Intro note: Hello again! I hope you've been staying healthy and safe ^.^ This chapter is a happy one (and it's also a preview of what Part 2 will be like!) I really enjoyed writing it, and hopefully it brightens your day just a little bit xD
- 3 -
A New Generation
Summer 1980
*.*.*.*
After nearly six hours of labor, Ivy was safely delivered of a baby boy. She heard his strong wail just before losing consciousness. When she came to, James's concerned face was peering down at her. "Are you okay, sweetheart?" he asked, squeezing her hand.
Ivy nodded, but she was in a lot of pain. "Where's Harry?"
"The nurses are cleaning him up. You'll have him in your arms before you know it." He brushed aside the sweaty hair clinging to her forehead. "You did amazing, love. I'm so proud of you."
"It sounds like you're praising me for doing well on an exam."
He smiled. "What you just did is about a thousand times harder than any exam! Even more so because you managed it the Muggle way."
"Is giving birth easier for witches?"
"Yeah. From what I understand, there are spells that speed the labor process along."
Hearing this made Ivy even more upset that she couldn't have gone to a wizarding hospital. They had decided that a small Muggle clinic was the safest option. Even now, there were Order members stationed inside and outside the building.
"I have something for you." James let go of her hand and fetched a paper bag with handles. He pulled out two stoppered vials. "It's from Lily. For healing and pain relief. Best drink them before the nurses come back."
Ivy winced as she sat up. James removed the corks and passed them over. They tasted bitter, but the warmth that spread through her body was a welcome relief. The horrible split open ache began to subside.
"Oh, god, that's good... much better than any drugs we have," she said, falling back on her pillows. "What time is it anyway?"
James glanced at his wristwatch. "Nearly eleven."
It felt later somehow – as though she'd been in that hospital room an entire day instead of a single evening. "The Order must be tired."
He sat in the chair at her bedside and took her hand. "They're fine, love. Nothing that coffee can't fix. You're the one who has a right to be exhausted." He brushed his lips across her knuckles. "I've never seen anyone as brave as you. Godric knows I wouldn't have been able to do it."
Ivy managed a little smile. "Now that would be a sight… a man giving birth."
James laughed. "A horrible sight. Lots of screaming and carrying on."
When the nurses entered a moment later, Sirius was with them. This confused her until she remembered the lie they had told about him being James's brother. As their guard, he needed access to the corridor and hospital room.
And then Harry was placed in her arms and her attention shifted solely to him. His cheeks were flushed and he had a shock of dark hair that curled against his forehead. Tears filled her eyes. "Hello, sweet boy. I'm so happy to see you." Harry gazed back at her with cloudy blue irises, which she was sure would change to a brilliant turquoise when he was older. "That's right, I'm your mummy. You recognize my voice, don't you?" Ivy had never felt such loving protectiveness for anyone before.
Seeing him now – so tiny and vulnerable – made her doubt the prophecy even more. He's just a baby… how can he be the hero who defeats Lord Voldemort? Itdidn't seem possible, and yet they had to safeguard him as though it were true. And oh, how Ivy didn't want it to be true! She didn't want Harry to have an exceptional destiny; she wanted him to be an ordinary little boy whose greatest adventure was going on a camping trip. That's what made sense – that's what he deserved.
James ran a finger over their son's hair. "Welcome to the world, Harry James Potter."
Ivy exchanged a tearful look with her husband.
"Congratulations, Mama and Papa!" Sirius declared, snapping a photo to immortalize the moment.
Harry was then passed to his father. James openly cried as he gazed down at their son. Sirius patted him on the back. "He looks just like you, mate. He'll probably even have the cowlick."
That made them laugh, but it was still an emotionally charged moment. Ivy thought of her own father and how he had shielded her body with his own. She wiped her eyes. I named Harry after you, dad. I wish you and mum were here. But as soon as the thought left her mind, Ivy felt a tingling sensation on her head. She suddenly knew that her parents were there in spirit. It made her feel safe and loved.
"Sirius, will you send a message to Susie for me? I'd like to see her tomorrow before I get released from the hospital."
