Chapter Three

The Mid-Years

23 February 1982

Potter Manor, Glasgow

Albus Dumbledore was a busy man. That was the only explanation possible for the question of 'Why didn't Dumbledore visit the Potters before today to take Harry?' Of course, he couldn't just snatch Harry from them, they were his parents and, in the eyes of the Wizengamot, they were his legal guardians, but if he could use his charisma and persuasion tactics to make them willingly send Harry to Privet Drive, then everything would be alright. Albus didn't want Elisabeth, she was, after all not the child of the prophecy, Harry was, and thus, he was the only one he would concern himself with.

Albus Dumbledore didn't believe that Harry would be safe from Voldemort and his followers at Potter Manor, the blood wards that he had set up at Lily's sister's residence were still going to be active for a few more weeks, and were much better than anything these old ancestors could protect their manors with. He firmly believed that Voldemort was not gone for good; he would come back and would seek Harry.

Dumbledore also didn't believe that James and Lily Potter could adequately train Harry. What they didn't know, was that Harry Potter was a Horcrux. He didn't know if Harry was his first Horcrux or if he had made others before he tried to make Harry one, but that didn't matter. Albus didn't have any information that he could use to track down any other potential Horcruxes; after all, he didn't even know Voldemort's real name! However, Harry was a Horcrux, and thus, he would need to die, and by Voldemort's hand. And Dumbledore wasn't about to tell them that Harry would have to die when the time came, they would do everything to prevent it which would be disastrous.

That's why he wanted to send Harry to Privet Drive. He was sure that Petunia and Vernon Dursley wouldn't be as loving as Lily and James could be, and while he didn't want to condemn Harry to that lifestyle, it was the only way to make sure Harry was as unselfish as possible. It wouldn't do for Harry to not sacrifice himself when the time came, which is what would happen if Harry grew up with his parents or his grandparents. After all, Petunia was not their closest blood relative. Harry would need to be humble, it would be disastrous for him to have a big head and a huge ego because of all his fame getting to him.

If push came to shove, then he would simply declare James and Lily Potter as incompetent guardians because of their ordeal. It would take a few well-placed comments, and everyone would fall head over feet to assure him, that yes, guardianship is better suited in his hands, than those of James and Lily Potter. After all, he was Albus Dumbledore, a name that had more political power than the Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter.

Albus Dumbledore looked up at the Manor. From his position, outside the gates, it looked ancient yet majestic. It was made of stone and yet looked homey. However, how much of it was protected? Would Harry truly be safe here?

James glared at the man across the gates. There was no way in hell that he was allowing Albus Dumbledore inside when Harry was still in here. He didn't know what game he was playing, but whatever it was, it involved Harry, that much, he was sure. There was no way he would allow Albus Dumbledore to harm even a single hair on Harry and Elisabeth's heads.

For now, he was content to let his pregnant yet still fiery wife rail at the Headmaster for daring to come here and suggest that they didn't know how to take care of Harry. He mentally snorted. As if Dumbledore knew better. A sane man would know, after one meeting with Petunia, that she was incapable of taking care of a child. It was ludicrous that Dumbledore had the gall to suggest that Harry should be taken to Petunia because the blood wards were impressive and Voldemort would come after Harry…..blah blah. James knew all of that of course. Dumbledore was stupid if he thought that the wards he had set up at Privet Drive were better than the wards that Ignotus Peverell himself had set up at Potter Manor after his daughter married here.

"Don't you dare come here again, Albus Dumbledore!" fumed Lily, her face red from anger. "And don't think of trying something to remove Harry and Lizzie's guardianship from us! I assure you, you will fail. The neutral and Dark faction in the Wizengamot would never stand for it, even if the Light faction would blindly follow you!"

Dumbledore tried to placate the angry red-head. Never let it be said that red-heads don't have an impressive temper, especially with her hormones out of control. His eardrums would probably still be ringing after a few days. However, he knew she was wrong, while Dumbledore's family wasn't a Noble House or an Ancient one, he didn't believe that these traditionalists had more political power than him. He had been trying for ages to remove traditionalism, it seemed like a completely outdated way of living. "I am not trying to take both of your children away from you. Lizzie is yours. But Harry is the child of the prophecy, extra measures must be—"

"Lizzie is not my only child, I have a son, too! And he's mine! So, take your damn extra measures and leave us the hell alone, Dumbledore!" James was impressed by his wife, he didn't think he had heard her swear so much in one sentence. Lily turned around and stormed back up the gravel path, skirting around the fountain.

"James, you must agree with me," tried Dumbledore. "Harry's safety should be your priority—"

"Harry and Lizzie's safety is my first priority," interrupted James coldly. "And as Lily said, don't think for a second that you can take our children away from us! I will come down on you, and I will come down hard with everything I have if you try a single thing."

"But James, Voldemort will come after Harry, he needs to be trained—"

"And you think Harry will be trained in a Muggle household? What is he going to do against Voldemort, huh? When all the magic he would know is the one taught at Hogwarts which isn't a match for Voldemort? And Harry is my son, I love him and died for him and my daughter! I am not going to let anyone take them away from me, not even the self-proclaimed most powerful wizard in the Wizarding world."

