classes are hard? What if you can’t make friends?” He asked in rapid succession.

Harry grinned and put his arm on his brothers shoulder. “I’ll miss you too.”

“I’m not going to miss you. I’m worried about you there’s a difference.”

Harry frowned, “Thanks. And I have a friend Neville.”

“You need other friends” David nodded firmly.

“Honestly Jacks, these instructions are nonsense. There is no platform 9 3/4” A short stout muggle with thinning brown curls and a nervous expression.

“It’s obviously near platform nine and ten” A woman huffed, just as short with curly dark strawberry blonde hair that was tied in a loose bunch.

“Dad” Harry said prodding his dad in the back. “Those Muggles are lost.”

Harry looked over and sure enough there was a young girl already in her uniform. Her hair was dark and curly like her father,

“Ah” Dad stopping the cart.

Mum smiled and waved at them, “Looking for the train for Hogwarts?” The two muggle parents looked relieved. “We can show you the way. Our eldest son is starting this year.”

“Yes, sorry the instructions are so confusing. I’m Howard and this is my wife Jackie” He offered his hand. “Oh and our daughter Hermione is going to this wizard school Hogfarts.”

“Hogwarts, Dad. It’s called Hogwarts” Hermione said firmly.

“Lovely to meet you. Don’t worry I know how it is, I was just like Hermione. My parents almost made me miss the train” Mum smiled. “I’m Lily, and this is my husband James. Our sons Harry, David and Evan” she gestured to them.

“Hello” Harry said waving politely to Hermione.

“This whole thing has been a bit overwhelming” Jackie admitted to Mum. As the now larger group walked towards where Harry guessed was the entrance to Platform 9 3/4.

“Why are their men following you?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Oh. They’re just Dad’s body guards. He’s Minister for Magic you see” Harry explained.

“Your Dad is minister for Magic?” Hermione gasped.

“It’s really boring. Lots of paperwork, that’s what Dad says” David grinned.

They arrived at a wall with a faded poster for ‘The Wiz’ that had been there for years.

“So this is it. Now all you have to do is run at it really fast” Dad explained.

Howard looked unconvinced.

“Harry. Why don’t you go through” Dad suggested.

Harry nodded, and everyone cleared out of the way. Harry as fast as he could manage pushed the cart into the wall. Sure enough he passed through and was standing on the Platform 9 3/4. The carriages visible through an arch.

Moments later Hermione and her parents ran through. With Mum and Dad following with David and Evan.

“We’ll give you our number. I’m sure you’ll have questions” Mum said.

“Thankyou, if it’s not a bother”

“Not at all” Dad reassured as they waddled over to the platform.

“How long till the train departs?” Evan asked looking around.

“Up there. Can you see the time up there?” Mum pointed to the analog clock and the sign beside it that said Hogwarts express in block capitals.

“I’m a bit nervous. But I’m so interested to see Hogwarts. I’ve been reading Hogwarts A history” Hermione explained to Harry.

“Really?” Harry said surprised. “I haven’t been to school before. We have a tutor at home, he’s great. He said I’m at least two years ahead at potions.”

“Two years ahead?” Hermione gasped.

“He used to be a potions teacher at school. So he wanted to make me a potions prodigy” Harry grinned.

“Don’t worry, I’ll help you” Harry smiled. “If we have class together.” He looked around at the other families who all stood on the platform. “Mum I think I see Neville! Neville! I’m over here!” Harry called out waving ethnically, his arm jiggling. Hermione giggled amused.

“Who’s Neville?” Hermione eventuslly asked.

“He’s my best friend” Harry explained pointing out the short round faced boy with blonde hair. He was hefty and had a slow ponderous waddle as he waved back to Harry. “We’ve been friends since we were little.”

“puff Hello wheeze Harry” Neville smiled.

“This is Hermione, she’s starting at Hogwarts. She’s a muggle born” Harry smiled.

Neville offered a chubby hand. “Lovely to meet you.”

“Neville, Don’t waddle off” Alice Longbottom sighed as came over.

“I was saying hello to Harry” Neville protested.

“Hello Mrs Longbottom” Harry waved.

Frank, Neville’s Dad joined the group. “Hello James.”

“Frank one of my best Aurors” James grinned.

“I’m hardly one of your Aurors” he laughed.

“Auror’s are like wizard version of the Police” Harry explained to Hermione.

“How interesting” Hermione said honestly.

Harry suddenly became aware the adults had stopped talking.

“We better get you on the train” Mum said hugging Harry tightly.

“Bye Harry” David grinned hugging Harry.

“See you. Don’t get too fat without me” he teased. “And don’t give Evan too much of a hard time.”

“But he’s the annoying one” David protested.

“Hey” Evan said hurt. “I am not.”

Harry grinned and hugged Evan, “don’t tease your brother, and no hiding his chocolate” Harry pointed out.

“Don’t get too fat. You’re too big as it is” Evan warned.

Harry huffed and ignored him.

“I’m so glad I’m an only child” Neville murmured to Hermione.

Hermione smiled amused.

“You’re going to be brilliant Harry” James said hugging Harry tightly against his gut. “Remember what we talked about.”

“I remember. I have to owl you and mum straight away” Harry nodded.

“Good boy” James said proudly. “Give my love to Professor Mcgonagall.”

“Daaad” Harry groaned.

“I love you” James smiled.

“I love you too Dad” Harry said hugging him tightly.

“Don’t Hog him” Lily said waddling close and hugging Harry.

Harry squeezed her belly tightly. Her large belly bulging against him. “I’ll miss you Mum.”

“I’ll miss you too.”

Harry pulled away and saw his mum was crying. “Mum?”

“Your growing up? My little boy” Lily said softly.

James put an arm around Lily. “You’ll be brilliant.”

Lily sniffed and nodded, “Now look after Hermione. Someone has to stick up for us Muggle Borns” She said to Harry.

Harry nodded, he knew this meant that he had to be friends with Hermione no matter what.

“Now I don’t want you getting hungry” Lily said handing Harry a cooler bag. “Should be enough to keep you full.”

James winked and slipped Harry some coins. “For the train.”

Harry waited until Hermione and Neville had said goodbye to their parents. The trio all climbed onto the train, Harry huffed as he dragged his belongings, waddling along the narrow corridor as they claimed the first empty compartment they found. Harry thumped down onto the seat. Sweating and already feeling tired. Neville lumbered after him and hermione followed. They waved through the window at their parents until the train pulled away.

“Did your parents let you get a pet?” Neville asked.

“Oh!” Harry beamed. He looked at the open doorway for a second and then leaned conspiratorially forward. “I have two.”

“Two?” Hermione said confused. “But the list only said one.”

“So you know how I had to go to my horrid cousins birthday?” Harry said to Neville. Neville nodded, Harry had many times told him all about his cousin. “Well he held his birthday at a zoo, and he was making all this fuss about this huge beautiful python who didn’t move.”

Neville suddenly looked down at the trunk slightly alarmed. “Err right?”

“Well I accidentally used magic and the glass dissapeared and he fell in.”

Neville grinned and hermione gasped horrified beside him. “Was he okay?”

“He was fine. But the snake was freed and I spoke to her. She wanted to get home to the Amazon. So when Dad turned up he helped sort that out. Apparently Dad said I’m a parcelmouth and I can talk to snakes.”

“Any snake?” Neville asked.

“Yeah. Uncle Sirius bought me a small snake, her name is Hestia. He thinks it’s a good idea for me to practice it. Want to see?”

Neville nodded slightly uncertainly, as Harry heaved himself up and closed the door to the cabin. He opened the lid of the small trunk revealing a snake and a small enclosure.

“Hestia would you like to meet my new friends?” Harry asked. Neville and Hermione both gasped, as Hestia nodded. Harry offered her his arm and she crawled up his sleeve curling around his wrist. “You have to be gentle” he warned.

Neville hesitated so Hermione gently stroked her. “How did you choose the name?” She asked.

“She did. I asked her what her name was” Harry said grinning.

“Is that a snake!” A voice gasped.

All three turned to see a boy with bright red hair in the doorway. He looked their age, although he was taller and narrow, with big hands and feet. His face had a large nose was covered with freckles. His clothes didn’t quite fit him and looked slightly older than Harry’s brand new robes. “Sorry. Everywhere else is full. I’m Ron. Ron Weasley.”

“Harry Potter” Harry offered with a polite smile. He remembered that Weasley was on the approved list of purebloods. “You can’t tell, I’m smuggling her in.”

“The snake?” Ron said closing the door behind him.

“It’s not one of the approved pets” Hermione clarified with a tone suggesting she disapproved, “and I’m Hermione Granger.”

“I’m Neville. Hello.”

“Hello” Ron smiled. “Can I hold it?”

“Hestia. Would you be okay if Ron holds you?” Harry asked.

“Sure” Hestia agreed.

“Bloody Hell, you speak parceltongue? Isn’t that dark magic?” Ron gasped as the snake slid up his arm and almost preened as Ron patted her gently.

“Nah. Dad thinks I inherited from an ancestor” Harry grinned.

