A/N – This chapter dedicated to KLLRS. Extra cookies to my special Kelly; love you, darling!

Chapter Eleven – Actions and Reactions

To every action there is always opposed an equal reaction.

--Sir Isaac Newton

The journey to the small pub for breakfast was a silent one. Both men had many thoughts running through their minds; both were still understanding and accepting each other. All through the ride in the cab, both would sneak looks at one another, just to make sure. Neither wanted this to be a dream, and if it was, they hoped not to wake any time soon.

James paid the driver, smiled at his son and took a deep breath. He looked up and down the street before pointing to the pub. As Harry followed him in, James had a sudden panic attack. How was he to combine the Wizarding world with his everyday muggle world? Was he supposed to give up one or the other? What would Harry want? Would he be okay with living in the city? Would he even want to live with him? What was he supposed to tell his friends? What had Tiffany already said?

"Evan! Haven't seen ye in a while!" An older, plump woman behind the counter greeted. "We were beginning to…wonder…if…"

James glanced back at a very nervous looking Harry. He chuckled to himself, realizing Harry must have a bit of shyness Lily had. Of course, when James turned around and saw that the entire place had grown quiet and all eyes were now locked on him and his son, James felt a little nervous as well.

"Morning, everyone," James nodded his head. He cleared his throat and stood a bit taller, just to show he was proud. "Everyone, this is…this is Harry, my son."

If Harry hadn't been nervous before, once hearing James introduce him, his face grew pink and he suddenly felt like hiding underneath a nearby table. All eyes were boring holes in him. He didn't know who any of these people were; moreover, they didn't really even know who his father was.

"And…my name isn't really Evan," James continued. "It's James. James Potter."

The silence pressed on another moment before the lady behind the counter's face of shock turned into a grin. She slapped her towel down on the counter.

"Well, save the Queen! Look at you! Look at the both of ye's. You two look just alike!" She came bounding over to them, engulfing James in a hug. She stood back and looked at Harry a moment before pulling him into her arms as well. "Harry, aye? Harry Potter, son of James Potter."

"Harry, this is Edna." James introduced her as she let Harry go. Harry smiled as he regained his composure from the hug. His eyes began to dart around the diner, examining every face that was concerned with his father's proclamation

"James Potter," Edna put a hand to her hip and sighed. "And that's where you been, then? Out finding your life again? Good for ye', James, good for ye'. You 'n Harry come sit at the counter and tell Jack and me everything."

James glanced at Harry who nodded an uncomfortable okay before the two followed Edna to the counter. Harry felt uneasy, as did James who tried to cover the uncomfortable feeling. He nodded at familiar patrons while waiting for Edna to take their order.

"And what ye have this morning, James?" Edna winked at Harry as she asked his father the question.

James glanced at the menu before clearing his throat and replying. "Um, I think I'll have the kippers, bacon, and fried egg."

"Tea?"

"That'll be fine," James nodded and then looked at Harry. "Order whatever you like."

Harry licked his lips nervously. "I'll take…the same, but orange juice."

Edna smiled, "Like father, like son." She turned to the kitchen and yelled the order back. James and Harry both watched as she got their drinks and filled cups of coffee and tea. People in the diner still gawked, but tried to be inconspicuous about it.

James cleared his throat again as he played with the napkin in front of him. He ran a hand through his hair habitually.

"Heh, it's hard to believe that just three hours ago, we hadn't…met again yet," James attempted to start conversation. The realization of his statement, however, hit home.

Harry nodded as he fingered his glass on the counter, "Yeah. Three hours ago…"

"So how long have you been staying at Grimmauld?" James asked, his gaze still on the napkin.

"Only a few days," Harry replied. "Some of the Order members came and escorted me from the Dursley's."

James shook his head. "I have half a mind to go see them, you know. I could tell Vernon a few things, hell, I could tell Petunia a few things too. And they had a son, didn't they?"

It was odd to Harry, hearing his father talk about Harry's family. Well, they were, technically, James's family too, even if only by marriage. This was the man his aunt and uncle hated. There was history between the Dursley's and James.

"They told me you…and Mum…died in a car accident. They told me that's how I had gotten my scar," Harry said. "I didn't know I was a wizard until I read my Hogwarts letter. And that had to be hand delivered by Hagrid."

Harry saw his father tense up. The muscles in his neck and face grew rigid. "I heard that, Harry, and I'm sorry. As safe as not knowing made you, you shouldn't have ever been lied to."

Harry shrugged. "Can't change anything now."

There was silence as they both sat there staring at their drinks. Edna brought their food and leaned on the counter near them.

"So Evan, I mean James, who were you? What'd you do in your old life? Did ye' figure out what happened to ye' then?"

James had picked up his fork and began digging into the eggs when Edna asked. He froze, unsure of how to reply. He couldn't exactly tell everyone he was a wizard. He couldn't exactly explain that he'd been fighting against a dark wizard when he'd 'died'. He couldn't really explain…anything. All he could say was his real name and that he had a son.

James took a deep breath and swallowed. "Well, um…I was…I was researching at the time before the…accident."

Edna raised an eyebrow, "Research? What kind of research?"

"Um, top secret sort of stuff, you understand," James nodded, hoping to evade any more questions.

"And ye know what happened, now? To make ye lose you're memory?"

James glanced at Harry who looked as uncomfortable as James felt. "There…there was a sort of explosion in our home…" As his mind turned with excuses, his heart began to beat faster and he realized it wasn't that coming up with reasons was hard, it was dealing with what actually did happen that he was having trouble with.

Edna's face fell and she offered a look of sympathy. "Ye were married, then?"

James's face grew pale and he nodded. His appetite had suddenly vanished and he wished to be anywhere but at the diner.

