A/N: To cut down on confusion, Harry will refer to himself in the "downtime" 1930's and 40's as James. In his "uptime" life, he will be referred to as Harry. Only when the BHL reflexes come out will "Harry" make an appearance. Enjoy!

Chapter 4 – A New Life

July 14, 1935

"Uncle Jimmy, look at me!"

James Evans watched the screaming eight year-old fly by on his broomstick thirty feet off the ground. The young man known as Harry Potter in another time smiled at the young aerial demon passing by overhead.

"You are doing great, Tommy! Don't loose your focus!"

Today marked a special anniversary for Tommy. It was one year ago that Tommy arrived in Hogsmeade to start his new life. It had been a year of change and discovery for the orphaned Riddle. Learning about magic and the magical life absorbed the boy's fascination. Tommy enjoyed seeing things done with magic and was constantly asking questions about how the magic worked.

James felt the growth in Tommy over the last year. The first six months had been rough overcoming the accumulated mistrust of seven years in the orphanage. Tommy had developed a thick shield to cover his emotional damage from his previous environment. James worked for weeks to develop a solid level of trust with the boy.

James started teaching him to read and basic math. James also added magic and scientific theory. Tommy accepted the first two subjects, embraced the third, and resisted the fourth. James smirked at the memory of their arguments on the subject.

"Why do I have to learn science? That is for Muggles!" Tommy stated.

"Because Muggles can sometimes do things wizards cannot." James replied in a calm voice.

The boy scowled at his "uncle". "Magic is better!"

James shook his head. "No, just different." Before the boy could interrupt, James raised his hand and continued. "Muggle science has been improving rapidly over the last hundred or so years. I think it will continue.

Look at their airplanes. Twenty-five years ago, they could fly very short distances. Then eight years ago an American flew solo from New York to Paris non-stop. Today you can travel by air back and forth. The average wizard can Apparate around Britain almost instantly. But traveling that way to America would not be possible. Airplanes, telephones, wireless; they are all inventions to let Muggles do what wizards can."

Tommy took on a rebellious expression. James understood that the last thing Tommy wanted to hear was positive things about Muggles, but it was necessary. It was also true.

"Tommy, look at it this way. Muggles can't do magic. Do you agree that the average Muggle would want to do magic?"

Tommy grudgingly nodded.

"Isn't a telephone simply an attempt to make a Floo call? Or airplanes their version of a broom?" James could see the boy resisting the idea.

"Tommy, can I share with you an observation I have made about magical folk? The magical community is happy to use the same spells and other magic that their grandfathers did. The reason the Hogwarts Founders are so idolized is they led the last great surge of magical discoveries. Most of the new magic discoveries today is from Muggle-born or raised wizards that still have a Muggle's curiosity to them.

Tommy, you still have that curiosity. That is why you ask me so many questions. As a Muggle-raised wizard myself, I am in the same category."

The argument carried on for sometime and repeated at various times. It was not until James introduced some basic electrical theory that Tommy started to show a real interest in the sciences.

Arguments over study subjects were not the only rough spots in their first year. Tommy developed a major resistance to authority figures in the orphanage. Once the newness of living with James had worn off, Tommy started resisting James's authority. Simple assigned chores became a daily battleground. James had to constantly keep himself calm and remember his life with the Dursleys.

In time, James's patience won out over Tommy's resistance. Tommy grew to accept James as an authority figure who would not abuse him.

James focused his time on Tommy. Tommy was the number one priority in James's life. He really was the ONLY reason James / Harry was here. When Tommy was doing schoolwork or playing with other children from the village, James worked on his own studies and his Phoenix Foundation. James hired a Muggle-born witch named Mary Catchbottom to run the orphanage on his behalf.

Madam Catchbottom was a trained, experienced teacher and a gifted administrator. She had gathered a staff through her large network of colleagues, both magical and Muggle. A sweep of Muggle orphanages throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland was performed to locate any magical children. Not many had stories similar to Tommy's abuse, but all of them were very excited to learn they could be witches and wizards.