"I assure you, James. Harry will be completely safe, you just need to trust me—"

"And how exactly am I supposed to trust you? You haven't really given us a reason to trust you, have you? I still haven't forgotten the fact that you ensured that Severus Snape got a trial even though he was a known Death Eater, but didn't bother giving Sirius the same courtesy even though you fought alongside him numerous times!"

"But, James—"

"Good day, Dumbledore. The next time you will see my children will be when they come to Hogwarts." He turned around before looking back. "Oh, and it's Lord Potter for you, Headmaster."

He continued up the gravel path and ignored the sudden shriek of pain he heard. Dumbledore should have known better than to force himself through the wards. But then again, Dumbledore had been trying for ages to remove all traditionalism from Hogwarts, he didn't know why these Houses were so important. These weren't just fancy names for old families, there was a reason why the Ancient and Noble families were held in high regard. Dumbledore just never bothered to find out who exactly created the Ministry.

3 June 1982

Maternity Ward, St. Mungos

"He's beautiful," said Sirius softly. Currently, they were in the Maternity Ward of St. Mungos, finally given entrance to Lily's private room where she had given birth to Harry and Lizzie, and now their third child and second son.

Finding out she was pregnant a month before Dumbledore had come to Potter Manor had been a pleasant surprise, and something which was definitely not planned. After Voldemort, Sirius being imprisoned, being declared dead, and Dumbledore trying to take Harry from them, it was nice to focus on such a pleasant distraction. They had tried to explain it to their children and while Harry understood his mummy was going through the same thing that happened before Lizzie became part of their life, Lizzie herself was utterly clueless and hated when she couldn't sit in her mother's lap.

So, here they were, in a hospital room with James holding Lizzie, Harry sitting near his mother, Fleamont, Euphemia and Minerva on chairs beside the bed along with a heavily pregnant Alice who had left Neville behind with Frank's mother. Sirius was standing behind James with Marlene, Alice and Frank next to him.

"What's his name?" asked Minerva McGonagall, "Minnie" to the family, smiling warmly at the couple. Most people usually were shocked when Minerva was anything but stern but she was like a second mother to the Marauders. James and Lily smiled at each other lovingly before facing everyone else.

"His name is…." James stopped for suspense and grinned when Sirius made a frustrated face and Remus just rolled his eyes because he was used to their antics. "William Andrew Potter."

"That's a beautiful name." smiled Fee. "I can just picture it. 'Get your butt down here right now, William Andrew Potter'!" she imitated Lily making everyone laugh.

"Wilam," declared Lizzie suddenly before going back to sucking her thumb. James smiled and stroked her head lovingly.

"I never imagined, all those years ago when I accepted James' proposal that we would end up like this," Lily said, smiling down at her daughter.

"What?" Alice peered at Lily, one hand on her heavily pregnant belly. "Saddled at age twenty-two with three children?"

James made an indignant noise while Fee tutted and Lily laughed. "No! Well, yes, I never imagined I would be having three children at such a young age, but I was talking about having a loving husband, two handsome sons, a beautiful daughter and the best friends anyone could ask for."

"How sweet," said Sirius mockingly, but Lily knew he was only doing it to hide his real emotion. Marlene dug her elbow in his ribs making him wince.

"So who're the godparents?" asked Monty brightly, making space for Harry as he climbed on his lap to better observe his new brother.

"Well, for godfather we were hoping that Frank would take the honours," said James looking at their brown-haired friend.

"Me?" asked Frank surprised. "Why me? Don't you have someone else to ask?"

"Please, Frank," scoffed Lily. "Who else were we going to ask other than our sweet, fierce, hunting Hufflepuff friend?" Left unsaid was the fact that in another world they would have picked Peter to be the godfather to their third child.

Frank smiled gratefully. "Then, I would love to. Though I might need lessons from Sirius and Remus because I know next to nothing about being a godfather!"

"Being a godfather is easy!" said Sirius waving a hand around. "All you have to do is do the opposite of what parents do. If Lily doesn't allow him to have a biscuit before dinner, then you are supposed to give it to him!"

"Sirius Orion Black!" exclaimed Fee. "Please don't tell me you give biscuits to Harry before dinner!" Sirius shifted uncomfortably and Lily slapped his arm lightly.

"Please don't take Sirius' advice, Frank," grinned Remus. "I'm the better option if you need to get any advice."

"For godmother, we were thinking," said James once the joking had died down, "Minnie would be a good choice. What say you, McG, are you going to become godmother to our son who is going to wreak havoc on your sanity when he comes to Hogwarts?"

Minerva smiled through her tears. "I would love to. And I think that William is going to have some resemblance to his mother as well! Lily was never a troublemaker!"

"Thank you, Minnie," grinned Lily.

"That's not a compliment, Lily!" exclaimed James and Sirius together before grinning at each other. Lily rolled her eyes and looked down at her son. William's hair was wavy and not messy and was mostly black with streaks of red. As best as she could tell, he seemed to have inherited his grandmother's blue eyes. He was beautiful.

Thus, the Viscount of Edinburgh, Sir William Andrew Potter was born.

