CHAPTER ONE:
Severus Snape. One of the youngest and well sought off potions masters in Europe and possibly the world. Dressed in casual muggle clothes and his usual greasy hair tied in a clean pony tail he walked down the streets of the muggle neighborhood where he lived.
Severus has always hated his muggle name which was why he goes by the half-blood prince nickname as a boy. He held no love over his abusive father but he did love his mother. He always has even years after her death, he misses her.
It was just supposed to be nothing more but a warm summer night. There weren't a lot of people outside. He was just relieved for once not being called by Dumbledore to perform certain tasks he needed for him and was relieved for having his respite from his classes and the annoying dunderheads who he has to make sure will not explode a cauldron in his class.
Also, he just wants to get out for once. He doesn't need to have his nose at a cauldron all time despite what people think, especially what that annoying, egoistic, James Potter thinks.
Since the event five years ago at Halloween, his son Godric Charlus Potter managed to defeat the Dark Lord. Severus was still in denial on what happened that night. It was his fault that the Dark Lord went after the Potters. It wouldn't have happened if he didn't overlay the prophecy to the Dark Lord. It doesn't mean Severus like the man. He still has nightmares at his life as a former Death Eater.
The world may see it as the defeat and the death of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named but even Severus knew that the dark lord is not completely gone. The dark mark may not be visible anymore on his arm but he can still feel it. All the former death eaters knew. It was just a matter of time. Severus wondered why Albus Dumbledore, leader of the light, didn't say this piece of information. Why does he want the whole world to believe that the dark lord is dead when he isn't? Wouldn't that prepare people and to be cautious? Apparently, after years of reprieved from the dark lord many of the wizards and witches has been lax on their securities.
Severus keeps getting news from the Prophet with the front page showing James and Lily with their son. Severus can tell that the dame brat was going to grow up to be as stubborn and despicable like his father. He loathes the little brat already. People still praised the achievement of a little boy who doesn't even know how he defeated one of the most feared Dark Lords in Europe next to Grindelwald.
But people didn't know that the Potters have three children. Triplets to be exact. Everyone thought that the little boy was an only child. Severus was one of the few who knew because Severus was named godfather to the only girl of the Potters, Iris Potter.
Harry and Iris were the reason why Severus has another fall out with Lily. He couldn't understand how Lily, the woman he loved would abandon her two other children for the sake of the other.
He knew Dumbledore has a hand in it, with the Potters keep telling him it was for the greater good and Dumbledore knows what he's doing. Of course, he wasn't the only one.
The mutt, Sirius Black wasn't very happy with the decision either. He was Harry's godfather. When Sirius found out that the Potters dropped off Harry and Iris with Lily's sister Petunia he went looking for them but Dumbledore has put wards on the kids so it was impossible to find them.
Black's friendship with Potter ended that day. He claimed that if Potter didn't want the child because he was too busy raising the other one then he should have let Severus and himself raised the kids. It was better than muggles. Severus cringed at the thought of his god daughter being raised under Petunia.
Remus Lupin wasn't very happy with the Potters either and relinquished guardianship over Godric until Potter comes to his senses. None of them were in speaking terms with each other. They even choose to ignore each other whenever to cross paths in public.
Severus was even surprised that Black and Lupin apologized at him for all the pain they have caused him when they were in school. So the three of them have a civil relationship with each other.
Sirius Black, despite being Lord Black and has a seat in the Wizengamot, preferred to earn his name by returning back as an auror. This did not sit well with Potter as the two of them are in the same department. However, Black managed to earn himself a name. He was top auror after Moody retired. He managed to imprison almost all of Voldemort's followers.
Sirius Black was very thorough and has become famous on his own that his face has been adored by hundreds of women in Britain. His reputation has given him a good standing in Wizengamot.
Remus Lupin being a werewolf finds it difficult to sustain a full time job in wizarding world. He currently lived with Sirius and often visits Severus for tea. Lupin found himself a career as a children's book writer both to the wizarding and the muggle world, though he was more famous in the muggle world.
Severus stared at the full moon. He knew that Remus is probably at 12th Grimmauld place with Sirius. He was completely safe with Remus now taking the Wolfsbane potion. When Severus passed by St. Mary's Home for Girls. He would often wonder if Petunia didn't just ditch Harry and Iris at orphanages but with the children under Dumbledore's wards, it was impossible to find them.
Severus just shook sighed and shook his head. The only time he could see Harry and Iris again would be when they turned eleven and will be going to Hogwarts.
Neville Longbottom watched as the people around him are cheering and greeting the birthday boy, Godric Potter in the Potter's manor. Neville didn't understand why he was here celebrating Godric's birthday since it was his birthday as well.
