A Father's Grateful Heart

Summary: James often reflects back on Father's Day after the war. He knew there were still families grieving their loss or losses, but for James, he was thankful for he still had his son.

Includes some Harry and Teddy fluff and a moment between Godfather and Godson, both Harry and Teddy and Harry and Sirius.

James was not an early riser. He preferred to sleep as long as he could. It made Lily nuts especially when they were leaving the house early in the morning either to go to the coast or to take Harry to London to meet the train. Those days of rushing out the door to Kings Cross were over since Harry made the decision to join the Aurors in September instead of returning to Hogwarts. Personally, James was looking forward to having Harry in London with him as he had spent six years in Scotland with Lily.

So it was on the third Sunday in June, James was found still in his bed asleep.

Lily had gotten up with the sun to find Harry was up making breakfast as he did for Mother's Day only this time more with James's favorites.

Lily was taking care of lunch this time as Andromeda and Teddy were joining them for lunch along with Sirius, Hestia, and Ginny. Lily had informed Harry of her plan on Friday when she did the food shop. It would allow Harry to spend some time with his godson which is what Harry had been doing with most of his free time that he split between Teddy and Ginny.

"So are you going to for old times' sake?" Lily asked before Harry went upstairs after he finished moving the food to serving platters.

"I think I might," Harry replied with a mischievous grin. Lily recognized the expression. It was the same one James had when he pulled off a successful prank.

Putting a charm on the food to keep it from getting cold, Harry and Lily headed to the stairs, going up to the second floor. Hestia had stepped out as Harry made it to the landing.

"Are you doing….?" She motioned behind her.

"Yeah, if I survive Dad first," Harry whispered.

Slowly Harry crept towards his parents' bedroom, opening the door quietly. To Hestia and Lily's amusement, Harry crawled towards the bench at the foot of Lily and James's bed. He climbed on it, before stepping over the footboard on the bed. Then he pounced.

"WAKE UP DAD!"

James was woken up to the noise and Harry landing on him.

"Harry, the last time you did this you were ten years old…why now?"

"Because I can," Harry replied.

"One day you'll get your payback," James said. Then he smirked at his son.

"Uh oh."

Before Harry could move, James started tickling his son.

"Alright….alright…..alright Dad I surrender!" Harry exclaimed.

"Is Pads still asleep?" James inquired.

"I think so," Harry replied. He didn't need to be told twice. He leaped out of his parents' bed and bolted to the guest room across the hall. He burst into the room, taking a flying jump onto the once he was close enough.

"Wakey-wakey, Siri!"

Sirius woke up just as Harry landed on him and James jumping on the other side.

"It's too early for this," He complained. "And how old are you?" This question was directed to Harry.

"You didn't complain when I did it before?" Harry retorted.

"It was cute when you were ten, but you're almost eighteen and…." He trailed off. "Get over here," Sirius directed.

Sirius had stopped himself from complaining when he realized how close they had come to not having this moment. Harry could have died in the battle.

Not needing to be told twice, Harry moved over to lie beside Sirius. Once he was close enough, Sirius pulled him into an embrace. He ignored James as he moved beside him.

Lily leaned against the doorway, watching the scene with a soft smile. She looked over at Hestia and was about to look behind her when she stopped. Hestia reached over, patting Lily's shoulder.

"I…" She trailed off.

Hestia nodded, squeezing her shoulder. Every time Harry and James piled in on Sirius in bed, Remus would watch from the door with Lily.

Lily sighed, turning to head downstairs. "Would you like some tea?"

Hestia smiled blissfully nodded and followed Lily down the stairs.

"What are the plans for the day?" Hestia inquired as she walked into the kitchen, sitting down at the table.

"Well, Andromeda said she and Teddy will pop over. I think Harry and Ginny are going to talk her into letting them keep Teddy to allow Andromeda to get a nap or housework done. She looked done in when she came over Friday. Harry took Teddy while Andromeda and I caught up and he mentioned how exhausted she looked."

"And Harry could spend some time with Teddy."

Lily nodded. "James mentioned the possibility of playing Quidditch, so you know what Harry would say to that."

Hestia chuckled. "I do. And no doubt Sirius will join them."

"Oh, that is no doubt."

Lily began to put together what she needed for lunch. James had requested her spaghetti for lunch, one of his favorite meals Lily cooked.

Footsteps brought the women's attention to the men in the family. James came in the kitchen first, heading for his usual place at the head of the table. Sirius followed, joining Hestia beside James. He paused to kiss her on the cheek before continuing his conversation with James regarding what was to become of the Quidditch season that year. Harry came in last, heading to the stove to dish the food onto plates.

