A/N: Okay, time to explain a little bit… in my mind, when "James awoke with a start" it was in July… but Lily went to visit Dumbledore (and Catherine Lestrange was captured) back in November (around the time of their anniversary).  I should have clarified the passage of time better… sorry for any confusion!

Anyways, now it's time for the arrival of everyone's favourite bundle of joy… Harry Potter! (who I by no means own, so don't sue me!) hehehehe

Chapter 24: Harry Potter

"Oh, god!  Are you sure?"  James threw the covers aside as he spoke, leaping out of bed and hurriedly throwing clothes on.

"Quite sure, James.  It's not a false labor, not this time."  Lily forced a laugh.  Two weeks earlier, to the day, on July 17, Lily and James had made their first trip to the hospital, only to leave empty handed, and a bit embarrassed.

"Have we got everything?" James asked, trying to keep a level head.

"The bag is right there, no! Don't trip on it!"  Lily shook her head and giggled as James accidentally walked right into her hospital bag.  "Scarlet has been sent, so Sirius and everyone will know to meet us there."

"Jesus, Lil.  How long were you going to let me wait before waking me?"

"Can we discuss this later? I'd rather go now… besides, the contra- aahhh!"

"What? What is it?" James rushed to Lily's side and took her in his arms.  She was breathing very heavily, trying to use the different breathing techniques she had learned, but not doing so well at it.

"I… need… drugs… do… you… under… stand?"  Lily was now wringing his collar.

"Well, I suppose that's our cue to leave," James muttered before disapparating.

By the time Lily and James arrived at the hospital, Sirius was already there (and pacing around like a madman) along with Jem, Remus, Peter, and Aaron (who was sitting in one of the chairs doing a puzzle). 

Other than tonight, and the similar scenario two weeks prior, the past few months had been fairly kind to the 5 friends.  While Voldemort had been gaining support, nothing he did seemed to directly affect anyone in the Potters' circle of friends.  Jem and Sirius had finalized wedding plans (festivities to take place in September), Aaron was happier than ever before, with a real family now, and even friends (other children from magical families), Peter was always busy helping out his friend Augustus at the Ministry, and even Remus had settled back into every day life.  James had continued to do his research experiments in the lab he built in his basement, and Lily kept her word to Dumbledore and visited Victoria as often as she could.  Now, with this birth, things were really beginning to come together.

James was still carrying Lily in his arms as he rushed past their friends and made his way to the nurses' station.  "Hello? Anyone alive back there?" he called.

"James, calm down," Sirius said, walking up behind him.

"I think it's time James… Do something…" Lily said, tears filling her emerald eyes.

A nurse suddenly appeared with a wheelchair for Lily.  "Set her down here, please," she requested. 

James did as he was told, but refused to let go of his wife's hand. He looked up at Sirius and everyone else, smiled slightly, and said, "I'll be back soon," before he was led away by the nurse.

Lily was crying and grabbing onto the cuff of James's sleeve.  "James, it hurts, make it stop! Please tell them to make it stop!"

James was very worried about Lily, and upset with the nurse for not doing anything.  "Aren't you going to help her?" he exclaimed.

"The doctor will be right in," the nurse curtly told him. She then closed the door to the delivery room.

A second later, a very familiar face entered the room with a loud pop.  "Dr. Voyles! Finally!" James said.

Dr. Voyles had a large grin on his face.  "And how are we feeling, Lily?"

"Not so good.  It really hurts, a lot," she cried.

"Well, how about taking a sip of this," Voyles said, summoning a small goblet and offering it to Lily.  "It's just a potion to ease your pain and accelerate the birthing process."

Lily grabbed the goblet from his hand and drank it down in one gulp.  From the moment it past her lips, she began to feel a great deal better.  "Thank you so much, Dr. Voyles," she sighed happily.  James was very thankful too.  Now that Lily was no longer in such pain, he could take his nearly broken hand back.

"Well, now that that is taken care of, let's have a look and see how close we are," Voyles said to the couple.  After examining Lily he told her that she wasn't quite ready yet, but that it should take place rather soon.  He then left the room to give Lily and James some privacy.