Ever since Neville's parents were attacked by the Lestranges and rendered mentally ill. Neville stayed with his strict grandmother Augusta Longbottom. She was a bit of a traditionalist and she was a little worried that Neville has not shown any sign of magic for five years. Even though Augusta claimed he was still young and there were more years to come, she was a little worried that his grandson and heir to the Longbottom name will be a squib.
But his relatives would belittle his lack of magic. This has caused Neville to become timid, shy and a little jittery. Augusta's strict and traditionalist upbringing did not help at all, especially when she never stops talking about Neville's father and how great he was and how Neville will be following his footsteps.
Because Augusta was a little paranoid, Neville never had a chance to have a birthday party like Godric. He always gets a cake and presents on his birthday but even his relatives just send off his presents. They never even visited Neville.
The Potters however invited all their friends and members from the Light families. This was the first time they hosted Godric's birthday to the public and since the Longbottoms were always one of the allied families with the Potters, Uncle Algie keeps telling him that it was important for them to be there. This was the first time Neville will be with other children his own age who aren't fully related to him.
Neville always wondered why the Potters couldn't come to his house for his birthday. They probably don't even know his birthday was on the same day as Godric Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. Nobody ever greets him either, not even Godric.
"Hey Neville." A voiced behind him almost made him jumped. When Neville turned he saw nine-year-old Percy Weasley with his dark red curls, freckles and his blue eyes behind his glasses. "How are you doing?"
Neville met Percy when Uncle Algie introduced him to the Weasleys. They were a nice family though a little odd. But the younger ones were more interested in talking with Godric than him.
Neville shrugged and watched the Godric Potter as he laughed surrounded by every kid who was present on his birthday except Neville and Percy. Percy's younger siblings, Ron and Ginny were there trying to get Godric's attention.
"Oh, um, Happy Birthday too by the way." Percy muttered shyly. Neville blinked at Percy. Neville didn't know Percy very well but how did he know his birthday.
"Oh, I my dad told me." Percy answered seeing Neville's confused look. Neville nodded and gave him a shy smile. Percy smiled and grabbed Neville towards his older brothers and Fred and George who were among the few kids who didn't like the noise at the living room and decided to take refuge at the Potter's Library. They were also accompanied by Susan Bones and a young Luna Lovegood who was twirling around the room.
Percy Weasley has always been different from his family. He wasn't outgoing, talkative, boisterous and he wasn't crazy about quidditch. His parents were always worried about him since he has difficulty to get along with other children.
Percy was quiet, serious and spends most of his time reading in his room. His mother always tried to get him out and play with his brothers but he still could not see how quidditch could be important. His brothers think he's a stuck up except Bill. Bill was the only one in the house who wasn't bothered by Percy's different personality. The twins seem to like to prank him and his younger siblings, Ron and Ginny doesn't like to talk to him very much.
His family even tried to invite boys his age like Oliver Wood and Cedric Diggory. He got along with Cedric a bit but they were still wary about Percy. Percy never understood why he needs to be like his brothers. Everywhere he goes, everyone expects him to be so enthusiastic and a little goofy and even though his parents tried, Percy wondered why his family has difficulty accepting him for him.
Molly was so worried about Percy that she even tried to make him act like his brothers but that only made Percy miserable. So she stopped and decided to let her son be. Percy will be starting Hogwarts in two years. She was a little worried that Percy might get sorted to a different house. A Weasley or a Prewett has always been a Gryffindor.
She was even more worried that Percy would wind up in Slytherin especially after what happened when Arthur took him to the ministry. Now Percy has this idea that he wanted to become Minister of Magic. Ambition wasn't something Weasleys and Prewetts value.
Arthur tried to always include Percy whenever he gives his children attention but he just has a little difficulty connecting with Percy. One time, he took Percy to work with him and the little boy was very excited. Arthur was relieved because at least he gets a son who would stay here in Britain and work with the ministry. His older sons wanted to pursue their career elsewhere. Percy was so receptive about everything that he asks a lot of questions about the ministry. He even got into the habit of wandering off to different departments and would asked people questions. Now every time he goes to work, Percy would often ask if he could come.
Some people think the boy was a little too put off but Arthur was a little proud and worried at the same time. Sure he wanted a son who would work for the Ministry but Percy, despite his age, has his eyes set on changing some of the laws and even started reading books in politics. He just wanted Percy to work even in administrative positions not becoming Minister of Magic.
He was even a little peeved when he was looking for the wandering Percy only to find him talking with Lucius Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy of all people! He has always taught his children to never judge others but he hasn't taught Percy about the differences between Light and Dark Wizards yet.
"Percy!" Arthur called and grabbed his son as he hid him protectively away from Malfoy.
"Weasley." Malfoy greeted coldly.
"Malfoy." Arthur replied the same.
"This is your son?" Malfoy raised his eyebrows curiously at Percy. This only made Arthur held Percy even more firmly and protectively. "Interesting." Malfoy commented but didn't say anything more as he left the father and son without saying good-bye.