“Are you really Harry Potter? Have you got the…” Ron pointed to his own forehead. Harry noticed Hermione just looked confused.

Harry swept back his fringe of dark revealing, the lightning shaped scar that darkened his fair skin.

“Why does it look like a lightning bolt” Hermione asked leaning in to get a better look.

“Oh. It’s the way you move the wand to cast it. The err..” Harry trailed off and swallowed.

“So that’s where you know who?”

“Yeah” Harry nodded cheeks flushing. He always felt a little self conscious when everyone questioned him about it. It’s why he spent so much time with Neville or his cousins. They didn’t ask.

“Do you remember it?” Ron asked nervously.

“Not really. Just a lot of Green light. Mum and Dad remember it, but they prefer not to talk about it” Harry admitted.

“Wow” said Ron.

The quartet all began to talk to each other. Ron explained his family, he five older brothers although only three were still at school, and a younger sister. Neville and Hermione were both only children. “I’ve got Bill’s old robes and Charlie’s old wand” Ron explained. “I wanted to bring a pet, but we couldn’t aff- doesn’t matter now.” Ron’s ears turned red. Feeling like he’d revealed too much.

“Oh” Harry nodded, “We can share Hestia” he reassured. “She likes attention.”Ron smiled back feeling a little less self conscious.

A few hours into the journey, Harry’s stomach began to rumble loudly.

“What was that?” Hermione said surprised. She was reading through Hogwarts a History.

“Oh. Err. My belly?” Harry said a little embarrassed.

The compartment door opened and a dimpled old woman with curly hair smiled, “Anything from the Trolley dears?”

Harry and Neville both pulled out a handful of coins from their pockets and stepped out into the corridor. Ron muttered something about having brought sandwiches.

Harry began to drool at the options on the trolley it practically bulged. Harry unable to decide went his tried and true method that his father had instilled in him. By some of everything. People didn’t like when he and his Dad went to sweet shops. Neville was much more careful with his choices. And they dumped their respective hauls on the seats.

“That’s a lot of sweets” Hermione admonished.

“Yeah. Sweets are great” Harry grinned.

“My parents are dentists, so I don’t eat sweets often” Hermione said stuffily.

“Oh. I’ve got other food too” Harry offered. “Neville let’s put our trunks in the middle and we can share all the food we brought. My mum always packs too much.”

“That’s a great idea. My Granny made cupcakes, her special recipe” Neville nodded.

Harry and Ron puffed as they created a makeshift table. Harry undid the cooler and brought out the various food his Mum had cooked. Shepards pie, Pasta, a salad, and cooked vegetables soaked in butter, along with steaming chicken wings. Neville brought out the cupcakes and his lunch (food), along with some bread rolls. Hermione and Ron both added sandwiches.

“We don’t have plates?” Hermione pointed out.

Harry looked panicked until he found a series of paper plates and cutlery his mum had slipped into the cooler. He handed them and soon they were all filling their plates until they threatened to collapse. Harry made sure to take some of Ron’s sandwiches. Ron smiled at that.

They all had very full tummies by themselves time they’d finished their mini-feast. Later that afternoon when Harry was certain they were somewhere near Scotland. The carriage door was opened by three boys. One was the blonde boy who Harry remembered from Madam Malkin’s robe shop. He was looking at Harry with far more invested than he had earlier.

“Is it true?” He said. “They’re all saying down the train that Harry Potter is in this compartment. The minister’s sons that’s you isn’t it?”

“Yes” said Harry. He glanced at the other two boys. They were both incredibly round like him. Although they looked a bit thick with mean expressions. They reminded Harry of his Dad’s bodyguards, If they’d been bred with gorillas.

“Oh this is Crabbe and this is Goyle,” said the pale boy gesturing to them. “And my name’s Malfoy, Draco Malfoy.”

Ron coughed and said something under his breath. While Neville chuckled quietly. “Think my name’s funny do you? No need to ask who’ll you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles and more children than they can afford.’

Hermione gasped, “Well that’s rude” she said firmly.

Harry nodded and pulled out a sheet of paper from his pocket. Reading over the names before he slid it back into his pocket.

Draco turned back to Harry, “You’ll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help there.” He held out a hand to Harry, but Harry didn’t take it.

“I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks” he said cooly. “Your father is a death eater after all.”

Draco Malfoy didn’t go red, but he’s cheeks turned the slightest pink.

“He was cleared, perhaps if your father spent less time stuffing his face. And doing his job, he might have be a better minister. That’s probably why (Voldemort) didn’t kill him, he was too fat to be a threat.”

“Say that again” Harry got to his feet fists clenched.

“I think you should go” Hermione said firmly.

“I think perhaps I will” Draco sneered, and walked away.

❧

Crack

Harry thumped to the floor with a sudden thud, as the stool broke from underneath him. He felt his face become hot as his eyes watered slightly.

“Just stand up” Professor Mcgonagall warned.

Harry nodded and stood, trying to ignore the sniggering that filled his ears.

“You’re a fat little boy aren’t you. I can tell so soft around the middle, always thinking about your next meal. I can tell you’re going to become very fat one day. I could put you in hufflepuff near the kitchens.“

Harry frowned, “Not Hufflepuff.”

“No? I agree. You need a then challenge, Slytherin perhaps?”

“Not Slytherin.”

“Not Slytherin eh? Are you sure you would be great, you know. It’s all here in your head. No, you seem so sure. Well …In that case Gryfindor!” The Sorting hat declared.

Harry took off the hat and shakily walked toward the Gryfindor table.

“Congratulations, I’m Percy one of the prefects” Ron’s older brother said as vigorously shaking Harry’s had. “Your father is an impressive minister.”

Ron groaned audibly in embarrassment. The last few students were sorted, Professor Dumbledore who Harry had heard his parents and Professor Slughorn had talked about on many occasions. Addressed the student body and frankly Harry thought he was a bit balmy.

He leaned over toward Percy, who was sitting near them. “Is he… a bit mad?”

“Mad?” Percy said amused. “He’s a genius! Best wizard in the world. But he is a bit mad, yes. Potatoes, Harry?”

For a second Harry thought Percy was equally mad. Before he was suddenly hit with the heavy aroma of food. Harry nodded drooling at the huge spread of food Roast Beef, Roast Chicken, pork chops, and lamb chops, sausages, bacon and steak, boiled potatoes, roast potatoes, chips, and numerous vegetables. Oddly there was also a glass dish with mint humbugs.

“Yes please” Harry said to Percy. As Harry elected to go with his usual rule. To try some of everything.

He’d managed to eat three servings, although he did have to hurriedly eat the third serving a little quicker than he’d like. When the food had just as quickly been replaced by a huge spread of desserts.

“Is every meal like this?” Harry asked Percy helping himself to some ice cream.

“Only the feasts, there’s one a term” Percy explained.

“Oh” Harry replied a little disappointed.

Chapter 8

Lily Potter

The owl swooped in and dropped the letter beside her empty lunch plate. The remnants from a large platter of sandwiches, her stomach felt heavy and bloated. It gurgled uncomfortably, she closed her eyes.

“Piggy” James teased prodding her bloated belly with firmly.

“Urrrrrp” Lily belched covering her mouth, cheeks flushed. She glared at James.

James smiled like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. “What’s the letter?” He enquired before roughly shoving two sandwiches in whole.

“Oh probably nothing” Lily murmured. “I overdid it.” Thinking about how every lunch they went through two loaves of bread. So there’d be enough food for herself, James and the boys.

“Nah you did it just right” James replied.

“Shouldn’t you be going back to work?” Lily murmured deciding she was going to have a nap later.

James lifted his fat wrist, which bulged around his watch, “half an hour left” he said wryly. “Now letter.”

Lily turned the letter around and frowned at the familiar Hogwarts wax seal. “Ah, it’s from Hogwarts,”

“Oh good, taking after his father I see” James beamed.

Lily ripped the letter open and slid it out, she recognised Professor Mcgonagall’s handwriting instantly. She scanned the letter, a frown rapidly deepening on her face. “Harry got into a fight with a Slytherin during Potions. And apparently argued with Professor Snape. Who threatened to expel him.”

James laughed his fat bloated gut wobbling, as sandwich crumbs sprayed out. “Is that all? We should buy him a medal.”

“I want to know what Severus said to him” Lily muttered. “They want one of us to go up there. I’ll go…”

“We’ll urrrrppp go” James reaffirmed. “I want to shower my son with praise. Ooh. And then we could have second lunch at the three broomsticks.”

Lily chuckled amused. “Do you think they’ll get sick of asking us to come up.”

“Never stopped them from forcing my parents to come up” James pointed out.

❧

Lily felt a knot of guilt at the sight of her son with a swollen bruised lip and a black eye. “Harry. It’s only your first week?” Lily sighed. She down on the bench beside him.

“Is Dad here?” Harry asked murmuring.

“He is. But first tell me what happened.”