30 August 1985

Simpson Gymnastics, London

"Hello young ladies," said a lady whose name Lizzie later found out was Miss Clara. She had blue eyes, blonde hair pulled back and a kind smile. She was Lizzie's gymnastics coach. "My name is Clara Simpson and I am going to be your gymnastics coach." She looked genuinely happy to be teaching a bunch of four-year-olds the intricacies of gymnastics. "Gymnastics are a sort of exercise that develop or display physical agility and coordination." She laughed at the confused looks she received. "Let me explain it a bit better."

"Gymnastics is simply a type of playtime where I help you stretch and flex your body. We can have fun trying new things together," Miss Clara continued. She turned to the parents watching from the sidelines. "Don't be surprised if your children are a little sore tonight. They will be doing things in a few moments that they've never done before. I assure you that after a good night's sleep, they will feel better."

Turning back to the children, Miss Clara smiled and said, "I'd like to get to know you a little better. Let's start with you." She pointed to a girl far away from Lizzy. "Please tell us your name and something about yourself."

A black-haired girl with bright blue eyes spoke up. Her voice, even at such a young age, carried a melodic tone to it. "My name is Annabel. I turn four this year. I lurve to pulay with unicons and toys." Her voice was very childish like all four-year-olds.

Lizzie's turn came last. "My name is Elisabeth Lilian Potter," she said, proud for finally getting her name right. "but eferyone calls me Lizzie. I turn four too weeks ago," she said, holding up four chubby fingers. "I have two broders, he's five and tree. My mummy has a shop and my daddy is polees," she said, remembering at the last moment to censor her words because Mummy had said that they were Muggles and weren't to know.

"Oh?" asked Miss Clara kindly. "Your dad is a police officer and your mum owns a shop?"

Lizzie nodded proudly. "They are also duke and ducess of dracta," she said, ignoring her teacher's amazed look. "My broder is known as the ear, I don't know why, he is a human," she said, confused, but her four-year-old brain quickly let it go. "And I am a lady!" she said excitedly. "I like to play with bwooms and espoding sap." She finished.

Clara quickly deciphered the meaning behind her childish words. "Your parents are the Duke and Duchess of Draoichta?" she asked faintly. Elisabeth only nodded as if it was no big deal. Clara remembered seeing the red-haired woman and the black-haired boy with her as they dropped off Lizzie. That was the Duchess of Draoichta and the Earl of Glasgow and this was Lady Glasgow. Nothing in their clothing or demeanour indicated they were of high status. Clara couldn't believe she was unable to recognize them. Then again, they hardly ever appeared in public, so it was no surprise she was not able to recognize any of them. She shook her head quickly to get rid of her thoughts.

"That's nice, dear," she said, smiling at the red-haired girl. "Now, we are going to be starting with some stretches to get your body used to flexibility. These are also known as warm-ups. They will help your body get ready for the rest of our lesson."

It was a very happy and satisfied four-year-old who went home that night.

6 September 1985

Diagon Alley, London

"He's just a five-year-old child, for goodness sake!" cried Lily exasperatedly. James shared her in annoyance. They had decided to venture out for a family outing in Diagon Alley, as opposed to the Muggle world as they usually did, and it was turning out to be a really bad idea.

"These people have no sense of decorum," thought James, as he fended off a man with one hand (the other was holding three-year-old William who had buried his head in his father's shoulder) who seemed to decide that Harry's hair was really interesting. James rubbed Harry's head where the man had tried to grab his hair and raised his voice to shout above the din. "Have some sense!" he shouted. Everyone shut up and stared at him as he easily shifted from his husband-and-father persona to Lord Potter of Glasgow, Duke of Draíochta.

"We will not be coming to Diagon Alley again if you keep treating Heir Potter like this." It seemed the threat of never having the Boy Who Lived into Diagon Alley cowed them. Or maybe it was the emphasis he placed on Heir Potter. Harry was more than the Boy Who Lived. These people were begging to bring the wrath of the House of Potter down upon them.

The people moved aside, going back to their tables but still watching Harry through side glances or some unashamed staring. Harry hadn't been protecting himself from the mob; instead, he had been making sure no one hurt his sister while they tried to get to him. Harry slowly unwrapped his arm from around Lizzie's shoulders who looked so frightened that Lily immediately picked her up. She was still four, after all, so she had no idea what was going on. Harry had some inkling but he still teetered on the edge of understanding, while everything seemed to pass over William's head at this stage.

Harry looked up at his mother who held his hand reassuringly. "Is it safe now?"

"Yes, Harry. No one will dare bother us now," she added glaring at the few people who were still looking at them. The wizards and witches hurriedly turned back to their own conversations.

"Sorry, James, Lily," said Hagrid remorsefully. This all began because Hagrid had shouted their names from across the pub, otherwise, people wouldn't have even noticed who had flooed in.

"It's alright, Hagrid," said Lily with a kind smile. "Just be a bit more subtle next time."

"Can we eat ice cream now?" asked Harry. James laughed and assured Harry that, yes, they can go eat Fortescue's ice cream. After all, that's what they came to Diagon Alley for.

6 September 1985, Night-Time

Master Suite, Potter Manor

Lily looked up when her son entered the bedroom, looking nervous. She sighed and put her hairbrush down and exchanged glances with her husband. They had known this was going to happen sooner or later. Lily just hoped Harry would understand, and that the fame wouldn't go to his head.