"Edna, leave the man alone!" Jack yelled from the kitchen. "He came in to eat, not be interviewed."

Edna rolled her eyes. "Just wantin' to know who our James is, that's all. Eat up, then, James, Harry. Breakfast is on the house."

James managed a meek smile. "Thank you."

Edna went back to taking care of the needs of her customers, leaving James and Harry alone again. James noticed Harry seemed to be picking at his food, as well.

"I hadn't really thought…thought of what I'd tell people," James sighed. "What do you say we get out of here? I'd like to…I'd like to go back to my flat."

Harry put his fork down and nodded. "Yeah."

James threw down some money to at least tip Edna if not cover the bill and the two strolled out of the diner, avoiding eye contact with everyone. They began walking down the street in silence as cars flew by them and strangers brushed past.

"Have you always lived in the city?" Harry asked.

"Since…then? Yeah," James nodded. "Tiffany's all I've had so I never felt comfortable leaving her."

"Tiffany?" Harry's eyes widened, wondering who this female was. Had his father, with no memory of his mother, moved on? Was he married again? Did he have kids? Harry realized he still knew virtually nothing about the man walking next to him.

"Tiffany. She's my best friend. Well, one of them," James corrected himself thinking of Remus, of Sirius…of Lily. "She found me, that night, and pulled me from the rubble of the…of our house. I suppose she didn't know you were there. I was out cold and she took me to the hospital. When I awoke with no memory, she took me under her wing. She lives across the hall from me, actually."

Harry didn't respond. Initially he was happy his father had found someone to help him along all these years. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to wake up with no memory of your life. But as it sunk in, Harry grew to dislike this woman he hadn't met yet. If she hadn't pulled James from the house, perhaps Harry's life would have been different. Perhaps he would have had his father all this time.

"She doesn't have anyone else," James continued after noticing Harry's silence. "We grew to depend on each other. She helped me search for my life…she's never given up hope for me. She was with me the day Rosmerta saw me. She was there to hear the story. Albus even let her come to Hogwarts when they first took me back there."

"Are you…" Harry couldn't finish the question. It wasn't fair of him to want his father to be alone, but he couldn't accept anything else.

"With her? No," James answered immediately. "I've…I've tried to date, but it's always been like…I couldn't remember your Mum, Harry. I couldn't remember anything, but I knew there had been someone. I just could never…without knowing…"

This relieved Harry a bit; at least he knew he was an only child. It wouldn't have been fair if there were others that did have James there growing up, not when James and Lily had been ripped away from Harry.

"And…you? Is there someone special?" James asked his son.

Harry slightly blushed, thinking of Cho Chang. She wasn't anyone special. She wasn't anyone to him, really. He shrugged as they continued walking.

"No."

"Not that girl back there?" James tried for a smile.

"Hermione?" Harry looked almost bewildered at the question. He laughed, "No, she's just a friend."

James nodded. "Plenty of…time." Normally, the statement would make sense. Normally, it would be considered a statement said to reassure, to remind that no hurry in life was needed. But when you lose something as precious as years in your life, time becomes something that means a lot. It means that you never know how much time you have.

The silence returned. The previous night when his foremost goal was to find Harry and get him back, James hadn't considered the advice of his friends. He hadn't really taken in account how awkward it might be to…get to know his own son. He hadn't thought out the questions or the emotions that would come along with it. In a dreamy state, he had pictured everything perfect. Everything would just fall into place and it wouldn't be this hard.

But now he realized that wasn't the case. As quickly as Harry had accepted him, that didn't mean their relationship would come with ease. They had lost so much time.

And what was he thinking taking Harry out into his Muggle life only hours after finding him? James had barely accepted everything himself, he had only begun to remember everything, to understand. James walking up to Harry in the yard must have caused shock enough, but to pull him to a world he didn't know?

And James's thoughts were right; Harry was feeling as uncomfortable and stuck in shock as James was. He had gone to bed just like every other night for as long as he could remember - parentless and surviving. Less than twelve hours later, he was eating breakfast with his father?

What did this mean? Was he going to come live with James at his flat in London during holidays? Would they become that family that Harry had always longed for? Would they get along? What if they didn't like each other? What if they didn't agree on things?

"Well, here we are," James stopped in front of a building and looked up. He could see his deck, the table and chairs as he had left them only days before. "Shall we go up?"

Harry nodded, a nervous knot forming in the pit of this stomach. He wasn't sure how it was possible that he could be elated, confused, scared and uncomfortable at the same time, but he was. And he was about to see how his father had been spending the last fifteen years of his life.


James unlocked the door, turned the knob and stopped. He closed his eyes for a short moment before opening the door. He looked in and saw the mess that he had left; the broken glass chess game on the floor, his stag collection the book had knocked over…

He walked in and allowed Harry to follow before shutting the door. He took a deep breath before walking to the kitchen to get a broom, a broom to sweep, that is.

"I'm sorry it's a bit of a mess," James told Harry. "I um…I suppose I've a bit of a temper and I lost it before going to…Hogwarts."

Harry's eyes were wide as he looked around the small flat. For a man who had no recollection of who he was, Harry felt a strong presence of what he knew had to be his father. The interests, the style – the way the room smelled gave a slight comfort to Harry's struggling stomach.

James began to clean the messes as Harry circled the room, touching different things. He saw what was left of the stag collection. The fantasy paintings hanging on the walls made Harry smile. He remembered what it was like to know the Muggle version of the Wizarding world – the bright colors, the dragons and the magic.

Harry saw James's video collection, so many science fiction and fantasy movies. He moved on, dragging his hand on the deep red couch – Gryffindor red. A quilt with the solar system and moon phases was folded across the back.