"Yeah, of course. I can stop by her flat on my way home." When it was his turn to hold Harry, he said, "I'm your godfather Sirius, but you can call me 'Uncle Padfoot' from now on."
James chuckled. "Pads, Harry won't be calling you anything until he can talk."
"Oh, he knows what I mean. Don't you, my little Bertie Bott?" Sirius crooned in a baby voice.
"I'll be right back," James said. "I want to tell Remus the good news!"
Ivy asked the nurse if she could have another visitor. "Yes, but it will have to be quick. You need your rest, Mrs. Potter."
She nodded. "James, bring Remus back with you."
"Sure thing," he replied, hurrying out of the room.
Sirius sat in the vacated chair at her bedside. Harry started to fuss a moment later, so he was handed back to Ivy. The nurse gave her a bottle of formula. "Oh, but I'd like to breastfeed him."
"You can tomorrow. It's easier for newborns to drink from a bottle at first. Go on and see if he takes it."
He managed the feat after only a few seconds. When James returned with Remus, she beckoned him over. "Come and see Harry." His expression softened as he gazed down at the baby. He was the gentlest of James's friends, which she supposed was a bit ironic considering his lycanthropy. But even so, Ivy could never see such a sweet man as dangerous.
Remus touched her son's head. "Hello, Harry. It's nice to meet you." He smiled at Ivy. "He's adorable. Well done, Mummy!"
She beamed up at him. "Thank you." Harry's hand escaped from his blanket and Remus extended his finger. Her son latched onto it right away. "Remus, will you thank Lily for me? Her potions have done wonders."
"Of course I will. Can I bring her by tomorrow morning? I know she'd love to see Harry."
"Yes, please do."
Remus and Sirius stayed another minute before they were shooed away by the nurse.
Harry had just finished with his bottle when Ivy's lids began to close. "James, I'm very tired all of a sudden. Is it a side-effect?"
"Yes, love. Restorative sleep speeds up the healing process."
"Okay. Look after Harry for me," Ivy murmured.
"I will." He pressed a soft kiss to her lips. "And I'll be beside you all night, so you needn't worry about a thing. You're safe, sweetheart."
And with those words, Ivy allowed herself to drift off. She dreamt of her parents smiling down at Harry. James's mother and father were there too. Harry had all four of his grandparents gathered round him in a protective circle. It was just as it should be.
*.*.*
James transferred a sleeping Harry into his baby chair. "Will you carry him, Uncle Padfoot?"
"With pleasure, Papa Prongs."
"God, you two are ridiculous," Ivy said, laughing.
Sirius flashed her a grin. "And you love us for it."
"I do," she agreed.
James draped an arm around his wife and said, "Come on, sweetheart – let's go home."
When they emerged from the hospital a minute later, they discovered a beautiful day waiting for them. The sunshine and fresh air was a welcome change after being cooped up in a small room for nearly twenty-four hours.
They were soon joined by the ginger-haired Prewett twins, who escorted them to the parking lot. "Thanks for keeping a look out," James said, shaking their hands. "We really appreciate it."
"Of course," Fabian replied. "Safe travels home."
"Oh, and congratulations, Mrs. Potter," Gideon added.
Ivy gave them a tired smile. "Thank you. Goodbye, boys."
James unlocked the yellow VW beetle and held the passenger door open for his wife. The car would be their primary mode of transportation until Harry was old enough to travel by Floo or Portkey. The VW had been a present for Ivy, but it was Sirius who would be taking them home today. James threw him the keys and joined his son in the back. He made sure the baby seat was securely strapped in.
"Are you quite sure the flying charm will hold?" Ivy asked in a worried tone.
"Absolutely sure. I've flown this car at least ten times." Sirius patted her shoulder. "Don't be nervous, Ivy. I earned a perfect mark on my Charms exam. Despite appearances, I am a rather brilliant wizard."
"He is, love," James assured her. "Padfoot is even better at Charms than I am. Plus, he's been flying his motorbike for about six months, and nothing has ever gone wrong."
"Okay. Just hurry up before I lose my nerve."
Sirius inserted the key into the ignition. "Any Muggles about?"
James gazed out the back window. "Nope. All clear."