The Ministry of Magic had a mixed response at first. The idea that the population included squibs and some purely Muggle children bothered them greatly at first. Their pressure mounted until James arranged for the Prophet to run a major article speaking about the positive efforts of the Phoenix Foundation. The Ministry received a great deal of credit for "initiating the effort to look after the magical children with no one to look after them." James didn't care who got the credit as long as it worked. Ironically, the orphanage's school had received inquires about providing day schooling for other magical children in the London area.

"Come on down, Tommy!" James called. "We are going to the Three Broomsticks for lunch!"

Tommy landed neatly in the yard and dismounted from his broom. "I love flying Uncle James, but the broom really gets uncomfortable after a while."

"I can agree with you there, Tommy. Hopefully someone will develop a better Cushioning charm for brooms. Go get cleaned up for lunch." James had to agree with Tommy. He was amazed at the difference in comfort, speed and control between the current brooms and his Firebolt. James longed to bring out his "old" broom and fly around the garden.

Ten minutes later, Tommy had reappeared and the young uncle and his ward were happily walking down the streets of Hogsmeade.

After a wonderful lunch at the Three Broomsticks, James was watching Tommy demolish a most chocolate cake James had ever seen. The cake was so sweet it curled James's teeth simply looking at it.

Tommy smiled up at his uncle revealing chocolate cake all through his teeth. James laughed at the chocolate grin. The Harry that traveled back through time would have never expected to see James sitting happily with the boy who would have been known as Lord Voldemort in another time.

James was so concentrated on watching Tommy consume the cake before him that he missed the arrival of two men onto the pub. The men simply walked over to the bar and quietly ordered drinks.

James felt an odd presence in the room and glanced around the room. He quickly spotted the men at the bar. The first wizard wore fairly standard black robes but made of the finest material. He had thick black hair that seemed mussed. James could not make out his features as his back was to James. The second wizard caused all kinds of emotions to roll through James. The auburn-haired wizard wore a pale blue robe and a pointed hat. James recognized him immediately.

It was Dumbledore!

The last time James had seen the wizard with auburn hair had been while watching in the wizard's own Penseive while the wizard talked to a slightly older version of the boy sitting across from James right now. A skewed sense of deja vu caused James to shiver slightly.

Dumbledore's death left Harry with a number of open issues. Returning to Hogwarts for his Sixth year, Harry left many of his issues slide. Why was he left with the Dursleys? Why didn't he receive special training to fight Voldemort before Dumbledore's death? Why would no one tell him the detail of his parents' lives? All of these things needed to be answered. But right now, none of it mattered. Harry was just happy to see Dumbledore alive.

James knew that Professor Dumbledore was the well-respected teacher of Transfiguration at Hogwarts. Living at the base of the hill Hogwarts sat atop made it impossible to not know. (James was actually amused how quickly the stories of the misadventures of the students reached the citizens of Hogsmeade.) Dumbledore was ten years away from his confrontation with Grindelwald. Combined with the honors he received after his victory, Dumbledore was not yet the legendary figure he became by the time Harry attended Hogwarts.

James found sitting in the Three Broomsticks with the much-younger Dumbledore twenty feet away that those issues no longer really concerned him. He had survived his hurdles. It was simply a happy moment to see the old wizard alive again.

James study of the young Professor Dumbledore had not gone unnoticed. His companion quietly commented to the Transfiguration professor. James came out of his reflections to be confronted by a familiar gaze. James quickly turned back to his table and looked down.

"May I help you, young sir?"

Tommy stopped eating his cake and looked up with a full mouth and a question on his face. James turned and found Dumbledore standing next to his table. James realized he had to play this cool.

James stood and said, "I apologize sir. Your appearance reminded me of an old teacher of mine." James smiled slightly, "He was quite a bit older then you, but a very similar appearance. I am afraid I became lost in thought."

Dumbledore's familiar slight smile appeared, "I often find myself lost in my thoughts. I find it quite enjoyable."

James laughed and extended his hand, "My name is James Evans. This is my ward, Tommy Riddle."

The professor took James hand and said, "Albus Dumbledore. It is very nice to meet you both."

"Evans?" a no-nonsense voice asked.

Harry glanced at the other wizard who came in with Dumbledore. He stood a step behind the professor and had been listening to the introductions.

James did not recognize the other wizard. He seemed to be only slightly younger then Dumbledore. James could not place him as either an Order member or any other friend of Dumbledore's he had met.