Harry looked guilty as he began retelling what had occurred in his first potions class. Lily began to frown as Harry carefully detailed what happened in class. Lily could tell he wasn’t exaggerating in the way he would have to James. However hearing the details the way he was biased toward Slytherin’s, his side comments to Harry, and his poor treatment of Neville of all the students. Lily’s worst fears were concerned, he was still a bully.

“I’m gonna kill him” Lily muttered darkly.

Harry stared at her slightly concerned, “what?”

“Metaphorically” Lily added. “Would he still be in class?”

Harry shrugged, “Probably.”

“Good. Come on..”

“Uhh. But I’m supposed to wait here until the headmaster is ready to see.”

“Dumbledore can wait” Lily said calmly. “Come along.”

Lily waddled along determinedly, Harry instep beside her, staring up at her curiously. Sure enough it hadn’t moved, it felt strange she loved potions with Slughorn. There was a reason she’d hired him to tutor her children. It was a warm and fun classroom. But even Lily could tell the strict silence coming out of the room. Suggested that potions had a rather different atmosphere these days.

“You go first” Lily winked at Harry.

Harry looked startled, but stepped into the doorway and knocked cautiously.

“Ah, Mr Potter interrupting another class I see. Ten points from Gryfindor.” There was a groan from the classroom. “Come to apologise for your behaviour earlier today?”

“No. My mother wanted to speak to you” Harry answered.

Lily stepped into the doorway putting her hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Hello Severus.”

“Oh shit. She’s huge” a student murmured.

“Lily” Snape replied rapidly going pale.

Lily closed the door behind her and cast a locking charm. “I was quite intrigued to hear about your teaching style. You really do have a preference for the children of Death Eaters. Even now you still can’t help but fawn over them.”

She slowly walked forward, everyone was looking at her. The only sound in the room the cauldrons bubbling away.

“They are the best…”

Severus trailed off as he side stepped making sure the cauldron was between them.

“Students? Hardly? Harry’s three years ahead” Lily said inching closer. “However I’m wondering why you seem determined to punish Harry. For the crime of being James son, because as far as I’m aware. He’s a far better man that you ever were.”

“Get him Mrs Potter” Two enthusiastic redheads cheered.

“Lily?” James voice echoed from outside the door. As the handle rattled. “Please don’t kill him, at a bare minimum you can mame him” James called.

“It was a war, and Dumbledore forgave me” Severus said evenly, he tried to hide the tremble in his voice.

Lily laughed, “That doesn’t hold much weight with me. Because my son wouldn’t have been in danger at all if it weren’t for you.”

Serverus couldn’t meet her eye. Lily moved forward until her belly pressed against him. “Did you ever find out what James and Sirius did to Peter?”

Severus swallowed, “I heard rumblings.”

“That’s nothing compared to what I’ll do to you if you keep this up” Lily commented darkly.

“Out of the way James” Professor McGonagall said from outside the door.

“I I’m sorry” Severus murmured.

Lily slapped Severus hard, the audible clap echoed around the silent room. “Don’t you dare. That word will never make up for all the hurt you’ve caused my family.” The door burst open, and Professor Mcgonagall and James stood looking very concerned. James concern turned to disappointment when he’d noticed Lily had only slapped him.

“Afternoon Snivelus” James waved. “Come on Harry, Dumbledore is ready for us.”

“Professor Snivelus” one of the red heads grinned.

“Snivelus Snape. It’s almost melodic” the other agreed.

“Goodbye Severus. I hope your teaching style improves” Lily said calmly. As she waddled out, quietly smiling at the clapping that followed her. Professor Mcgonagall glared at her unimpressed.

“What? He had it coming.”

❧

“I would highly advise you in future to not lay hands on any teacher. Any grievances I’m certain can be managed in a far more reasonable atmosphere” Professor McGonagall said firmly. As she led them back to the headmasters office.

Lily had tuned her out, mostly as she was kind of pleased how well the slap had gone.

“And did you have to bring up that nickname. Honestly Fred and George are going to have a field day” Professor McGonagall.

“Just think, next year Remus and Sirius twins start” James pointed out.

“I think might start considering an early retirement.”

“Would it really be early?” James asked. Lily laughed, against her better judgement.

“I had hoped you had matured Mr Potter, instead you seem to have corrupted Mrs Potter.”

“It was inevitable” James said wryly. “You’re next on the list.”

They turned a corner and a boy with blonde hair was ‘crying’ as his parents fussed over him.

“That’s him” Harry murmured to James.

James looked over and turned toward lily eyes firm. “Blond.”

“What?” Lily frowned.

“Blond” James repeated.

And then it clicked, our future grandchildren.

“Of course” Lily sighed, it made perfect sense.

“Dad. Are you being weird again?” Harry frowned.

“Ha. You’ll understand one day” James said messing his hair. “Oh. And before I forget. This is a bit of present, thought you should be rewarded for your first fight with a Slytherin.”

Professor Mcgonagall did not look impressed as Harry took the bag that was bloated with chocolate.

“My son, fighting children of death eaters. Just like his father.”

“I didn’t know you fight children” Lily commented.

James laughed and grinned, “not what I meant Lils.”

“My son is not a death eater” The Mother of the boy Harry had fought said fircely. She was a poised looking woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.

“But you married one, and supported one, and lied for him. That makes you equally as tarnished” Lily sneered. “Dark Blood.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s what we call people like you. Because I don’t think you could described as pure now could you” Lily said smirking. “Especially as your son seems to be a regular Vercua Salt.”

“At least my son doesn’t resemble a farm animal.”

“Perhaps we should go up to Dumbledore’s office” Professor McGonagall suggested, sensing the tension.

“Come along Draco” Draco’s father said leading Draco up the staircase.

The tense atmosphere hadn’t cooled by the time they reached Dumbledore’s office. Both of sets of parents stood behind their sheepish looking sons.

“I think it’s very clear this situation has gotten out of hand” Dumbledore said calmly. “He attacked my son” Draco’s mother snapped. “I want him suspended.”

“Harry was defending himself, without using magic. Frankly I think your son deserves it” James shrugged.

“I can see the minister is a poor parent as much as he’s a poor politician” Draco’s father drawled.

“Oh that’s how it is Dark Blood?” James said aggressively. Getting into Mr Malfoy’s face.

Dumbledore and Professor Mcgonagall shared a look of frustration. “If we could all calm down.”

“Albus, I want Harry Potter expelled for the way his mother interrupted my class today and insulted me” Snape bellowed as he swept up the stairs.

Lily turned and glared at Severus, summoning all the hate and anger she’d been repressing since her teens, “No.”

“Oh no” James sighed, wisely not intervening.

Severus stepped back, suddenly looking very cowed. “Lily.. I…”

“If your next word is sorry, I will slap you again” She replied hands on her hips. She considered for a moment, debating weather to truly unleash on him. “And how dare you ask Voldemort to spare me. How dare you assume my feelings for you. Can I be very very clear, we were friends. I don’t love you, I have never loved you. And you have absolutely no right to assume I would want to be saved over the life of MY SON. ARE WE CLEAR SEVERUS.”

“Yes” came the rather meek reply. Good.

“You are half the man James is. Because he might be a bastard sometimes, but at least he never pretended to be a ‘good guy.’”

“Accurate and Hurtful” James muttered.

“Severus perhaps you should go” Dumbledore said evenly.

Severus went to move, but Lily wasn’t finished. “One last thing. I would have thought above everything else, you wouldn’t have modeled your teaching style on your Dad.”

Severus face fell, and pain briefly crossed his face. Before he silently fled, for a second Lily almost thought she heard a pained sob.

“Oh Merlin” Mrs Malfoy murmured.

“I apologise for that Dumbeldore, but frankly he was overdue to hear it. It’s clear you’ve been wrapping him in bubble wrap” Lily explained.

Harry was staring up at her in awe. So was James, but his expression suggested he had other things in mind.

“I will speak to Professor Snape, about his conduct” Dumbledore said calmly. Lily could tell he was trying to hide his amusement. “But in regards to Draco and Harry. I think the two can avoid each other. Hogwarts is a large place, they should be able to avoid each other.”

❧

“Mum that was amazing” Harry raved brilliantly. “She slapped him so hard. It was awesome.”

“It was definitely a long time coming. Your mum has been complaining about him since before you were born” James grinned.

“James” Lily frowned, “probably wasn’t my best moment,”

“I think Severus needed to hear it. We all need to be humbled occasionally” James reassured.

“I don’t particularly like that boys parents” Lily admitted.

“I don’t like him either, he’s a bit stuck up” Harry muttered. “And I can tell he doesn’t like Hermione. My other friend Ron, he’s finds her a know it all, which she is. But I don’t mind that” Harry explained.

“Your mum was a bit of a know it all. It grows on you” James reassured.

“Now this Draco boy” Lily said groaning as she sat down on a bench. “I know, he’s obviously a bit of an idiot, but you shouldn’t be fighting him.”

“Didn’t Dad just give me a load of chocolate?” Harry asked.

“Your father has dubious morals” Lily said struggling to keep a straight face.

“The point is. I want you to avoid fighting him” Lily reassured. “Unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“Fine” Harry sighed begrudgingly.