James smiled as a plate of eggs, sausage, bacon, grilled tomatoes, and toast landing in front of him. A cup of tea appeared along with a glass of orange juice.

"Thanks, Son," James called.

"You're welcome," Harry replied as he sent over a plate to Sirius. He served Lily and Hestia before making his plate and joining the family at the table.

As they ate breakfast, they made small talk about the latest changes Kingsley had made and about the ceremony coming up that week to officially swear him into office, during which Gawain Robards was being sworn in as Head Auror with his Deputy John Dawlish.

James had turned down the offer to continue his position. He had decided it was time to step down, especially if he planned on retiring sometime over the next ten years. He had mentioned it once to Lily but hadn't given it another thought. He decided to wait until he had close to thirty years in but knew his physical health would play a role in whether or not he made it.

"So when is Ginny coming over?"

"Before lunch," Harry answered before taking a drink of his orange juice.

"What did she decide to do?" Hestia asked.

"She decided to go back to Hogwarts, but she'll stay home. On the positive side, she'll have some days where she won't have class. She mentioned coming by to visit at work, bring lunch…."

"Spend time with you," James finished, smirking at his son.

Harry blushed. Sirius smirked along with James.

"Enough James," Lily said. "Remember how Dad was when we got together and how you felt?"

James nodded, knowingly.

"So are we playing Quidditch after breakfast or not?"

Harry and James as one turned to Sirius, both with identical expressions that reminded Sirius of deer in headlights.

James broke the silence.

"Is that even a question? Of course, we are. The sooner we eat, the sooner we get out there."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Lily was putting some bread in the oven when she heard the floo flare. Hestia peeked into the hallway from where she was slicing tomatoes and carrots.

"Hello Ginny," She greeted.

Ginny entered the kitchen, wearing denim shorts and a purple t-shirt. Her black and white trainers complimented the thrown-together outfit.

"Hi Hestia, Lily, Mum sent these over," She said, sitting down a tin of biscuits on the counter.

"How is she?" Lily asked.

"Some days are better than others. She pauses when she sees George because she almost calls him Fred. Dad seemed to be handling things well this morning. I made breakfast and Ron and George offered to clean up so I can get ready. Dad was going with Mum to visit the graves and they were going into London for the day. Dad's been talking about the model train exhibit since I told him about it."

Lily smiled. Arthur had been waiting to explore more of Muggle London for a while, but the war had put that on hold.

"Harry's upstairs," Lily said, answering Ginny's unasked question. "Go on."

Ginny left the kitchen, heading up the stairs. She approached Harry's bedroom, finding her boyfriend in the bathroom. She slipped in quietly. Harry didn't know she was there until he felt arms wrap around from behind and a kiss on his shoulder.

"Hi Babe," She greeted.

"Hi Gin." He turned around, holding up her chin. He kissed her softly. "When did you get here?"

"A few minutes ago," Ginny replied. She reached up, pushing his fringe back a little to get some hair out of his eyes. "Mum sent over some biscuits. She made a mix of shortbread and chocolate chip."

"Hopefully there is enough for Dad and Sirius to have an equal amount. I've seen the two of them duel, literally duel, over the last shortbread biscuit."

Ginny smirked. "Wasn't that when you ate it just to see what would happen?"

"Yeah," Harry chuckled. "They didn't know how to react. Mum made me help her make more."

Ginny laughed. "As much as I love you just wearing boxers, I think I better I let you get dressed, though I don't find anything wrong with that…"

"Gin," Harry warned. "Later," he mouthed. "Sirius could be listening."

Ginny patted his cheek, kissing him once more before heading on downstairs. "I'll be downstairs."

Harry watched her go before heading into his bedroom. He had just pulled on his jeans when Sirius knocked on the door.

"Can I come in?" He asked.

"Yeah," Harry called.

Sirius opened the door, slipping in a small crack before closing the door behind him. "So, what were you and Ginny doing up here?"

"Just talking, Sirius," Harry said, picking up the gray t-shirt. "What do you need Sirius?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to go with me and your Dad to the next Appleby Arrows match? For old times' sake?"

"When is it?"

"A week from Saturday, James bought an extra ticket without realizing it."

Harry nodded, knowing who the extra ticket was meant to go to. "Sure, I'll go."

Sirius stood up, approaching his godson. He pulled him into an embrace. Feeling his hand on Harry's back, the other on the back of his head, just feeling his godson in his arms, Sirius felt more relieved that he could still do this.

The echoes of the scream that came from Lily when they saw Harry 'dead' still ran in his head. He had dreams that what they had saw that day in May actually happened. Harry didn't survive. The only way for Sirius to get to sleep after dreams like that was to come over to the Potters and check on Harry.