"Come in, sweetheart." She said, moving to sit on the bed, beside her husband. Harry entered the room and sat across from them on the bed, and bit his lip.

"What is it, Harry?" asked James softly.

Harry opened his mouth and closed it again as if he couldn't decide what to say. Lily decided to help him out.

"You are wondering why everyone mobbed you in Diagon Alley?"

Harry nodded and sighed in relief that his mother understood. Not everyone had such nice mummies. "Yes," he said in a quiet voice.

"Harry, do you know how Voldemort was defeated?" Harry shook his head quickly. He knew who Voldemort was of course, but he didn't know how the Darkest wizard ever died; though, judging by the few times he had gone out in public in the wizarding world, he could guess it had something to do with him. That was something he didn't understand.

"Let's tell you a story, Harry," said James abruptly, patting a spot between him and Lily for Harry to sit. Harry was bewildered but obliged and cuddled close to them.

"Once upon a time there was a boy. He had loving parents and a sister and a whole family. However, those were Dark times. There was an evil wizard who wanted to kill everyone and rule over our world. People were fighting against him in a separate organization but the light side was failing." He refrained from mentioning that they weren't exactly the light side. "But the parents of the little boy found out that a prophecy had been made regarding their son and the Dark wizard."

"What's a prophecy?" asked Harry, his eyes wide with interest. He snuggled close to his father's body while his mother lightly stroked his hair.

"A prophecy is like a prediction about the future. Kind of like the weather wizard you hear on the wireless but more accurate." Mum answered for him.

"Right. So a prophecy was made that said that the little boy would be the one to defeat the Dark wizard. The Dark wizard somehow found out and he set out to kill the little boy. The boy's parents hid in a safe location and the only person to know it was one of their best friends. The best friend, however, betrayed them and gave the location to the Dark wizard."

"What happened then?" Harry asked, his mouth wide open, totally engrossed. "How could he betray them like that?"

"I don't know, Harry." James smiled sadly. "We- the parents never really understood his reasons. Anyways, the Dark wizard came to their house and he thought he killed the parents and then he turned his wand on the boy and tried to kill him, too. However, something happened and the spell rebounded and hit the wizard instead. The parents woke up and they set everything to rights again."

"I am the little boy, aren't I?" asked Harry quietly. "And Voldemort is the Dark wizard."

"You're right, Harry," said Lily softly. "I want you to remember that although Voldemort is not truly gone, he is never going to touch you again, understand?" Her voice was fierce and full of conviction but she didn't glance at James because they both knew that Voldemort would rise again one day and would come after Harry. Even if not for the prophecy but because he was bested by a one-year-old.

Harry simply nodded, trusting in his mother. "Can I tell Beth?" 'Beth' was Harry's nickname was for his sister.

James and Lily exchanged a long look which spoke volumes before James finally answered their son. "If you want to, you can, son."

"And William?"

"I think William is still a little young to understand," replied Lily. "Why don't you just stick with Lizzie and we'll tell William when he's older."

2 February 1986

Les cerfs-volants de Dieppe, France

Harry hated Fleur Delacour. Well, hate was probably a strong word but that was all his six-year-old brain could come up with. It was not as if she had done something annoying like his sister usually did but he hated her superiority attitude. It usually reminded him of the pure-bloods he saw in the grown-up parties his parents held in their home sometimes. He and his siblings weren't allowed but he would sometimes peek through the curtains in the ballroom.

Fleur would look down on him when he and Lizzie would play in the sand on the beach, and she would huff and scoff and refuse to play with them when he offered, even though her own four-year-old sister had joined.

Another reason he hated Fleur was that he was always doing weird things in front of her. He would trip and drop everything he was holding. His godfather said he was just being clumsy (though Harry had no idea what that meant) but Harry thought something else was going on. Even though she was usually rude to him, he found different ways to talk to her. It would grate on his nerves when he would come back to his senses and Lizzie would laugh at him. Girls were mean. He desperately wished to be back home with Ron and Neville. They were much better friends. William was a boy as well but he was only four so Harry couldn't complain to him like he could to Ron or Neville.

Why were they here again? Oh yeah, because his parents had business with Fleur's parents and were meeting them in a restaurant somewhere on the beach while Harry's godfather, Sirius, supervised them. And why again were he and his sister accompanying their parents to France on a business trip? Oh yeah, because he, William and Beth had fallen in love with Paris and had wanted to come here.

Right now, he just wished to go home, especially since he had, once again, spectacularly embarrassed himself in front of Fleur while Sirius and Beth laughed at him and William just smiled.

17 March 1986

Potter Manor, Glasgow

She had been trying to get to the Owlery. There was nothing really of interest there for her except for the pretty post owls, but it was the furthest room from the ground floor where Harry was counting down the time she had left to hide so that she could hide in a better spot than William. What Elisabeth hadn't expected was getting lost.

The Potter Manor or Draíochta Manor was a huge stone mansion with four floors plus two stories of the basement. The second level of the basement contained the boiler room, storeroom, wards room, the family room (which included the information about all the Potters) and a meeting room for the Grey Brotherhood that had been used during the war. The first level included a kitchen, pantry, scullery, wine cellar, laundry room, the potions laboratory and the duelling and training rooms.