Sirius switched on the invisibility booster and tapped the steering wheel with his wand. Then he pressed lightly on the gas pedal, letting the car hover in the air. When they had risen far above the buildings, Sirius turned the steering wheel until they were facing south east – the direction towards Godric's Hollow.
"Ivy, I'm gonna to start moving now, but I'll go nice and slow since it's your first time." Sirius turned to him and winked. James chuckled at the double entendre.
"Oh, don't be perverted at a time like this," Ivy scolded. She was familiar enough with Padfoot's dirty sense of humor by now.
"Close your eyes, love," James told her. "It won't be as scary for you."
"Go on then. But no faster than fifty!"
"Sure thing, boss." Sirius pressed harder on the pedal and car glided smoothly through the air.
James rolled down his window to enjoy the mild summer breeze against his face. The sky was a gorgeous forget-me-not blue and there wasn't a cloud in sight. "Pads, I want you to teach me how to fly this thing."
"I will, but there's nothing to it. Driving on the ground is a lot harder. Although if I'm being honest, I prefer riding my motorbike on a good country road."
James didn't find Muggle transportation nearly as fascinating as Sirius did. Cars and motorbikes made him nervous. Not to mention that magical travel was far more convenient. Why take hours to get somewhere when you could arrive in under ten seconds? To him, it was a no-brainer.
Thankfully, the car ride took less than fifteen minutes. Ivy breathed a sigh of relief when Sirius touched down in their private lane. "That wasn't so bad," she admitted. "But I don't know if I'll ever get used to being up that high."
"It's much safer though, since there's no traffic," Sirius reminded her.
"Yes, that's true. Thank you for driving, err, I mean flying us home."
He smiled at Ivy. "You're welcome, Mama. I'm always happy to be of service."
James glanced down at their son, who was still fast asleep. He unbuckled his seatbelt and said, "I'll be right back." James threw on his invisibility cloak before opening the car door. He stood in front of their cottage and murmured the incantations to remove the protective wards. Then he hurried back to the car.
Sirius turned into their driveway, opened the garage with a wave of his wand, and pulled the VW inside. "I'll help with your bags." He even offered to make them lunch.
"Thanks, Pads, but I can manage. You've been with us for nearly a whole day. You need to get back home to Marlene and Silas."
"Well, if you're sure… send me an owl if you need anything."
"Will do." James gave him a hug and Ivy pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"Bye, Harry," Sirius whispered, touching his tiny hand.
The Potters watched him leave. Once he'd Disapparated, James locked the door and put the wards back in place. When he turned around, he spotted Juniper investigating Harry's chair. She meowed up at James as though asking: 'who is this little person?'
He reached down to rub between her ears. "Junie, this is Harry. He'll be living with us from now on." The calico cat gave the baby another curious sniff before joining Ivy on the couch.
"Would you like some lunch, sweetheart?" he asked his wife.
"Yes, please."
James went into the kitchen to whip up some ham and cheese sandwiches. He added a brownie to each plate (courtesy of Susie), poured out two tall glasses of milk, and arranged everything on a tray. He carried their food back to the living room, where they ate in companionable silence.
"I'm so glad to be home," Ivy said, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Yesterday was so long and miserable… I thought it would never end."
James rubbed her arm. "I know, love. The worst is over now."
They drowsed on the couch until Harry woke them with a cry. James used a cleaning spell to change his nappy, but he continued to fuss. "He's probably hungry," Ivy said. "I'll take him out in the garden."
James went ahead of her to set up the lounge chair and umbrella. Ivy settled down with their son and tried to breastfeed him. Harry latched on after a few tries. "It feels strange," she said, making a face.
"Strange in a bad way?" James asked.
"No, but it's sort of uncomfortable. I'll need to use that pump when Harry's done. The nurse told me that my breasts will be sore if they get too full of milk. And I don't want to get an infection either."
He shook his head. "Blimey, you women don't have it easy, do you?"
She laughed. "That's an understatement!"
James summoned a chair and sat beside his wife. "Harry's a good eater."
"He is." Ivy ran a finger across his round cheek. "Our darling boy."
