HOLIDAY VISITS
Revised: July 17, 2013
Harry had just finished getting ready for bed and taking one last look at his pile of gifts before he hopped into bed. His door opened and Sirius, Remus and Helena walked in. Did she want to tuck him in or something? Humiliation crossed his face as he thought this.
"Don't think you can head up to bed without me saying good-night first," she said crossly.
"Oh, um, I wasn't thinking…" he mumbled, turning pink.
"Did you have a nice Christmas?" Sirius asked.
"The best, thanks a lot for everything you guys," Harry said gratefully.
"You deserve it."
"Hey, why didn't Tonks stop by?" Harry inquired.
"She was with her parents today," Sirius answered. "Don't worry, you'll see her before you go back to school."
Harry looked up at his Healer. An amusing thought entered. "Say Helena, have you thought of any names for your baby yet?"
"What?" she looked surprised. ""It's hardly been two months, I don't even know the sex yet!"
"That's not stopping someone else," Harry looked over to his godfather.
"You've thought of names already Sirius?" Helena's eyes were wide.
"Well…" Sirius trailed.
"Go on, tell her," Harry was grinning.
"Well, what are they?"
Sirius glared at Harry but turned to his girlfriend. "Um, if it's a girl, Mira," he said carefully.
"Hmmm."
"Do you like it?" he asked timidly.
"It's okay. What if it's a boy?"
"Well…Jarvis."
"Jar-Jarvis? Are you completely mental? No way in hell am I going to allow you to call our child something as retarded as Jarvis!" Helena screeched.
"Ha! Told you! Two galleons, cough up!" Harry said smiling and holding out his hand.
"Later," Sirius mumbled. "You really don't like the name Jarvis?"
"Not one bit! It sounds funny and it reminds me of a boy who was mean to me when I was in primary school."
"It is like Lily and James again," Remus said looking surprised.
"How so?" Harry asked.
"When you were born Lily and James were arguing on what to call you. James suggested the name 'Damien' but your mother declined stating a boy named Damien was mean to her when she was in primary school," Remus pressed on.
Helena sighed. "It's only a two month fetus Sirius; I don't think we need to think about names just yet."
"Do you want to find out the sex of it?" Harry asked, hugging his knees, face full of pure happiness. Maybe this baby thing would be fun and interesting after all.
"I do, I don't know if Sirius does though," she looked at him.
"You- you do? Oh, that's great! I wasn't sure if you wanted to!" Sirius cried happily.
"So we're going to find out the sex of it?" Helena asked him looking just as excited.
Sirius nodded. "We are! In two more months we'll find out if little Mira or Jarvis is inside!"
"Oh for Merlin's sake Sirius, I do not want to call our poor child those names! He or she is going to have an Irish name!"
"Why Irish?" Harry had to ask.
"My father is Irish. The majority of my family on my father's side live in Ireland. I want to pass on the culture to our unborn child," Helena explained.
"I'm sure Ireland is terrific, I'll have to ask Poppy since she has family there as well, but for now they will not have an Irish name!" he argued.
"Blimey, is it this hard to name a child?" Harry asked looking around at the adults.
"Oh, don't get me started on that cub," Remus said wisely. "For the longest time- as soon as your parents found out they were having a boy they were one hundred percent certain that you were going to be called Owen. That name stuck until you were born and your mum saw you for the first time and held you in her arms to take in your face and she decided then and there she didn't want to call you Owen anymore," he said amusedly.
"How strange, knowing I was so close to being an Owen," Harry yawned.
"All right cub let's get you to bed."
"I'm already in bed."
"Well let's get you under the covers in your bed," Remus explained further.
"All right then," Harry agreed and turned deep red when Remus pulled back his blankets for him to get under.
"Night Harry. hope you had a great time tonight," Remus said, brushing back the boy's fringe.
"You know I did."
"Well good-night. See you in the A.M," Sirius said and kissed his eyebrow.
"Night Harry dear," Helena said fondly.
"Damn you three, I'm not a toddler."
"You're still a child and a child must be given the proper good-night from the adults around him. Bye," smirked Sirius and the three adults left the room.
Harry snuggled into his pillows and quickly fell asleep.
"So when are you going to leave?" Sirius asked Helena as they came downstairs, passing along a cup of tea as they settled in the sitting room.
"Well that's a rude thing to ask," she said shortly.
"I was just asking! I mean, I know you have to go to work tomorrow."
She sighed. "I know, I'm not looking forward to it. The days around Christmas are busiest. So many people decide to get ill and injured, it's insane. And parents just don't seem to look after their kids while they get the holidays ready."
"You don't have any time off?" Remus asked.
'I do but not much. I've only been working there for a few years so I don't have as much leeway as older members of the staff."
"Well that's not fair."
"It's lucky I have an hour lunch each day. (Sigh) I guess I should head back home though. I didn't tell my sister when I'd be back but she had a feeling I would be here for a long while so I'm sure she's not too worried. Oh, did I tell you? Strangely enough, my sister Karen, the one I'm living with now, is also pregnant!"
"Ha, really? That's a good thing right?" smiled Remus.
"It certainly is interesting. At least we will both have our babies near each other so they can grow up together."
"When is she due?" Sirius asked, running his fingers in her hair lovingly.
Helena thought. "I think sometime in early June. She's actually due to see what she's carrying soon but I don't think she cares. She already has one boy and one girl."
Remus sighed and shook his head.
"I still can't believe you're having a kid Padfoot. You're really growing up aren't you?"
Sirius let out a long sigh. "I am but I had to start sometime. I'm already the ripe old age of thirty-five; I think it's fitting to know I have a great job, great home, great girlfriend and now a baby on the way. You need to do something now Moony! Meet a girl and hook up. It'll do you some good."
Remus shook his head. "Not likely to happen any time soon. (Yawn) well I'm ready to hit the sack. In a couple days it's going to be that time of the month again so I need to rest up."
"You know, every time you refer to your furry little problem like that I can't help but think you're talking as if you having another certain once-a-month occurrence," Sirius pointed out, getting up as well and stretching.
Remus raised an eyebrow but ignored the statement. He shared a hug with Helena before heading up the stairs to bed. Sirius kissed his girlfriend goodbye ten minutes later before she flooed back to her sister's house. With that, the man retreated to his bedroom as well.
"So we're going to be having lunch with Helena today?" Harry asked his godfather the next morning, dressed in his new red robe and munching Quidditch Crunch again.
Sirius nodded eyes on his daily crossword and swallowed and looked up. "I have lunch with her nearly every day of the week but since you're here for three weeks we thought you'd like to come along as well."
"Sure thing. Where will we be eating at?"
"Helena told me about this place that serves this one Muggle dish that is supposed to be very popular. It's called pizza."
"Pizza? Really?" Harry cried.
"Yes…is it good?"
"So good! Man, I haven't had that in years!"
"Then it's settled! Um, what is pizza kid?" he said in a quiet voice and leaning forward.
"It's flat and large and has sauce and cheese and your choice of meats and veggies on it."
"Sounds good to me."
"Hey, is Moony coming along?"
"He can't. The full moon is upon us so he's going to be cooped up at home for a couple days."
"Aw, that's unlucky," Harry said bitterly, now moving around his little bludger shaped cereal pieces around with his spoon.
"We still have three weeks to eat lunch with ol' Moony, don't fret."
Harry nodded and went back to eating but stopped suddenly when another thought entered his mind. "Um, Sirius? Would it be alright if I go to Ron's and Hermione's and vice versa during the holiday?"
"What on earth makes you think you wouldn't be allowed to?" Sirius asked wildly.
Harry shrugged. "Well, that brings up my other question and or thought. I thought I was going to be, you know, grounded during the holiday."
"Oh, oh…I'll have to talk with Moony about that later on. We are still very upset at you for not telling us about your detentions Harry," he said sternly.
"I know you are and I'm sorry but I know that doesn't mean anything by now." He ate the last few bites of his cereal and drained his milk and stood up, ready to go back upstairs when Sirius held him back.
"Harry, I don't want to sound like a father scolding his five-year-old but I think you need to eat something else for breakfast besides a sugary cereal," Sirius told him carefully.
Harry sighed and turned back to the table again.
"Take an apple with you upstairs."
"Okay, fine." Harry grabbed one from the fruit bowl and went to his room to change.
Twelve noon rolled around and Sirius and Harry met up with Helena at St. Mungo's to head out to lunch. They went to a small placed called Tony's Pizza. They found a table towards the back of the narrow shop and looked down the menu. Sirius was looking more and more confused as he looked at it.