The ground floor contained the cloakroom, main kitchen, drawing room, informal sitting room, James' study, ballroom, formal dining room, informal dining room, portrait corridor, guest washroom/powder room, formal sitting room, and the main library and entrance to the grounds. It also had a women's sitting room, a smoking room, and the music tower which went all the way to the top floor.

The first floor contained all the guest suites as well as the second library and a small kitchen. There were also guest washrooms and another two sitting rooms and a formal drawing-room.

On the second floor were the master (lord and lady's) suite, and the family suites (earl, countess, baron, viscount), as well as a third library, master's gallery, a gym, a magic-free room that Lily had insisted upon, three more informal living rooms and another study for the head of the family, though this one was used by Lily.

The third floor contained another three guests suites (the Potters had always loved to entertain guests), two more drawing rooms, two spas, another room that was warded against magic, a terrace, an observatory (which went all the way up to the roof) and another potion laboratory. It also included a room that had portals that led to any properties and buildings that the Potters owned even in other countries. It was an ingenious bit of magic that Andrew Potter had developed but couldn't be used for other buildings because the only people who could go through the portals were Potters by marriage or blood because Potter blood had been required to develop the spell.

The top floor contained the skylight, the observatory, attic, another sitting room, indoor swimming pool and indoor greenhouse, house-elf quarters as well as the entrance to the Owlery tower.

In total, there were sixty-three guest suites in the manor, twenty-one family suites excluding the Master suite, four kitchens, ten sitting rooms, two dining rooms, two swimming pools, three greenhouses, horse stables, formal grounds, treehouse, a professional Quidditch pitch, and two spas. There was a grand staircase, a staircase leading to the basement, and main staircases on each floor (the top floor contained a ladder that led to the roof). In addition to the main staircases were the three or four additional staircases on each floor. And the secret passageways. Lizzie's favourite one was behind Lady Fiona Potter's portrait which was situated on the second floor. You had to smile at her and she would let you pass through to the main kitchen!

There was a stone pathway that led from the ground floor kitchen to the gardens. On either side of the path were lilies and carnations planted. There was a huge fountain with a flower-covered arch on all four sides of it which had paths leading to the four entrances to the garden. This whole structure was standing in the middle of stone-ground surrounded by grass fields on all sides. Hedges were surrounding this little area. to the left of this was the huge outdoor swimming pool, treehouse and horse stables as well as the ground suitable for horse riding. To the right were extensive grounds, a pond in one corner and two greenhouses. Behind the fountain, grounds were the professional Quidditch pitch and locker rooms.

Elisabeth hadn't really ever needed to go to the third and fourth floor since her bedroom was on the second as well as those of her parents, William and Harry and everything else was below it. That didn't mean she hadn't been in this part of the Manor before. She knew the way around her home, so she had confidently gone to the Owlery, sure that Harry wouldn't find her here before William since it was a really good spot.

It turned out to be too good of a spot. There was a clock on the fourth floor, so she had sneaked out of her hiding spot and checked that an hour and a half had gone by since she hid here. She was tired of sitting in the dark since the sun had almost set, so she had given up and gone back downstairs. To the third floor. And where exactly were the stairs to the second floor? She had no idea.

She had faltered slightly when she couldn't remember where she had come from but she was sure she would find her way back down. She walked corridor after corridor but couldn't spot a single staircase. She did manage to find the portrait of William Potter but she knew from its counterpart that it led to the top floor so it was of no use. She found a fancy clock hanging in one of the corridors that told her that half an hour had passed since she left the Owlery. She once again started down a passageway that had been hidden behind a tapestry, but it was too long and her legs were tired so she sat down and burst into tears.

She didn't know how long she cried but suddenly she felt a pair of familiar arms wrap themselves around her. She dried her tears on her father's sleeve and looked up at her mother, father and brother.

"How did you find me?" she asked in a quiet voice.

Mum smiled softly at her. "When Harry couldn't find you, he came to us and we immediately went to the basement. There is a room in there that can inform us who is present in the manor, at any given time, and it also shows where they are. We discovered your location and came to get you."

"Where's Willy?"

Lily smiled. "He's waiting for you downstairs."

Lizzie was quiet for a moment before: "Tanks oo for finding me," she said before tightening her arms around her father. "I am never go to the tird or foath foor again," she declared.

Before Lily could correct her butchering of the English language, Harry spoke up. "Hey, Lizzie?"

"Hmm?"

"Catched you!" he shouted before darting down the path he came from. "Your turn!" he laughed when Lizzie let out a cry of outrage and immediately untangled herself from her father's arms and followed after him.

29 March 1986

The Burrow, Devon

Harry looked up at the lopsided building which he was certain was held up by magic. They were at the home of one of Dad's friends from work named Arthur Weasley who had invited them over for dinner. Harry was especially excited because he was told the couple had seven children and Harry couldn't wait to make more friends other than the Longbottoms and his own siblings.

Lily stepped forward and knocked on the door. She was kind of nervous about today's dinner because Arthur was a good friend of James and Lily wanted to make a good impression. James had warned her that the Weasleys were fans of Dumbledore and firmly a light family, very different from their own views.

The wooden door was opened a second later by a plump redheaded woman who was slightly shorter than Lily herself. "Hello! You must be James and Lily! Welcome! I am Molly Weasley." Molly then proceeded to hug Lily so tightly that she had to gasp for breath before she gave the treatment to her husband and children.

