'If he had all the time in the world Sirius would've chosen to stay with his friends'
Sirius was pacing in front of his old headmaster, gnawing down on his bottom lip with his fingers enclosed. He couldn't even come close to understanding how James was staying tranquil after what the stale man had suggested. It wasn't possible.
'Oh Merlin, here we go, A Sirius Black specialty: Hissy fits'
"You seem troubled by this, ," Dumbledore started assessing Sirius' behavior closely. Sirius scoffed at that "maybe you should sit down so I can explain."
'No shit' internal eye roll'
The standing boy stilled his pace and turned towards the grown man who was currently making himself all too comfortable in Fleamont's desk chair for Sirius' liking. Which brings them back to the room they're in. James, Dumbledore, and Sirius were currently sitting in Fleamont Potter's cozy home office. It felt like the Gryffindor Common room, warm and welcoming. There was a large double dark oak door with golden handles that opened into this circular room, 's desk sat on the opposite side of the room from the door. It was a rectangular dark, wooden, Victorian desk, with a glossed top, and golden trim around the edges. In front of the desk sat two dark red Victorian-style armchairs with golden accents around the edges. Behind the desk was a huge archway window that looked out to the front of the yard where James, Peter, and Sirius would fly, during winter and summer break. Remus barely came over because of strict rules at his all-boys home, as well as his furry little problem. On the side perpendicular from the desk stood a muggle fireplace that was connected to the floo. Arthur Weasley liked to study it whenever he and Charlus talked privately in the office. The rest of the walls were mainly bookshelves filled with varieties of books and photos; there were even a few of Sirius.
'It felt like chocolate chip cookies and milk on Christmas'
Sirius quickly moved his eyes over to James, who just looked back blank-faced; a distant gleam in his eye, and slightly nodded. The pureblood boy sunk himself into the cushioned armchair never once taking his eyes off the professor whose 'ever-lasting wisdom' he was now questioning.
'Not to be rude, because this is kind of a huge moment and all, but James looks like a zombie, but not a normal zombie. Like a zombie that has been through more than any other zombie. A Depressed Zombie, though you really haven't been through anything compared to me or him, so…'
"I understand that you most likely have questions, but please do let me explain the mission to you in more detail" Dumbledore suggested more to Sirius than to James. Sirius simply quirked his eyebrows at the elderly man, silently telling him to 'Go on.
'I want to punch him in the face, right in the wrinkled nose...Violence is usually never the answer.'
"Voldemort," James flinched, "wants you both, " He states the fact that is already known "We need to make sure that neither of you gets into the dark lords' grasp. We have no insight as to why he wants you two and no way of finding out" Sirius was now chewing his cheek "We have to keep you along with everyone else in this house and The Order safe, the Death Eaters will come looking for you two most likely with a tracking spell, even if I cloak your magical signals there is no way to be certain that they won't find a way around it," Sirius' knee begins to bounce, "the only way to be definitely positive it with my plan"
'Why did you flinch, we've been fighting him for a little while now, get over the creepy-ass name Zombie Man, Voldemort, Voldemort, Voldemort, it's not that hard'
"And what if they attack anyway?" Sirius asked, keeping his eyes trained on the knee that was still bouncing in a rapid speed, "out of anger, what if they get upset and attack us if we follow your plan" Sirius mumbled, putting emphasis on 'if.
'Then you're positively fucked'
"They will not" The old man stated in a matter of fact tone, a hint of a smile still in his voice "They are killers and want to hurt anyone who is against them," Knee still shaking "but even they are not dense. No attack will take place if they aren't one-hundred percent sure that you both are here, they can't risk attacking a house full of Order members over nothing" Knee stills.
"Why not just put us in a safe house?" Sirius stated, irritation clear in his tone. James was still staying oddly silent.
"Do think a safe house is going to keep the Dark Lord away" Dumbledore's eyes flickered to the other boy for a split second, face turning a sullen blue.
"But what you're suggesting is-'' Sirius started, only to be rudely interrupted by Dumbledore.
"The only way to ensure yours and the others whom you cherish' safety"
"Wotcher" Sirius looked over to James desperately "Prongs think about your kid, you- we cant leave"
James' head snapped towards Sirius' pleading eyes "Think about my son? Are you fucking kidding me! Hell, mate, I am thinking about my son, I'm thinking about Lily, and Moony, and Wormtail, and my mum and dad who if you hadn't noticed are DYING from dragon pox! I'm thinking about OUR family, you, prick. I want to keep them safe and if the only way to do that is to get the hell outta dodge, then. That's. What. I'll. Do!" James bellowed, voice breathy and tired as though he was the one who had been pacing for the past ten minutes, he had this crazed, desperate look in his eyes, desperation slowly morphed into something of melancholy "Now are you with me or not."
'If looks could kill'
The two stared at each other for a few seconds, blocking out the other man watching them who was thinking 'Moony….Prongs...Wormtail? Who?'. James' desperate stare caused Sirius to realize just how selfish he was being. James had a family so that made them Sirius' family too, he would be risking their lives because he was too scared, Some Gryffindor he was. Merlin, the inside of his cheek was probably bleeding at this point.
