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Hogwarts: Assignment 8 - Celtic Studies (Task #2) Diancecht: Write about helping someone to heal (physically/emotionally).
"Come on Harry, we can't hang about for too long, we've got places to be," James struggled to corral his son away from the window. It was hard work as he too was enamored by the gleaming broomstick on display, the Cleansweep captured his attention and drew him in like a moth to a flame. Like father like a son, it did the same for Harry.
"Daddy, go flying?" Harry questioned, a slight pout upon his lips as he gazed up at James. A smile tugged at his lips, it was like looking at a miniature version of himself, only this version had blazing green eyes as opposed to his own hazel ones. Having Harry was truly the best decision he had ever made, his son was the true light of his life, keeping James on the right path and constantly striving to achieve the best future he could for his son.
"Not today buddy, Uncle Padfoot is waiting for us, remember?"
"Uncle Paddy!" Harry cheered, throwing his arms up into the air in a mini celebration that had James chortling with laughter, he loved how expressive Harry was with his emotions. "And Uncle Moomy too?"
"Yeah, Uncle Moony will be there too, are you going to read for him Harry?" Although posed as a question, it was more of a statement, Harry always read to his Uncle Moony when they visited. It warmed James' heart every time he witnessed how big his son's heart truly was, his ability to care and love others was endless.
"Mhmm, Babbiddy Rabbiddy please," a little grin accompanied the request, a flash of tiny teeth and a squinted smile.
"If that's what you want to read, I'm sure Uncle Moony will love it Harry," a quick glance at his sparkling gold watch had James wincing. They were late, unsurprisingly. Scooping the little boy into his arms, James hurried down the cobbled paths of Diagon Alley. Slipping past a group of gossiping young witches and side stepping two elderly wizards (who seemed to be arguing about potion ingredients and the ever-increasing prices) he began to rifle through his pockets for the small bronze key he would need.
"Aha! Gotcha," he murmured, his fingers brushing against the cool metal of the key in question just as they approached the end of the alley.
With little effort James hurried up an almost hidden set of steps, leading him behind the shops and into a little courtyard. A multitude of doors surrounded the little square, rose bushes flourished in all directions while a small fountain babbled in the centre of the cobbled grounds. Strolling towards the emerald green door on the second floor, James waved at the elderly witch knitting away in a rocking chair on the ground floor. With a quick twist of the key, the door flew open and James made his way into the flat.
~oOo~
While the cacophony of doors forced the impression of a tiny, pokey flat, magic allowed for a much larger residence to be hidden inside. Merlin, James adored magic and the wonderful things it could do.
"Alright Sirius, where's Moony?" James called into the kitchen, spotting his best friend at the counter, newspaper spread across the counter top while he absentmindedly poured tea into a large flowery mug. James recognised the mug as one Harry had painted while staying with the Weasley's last year, a vibrant blue and purple creation that he had specifically made for his Uncle Moony.
"Bundled up under a blanket on the sofa, as per usual," a yawn broke free as Sirius struggled to stay upright. Ever since Harry had been born it became much harder for James to be there on the full moons to support Remus, leaving it solely up to Sirius to try and keep him both occupied and safe from wandering witches or wizards. In return though, James was always there the next day, a multitude of chocolate creations and a very sympathetic four year old in tow to help alleviate the stress of the night before.
"Hey buddy, give your uncle a hug," Sirius chirped, a grin on his face as he stole a squirming Harry from his fathers arms.
"Missed you Paddy!" Harry cheered, nuzzling his tiny nose into the crook of Sirius' neck.
"I've missed you too buddy," Harry's presence alone was like a soothing balm. All tension and stress dissipated as the small boy enveloped them with his love, tiny kisses on the cheek and pets on the head as he told them all of his magical thoughts and plans. "Uncle Moony's been waiting for you, why don't you go and give him some special cuddles hey?"
Placing the toddler on the ground he raced out of the room, almost careening into the door frame as he hurried to find his quiet and sleepy Uncle.
"How was last night?" James asked softly, moving closer as he took the teapot from his drooping hand, continuing where his friend had left off.
"Worst night in a long time James, Merlin it was bloody awful," Sirius mumbled, resting his head upon a kitchen cupboard as his eyes unconsciously shut. It was clear to James how exhausted Sirius was, and that meant Remus would be even worse.
"Come on, let's go take Remus his tea and make sure Harry isn't talking his ear off, then you need a nap." James had always been good at taking charge of a situation. Piling the cups of tea, and a small hot chocolate for Harry onto a tray, James nudged Sirius out into the hallway and towards the living room.
The sight before him made his heart swell with love. A pale and sickly Remus was laid out on the sofa, eyes shut and a small pained smile on his lips. Tucked into his side was Harry, book in hand and a thick knitted blanket wrapped loosely around the pair of them. Remus' scarred hand carded through Harry's wild black hair in a soothing motion, and every so often Harry would reach a tiny palm up to pat him on the cheek in reassurance as he continued to read to him.
"...ands then they chop up the tree! Babbiddy Rabbiddy laughs and says…" Harry spoke confidently, as if he was truly reading the words from the worn book he clutched between his tiny hands, and not recounting the story he had been told time upon time again. James had spent countless bedtimes rereading the tale of Babbitty Rabbitty to his young son, and his love for the tale had never ceased.
"Real witches and wizards cannot be cut in half," Remus whispered hoarsely to the small boy cuddled into his side. While the pain never eased, and his condition could not be cured, Remus felt healed and safe as the little boy huddled close to him, displaying no fear towards the werewolf.
"Uhuh, good job Uncle Moomy, you 'membered it too!" Harry joyously patted him on the cheek again, leaning up to press a soft and delicate kiss against his nose. The little boy observed his exhausted uncle for a moment, his bright emerald eyes taking in his pale complexion and overall weariness. "Don't worry Uncle Moomy, I'll take care of you."
~oOo~
Sirius and James watched the pair as they remained wrapped up in their own world on the sofa, bundled in a blanket of fantasy and stories, tales of hopping pots, rabbits and mumbled spells seeping across the room.
"You know, that boy might be the best thing that could have ever happened to you James, honestly," Sirius spoke softly, ducking his chin against his chest as he clutched at the mug in his hands.
"Trust me, I know," James reassured him. Not a day went by where James wasn't aware of how lucky he was to have a child as amazing as his Harry. While many would see a one night stand resulting in a child as a problem that needed to be fixed, for James it was a blessing in disguise. He'd been heading down a path filled with pure selfishness and greed, believing that money was the only thing he needed in life to be happy.
Now he couldn't imagine a life without his son and the routines they had built together. From eating pancakes for breakfast on Saturday mornings, to their picnics in the park as they hunted for all sorts of magical creatures. Being a single parent was something he had never expected, and yet found himself completely content with.
1,422 Words
Additional Prompts:
Pinata: Easy - Single Parent!AU
Fortnightly: Buy a Sturdy Sewing Box - (Relationship) Father & Son
Quarterly: 55. Seattle - (Emotion) Love