“What about Professor Snivellus.”

“I have issues with him, and Harry for your own sake. Don’t use the nickname. Spread it, but don’t let him catch you using it. Just don’t give him any opportunities to be mad at you, if he does anything OWL me.”

“So you can slap him again?” Harry nodded.

“So I can slap… so I can talk to him” Lily added firmly.

“Now go be brilliant and ignore all of your mother’s advice” James said hugging Harry tightly. “Don’t forget to write to your uncle’s.”

“Yes Dad” Harry said hugging James warmly.

“I’m the favourite” James added.

Harry rolled his eyes, “I love you both equally” he sighed.

“Ignore him” Lily chuckled, “and let me know when you need some more trousers” she commented. She could tell his trousers were already straining somewhat.

Harry flushed considerably, “They’re a bit tight.”

“We sort of figured. We’ll get you a larger pair after Halloween. Unless you need it sooner” Lily smiled. “I love Harry.”

“I love you too Mummy” Harry smiled hugging Lily tightly.

“We won’t hold you up any longer?” James said reassuringly,

“Wait. Can’t I show you my dorm room, and the common room? Please?” Harry begged.

James chuckled, “Lily what do you think?”

“Sure. Then we’re going” Lily smiled. Harry grinned and led them away. “When do kids starting hating their parents.”

“Never I hope” James shrugged.

“You’re so sweet, and so under prepared for our sons inevitable teenage rebellion” Lily said amused.

“As long as they don’t get arrested or get anyone or themselves pregnant. They can do what they like” James said firmly.

Chapter 9

James (Harry quidditch)

James lifted a hand to his mouth and belched loudly “Braaaaaaapppp.”

“James” Lily sighed.

David and Evan giggled amused.

“They find it funny” James smirked.

“They’re children. They’re meant too” Lily said shaking her head. “Just because Harry isn’t here doesn’t mean you have to over eat.”

“The food would get wasted” James pointed out.

“We’d have leftovers for the first time in a decade” Lily said dryly.

A white snowy owl hooted and glided into the dining room. “Harry’s owl is here!” Evan pointed as it soared down. Circling the dining table before it offered the letter to James.

“Thankyou Hedwig” James smiled taking the letter. “There should be food in the owl house if you want to rest before flying back” he scratched Hedwig’s feathers gently.

Hedwig hooted happily.

“Dad can I feed Hedwiggy” Evan asked.

“After breakfast, but Hedwig might want to go straight back to Hogwarts” James pointed out. “She is Harry’s owl.”

“James what’s the letter” Lily asked ready to snatch it off him. Her belly bulging onto the dining table.

“Hmm oh yes” James said momentarily distracted by the view down her top. He ripped open the letter. “Dear Mum and Dad, bla bla bla..” James murmured reading the page. “No…” James gasped. His hands shook nervously as he re read the line. ‘I got on the Gryfindor Quidditch Team.’

“James?” Lily asked squinting.

“Why does dad have that look that he’s about to get cake?” David asked.

“That’s not his cake look. It’s his…never mind” Lily coughed.

“His what look?” Evan asked confused.

“HARRY IS ON THE QUIDDITCH TEAM!” James bellowed beaming.

“What?” Lily frowned.

James foisted the letter out. “First year at Hogwarts and he gets on the quidditch team.”

“You are kidding” Lily groaned. “He’s eleven? Quidditch is violent.”

James exploded in disbelief, “Violent. I played quidditch.”

“And how many times did you get injured?”

“Twenty five times? Wait twenty six” James recalled. “I was a bit a poop magnet in quidditch.”

“Harry’s still too young” Lily frowned.

“Nonsense he’s been on a broom since he was one. He’s obviously a natural talent. Now. We’ll definitely have to get a him a new broom. And I’ll tell Gabe to make sure I have time off to see every one of his games.”

“He doesn’t need a new broom. He’s got your old one” Lily said shaking her head.

“Harry needs his own broom. That’s new, my one you get splinter using” James chuckled.

“Can I get a broom?” David asked.

“No. You can use your fathers old one” Lily said firmly. “We’ll get some sand paper and wood polish, so no one gets splintered using it.”

“Awww” David groaned. “Unfair.”

“If you get onto the quidditch team when you get to Hogwarts. Then you can get a broom” James said firmly.

“But we’re rich?”

“We’re rich because we don’t splurge our money freely. You have to be smart” James said wryly. “I will need someone to help me test brooms. Make sure I get the right one.”

David lit up, “Really?”

“Well it’s got to be a surprise for Harry” James said wryly.

“Yessss” David grinned thumping his fist on the table.

“Finish your breakfast first” Lily warned, “Also that boy Harry got into a fight with, picked a fight with him again.”

“He’s Severus Godson, clearly he taught him everything he knew” James said wryly.

“We argued at that age” Lily pointed out.

“We didn’t physically fight” James commented. “Because I knew not to hit girls.”

“Harry got into a fight?” David asked surpised. “But he’s fat?”

“Doesn’t mean he can’t hold his own” James commented. “Not that we condone fighting. At all.”

❧

James held open the door to (DIAGON ALLEY QUIDDITCH), He could see the Aurors ‘subtly’ milling around.

“Right, Come on” James encouraged grinning.

“You are far too excited” Sirius said shaking his head.

“HARRY NEEDS A BROOM” James said eyes blazing.

“Yes Prongs except he’s not here” Sirius pointed out. “David is. Your second son” He patted David’s shoulder. “You have three children.”

James rolled his eyes, “I want to surprise Harry. He’s going to be seeker. The youngest member to join the team in years!” He insisted.

“Harry’s not exactly quidditch shape. I’m pleased for him, don’t get me wrong” Sirius pointed out.

James eyes narrowed, “Padfoot, my son is on the quidditch team. I’m proud of him. Why are you trying to ruin that?”

“I just don’t want it to be a joke at Harry’s expense. I’m not trying to burst a bubble” Sirius said reassuring. “You know I don’t care about his weight.”

“Right. Right” James’s confidence returning.

“You worry about him?”

“He got into a fight in his first week” James admitted. “And not that Harry is said as much, but I can’t imagine what Lily did helped.”

“Slapping Severus until he was red he was faced. I wish I’d seen that” Sirius grinned.

James sighed, “Harry’s already the son of the minister of Magic, and survived Voldemort..”

“He’s also your son, he’ll manage and if not you’ll be there to pick up the peices. And according to the numerous parenting books Remus inflicted on me. That’s how it’s meant to go.”

“I can’t wait till your kids are at Hogwarts and you’re terrified all day” James smiled.

“Dad!” David said annoyed. “Shouldn’t we get him this one?”

“Which one?” James said turning around.

David stood over at a display of brooms that were mounted on the wall. He pointed at one near the top.

“Why that one?”

“It’s the one with the most numbers on the tag?” David said obviously.

Sirius coughed violently as he tried to cover his laugh. James frowned deeply.

“A broom isn’t just about price” James admitted.

“Although it does help” Sirius offered regaining composure. “What’s your best quidditch broom. Fastest and most nimble?”

“Ah. Well that would be the Nimbus 2000. One of the Nimbus Racing Broom Company's most successful models. Highly reliable with good speed and exceptional handlingnot for beginners, though” The shopkeeper explained.

“My son isn’t a beginner” James grinned. “David, have a go.”

The shopkeeper carefully removed the Nimbus 2000 from the display. And lay it down on the ground.

“James?” Sirius said unsure.

David waddled over and offered his flat palms over the broom. “Up!” The broom thumped against his hands, hovering in the air.

“Impressive” The shopkeeper nodded.

“What’s the weight limit?”

“They are very strong. It could probably handle a Erupmphant.”

David climbed onto the broom, and it gently rose off the ground. Sirius grabbed the end of the broom before it could reek any havoc around the room. “I want to try it out properly.”

“Not in the middle of the shop” Sirius chuckled. “Come down.”

David lowered himself to the ground, and the shop keeper returned the broom to its stand. “We’re getting that one right?”

“I’ll get one from the back and wrap it up for you”

“Two?” David asked looking at James.

“Once you get to Hogwarts” James reassured. “Are you and Remus going to come up for Harry’s first game?”

“You know Remus isn’t a quidditch fan. But it’ll definitely be me, assuming no calamity’s happen at work” Sirius reassured, “even have a butterbeer at the three broomsticks.”

James glanced at Sirius Potbelly, “Or beers?”

“Or that too.”

❧

“I forgot how fucking cold Scotland is” Sirius shuddered as he hugged his leather jacket tighter. “And it’s sunny.”

“Haven’t wheeze been up here in a while have you?” James grinned, although he was puffing as they walked up to the quidditch ground. His heavy footfalls crunching the gravel as he slowly lumbered. “Don’t remember it being so puff far.”

“You’re not as dynamic as you used to be prongs” Sirius said patting his back, then grimacing as he spotted the sweat patch on the back of James’s shirt.

“Are you calling me old?” James frowned puffing his chest.

“No mate, I’m calling you fat” Sirius grinned.