'The Marauders, Dumblewhore get a grip'
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, head tilted downwards, he breathed out, looked up again into his friends deep, brown eyes. "Alright," He says, James's eyebrows rose in surprise "okay, mate"
James' sighed with relief, but then something clicked in those chocolate eyes of his, he turned his head partly toward the creepily patient man, eyes staying on Sirius' a second longer before moving towards Dumbledore. "Professor, what will we do about our appearances, I mean surely we'll be recognized?"
'Yes with all our fame and glory of being members of a secret society that no one knows about. Idiot'
This caught Sirius' attention "I want to know as well" moved his eyes away from the wall to also look into the professor's misty blues through the crescent frames.
'Did he never change his glasses?'
"Ah yes," Dumbledore played his two palms flat on the glossed desktop, smothering it in ancient, wise fingerprints, he slowly lifted up his hands. Two small, clear vials filled halfway each with a glimmering, transparent, purple liquid appeared on under each raised hand. Always one for the dramatics, even after all these years. He gestured for the boys in the red chairs to each take a vial. As sirius did he jolted the second his fingers grazed the vial, but realized that by the second try nothing happened. Sirius could hear James pop the cork off his and smell the contents.
"De-aging potion" James said "How young?"
'Smart-ass, old hag'
"Ten years old" Dumbledore revealed, that patronizing smile saying 'your not as good as me' still abruptly apparent in his tone.
"You don't mean…" Dumbledore nodded at James' horrified face "YOU WANT US TO GO TO HOGWARTS AGAIN!"
"Indeed , you truly are very bright"
"You are kidding...right?," Sirius nervously chuckled, looking between his best friend and the (possibly) senile old man, with a timid smile on his face, when no words were said Sirius felt his half-assed smile slip from his face, going pale, slowly shaking his head "Please, do tell me your just taking the piss, tell me I don't have to do seven years of that school again!" He begged desperately. James chuckled lightly.
'He was not kidding'
"Very sorry , though it should pass by rather quickly, you have done it once already, after all"
'Bastard doesn't sound sorry' James thought.
'AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DO IT A SECOND TIME!' Sirius thought
Dumbledore chuckled and both boys narrowed their eyes at him.
"Can you tell us the year at least?" James asked.
"You will go where your souls take you" Dumbledore told him in a far off voice.
'That's not an answer, prat'
"Is that Wacky for 'I have no idea'" Sirius questioned, Dumbledore and James both cracked up. "What i'm not joking"
'Sounds about right, old geezers never made sense, not even in first year"
They just laughed harder.
'Well that's just rude'
"No, it will most likely be 1991, if i'm not mistaken that will be the year your children begin there first years as well"
Silence emitted in the room after that, not a single trace of the laughter that was just shared. James' eyes were now glued to the vial, as Sirius watched him. Sirius knew.
'Oh' just by looking at the gloss that filled his eyes was evident when a tear carried down his smooth dark tan skin...
They had to do this.
There was no way of knowing whether or not they'd live past this war, and even though Sirius never liked to think of those things, he knew that there was a chance his family could die. This could be James' only chance to spend years with his kid, and Sirius would be damned if it didn't happen.
Like many nights before they were sitting in the living room by the fireplace. Lily's hand was caressing Remus' hair, who was sitting on the carpet before the couch. Marlene was snuggled into her side, Lily's arm lazily slumped over her shoulder. James was sitting on one of the big armchairs, his legs were pulled up to his chest, chin resting on his knees. Sirius sat sideways on the armchair opposite of James, long, lanky, plaid pajama clad legs dangling over the side of the chair. He was playing with the lighter he won from a lady at a pub, after a bet over quidditch. Peter was sprawled on his stomach next to Remus facing the fire, playing an indepth game of wizards chess with Marry. Dorcas wasn't with them because she decided it would be a good idea to spend the holidays with her parents 'with the war going on and all'.
'They look peaceful' the thought's pirated the rest.
They were the only ones in the manor, the cracking of the fire and the sound of 'good old fashioned lover boy' from Remus' A Day At The Races album. The record player being the only sounds apart from their comfortable silence.
Sirius and James would miss this, the two boys locked eyes and Sirius silently nodded in agreement. They were going to the future.
"Sirius, I have news to tell you tomorrow," Mary said from her spot on the ground. Sirius hummed in response, knowing that he would never hear the news. They would be gone before the sun rose.
'How different would it have been if he and James chose to leave after another day, he would have known…' but he did not wait. Sirius and James stuck to Dumbledore's words, they snuck to the hilltop behind potter manor and disappeared when dawn broke through.
August 31st, 1991
*Click*
Sirius landed light headed, tumbling over immediately bringing James down to the ground with him, both boys letting out grunts of pain.
"Geroff me, Padfoot!"
"Oh, sorry Prongs" Sirius quickly pushed himself off his friend and to his feet. Sirius runs his hands through his hair once for good measure, then extends his hand to James who for some reason hadn't gotten up, and helped him off the Headmasters floor.