"How do we do this? Order a slice? A small pie? The largest? And what will we put on it?"
After some confusion and explanations the three rested on a large pizza with pepperoni, ham, and sausage with a pitcher of cola to share. Once again Sirius was filled with a sort of euphoria as he took his first bite, the same feeling he experienced when he had his first cheeseburger. It wasn't a surprise when they began to converse of the baby that was on the way. Thankfully Harry asked about Helena's niece and nephew, the kids of the sister whose house she was living at right now.
"How old are your sister's kids?" Harry asked her.
"Little Millie is six and Caohimin is five."
"Chav-een?" Harry stressed.
"It's Irish. It means beautiful child."
"How long have you been living with your sister?" Harry asked, taking a bite of his pizza.
"I was twenty and she was twenty-two and just purchased a house with her boyfriend Robbie. I was living with our parents after I graduated from Hogwarts. It was a fixer but it was the best they could afford. Fast-forward ten years and it is now a cute four-bedroom home."
"Do you have to pay rent?" Harry asked, slurping his Coke.
"No. Even with the money I have saved I still don't have much to find even a one-bedroom flat that is safe and needs no work," Helena said heavily.
"You said she's also having a baby. There won't be a lot of room once you both give birth will there?"
"I don't want to think about that now. I know I will soon but not now."
Harry nodded and began to eat again.
"So Harry, how have you been feeling since your check-up a couple days ago?" Helena inquired.
"Fine. A little light-headed at times from my withdrawal of my daily meds."
"When will we find out the results from his blood work?" Sirius asked looking concerned.
"The twenty-eight. Hopefully everything looks fine and normal."
"So I might not have to take any medication? That's great!" Harry beamed.
"There is a slight chance that might happen but I can't guarantee it."
Sirius questioned how they would get the results. Helena explained she would like to talk to Harry in person no matter what the tests said. At this Sirius told her Harry had a dental appointment that same day so they had to work around that. Helena said she could look at her schedule that day to see when she could see Harry. She could right at 5:30 that evening. She got off at six and usually spent the last moments cleaning but a short chat with Harry about his next health plan was more important.
"Hey Padfoot, do you know what I want?" Harry asked over their Christmas dinner leftovers that night.
"What's that?" he asked frowning. What more could the kid want?
"I'd like another pet. I would really like another cat."
Sirius choked on his cider. "Another cat?! Harry, you're speaking in tongues! How could you want another cat? Isn't one enough?"
Harry shrugged. "I guess I've grown fond of them since August."
Sirius smiled at the thought of the boy's huge heart but quickly wiped it off his face. He didn't need Harry to think he thought it was a good idea.
"Wouldn't you like another animal instead? Like a- I dunno, let's say a dog?" he smiled and winked.
Harry chewed his bottom lip and began to slowly cut up his chops. "Not really."
"And why is that? Do you already think you have one because I can turn into one at will?"
"Sorry but no. I don't want a dog."
"Every kid in the world wants a dog Harry!"
"No they don't, just the majority do. I don't, I want a cat."
"You have a cat," Sirius pointed out glaring. "And he's enough trouble as is."
"He's only a kitten, he doesn't mean to pee on the floor or chew things up."
"Yes he does, if you would clean his litter box more often than not and put every chewable object out of reach he wouldn't do these things."
Harry glared at his food and began to eat it slowly.
"You aren't getting another cat. I'm sorry Harry. When I tell Moony he's going to think I'm crazy."
Harry glanced at the chair Remus usually sat in but since he really felt tired he didn't come down to dinner.
"Why do you all of a sudden want a cat?"
"I told you, I have a new fondness of them. I would really like the responsibly and ever since Ms. Figg gave me Wronski Feint I'm seeing why they're great pets," Harry spoke as he watched Wronski Feint eat from his cat dish feet away.
"But dogs are more entertaining," Sirius challenged. "They can really protect you, they're goofy"-
"So are cats," Harry argued. "Did you know the only reason I wanted socks for Christmas was because Weinki takes socks from me and I never know where he hides them? He took at least ten socks since I got to school and I haven't been able to find them!"
"Dogs are smart. You can train them to do so many different things."
"I heard you could train cats as well. Crookshanks is smart and I don't think Hermione has trained him."
"But dogs are still better! If a burglar were to break into the house one night when you were alone your dog could go and bite him! What's a cat going to do? Pounce on him?" Sirius sniggered through his potatoes.
"Yeah," Harry said confidently. "Weinki doesn't like people he doesn't know and his claws are as sharp as knives. He has scratched me so many times it's lost its ha, ha."
"Dogs are still better."
"No they aren't."
Sirius couldn't help but notice how uneasy Harry seemed to look. "Harry, do you even like dogs?" he voiced slowly.
"Well, yeah…"
"Do you really?"
Harry set down his fork. "No."
"You don't like dogs?" Sirius said, looking very, very shocked. "Harry, everyone likes dogs!"
"No they don't! I'm sorry Sirius but I don't like dogs that much."
"Why?"
Harry fidgeted. "Well, every time I saw my aunt Marge she would always have one of her bulldogs with her and when I was around her house dogs surrounded me and they all hated me. They seemed to be trained to growl at me or chase me or bite me. I hated it. Then I would always have to walk to and from school and had to pass all these yards that had dogs in them and they would always bark at me or just watch my every move. I was chased by a stray dog once when I was eight. I remember that day so well. I was walking down a street and realized I dropped my homework so I doubled back to pick it up but ran into this large dirty dog and he chased me up the street until a man stopped him for me. I honestly think he was a wizard now that I remember; he was wearing a purple gown... Anyway, I hated that day because my teacher was angry at me for my late appearance, how dirty I looked and the fact that I was too scared of the dog to pick up my fallen homework and I had detention," Harry said, looking at his legs and turning Weasley red.
"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that kid. I guess we all are afraid of something."
"I'm not afraid of them I just don't like them. It's the same with needles, if it's there I'll take it in but I'm not going to start blubbering like a baby or anything. I just don't like them."
"Well it makes sense, what you said. Besides, dogs are a lot more responsibility than cats. They can take care of themselves and be left alone at will but dogs always want attention and they need to be trained. Ha, guess you don't like it when I turn into Padfoot do you?" Sirius grinned painfully.
"No, I like it. You're friendly. But the majority of dogs I've met aren't like that."
"If you say so…"
"So can I get another cat?" Harry said excitedly.
"No."
"But you said"-
"No. I said no. Just because I understand why you like them doesn't mean you can get one. You have enough to worry about as is to have another cat."
Harry knew he didn't really need another one so he kept quiet and returned to his food. He spent the remainder of the night watching the film The Mask on his TV from his new VCR. He loved every minute of it; it made him feel like a normal teenager. By 10:30 he got into bed and Sirius walked in to tuck him in just because he could. Harry had to voice something that had been on his mind all day.
"Sirius, what are you going to do about Umbridge?"
Sirius sighed. "As of now, nothing."
"What? Did you not see my hand?" Harry thrust his raw hand to the man's face.
"Harry, there isn't much that can be done. She is working under Fudge. The chances he'd allow a trial of some sort of sacking of her is almost laughable."
"Not long ago she forced a new decree on Hogwarts saying she has the final say in punishments! She's upset that I had passed out so I haven't been to see her since. But I know she's planning something. She knows Madam Pomfrey knows. She won't see the end of it," Harry said seriously.
Sirius squeezed Harry's hand. "I will see what we can do about it kid. I hate not doing nothing, you know that. But it will mean many more people will be in on it."
Harry knew this and nodded. "Yeah, I know. But I don't want to be a bother"-
"You aren't for the last time kid, and if you are I couldn't ask for a better person to bother me with."
"Thanks. Same with you," Harry said cheekily.
Sirius ruffled his hair hard.
"Hey! Cut it out!" Harry cried.
Sirius relented and said in a flat tone, "So, is there more that's itching your back?"
"More."
"Fire away."
"I know it's not really in my place to ask but, well, I mean it's not like you hadn't heard me ask about it before but I was just wondering… when do you think Dumbledore will have time to tell me what he needs to tell me?" he fumbled.
"Well Moony was going to ask him while we were out but he's not up to much right now. Hopefully he'll call an Order meeting soon and I can ask him then. Is it bothering you that he isn't saying anything to you?"
"Of course! I feel he's been avoiding me. He never looks at me or acts as if I'm there. When I witnessed the attack on Mr. Weasley he wasn't even looking at me when I told him what happened. I don't know why he doesn't think he can trust me," Harry said miserably.
