I had this idea while reading a Next-Gen story, because I was thinking, Harry's legacy would be a lot to live up to, wouldn't it? And even if his three children were too young to understand that, they'd still somewhat hate having a famous father. Also, I kind of wanted to write a Next-Gen story, so this was born.
Disclaimer: I do not own Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, Eeylops, Lumos, Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, James, Albus, and Lily Potter, or Teddy Lupin. Basically, I own nothing, so don't bother suing me.
James Potter was six the first time he ever noticed that his family wasn't exactly normal. They were in Diagon Alley, buying supplies for eleven year old Teddy, just the metamorphagus, Dad, Mum, Albus, Lily and he. It was a fairly sunny day, and the cobblestone streets were crowded with witches and wizards chattering loudly amidst the cauldrons, schoolbooks, and noisy animals.
His Dad had lifted James onto his back, and they were both looking into the window of Eeylops Owl Emporium, undoubtedly James' favorite shop in Diagon Alley. He was particularly interested in a snowy white owl that sat unmoving, staring at him through beady eyes. James knew Teddy had wanted an owl since he could talk, and he was certain the older boy should have this one. Of course, James mused, when he got to Hogwarts, he could always ask Teddy to borrow Lumos. That way, his parents didn't even have to spend money getting him a pet!
James explained this to his father as he was set back down onto the street and they walked hand-in-hand to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
His father laughed. "You've already named it?"
"Of course, Daddy. It's a perfect name." And it was. The owl was white and almost glistening, so bright that it hurt the six year old's eyes.
"Well, we can ask Teddy then, James. It is his owl, after all."
James sighed. "But it's absolutely perfect! Teddy can't have another owl. He just can't."
"Why don't you tell him that, then?" Mr. Potter asked, gesturing to where the rest of the family was sitting, already munching on ice cream.
James ran as fast as his little legs could carry him, almost knocking over an elderly witch in a bright green feathered hat (James thought it was rather silly, to be wearing that on such a nice day. Surely a bird would think it a friend and land on it?), and only stopped when he was panting next to Teddy's chair.
The older boy laughed, his hair his favorite shade of light blue. James had always been rather jealous of Teddy's abilities, wishing many times that he could turn his hair green. "What's got you in a hurry, Jamesie?"
James frowned at the nickname, which he loathed, but soon forgot as he remembered Lumos. "Daddy and I found the most brilliant owl for you to take to Hogwarts. Come on, we have to go see it!" James grabbed Teddy's hand and pulled to no avail.
Teddy laughed. "I'll come see in a little while, just let me finish my ice cream."
"But Teddy!"
"But Jamesie!"
James scowled, plopping onto his mother's lap with an exaggerated sigh. Teddy just didn't understand how wonderfully perfect Lumos was.
Mr. Potter chuckled at his son's expression, taking a seat next to his Mum.
"Lumos looks just like Hedwig," He told her, a sad look coming onto his face.
"Who's Hedwig?" Three year old Albus asked. James huffed. Instead of talking about other owls, they should have been going to see Lumos.
Mrs. Potter gave Albus a smile. "Hedwig was Daddy's owl when he went to Hogwarts." She turned to James. "Like father like son. You've already named it, James?"
James nodded. If that didn't prove how perfect the owl was, nothing did.
"Well, Teddy, how about it?" James' dad asked.
Teddy nodded, finishing the last scoop of his ice cream. "Let's go see it now! I'm done with my ice cream. Does that sound like a good plan, Jamesie?"
James was too excited to even care about his nickname. Taking is dad's hand in one hand and Teddy's in the other, he dragged them towards the other side of Diagon Alley.
They were abruptly stopped near Flourish and Blotts (a place James hated: who needed books when you could have Quidditch brooms?) by two witches that looked a little younger than Mr. Potter. They tapped James' father on the shoulder, giving him shy smiles. "Mr. Potter, we were wondering if we could have an autograph?"
James, quite eager to get to Eeylops, pulled his father even harder. Sighing, Mr. Potter turned around. "James, please wait a moment."
Turning back to the witches he gave them a slightly pained smile. "Of course."
They each brought out a piece of parchment and his father quickly scribbled his name on with a quill, which James thought was rather idiotic. Why would anyone want his father's name written down?
It was a good solid five minutes before James managed to drag his father and Teddy to Eeylops, and he stopped the moment he arrived. The pedestal where Lumos had previously been sitting was empty, only a plain, white feather remaining. James gasped, pushing his way inside and looked every which way for the white bird. It wasn't there.
His father gave him a sad smile. "I know Lumos is gone, James, but why don't you help Teddy pick out a new owl?"
James stood silent for a moment before bursting into tears, shaking his head.
"I'll even name it Lumos," Teddy suggested.
James cried even harder, plopping himself down on the cold ground. If those two women hadn't stopped his father, they might have come in time to get Lumos. The new owners would probably name the owl something boring, like Snowy.
And, in that moment, James Potter decided he didn't really enjoy having Harry Potter as a father.
I realize it's kind of short, but a lot of these are. All the chapters are just going to be one shots of times in the three Potter kids' life when they hated having Potter for a last name/having their dad be Harry Potter. I'm currently planning for 99 hates (33 for each kid) and one collective love.
Hopefully I got a six year old sorta in character, though if I didn't, feel free to tell me by REVIEWING. Seriously, it would help a lot. I love to know what people think of my writing, even if it's just "I loved it," or "I hated it." Of course, constructive criticism would be the best, but whatever floats your boat.
Also, please inform me if my writing is too American. I am not British, and therefore am not that good with using British words. Just review and give me specific examples so I can change those in the future.
Remember, REVIEW AND I WILL GIVE YOU VIRTUAL COOKIES.
~ThatSarcasticOne