CHAPTER NINE: Responsibility

"Dad, what's going on?"

"Boys," Harry began, "I need you two to show me you can be responsible. Can you do that for me?"

When both nodded, he continued, "Okay. Aunt Tonks has gone into labour, she firecalled my quarters to say so. Uncle Remus is there watching your sister, but he needs to accompany Tonks to St. Mungo's. What I need you to do is watch your sister. I realize that you still have one more class today, but that's my class. I am letting you off today, but expect homework."

The twins groaned, but when Harry gave a disapproving stare, they nodded. "I'm trusting you, don't let me down."

As Harry turned to walk away, he hadn't noticed the sounds of footsteps and robes flying around a close corner, although he could hear whispers behind him; whispers which were accompanied by two mischievious giggles. Shaking his head, Harry turned around and pointed his wand toward the backs of the third generation of Hogwarts troublemakers.

"James Severin Potter and Sirius Remi Potter! Empty your pockets now!"

James and Sirius turned, looks of guilt plastered all over their faces. They slowly reached into their pockets and pulled out a couple small items, which with a flick of Harry's wand, went straight from their hands. Harry studied the items for a moment before noticing on the wrapping that they must be candies, and gave a small chuckle. Looking right at his boys, a look of amusement failing to leave his face, moved slightly closer.

"Where did you get these?"

"Tim," Sirius replied.

"Well actually," James began, "Sheldon Weasley, because he's the one who gave them to Tim."

"Just go," Harry told his boys, waving his hand as he turned around again.

The next classes, which were the last classes of the day, had already begun, and a few people wondered why two eleven year old boys were not headed toward any classroom. Within time, the twins had reached the portrait of the sallow woman, which Harry had previously shown them as his quarters. Sirius muttered the password, and the portrait swung open, allowing the boys entrance. Almost instantly after stepping inside, Remus ran over and placed an awake and happy Aylena into James' arms.

"I just fed her moments ago, she probably won't need to eat for a while. Your dad will take care of that if he hasn't joined me at St. Mungo's later. If he has, then summon a house-elf to help," Remus was explaining. "You may take her for a walk around the castle or grounds, but please, just be careful."

Seconds later, Remus disappeared into the green flames of the fireplace, and Sirius turned to James, asking, "What do we do now?"

"Let's take her out to the courtyard. It would be nice to let her walk a bit, too."

The boys, with Aylena still in James' arms, exited through the portrait and headed down in the direction of the courtyard. There was barely a soul in the corridors, except for the select few teachers or students who had a free period. All seemed to stare at the boys; two first years out of class and carrying around a baby. An older girl or two would stop and tickle Aylena. Soon enough, the boys heard footsteps behind them. They didn't dare to turn around, but as they entered the courtyard, Sirius felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw an out of breath bushy-haired woman, who appeared to have been running.

"James and Sirius Potter, am I right?"

"It depends who wants to know," came Sirius' reply.

"My...you sound just like your father..."

James looked away from Aylena's obsidian eyes to ask, "You know our father?"

"Of course I do. Both of them, your dad and your father. I was very good friends with your dad as a child. You two look a lot like the both of them, you know...oh, sorry. I didn't introduce myself. I'm Professor Granger, but you may call me Hermione."

Looking down at Aylena, a face of awe present, she smiled, "Oh my...she looks almost exactly like Sev..."

Sirius' head whipped up, "Sev? Professor, who's Sev? Is that our father's name?"