Authors Note: Well! Its been over a year. A year. In that course of time, I matured rapidly, dated many guys, started a new passion, and lived life to the fullest…and I completely abandoned my writing, my longest standing passion ever. I admit fully that I 100% forgot about everything I had written and moved on to some bigger fish to fry, or so I had thought. It's currently 10:00pm PST, and I've just gone over my writing on this site, and after reading my prologue, I realize I really had something going. I really really did. And it's a shame that I don't remember everything about the story that had drawn me to it, and I'm quite upset over it…though I did find some notes from a year ago, and I'm working with what I've got. I know now that I cannot let this story go, and I really owe that to Siriusly Amused, who inspired me to start writing again. Thank you.

This is dedicated to my betas

KK, because I loved her so damn much. Shes been there through everything, and as I write, knowing what I've got in store, that I'm very bloody lucky to have her in my life. Without her, I'd probably be some blubbering mess and homeless in East L.A. Thank you for being there for me. Thank you very so much, even though what I do in return pales in comparison of everything you've done for me.

_______, you've really done so much for me in the few short days you edited my 7 chapters in. You gave me great ideas for the series, and I've got a real plan down because of you. I love you lots, and I'm endlessly happy that you're doing this for me, despite the fact you're so busy with EVERYTHING else. And, experience really does help where I'm left drawing a blank. It'll come in handy later on.

Summary: We all know the story of The-Boy-Who-Lived; the pain, the suffering, the sacrifice. But what if you could avoid your fate? In the case for Harry Potter, his life is perfect: he's got a loving family, a beautiful girlfriend, and is Hogwarts Head Boy. But what happens when fate catches up with you? Harry's begins to catch up with him in a series of dreams of a life he's never had. But when the dreams start becoming reality, Harry realizes that he alone can change the outcome and save the ones he loves most.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I own anything else in this fic, even Nicole isn't really mine…shes based off of several characters I've read in fics and a bit off of my best friends, and I do not own them either. Though, I do deserve barrels of rotten tomatoes chucked at me for taking a year to realize about my fic. Sorry 'bout that!

Onto the story!!!!!

~*~

Chapter One

Harry Potter, average kid

July 30th, 1997

It was a quiet, early morning as the sun rose over the hill tops of St. Ottery Catchpole, the dew drops glistening like millions of tiny diamonds, winking in the pale glow. Hours passed as the sun weakly rose over the tree tops, bringing the valleys into light as well, taking away whatever dregs of darkness that had still lingered in the early hours.

She had reason to believe that the early morning was the best time to think. Yes, very much reason. It was very peaceful and welcoming, and it had always been her time. Even after she had moved in with him, she had still risen several hours before he ever did, and just came out to the garden and…thought. And it was extremely calming doing so.

She tossed her long red hair over her shoulder, watching the sun rise. She had never seen such a beautiful thing, though several things (namely her son) had soon begun to rival in her mind. She bit back a laugh before turning away and heading inside.

They'll be up soon she mused to herself, reading the stove as she began to cook. She loved doing it the muggle way, as it gave her more time to be caught up in her thoughts, which she had been doing a lot more of lately.

17 years…it had almost been 17 years now, and she still felt herself smile. 17 years had brought her immense happiness and joy, despite the dark times they had been facing. Are facing.

It could be worse.

She knew that was true. If it had not been for one fact, she and her husband would have been reckless and stupid as soon as Voldemort had risen to full power after apparently killing the only one who could have ever stopped him. They would have gone tearing off the moment they had received the news, and trying to cause as much destruction as they could, knowing that they two would be killed in the process. And while she knew it was foolish to have even tried, she still wished she could have fought for her freedom more. But she was still grateful for living her life with her wonderful family, even though the living wasn't exactly the ideal.

At least they were all alive. Alive and together.

"Baby?"

She jumped as strong arms wrapped around her torso, the breath burning her skin slightly.

"Don't do that!" she admonished, but didn't really mean it. She knew he was being good natured. "You're up early," she noted.

He cracked a small smile.

"I am capable of waking up with the insa—I mean, the beautiful people," he said, ducking the newspaper she had tried to swat him with, instead catching her around the waist and kissing her lightly.

"I love you, even though you're a prat," she said, fighting the smile that desperately wanted to come out.

"And I love you, even though you're a crazy woman," he said, leaning in to kiss her again. "A very beautiful, crazy woman, might I add?"

She laughed this time, and wondering why his stupid charms still worked on her. But she let herself be drawn into the kiss, reveling in it. And to think, that if not for one small little fact, they might not have even been here, sharing this little morning exchange. After all, they could be dead if not for—

Don't think that! She admonished silently. It's bad enough with everything that's happened, but now you're imagining being dead?