"And what are your names? I don't think I've heard nearly enough about you," she said, smiling down at the children.

Harry grinned back, feeling at ease with the women's friendly nature. "Hello, my name's Harry."

Lizzie smiled back, something which made her look exactly like Lily except for her eyes. "My names Elisabeth Lilian Potter, though you can call me Lizzie."

"My name's William," said William.

"Oh, such wonderful names! Come inside." She led them into a cosy living room. The couches were slightly shabby and mismatched compared to the Manor's elegant yet comfortable sofas but Harry liked the setting.

A red-haired boy about his own age, walked up to him and thrust his hand out. "Ron Weasley."

"Harry Potter," he replied, shaking his hand. Ron's eyes widened but he managed to control his reaction since his Dad had warned them not to act all star-struck and awed. He shook the hands of the other two siblings as well before the three Potters went to greet everyone else.

A small red-haired girl entered the room at the same time as Harry was greeting the twins named Fred and George. Her hair was lighter than Lizzies and had shades of gold in it and was tied in two plaits. Her eyes were chocolate brown with hints of gold. She walked up to Harry and instead of offering her hand, she hugged him.

"Hello, my name is Ginevra Molly Weasley, but call me Ginny, please," she said brightly and Harry was instantly drawn into her eyes.

"Hello, I'm Harry," he replied, hugging her back. Ginevra or 'Ginny' hugged Lizzie and finally William. Harry felt kind of sad that she didn't only hug him, but the others as well.

The adults were ushered into armchairs and onto couches while the children were sent to play outside. They flew on the ancient brooms that the Weasleys owned and Harry couldn't help but think that William's training broom flew faster than the one he was currently riding.

Harry was kind of annoyed that Ginny wasn't allowed to fly since he had a feeling she could fly well but he decided it wasn't his business. As the big brother, he made sure that Lizzie was given a broom as well since she was going to be excluded by Ginny's brothers. William was given a training broom that was almost falling apart and there was an awkward moment when the small Potter said that he wanted his own better broom but Lizzie told him to ride on the one he had. Sometimes, the pureblood lessons that Andromeda Tonks and Euphemia Potter were giving her came in handy, enabling her to keep her cool.

They were called inside half an hour later to have dinner. Harry walked inside the dining room and immediately, his mouth started watering at the tasty smells. In the middle of the table, in pride of place, was a beautiful Beef Wellington surrounded by Yorkshire puddings (Harry's favourite). There were platters of macaroni cheese, Cornish pasties, mashed potatoes, cauliflower cheese, mashed parsnips and apples and onion and tomato salad. A flagon of butterbeer and one of pumpkin juice were resting on one end of the table.

Harry wondered briefly why there were so many vegetables but then he remembered that his Dad had told him that it was hard to feed a family of nine so they ate a lot of vegetables.

The food was delicious especially the macaroni cheese and Harry, remembering his manners, commented on it making Mrs Weasley beam with happiness. Lizzie and William, following the lead of their brother, also complimented their host.

The real fireworks started when Harry bit into a Cornish pasty. He had just swallowed when he suddenly let out a startled shriek which made everyone turn around and look at him. There was no boy. In his place was a small sparrow. The bird twittered and chirped and flew around his parent's heads before settling in his father's nest of hair and twittering angrily.

James couldn't help but burst out laughing making the bird ruffle his feathers angrily and fly over to his mother's shoulder who stroked him lightly before pulling out her wand. All the while, no one noticed Molly Weasley's face turn redder and redder and some would later say that steam was coming out of her ears; before she placed her hand on her hips and exploded into a rant.

"FRED! GEORGE! How dare you?! Didn't I tell you that I wanted you to behave today? Is this how you like to present yourselves to guests? You have utterly embarrassed me and your father! This behaviour is shameful-"

Lily kept her grimace in. She understood where Molly was coming from but if her children had acted like this, she would have given them a reprimand in public but her real anger would show itself in private. Molly herself was making more of a spectacle than her sons had made. The small bird butted his head and bit her earlobe lightly so she stood up and placed it carefully on the empty chair. She waved her wand and an instant later, her son was back with crossed arms and a disgruntled expression.

"I'll get you back one day." Harry threatened and threw a displeased look at his father who was still snickering and his giggling sister. Even William was laughing but Harry was sure it was because everyone else was laughing too. Despite his best efforts, his lips tugged into a smile when he noticed Ginny and Ron laughing too.

Fred and George looked at him with sceptical expressions that a six-year-old was threatening to prank them, the greatest pranksters ever (at least according to them) before their faces broke into identical smirks. "Bring it on, Potter!" Percy sighed in a long-suffering way and wished he could go to Hogwarts already.

Harry glanced at his father who nodded and winked at him making him smile in satisfaction. His father would help him and his father always came up with the best pranks along with Uncle Siri and Uncle Rem.

No one touched the pasties again that night.

"Did you enjoy today?" asked James, staring into the darkness as he spooned his wife in bed. He could only see a stripe of her red hair illuminated by the moonlight peeking through the break in the curtains.