James stopped and rested his hands on Sirius shoulders. “Sirius. Padfoot. Look down that’s not a skinny twenty year old anymore. You’re getting fat.”

Sirius put his hands on James shoulders, “I’m not your size. You’re huge, you have eaten yourself obese.”

“Pft. I’m only a few pounds over (200)?”

“OBEEESE” Sirius teased.

“Errr…Dad, Uncle Sirius? What are you doing?” Harry asked looking very confused, as he was trailed by a group of first year Gryfindors.

“We were discussing…” Sirius looked at James trying to come up with a half decent suggestion.

“We were….”

Harry’s eyebrow raised and a look he’d seen on Lily several times.

“Nevermind” James said brushing it off. Before he embraced Harry tightly. “That’s my boy, did you love the broom? Are you ready for your first match. Have you eaten?”

“The Broom is great Dad. I’m not really sure, I’ve had a few practices. And uh yes?” Harry answered.

James frowned at him, “You need a full stomach” he warned. “Trust me.”

James pulled out a container, “drink all these. And eat these” James said fosistering a handful of chocolate bars into Harry’s hand. “Eat all these. Never play on an empty stomach.”

“That hufflepuff girl. Do you remember the skinny one?” Sirius chuckled.

“The one who fainted? Whatever happened to her?”

“She’s probably dead” Sirius said bluntly. “She was a Muggle Born.”

“Ah. Harry drink up..” James prompted.

Harry flipped off the lid and began guzzling it chugging the drink down.

“Hello Mr Potter, we met on the platform at Kings Cross” Hermione reminded him. “What is it?” Hermione asked curiously.

“Protein powder, heavy cream, milk and ice cream” James explained. “It’s great for building muscle.”

Harry lifted an arm and flexed it. It wobbled. Two of the other boys who James didn’t recognise snorted amused.

“This is Seamus and Dean. And that’s Ron Weasley”

“I’m Sirius Lupin, Harry’s uncle, and this is James, Harry’s Dad.”

“He’s the Minister for Magic” Hermione said knowingly.

“We made a sign for Harry” Ron explained. The unfurled a the bed sheet, revealing the words ‘Harry for President!’

“It’s an in joke” Hermione explained.

“Urrrrppp” Harry belched.

James grinned, “that’s the stuff, now you just be brilliant. Do your best, but definitely try to win.”

Harry nodded amused.

“Is that meant to be a pep talk?” Sirius smirked. “That was rubbish.”

“Oh shut up” James grinned. “Harry’s going to do his best, and be brilliant.” James said hugging him again.

“Thanks Dad” Harry smiled. “Were you nervous?”

“Before Quidditch games? Definitely” James nodded reassuringly.

“What if” Harry began.

“Just do your best, that’s all you can do” James reassured. “You better get to the change room.”

“Right” Harry nodded, “people won’t laugh will they?”

“They might, so you have to prove them wrong” Sirius offered. “Be better.”

“I better go then” Harry nodded firmly.

“Good luck Harry!” Hermione enthused.

Harry offered a nervous look and headed off toward the changing rooms.

“Are you going to sit with us?” Hermione asked.

“Unfortunately we have to go sit with the adults” James grimaced.

“He’s just not looking forward to all the stairs” Sirius grinned.

Sure enough James felt exhausted as he managed to get all the way up to where the teachers were all sitting. There were some dotted around the stadium. Nevertheless up in the box other than the Commentator, a black boy with curly black hair. Were a handful of teachers, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Mcgonagall, Professor Snape, and a very Caucasian teacher James didn’t recognise with a large turban on his head.

“Snivelus” James smirked as he and Sirius heaved themselves to the back row.

Snape ignored them a frustrated grin on his face.

Professor Mcgonagall’s head turned back toward them. “If you cannot behave…”

“You’ll take housepoints from us?” Sirius grinned.

“Behave” Professor Mcgonagall warned.

James and Sirius grinned.

From where they sat they could see the whole field sure enough. Both teams began to walk out. Sirius and James cheered enthusiastically as they easily spotted the spherical lad as he lumbered out with his team.

“You don’t think it’s a joke do you?” James said quietly.

“I don’t think so. He’s not in slytherin” Sirius reassured. “You’re adorable as a nervous parent prongs.”

“It’ll be your turn next year. Your twins will be cause chaos” James grinned.

Severus head snapped in James direction. “Twins?”

“Yeah. I had a boy and a girl. Don’t worry I doubt they’ll be Slytherin’s” Sirius teased.

There was a blast of a whistle from the quidditch field, and suddenly fifteen brooms raced up into the air. Half in a dark scarlet the others in a striking emerald green. James could just see the Red Quaffle as it was caught by a Gryfindor.

“And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor - what an excellent chaser that girl is and rather attractive too..”

“JORDAN” Professor Mcgonagall barked.

“Ah. Remember when we used to be on the receiving end of that. Ah it takes me back” Sirius grinned.

James and Sirius shared a mischievous look.

“Jordan! Jordan! Jordan!” James and Sirius chanted enthusiastically.

Professor McGonagall’s head slowly turned round toward them, a well worn severe expression. “I will happily go to prison for brutally maiming the pair of you.”

“Minerva. At least buy me dinner” Sirius beamed with delight.

“I never realised she cared so much” James nodded chin wobbling.

All credit to the Gryfindor team they played considerably well. Although even James could spot Harry’s enthusiasm lagging, as he bobbed above the team. Being the seeker was a bit of a thankless role. Although it gave him an excuse to show off with a couple of loop de loops.

The Commentator was the first to notice the snitch. Harry and his Slytherin opposition dove toward the snitch. Impressively Harry’s round physique meant he was aero dynamic. As he was faster and reached the snitch. However flying fast to interrupt him was a Slytherin chaser. Who flew upward causing Harry to spin off course.

“Dammit” James swore thumping his fist. “Bastard Slytherin. That’s a bloody foul!” James roared.

Most of the Gryfindors seemed to the agree, Including the commentator.

“Personally I don’t think Professor Mcgonagall is doing enough to support her team. I think she’s gone soft” Sirius said loudly.

“I think she’s got Slytherin Bias” James agreed.

“EXCUSE ME!” Professor Mcgonagall exploded in anger. James and Sirius grinned proudly. She seethed in visible anger. “FINE LINE.”

They’d all missed it. Harry was gripping tightly as it bucked unnaturally.

“James” Sirius voice was deadly serious. People were whispering and pointing as Harry’s Broom carried him higher into the air jerking and bucking unnaturally.

“Someone’s fucking hexed his broom” James swore angrily. The hate rising up in him. James whipped out his wand and grunted in frustration. “He’s out of range of a shield charm.

“Maybe if you stood up Porky” Snape said dryly.

James growled and stood up, “Say that to my face Snivellus.” ready to throw a punch. His heavy fat gut colliding with the back of the turbaned teacher. A muffled grunt went by unnoticed.

Sirius sniffed, “Can you smell smoke?”

Then sure enough there was a lick of blue flame that was spreading up Severus robes. James laughed, as Sirius looked under the bench and grinned.

Harry was now speeding towards the ground at an impressive speed.

“Pull up! Pull up!” James yelled horrified. Watching as his son plummet. He hit the pitch hard and fell onto all fours. Harry coughed like he might be sick and spat out a snitch into his hand.

“I’ve got the snitch!” Harry declared.

James could both kill his son and kiss him, so he rapidly raced down the stairs. Faster than he ought too. He could hear the roars from the Gryfindor team erupting.

“Harry… puff are you wheeze okay?” James said clutching his knees. As he looked up at his son.

“Yeah. I am okay” Harry promised, shaking slightly.

James hugged him against his belly, “We are not breathing a word of this to your mother. Or she’ll never let you near a broom. But I am proud of you.”

Harry nodded, “Thanks Dad, you saw I caught the snitch.”

“With your mouth, good to see all that eating is good for something” James chuckled. “But I’m proud of you for holding on. I’m going to kill whoever hexed your broom.”

“I’m okay Dad” Harry said.

“Hullo James” Hagrid said as he came down. “I’ll brew you some tea, you can relax in my hut.”

James broke the hug rubbing his son’s back. “Sirius and I were going to get food in Hogsmede. But we can stay if you want me too.”

Harry looked up at James, “I’ll be okay. Thankyou for coming today.”

“It was your first quidditch game. I wasn’t going to miss that” James grinned.

“I thought you might have had work.”

“I make time for you. I might be Minister for Magic. But I’m always going to be your Dad” James smiled.

“I’m gonna go with Hagrid” Harry said with a gentle smile.

“Okay. Well send me an owl. Let me know when your next game is” James smiled.

“Oh. There’s my nephew! You were spectacular” Sirius said hugging Harry tightly.

“Thanks Uncle Sirius. What did you think?”

“Brilliant. Other than the whole loosing control of your broom. But Merlin you recovered that” Sirius said. “You should be so proud.”

“Come on Harry, best head off before the crowds” Hagrid pointed out.

“He’s not coming with us?” Sirius asked James.