"Harry, don't say that. Dumbledore trusts you," Sirius frowned.
"Then he would tell me. I deserve to know what's going on above anyone else really."
Sirius sighed and pulled Harry to his side and draped an arm around him. "If I can, what do you want me to relent to him from you? What do you want to know?"
"Everything. Why did I see the attack on Mr. Weasley? Why does my scar hurt after those strange dreams? The ones where I'm walking down a long corridor?"
"You're still having them?"
Harry nodded. "Same as it has been. I want to know what it means. No one should have recurring dreams so often. Reoccurring dreams means something is going on."
Sirius nodded, getting to his feet. "I'll be sure he hears of it. I'll be sure to pester him enough so he gives me an answer."
Even though Harry knew his godfather would keep his word he still settled in for another fitful sleep which involved the long dark corridor and a door up ahead which he had to reach…
Harry had to get up early that day with Sirius for they were going to head to Julie Vesser, Lily's old friend's, house for it would be too risky to stay at home when Remus would be turning into a wolf. He would of course be taking his wolfsbane potion however the new law stated a child could not be in the same vacancy as a 'beast' during transformations so Sirius had to move Harry somewhere for the day. Harry packed for the day there some items he wanted to bring, including his Firebolt.
"Are you excited for today?" Remus asked in a haggard tone over breakfast to Harry.
Harry nodded. "I've never been to a friend of my mum's before. I'm just a bit nervous to be around her kids. She has four who are all under the age of ten. I've never been around kids that young besides when I was that old myself."
"It should be fine Harry. She lives in a very nice home in the Helga Estates and has plenty to do. Loads of both wizard and Muggle games. And she loves to bake," Sirius looked dreamy.
Harry smiled. "Can't wait."
"Sorry you have to miss out on this Moony, I know Julie would've really wanted to see you," smirked Sirius.
"Well there's always another time. You two have a nice time," Remus said and rubbed his temples.
Harry took along his cat since he knew he would freak out if he was in the same house as a howling wolf, even though Remus wouldn't attack the feline in any way. Sirius and Harry caught a bus to travel to Julie Vesser's house. It felt like they were on the bus for ages when it stopped at a road and Sirius and Harry got off.
"Now we walk, don't worry Harry, it's not too far," Sirius insisted and shivering in the snow, they walked for twenty minutes and reached an open country it seemed and a tall golden gate that was surrounded in evergreens which were powdered in snow. Harry moved his head to the right and a large sign bore the words HELGA ESTATES in fancy gold letters.
"Wow," Harry whispered.
"Ha, this isn't even it yet Harry. We have a bit more walking to do." He waved his wand and pointed it at the gate and said the password and it opened and they began to walk ahead. All along the sides were evergreens and a lot of land. They walked for a few minutes before the first of the homes started to emerge. Harry's mouth fell open, they were beautiful. They were small manors but manors nonetheless. They made a left after walking strait up for ten minutes and walked down the next road then Sirius began to seek out the house.
"A-ha! Here it is, number 41 Lexious Lane," Sirius smiled and they finally stopped.
Harry's jaw once again flew open. They were in front of a large house that looked like a big golden doll house; it had large grand marble steps that wrapped around most of the front of the house to the front door.
"This- this looks amazing," Harry gasped.
"It does, doesn't it? This is a private residence exclusive only to those who possess the quantities of Hufflepuff even if they were never sorted into the House. Well let's not stand in the snow forever, she's waiting for us," Sirius smiled wildly and walked up the twelve front steps and rung the doorbell which Harry could hear echo inside the home. It opened and a short woman squealed in delight.
"Sirius! Harry! You've made it! Oh come in, come in! You look so cold my dears!" and she beckoned them inside.
They followed her to a vast sitting room with a roaring fire that Harry couldn't wait to defrost by. Julie was a short woman with short dark hair and a kind face. She reminded Harry of Mrs. Weasley strongly. In the sitting room was a man with thin dark gray hair a kind face and horn-rimmed spectacles. Next to him were four children, three boys and one girl.
"Everyone, this is Sirius, an old friend from school- I know you know Will from our Hogwarts days… and this is Lily's son Harry. Harry, this is my husband Will"-
"How do you do lad?" smiled the man and they shared a strong hand-shake.
"Fine," Harry nodded in return.
"And here is my lot, Sirius, Harry. We have nine-year-old Thomas, eight-year-old Mirian, five-year-old Adam and our youngest, two-year-old Jacob," she said fondly.
"Hello," Harry said slightly awkward.
They muttered hellos, clearly uncomfortable as well.
"Why are children so shy to others I'll never know…well we have so much to catch up on, children, you can get back to what you were doing."
"Finally," exasperated Thomas rolling his eyes. "She's been buggin' us to line up and get cleaned up just for a stupid hello," he muttered to his sister and they went upstairs.
"I have to check on the muffins that are baking, Will- would you like to give them the tour?" she said frantically as she headed into the room across the sitting room which was the kitchen.
Will Vesser showed them the kitchen, sitting room, other living area on the other side of the house, both game rooms, all six bedrooms and all six bathrooms, office, dining area, library, the garden which boasted both Muggle and wizard toys and a grand playground set for the children which Harry felt stupid to admit to himself looked pretty fantastic. The last thing on the tour was the indoor pool which was charmed to have perfect temperature no matter what the weather was outside.
"Hope you brought your swimsuit Harry," winked Will when he showed them the pool.
"I did. Sirius told me you had a heated pool and I've never tried one of those out before."
"Well it's pretty fantastic I'll tell you that. I think we should head back to Julie, I know there is a lot to catch up on…"
As soon as the three of them reached the sitting room Julie laid out a variety of snacks and tea and they got comfy in stuffed chairs and began to chat.
"Did you know me when I was a baby?" Harry asked Julie, munching on decorative Christmas biscuits.
"I did, yes. I didn't come over as often as Sirius or Remus did but I visited plenty when you were little. I was actually present for your birth. However it was maddening staying in the waiting lounge with your father's posse. James was frantic and Sirius here did nothing to calm his nerves. He kept saying it was taking forever because you might have been born with a defect or something stupid like that," she said crossly.
"I had to lighten his nerves somehow!" Sirius said looking innocent.
"Saying his son could be born with an extra arm does not lighten one's nerves Sirius!" Julie glared as Harry burst in laughter.
"So, how have things been since the Ministry allowed you to take Harry in this summer?" Will asked, taking a sip from his teacup.
"They've been great. Still can't believe it at times but we've been getting on all right, haven't we kid?" Sirius smiled at his godson.
"Yeah, been great," Harry said thickly around another biscuit.
Julie's youngest child was there at her side as the adults talked. He was clutching a stuffed hippogriff and got up to whisper in her ear-"Mumma? That 'Arry Podder?"
"Yes dear. It's Harry Potter," she purred back.
"Wow, even those who are two years old know who you are lad," said Will.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, not really knowing what else to say.
Jacob struggled out of his mother's lap and shyly went up to Harry and held out his hand.
"I- I Jake missur 'Arry Podder," he said bashfully.
The adults roared with laughter.
"Um, hello Jake, nice to meet you," Harry said smiling and taking the tiny hand.
Jacob ran back to Julie and said in her robes, "Mumma! He say hi! 'arry say hi ta meh!"
Julie laughed. "I know, I saw. Why don't you show Harry your bedroom hmm? So Mummy can talk to the grown-ups in private?"
Jacob shook his head no and buried his face in her robes even deeper.
"Sorry, he's just a typical shy two-year-old," Will said amused.
"It's fine. I'd like to see your bedroom Jacob," Harry said to the little boy.
Jacob shook his head no in Julie's robes.
"Show Harry your bedroom dear, he wants to see it and if your brothers or sister bother you just tell me all right? Now go on, go on!"
"'Kay. 'Arry! Fa'ho me! Fa-ho me!" Jacob cried and took hold of three of Harry's fingers in his small fist.
"Oh, just to warn you Harry, Jake kind of looks up to you as a hero of some sort so don't be surprised when you walk into his room," Will whispered in the teen's ear.
Harry nodded and allowed the little boy to take him up to his room, being patient as it took just a little while for the toddler to climb up the carpeted steps. Jacob led Harry down the hall to the last door to the left which held a wooden sign with a painted hippogriff and said JACOB on it.
"This 'Arry, this is my room!" he pointed out when they walked in.