"Yes, James Evans. I live here in Hogsmeade."

"The same James Evans who runs the Phoenix Foundation in London?"

James noticed an increased level of interest from Dumbledore at this question. "Yes, I founded the Foundation. I really think Madam Catchbottom runs it. She tells everyone what to do, even me." James grinned during the last part.

The no-nonsense wizard let out a short harsh laugh. "I can believe that. I went to school with that witch. I was a Prefect when she was a Firstie. She kept me in line!"

The wizard extended his hand to James, "I am Thomas Potter. I like what you are doing there."

'Wow,' thought James, "you really can feel your heart stop.' James recognized the same unruly hair James himself had, although Thomas Potter's was not quite as dark and now mixed with grey.

James grasped the other wizard's hand firmly and said, "It is very nice to meet you, Mr. Potter."

Professor Dumbledore said, "You started the new orphanage? I think that was a very good thing. Several of my students were looking forward to spending their first summer at your new establishment."

James laughed. "Well they will enjoy living there." James's grin returned, "Although unless they are all Ravenclaw's they may not like some of the living requirements."

Dumbledore raised an eyebrow in a curious expression.

"We have the school for the younger students running year round. Students arriving from magical school are enrolled in summer enrichment classes. This means they are allowed to use magic on their summer break. We also review their assigned school homework."

Professor Dumbledore chuckled at the dry humor in James's tone. "Some of our student's may be dismayed at the additional work, but I think most will find the use of magic to offset that disappointment."

Mr. Potter asked, "Why did you continue the school year round?"

James shrugged, "Our students don't have a home to go to. Why lose the time? It makes the schedule lighter the rest of the year. It also gets us around the Ministry's prohibition on underage use of magic." James then added, "I find the application of that law to be most unfair."

Mr. Potter (James was trying REALLY hard not to think of the man as his own grandfather.) asked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Hmm," Harry considered, "that may take a bit to answer. Would you gentlemen care to join us?"

The two wizard's shared a quick glance. Dumbledore said, "Yes, I think I would like to know you as we will be sharing the responsibility for several students."

James noticed Tommy's eyes had gotten a little big at the sight of the two strange wizards joining them. James gave him a small hand signal to indicate to the boy that everything was okay. James felt himself warmed when Tommy immediately relaxed a bit. 'Tommy really is coming to trust me.'

Once the wizards were seated James turned to his grandfather and said, "Mr. Potter, before I answer your question, let me ask, are you a pureblood?"

A slightly cold look came to Thomas Potter's eye. "Yes, I am. Why?"

"You were able to do magic during your summers, yes?"

"Only with my parents or tutors."

James nodded, "The law allows those loopholes. For a pureblood it makes studying over the summer much easier. The continued use of magic helps build up the student's magical endurance. The non-pureblood student loses that opportunity and may actually lose some of the endurance they built up over the school year."

"Rubbish!" Potter scoffed. "The reason purebloods are stronger is the lack of Muggle blood in their veins."

It saddened James to hear this out of his grandfather. In a calm voice, James said, "I became an orphan because a dark wizard believed in blood purity. My father was pure but my mother was a Muggle-born witch. This makes me a half-blood by magical society's reckoning. I fought many pureblood wizards after that in battle. I live. They do not."

The two wizards looked at James with shock on their face.

James indicated Tommy. "Tommy is a half-blood also. His mother was a witch who died in childbirth. Yet, his family on his mother's side had been pureblood back past the time of the Hogwart's Founders. Yet by modern society's standards he is immediately a second class citizen because his father was a Muggle."

Tommy's eyes grew large at his Uncle James's comment. James noticed and added, "I however, think Tommy is going to be a most excellent wizard."

Tommy grinned back at his guardian.

Professor Dumbledore smiled, "I agree with you, Mr. Evans. Some of my best students have come from Muggle backgrounds."

"I will agree you make a good argument, "Thomas Potter added. "I am not sure I agree with you, but I am also not a blood reactionary like some others I know."

"The world is getting smaller, gentlemen. The Muggles base purity on where one's ancestors were born. This madman who has taken control in Germany will soon demonstrate the errors of determining one group is better solely on their ancestry," James added.