Sitting there in the warm sunshine with the birds singing in the trees filled James with a happy contentment. The world seemed a glorious place. On a day like this, one could almost forget about the war. He wanted to memorize everything about this perfect, shining moment.
Harry drifted off after his meal. Ivy looked knackered too, so James suggested they go upstairs for a nap. They put Harry in his crib, switched on the baby monitor, and headed for their own bedroom down the hall. Ivy was asleep within minutes, but James lay there for a while – just holding her close – and listening to her soft, steady breaths. He must have drifted off though, because Harry's insistent cries startled him awake. Ivy stirred too, but James told her that he would tend to him.
He lifted him carefully from the crib, making sure to support his wobbly neck. "Hush now – your papa is here," he said in a soothing tone. "Let's take care of this dirty diaper."
Harry didn't stop crying until he was clean and wrapped back up in his blanket. James sat in the rocking chair by the window. It was still light outside, but the sun was partially obscured by clouds. Harry made smacking noises with his mouth indicating that he was hungry. James summoned a bottle of milk from the fridge and caught it with his free hand as it sped towards him.
"Here you are, my boy." James watched his son while he ate. Harry's brow was furrowed in concentration and he kept waving his tiny fist around. James smiled. "Are you trying to catch the Snitch, my little Seeker?" He could easily envision his twelve-year-old son zipping around the Quidditch pitch – his untidy black hair being blown about by the wind.
Harry was still awake even after finishing his bottle, so James summoned a battered copy of Quidditch Through the Ages. "This was my favorite book as a young boy," he told him. "It might be a bit dense for a newborn, but let's see how we get on." James skipped to chapter six and read about Quaffles. Harry gazed up at him, listening intently to his voice. "You seem quite keen. Perhaps you really will be a Quidditch star." He continued reading until Harry nodded off. James pressed a kiss to his son's forehead. "Sweet dreams, my little Seeker," he whispered.
*.*.*
Remus and his father set up a white marquee in the front yard. The Lupins were hosting a baby celebration for Harry and Neville. Most of the guests would be arriving by Portkey, except for the Potters and the Longbottoms, who were traveling by flying car.
He inflated the multi-colored balloons while Lyall used his wand to arrange some red streamers across the tent's ceiling. Once the decorations were up, Remus stepped out into the August sunshine. The Welsh valley looked especially beautiful today – lush and green, with fleecy white clouds drifting lazily across the sky.
Remus made his way back to the farmhouse. As soon as he stepped through the door, the sweet aroma of vanilla and lemon filled his nostrils. He headed for the kitchen, where his wife and mother were preparing a two-tier yellow cake. Remus leaned against the doorframe and watched Lily apply the white frosting with a few waves of her wand. Then it was Hope's turn to work her own kind of Muggle magic. His mother used a piping bag to write 'Welcome Harry and Neville' in light blue frosting across the top. She also added a few clusters of blue and yellow roses.
"It looks fantastic," he praised, kissing them on the cheek.
Lily glanced at the wall clock. "We should probably go and change now." Their guests were set to arrive in less than an hour.
They went up to his childhood bedroom to put on their party clothes. For Remus, that consisted of a collared shirt and a nice pair of trousers. Lily chose a sage green prairie dress printed with white roses. It was ankle length and had a ruffled shoulder overlay.
"Will you zip me up?" Lily asked, pulling her long hair aside. Remus bent his head and pressed his lips to the nape of her neck. "Mmm, that's nice. But don't try to seduce me, Remus. We still have a lot to do."
He chuckled as he zipped up the dress. "Sorry, love. I couldn't resist," Remus replied, tying the back of her sash.
Lily walked over to the wardrobe mirror. "I just need to do something with this hair… maybe a plait?"
"I can do it for you," he offered. Remus had got quite good at hair plaiting during their two years of marriage.
She smiled at him. "Thank you, darling."
They sat down on the bed and Remus set to work. "Would you like a braid crown?" he asked, combing through her auburn tresses. It smelled glorious – like orange blossoms and honey.
"Yes, I'd like that."
Remus made two separate plaits and then summoned bobby pins to secure the crown in place. "There. Now all we need are some white flowers. We can head down to the garden and see what's in bloom."