Harry gasped; there were pictures of his own face on the wall! There was a poster that looked to be cut out from a teenage girl's magazine and several children's drawings which were clearly of Harry for each one had a scar scribbled on what had to be a head. There were also many toys littering the floor, an art easel, a giant stuffed hippogriff in the corner and a child's bed by a bay window that overlooked the side yard.
"See 'Arry? See? You my 'ero! I am told stowies of you frum Mummy and Daddy and Tommy and Miran and Adum! They say you powaful withard and did lots of stuff an' made- ya made a big bad guy go away!" he said in a rush.
"Really? They told you this?" he couldn't help but think that a two-year-old shouldn't be told such things yet.
"Mummy did not wan' meh ta know but I- but I know an'way. Tommy knows lotsa stuff an' he told me an' Mummy be mad at him but I still know you."
"Well, that's good then I guess." He swallowed. How on earth were you supposed to talk to a two-year-old? "So, you're two then aren't you?" he asked feeling very stupid but apparently this was a good thing to say because Jacob nodded frantically, his short brown hair flopping.
"I two and I free soon!"
"When is soon?"
"Um, verah soon. Mummy say round da corner. I go have a pardy and cake and go swimmin'!" he said excitedly.
Just then the door opened and in stepped Thomas followed by Mirian.
"What are you doing, talking to Harry Potter? He doesn't want to talk to a baby like you," the oldest said with a cruel smile.
"He was talkin' ta meh! You go outta my ruum! Mummy say you no go in my ruum!" Jacob said angrily, his face turning red with the effort.
"You always say you're going to tell Mum stuff but you're just a tattle tale! She doesn't care if we're in your room!" spoke Mirian looking just as mean as her older brother.
"Yeah, besides, we wanted to play with Harry too and he's more closer to our age than to you!"
Little Jacob was already tearing up.
"Listen you guys, your brother just wanted to show me his room. You don't have to be so mean about it," Harry said fairly and raising a brow.
"Oh c'mon Harry, you don't have to lie. You don't want to be around a little boy like him. He has no friends so he goes and bugs us!" said Mirian.
"Well I don't know how many friends a two-year-old should have," Harry shrugged.
"C'mon! Come to my room! I like kitties and I just heard from Mum you do too!" Mirian said excitedly, pulling on Harry's right arm.
"No! Come to my room! I like dragons and I know you like those too!" grinned Thomas pulling on his other. "C'mon, I have this cool dragon castle set I know you'll like!"
"Maybe later. I'm getting to know Jacob first."
Jacob smiled and said, "Ha! He wanna stay wif meh! Go bafore I tell Mummy!"
At that moment Harry went to take Weinki to the game room so he'd be out of everyone's way. He was only gone two minutes but when he came up he saw Jacob in tears.
"Hey you guys, what happened in here?" he asked frowning.
"Jacob's just bein' a baby is all. He keeps acting like you wanna play with him but we all know you don't 'cause all three of us are cooler than he is," said five-year-old Adam proudly.
"What on earth makes you think that pray tell?" Harry asked crossing his arms.
"Pray tell? What's that mean?"
"Never mind. What makes you think I'd rather hang with you tree over your little brother?"
"Because Harry, I like Quidditch, Mirian likes kitties and Tommy likes dragons and we all know you likes them too!"
"Yeah but I want to be with Jake right now," Harry told the five-year-old knowingly.
The three older siblings growled but walked back to their rooms, no doubt upset the famous boy-who-lived didn't want to play with them.
"Ya rerry wanna stay wif meh 'Arry?" Jacob asked in his tiny voice.
"Sure thing kid. Um, yeah, what do you want to do then?" Harry asked uncertainly.
Jacob smiled showing off the tiniest little teeth Harry had ever seen and told him what he wanted to do. Around an hour later lunch was ready to be served. Will was busy upstairs trying to get the kids down while Sirius was downstairs with Julie. Everyone sat around the dining room table and began on their beef stew.
"So Harry, what subjects are you learning in school right now?" Will asked.
"Oh, um, the usual. Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Transfiguration, Herbology, Charms, Astronomy, History, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination…I think that's it."
"Ah, so you have an interest in creatures and 'fortune telling' do you?" the man smirked.
"Well not really. I mean, it makes Hagrid happy to know I'm in his class and it is umm interesting. Dangerous but interesting. Divination- well, let's just say I'm going to be glad to not take it sixth year," Harry retorted.
"Hey, you never told me this!" said Sirius accusingly.
"Well you never asked. You know me, I don't tell you anything unless you bring it up! C'mon, do you really think I want to be a Seer after Hogwarts?"
"So Harry, what do you want to do when you leave school?" Will asked.
"I want to be an Auror defiantly. I'm really good at DADA and I can't help but feel satisfied when those who deserve to be caught are. I want to round up the Death Eaters after Voldemort is gone."
As expected, there were many gasps at the table.
"Sorry! Sorry! You-know-who I mean," Harry said. Perhaps since he was around young children the name was even more of a danger in the house.
Will shook his head, trying to act like it didn't happen. "So young Harry, I just have to ask because it's what us adults do- is there anyone at school who, you know, caught your eye?" he gave him a significant look.
Harry almost choked on his juice. "Um, no."
"Really? Well I'm sure soon"-
"No because someone has already caught my eye a while ago," he said wisely.
"Has there?" Julie smiled at him.
"Yeah. We've actually been dating for… five months now."
"He really has picked a good one. A smart Muggle-born, just like Lily was," Sirius told them.
They continued to talk (mostly about Harry) until lunch was over. Then Julie went to her children.
"C'mon Jake and Adam, nap time," she informed.
"Mummy, no!" cried Jacob.
Julie sighed and picked him up.
"Harry's not going anywhere. He's staying here all night! You have plenty of time to play with him dear but right now you need to sleep."
She carried off a howling toddler up the stairs, Adam following behind glumly.
"So what did Jacob make you do Harry?" Will smiled as they began gathering up the dishes.
"Um, well he wanted to play with his stuffed animals. He wanted me to play with this dragon that saves this pig and his mother which was a hippogriff from Hogwarts," Harry confessed.
Sirius laughed out loud. "Aw, you poor thing."
"It was fine. Heh, I know he really enjoyed it. It wasn't that big of a deal. The only problem was your other kids really want to 'hang' with me too."
"Well they all do know who you are Harry. It's hard for them not. They hear it from their friends and read it in books and magazines. They catch Julie talking to her friends about you sometimes. Julie is just upset that Jacob found out about you so early. Tommy told him all about you one day and Jacob got really excited and now thinks you're his hero."
Harry tried to smile. "It's- it's okay."
"Now that he's met you he's going to ask you to go swimming with him about a hundred times, so look out."
"I will then. He told me he's having a swimming party when he turns three."
"Ah yes, he's really looking forward to that," Will nodded.
"When does he turn three?"
"January fifth," answered Julie, walking into the room.
"Hey dear, did you have a difficult time getting the kids to bed?"
"It was fine enough. As long as I promised them Harry wasn't going anywhere when they woke up. I'm sorry dear, you've been bombarded by children all afternoon," the mother frowned.
"It's all right, I know he really likes me. It'll be good practice too for when the other kid comes along," he said grinning at his godfather.
"What other kid?" frowned Julie.
"Huh? Oh, you- you don't know? I'm sorry, forget I said anything!"
"No, what is he talking about Sirius?" frowned Will.
Sirius looked at Harry then at the Vesser's and licked his lips.
"Um, well- you know the girl I told you about? Helena? The one I'm dating? Well turns out I got her pregnant."
"You did? On purpose or what? You already want a kid and you've only been together since October?" Julie asked looking confused.
"Of course it was an accident," Sirius frowned.
"A stupid one too," Harry mumbled.
"Harry! You said you were okay with this!" Sirius yelped, pointing a finger at him.
"I am but it's still stupid to get a girl pregnant when it's only been a handful of weeks dating her."
"You got her pregnant on accident? Oh Sirius, I was afraid that you were going to do that to a girl one day," Julie said shaking her head.
"We used protection! But I confess it may not have fit properly and I never bothered to check. We were both a little tipsy," Sirius looked guilty.
Harry turned his head as quickly as an owl's to his godfather, glaring daggers.
"You got her drunk?"
"It was an accident!"
"How do you accidentally get someone drunk? Unless you're drunk yourself! I cannot believe you Sirius! You know it! You know what I think about drinking!" Harry shouted at him then got up and marched out of the room and off the hall out of sight.
Will and Julie followed Harry with their eyes then turned back to Sirius when they heard a door slam shut.
"What in blazes was that all about?" Will's eyes were wide.