Again, Dumbledore and Potter exchanged quiet glances.

James noticed and said, "I apologize if I have given you offense. I am afraid that particular topic gets me up on my soap box." When both wizards looked confused by this, James added, "It is a Muggle expression."

"We understand Mr. Evans. We are not offended. We have had similar discussions ourselves many times in the past," Professor Dumbledore assured him.

"I am curious," Mr. Potter stated. "You talked about fighting Dark Wizards. How could you have done this at your age?"

The last year with Tommy had done as much to heal James as it had done to heal Tommy. Harry, The-Boy-Who-Lived, now truly saw himself as James, The-Man-With-A-Life. For a second Harry peaked out of James's eyes. Looking at Mr. Potter, Harry answered, "I have lived in Hogsmeade for the past twelve months. With the exception of the time of from my birth to 15 months of age, that is the longest time of peace in my life."

Harry stepped back and allowed James to step back into place. "Pardon me gentlemen, I came to this time and place to recover and forget my battles. Apparently they are not as buried as I would like."

Mr. Potter shook his head, "Nonsense, I asked a question. I should have kept my curiosity in check."

"Indeed Thomas," Dumbledore smiled slightly, "that curiosity is the same one that caused us to keep getting detentions for sneaking into the Forbidden Forest."

James decided that at that instant he would have loved to hear those stories. James wished that Harry knew them when he started Hogwarts. Think of all the trouble he could have gotten out of in exchange for his silence!

"Thank you," James said. James looked at Tommy's plate and said, "I have promised this young man a trip to Diagon Alley this afternoon. If you would excuse us, I believe he is ready now."

Taking their leave of the two wizards, Dumbledore informed James that the people of Hogsmeade were invited to visit the school to watch the House Quidditch matches. Tommy squeaked with excitement about seeing a real Quidditch match.

James smiled down at Tommy and said, "I don't think I need to ask this one about taking you up on your invitation."

Tommy bounced on his toes, "Uncle James was a Seeker! He is a great flyer!"

"Well, then we will see you in the fall for our opening match. I believe it will be Gryffindor and Slytherin Houses."

"Thank you, professor. It was nice meeting you both."

James and Tommy walked out of the Three Broomsticks leaving the money for their meal on the table. The two wizards watched as James placed his arm around Tommy and Apparated in mid-step with an almost silent pop.

If James had been able to look back, he would have seen two wizards with looks of amazement on their faces.

James and Tommy arrived in Diagon Alley in mid-stride. They kept walking like they had just stepped through a door.

Tommy's eyes grew large looking around the Alley. James had been shocked the first time he came here also. Both times actually he thought with a smirk. The first time with Hagrid at eleven. Then again when he arrived in 1934.

No Dark Lord had stood in the British Isles for over 100 years. Lord Caligo attempted to seize power in the early 1800's. Since then, the magical communities of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland had lived in peace and prosperity. The Alley showed the results of that time. The shops bloomed with all kinds of goods from throughout the British Empire. People walked the Alley with no concerns of attack. They had an open friendliness Harry Potter had never seen, even at eleven. It was a friendliness that James Evans was just starting to accept.

Tommy walked excitedly down the Alley trying to look at everything at once. The Quality Quidditch Supply store still stood in the same place. Tommy pointed excitedly at the Tinderblast broom in the window. He started reciting all of the facts to James about its performance.

James laughed and said, "I think I have corrupted you into a Quidditch fanatic." Tommy simply grinned and nodded.

After James pulled Tommy away from the window, they started walking down the Alley. Tommy kept casting longing glances back towards the Quidditch shop. Then Tommy saw it, The British Wizards Magical Toy Company. It was filled with dozens of children searching for that perfect toy to pester…er, ask their parents for.

Tommy dropped James's hand and joined in the free-for-all in the shop. James just shock his head and followed at a more sedate pace. James stopped outside the shop to enjoy watching Tommy at play.

Tommy had not been around many other children his own age for the last year. After his experiences in the orphanage, it was not something the boy missed. James had been concerned that being around kids his own age would cause him to slip into his old ways. However, because of either the passage of time or the existence of so many great toys, Tommy was showing no signs of any stress from being around other kids.