"It worked, mate," said James after the nausea wore off. "Or at least I think it did, you sure he didn't just send us to his office? It looks the same…"
"I never really had much time for interior redecoration " That matter of fact voice with the same smile in it's tone.
Sirius and James both stayed in their spots as they looked to Dumbledore, who was sitting in what looked to be the same chair from their years at Hogwarts, same glasses resting on the bridge of his nose.
"Professor" They both said in acknowledgement.
The two boys were still getting over the queasiness of their post-time travel states.
After about ten minutes of randomly filled silence, Dumbledore explained to the boys that they were to take the de-aging potion, aboard the Hogwarts Express and act normal. Lucky for Sirius, James reminded him to bring his.
"I think I can be normal" Sirius said though James just raised an eyebrow at him as if saying 'Are you sure about that'
September 1st, 1991
"Draco, Heamen walk faster," Lucius called a few feet ahead of the kids and Narcissa.
Draco raced to get to his side while the other thought it best to stay to walk with 'Cissa instead. The grown witch smiled slightly down at the young girl and whispered "Assurez-vous de ne pas causer trop de problèmes, petit lion" (Make sure you don't cause too much trouble, little lion)
"Je n'ai aucun pouvoir là-dessus, ma tante" Heamen stated sarcastically in a matter of fact tone. ("I have no power over it, aunt")
Once Heamen and Narcissa were caught up to the others, Heamen could hear her uncle speaking to Draco clearly "Look" the two kids followed his eye over to a herd of red hair, all different heights, except two look alikes "Weasley's, disgrace to the name Pure-blood" he spat with utter most disdain for the happy family.
Two more children came through the archway, yet another red headed boy, much smaller than the rest, though not as small as the girl holding the larger woman's hand. He was thinner along with being taller than an average ten year old, big hands and feet, and a long nose.
The other boy had a thin face, pale tan skin, knobbly knees, black hair that did not look maintained, and a pair of bright green eyes.
"Père, j'ai rencontré ce garçon chez Madame Malkins" Draco says pointing to the brunette boy, not heaven caring that he was being rude by using the gesture.
"Dear, just dont speak with him again" his mother told him in her sing-song voice, she was still looking at the lanky boy with a solemn face.
"Gran, I've lost my toad again" a child whined while passing them.
A boy with dreadlocks was surrounded by a small crowd.
"Give us a look Lee, go on"
People shrieked, yelled, and backed away from whatever was in that box.
"Come. you two get your things on the train" Lucius's cold voice still managed to send a chill down Heamen's spine. She watched the affectionate family in confusion and envy for a few more seconds before following her cousins orders.
Draco grabbed both their things, Heamen still thought he was all too young to be doing gentlemen things. Because he is too young. He walked over to the train with Heamen in tow behind him, about to move up the steps aboard the train he moved to the side to let her up first. It's so bloody irritating. The luggage didn't weigh much from the weightless charm Lucius casted, though just by looking at how the glossed ebony trunk in Dracos right arm caused his shoulder to drop lower than the left made it clear that 'the girls' as Lucius liked to refer to her as's trunk was rather heavy in comparison the the other ten year old'. As is expected from that white haired, nancy.
"You go sit with dumb and oaf over there, i'll go find my own compartment" Heamen told Draco once they were in the train corridor. That was not a joke.
"We shouldn't separate, mum said"
'WELL SHE'S NOT MY MUM, DRAY" is what Heamen wanted to say.
"Oh, get you kickers out of a twist, Dray, I'll do fine on my own, besides we going to be together sometime this year," Heamen said instead with a roll of her eyes.
She turned around and took a few steps in the opposite direction from her cousin forward, stopping when the sounds were not reciprocated from the other end. She smoothly turned on her heel to face him to find him standing stiffly in his spot, arms crossed, and a stern look on his face. It slightly bothered Heamen, how much her cousin seemed to be turning into his father, spoiled, greedy, rude, and hating. Merlin, Heamen hated him., She wished Draco could see how awful his role model was. She shouldn't feel grateful to have a person like Lucius Malfoy in her life, but no matter how much she despised the grown man, he was one of her only family members that they were in contact with. She shouldn't care about them. Morgana blessed her, she did.
"Merlin, Dray just go sit with your friends, we'll have the whole school year to be mates. Anyways I said I would sit on the boats with you didn't I" He opened his mouth as though he were about to say something as a glint of hurt gleamed in his eyes. It was gone as quick as it came, the slight slip of hope that there might be a boy who was not the willed creation of his father, a boy with his own heart, but it goes as though it were a switch that Malfoy men were blessed with. Heamen watched as Draco's pointed face turned stone like and so… so like Lucius.
She never understood how they did it. Shut it out, all the judgement and sadness, she knew they probably felt it all yet they managed to not show it, to pretend like they were ok even when they weren't. Or did they just not feel those things at all? She didn't know. She was nobody, like her uncle had told her many times before.