Sirius looked over his shoulder as if expecting Harry to be right behind it. "I don't know to be honest. He's never walked out and slammed a door on me like that. Maybe I should talk to him…"
"Allow me," Julie stood. "If he's upset with you then I don't think he's going to be very happy to see it's you by the door. I'll be right back." The lady walked down the hall and knew where the teenager had gone off to- the game room. Sure enough when she popped the door open she saw him sitting on a chair by the pool table, his cat in his hands.
"I have no idea what just happened. I didn't think I was going to do that. I'm sorry," he said before she even sat down next to him.
"Well I think it's your godfather you need to apologize to dear. You walked out on him, not me."
Harry nodded and followed her back to the sitting room, feeling stupid for the childish thing he just did.
"That was a quick row. What's up kiddo?" Sirius asked, placing his hands on Harry's thin shoulders.
Harry shrugged. "I was angry about what I just heard. About you getting Helena drunk."
Sirius grinned. "We all get a little, well, drunk now and again Harry. We all enjoy a bit of alcohol when the mood is right."
"That's the problem, I don't."
"Well I know you don't. In fact I sincerely hope you don't. You are not of age to be drinking."
"It's not that, I don't think I'll ever enjoy drinking, ever," Harry said looking at his hands.
"You don't know that Harry. You're only fifteen, give it a few years you you'll like it," Sirius said encouraging, patting his back.
"He's right Harry. I admit to enjoying some wine or a beer when I'm with certain friends and family members," Julie spoke. "I don't drink around the kids but there's nothing wrong to do it with other adults."
"You guys are encouraging me to drink? What the hell?" Harry asked looking around.
"I'm not encouraging it kid, I'm just telling you it's not a bad thing. If you ever feel stressed or upset you can just have a bit of mead or Ogden's whiskey to wash it away," sighed Sirius in a satisfied way.
"I do so have a good reason to not drink. Reasons actually. One- you can get drunk," Harry said holding up a finger.
"Only if you're not careful," Sirius pointed out.
"The more you drink the drunker you get and you may end up doing something really stupid," Harry glared. "But do you want to know the real reason I'll never do it? Do you? It's because Vernon. He- he drank every night. Sometimes all day. When he got drunk he- he took it out on- on… and I can't forget, and it still feels so fresh, and"-
Sirius cut him off by pulling the boy into his strong arms. He squeezed. "You don't need to say anymore kiddo. I understand. I'm sorry. Of course you wouldn't want to do it. I'm sorry, it's completely okay if you never pick up a drink in your life. Really."
Harry looked up at him. "I don't want you to think I don't want you to stop. You can drink if you want, but doing so to get drunk… I don't like that. It's fine to- to have something with a meal. It's what people do."
As the Vessers did not know the exact reasons for Harry's adoption they didn't understand the scene that had just taken place. They knew though that it was not the time or place to ask such things and passed it off as if nothing happened. The rest of the day was spent playing with the Muggle games in the game room such as a pinball machine which Sirius soon became obsessed with and air hockey which Harry quickly became obsessed with and easily beat everyone else after his first try.
"I guess it's all to do with being a Seeker, I have quick reflexes," He smirked to an annoyed Sirius.
By 7 PM dinner was ready. To Harry's disappointment it was lobster. He bit his lip and tried not to look upset at the meal as he saw Julie bustling around the kitchen still. He made the choice to get up from the dining room table before everyone found out about his allergy. Julie was busy chopping bread and she almost jumped when she turned and saw Harry standing at the kitchen entrance.
"Hello dear. Is something wrong? Do you need anything?"
"Um, I- I can't eat lobster Julie…"
"You can't? Why not? Do you not like it? I'm sorry, I wanted to cook up a fancy dinner since I knew your godfather and yourself were coming over!" she said frantically.
"No, it's not that. I can't eat it because, well, I'm allergic."
"Allergic? To what, lobster?"
He nodded.
"Oh dear, I don't think we have much else to tell you the truth, I have to stop by the market soon."
"No, you don't have to do that. I mean, you don't have to cook me something else," Harry told her as he helped her place the bread and a dip on a large plate.
"But dear, you'll get sick if you eat it."
"I'm sure it's not that big of a deal, I'll try it and if I don't get sick then"-
"Harry, if you're allergic to something you're allergic to something. You can't alter that fact; and I will not be responsible for causing you a one-way trip to St. Mungo's! No, I'll cook you up some macaroni and cheese. It's the one thing always stocked with four kids in the house."
Harry sighed. "Sure. That sounds fine."
He went back to the dining room and she retuned five minutes later with dishes of lobster, bread, soup, salad, and macaroni floating behind her where they then landed gracefully on the table.
"Macaroni! Cool!" exclaimed Adam.
"No dear, it's Harry's," Julie said as everyone began to serve themselves.
"How come?" Jacob asked.
"Harry can't eat lobster dear."
"Howcumb?" he asked again.
"It makes him sick Jake."
"Howcomb?"
"It just does. Will, could you help Jake cut his food? And take Happy off the table dear," she said, indicating the little boy's hippogriff he had earlier.
"Wow Julie, this is wonderful. I recently had lobster but this beats it by a mile," Sirius muffled behind his food.
"Thank-you Sirius," Julie smiled.
"You tried to make it yourself didn't you?" smirked Harry, beginning his cheesy noodles.
Sirius cuffed his head but didn't reply. Everyone seemed to be enjoying their dinner, even Harry with his noodles. But as each minute dragged by Harry seemed to slow down his speed of eating, finally causing him to set down his fork and cover his mouth with a fist and make a little 'urp' sound.
"You all right kid?" Sirius asked.
Harry swallowed and nodded. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine."
He swallowed again and placed another spoonful of noodles in his mouth, chewed and swallowed. Just then the stench of lobster drifted past his nose in a high degree and he couldn't take it any longer and leapt out of his chair and ran to the nearest bathroom to empty his stomach. The adults were all on their feet.
"I'll go check on him," Sirius said and raced off to the bathroom. He stood in front of the closed door and heard the sound of retching. He knocked. "Harry? Hey kiddo, you okay in there?"
Harry didn't answer right away so Sirius made the decision to step inside. Harry didn't seem to mind when he knelt down next to him.
"What's up?" he asked looking concerned.
Harry spat out a little bile in the toilet and slowly looked at his godfather.
"Guess- I guess I really really don't like lobster."
Sirius grinned. "You didn't even eat any. How could you say that?"
Harry drew in a shuddered breath and answered, "Just- just the smell. It was awful. Really awful."
"Really? I don't think it had that strong a scent."
"'Cause you like it, 'course it smelled fine."
"You bring up a good point there Har."
"Har?" Harry echoed back raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. Do you not want me to call you that? One can never have too many nicknames can they?"
"Guess not. Long as I get to call you doofus."
Sirius roared with laughter and ruffled Harry's hair. "You cheeky little snot. Well, are you all done puking or do you want me to leave you alone for a while longer?"
Harry spat again in the toilet and nodded. "I think I'm done. Guess I'll have to eat my macaroni somewhere else…" he said getting to his feet, shaking all over.
Sirius shook his head no. "What you're going to do Harry is go upstairs and brush your teeth."
"I didn't finish dinner yet. I'll do it after," Harry argued.
"Do you really want your food to taste like barf? D you want your mouth to taste like barf? All those sickly little vomit particles sticking to your teeth and gums and tongue and"-
"Okay! I'll brush my teeth! God Sirius, you are disgusting!" Harry cried.
"Anything to get you to follow a good hygiene. Up you get…"
"Lucky you aren't Hermione, she would've told me to brush them ten times and floss for a good hour," Harry said bitterly.
"Maybe you should," Sirius said thoughtfully.
"I'm not going to be kissing anybody Sirius!"
Sirius gave off a goofy grin. "I know. Go clean up a bit then you can see where you can finish your meal away from the rest of us."
Harry nodded and did as he was told. He came back down thankfully when all the lobster was taken away and everyone was relaxing after the food.
"Hello Harry dear, Sirius told us what happened; how are you feeling?" Julie asked when he took his seat again.
"You got sick!" exclaimed Adam smiling.
"Adam Trivus Vesser! Mind your manners!" scolded Will.
"I feel better, thanks."
"I didn't realize you would have such a reaction to lobster," Julie frowned.
"Me either. I'm never really around it. I guess I didn't know how allergic to it I was," Harry said solemnly.
"Do you think you can stomach the rest of your macaroni or would you prefer some porridge instead?" Julie asked, in the midst of getting up.