Books upon books lined the shelves around the living room. Harry, again, noticed many fantasy novels, books on astronomy, ghosts, witchcraft, memory and memory loss. He smiled when he saw the football magazines – a popular muggle sport not too different from Quidditch.

Harry gasped when he saw the large portrait of a black dog on the wall near the sliding glass door. The dog in the painting looked similar to Sirius in his Animagus form.

"A bit warm in here, don't you think?" James asked as he slid the door to the deck open. A warm breeze flew in the flat attracting Harry's senses to the deck.

Harry walked to the door and peered out. The view was nice; the city in all it's glory beyond the small park below the apartment building. Harry could see the green grass and flower patches from where he was standing. He noticed a vase on the kitchen table near the door – it was filled with lilies.

James cleared his throat. "Tiffany must have put fresh flowers in here while I've been gone."

"Everything in here seems so…you," Harry commented, glancing around again as James threw the broken pieces in the trash.

James stopped and looked around. He let his gaze follow Harry's as Harry eyed the painting of the dog.

"I suppose my subconscious always knew who I was," James replied. "Now that you say that, it's strange the interests I've had all these years for no explanation."

While Harry continued to look around, James watched. He wondered if Harry could see himself here, if he could see himself fitting into James's life. Would he be so quick to adapt to the idea of living with him? Would he like living in London?

James leaned against the wall as he thought more. James wondered what kind of father he would be to Harry now. What kind of father would he have been? He wanted to know Harry's friends. He wanted to know what Harry's best subject in school was, how well he did in classes. Where did he spend his Christmas Holidays?

James remembered his own Christmas Holidays, the last one he had spent with Lily. And Harry; Harry had only been a baby then. Lily went all out with decorating that year, the tree literally danced. She had charmed the window on either side of the tree to show it snowing through the holiday.

He looked at the sliding glass door. Last Christmas, that was where he had put up the small tree for the holidays. It hadn't been much, slightly trimmed and he never bothered putting any presents under it. But now - now he was remembering all the charms he could use.

Could he do that? If he stayed here and remained a part of this life as well, how could he use magic in his own home? What if someone came over and noticed dancing ornaments?

What kind of job would he hold? Would he stay working at the bar or quit? Would he work somewhere in the Wizarding world? Could he go back to becoming an Auror or would they accept him after all this time away? And if he did work in the Wizarding World, how would he explain that to his Muggle friends? How would he explain his job?

"Do you like to play chess?" Harry asked, pulling James from his daydream.

"Oh, yeah, somewhat. I enjoy it from time to time, but it's not my favorite pastime," James explained. "You? Do you play a lot of Wizard's Chess?"

"I'm not very good," Harry shrugged. "Ron's better."

James heard a rattling noise from the hall. It sounded like keys jingling and he realized it must be Tiffany.

"Would you like to meet Tiffany, Harry? I would…I would like to introduce you two," James's voice grew quiet.

Harry swallowed. Yes, he wanted to meet this woman. She was an important person in his father's life. As far as Harry could tell, she had been James's life all this time. But…he wasn't nearly as excited or anticipating it as James was. Harry still felt the blame should lie on her for taking James away from him.

"Sure," Harry eventually nodded.

James smiled and headed for the door with Harry following. He couldn't wait for Tiffany to meet Harry.


James knocked. Harry stood back. James rocked back and forth on his feet. The longer he waited for her to answer the door, the more hatred that grew in Harry's mind for her. James bit his cheek to hold back the excited smile. Harry concentrated on his breathing to hold his feelings in for his father.

Tiffany opened the door.

If silence could be loud and deafening, it certainly was as the three stood and stared at one another. Tiffany's porcelain complexion paled from shock at seeing her morning visitors. She stood in her doorway, hand gripping the doorknob, staring. James suddenly felt nervous now that he saw her and couldn't quite find any words worth saying. Harry stood looking intently at the pale woman.

"Morning, Tiffany," James did his best to conjure a normal sounding voice. He forced a smile, hoping for one in return.

"Ev- James," Tiffany simply replied. She turned her head towards Harry, studying him. Her look was returned.

"Tiffany, this is my son, Harry. I wanted you to meet him."

She nodded at Harry before backing from the doorway. "Well, don't stand in the hallway all morning, come in."

James winked at Harry and followed his friend into her flat. Harry inwardly sighed, wondering how this meeting was going to go. He wasn't interested in meeting her, in getting to know her. He was still coming to terms with her being the one to have 'saved' James in the first place. Hell, he was still coming to terms with his father being alive at all. However, he still felt that if it hadn't been for her, he wouldn't be going through any of this now.

"We stopped at the diner for breakfast before we came here," James tried for idle conversation as the three walked to sitting room, taking seats, all far from one another.

"Oh?" Tiffany forced interest. Inside, she wanted to know everything. Outside, she was still scared as hell at what it all meant. Wizards?

James sighed. "Tiff, stop with the attitude. I was just telling Harry how important you are to me and it's important for me that you two know each other."

Tiffany anchored her head in her palm, her elbow resting on the arm of the chair. She smiled at Harry, "I'm sorry, I am being rude. This is just all…such a surprise."

Harry nodded but said nothing.

"They told you, didn't they? About Harry?"

"Yes, they told me you had a son and they told me about some dark wizard? I don't know, Evan. It's just all so much to take, you know? God, I'm sorry, James. James. You know, I've always been supportive of finding your past, I always wanted you to, seeing how much pain you were in not knowing…" Tiffany sat up straighter, her eyes averted towards the floor. "But this is a lot to take in. Wizards are a mere conceptualization from imaginative storytellers! Dragons don't really exist and neither does magic. It's fantasy. It's been my escape for years, to fall into tales of magical passion and heroic efforts. It was our escape. And I wouldn't believe a bit of this if…if I…if I hadn't seen Hogwarts with my own eyes. And that terrifies me, James. It absolutely terrifies me to know that there is another world right in front of my eyes. And you belong there. You had a wife and you have a son. You were someone important, rich, noble…you were a part of a Great War that rivals the pain and importance of Muggles own World War two."