“Harry said he’s okay. So we’ve got the afternoon to ourselves” James smiled. “I’ll send you a care package from Honeydukes.”

“Oh Merlin. That’s the last place you need to visit” Sirius said shaking his head.

“Come on. We can get something for Remus” James grinned. “Bye Harry.”

Chapter 11

Sirius (The philosopher’s stone)

“Sirius, there’s an owl. And it won’t stop hooting” Peters said from the doorway.

“An Owl?” Sirius chuckled as he got up from his desk. “In the Ministry? That’s impressive.”

“Dammit. Stop bloody moving” Tonks Shouted.

Sirius reached the doorway and recognised the owl instantly. “Ah.”

“Hedwig” Sirius called out offering his arm. The snowy owl swooped down and landed on Sirius arm. It fluffed its feathers and offered the letter it was gripping. “I’m mildly impressed you managed to make it here without being intercepted.”

Hedwig hooted.

“Hmm. Stubborn like your owner” Sirius said taking the letter.

“Come along. I’ve got some of my sandwich you can nibble on” Sirius smiled leading the owl into his office. The owl flew off his arm and perched on the back of his chair. “Make yourself at home” Sirius smirked as he closed his door. He opened the letter and slid the parchment out.

‘To Uncle Sirius,

I reckwest (crossed out) reqwest (crossed out) need your help. Me, Hermione, Ron think the Philos (crossed out) philosophers stone is at Hogwarts. And Snape wants to steal it, he’s evil!

From Harry!’

“So this is the urgent letter your owner sent” Sirius chuckled amused. “Okay. He flipped open his diary and scanned the pages. “Tomorrow evening. Should do” Sirius grinned. He scrawled out a letter and sealed it in an envelope. Offering to Hedwig.

Hedwig hooted expectantly.

“Food right” Sirius nodded and pulled

Out of his sandwich form a drawer, he

Ripped off a corner and offered it to Hedwig, Hedwig chewed at the bread. After a moment she hooted and took the letter with her claw.

Sirius opened his office door and Hedwig flew out knowing exactly where she was going.

Sirius turned back to his diary, and blocked out late afternoon tomorrow. He now had a meeting with his Godson.

Sure enough in the late afternoon, Sirius apparated to Hogsmede. It was quiet although it was the middle of the week. He made his way toward the edge of the forbidden forest. Transforming into his animagus form as he ran through the forest. It hadn’t changed and it all felt so very familiar. He ran and weaved through the trees. Until he finally reached the edge the castle looming across the setting sun.

He slipped behind a tree and transformed behind a tree. He cracked his neck and waited.

Harry and his friends weren’t too long, an invisible cloak undid revealing Harry. His jumper not quite reaching his trousers and a crack of skin bulging out. Beside him was two of the friends he’d met when they’d gone to Harry’s first quidditch game.

“Are you here to arrest Professor Snape?” Harry said hopefully. “You remember Ron, and Hermione.”

Sirius desperately hid his grin, “I remember. Now come into my office.”

“We aren’t supposed to go into the forbidden forest” Hermione pointed out.

“It’s just the edge. You’ll be fine” Sirius reassured. He led them away from the edge of the trees and gestured to a fallen log. “Take a seat.”

The three sat. Sirius sat himself on a tree stump. “Now pitch me.”

The three children looked confused.

“Pitch me your evidence. I believe you but If I’m going to arrest Professor Snape, I need hard proof. I do the same thing to my Aurors. So convince me.”

All three looked at each other slightly uncertain.

“Well? I didn’t come up all the way to Scotland for the weather” Sirius grinned.

“Well, I saw Professor Snape muttering something words when Harry’s broom lost control. And the jinx stopped when I lit Snape’s robes on fire” Hermione said firmly.

“Hmm. Circumstantial unfortunately. We’d need to check his wand for proof. What else.”

“On Halloween when the troll got loose. Snape released it because the three headed dog bit his leg” Ron offered enthusiastically.

“Good” Snape grinned. “But still circumstantial. It’s not proof of intent. What you need is solid physical proof, and secondly we need a motive.”

“He argued with Professor Quirrell. In the forbidden forest. He was trying to get information out of him” Harry said quietly. “And…” he swallowed as he met Sirius eyes. “I saw Voldemort.”

“….what..”

“When we had detention. There was a man he was eating from a unicorn. I just knew it was him” Harry said intensely.

“Okay. Let’s circle back to that” Sirius his stomach tightening. His instincts suggesting whatever Harry had begun uncovering was something dangerous. “Why? What does snape get out of this..”

“He wants the Philosphers stone” Hermione said firmly.

“Yes your letter mentioned that. Catch me up?” Sirius asked Hermione. Hermione smiled in delight and explained the history of the stone. “And a friend of Dumbledore. Okay. Why do you think it’s here?”

“Hagrid told us” Harry grinned.

Sirius sighed, “Hagrid told you. Course he did.”

“All the teachers set up protections for it” Ron explained. “We don’t know what, other than the three headed dog that Hagrid provided.”

“I see. I wonder if all the teachers know each other’s plans” Sirius wondered. He had a thought.

“No. Because otherwise Snape wouldn’t have confronted Lupin” Harry said firmly.

“Alright. So I can’t arrest Snape, as much as I desperately really wish I could” Sirius explained.

“What?!?” All three kids said indignantly.

“But. I concede that yes it’s likely the Philosophers Stone is at Hogwarts, and someone is making an attempt for it” Sirius warned. “However I don’t think it’s Snape. He doesn’t have a motive.”

“He wants Voldemort back!” Harry exploded.

“He doesn’t. He doesn’t get anything out of it. I know that your parents and I deeply resent Snillus for things he did at school and during the war. However, it doesn’t advantage him to want Voldemort back. He was a half blood and frankly not high up in the death eater chain of command. Given he defected and Voldemort was vocally critical of anyone who turned against him. Voldemort isn’t going to welcome him with open arms. If anything he’d probably kill him.”

Harry’s nostrils flared, “But it has to be him.”

“Okay. Maybe I’m wrong. But I still need solid proof. For now and I do not tell your parents, well don’t tell your mother. But I would focus on keeping an eye on who’s going to steal the Philosopher’s stone” Sirius said.

“But who else would do it?” Ron asked. “No else is a death eater.”

“There’s no guarantee they’re doing it willingly” Sirius pointed out. “So keep an eye out. Now I have this for you Harry” Sirius said handing him a small black case.

Harry opened it, it was a mirror. “A mirror?”

“Your Dad and I used a similar one. All the Aurors use these. So if you see anything? Suspect anything, you tell me straight away.”

“But you can’t do anything now?” Harry frowned disappointed.

“No. I can’t. But I’m going to look into it. Because you’re right. Something is up, and when it goes down. I need to be just as ready as you” Sirius grinned. “That okay?”

“Yes. Yeah..” Harry nodded.

“Right you three back up to the castle then” Sirius grinned as he got up and embraced Harry. “And make sure to lose a few pounds,” added Sirius. “You’re starting to become your father in girth.”

“Uncle Sirius. You’ve got a tummy too now. Are you dieting?”

Sirius coughed, “Right, good luck Harry.”

❧

Sirius knocked on James door before he opened it. Anyone else would have to ask or have an appointment. Sirius could always walk right in.

James was leaning down behind a stack of paperwork.

“Hello Prongs, you’re not buried in work are you?” Sirius asked.

“When aren’t I” James grinned sitting up. Sugar over his lips and double chin. “Donut?” He offered the box to Sirius.

“I’m fine. Big lunch” Sirius lied. “Anyway. I need a raid on Hogwarts approved.”

James coughed roughly, “what?” He wheezed.

“It’s complicated. Do you want the full details? It’s a lot of…”

“Sirius. Harry attends there, of course I want to know what’s going on.”

Sirius winced, “Right. Harry uncovered that Dumbledore is keeping the Philosopher’s stone on school grounds. And has set up some sort of challenge to stop a thief. Who is in league to bring Voldemort back, who potentially might be lurking in the forbidden forest.”

“WHAT!” James bellowed.

“Most of this is circumstantial. Harry was actually convinced it was Snape. I do think it’s someone in the faculty. So I’ve got Harry ready to call me the moment he suspects something is going down.”

“You got Harry involved?” James growled angrily.

“No no. Harry got me involved” Sirius reassured. “He sent me this. Via Hedwig, in the ministry. How does his owl know how to get in the ministry?”

James looked at the letter and sighed, “Oh I taught her to use the visitor’s entrance.”

“That’s impressive” Sirius admitted. “So?”

James rubbed his face in his hands, “Fine. If Lily finds out…”

“Your lips are looser than mine Prongs.”

“Just give me the paperwork” James muttered. Sirius handed it over. “Does Harry really think…”

“Yeah he does. I spoke to Hagrid after, lied and said Harry was a bit shaken after his detention. He confirmed that there was a dead unicorn found in the forest. Which is what Harry thinks Voldemort was feasting on. I wish I didn’t believe it, but it all sort of fits together.”

James swallowed as he scanned the paperwork, “What other evidence is there.”