"I just brushed my teeth; I don't want to eat anything. It'll taste like toothpaste," Harry smiled feebly.
"When you want to eat again just tell me. Tommy, Mirian, I want you to finish up your homework right now and bring it to me after, got it?" the mother looked to her two oldest.
"But Mum!" they groaned.
"C'mon, up! Up! Its only spelling, it's not that difficult. Meet me in the classroom." Julie said and went to clean up after dinner, Sirius helping her. Will got up and went to Adam to help him with something in his bedroom. This left Harry and Jacob alone.
Harry looked at the little boy who was contently talking to his stuffed hippogriff. He smiled and went over to the toddler.
"Hey Jacob, guess what?"
"What?"
"Your mummy and daddy and brothers and sister are all busy. Do you know what that means?"
"Uuhhh," he thought.
"I get to play with you!"
Jacob stopped thinking and looked at Harry for a second then squealed in delight.
"Really? Ya really gonna play wif me?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically. Jacob cried in happiness again and was so excited that he couldn't get out of his booster chair so Harry helped him. As soon as Jacob's feet hit the floor he grabbed hold of Harry's hand and dragged him to the large game room that was part of the basement. Harry saw it was covered in toys for all ages practically. Most were wizard toys but there was the occasional Muggle one Harry recognized, including ordinary dolls that didn't do anything and Lego's.
"'Arry, wanna- do ya wanna p'ay dis wif meh?" he asked, holding out a board game.
Harry took the box in his hands and studied the cover. It was a wizard game called CATCH THAT DRAGON! and had a picture of two children (clearly a witch and wizard) trying to catch different colored dragons that flew around on the box. There was a label on the bottom that read FOR AGES 2-5.
"Er, sure. How do you play?"
Jacob opened the box and the pieces fell out. "Ya have ta catch da dragen!"
"I would assume so, but how do you catch the dragon?"
"Ya set up da base, it's dis"- he said holding up a large round stand. "And ya place da dragens in da cup den da dragens fly off to- to anotfer cup and da game person says ya gotta find a dragen and yo go find it!" he finished.
Harry did not understand a word that came out of his mouth so he found the sheet of instructions which had been colored on by Muggle crayons so it was difficult to read but he hitched his glasses closer to his face and squinted. It read: set up round game base. Make sure all eight cups are securely on each stand. Place the dragon figure under one cup. The game's voice will activate it and will say catch the dragon. Players have to find the dragon that the game asked for by peeking under the cups that will go up and down at random. When someone yells 'I found the dragon!' then the dragon will fly from under the cup and around the players who are trying to catch it. Whoever catches it first wins! EXAMPLE: if game asks to find the red dragon, players have to find the red dragon hidden in the cups and catch him when someone spots him under the cups. Great help for children to recognize colors and reflexes. Have fun!
"Well let's play it then," Harry said smiling.
They set up the game and the cups began to spin around on the game base. A voice spoke from the game and said, "Find the blue dragon!" and soon the cups began to lift up and down on their bases, different colored dragons appeared under them but not a blue one. When Harry did find the blue one he acted as if he didn't just so Jacob could sate he found it first.
Jacob then cried, "I found da b'ue dragen!" and the blue dragon flew out from cup four which he was hidden and began to fly around. Jacob caught it in his little hand quickly.
"Hey! Look at that Jake! You won!" Harry said happily.
"I won! I won!" Jacob chanted.
They ended up playing the game around fifteen more times when thankfully Julie came down with Tommy and Mirian and said, "There you two are! Harry, you can relax elsewhere if you want. I saved you your macaroni in case you feel up to eating again."
Harry got to his feet. "Thanks, I think I'll do that."
When he entered the kitchen Will Vesser waved his wand over the leftovers and the bowl of pasta became nice and hot once more. Harry sat down with some pumpkin juice and began to eat once more, feeling hungrier now that the smell of lobster had long passed. By nine Harry had to give all four kids a hug before they went to bed. By ten he was feeling tired himself although now another emotion was erupting inside him; fear. The next day would be his second root cancel, this time with Emma. But before that he would be meeting with Helena to go over his new health plan. They felt it best to not do it after his dental appointment in case he was there longer than anticipated.
Harry said goodnight to everyone else before getting ready for bed. After he was done in the bathroom he went into the guestroom he was occupying and saw a goblet on the bedside table. Frowning he walked over to it and sniffed the contents. They were that of Dreamless Sleep. Harry figured Sirius had told Julie about his sleep troubles and had made sure he would be able to be undisturbed, at least for one night. Weinki, who was now in the room with him, could sense his mater's nerves that night and decided to knead and purr over his legs in hopes of comforting him. Harry sighed and pulled the cat close to his face by his front legs.
"Thanks. But I think the only thing that's going to work tonight is this goblet right here"- Harry pulled the cat closer to his chest then took one look at the potion on the table and downed it. He fell asleep not a minute later….
The next morning Harry woke up to a pain in his hand. He shot up and realized it was Weinki who had scratched him; Harry had rolled over on his tail when he was asleep.
"Sorry," he apologized to the kitten. The door opened suddenly and Julie stepped in.
"Harry dear, breakfast is on. I know you have a busy day today so Sirius wants to leave not long after, okay?"
"Right. I'll be down in a bit."
Harry gathered his things and placed Weinki in his basket with some difficulty and followed Julie downstairs where he had a quick breakfast which he ate little of. As expected the kids did not want to see Harry go, particularly Jacob.
"I'll come by again soon okay? I had fun though, I really did."
Harry thanked Julie and Will for allowing him to stay there that night before he hopped on the bus with Sirius to the ride back home. As soon as they opened the door Harry looked around for his uncle, hoping he didn't have too rough a night of transforming.
Remus was currently sitting in the dining room rubbing his temples.
"Hello Moony," Harry greeted sitting down across him. Remus looked up.
"Harry, hey. Come-'ere," he said and opened his arms.
Harry got up and the two embraced. Harry frowned when he heard Remus give off a small gasp and he relented.
"It's nothing cub. Just a bruise," he passed off.
"How was last night?" Harry asked.
"Rather okay. I did get the urge to break down the basement door but the lure of the warm fire stopped me. I stayed there like a good wolf all night. Did you have a nice time with the Vessers?"
Harry grinned. "Yeah. Her kids all love me, especially her youngest, Jacob."
"Really?" smirked Remus.
"Yeah. Granted I'm not used to little kids but we had fun."
Sirius broke open some banana bread that Julie had sent them home with. He passed along a slice to Remus and to Harry.
"Eat up kid. You hardly ate anything at Julie's."
"I'm not hungry," he said instantly.
"You need to get more food in you. I'm sure it will be a part of your new health plan. Go on."
"I'm not hungry!"
"Eat Harry, now."
"I can't! My stomach is full of wild snitches and I can't get them to calm down! I feel clammy and nervous and angry right now! I can't eat!" Harry shouted.
Sirius was growing angry but Remus stepped inside.
"You really can't eat right now Harry?" he asked calmly.
Harry shook his head no.
"Well then don't. I understand you feel horrible right now. Do you think you could eat if you cool off for a bit?"
"No. I feel so nervous Moony; I know I won't feel any better at all today," Harry said miserably.
"Well you ate as much as you could. Forcing someone to eat is never good either," Remus spoke in a strained voice.
Harry would be seeing Helena at 11:30 so he went up the stairs to bathe and dress.
"Harry! Are you getting ready for a bath?" cried Sirius' voice at the end of the staircase exactly three minutes after he had gone up.
"YES! What the bloody hell do you think I'm doing? You told me to bathe after breakfast a million times! What do you think I'm bloody doing?" Harry yelled back.
"I do not want to hear your cheek Harry James Potter Lupin Black! Get ready now!" Sirius said in a very final way.
Harry could feel a headache coming on. He rubbed frantically at his head and gathered his clothes and marched into the bathroom and locked the door. Sirius marched back to the dining room where Remus was putting away the dishes.
"Did you hear how he spoke to me?" he said forcefully to his old friend.
"You didn't really need to tell him to take a bath Sirius. He said you told him to already so I think that's why Harry went upstairs," Remus said honestly.
"You don't know that. He could've gone upstairs to watch TV for all you know."
"You should've gone to his room if you didn't hear the bath water running after ten minutes but you didn't need to tell him to bathe as soon as he got upstairs."
Sirius exhaled. "You're right. Man, looking after a teenager is tough work."
Remus smirked. "Only to you."
"Harry responds to you more than he does to me. Why is that?"