James just looked at his friend, wanting to assure her that she wasn't alone in her confusion. If anything, he was even more confused than she was.

Harry cleared his throat. "I grew up as a Muggle. I didn't know anything about the Wizarding World until I my eleventh birthday. I grew up with an aunt and uncle and a cousin who hated me, I slept in a broom closet until after I returned from my first year at Hogwarts. You have no idea what it was like to suddenly be thrown into a world that you know nothing about being herald a hero. Other muggle born, first year wizards knew more about the world than I did and I faced Voldemort the end of my first year."

He glanced at his father who looked to have tears in his eyes as Harry told his version of accepting the world and his fate - his life tale. Tiffany was intently watching Harry, hanging on every word he spoke.

Harry continued. "The past five years have been more to me than the normal teen years. Not only did I have to adjust to a brand new lifestyle, a lifestyle that I fit into, I had to accept my role in the 'great war'. I had to accept that I was the chosen one to fight Voldemort. I had to do this without my parents. And then I found my godfather. And then I found out more about my family. And then I lost my godfather. And now I've found out that my father has been alive all these years. That's a lot to take in, you know!"

Harry hadn't realized his voice kept rising, the more he spoke. He hadn't realized that he'd end up on his feet, yelling out his last statement towards a woman he didn't know. He didn't realize that he was losing his temper until he'd already lost it.

"Harry?" James stood up and looked at his son.

Tiffany couldn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. She sniffled as she wiped her face with the back of her hand.

"I'm…sorry," Harry apologized. He sat back down on the couch, his eyes darting everywhere from embarrassment. "I just…I mean…"

"If I hadn't been out walking that night, Harry, you wouldn't have lost him," Tiffany suddenly voiced through her tears. "I didn't know there was a baby in the rubble, you weren't crying. I only saw your father; I only heard his low moans." She looked at James. "That's why I had to leave Hogwarts the other day, James. Erica told me everything about you that she could; she told me what happened that night, why your house had fallen apart. I felt guilty…I…" Her voice fell quieter as the sobs took over. "I took you away from your life."

Harry's eyes filled with bafflement. She had been thinking the same thing Harry had? She felt guilty? The hatred Harry had felt evaporated from his body as he watched this woman shed tears over what she thought had been rescuing someone.

James stood still, standing between Tiffany and Harry, speechless. He hadn't thought of the situation that way; he hadn't put any blame on anyone other than himself. He blinked a few times, watching Tiffany's head fall into her lap as she cried. He slowly turned toward Harry who looked guilt-stricken at starting the scene.

James Brian Potter was a wizard who had never had a doubt in his life. He was proud, arrogant and stubborn. His head was always held high and he never left room for self-pity, speechlessness, or failure. Whether he lived as a wizard or a muggle, these attributes never left his personality. Even in his most depressed moments, deep inside he ridiculed his doubt, telling himself that one day he'd overcome his obstacles.

But for the first time in his life, James Potter slid into the chair filled with doubt and regret. He had spent his first seventeen years trying to stand out and impress others. He'd spent the next few years proving he was a force to reckon with and he'd spent the last fifteen years concentrating on himself.

The only time he felt deserving of anything he'd desired was when Lily was by his side. She had a way of turning his pride into something more humble. She had a way of calming him down, of making him let go. He would have done anything for her, but in the end, he couldn't save her. All of his pride had lost him his life.

Yet, sitting before him were two people who cared about him deeper than he could imagine. The product of the love he and Lily shared yearned for that unconditional love that Lily taught James to have. He had been alone for much too long of his life and wanted to cling to anything that was rightfully his.

And Tiffany? James, as Evan, had relit her dying fire. He had given her reason to keep going, to keep living. In his efforts to find his life and reacquire his dreams, he had given birth to her own chase.

James traced her red locks in his mind, remembering how they curled around her face. She danced in delight whenever James would be momentarily knocked off his high horse, his comebacks amusing her to no end. She had fallen in love with him, proving to him that there was good and worth inside of him. She thought he taught her about life, but James was only beginning to understand what she had taught him.

His heart suddenly ached as he looked at Harry. He was staring at the carpet so intently James thought his green eyes would burn a hole. Lily had that look. When she felt torn, she'd mentally berate herself, not realizing she was spacing out to the rest of the world.

"Well," James spoke. "If you want to get technical about it, it was really all my fault. I'm the one that insisted in fighting against Voldemort so openly and aggressively from the beginning. I was the one that insisted on trying to outsmart Voldemort and it was my decision in using Peter as our Secret Keeper. I was the one who persistently chased after Lily and I was the one who…never stopped to think of the ramifications of my actions. I wasn't as prepared as I ought to have been that night because I was the one who insisted we needn't hurry on the spells."

Harry and Tiffany both gawked at James.

"You were just being…you," Harry told him.

James rolled his eyes. "And where has that gotten me, Harry?"

"I'll tell you what it's gotten you, James," Tiffany interjected. "It's gotten you here. It's gotten you experiences and memories worth remembering. It's gotten you unpleasant experiences that needed to happen to take you to the next step. It's gotten you a handsome son and a friend who is in awe of you not because you're a wizard but because of how strong and resilient you are. You experienced a great love that so many only dream of. You experienced friendships, hardships, achievements – you've lived. Sure, you've lost so much, but you're getting a second chance, James."

James blinked.

"You came back," Harry added quietly. "You're…alive."