"Hun?"

"Hmmm?"

"You…are you okay?" concern flitted across his handsome face. She realized she must have let her emotions show.

"I—yes, I'm fine…I'm just being silly. Don't worry about it," he still seemed not to be convinced. "Hey, maybe the early morning hours are getting to me, maybe I should sleep in more often, like the rest of you lazy do—

"Hey!" he said, taking the bait and acted offended. "Oh, and you know Sirius is the lazy dog,"

"I heard that,"

"Sirius?"

"Oh, now aren't we the smart one?"

"I—what are you doing here so early?" she asked, "and don't you realize you cant just pop in and out whenever you like?"

"Well, I wanted to see if James could come out to play, but obviously his mum wont let him," he said laughing, slipping past the red head and straight to his oldest friend, hoping she was in a good mood.

It seemed luck was on his side.

"Oh, ha ha, funny Padfoot." She said, following him back into the kitchen.

"And, might I add, I am not a lazy dog," he said through a mouthful of toast, "I 'appened to get out of bed at—" he checked his watch "Seven thirty,". He ended his speech with a small smug smile that had infuriated and compelled Lily to laugh.

"Which," Lily said, checking her own watch, "was nearly three minutes ago,"

He merely shrugged, and smiled again.

"Watch it Padfoot," James said, eyeing his wife, "Pregnancy hormones aren't the best to be testing with, especially early in the morning."

Sirius now looked at Lily as if she was a bomb, ready to explode at any given moment.

"Oh watch yourself, you spineless little—

"Am I interrupting something?"

"Moony!"

"Hey James, hullo Sirius, morning Lily," he nodded to each as he walked to the table.

"Is this 'pop in whenever we like to annoy Lily day'?" She asked in an irritated voice. It wasn't as if she didn't love seeing her friends, but it was beginning to take its toll on her peaceful solitary morning.

"Sorry Lily," chorused the men, looking slightly chastised and afraid.

"Oh don't worry, I'm not going to rip your heads off," but she received several stares from the men that seemed to disagree with her statement. She didn't know what to say to convince them otherwise, and shut her mouth as soon as her son started padding down the hallway, obviously just woken up.

"Morning mum!" said Harry, brightly as he could as he rubbed sleep from his eyes, struggling to stay awake. "Morning dad, Siri, Remy," he flung himself into a chair. It took him several moments to register that several things were out of place. "Siri? Remy? Why are you guys here?" he asked, looking more awake now.

"Apparently that's the question of the day," Sirius said in an undertone. He laughed lightly, "Eh, we just decided we wanted to come down and see what our favorite little Marauder was doing…and to see if he was willing to pal around with some old buffers,"

Harry's eyes lit up.

"Of course! It's been ages since we last…mum…?" he asked, turning to her, looking hopeful.

She sighed and had to give in to his method. He was truly James's son.

"Yes, you can. Just make sure he's back by seven. I know how you both like taking as much time as you can with him, but he has to get back in time for dinner, which you both are invited to," she said, turning around and heading upstairs.

"Where's little Emma?" Remus asked.

"She's at a sleepover and she's not so little anymore," Harry said, smiling slightly. He waited until his dad walked a good distance a way before leaning in and adding "And you'll never believe what she did to her hair—she's a blonde now," he said, smirking. Their parents were still not thrilled with her hair, but had accepted and were beginning to get used to the shock of blonde.

Remus and Sirius looked beside themselves with both laughter and shock.

"Really?" Sirius asked, his eyes wide.

Harry nodded.

"Wow, Emma…well, you've been making sure no ones been sidling too close to her, haven't you?" Sirius prodded.

"Of course! But she's just 13, boys are only beginning to notice her in that way, though I do suppose that me being Mr. Head Boy and all that is scaring some of them off…but I will have one helluva time once I graduate…at least Jason will keep me updated,"

"Is he excited for his first year?" Remus asked, intrigued.

"Indeed. All he's been talking about. Quite funny, actually. He keeps pelting me with questions, and wondering if he'll be in Gryffindor like the rest of us," Harry said, smiling.

"And you said…?" Remus continued, hoping Harry hadn't teased his younger brother too badly. James had changed over the years, but he was still not the best influence when it came to taunting.

"I said that he was right set for the Slytherins."