"Don't look at me, I don't know. Maybe I take a calmer approach to things. You tend to, you know, um…" Remus thought.
"What? What do I tend to do?" Sirius shot at him.
Remus raised a brow. "Use more force. You want things done now. Harry's a good kid; you don't have to shout at him."
"He doesn't listen"-
"Yes he does. So he may get upset once in a while, he's fifteen, you can't blame him for the hormones that he can't control. Kids have so much pressure coming at them from everything. Parents, friends, lovers, school, careers…those teenage years are often misundetrstood," Remus said wistfully.
Sirius looked surprised. "Well maybe you should do something about that then. Show nutters like me how to react to teenagers."
Remus looked at Sirius for a long moment then his eyes were as wide as galleons. He hugged him tightly, glee all over his face.
"Padfoot! You're an absolute genius!" he cried.
"I am? What did I do?" Sirius asked clearly flabbergasted.
"You gave me a wonderful idea! To help teenagers!"
"I- I did? Really?" Sirius said, a lost smile creeping on his face.
"Yes! I know what I can do. I can write a book!"
"A book? How the hell will that help kids?"
"You don't understand, it will. I could write a book that will help teens. I can write down all the things they need to know, experiences, things that will help them understand life. Advice… doesn't that sound like a wonderful idea?"
Sirius smiled. "That could actually work. There aren't many books out there about teenagers themselves. Most books just focus on school and spells and such."
"I know. I really can't wait. I'll start as soon as I come home with Harry from his appointment today."
"What are you talking about?" Sirius questioned.
"I'm taking Harry to Emma today."
"No you aren't, I am," Sirius argued.
"You don't need to Padfoot. I have it under control."
"No you do not! Do you not remember last night? Last night was the full moon! You need to recover from it!"
"I'll be fine. I've suffered the moon plenty of times. I can get around on my own very well thanks," Remus passed off.
"Moony ol' pal, you have a nasty bruise to your chest. You have several scratches all over your body. You're tired and exhausted. Let me take Harry there. You just rest," Sirius patted the man on the shoulder.
"No deal Mum. I'll be fine. You need to do things here yourself. You said yesterday you want a word with Dumbledore. Plus you said you'd shovel the pathway to the house but you didn't. You also said you'd shovel away the snow on the patio in the back but you didn't do that either. You also need to find a Healer with Helena for the duration of your peanut's development," Remus finished, counting these things off with his fingers.
Sirius glared. "Harry can do the chores. That's what kids do. Maybe he could get an allowance for it."
"He won't want it. He still has 428 galleons in his vault. He won't want anymore gold."
"Maybe I could give him sweets instead," Sirius thought.
"He doesn't need any more sweets Sirius. Heck, I'm sure Harry'll do it for free."
"Maybe. (sigh) Are you sure you can handle being with him for that long Remmy?" Sirius expressed.
"I'll be fine. I'll be in the waiting lounge the majority of the time anyway."
Sirius gave a sly smile. "Fine. You can take him. I'll try to get things done here after I take him to see Helena."
Eleven AM arrived and Sirius and Harry had gotten a hold of a bus to head off to St. Mungo's once more. Thankfully his Healer could see him right away and go over his new health information. Thankfully his blood work came back fine but he was still not getting enough essential nutrients. He was put back on the calcium supplement as well as a new nutrient potion. It was lighter than the one previous but just as effective. He was also told he would no longer need to see Madam Pomfrey for monthly blood draws, as long as he felt fine. Finally with the promise that he would try to include healthy choices in his everyday meals, Harry went back home.
Back there he tried to do anything he could think of to get his mind off of his upcoming dental work. He tried reading, watching TV, sleeping, restoring the old brooms he found, but nothing worked.
"You could go flying after! That's good right?" beamed Sirius as he placed a sandwich and small salad in front of Harry for lunch.
"Nothing is going to work today Sirius. I know it. I feel so jittery. I can't eat," Harry said looking up into his face with mournful eyes.
"Harry, you need to try. Helena stressed how important it is to try and have three square meals a day."
"She didn't say I need to if I feel I might just throw it back up," Harry shot.
After a couple minutes more of arguing Harry finally ate the salad in front of him and drank some water. He knew that after he came back from the Grangers' practice he wouldn't want to eat for the rest of the night. Harry spent the rest of the time watching TV but not paying too much attention to it. At 2:30 he heard a small tap on his door and Remus walked in, leaning on an old cane.
"We have to leave soon Harry," he told the boy.
Harry threw the blankets off his body and sat up and nodded. Remus gave him a slight smile.
"You'll be okay cub. Just think, you'll be back home under you covers in front of the fire in a few hours. That sounds nice right?"
Harry didn't answer.
"Don't forget to brush your teeth alright Harry?"
"I've brushed them three times already today Remus. I don't think they're going to get any cleaner," Harry said pointedly, swinging his legs over his bed and getting to his feet.
Remus frowned. "Well get dressed. And in warm clothes, we have to take the bus."
"I know, we always do."
"Don't start raising your voice at me Harry," Remus said sternly.
"I wasn't!" Harry cried.
"Yes you were and you are again right now. Hurry, We're leaving in under ten minutes," Remus said, looking at his watch.
"What the bloody hell does 'under ten minutes' mean?" Harry said under his breath.
Remus limped over to the teenager with a scowl. "Drop it Harry."
"I was just wondering what 'under ten minutes' means. It could be eight minutes, it could be six," Harry said, eyes wide as he searched for a coat in his wardrobe.
"Fine. If you want an exact time I'll give you one. I want you downstairs in eight minutes and no less," Remus said harshly and walked out of the room, leaning heavily on his cane.
Harry knew he didn't have to anger Remus for no reason so he quickly found his snow suit and after lacing up his new boots and wrapping a scarf around his neck he shut his door and met up with his uncle at the foot of the banister.
"Ready Harry?" asked Remus.
Harry nodded.
Remus nodded and he and Harry ventured out into the blinding snow. They walked through the short clearing of trees on the other side of the dirt road from their house which was the short pathway into the Muggle world. They were soon walking on a Muggle sidewalk and went to find the nearest bus station which they caught just in the nick of time. They took a seat behind some gossiping old ladies and held onto the bus that was slowly moving in the snow and heavy London traffic. They got off at the usual stop by a tiny baker and in five minutes were at Granger Family Dentistry and Orthodontics. Harry drew in a breath as they walked inside.
"Hello again Remus, and Harry! how are you?" smiled Joanna the receptionist.
"Fine, fine. Didn't think you would remember who I was," Remus smiled candidly.
"I have a great memory you can say. You're here to check Harry in correct?"
Remus nodded and while he was bent over a paper Harry took a seat. His stomach rippled around for a second then settled. Remus limped over to Harry and sat down next to him and pulled out the local Muggle newspaper from a bin. Harry really wished he had brought along the book he was reading at home. Strangely enough Harry seemed to have found deep interest in his new Kenmare Kestrel boots at that moment. They were so handsome and such a nice deep almost black-looking brown color to them. He smiled as he wiggled his toes in them. They felt nice and dry despite having walked in a foot of snow. The built-in water repeller charm sure helped immensely. His whole lower leg felt nice and dry and warm because the boots came all the way up to a few inches below his knee.
"Like your boots do you?" Remus said softly, watching Harry on the corner of his eye.
"Huh?"
"The boots- you seem very entertained by them," the man smirked.
"Oh, yeah. I love them. Thanks again for them."
"It was on your list," Remus shrugged and went back to his paper.
The office seemed to be pretty empty that afternoon and Harry didn't know if this was a good thing or not. He was feeling stupid for feeling so nervous. He had already been through this procedure before, why did today make it feel ten times worse? Maybe it was because he knew what to expect now. After only three dentist visits within a few months it was something he yet had gotten used to. Fingers and tools in his mouth was very weird and uncomfortable.
The door at the end opened and a nurse stepped out and called his name.
Harry bit his lip but got up. Remus set aside his paper and gave Harry a pat on the shoulder.
"You'll be fine Harry. Don't worry," he said in his ear.
Harry nodded. "I know. See you," he took off his thick coat and set it aside next to Remus and followed the woman, Jennifer behind the door.
"How is your holiday shaping up so far?" she asked, leading Harry into a room down the hall.
"Fine," Harry said, throat a bit tight.
"Have a seat Harry. Good then? Get any good presents?" she asked when he took his awaiting seat in the gray dental chair.
Harry looked at her skeptically. "I hope you aren't trying to distract me from doing something," he said watching her.
She laughed. "I'm not. I just would like to know how your holiday is so far."