Tiffany nodded. "And frankly, James Potter, I think you need to get off your sorry excuse of an ass and do something constructive. You sitting here feeling sorry for yourself isn't getting to know Harry, it isn't recovering everything that's rightfully yours, and it sure as hell isn't helping Harry defeat this dark wizard. In fact, you're only wasting time dwelling on things you can't change. Would Lily let you sit here, moping?"

James hazel eyes flickered in the light. He looked up at Tiffany with question and amazement.

"Lily would have jinxed me by now," James admitted.

Harry stifled a laugh. He understood now, the James Potter that the world saw. He was self-centered and he had the ability to impress and take you down. But he also saw a softer side that was, obviously, what his mother had fallen for; it was filled with compassion, modesty and a little bit of doubt. His father was quite simply, human.

Tiffany smiled, "Lily must have been a very admirable women; she put up with you. You'll have to tell me all about her sometime, James. And Harry," she turned towards him. "I'd like the chance to get to know you, if you'd be willing…"

Harry nodded, "Yeah, I'd like that…"

Tiffany smiled. "But not today. Today you two should be together."

James and Harry exchanged looks. James nodded. "Are you still up for Diagon Alley?"

Harry thought for a moment. Only yesterday, he thought his life couldn't become any more complicated than it already was. He was an average teenage wizard dealing with the fate of the world and a death without a supportive family other than friends.

But he suddenly considered that his life would doubtfully ever not be complicated or chaotic. Calm and simple probably weren't in his father's vocabulary. He was more moody and temperamental than Harry!

And Harry desperately didn't want to go back to yesterday. His father was going to end up a stranger old man than Mad-Eye Moody, but Harry would rather walk into the future with a blindfold on than facing it without James. He couldn't be sure, maybe it was just the unconditional love a child felt for their parents, but Harry was thinking he liked his father. He liked his father a lot.

"Yeah, it'll be…"

"An adventure," James and Harry finished at the same time.

Tiffany smiled at them. "Call me for tea, soon, babe."

"I'll owl you for tea," James winked at her.


"Ah, this brings back memories," James laughed as he slid under the Invisibility Cloak. James and Harry were hiding behind a dumpster in a dark alley outside the Leaky Cauldron. "I do hope that you've used this for fun, Harry."

Harry smiled. "Remind me to tell you some of my stories."

He couldn't see his father but he could feel the smile radiating from beneath the cloak.

"Ready to go?" James asked Harry.

"Ready."

"Is anyone going to look at you strangely for walking around Diagon Alley alone? I'm under the impression that in the Wizarding World you're rarely alone. Although, I'm sure the Order is secretly tailing us right now," James stuck his head out from under the cloak.

Harry couldn't help but grin. "I think the only reason anyone might look at me strangely right now is because I'm either talking to no one or to a floating head."

James laughed. "Which isn't as strange as you might think, Harry. Come on, let's go. I can't wait to see everything."

James recovered his head and the two walked to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry felt a few pairs of eyes on him as he led his father to the back.

"Harry Potter?" Tom, the innkeeper recognized Harry from behind the bar.

"Um, hello," Harry stopped, sensing James right behind him.

"Here for you school supplies already?"

"Something like that," Harry nodded. "I should really get going, nice to see you."

Harry rushed out the back to the brick wall. He heard his father chuckling.

"Tom," James said through his laugh. Harry could imagine him shaking his head. "He's quite a character. Guess you'd have to be, working in a place like this. Well, go on, Harry, let's enter Diagon Alley."

Surprisingly, Harry was having an enjoyable time walking around with his hidden father. He ignored all the stares and the strange looks, except for the ones James pointed out and made fun of. And he stopped worrying about people's reactions when he appeared to be talking to himself.

They walked up and down the streets, looking in every window and going into a few of the more interesting shops. They spent quite a bit of time in Quality Quidditch Supplies. James was in awe of the latest models of brooms and Harry had a hard time making sure James wasn't seen as he insisted on touching everything in the store.

Harry felt at ease with James. He felt safe and cared for and even forgot his troubles while they walked around, conversing as they looked at everything. Harry felt almost as if he was spending time with a friend.

"Harry!"

Harry stopped and turned around when he heard his name. The voice was familiar and soon enough Remus emerged through the crowed, looking both worried and relieved.

"Harry, I've been looking for you two," Remus caught up with them, glancing to the side of Harry where he sensed James standing. "We need to get back to the house. Immediately."

"Why? What's wrong?" James asked beneath the cloak. He could tell something was bothering Remus.

"There's been an attack," Remus said under his breath so only they could hear him. "Albus has called an emergency meeting and demands for you two to return now."

Harry's face grew pale at this news. He was still getting over the shock of everything that had happened since the Tri-Wizard Tournament and wasn't quite sure how to deal with an all out war yet.

Harry felt James's hand on his back ushering him forward, "Let's go."

Remus led them to an empty alley and pulled out an empty bag of Pepper Imps. He pulled out his wand and tapped the bag. "Portkey."

"And you just had to eat all the candy before hand," James eyed his old friend after removing the cloak from his head.

Remus smiled. "I'll be sure to get you some, Prongs. Everyone hang on."

The old familiar twisting feeling behind the navel attacked the three and they thrust forward in a sensation, landing with a thump in the backyard of Grimmauld Place just beneath the oak.

James couldn't help but laugh. "Better than a roller-coaster."

Remus climbed to his feet and offered a hand out to James while Harry stood. "Come on, Albus is waiting."

The three walked into the house, entering the kitchen where a few people were already gathered. The moment Molly Weasley saw Harry she enveloped him in an overbearing hug.

"Harry, dear!" She cradled him as she would her own child she hadn't seen in months. "We were worried about you!"