Seeing Harry asleep in his bed made Sirius breathe again he was able to back home to Hestia and go back to sleep. It was nothing for Sirius to floo over and check for himself. Sometimes he met James or Lily coming out of Harry's room.

He wasn't the only one who dreamed Harry didn't make it.

Some would make the argument that Harry wasn't Sirius's son. But Harry was Sirius's godson.

From the day Harry was born, Sirius had made a promise to himself that even if it costs him his own life, he would protect Harry. He promised to take him in and raise him as his own if the unthinkable happened to James and Lily. He had been there for every milestone Harry had made. From Harry's first smile which happened to be at Sirius as well as his first laugh, to his first words (which much to James and Lily's dismay was Padfoot).

Sirius was on high for a week after that, while James wanted to kill him and Lily didn't speak to him.

But what many people failed to realize was Harry was Sirius's kid as much as he was James and Lily. He was like another parent to Harry, only more fun. He was often who Harry confided in. Sirius had promised him what was said between them stayed between them, unless it involved something dangerous.

A few members of the Order had asked Sirius how he felt at seeing Harry in Hagrid's arms. He felt like someone had taken a knife and stabbed him in the heart. He helped James hold Lily up. Once James had a hold of his wife Sirius let himself fall into his own despair and grief.

They had already lost Remus and Tonks. Losing Harry would have felt worse.

When James said 'Thank Merlin' Sirius had followed his line of vision to Harry. Relief filled him for a moment. He had waited on bated breath along with James and Lily as Harry battled with Voldemort.

When it was Harry who came into the Great Hall, Sirius didn't realize he was following James and Lily to Harry until he pulled his godson into an embrace.

"Sirius?"

Harry's voice brought Sirius back to the present. He looked at his godson, realizing he was no longer the little boy who followed him around. His godson was now as tall as he was if an inch or so shorter.

"I love you, Pup," he whispered.

Harry leaned his head against Sirius's shoulder, still able to do that despite the slight height difference, tightening the embrace.

"Love you too, Siri."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Andromeda pulled up, parking in behind the Potter's Volvo. She sighed as she looked at the brick house with the white shutters. She had been coming here for years since Sirius introduced her to Lily and James and after they had moved to Potter's Bar. She looked back at the mirror she had in the backseat so she could see Teddy. He was still asleep. He always fell asleep in the car.

She got out of the car and was walking around to the passenger side to get Teddy when the back door opened. Harry stepped out.

"Need help?" He asked.

"I could use a hand," Andromeda said, putting Teddy's nappy bag from the front seat on her shoulder.

Harry opened the back door, unhooking the car seat from the base. He carried Teddy into the house while Andromeda got some stuff out of the car.

"Andy, you didn't need to bring anything," Lily said as she came out. She paused as Harry passed her to say hello to Teddy who had woken up while Harry was unhooking the car seat. He carried the car seat into the family room, sitting it on the couch. Teddy was starting to work himself up into a wail.

"I know, I know, I'll get you out," Ginny soothed as she began to unbuckled Teddy. She lifted the baby on her shoulder, patting his back as she shushes him. Teddy's hair turned red as she began to pace with him. Harry watched the two of them, his mind going somewhere into the future where it's their baby Ginny was holding.

"Harry?"

Brought back to reality Harry shook his head. "I'm sorry, what were you saying?"

"I said did you bring down your father's and Sirius's gift yet?" Lily asked.

"Yeah, it's sitting in the dining room," Harry replied.

Andromeda came over, carrying a gift bag. "Sirius told me he was included on Father's Day gifts, so I thought we'd get the tradition started with Teddy for you," She explained, handing the bag to Harry.

"You didn't need to," he argued.

"I know, but I did something for Ginny on Mother's Day and it's only fair I do the same for you."

"Thank you," he murmured. He pulled out the tissue paper before pulling out a framed photo of him and Teddy. It was taken on the day he had met Teddy. He was holding him, looking down at the infant with a soft smile on his face.

"I made a copy for Andromeda, but she said you need a copy. So I made one at the printers and this is the result," Lily explained, looking at the picture from beside her son.

"I got one of me holding Teddy when he was first born," Ginny explained, bouncing Teddy who started to fuss. "I think Dad took it."

"I did," Andromeda confirmed.

Lily headed into the kitchen, Andromeda followed but not before going over to Harry where she got a rare hug from Harry.

"That is a rarity," Sirius commented. "He rarely gives hugs freely." He glanced at Ginny, adding, "Well to us he does, but not anyone else."

