Summary: Voldemort didn't kill James. Instead he sent him to a place equivalent to hell. Now 14 years later, he has escaped and is looking forward to spending some quality time with his children. Too bad Voldemort has other plans.

A/N: I am so sorry. I got caught up with the holidays and then my school just started back and... I just got behind. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Thoughts

Chapter 13: A Special Trip

In the following weeks things seemed to settle down, James calmed down and Gryffindor beat Slytherin 170 to 20. In general things seemed to get back to normal. It was a week and a half before Christmas when James asked Harry and Melinda to come to his office after dinner. They knocked on his door timidly and waited for it to opened. James opened it looking tired and slightly nervous. He led them over to a couch and told them to sit and he began to pace in front of them. After watching him worriedly for a few minutes Harry spoke.

"Dad, what's the matter?"

"Huh, oh nothing. I just wanted to ask you guys something?" James said as he pulled a chair over and sat in front of them.

"Did you sign the list to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas?" He asked looking at them.

"Not yet. We wanted to talk to you first." Melinda said.

"Good, because I asked for the time off to take you guys on a little trip." He said with a small smile.

"What kind of trip? Where are we going?" Harry asked with excitement in his voice.

"That is a surprise." James said his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Wait, are you sure this is safe? What if he finds you?" Melinda said getting worried.

"I got that taken care of. Remus, Sirius and Professor Dumbledore is going with us." James said trying to calm her.

"Then why do you look so worried?" Melinda asked.

"Because this isn't going to be an easy trip. For any of us. Now Its almost diner time. We leave in the morning so go eat and then get packed. Ok?" James said ushering them out.

Melinda tried to ask him what he meant but he shut the door before she could and she had no choice but to follow Harry down to dinner. James sighed as he heard them leave then went over to his desk and picked up the picture that sat on it. It was one of him and Lily just after they got engaged. He looked at it for a few more minutes then sat it back down on the desk.

"They need to see all this. They need to know." He said out loud trying to convince himself he was doing the right thing. He then walked down to the great hall and ate dinner then went up and packed his bag. After he got done he picked the picture back up and looked at it again. Lily, give us strength.

A/N: I know it is terribly short but I want the next part to be one whole chapter and that would make it far, far too long. Don't worry though the next chapter will be up by Saturday at the latest. Hope you liked it. R&R