"We weren't worried, just concerned," Arthur corrected. "James, it's a pleasure to see you again."

James smiled and shook Arthur's hand, "Likewise, Arthur. And I'd like to thank you and Molly for being so kind to Harry all these years."

Molly released Harry from the hug and attempted to flatten his hair. "Hair as bad as yours, James. And it was our pleasure. Ron and the rest are upstairs, Harry, why don't you go join them?"

Harry was about to protest, wanting to stay for the meeting, feeling he had the right to attend the meeting when Remus spoke up.

"Yes, go on Harry. They've been itching to talk to you all day."

Harry glanced at his father as he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. James nodded, "Go on, Harry, at least for now."

"Ah, James, Harry, you've returned," Albus Dumbledore smiled. "Harry, I would very much like for you to join your friends upstairs. And James, if I could have a word with you and Remus before the meeting starts?"

James winked at Harry, somehow understanding what Harry was feeling. The wink comforted Harry, making him feel James would definitely speak up for him during the meeting. Who knew? Maybe Harry would be called back down and asked to join.

As James and Remus followed Albus to another room, Harry sprinted up the stairs. He was excited to tell his friends all about his day - his day with his dad.


Albus shut the door behind them and offered a seat to both old marauders.

"James, I'll fancy you've had an enjoyable day?" Albus began, taking a seat himself.

James smiled. "It's been hard, but most enjoyable. I apologize for causing you worry this morning, Albus, but I'm sure you understand. I have no regrets, he's my son."

Albus nodded. "Yes, and I'm more than thrilled to see you two together."

"Isn't the meeting going to start soon?" James asked, eyebrows raised and wondering why this conversation couldn't wait. Now that he had his full memory back and something had happened, James felt an empowering feeling to get back to his old job: fighting against Voldemort.

"About the meeting, James," Albus glanced at Remus before continuing. "Shall I assume correctly that you would like to be present?"

James gave his old Headmaster a strange look, "Why wouldn't I?"

"It's been fifteen years, James," Remus reminded him.

"You don't have to remind me, Moony. I was once an integral part of this Order and I intend to be once again."

"Our concern is with a few things that have changed over the years as well as your magical ability," Albus explained.

"My magical ability?" James scoffed. "I have it. It's still there and as good as it always was. The only thing I'm lacking is a wand, and I'll get that soon enough."

"Prongs, you can't just go out and be seen," Remus repeated. "The meeting was called because of an attack and there's going to be plenty of shocked and bewildered faces just seeing you here. And these are people we can trust."

"Yeah, we said that last time." James muttered. "Look, I can take change. I've taken it well so far, haven't I? If I'm anything, I'm adaptable and I think I've proven that without a doubt. I'm a member of this Order and unless there's some clause about losing your memory and being kicked out, I still am. This is an opportune time for me to catch up with everything that's going on. I won't ask bothersome questions until after the meeting if I don't understand because I haven't…been here."

Remus sighed. "He's got a point, Albus. And James was one of the best."

"I'm still one of the best," James corrected.

Albus smiled. "Some things do not change. Very well, then. Let us keep focus on the reasoning behind this meeting."

The look he gave the men sitting across from him was a familiar look that James hadn't received since his days at Hogwarts. James snuck a look towards Remus and snickered.

It was really starting to feel good being back.


When the three emerged from the room, they found more Order members had arrived. In fact, only a few were still missing. Idle chat filled the room until Emmeline Vance recognized James and gasped.

"James Potter?" She paled as her mouth dropped open and the room grew silent.

James sighed and glanced at Remus. "Remind me again why I always liked to be the center of attention."

Albus walked to the head of the table and clapped his hands. Everyone turned to face him, some still glancing at James, and others still whispering to each other trying to figure out if it was really him.

"I daresay that your eyes are not deceiving you," Albus began. "James Potter stands before us, alive and well."

"Potter?" Dedalus Diggle stepped towards him.

Emmeline put her hand on Dedalus's shoulder for support. "I can't believe it."

"But how?" Kingsley Shacklebolt asked.

James swallowed.

"He survived that night, so many years ago. A muggle pulled him from the wreckage not knowing that Harry was there as well. James was knocked out and in a coma for some time and woke with no memory of his past. He's been living a Muggle life all these years until he was spotted. He's recently recovered his memory," Remus explained.

"But…" Emmeline shook her head. "I just…James?"

"Em," James smiled at her. "It's been a long time."

She shook her head, "I shouldn't be so shocked, should I?"

"But how'd you do it, James? How'd you survive?" Dedalus asked him. "That means…that means that-"

"Two wizards have survived Voldemort," Remus finished the sentence.

"And both of them Potter's," Elphias Doge shook his head, stepping towards James. He reached out to shake his hand. "It's an honor to have you back, James."

James let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding and shook Elphias's hand. "Thank you."

"Only a couple are missing and we'll start the meeting," Albus announced. "I expect this to be rather lengthy." His eyes twinkled as he said it, looking at James.

"Sorry, got here as fast as I could," Arabella Figg cantered into the kitchen. She stopped dead in her tracks when she spotted James.

"Bella, you remember James Potter, don't you?" Emmeline asked.

"J-james…" Arabella's mouth dropped open.

Remus laughed. "Leave it to James to surprise and stun everyone."


Conversations began flowing, many trying to talk to James, welcoming him back and asking him thousands of questions. Dedalus wanted to talk to him about Harry, about what had happened just over a year ago to his son. Those who had never met James introduced themselves. Many talked amongst themselves, discussing this news, the attack, and what James's being back could mean.

Remus, still standing next to James, stiffened when the last member of the Order finally arrived. Those who had gone to school with them, stopped talking as well, anticipating the meeting that was about to occur.