Ginny passed Teddy to Harry who changed his hair to match Harry's messy jet-black hair. James and Sirius had watched the exchange, gasped at seeing Teddy's now black hair.

"I feel like I'm looking in a crystal ball," James whispered.

Sirius patted James on the back. "One day, Prongs. One day."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Lily had brought in a chair from the table in the kitchen, sitting it between her and Hestia for Andromeda. James had brought in Harry's old bassinet for Teddy who was sleeping when they began to eat. They put the bassinet near Harry and Ginny to allow Andromeda to have a break and eat in peace. The dining room table sat six comfortably, but since Tonks, Hestia, and Ginny joined their family dinners it was crowded. But now, there was an empty spot where Remus and Tonks would sit.

When they had their family Christmas during Harry's sixth year, Harry and Ginny opted to eat at the table in the kitchen. It allowed them to talk without being overheard by the adults and have conversations without the adults listening. Now, they were able to eat in the dining room. Ginny had commented after Mother's Day she had forgotten the dining room existed.

Hestia started the conversation over lunch by asking Ginny. "So do you think you'll like being home and still attending Hogwarts?"

Ginny nodded as she had just taken a bite of her spaghetti. Once she swallowed she answered, "I think I will."

"Are you still planning on playing Quidditch professionally?" Sirius inquired, passing the basket of bread to Hestia.

"I am." She turned to Harry. "You will never guess what Mum said the other day."

"What?" Harry inquired, after swallowing the bite of bread he had put in his mouth.

"She said she would support me playing Quidditch professionally."

Harry dropped his fork. "Really?" He asked. "Mrs. Quidditch is not a sport for girls has finally come to the dark side?"

James snorted. Sirius laughed.

"She did," Ginny confirmed. "So if I get an offer to play Quidditch she'll be supportive."

"Do you have a team in mind?" Andromeda asked.

"Holyhead," Ginny answered.

"Gwenog mentioned when I spoke to her as she didn't get to go to Hogwarts to see matches, but she remembers yours. How was it she said it? Remember the redhead you brought with your godson, she's good really good."

"I remember her saying something that….."She trailed off. "Where were we?" She asked Harry.

"Slughorn's Christmas party," Harry replied. "That was before he dragged me off to meet someone I can't remember their name."

"Are you still going to be the healer at Hogwarts?" Hestia asked Lily.

Lily nodded, having taken a drink of her iced tea. "My contract isn't up until next year. I can break it and go back to St. Mungo's, but then that puts Minerva in a position where she'll need to find a healer on top of professors."

"I decided officially, I'm not going back," Sirius announced. He smiled at James. "Honey, I'm coming home."

Hestia rolled her eyes as Andromeda shook her head.

"Do you think we could be partners again?" Sirius asked.

"I think so," James replied. "You worked there in the summer, so I don't see how it would be different to how it was before you left….before you left me."

"James enough of the dramatics," Lily sighed.

"Yes, dear," James murmured, hissing 'cut it out' when Sirius made a whip motion with his hand.

"So that's where Ron and Neville learned that," Harry said, softly.

"What was that, babe?" Ginny asked.

"Nothing."

Conversation flowed to Kingsley's swearing-in, the changes he had made already, the laws he had changed, and the trials that would be starting later in the summer. Sirius told Andromeda about the owl he received from Gringotts about the Black estates.

"I can meet you one day this week," She said.

"We can watch Teddy for you if like," Ginny offered.

"Maybe even take some time and run some errands, do some shopping," Harry added. "Whatever you need to get done."

"I'll take you up on the offer, thank you," Andromeda said.

Teddy, who had been snoozing in Harry's old bassinet, started to fuss. Harry stood up, telling Andromeda he would get him so she could continue to eat in peace. To the amusement of James and Sirius, Harry sat down with Teddy, held him in one arm and picked up his fork with his free hand, and continued to eat.

"You've mastered that already," Hestia commented.

"Should have seen Gin the other day," Harry said. "She ate lunch while holding him."

Lily watched her son and Teddy, feeling herself going forward in time. Maybe it was because Teddy changed his hair to match Harry's that made her think this way, but it seemed like every time she saw Harry holding Teddy she had to remind herself that Teddy was Harry's godson. She smiled as watched her son with Teddy and how good he was with him, despite the less than a month Harry had been present in his life.

She felt eyes on her. She looked up to see James looking at her and looking at Harry, smiling softly.

One day this scene at the table would be a reality, one that they thought for a brief moment, they would never have.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

"Present time," James called as Lily began to dish out dessert, James's favorite Apple Tart.

"Wonder how are you going to top Lily's present for Mother's Day," Sirius commented.

