CHAPTER THREE: Return to Hogwarts

"James, Sirius, do you remember what I told you?"

It was now August 31st, and Harry was about to leave for Hogwarts. Heading off a day before the Hogwarts Express, he was leaving his children in the care of Nymphadora Tonks, their godmother and Remus' fiancée. Harry was taking Aylena with him, and Remus was going to accompany him as he returned to the world he thought he'd never see again. Standing in Remus' family room, he held on to his sleeping daughter, and looking down at his boys.

James and Sirius simultaneously began to recite the rules. "No flying higher than our own bodies."

"No pranks or stupid jokes."

"No brewing unassigned or illegal potions."

"No fighting or duelling."

"Do our homework thoroughly and completely."

"Call you 'professor' in class."

"No sneaking around under the invisibility cloak."

Harry chuckled, "Okay, I get it. You know the rules. Are you going to behave for Aunt Tonks tonight?"

Sirius grinned, "We'll be angels for Auntie Nymphie."

"Siri, don't call her that."

"Yeah," James laughed, "She'll kick our asses!"

"James! Language!"

"Sorry, dad."

"Okay boys, this is it. Tomorrow, our lives will change forever," Harry told his children. "You will behave yourselves. Now, Uncle Remus and I have to go. I will see you two tomorrow. Be nice to Tim and Amanda."

The twins nodded, just as Remus entered the room. Moments later, both he and Harry had disapparated with a loud crack. The next place they found themselves was right on the edge of Hogsmeade Village. Harry quickly glanced down to Aylena, who stirred a bit but remained asleep. A nod coming from Remus, who was holding on to Harry's trunk, meant that it was time to move forward and head up to the Hogwarts castle. Peering up to what was always his home as a teenager, Harry felt his stomach churn.

As the two reached the Hogwarts grounds, Harry felt as if he wanted to faint. Remembering that he was still carrying Aylena on his shoulder, he tried to gather some courage inside, as he desperately wanted to remain in one piece. He stopped as he reached the entrance doors, and took a big gulp. Remus placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder when he noticed this.

"It will be fine, Harry. I'm here for you, you'll survive."

Harry nodded, and together, he and Remus entered the building. Footsteps echoed as they walked down the long corridor and past the Great Hall, catching the attention of anyone who passed by. Stares were directed at Harry, not only because he was the Boy-Who-Lived and had been gone for so long, but also because of the sleeping infant on his shoulder. It was not long until they had a tall older woman heading their way.

"Harry Potter! It's been too long!"

"Professor McGonagall."

"Please, it's Minerva now, Harry," she told him, before turning to Remus. "Remus. Nice to see you again. How is the family?"

Remus opened his mouth to reply when he noticed an ol wizard with a long white beard coming toward them, saying, "Ah, Harry, there you are!"

AN: Also, for those who are wondering, 'Aylena' is pronounced like Eileen with an 'a' on the end. I changed the spelling to make it seem more interesting or appropriate for a little girl, which is supposed to be Harry's reasoning in the story as well.