The room grew quiet as the newcomer walked through the crowed. James eyes narrowed as he came into view. The man with the flowing cloak and long, black hair stopped, his eyes narrowing as well.

"Severus, I'm sure that you remember James Potter," Albus stepped up. "The most wonderful thing has occurred; James actually survived that night as well as Harry."

The two stared at each other.

"Potter," Snape growled.

"Snape."

"And you're sure he's no impostor?" Severus asked Albus, his eyes never leaving James.

"Certain. In fact-" Albus started but was interrupted by James.

"Do you think someone could impostor me, Snape? What made you turn? I'll guess Voldemort didn't like your greasy hair either?" James spat.

Severus's eyes glowed with anger. He lifted his head a bit higher. "It is certainly without a doubt the one and only James Potter. I suppose you'll be prancing around like some hero much like you always did and how your son does."

James made a move to lurch forward, but Remus grabbed him by the shoulders and held him back. "Don't you even speak my son's name," James seethed. "You'll never be as good as him. You'll never be the hero he is."

"James," Remus warned, trying to pull him back.

James wriggled out of Remus's grasp and stepped up to Severus's face. He sneered at him and in a low growling voice, gave him a warning. "You leave what was between us between us or so help me, Merlin, Voldemort will be cake compared to what I'd do to you."

Albus cleared his throat from the front of the room. "I do believe we should start this meeting."

James and Snape stared each other down one more time before Remus pulled James to the other side of the room to sit.

"Leave it, Prongs," Remus whispered as everyone took their seats. "It was a long time ago and things have changed."

"He's still a slimy git," James protested.

"We're adults, James," Remus sighed. "You have to learn to work together."

"I don't have to do anything with him."

"As members of the Order, you do. Merlin, you're as bad as Sirius was…" Remus trailed off, thinking of their missing mate. It was still hard, and having James back now seemed to make it harder for Remus. Not only did he miss Sirius after only getting him back for a short period, he was saddened that James didn't get the chance.

The meeting began with an explanation on the attack, theories and ideas of what happened. Some members explained their inside information, what they knew from working at the Ministry and they began to develop predictions, reasons, and plans.

Soon, however, as plans and ideas started taking the floor, many members started asking about James. What role would he play? Was the Ministry aware of his existence yet? What sort of powers did he still posses? Was he still able to duel? Could he still formulate strategies as he did in the first war?

"I don't think using Potter is a superior idea at this point," Severus spoke up.

"And why is that?" Hestia Jones asked, her eyes narrowing at Snape. "If anyone here knows firsthand what it's like to deal with Voldemort, it's James."

"Are you forgetting my role in this?" Severus snapped at her, obviously irritated.

"Hold on, Snape," James jumped in. "I think I do have a say in this."

"We all have a say in this, Potter, not just you."

"I think we could use James to our advantage," Tonks spoke up. "Obviously, Harry will be more receptive to learning and training with his father than any of us, and James is quite good."

"I daresay that's an understatement," Emmeline smiled.

"The second that Voldemort and any Deatheaters know James is alive, things are going to change," Dedalus commented. "It'll change Voldemort's strategy."

"It'll also blow him away that James Potter is even alive," Remus mentioned, proudly.

"It could also put many in danger," Mad-Eye suggested. "James will be a high priority on his list again, just like Harry is."

"Look, if your worried about Harry or I being able to handle ourselves-"

"So confident of your abilities, aren't you Potter? And your son's?" Snape hissed.

"I quite am, actually," James threw back.

"All the same, I think we need to carefully plan our next steps," Elphias suggested. "James could turn out to be a big key to the war and we don't want to make any mistakes."

"I agree," Albus nodded. "I believe that James should remain in hiding until further decisions can be made strategically."

James looked at Albus wide eyed and defiantly. "In hiding?"

"Perhaps you'll be more useful than Black was during his hiding," Snape muttered.

Those who heard his comment froze. Both James and Remus glared at Severus. James rose from his seat, not once, straying his gaze from Severus.

"Snape, there's something I think you need to understand," James seethed. "This isn't about you or about me or why we hate each other. It's about taking out Voldemort and if you weren't aware, the prophecy and Voldemort has chosen my son as the one who will do this. I'm good, and you know it. And you better believe your slimy ass I'll have something to do with this."

"I think, before we stray from the purpose of our meeting-" Dumbledore interjected with no use.

Snape rose from his own seat. "And I'll have you know, Potter, that I've been working diligently for years while you've been gallivanting around in the Muggle world-"

"Are you insane?" James exploded. "You don't know a damn thing about what happened to me! Don't stand in front of me and pretend your shit is worth gold!"

"James, Severus, I do believe-"

"And you think you're worth more than gold?" Severus cried. "You always did. You're nothing more than lucky, Potter. And that's saying something. As far as your son-"

James jumped in front of Severus. "I told you not to speak of Harry."

"And you think I'm afraid of you?"

"I can speak for myself."

The voice of the younger Potter brought everyone out of their mesmerized lull. All eyes turned and faced Harry, standing in the doorway. James's eyes softened once he saw the determined look in his son's face. Harry was right, he could speak for himself, and as far as James was concerned, it was far time he began to do so.

"Harry, you aren't supposed to be here, dear. This is a private-"

"Let him speak, Molly," James backed off Severus and gave the floor to Harry. "He has every right to voice his opinion, I believe."

Severus started to mutter something under his breath but the looks shot towards him shut his mouth. He was fighting a losing battle, apparently. Even Dumbledore waited for Harry to speak.

"I think that I have every right to attend these meetings," Harry said in a small voice.

James nodded his head towards Harry to show his support, "Go on, Harry."