Lily turned to face him, draped her arms loosely about his neck, and drew him into a slow kiss.
"Are you trying to seduce me now?" Remus asked, smiling.
"No. I just wanted to thank my husband for being so wonderful." She kissed him once more and then stood up. Lily slipped her feet into two-inch wedge sandals and said, "Come on, Remus. Let's get to work."
He put on his cleanest pair of converse all stars and followed her downstairs. Lily returned to the kitchen to make the potato and green bean salad. Remus carried the plates of raw meat outside, where his father was lighting the grill. Lyall's gray hairs shone silver in the sunlight. Surely he didn't have so many last year? Remus thought, feeling a pang. He had a feeling his dangerous job was partially to blame.
"Perfect timing! Why don't you do the chicken kebabs and I'll make the hamburgers?"
"Sure, dad." They cooked the Muggle way because magic tended to scorch the meat or make it too dry. Not that Remus minded; it gave them a chance to catch up. They briefly talked about work before switching to the more pleasant topic of books.
"It's nice having you here," Lyall said during a lull in the conversation. "I know you like having your own space, but your mum and I wish you would move back home. With the way things are… well, it would be a load off our minds knowing that you and Lily are safe. Plus, we'd love to see you every day. In times like these, family is more important than ever."
Remus agreed with that last bit. "I'll talk it over with Lily."
He patted him on the back. "Good man. And if privacy is the issue, we could always add another house to the property. We have more than enough land for it."
"Hey, that's a pretty good idea."
"I do have them every now and then," Lyall joked. "But what do you think? Would you ever consider moving back?"
"Yeah, and I reckon Lily would too. She loves staying here. She's always telling me how much it feels like home."
Lyall's smile softened the careworn lines etched on his face. "I'm glad to hear that, son. Then I'll go ahead and contact a few wizard architects. Just to get an estimate, mind. No decisions will be made unless you and Lily agree."
"Let me know what the figures are. We have some savings put away."
"Nonsense! It would be our gift to you." Remus didn't have a chance to object because his father changed the subject. "This meat should be just about ready. Here, pass me those buns."
Remus handed him the bag. "Would it be terrible if I ate a hamburger before our guests arrive?"
His father laughed. "No, go on! I'll have one myself."
He snagged a cheeseburger off the plate and finished it in only a few bites. They brought the food to the marquee, where Lyall encased the plates with a bubble charm to keep the heat in. Hope and Lily brought out vases of flowers for the table. Remus snagged some white blooms from the arrangement and wove them into his wife's hair.
"What time is it, Remus?" she asked.
"Nearly three o'clock. The Portkeys are set to arrive soon."
Lily threaded her fingers through his. "Let's head down to the pond."
Sirius, Marlene, and Silas were the first to arrive. The ten-month-old baby was strapped in one of those carrying slings and wailing frantically. "Oh, no! The Portkey must have scared him." Lily hurried towards Marlene and Silas.
"I think he wants out of there," Sirius pointed out. "Here, I'll take him."
Silas's cries did lessen once he was out of the sling. Lily smoothed the light brown curls from his forehead. "Poor little Sy." When he saw his godmother, he gave a whimper and held out his chubby arms. Lily took him from Sirius, settling the baby on her hip. "You're all right, angel," she crooned, kissing his pink cheek. "Don't worry – Auntie Lily is here."
Remus smiled at them. Lily would certainly make a wonderful mother someday.
"Is Susie here yet?" Marlene asked.
"No. Should be any minute now," Remus replied.
Sirius chuckled. "Traveling by Portkey will be an interesting experience for her."
"She'll probably fall over. You better catch her, Sirius," Marlene added. "Be a gentleman."
"When am I anything else?"
Marlene gave a snort of laughter. They continued to trade barbs back and forth. When Susie appeared suddenly, Remus was the one closest to her. He caught Susie's arm to prevent her from stumbling. "You okay?" Remus asked, peering down at the petite brunette. Her face was a greenish gray, which did not bode well.