James leaned against the wall and watched Tommy through the shop window. 'Right now, Tommy could not look anything further from Voldemort,' he thought.

"Mr. Evans?" a quiet woman's voice asked him from behind.

James turned away from the shop and faced the woman who had addressed him. James found himself facing a young blond woman with slightly shorter then James with long hair hanging over one of her shoulders. She had brilliant blue eyes and hints of dimples in her cheeks. With the humor in her eyes, James immediately thought of a Veela mixed with an imp.

"Yes, I am James Evans. May I help you?"

"I am crushed," the young woman said. "You don't remember me." The dimples came out to play as she smiled at James discomfort.

Then it hit him, Tommy's medi-witch from St. Mungos, Sarah Underhill.

"Ms. Underhill! It is very nice to see you again," James said.

"It is nice to see you too, Mr. Evans. How is Tommy doing?" the young woman asked.

"He is doing very well. It has been a good year for him. He is in the store right now looking for a new toy. We looked for you at the hospital one day but they said you had left."

A slight pink came to Ms. Underhill's cheeks. "You stopped to see me? That is so sweet of you! I started training to become a full Healer last autumn."

James smiled, "That is great! I already know that you have an excellent bedside manner from your time with Tommy. I know that we both appreciated your help last spring."

"Well, he was a very good patient. Such a cute little boy. Are you still living in Hogsmeade, Mr. Evans?"

"Please, call me James. Yes, we do live there still. In fact today is the one year anniversary of Tommy's arrival at his new home."

"Really? It doesn't seem to have been that long!" Ms. Underhill gave James a shy smile. "I am not sure I should call you James. I barely know you, Mr. Evans."

"I am sorry. I was not raised here. Having a beautiful woman my own age call me Mister seems wrong."

As the words left his mouth, James could feel a blush growing on his face. Great, James thought. I run into the only woman since Ginny that I feel any attraction to and I come like Malfoy trying to chat her up! I probably look like a Weasley to boot!

In his embarrassment, James failed to notice her blush mixed with a very pleased smile.

Before either of the blushing adults could recover, Tommy suddenly appeared next to James like he Apparated. "Uncle James, can I get a … Um, Uncle James, why are you turning colors like that?" Tommy started to giggle, "You look like a tomato!"

To James, Ms. Underhill said, "Then, please call me Sarah."

That was the final straw. Ms. Underhill started to giggle. James quickly joined her. Soon both adults were laughing quite hard.

Tommy watched them with an expression ever kid in the world knows. "Adults are weird."

Tommy, James and Sarah spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying Diagon Alley. Sarah acted as tour guide. She knew all kinds of little details even James never knew. James figured it was simply an example of the difference between growing up in the magical world and growing up in the Muggle world.

James led the others to the Magical Menagerie to purchase a new owl. James could not bring himself before now to purchase a new owl. Hedwig's death at the hands of Crabbe and Goyle just before the Final Battle hurt as much as Ginny's death in some ways. Hedwig was a close friend who had been with Harry for every summer at the Dursleys. Harry often talked to her for hours about his feelings and fears, particularly after Fifth year and Sirius's death.

James purchased a small barn owl with white ears and chest but was otherwise all brown. Tommy promptly named him Tufts. James was a little nervous because the little owl seemed to have Pig's energy level. He did seem to be a bit more intelligent then Pig. At least he listened to orders.

Tommy received a special gift from James, a small black puppy. James could not tell who was more excited, the boy or the puppy. The puppy was only a couple of weeks old, just barely old enough to leave his mother. According to the shop worker, the puppy was descended from a breed of Oriental dogs known a Spirit Guardians. Looking at the paws, James figured there was a good chance that the puppy would grow to a significant size.

"Now remember, he will be your responsibility. You will have to feed him and care for him." James told Tommy.

"I will, Uncle Jimmy! What should I name him? Did you have a dog when you were my age?"

"No, Tommy. I didn't…" James started to tell Tommy he did not have a dog as a boy, but instead he said, "I didn't have a dog, but my godfather did. I called him Snuffles. His real name was Padfoot."

Tommy giggled, "Snuffles! I like that name. Can I name my puppy Snuffles too?"