“There’s been two trolls smuggled into Hogwarts. One was for the troll attack. And the other is still unknown. Add to that, after I bought him a beer he supplied a three headed dog to Professor Dumbledore, and collected the philosophers stone from Gringotts. Add to that the periodic reports we get from Romania about Voldemort sightings have dried up since last summer. When according to port key records, a Hogwarts staff member made a visit to the country.”

“It was dumbledore right?” James winced.

“It was not. It was Professor Quirell.”

“Who?”

“White Guy with the turban.”

“Him? Really?” James said dubiously. “He seemed bit..”

“Peter like?” Sirius smirked. “But that’s not the interesting thing. I spoke to Tonks one of our new Aurors, and she had him as a Muggle Studies Professor.”

“Go on. Stop enjoying this” James grunted grumpily as he shoved two donuts into his mouth. An audible pop as his buttons burst. “Dammit..”

“You need to stop stress eating, or you’ll be immobile before you’re forty” Sirius grinned. “Anyway, he didn’t wear a turban last year.”

“I’m going to kill Dumbledore” James muttered.

“You’re too fat to touch your toes how are you going to manage to duel Dumbledore” Sirius grinned.

James handed over the signed paperwork. “Keep it discreet, and don’t kill Harry. I’ve worked hard to keep him alive.”

“Why? By making him too fat to kidnap” Sirius grinned.

James threw a ball of paper at him. “He’s your nephew. And he’s happy, don’t ruin him.”

Sirius playfully surrended, “Lunch?”

“You really are getting fat Padfoot” James grinned. “If you’re worried about Harry, use the Map to track him.”

“The map? I thought you had it?”

“I thought you had it!” James stared.

“Did we loose it?” Sirius groaned.

“Merlin only knows” James sighed.

Chapter 12

Sirius

The small pocket mirror that sat in Sirius breast pocket glowed hot. “Ah!” Sirius grunted as he slapped the mirror onto the desk. “Need to turn that down” he muttered. He used his pen knife to pry the mirror open. Harry’s round face filled the mirror.

“Uncle Sirius?” Harry huffed out of breath.

“It’s happening tonight. Dumbledore is away on business. We tried to tell Professor Mcgonagall but she didn’t listen. We’re at the third floor..”

“Harry. You need to wait for me” Sirius said already up on his feet.

“Harry. The dog it’s sleeping” Ron hissed somewhere nearby to Harry. Sirius could hear the gentle strumming of a lute.

“Harry. Wait for me” Sirius begged but the mirror shut off. “Dammit” he swore. He grabbed his wand and robes pulling them on as he hurtled into the main office. “Aurors. Who’s here and ready for field duty.”

Five hands rose up, including an aged hand. “Constant Vigilance” Alastor Moody growled. Named Mad eye by those that feared him. Sirius had forgotten he was still training Tonks.

“Okay. Right, this will work. Everyone gear up where Aparating into Hogwarts in two minutes.”

No body moved.

“Did I Stutter, gear up. Let’s go people” Sirius bellowed.

Movement exploded, Moody hobbled over looking at Sirius suspiciously. “What’s going on.”

“Dumbledore made a plan. It’s gone pear shaped, I’m making sure three children don’t get murdered. And Voldermort doesn’t get brought back” Sirius said firmly.

“Then we better go” Moody said firmly.

Tonks and a few others were ready with wands and Armour. “Let’s go” He apparated and stepped onto the cobbled flagstones of the courtyard. “Third floor corridor. Moody, Tonks, MC. You’re with me. The other three I want you to find any faculty and give me a headcount. Secure them in their rooms. Right let’s go.”

Sirius moved quickly into Hogwarts. Rapidly up the stairs. He really hoped Harry hadn’t gotten too far.

“Percy” Tonks waved to a fifth year. “You need to get all students back to their dorms. Now.”

“Tonks? Wait what’s going on?”

“Just do it!” Tonks flared up.

They skidded to a halt on the landing outside the third floor and opened the door. A large black three headed dog was growling.

“Good God” Tonks swore.

Sirius flipped his wand out and spied the harp, “Greek god of music!” The Harp began to play a gentle tune. The Dog seemed to slow down and tire, before he fell back to sleep. The trapdoor clear in the floor.

Sirius moved toward it and opened it carefully. He could feel the dogs warm breath. He gestured to it. “Come on then” he hissed and Jumped in. He felt air rushing past as he landed in devils snare. His wand already in his hand it took seconds for the words, “Lumos” to escape his lips and he sank like a stone through the plant.

He felt the thumps of the others land. Navigating Devils Snare was a basic survival skill taught by the Aurors. Sure enough they joined him in the cave underneath.

“All limbs in tact” Sirius asked.

“Are we just blundering through?” Moody growled, getting up.

“Unfortunately there is not a guide book” Sirius admitted. He felt his mirror warm and pulled it out. An Auror appeared in the reflection.

“Most of the teachers have are been kept in their rooms. The floo network has been disabled. Except for Professor Mcgonagall who is refusing. And Professor Quirrell who we are unable to locate.”

“That’s the traitor then. One question answered” Sirius admitted.

“And I have numerous questions for you Sirius Black. You have no right to…”

“Minerva. Are you or are you not currently holding a dangerous piece of medical paraphernalia. Which you are storing in a Government funded school, in order to trap a potentially dangerous wizard. In a school with numerous children?” Sirius growled firmly.

There was silence.

“This should never have happened. Dumbledore needs to pull his head in” Sirius said snapping the mirror shut. “We’re not at bloody war anymore” he said through gritted teeth.

“Sir?” Tonks questioned.

“Sorry. I’m just annoyed, because Hogwarts might be the safest place in the United Kingdom. That doesn’t mean they need to constantly put the welfare of children in jeopardy” Sirius huffed. “This way” he said opening a door.

After a ridiculously over complicated challenge with some enchanted keys. They came to a large chamber with an oversized chess board. Two boys were at the other side of it.

“Get off Neville. I’m Fine” Ron grunted in complaint.

“I think your arms broken” Neville frowned.

“My arms fine. It’s just sore” Ron frowned. “Just get this stone off me.”

“Hermione was worried” Neville commented, “And she’s better with spells than I am.”

“Boys are you alright!” Sirius called about step onto the floor.

“Wait. Stop!” Neville thundered.

Everyone stopped.

“I didn’t think that would work” Neville said quietly.

“If you step on. Then the board will reactivate” Ron said sitting up. “Ah. My leg…I can’t..”

“We need to get across” Sirius said frustrated. “We could risk it”

“Hmmmm. The pieces look destroyed. But they could reform” Moody commented. “Wouldn’t put it past Minerva.”

“It’s wizard chess. Can’t be that bad” tonks commented. “What if we just flew across?”

“Err..I need to some help to move Ron” Neville called out, “His legs are trapped by stone.”

“We risk it” Sirius said. “At worst, we’re playing chess.”

Sirius stepped onto the board, and waited for something to change. Nothing did. “I think. Because the previous players are still on the board. It hasn’t reset yet” Sirius grinned. “Come on..” He ran across the board as he joined Ron and Neville. “Hello boys,” he smiled. “Harry gone ahead?”

Neville nodded, “Hermione too.”

“I see. Ron how are you feeling?” Sirius asked squeezing Ron’s ankles, “can you feel that?”

“Feel what?” Ron asked. “Are we going to move this or what?”

Neville and Sirius shared a look.

“How are you boy?” Moody asked.

Ron and Neville’s eyes widened in concern.

“Moody’s harmless, mostly” Sirius grinned. He stood up and put his arm around moody. “Ron’s lost feeling in his legs” he whispered.

“Tonks! You’ve got that kit ready?” Moody bellowed.

Tonks was at Ron’s side, “Wotcha, I’m Tonks.”

“Your friends with Charlie” Ron nodded.

“You remembered” Tonks grinned. “Alright Moody is going to lift the rock up, but it’s going to hurt. Okay..”

Ron nodded. Neville hopped up, and paled slightly.

“Tonks, Moody, you two catch up when you can” Sirius indicated. “We’ll keep going.”

Sirius headed out the door, his other Aurors behind. He could hear Ron’s pained scream the doors to the next chamber closed behind them.

A large Hulking Mountain Troll was unconscious on the ground. Sirius was glad, one less thing to worry about. They opened the door and found themselves in a a smaller chamber the door behind them became blocked by purple flames, the door across black flames.

“Sir..” One of the Aurors gestured to the table with potions.

“Ah. This will be snvilus room” Sirius sighed, he approached the table and looked at the bottles. No refilling charm. Interesting, all the challenges were designed to only be completed the once. He picked up the bottle that had the most amount of liquid missing. There were lip marks on the bottle, Sirius glanced down at the riddle and took a swig. He stuck his hand into the black flames and felt a light tickle.

“Right” Sirius grinned. “Drink this” he said holding out the bottle as he opened the door. The scream was painful.

Chapter 13

Aftermath. Lily, Draco

Lily glared fiercely across at Dumbledore who sat calmly in his chair. Her eyes narrowed, “At what point did you think this was a good idea.”