Susie shook her head and dashed towards a clump of bushes. To Remus's surprise, Sirius went after her. He even rubbed Susie's back while she vomited. This tender display confirmed what Remus had long suspected. Padfoot fancies her. And Susie Granger was about the only girl who wouldn't fall for his animal magnetism either. He almost felt sorry for Sirius – until he remembered the trail of broken hearts that his mate had left scattered throughout the United Kingdom. Liking someone unattainable might be good for him, Remus decided.
Sirius helped her up and then draped a steadying arm around her shoulders. "Come on, love, I'll take you back to the house. You can have a lie down."
"I'm fine," Susie said weakly, although she didn't have the energy to resist. "I need to clean my teeth, but do wizards even have any mouthwash?"
"My mum does," Remus called out, trying to suppress a grin.
"You hear that, Susie dear? I'll ask Hope to fetch some for you," Marlene said. "And while you're resting, I'll whip up an anti-nausea draught. You'll feel better in no time."
The trio made their way towards the house. Lily stayed behind with Silas, who was taking in the new landscape with his big brown eyes. A yellow butterfly flitted overhead, and the baby pointed at it, squealing.
"That's a butterfly, precious. Bud-der-fly," Lily said, sounding out each syllable.
"Buhh!" he shouted.
"Aren't you a clever boy," she praised, planting another kiss on Silas's cheek.
Peter was the next to arrive. Remus gave his mate a hug. He hadn't seen him for almost a fortnight. "How have you been, Pete?" he asked.
"Fine, I s'pose. Same as always, really. Nothing exciting ever happens at The Leaky Cauldron."
A boring job sounded like bliss to Remus, though he didn't say so. He knew that Peter still hadn't got over being rejected by the Auror training program.
"If you'd like to change jobs, I can put in a good word for you at Magical Transportation." It was one of the easiest departments to get into.
"Thanks for the offer, but I reckon my mum wouldn't like it," Peter replied sullenly. "She's convinced that Death Eaters are going to attack the ministry one of these days."
Remus thought there was a better chance of violence at The Leaky Cauldron or even in Diagon Alley, but he kept that observation to himself. There was no point in worrying him.
"Okay. Let me know if you ever change your mind."
Lily came over to say hello and Peter greeted Silas by ruffling his curly hair. The baby started tugging at Lily's dress a minute later. "Ba-ba," he whined.
"Are you hungry, Sy? Let's go find your mama then."
Remus and Peter sat by the pond and talked until a stag Patronus bounded towards them. "We're waiting out in the lane," it said in James's voice.
He conjured his wolf Patronus and said, "I'll be right there, mate," before sending it off. "Why don't you head back, Pete? They'll be driving through once I lift the wards. You can meet the car there."
"Okay." Peter stood up and brushed off the seat of his trousers.
Remus jogged down the long drive. When he emerged from the trees, he spotted the yellow VW beetle halfway down the dirt road. He removed the protective enchantments and waved them through. Ivy leaned out the window as they passed by. "Thank you, Remus! See you in a few!"
He cast the protective wards again and took his time walking back to the house. They were unloading the car when he arrived. Peter's face lit up as he hugged James. The resentful heartbreak of last year seemed to have gone. Then Peter kissed Ivy's cheek and smiled down at Harry, who was sleeping soundly in his baby chair. "Look, it's a mini Prongs!"
James beamed with pride. "Yeah, but I reckon I was never that angelic."
Remus went over to the Longbottoms, who were five years older than the marauders. Alice was a former Hufflepuff with a friendly face, honey-colored hair, and a small gap between her two front teeth. Frank looked like one of the Beatles (circa 1964) with his thick mop of brown hair and dark, twinkling eyes. He had been a Gryffindor Prefect, and as such, had been on very familiar terms with James, Sirius, and Remus even before they'd joined the Auror department.
The Longbottoms lived in a grand manor house on the edge of the Yorkshire moors. Remus and Lily had been invited to their estate earlier that year for Frank's birthday. His wife had dubbed it 'Misselthwaite Manor,' and had been very disappointed to learn that no, they did not have a secret garden. He could still remember Lily's response.
"Oh, what a shame! Just think how lovely a walled garden would be for your children to play in." The image had charmed the Longbottoms so much that they promised to build one by the following spring. Lily was eagerly anticipating the garden's unveiling.