The image of Sirius's face upon meeting a puppy named Snuffles flashed through James's mind. James started laughing deep belly laughs. Tommy and Sarah looked at James trying to figure out what the joke was.

When he finally got control back, he gasped out, "Sure Tommy. I think ol' Snuffles would have really liked that."

The afternoon was drawing to a close and Tommy was showing signs of exhaustion. Without talking about it, the adults started to make their way towards one of the Apparation points. James carried a number of bags from their expedition to Diagon Alley. Tommy carried his puppy with a happy but worn out grin.

Reaching the Apparition point, James turned to Sarah and asked if she would like to join the two for dinner.

Sarah smiled, but begged off. "I would love to, but I have class tomorrow. I need to revise my notes. Between work and school, I have been rather busy. It was a miracle you ran into me today. Mondays afternoons and Saturdays are my only time not set aside for school, work or studying."

James smiled, but internally he was thinking, 'I am horrible dealing with women! I was more comfortable walking into my final battle with Voldemort! Maybe she was just being nice because of Tommy and I misread her.'

James realized he had to give her a graceful way of leaving. "I completely understand. Maybe some other time then?"

Sarah smiled, "How about Friday night? I get done work at 6. We could meet for dinner?"

James was shocked she had actually set up an alternative date. He expected her to simply give a vague promise. Maybe she was interested. James hoped so. This afternoon was the first time he felt… normal in a long time.

"That would be very nice. I would like to make you dinner at our house. I will plan on having the dinner ready at 7."

Sarah gave James a sly smile with full dimple power. "A man who cooks? How can I resist? I would love to join you. At least, if Tommy thinks it is okay." Sarah and James looked down at Tommy who seemed more interested in his puppy.

"Tommy, would you like for Ms. Underhill to join us for dinner on Friday?" James asked.

Tommy gave them both a sleepy smile. "Sure, Uncle James. That would be okay."

James and Sarah exchanged smiles. Sarah said, "Then I will see you Friday. You better get this young man home know. He seems a bit tired."

After they said their good byes, James guided Tommy into the Apparation point. Before James could Apparate, Tommy looked up with no sign of fatigue in his eyes and a cheeky grin on his face.

"So Uncle Jimmy, do you have a girlfriend know?"

As James Apparated away, he prayed that Sarah had not heard Tommy's question. It was not a pray he had much faith in from the last second glance he had of her face.

July 18, 1935

An eight-year-old boy, a 3-month-old puppy and an owl contributed to make this a very long week for James. Of the three of them, only Tommy really meant to make the week longer. Tommy kept asking at odd intervals how much longer before Ms. Underhill came to visit. Snuffles was simply a new puppy. With puppy enthusiasm, he ran through the house exploring everything. It did not help that Snuffles seemed to understand the need to keep James happy. This was usually by making sad puppy eyes at James whenever he got into something he should not have. Tufts enjoyed flying through the house and circling over wherever Snuffles was currently getting in trouble.

James's answer to the situation was to send all three out of the house. Tommy took to running through the village with puppy in tow and owl overhead. James figured that the more energy they spent outside, the less energy they would have inside. It worked… kind of.

Friday finally arrived.

James and Tommy worked on various school assignments in the morning. Today they worked on electricity. Tommy was impressed when he found out that Benjamin Franklin, an American credited with many early discoveries about electricity, was also a wizard. James had never learned that in History of Magic either. (Maybe Binns covered it while Harry was sleeping.) In the magical world, Franklin was credited with creating the field of Technomacy, the combination of magic and Muggle science. Franklin discovered electricity with a famous kite flying experiment. Fortunately being a wizard, he survived the jolt that knocked him on his arse.

Tommy seemed taken by the idea Franklin was a wizard. Franklin ended his public Muggle life in 1790 by "dying" at the age of 84. He really became the Headmaster of the Philadelphia Academy of Magic, a school he founded. This school was hidden next to another school he founded, the Academy of Philadelphia, a Muggle university later known as the University of Pennsylvania.

James was very glad to have found this information. It made Tommy a bit more accepting of Muggles. Franklin seemed to be a very good role model for focusing Tommy. Anything that decreased the possible rise of Voldemort was something to use.