“Ms Potter. I understand that you’re frustrated. However the situation was in hand.”

“Bullshit. Harry came to you and warned you, and you told him you’d handle it? How precisely were you and a handful of teachers going to deal with this situation” Lily said her head snapping in the direction of Professor Mcgonagall.

“There were deterrents in place.”

“That he got through. Hell Harry got through them and he’s eleven. You were all out of your depth. And since I walked into this office not one of you has offered an apology.”

“Given the situation. And your relationship to your husband, we don’t think that was necessary.”

“Really? And why is that?” Lily said sternly.

“Given the Minister’s overreach we’re formally asking for a hearing. Investigating why half a dozen Aurors were allowed to apparate with no warning, and detain my teaching staff.”

Lily laughed hard, she laughed so hard it made her tear up. “Oh. Fuck, that’s so funny. Oh god I needed that” She said recovering. “By the way, Sirius asked me to give you this” Lily bent down and pulled out a large file of paperwork. It landed on the desk with a thud. “I haven’t looked at it. But I’m told it’s very very detailed.”

Dumbledore straightened slightly and began leafing through the file, his eyes studying each page. Professor Mcgonagall glanced over his shoulder and expression paled. “It appears. I was unaware of the Ministry’s own investigation. I’m Sorry, that Harry was put in harms way.

“Thankyou” Lily said rising to her feet. “Let’s hope this situation doesn’t repeat itself.”

Lily walked out of his office head held high, frustration tightening. She was going to go grey if she had to deal with seven years of this. At least Muggles had choices in the schools students attended.

“Lily” Severus offered with a cordial nod.

“Hello” Lily sighed. “Thank you for looking out for Harry at the Quidditch match.”

“How did..”

“Harry, he thought you’d been hexing him. Given last night. I figured you were using the counter curse.”

“You’re welcome” Severus said. “He is far too much like James.”

Lily snorted, “He gets his stubbornness from me. And you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.”

“He barely pays attention in class, and ignores my instructions.”

“Yes. Because he’s two years ahead” Lily said smirking. “You should challenge him.”

“Slughorn’s teaching is outdated.”

“But it’s effective. That’s the thing about teaching all students learn differently. You did.”

Severus shifted, “I assume you’re going to visit Harry. And his idiotic friends.”

“I think they’re pretty smart” Lily admitted. “He has good taste.”

Severus scoffed.

“Oh come on. Are you disappointed he’s not cozying in with Slytherins” Lily said crossing her arms, her belly acting as a plump shelf.

“He could keep better company” Severus commented.

“Nonsense. Most of the Slytherins are Dark Bloods.”

Severus eyes narrowed, “Did you have to create a new slur.”

Lily smirked, “Well, it’s a change from Mudblood. And no offence but none of them have learned anything. We fought in World War One, and World War Two is coming fast.”

Severus looked away, “They’re children.”

“And Children sometimes learn bigotry from their parents and sometimes from the people they go to school with.”

“Yes I see the point of your moralising” Severus muttered.

“Good” Lily grinned. “And you need a girlfriend. Because if James dies, I’m not going to date you. I want to make that really really clear” Lily said patting Severus chest.

“Are you certain?” Severus asked. “What do you see in him. It can’t be his looks.”

“What? Because he’s…fat?” Lily said eyebrow raised.

Severus cheeks went slightly pink, “Not quite what I meant.”

“Uh huh” Lily smiled, “You can accompany back to the hospital wing.”

❧

Draco Malfoy woke up in a bad mood, worse than usual. His clothes weren’t out of place. His shirt was ironed adequately by the house elf’s. Nothing was out of place, among his belongings.

Even as he readied himself that morning, he couldn’t shift that frown. That deep seated feeling that something had happened. Perhaps it was the way Prefect Gemma Farley came into the common room in a tizzy and said no one could leave for the rest of the night.

But it still left an uneasy feeling, that had made way for a mood, he slowly made his way down to the great hall. He caught Professor Snape talking with Potter’s mother (For a second he thought it might have been Weasleys given how fat she was.)

“Professor?” Draco began. “I was wondering what occurred last night? We never received an update.”

Professor Snape lip’s tightened, as he glanced at Potter’s mother before he answered. “Nothing to be concerned about.”

“Well I was just concerned.”

“The only thing you should be concerned with is your homework. Perhaps if you aren’t interested in breakfast you could revise for your first class.”

“Defence against the Dark Arts. It’s not exactly hard work” Draco drawled confidently.

Potter’s mother was looking at him queerly.

“Ah. There will be a substitute. I would advise you to go to class regardless” Professor Snape firmly.

“Of course” Draco nodded politely. He considered for a moment. “Mrs Potter, I was hoping this summer Harry and I could have a play date.”

“If he’s feeling up to it, I don’t see why not” Mrs Potter smiled.

If he’s feeling up to it. So something happened to Potter. Of course it did. Typical.

“I hope he feels better soon” Draco said with a tart smile.

Professor Snape raised an eyebrow. Draco walked away, and hid himself around the corner.

“I’m glad to see Harry is getting along with him” Mrs Potter commented.

“They don’t” Professor Snape said bluntly.

“In that case if Harry misbehaves over summer. I’ll organise a play date.”

Professor Snape laughed. Draco found himself frowning, his god father never laughed. Or at least not like that.

He sat down in his usual spot at the Long Slythein table. There was a smattering of teaching staff Madame Hooch, Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout and a couple of others. Draco glanced at the Gryfindor table. There was a notable group of absences.

Potter, Weasley, Granger, Longbottom.

It frankly spoke volumes. He was mildly annoyed that he knew nothing about it. First year on the quidditch team, and now caused some calamity that caused chaos the previous night.

“Draco. You know if the wind changes your face will be stuck that way” Blaise said grinning.

“Ha. Very droll. I’m annoyed.”

“Yeah. We got that” Theo chuckled as he buttered a peice of toast.

“Oh. And the sky is blue” Goyle said grinning

Draco turned and glared at him, his grin rightly faded. “Anyway. Potter isn’t at breakfast.”

“He could have slept in” Blaise yawned.

“Have you seen the size of him? Him and Longbottom should be down here scoffing their faces like pigs.”

He just just received shrugs. Draco sighed in irritation, of course they didn’t care as much as he did. They should care on principle.

Slightly annoyed no one wished to discuss it further. Draco changed tack.

“Professor Snape said we’ll have a substitute for Defence against the Dark Arts” Draco said as he reached for a crumpet.

“Really? Where’s Professor Quirell?” Theo asked.

“Does it matter? Now I don’t ha..ha..have to sit through another Le..Le..lesson without him stut..tt..tt..ering” Draco said mimicking Professor Quirell’s vocal pattern.

They all laughed. Good. As they should.

❧

The hospital wing bed creaked as Lily moved her position. Harry was still asleep, he looked exhausted. From the details she’d gotten from Sirius, he was lucky to be alive.

Hermione and Neville, had both been sent back to their dorm to sleep. As neither of them had been particularly harmed.

Ron Weasley had been in the bed beside Harry, but he’d woken on the first day, and then forced to swallow a rather noxious concoction that fixed his broken leg. He’d been allowed to return to his dorm.

Harry had reminded asleep, she worried how long it would take. She tried not to think about, what would happen if he didn’t wake up. “My idiot son. Why do you have to have your father’s spirit. You couldn’t have just inherited his appetite” Lily sighed as she gently stroked his face. “I always knew he’d come back. I’d hoped we’d have more time.”

Harry stirred in the bed, groaning, the springs heaving as he turned. “Mum…” he murmured as he woke up groggily.

“I’m here” Lily said kindly as she reached out and squeezed his hand.

Harry sat up and rubbed his eyes, “Mum? The Stone! It was Professor Quirell! He’s got the Stone! I need..”

“Harry” Lily said squeezing his shoulders gently. “He doesn’t. You killed him.”

Harry paled quickly, “I what.”

“It’s okay. Harry, it’s okay” Lily reassured. “You saved the day.”

“Oh. Am I in trouble.”

“Big trouble. But it’s okay you’re not going to get punished.”

“I’m not?”

“No. You made the right choice to reach out to Sirius. But you’re eleven, you shouldn’t have to save the world. I know you worry about what we’d say. But we love you, and we would help.”

“You would have?” harry answered. “Really?”

“Dad always says your the party pooper”

Lily ran her tongue over her top teeth. “He would. But we’re always going to have your back” Lily reassured. “Assuming you don’t do anything completely stupid.”

“Lily, I was wondering if I might have a conversation with Harry?” Dumbledore said as he approached the bed.

Lily turned to face him, “He just woke up.”

“And I’m certain Harry has numerous questions.”

Lily caught Harry’s nod. She sighed, “Fine. However I would also like to hear the explanation.”

“Muuum” Harry groaned.

“I don’t have a problem with her listening, Harry” Dumbledore said as he sat down on the bed beside him. “Where should we start?” He said with a warm twinkle in his eye.

Chapter 14

(Summer)

Chapter 14

(Meeting Lockhart)