Remus gazed down at Neville, who had his mother's round face and button nose. The baby was nearly bald, with only the faintest blond fuzz on his head – and unlike Harry – he was wide awake. "Neville's very sweet, Alice. Congratulations," he said, kissing her cheek.
"Thanks, Remmy. Are you managing at work without me?"
He flashed her a grin. "Trying to, but we all miss your sense of humor."
"You won't have to miss me for long, pet. I'll be back next week." Remus allowed Alice to use these cutesy nicknames on account of her being like an older sister to him.
Ivy came up for hug. "It's absolutely gorgeous here! So peaceful and idyllic – the perfect place to raise children."
"It is," he agreed. An image of a little girl with Lily's bright hair popped into his mind. Remus smiled. How wonderful that would be.
*.*.*
Sirius hurried after Silas, who was heading for the marquee. He managed to scoop up the baby just as he was reaching for the tablecloth. "Sy, are you trying to pull down the plates?" The boy gave a whine of dismay at being thwarted. "You're going to be such a troublemaker at school," Sirius declared, smiling. He might not be Silas's birth father, but he would try his hardest to make sure the boy didn't grow up as a follower of rules.
He brought Silas to the picnic blanket where James, Ivy, and Susie were lounging. As soon as he put him down, Silas crawled over to Harry's chair and peered in at the baby.
"What do you reckon, Padfoot? Will our sons be best mates too?" James asked, grinning up at him.
"Course they will," Sirius replied, feeling a pang for deceiving James about Silas's parentage. Then again, there is something rather poetic about a Potter and a Snape being friends, he mused. Maybe this next generation can right all our wrongs.
He plopped down beside Susie. "Feeling any better, Granger?"
"Yes, thanks to Marlene." A blush colored her cheeks. "You'll never let me forget about that humiliating display, will you?"
Sirius let out a bark of laughter. "Probably not, but don't be embarrassed. It was your first experience with magical travel. Side along apparition is much better. I can take you home tonight if you'd like."
"Or Marlene could," she replied, a look of challenge in her dark blue eyes.
Sirius knew it was her way of keeping him at a distance. It bothered him, but he tried to act nonchalant. "Sure, as long as she's up for it. Sy's usually cranky in the evenings though."
"Susie, isn't your niece Hermione around the same age as Silas?" Ivy asked.
"Yes, and she's crawling all over place too! I wouldn't be surprised if she starts walking before her first birthday." Susie continued to brag about her niece for at least a minute.
Sirius liked it when she smiled – sure, her teeth were on the big side – but there was nothing more attractive than an enthusiastic grin on the face of a pretty girl. He found himself smiling back at her.
Susie caught him staring. "What?"
He shook his head. "Nothing. You're just cute, is all."
Ivy swatted his arm. "Sirius Black, will you kindly stop flirting with my friend?"
Sirius gave her a wink. "Never, Mrs. Potter. And if you're not careful, I'll flirt with you too."
She swatted him again, but James only laughed. "Asking Sirius to stop flirting is like asking a nun to stop praying. It's never gonna happen, love."
Sirius laughed again. "Nice analogy, Prongs," he said, holding up his hand for a high-five.
"Oh, you two! You'll be terrible influences on Harry and Silas," Ivy huffed, although she couldn't keep the smile from her face.
James seemed to enjoy her scolding – probably because Dorea Potter had never once scolded her beloved boy – but Walburga Black (he refused to call that woman his 'mother') had railed on him constantly for being such a failure. That's probably why he couldn't tolerate criticism of any kind.
Sirius stood up. "Time for a smoke break."
"Can I tag along?" Susie asked.
"Sure, love. Be my guest."
She smoothed the back of her mod style minidress. Susie's long, pin-straight hair further added to her retro charm. She wasn't his usual type (Sirius preferred experienced women with big breasts and brazen personalities), although there was something quite appealing about Susie's sweet disposition. He knew very well that she was too good for him – that she was the settling down type, which he wasn't at all ready for. But knowing this didn't prevent him from developing a crush on her.
"I wouldn't have pegged you for a smoker," he said as they walked towards the woods.