In the afternoon, Tommy, Snuffles and Tufts were sent out of the house while James worked on plans for the Phoenix Foundation. Something Professor Dumbledore mentioned struck a cord with James. Since several Hogwarts students would be spending their holidays at the Phoenix orphanage, James really should meet with the current Headmaster and establish a relationship with him. Hopefully James could establish a positive relationship that would allow them to smooth over any issues that could arise.

Sarah arrived promptly at 6:30 in very nice set of witch's robes that gave subtle hints at the body underneath. James sound himself wishing for the Muggle fashions he had seen when he was in school. The thought of Sarah in a mini-skirt caused James's heart to beat a bit faster.

Sarah arrived via the Floo in the sitting room. James greeted her with a huge smile.

"Hello James. I love your house. It seems so perfect for you," she said with a smile.

"Thank you. I had a lot of fun getting moved in. My agent helped me picking colors and furniture."

Sarah's dimples made an appearance. "Yes, I know. Anne Prewett. She was a year ahead of me at in my House at Hogwarts."

That made James nervous. Women talking about him was never a good sign in his experience. "Really. It is a small wold."

"Relax," Sarah said, "I ran into her at the hospital. She is pregnant and I am doing a rotation through the maternity ward. She wanted to tell me about this cute guy who she sold a house to in Hogsmeade."

James thanked his Occulamacy as he kept a straight face and said, "I am glad to hear she sold another house."

Sarah turned her full smile and dimples on James. "Oh, I think someone is trying to be modest."

James decided, as the son, godson and "nephew" of Marauders, that comment need a return shot. "Not humble. You merely put us poor mortals to shame."

Sarah rewarded this comment with laughter. James really liked her laugh. He decided he could listen to her for hours just laugh.

That thought made James stop for a second.

Was he falling in love with Sarah?

Um, yep?

Wow, this made things more complicated. He was going to need to think about this later.

Tommy came into the room tailed by his furry and feathered companions. "Hi Ms. Underhill. Can we eat now, Uncle James? We are hungry."

James looked at Sarah. Are you ready to eat now. The Horrible Trio sounds like they are ready."

Sarah agreed and they made their way into the Dining Room. James had a good English dinner prepared. He was glad now that he had done all of the cooking at the Dursleys.

James asked her about her time at Hogwarts during dinner.

"I was a 'Puff. I loved it there. I spent time in the Hospital Ward as Madam O'Niel's assistant in my Sixth and Seventh years. I made a lot of good friends there. Potions with Professor Matthews was my favorite then Transfiguration with Professor Dumbledore."

"Did you know there are 393 ceiling tiles in the Hospital Wing?" James asked.

"Really? I never counted. How did you know that?"

"I must have read it somewhere," James answered with a cheeky grin. Actually, it was waking up there so many times it had become a project to keep himself occupied. After he told Madam Pomfrey how many tiles there were she dedicated a bed just for his use.

"Did you play Quidditch?" Tommy asked.

"No," answered Sarah, "but I did enjoy cheering my House on. We never won the Cup but we always had good fun doing it!"

"Isn't it more fun to win?" Tommy asked in an innocent voice.

"I suppose, Tommy. But if you win without having fun and enjoying your friends at the same time what is the point?" Sarah asked.

Tommy merely nodded and did not answer.

Sarah turned back to James. "So, tell me about where you grew up?"

James went a bit pale. "Er, I don't really like to talk about it much. My parents were killed when I was a baby. There was a Dark Lord, so I grew up in a war zone. I came here after the war to try to live in peace and put my life back together."

Sarah reached over to take James's hand. "I am so sorry. I did not mean to bring up any painful memories."

"Uncle Jimmy has nightmare, like me, sometimes," Tommy said in a quiet voice. "They scare me."

James immediately looked at Tommy. In a gentle voice he said, "I am sorry, Tommy, if my dreams scared you. I will start using a Silencing Charm at night so I don't wake you up. Okay?"

"Okay, Uncle Jimmy. But I would rather you not have nightmares like those. They sound really bad."

"Thank you, Tommy. I wish you did not have your nightmares either. We have both seen too much."

James noticed that Sarah was watching this with unshed tears in her eyes. James said, "I am sorry. This conversation really took a wrong turn. Lets talk about something more pleasant. How is your Healer program progressing?"