He felt Lily shift in his arms and turn around to face him. "It was nice. The kids certainly enjoyed it. We were talking about scheduling a playdate between them soon. We can invite Neville and Victoria too. Now, if only Sirius and Marlene get married. Remus needs a girl too, he's far too lonely!"

James grinned and chuckled softly. "Yes, but we were talking about something else."

"I told you the kids had a lot of fun, it was nice, I admit it."

"Yes, they did. However, I asked about you."

"I like Arthur," she said. "Very easy going and has a great heart, I believe, under his childishness about Muggles."

"And Molly?" James prodded.

"She's really kind and loving but she can be a bit...much," admitted Lily. "She shouldn't have reprimanded her kids like that in front of everyone, they were just having a laugh!"

"That's not what you usually say when Harry or Lizzie play a prank on William or one of us."

Lily huffed. "Because that's only us or Sirius, Remus and the Longbottoms! Besides, in front of guests, there is only a small reprimand! Shouting about how they had embarrassed her in front of us made the whole situation even more awkward! I suppose I shouldn't say anything, they are her children after all."

James stroked her hair to calm her down. "I know. Also, the fact that they were literally singing Dumbledore's praises."

"It was hard to keep my cool," admitted Lily. "Especially when she asked what Dumbledore had done to keep Harry safe; and when she commented that ladies like Lizzie shouldn't play Quidditch and that Ginny wasn't allowed to. You should have seen the heartbreak on the little girl's face, I swear, one day, she is going to be as bad at you when it comes to flying!"

James kissed a spot on her neck before dropping kisses all the way to her earlobe. He suddenly rolled over so she was under her. "I know, Lily, I know."

30 June 1986

Potter Manor, Glasgow

Harry decided that his parents were simply crazy. He knew it was their anniversary, he had brought them a sloppy breakfast in bed after enlisting Lizzie's and Uncle Moony's help because Uncle Padfoot couldn't cook to save his life, and William was still only four but anniversaries happened every year, didn't they? Then why were they acting so weird this year? They would send secretive smiles at each other or look at him, William and Lizzie with excitement in their eyes or talk in hushed whispers. Hell, they didn't even go to the restaurant they always went to!

Oops, he wasn't supposed to repeat anything his godfather said. Or even think about it. And he had just thought of the word 'hell'. Anyways…..(Mum will never find out)

When Mum and Dad called him and his siblings into the living room, he thought he would finally be getting to the bottom of this mystery, which was something that his curious mind was thankful for, especially since he loved mysteries and puzzles.

"We have a little something for you children." said dad, excitement gleaming in his eyes.

"Are you finally going to tell us why you've been acting weird all day?" asked Harry.

Dad frowned and said "You weren't supposed to realize that." at the same time as Lizzie said, "Mum and Dad have been acting weird all day?"

Harry settled for a childish roll of his eyes but before he could answer, Lily interrupted. "Okay, we were acting weird all day but that's because we have a surprise for you."

"Ooh!" said William. "I love surprises! What is it? What is it?"

Dad grinned at them before, as slowly as possible, removing a box from behind the couch. All three of them groaned at how intentionally slow he was being. Finally, he took pity on them and slid a plain large brown crate that had holes poked through the top into the middle of the room. He lifted a spell and Harry gasped when he heard a bark.

"Is that, is that a-?" asked Harry, looking at his mother who nodded. Harry heard William and Lizzie squeal beside him.

"Go on, open it, the poor things been locked inside all day." said Lily.

Harry pulled the top off the crate with Lizzie's help and as soon as the lid was off, an orange-coloured puppy bounded out and fell to the floor with a thud. Harry couldn't help but snort. The puppy looked around at him and trotted forward and licked the whole length of his face. Harry laughed and pushed the small puppy out of his face who immediately climbed Lizzie's lap.

"What is he?" asked Harry, trying to remember the word he wanted to use.

"His breed is Shiba Inu." That was the word! 'Breed'! "I found him out on the street looking so cute and I just couldn't help myself. He'll find a nice home here, right?"

"Yes, Mummy. The bestest home ever!" Lizzie promised.

"What are you going to name him?" asked James excitedly.

Harry turned towards his siblings and announced, "Excuse us, we are going to have the Potter Siblinghood meeting and I am afraid parents are not invited." he said formally.

"Right, you do that." said James, keeping his amusement at bay.

Harry plonked the dog onto his mother's lap and dragged Lizzie and William off into a corner of the sitting room, making sure that his parents couldn't see them properly from this angle.

He held his hand out, Lizzie placed her's on top of his with William putting his on top of her's. "Welcome to the third meeting of the Potter Siblinghood. What is the topic of meeting today?" asked Harry formally.

"Name of our new dog," replied Lizzie promptly while William nodded his head in agreement.

"How about…" Harry thought for a bit. "Foolish?"

"Why Foolish?" asked Lizzie. Harry just shrugged and said it was the first thing that came to his mind.

"Let's name him Turtle," said Lizzie suddenly. Harry rolled his eyes. His sister had developed an obsession with turtles and there was no way he was allowing their dog to be named Turtle.

"We can't name a dog after another animal, Lizzie!" he said, scandalised. "How about…."

"Marauder!" said William. "Name dog to be Marauder!"

"Good idea, William!" said Harry, ruffling his brother's hair with one hand who shoved his hand away with his own.