Harry summoned the two envelopes and floated them to James and Sirius. They caught them, opening them before Harry could say anything.

Sirius gasped as James exclaimed, "How?"

"I may or may not have contacted Rob from the Department of Magical Games and Sports, who then transferred me to Lou with the British and Irish Quidditch League who might have given me contact information for the manger of the Appleby Arrows," Harry explained. "I told them what big fans you are, thinking they would send back a box of merch or pictures signed by the team for each of you, but then they invited the both of you to meet the team and watch a practice."

James was up first, engulfing his son in a tight embrace. Sirius followed and together the three of them stood by the table in a group hug.

"Thank you, I love you son!" James kissed Harry's cheek as Sirius exclaimed, "You are the best godson I could ask for."

"I'm your only godson," Harry retorted.

"Why do I get the feeling you did more?" Ginny asked.

"Hermione might kill me but I also asked for the Chudley Cannons contact information and they offered the same only I'm taking Ron so Hermione won't need to go as she isn't a Quidditch fan."

"Oh, I can't wait to see the look on Ron's face."

"Why?" Lily asked, confused.

"To make up for his birthday," Harry explained.

"Are they sending the information to you?"

"They did already. I'm delivering it tomorrow," Harry said, smirking.

"You do realize you would be Ron's number one best friend for life after this right?" Ginny asked.

"When do we go?" Sirius asked.

"Later in the month," Harry answered. "I take it you like the present?"

"Like, do we like the present Sirius?" James inquired. "He says do we like the present. We love the present. Thank you, son."

"You're welcome, Happy Father's Day."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Ginny peeked into the family room to find Teddy had fallen asleep on Harry's chest. She was also amused to find Harry had fallen asleep as well. Smiling softly and wanting to remember this moment forever, she picked up the camera Lily had left on the table behind the sofa where Harry and Teddy were laying. She took a few pictures of them sleeping, before returning the camera to its current resting place.

James and Lily had left to go to their parents' respective graves, Sirius and Hestia had left, heading home. Hestia didn't know her father and Sirius… well he didn't even go to his parents' grave at all. He went once….to dance on it.

Andromeda had taken Harry and Ginny up on the offer to keep Teddy for the rest of the day to allow her to get some housework done and maybe a nap.

Once they left, Harry picked up the baby wrap, putting Teddy inside of it. Andromeda had taken him to Tonks and Remus's grave on Mother's Day and Harry decided he would take him Father's Day. Lily had commented it would help make it a tradition for when Teddy was older and Harry wanted to make sure Remus and Tonks were never forgotten.

Ginny went with him to Sainsbury's where they picked out flowers. They ignored the questioning looks they got from people. But the few that worked there knew Harry from coming in with Lily asked, 'Do you have a kid' politely as they could.

"Godson," Harry explained. He didn't need to go into detail. He paid for the flowers, leaving with Ginny as quick as they came.

Once they were out of the store, Harry led Ginny to an alley.

"Sorry buddy," Harry whispered the baby before he apparated with Ginny.

Once they landed in the alley behind the church beside the cemetery, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay, Ted?" Harry asked. Teddy cooed in response.

They kept the visit short, promising to bring Teddy back from time to time, and returned to the alley behind the church to return to the Potter's. Ginny had gone to the loo, flooed the Burrow to let Molly know she was staying longer and was coming into the family room when she saw Harry and Teddy asleep.

She picked up the throw blanket on the back of the loveseat, throwing it over Harry and Teddy making sure not to smother Teddy in it. She folded the top over the baby, kissing the top of his head. Then she leaned over, kissing Harry's forehead, pushing back some hair from his eyes. She couldn't help but reach for the camera again and take one more picture, they were just too cute. She smiled as she returned the camera to the table, watching Harry and Teddy sleep.

She leaned over, kissing Teddy on the head first and then Harry on the forehead. "I love you, my boys."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

James would often think back to Father's Day following the war. While there were families still grieving and he grieved for the loss of Remus and Tonks, he was thankful to still have his son. How close they had become to losing their only son, and how fortunate they were Harry had made it, by some miracle. James couldn't imagine the pain the other families were feeling, he saw it on Arthur's face at Fred's funeral. While his heart went out to him, he was grateful.

He found himself doing what he did that summer after Harry's fourth year. Coming into his son's room and watching him sleep. He didn't stop until Harry had moved out into his own later in the year.

Then over the next few years, he watched as his son married and became a father. With every year that passed, James would look back on Father's Day after the war, one that he could have had no reason to celebrate, but he did. For that his father's heart was grateful.

Happy Father's Day!