Sarah smiled a thank you for the subject change. With a visible effort, she pulled back on her emotions.

"It is going brilliantly! My professors are excellent and I am learning so much! The year at St. Mungos as a medi-witch paid off. I understand better then my fellows how a hospital works, not just what the books say."

"Is that what you planned when you took that position?" James asked.

"No, I thought I wanted to go back to Hogwarts and take Madam O'Niel's position when she retires in a couple of years."

James grinned, "If I knew you were going to be in the hospital wing, I would find a reason to go!"

Sarah giggled. "You are naughty James! You shouldn't say things like that!"

"Sorry," James said. "I am still not used to the rules here. Forgive me."

Sarah waved this away. "No, it is fine. I believe you are just saying the same things we are all thinking anyway!"

James decided to try to turn back to a safer topic. "So what made you change your mind about becoming a full Healer?"

"Pure luck actually," was the candid answer. "A new charity was looking for someone to work for them for three years after graduating in return for paying a large part of the tuition. One of the Healers mentioned it to me one night. I figured I couldn't pass it up. So I applied."

"Very good! What charity was it?" James asked.

"It is very new. It is called the Phoenix Foundation."

James paused, his face blank for a moment. Could she know he was the finance behind the Phoenix Foundation? He had kept his name out of the press as much as possible. Mrs. Catchbottom was the face of the Phoenix Foundation.

"What do you think of their work?" James asked in a casual voice.

"Well, I would not have taken the position if I did not approve. The money didn't matter that much. Those kids deserve a good place to stay without hiding who they are," came the immediate answer. "Don't you agree?"

James started to agree but was interrupted by a happy eight-year-old voice.

"Mrs. Catchbottom is really nice! She runs the orphanage a lot better then Mr. Roughton did!"

Sarah looked stunned. "Was that the place you were in before Tommy? It was horrible before! No wonder…" Sarah bit off the rest of what she was going to say. James could almost complete the sentence for her through.

Sarah looked at James. "Is that how Mrs. Catchbottom learned about that place? Did you tell her?"

"In a manner of speaking," James said.

"Can I be excused, please?" Tommy asked. "Snuffles and Tufts want to play some more." Tommy used the cute little boy voice coupled with big, innocent brown eyes.

James snorted, "Take off you three. Be home before the sun goes down. There is a full moon out tonight."

"Yes, Uncle Jimmy!" Tommy yelled back as he bolted out of the room.

Sarah said quietly, "You have really made a difference with him. He does not seem like the same boy."

Almost to himself, James said, "Merlin, I hope not."

"How does Tommy know Mrs. Catchbottom. She did not start Phoenix until months after you brought Tommy in."

James shrugged. "I guess you could say I am her silent partner."

Sarah's eyes grew big. "You are her anonymous donor? Everyone in London is curious about who is funding Phoenix. Why don't you tell people?"

James sighed. "I don't like people pointing at me. I just want to be normal. Helping those kids was just the right thing to do. Just like with Tommy."

Sarah looked touched by James quiet comment. For a moment James was tempted to use Leglimancy to find out what she was thinking. He pushed the temptation away.

They moved to the Sitting Room and talked quietly for a couple more hours. James enjoyed this time immensely. Not since his Sixth year in the Gryffindor common rooms had James had the opportunity to simply sit and talk with a peer just for the pleasure of it.

The longer the conversation lasted, the more James wanted to tell her everything. The need to talk about all of the things he had endured for the last several years astonished the young wizard.

Finally, Sarah stood and prepared to leave. "Thank you for a wonderful time. I really enjoyed myself."

James stood with her and said, "I enjoyed it more then you can know. May I call you up again?"

Sarah's smiled with hints of her dimples and a sparkle in her eye. "Yes, Mr. Evans. Most definitely yes."

Then she took a pinch of Floo power and tossed it into the fire. As the fire flared green, she turned and quickly gave James a light kiss on the lips. It felt like his lips had been brushed with a feather. The she stepped into the fire and was gone.

James stood with a happy grin. For the first time he truly felt happy. Then he hard a sly voice say innocently.

"See Snuffles, I was right. Uncle Jimmy does have a girlfriend!"

A/N: Next chapter: Hogwarts, Quidditch, and a Dueling Club!

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