"Okay, so we're naming the dog 'Marauder'?" asked Lizzie and received nods all around. They finished the meeting with a weird handshake of three people and turned back to their parents.

"Have you decided, then?" asked Lily.

"Yes, we're going to name this dog Marauder." said Harry, smiling when his dad whooped and his mum rolled her eyes.

The Shiba Inu dog barked at them and wiggled its way into William's lap who chuckled.

6 July 1986

Lupin Cottage, Devon

"It's important that you keep this a secret, Harry." Implored James. Harry had accidentally heard them talking about Remus being a werewolf and in his childish way, he had demanded an answer. Contrary to what Remus had thought, Harry wasn't disgusted or horrified, instead, he kissed the scar on Remus' face and asked if that made it better. Harry knew what werewolves were, but thankfully, he wasn't prejudiced against them.

They also explained how the animal forms of Sirius and James helped the werewolf. Harry's only response was that he was glad someone was helping his Uncle Rem instead of him hurting himself. Lily, instead of joining them like she had before the kids were born was staying at the Manor with Harry, Lizzie and William.

Now the only thing left was to explain to Harry before the full moon that some people might not be as accepting as him and would try to hurt Uncle Moony without knowing that he was good.

"I'll keep it a secret, Dad. I am a Marauder, and Marauders always keep their secrets, " said Harry, hand over heart as he made the vow. Lily couldn't help the fond eyeroll.

Lily and Harry were preparing to floo back to the Manor when Harry turned around suddenly. "Can I tell Lizzie and William?"

"We'll tell them when they are older, Bambi," said James softly as Lily steered Harry past the table where the newly invented Wolfsbane Potion (Lily had a hand in making it along with other potioneers) was sitting.

29 July 1986

Grounds, Potter Manor

"It's time, Lily." said James as they watched Harry and Lizzie help William on a training broom. Harry was six years old now. It was time for his Heir training. The Potters might not be a pure-blood family anymore after he married Lily but they were still one of the oldest families in the wizarding world. They were one of the families who had formed the Ministry. Also, James's ancestor had done a service to the Queen and she had granted him the title of Duke of Draíochta. This meant that they were part of the Muggle royalty and that their status in the wizarding world was higher than even the Blacks and the Malfoys.

James had never wanted Harry or William to grow up like an arrogant pure-blood the way he was but Heir training was an essential part of every son of the Ancient and Most Noble Houses. Elisabeth was going to be trained as well but she was going to be trained into a lady, not an heir. And Lily was going to train her.

Lily sighed. "I know. Merlin knows I wished this day would never come. The kids are getting too big. At least Lizzie and William still have time left." Lily had originally been against this idea and he had to explain to her the importance of Harry growing up with this training since their son was Lord Harry Potter, Earl of Glasgow, Future Duke of Draíochta. It wouldn't do for him to not know his history and customs.

And while William wasn't an heir to the Potter family, he was to the Peverells, and he would need to know his customs and traditions as well.

"His birthday is the day after tomorrow. We can start with the Heir training the day after that."

Lily looked up at him. "What are you going to start with?"

"I was thinking the same that my father did. Dad got me started with the family's history. You know, how the Potters came into being; he also needs to know about the other Ancient and Most Noble Houses. He can't go around and disrespect any of them when he's older. Maybe History of Magic as well, since I know Binns is going to be useless when he finally goes to Hogwarts. No idea why Dumbledore doesn't replace him."

Author's Notes: I am saying this again, Dumbledore is not evil. He is a manipulator because he believes himself to know the best for everyone and the most powerful wizard in the Wizarding world. He will come to learn his mistakes and will regret them but right now, he firmly believes in what he is saying. He doesn't want to let Harry's fame get to his head, but here, I wanted to show that Dumbledore's own fame has gotten to him and he has a big ego, it's just not noticeable to most people.

Some people might point out that since James is still alive yet so Harry's title shouldn't be Lord but then I thought that if Ginny marries into the Potter family, her title would be Lady Ginevra Potter, even if Lily is still alive. So it makes sense that it would be the same for Harry. At least that's what I used to think. Then I realized that Harry's title could simply be Heir Potter. Makes much more sense. *rolls eyes*

Harry's title is 'Heir' because, well, he is the heir to the Potters. Lizzie's title is 'Lady' because she is the daughter of the family. William's title is 'Sir' because he is neither the Lord nor the Lady or the Heir. However, he is Heir to the Peverell family because it is a patriarchal family so Lizzie can't be.

I know Fleamont and Euphemia Potter died of dragon pox a few months before Harry was born but I wanted Harry to have a set of wizarding grandparents. We don't know what happened to Lily's parents so I decided to keep them alive, though I am pretty sure they died in canon. Some people might think that since Fleamont is still alive, James shouldn't be Head of the Family yet but, Fleamont Potter was born in 1909 which means he would be 78 years old in 1987. In my opinion, he would have given up the mantle of Lord Potter to James so he could retire.

I know that in canon, the Potter family did not have that big or prominent of a role, but I wanted to change that. The Potters are a famous and highly prominent and influential family in my story.

Elisabeth's nicknames: Lizzie (general population), Liz (general population), Beth (Harry and William), Eli, Elisa (grandparents)