Arthur did not like that comment. He does not want Malfoy to find any of his children interesting. Malfoy will not get his hands on his son. After that Arthur brought Percy less. A lot of people often asked where his son was, especially Sirius Black who seemed to like Percy but he would simply tell them his son was spending time with his friends and even if Percy was with him, he refused to let him wander the ministry without adult supervision.
Arthur and Molly sat down with all of their children and started talking about the dangers of talking with strangers and be careful with interacting with some wizards, especially those who wizard families who practiced dark magic like the Malfoys.
Bill and Charlie both questioned their parents about the implications of dark magic and got themselves grounded. Percy and the twins decided not to ask and Ron and Ginny was still too young to understand.
Percy didn't tell his family that he managed to gain himself a friend. When Percy wandered around their neighborhood he got lost and winds up in the Lovegoods backyard. Lilian Lovegood was Percy's favorite person in the world. Despite her new age personality and odd belief on things that probably doesn't exist, he enjoyed spending time with the Lovegoods especially when Lilian does her experiments.
Percy even met Marcus Flint when he visited the Lovegoods. The Flints and the Lovegoods happen to be good friends despite the fact that both practiced different sides of magic. Knowing that the Flints were one of those people whom his family categorized as evil, he didn't say anything to his family.
Marcus was very big and tall for his age. Although he was as much of a fan of quidditch like Percy's family, he didn't need to talk about it all the time. He would play with Percy and Luna and even have beaten Percy in chess. Percy was even surprised that Marcus liked to read muggle comics and listen to some of the music. He was even knowledgeable in the world of politics due to the fact that Marcus' father was head of the ancient and noble house of Flint.
Percy learned from Marcus that the Weasleys has a seat at the Wizengamot too but hasn't been occupied for a while. Arthur was now head of the Weasley family after his older brother died without an heir during the war. But Arthur didn't have any interests in politics and allowed Dumbledore to proxy for their house.
Bill knew that Percy would often sneak away from home to meet up with Marcus when he thought no one was looking. Bill wasn't prejudiced between the dark and light families so he never questioned Percy with his friendship with a Flint nor did he say anything to his family. But he did worry that Percy will have a hard time growing up. Bill loved his family but sometimes they can be overbearing, especially his mother and Percy wasn't very good at blending in so he might not be fully accepted as a person in the family. He didn't want to crush Percy's spirit.
Petunia Dursley watched as her children played in the garden. Dudley and Harry were being chased by Iris who was trying to catch them but Dudley, ever the athlete the family was always the fastest runner and Harry always get tagged.
Petunia never understood why her sister, who has ever been considered the pride and perfect daughter in the family would leave her children at Petunia's doorstep in the middle of a cold night. If she wanted to leave her children in Petunia's care she would have said so instead of leaving a letter. It was rather impersonal and feels like Lily just abandoned her children.
It was also a hard time for Petunia. Vernon, her husband, died on a heart attack months after Dudley's birth. Then she got saddled not with one child but with three. Petunia managed to make it work. Lily may not know this, but Petunia has a Masters in Botany, which explain why she loves plants so much.
She taught part time at the local university and even has her own garden store in the city. Petunia wondered why Lily and her husband didn't even bother to visit nor wrote a letter. It was like they were dead. Petunia never lied to Harry and Iris. She told them how they were triplets and how their parents have to leave them here so they can train their other brother. She even told them the truth about magic which explains how Harry accidentally turned their kindergarten teacher's hair blue and how Iris turned everyone's clothes in school purple. Dudley found all of that amusing.
Harry was the one who has a hard time with accepting their parents. He felt like it was an unfair treatment to abandon him and his sister. Aunt Petunia wasn't even sure what the name of their other twin was because their parents never made any form of communication and Aunt Petunia couldn't send their parents any form of message since telephones were not accepted in the magical world.
Harry, Iris and Dudley were very close. Even Vernon's sister, Marge has accepted Harry and Iris as if they were her own. Harry and Iris were already warned to never reveal their magical abilities so even Aunt Marge or their neighbors know nothing about the existence of magic.
Dudley didn't grow up a big boy like his father. After what happened with Vernon, Petunia has been feeding the kids nothing but healthy foods.
Petunia stared at the letters on her kitchen table. She just received an invitation to work at Portland University in the United States as one of their research staff and faculty. It was a good deal. They even have great benefits for single parents like her. It was only for five years so Petunia wanted to experience life outside of Britain. At first, Petunia didn't want to go because she thought Lily would try to contact her and the children but since it's been years and Lily hasn't. It would seem Petunia was going to have to packed all of the bags.
It's a little boring but I needed a starting point. And yes, Harry and Iris will be living in America for a while. I have my reasons! You'll find that out in the next chapter. If I made any mistakes, please inform me right away! I got a feeling I'm a little redundant. Oh, well.