"Oh Harry, you didn't…"

"I told him I was joking,"

"But Harry—

"Well it's not like Slytherins are all bad…after all, they do have Kit Stadgen,"

"The blonde girl you used to date? Oh Harry that's not the way to talk about ex—"

"I think you should go get dressed, so we can get a head start on today," Sirius cut in, stopping whatever lecture Remus had been ready to start, and Harry shot him a grateful look, leaving breakfast quickly and heading up the stairs. Remus turned to Sirius, but before he got the chance, Sirius stopped him. "Look, brothers are bound to tease each other, and they're bound to not be so nice either, but they love each other very much and that's all that counts. And Harry would never torture his brother, and I know that Jason is very smart, and would know Harry's tactics by now. I wouldn't be surprised if Jason didn't even bat an eye,"

"But still, Sirius its Jason's first year, we wouldn't want to—"

"Remus," Sirius cut in once more, "Harry is very well aware of how excited Jason is, and he's not going beyond what he should. And I'd rather this day just be a peaceful one, so don't make it all out to be about morality, okay? I need to talk to him about something else anyway,"

Remus was curious about this other subject, and was about to ask but Harry chose that moment to reappear and was ready to leave.

"Bye mum, bye dad," He called up the stairs.

"Be good sweetie! And don't get in to trouble,"

"Awwww, you're no fun anymore Lily!" Sirius called back, grinning wickedly.

"Oh can it Padfoot!" she yelled, and she didn't say anymore.

"I guess that's our leave," Sirius held out an arm to Harry, who grasped it and disapparated with Sirius, Remus following them very soon afterward.

Their location was sunny and welcoming as they hurried over to the diner to get some breakfast as they all had abandoned theirs back at the house. They ordered their usual monthly dish, and sat waiting for it to come, engaging in conversation.

"Jay's at his friend Eric's house." Harry explained, "That's why he's not here. And Emma won't be back until tonight."

"And you stayed at home?" asked Remus.

"Well, yeah," Harry answered, turning slightly pink.

"Any particular reason as to why, Harry?" Sirius asked innocently.

Harry blushed deeper, and tried to keep his voice even.

"No reason."

"So, would I be mistaken in guessing that you stayed home and did nothing for an entire day and night?"

"Nope, that sounds 'bout right."

Remus and Sirius exchanged looks. Sirius had gotten onto the topic sooner than he thought.

"So, it wasn't you who snuck into Ginny Weasley's room last night, and then her not returning for another hour or so?"

Harry's blush disappeared rapidly, and his face quickly drained of color.

"How-I mean, no it—we didn't do any—do her parents know?"

Sirius grinned amusedly.

"Nah, I was just guessing."

"You prat!" Harry said, his face flushing and returning to normal. "You had me thinking they were going to hunt me down and send me to Azkaban." He started muttering darkly under his breath.

"What was that Harry, I didn't quite catch it," Remus said, playing along. Sirius could have swore he heard the phrase "bloody wanker,"

"Well, Harry…I've been meaning to talk to you about her."

Harry looked up, and went scarlet. "Oh…I've already gotten the…the…'talk'."

Sirius laughed.

"Oh I don't mean that Harry. I know perfectly well you know about that…but, what I wanted to talk to you about is related."

Harry nodded, hoping the conversation wouldn't get too embarrassing. At least he wasn't having it with his dad.

"You'll be seventeen tomorrow…and you'll be an adult," Sirius started awkwardly, not sure what to say, "And she'll still be sixteen…a minor,"

It took Harry several minutes to figure out what Sirius was getting at.

"I…erm…oh!" He blushed deeper. "I hadn't thought about that…"

"We just don't want you two getting into trouble."

They sat in silence for several moments as Harry thought about what Sirius had just brought up, contemplating something.

"Wait…does that mean that hypothetically, that we could…before my birthday?"

Remus wanted to end this part of the conversation before it went on and Harry could find any other loophole.

"Now Harry, that's not exactly what Sir—"

"Well, hypothetically speaking, that is a possibility, yes," Sirius said, his eyes twinkling.

"But this is just hypothetical talk…none of this will get back to her parents about this," Harry said with a desperate undertone.

"Oh no. No reason to worry them over a hypothetical situation."

"And it wont get to my parents either?"

"Of course not! A young man can talk to his Godfather and express some desires without him having to blab to others about it."

Harry sat back, nodding, letting his mind wander. The truth was he had been thinking about this, quite often in fact. But all the thoughts had led him to the conclusion of waiting until December, and they had felt final—no room for any other options. And the idea of it being forbidden had made it hard to resist and the want was very present. But now…he wasn't exactly sure how he felt about it now. The feeling of excitement had almost left, and he wasn't sure if he just wanted it for the danger.

"But," Sirius clear his throat. "This is something you really need to put thought into."

Harry couldn't meet his eyes, for Sirius had no idea how much Harry realized this.

It would be one long day.

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