Harry took a step further into the room and stood taller. His eyes scanned the members of the Order, many of whom he either knew or at least recognized. He had their full attention, many looked very curious to hear what he had to say.

"I think," Harry continued, his voice becoming stronger with every word. "I think that my Dad has every right to join the fight. He survived Voldemort using magic most of you probably don't understand. I want my dad to teach me and prepare me. And I want to know what's going on. I want to be informed and not kept in the dark anymore. If I'm going to be the one to take him out, then I should know things."

James smiled proudly. He saw Remus nod his head and smile approvingly out of the corner of his eye as well. Many other Order members seemed to nod as they glanced at one another, wondering their opinions on the matter. Severus remained standing, stiffly, where he had been.

Albus was the first to speak.

"James, Harry, if I could have a private word with you outside, I'd appreciate it. The rest of you, continue, please, until I return."

Dumbledore led James and Harry into another room, away from the meeting and the curious ears of the rest of the household.

"I understand where both of you are coming from," Albus started.

"Then there aren't going to be any 'but's' about it, Albus," James told him. "Harry and I are a part of this war. We're a part of this fight; hell, Harry is the fight! I'll be damned if any of you are going to stop either of us from doing our part in getting ready for Harry to take Voldemort out!"

"James, that's not the only issue at hand. Harry is far from ready to duel Voldemort head on." Dumbledore reminded both of them in a soft voice. "I agree Harry should be kept better informed of what we know to help him in readying himself. I also agree that you should be the one to work with him. However, we cannot forget that a war is raging as we speak. As much as it is similar to the previous war, James, it is not the same. Lest we lose our guard, we will lose the war."

James sighed. "Albus admit it. You need me. You want me in this fight."

James pointedly stared Albus in the eye awaiting a reply. Harry clenched his jaw in seeing just how pretentious and cocky his father could be. However, he saw it as an attribute more so than an undesirable trait. He could instantly tell that when James wanted something, he'd work to make sure he got it. When he was right, he was right and if you chose to disagree with him, so be it; it wouldn't stop him.

"James it isn't always what we want that-"

James rolled his eyes and threw his hands up in frustration. "Shove it, Albus! You know I respect you, you know that I admire you, but damn it, you aren't the only one that knows what's right! Forget your damn, floozy advice! At this point, all the Order is to me and my son is protection. We'll fight our own fight."

Harry silently gulped behind his father. Was that such a good idea? The Order was filled with talented people who had been working against Voldemort diligently. Could James and Harry alone be able to handle it?

"James, that isn't the best idea." Albus remained calm, as always. "You must remember the possible consequences of Voldemort and the Deatheaters learning that you are alive. For Voldemort to know that not only did Harry survive him, but you did as well, will be a hard shock to him."

"I realize this, Albus, which is why you should be taking full advantage of me. It doesn't matter, Harry's what matters."

"He's still young, James," Albus said.

"And look what I've been through so far," Harry cried. "I deserve to know!"

James raised his eyebrows at Albus.

"James, I think the best thing for you to do is to talk with Erica before you come to any rash decisions. It's been a long day for the both of you," Albus advised.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that I think it's best for you to return to Hogwarts and for Harry to join his friends. Upstairs," he clarified.

"If Voldemort didn't stop me, do you think you will?" James asked his old Headmaster and the wizard he once claimed as his mentor.

"It is a sad day when the teacher is no longer needed," Albus simply replied. "I look forward to us speaking on this matter soon."

And with that, Dumbledore retreated to the meeting leaving James and Harry alone.

"Dad?" Harry looked at James, curiously.

"Harry, if there's one thing you need to know about being a Potter, it's determination. Never back down when you know you deserve it or that you're right," James told him.

Harry nodded. "So, now what?"

James turned and looked at his son, his face falling from a strong, resolute expression to a soft, emotional one. He smiled, bowing his head slightly and running a hand through is messy hair.

"He is right, not that I'd dare tell him that," James chuckled. "It's been a long day. I'm sure we both have a lot to think about."

"Will I see you tomorrow?"

James grinned. "A Marauder's promise, son. Our life's just beginning, right?"

Harry grinned back. "Right."

James walked over and enveloped Harry in a caring hug.

"Owl me if you need anything, Harry. I'll be at Hogwarts tonight."

"Okay. Bye, Dad."

"Bye, Harry." James backed through the doorway. He waved. "I love you, Harry."

Before Harry could respond with the same, James was gone.

Harry stared at the empty air where his father had just been standing and smiled again. He had just spent the day with his father. His real father, who looked just like him and who was one of the most loving, conceited wizards he had ever met.

It had been a good day. And whatever outcome the Order came to, Harry didn't care. For once, he wasn't concerned with Voldemort – he knew he'd be all right now.


James apparated to Hogsmeade. He stopped at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer and a hello to Rosmerta. He didn't stay long with so much on his mind, but the short visit calmed him down from his arguments.

Severus Snape hadn't changed one bit. He was the same slimy, annoying git he'd always been. James hadn't been expecting any less, but if Snivellus thought he could continue berating Harry, he had something coming.

As James walked the familiar path back to the castle, he took in the fresh country air and the quietness the wilderness induced. He was tired, he realized; he hadn't slept the night before at all.

But it was worth it, getting his son back. Harry was everything and more that James could hope for. Lily would be so proud of him, as well. James was determined to make life easier for Harry now. He would be reminded daily that he had a proud parent standing beside him for full support, a proud, loving parent.

Now all James had to do was work on getting things his way.

Of course, he thought, I've managed pretty well at that before. He smirked as he picked up a rock and threw it towards the lake. He watched the small stone skip before disappearing beneath the waves.

If I can win Lily's heart, I can win anything.

. . . . . . huggles n cookies . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . missers . . . . . . . . . .