"I only started recently to be sociable with the girls at work." She brushed the fringe from her eyes. "And the fact that it annoys my older brother might be an added bonus."
Sirius laughed. "A secret rebel! That's surprising."
"He's just always going on and on about how awful it is for oral hygiene. Robert is a dentist, you see. He wants me to give up sweets too, which I find maddening."
"Yeah, I can't stand people who try to run my life. My parents were like that, so I get it."
"I mean, don't get me wrong – I love my brother, but I've got to make my own decisions. My dad died when I was seven. That's why Robert is so protective of me," she explained.
"How old was your brother when your father died?"
"Nearly eighteen. He was supposed to go to a four-year university, but he switched to a dental school instead. Robert needed a solid career to help with our living expenses. My mum had to work two jobs just to pay the bills." She shook her head. "God, that was a rough time."
"I'm sorry, Susie. That's a lot for a seven-year-old to handle."
"Yeah, but that's life I suppose. Tragedy doesn't wait until we're prepared – it just throws us into the deep end, and we either sink or we swim. Robert kept our heads above water, so I can put up with a little scolding every now and then. At least it comes from a place of love, you know?"
"Yeah, I see what you mean. Your brother sounds like a great man."
She smiled softly. "He is. I might bitch about him sometimes, but Robert is the backbone of our family. I don't know where I'd be without him. He's the one who paid my tuition for cosmetology school."
"Speaking of that, how's the hair stylist life treating you?"
"Oh, it's great! I'm really enjoying it. You should stop by the salon sometime. I'll give you a trim."
"Only if you promise not to cut off too much. I prefer my hair long."
She glanced over at him. "I agree – the style does suit you."
It was the closest she'd ever come to complimenting him. "Thanks. I might take you up on your offer. Perhaps next week."
When they got to the edge of the woods, Sirius held open a pack of Lucky Strike's. She took one between her slim fingers and he used his gold zippo to light it for her. Susie's pouty lips closed around the tip and sucked in. The sight was so unexpectedly erotic that he imagined pushing her against a tree and snogging her senseless. I bet she'd turn into a right little vixen too… she might even be the type who makes a lot of noise when she loses control. Fuck, will you stop thinking about it?! Sirius looked away from her mouth and focused on lighting his own cigarette. The nicotine settled him down at least.
Susie was the first one to break the silence. "Sirius, are you ever scared for James and Ivy?"
He blew out a plume of smoke. "Every bloody day."
"Me too. I've been with Ivy since primary school. She's like my sister. I just can't imagine my life without her," Susie said, her voice wavering.
Sirius rested his free hand on her shoulder. "I know. It's the same with me and James. But we're doing all we can to keep them safe."
"Sometimes I hate your world for pulling Ivy and Harry into this mess. Maybe that's unfair of me to say, but it's the truth."
"I don't blame you for feeling that way. Even I think it's messed up."
They finished their cigarettes in silence.
"Sorry for unloading on you like that," Susie said as they headed back towards the party. "I've been wanting to talk about it for a while now, and I figured you'd understand since James is your best mate."
"Hey, don't apologize. I'll always hear you out. I don't even mind if you bitch about something mundane like the old biddy at the salon who hated her perm," he added, attempting to lighten the mood.
Susie broke into peals of laughter. When her mirth subsided, she grinned over at him and said, "You're not so bad, Sirius Black."
He slung a companionable arm across her shoulders. "Neither are you, Miss Granger. In fact, I'd say we make a pretty good team."
"Hmm, I wouldn't go that far."
"You wound me!" He clutched his heart theatrically. "And here I thought I was starting to win you over."
She gave him a little smile. "Perhaps you are. Only time will tell."
Sirius felt a surge of fondness for Susie. It was a warm sensation – like coming in from the cold. Maybe she'll give me a chance when all this is over. Sirius would hold onto the idea of better days ahead… of a future that wasn't dark or empty or lonely… a future where they could all start living again.
Closing note: Thanks for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter :D What do you think about Susie Granger? I probably won't update again until January, so I wish you all a wonderful 2020 ^.^ Take care of yourselves! Love, D