Harry looked skeptical still but answered, "I got really nice gifts, yeah. I got these really neat boots," he said with a grin, showing them off.
"Oh wow! Those look wicked!" she gasped.
"Aren't they? They're built perfect for Quid- I mean, cricket and for walking in the snow."
"You play cricket?"
"Yeah. I'm on my school's professional team. I'm really good."
"Wow. What position do you play?" she asked sitting down on a rolling chair by the dental one.
Harry's eyes grew wide for a second. He thought back to when Daniel first introduced him to the sport.
"I'm a batsman," he answered with a smile. Yeah, that'll do.
"Oh, so you have a very important part to play don't you?"
"Er, yeah, yeah I do."
"Have you ever been to a professional game before?"
"Um, no I haven't. I want to for my next birthday," he found himself saying which was partially true. He was sure it would be a fun thing to do.
Jennifer nodded. "Well I'd love to chat a bit more but I have to do some peeking around in your mouth."
"Right."
Jennifer pulled a strand of her dark red hair into the bun it was in and lowered the chair, placed a bib around Harry's neck and asked him to open up, all the while adjusting the hanging light.
"How have you been holding up since we first saw you in the summer?" Jennifer asked looking around.
"Find," Harry answered thickly around the little mirror she was using.
"Nothing else has been bothering you?"
Harry shook his head and that was the truth.
"Been brushing how Daniel showed you?" Jennifer asked.
"Yeah."
"And flossing?"
"Um…sometimes."
She either didn't seem surprised by this or she just didn't want to show it.
"Well we'll see a little later how well you've been doing that. Now I want you to bare your teeth at me all right? See the alignment."
She pulled his lips down to inspect his gums and the bottom teeth and nodded.
"I'm going to a tiny bit of cleaning. Do you want mint or bubblegum polish?"
"Bubblegum please."
Harry drew in a breath and sat back in the chair and allowed her to scrap away and clean his teeth. This was all over in a half hour and Harry was let up from the chair after, rubbing his cheek.
"You did fine sweetie," Jennifer smiled, throwing away a string of floss in a nearby bin.
"I know I did, I just don't like how the floss gets stuck in-between my teeth sometimes."
"Well it wouldn't happen if you flossed just a bit more. Also some teeth are at an angle that makes getting the floss in-between them just a tad difficult. You just sit and relax. Emma should be in soon."
Ten minutes later Emma walked in with Jennifer. She asked Harry about his holiday as well as she went around putting on latex gloves and a mask around her face and went over to him, Jennifer by her side ready for instruction. Harry drew in a deep breath as a new bib was placed around his neck, the chair was lowered and the light was adjusted. He drew in one last deep breath and the work began….
Emma threw away some of the used materials and walked out the door and into the lobby. She gasped when she looked out the window. There was nothing but gray. Remus noticed the woman walk out and smiled.
"It's been getting steadily worse out there. I went to nip a cup of coffee an hour ago and it was just plain insane. Is Harry finished?" Remus asked, about to get to his feet and cane.
"Yes. Wow, I really hope we can get home safely. I'm sure my husband will want me to drive, he gets nervous driving in the snow. Anyway, yes Harry's done. I actually wanted to speak to the both of you in my office for a little bit if you don't mind."
Remus got to his feet, leaning heavily on the cane.
"I didn't know you used a cane," Emma noted, opening the door for him for the small corridor.
"I don't normally but sometimes by leg acts up. Nothing to worry about," Remus passed off pleasantly.
"Oh, I didn't think someone as young as you would need a cane already," Emma smirked.
"Yeah well, neither did I. I just had an accident on a broom when I was a lad and the left leg hasn't been the same since."
Emma nodded and walked back into the room Harry was in to see the boy rubbing his temples then cleaning off the lenses of his glasses and Jennifer putting things away.
"You're fine doing that Jenn?" Emma asked the nurse.
"Yes, I'm almost finished doctor."
"Harry, would you mind coming with your uncle and myself to my office for a bit?" Emma asked pleasantly.
Harry shook his head no and got off the chair and made a little motion with his hands.
"Oh, I've got a pen and paper right here I believe…" gasped Emma and hurriedly looked in a drawer and pulled out a pad and took a pen from her pocket.
Harry said thanks with his eyes and scribbled something and handed it to the dentist. It read: Thanks. May I use the bathroom first?
"Sure thing hon. You know where my office is?"
Harry nodded and left for the loo.
Harry let out a content sigh as he expelled the urine that he had been holding for an hour. He zipped his jeans, flushed and washed his hands then went to the door right next to him where Emma was sitting behind a desk, Remus in front of it. Harry took a seat next to his uncle and faced his dentist.
"So, what's up? Did Harry give you any troubles or what?" Remus asked in a tired voice.
Harry frowned. Why on earth did he agree to take me if he was so exhausted from last night? he said angrily in his mind.
Emma smiled. "Harry was fine Remus. A pleasure to work with. My husband and I have troubles with people we have seen for years."
"So anything you need to talk over?" Remus asked.
"Well I wanted to go over the next steps considering Harry's process to a healthy smile," Emma began.
"Okay, what else needs to be done?" Remus asked.
"Well there are still two more teeth that need to be filled," Emma looked down at the file in front of her.
"Is it serious or can it wait?" Remus asked.
"It can be put off for now. There's a tooth on Harry's upper right side of his mouth that looks to be the next contender to be treated but I won't worry yet. The cavity on the same tooth but the opposite side is very small and should be fine to wait a little longer to be treated. It is best for people to have their teeth cleaned every six months so that means Harry can wait until June or July for that to happen," Emma explained. "I do need to ask though dear, have you been flossing since I last saw you?"
Harry sighed and wrote: sometimes. I just don't feel the real need for it. I brush twice a day and I think that's good enough. I know I should more often but I can't get into the habit.
Emma nodded. "Well I can't say anything else but please try to do so more often Harry. It's for your own good."
Harry nodded.
"The last thing I think that I want to bring up is the whole, well, the severity of the crookedness of Harry's teeth," Emma said looking at Remus seriously in the eye.
"Is it really that bad?" Remus asked concerned.
"I've seen worse but I still need to address it. His top isn't too bad. They get more crooked in the back but his bottom is a shade worse. If you'd like to see what I mean…" Emma pulled out a few x-ray films that were taken on Harry's very first visit. "See there? They look all right starting from the teeth right here- the premolars but you go a bit further forward and you can see his incisors look a bit more crooked," Emma pointed out.
Remus nodded. "I know, I've noticed. Of course being a wizard, it's not something we generally do anything about."
"He has great front teeth but right in the back- the canine and premolars are a little out of place but not by a whole lot. I know you think it sounds horrible Harry, I can see it in your eyes but I don't want you to worry okay? I won't do anything about it just yet," Emma said, noticing how tense Harry seemed to be.
Harry didn't say anything. Instead he rubbed at his eyes and sunk into his seat.
"As my husband is the orthodontist- he takes care of the alignment of one's teeth," she explained, seeing Remus' confused look. "We should wait until there is time for Harry to be seen. I would like him to be seen by Daniel and have him make the final call on what should be done but I feel it would be an interruption of his lessons so perhaps it's best to wait until term is over. At the end of June I can give Harry another check-up and cleaning and my husband can check him over for the alignment of his teeth. How does that sound?"
Harry barely nodded he was so tired. Remus smirked.
"I think it's best we head home then Emma. Much-needed naps are priority. Yes, I think we can hold off on anything else until June," Remus said getting to his feet and cane and shaking hands with the doctor.
"Okay, we'll do that. If you feel sore honey, you can take some Advil or a potion that suppresses pain," Emma offered.
Harry gave her a thumbs up and shared a hug before stepping out into the snow with Remus. It was blinding for both Harry and Remus and hard to spot where the bus stop was located. Remus felt bad for Harry because he knew he was cold and in pain and just wanted to go home whereas Harry felt bad for Remus for he knew he was cold and it was difficult to lean on his cane in the winter weather. They thankfully caught a bus and hopped inside and took a seat. Remus sighed contently as he sat down, glad to be off his twigging leg. Harry was grateful too and as soon as the bus started up again he laid his head on his uncle's shoulder and shut his eyes. Remus gave a tired grin and sunk into his seat a little bit so Harry could be a tad more comfortable, all the while looking out of the frosty windows at the white streets of London.
A bit lengthy of a chapter but I had to combine two old chapters into one since a big part of the old version isn't going to happen anymore. Come back for more.
Magical love: Rose