"James, your hand, are you ok?"

"It's fine. Nothing that a trip to the nurses' station won't heal," he said lightly.  Lily giggled.  "What's so funny?"

"I can barely feel anything below my waist," Lily said, giggling again.  "Is that ok?"

James couldn't help but smile.  "I think that just means that the potion is working."

Dr. Voyles returned 20 minutes later to check on Lily.  It seemed that he walked in just in time, for the potion was beginning to wear off, or so Lily thought.  In reality, all that was going on was that the baby was ready to be delivered.

"Once more push, Lily.  That's it, just one more and that'll be all, I promise," Dr. Voyles told her.

"Come on, baby. You can do it," James said encouragingly, despite the fact that Lily was nearly breaking his hand again.

"I- hate- you- James- Potter!  Never- touch- me- again!" Lily was saying through clenched teeth.

James looked very hurt and concerned.  The nurse in the room noticed this and smiled.  "Don't worry about it," she whispered.  "They all say that."  She then winked at James, who nodded nervously.

"That's it, Lily, that's it…" Voyles was saying. 

There was silence for a moment that seemed like an eternity, and then it was suddenly shattered by the cry of a baby.

"You have a son!" Voyles declared.

"How's he look?" Lily whispered.  She didn't have the strength to sit up any more, and had since fallen back onto the delivery table.

"Perfect," James said, grinning from ear to ear.  "Can I hold him?"

"Certainly you can," the nurse said, smiling.  She handed the small baby, now bundled in a blue blanket, to James.

"He has your eyes," James whispered.

Lily opened her eyes and looked at her new child.  "He has your nose…"  She held her arms out for the baby, and James carefully handed him to her. 

"Have you decided on a name?" Voyles asked.

Lily and James both nodded.  "Harry," they said at the same time.

"Our little Harry Potter," Lily sighed, tickling the baby's chin.

Dr. Voyles returned to check on the new family.  "How is everyone?  Lily, do you feel alright?"

"I couldn't be better," she told him, smiling her winning smile.

"I'm glad to hear it."  He then turned to James.  "James, you might want to go out to the waiting room and inform your friends of the birth.  They're all growing rather anxious as I refused to say anything, assuming that you would prefer to be the one to tell them the news."

James broke into a wide grin.  "I'll be right back."  He kissed Lily's forehead and then Harry's, and rushed out of the room.

It turns out that not only had Sirius returned to pacing around the room, but Remus, and even Peter now joined him.  The three kept knocking into each other, as they were all on different courses.  Jem was now sitting and playing with Aaron, although it was obvious that her attentions were elsewhere.  When James appeared though, everyone froze and looked up at him expectantly.

"Everything is fine.  Lily did great, the baby is beautiful and healthy… he has Lily's eyes."

"And?" Jem prodded.

"Harry.  Harry James Potter."  James tried, but for some reason he just couldn't wipe the grin off of his face.  "I have a son!"

Everyone rushed over to James.  Sirius slapped him on the back, Peter shook his hand, Remus patted his shoulder, and Jem hugged him.  Everyone was congratulating him.

"Where's Miss Lily?" Aaron asked quietly.

"She's still in the room with the baby," James answered.

"Can we see her?"

"I- I don't know.  Let me check, ok?"

Aaron nodded, as did everyone else.  "Hurry though, we want to see the kid!" Sirius winked.

James returned barely two minutes later and gestured for everyone to follow him.  He led them down a hallway and into the room where Lily was sitting up in bed holding a little blue bundle in her arms.

"Hi," Lily said quietly, the smile never disappearing from her face.

Jem rushed to her side and gently brushed the hair away from Lily's eyes.  "You look really good," she said.  "And so do you!" she practically squeaked at the baby.  "You are both so lucky…"

"Don't hog him," Sirius said.  "Let's all have a look."

"Sirius, hush!" Jem hissed.  "He's sleeping…" she now had a dreamy sort of expression on her face that made Lily giggle.

"Do you want to hold him?" she offered.

Jem's face lit up.  "Of course!"  She very carefully took Harry from his mother's arms and cradled him in her own.  "Look at you," she whispered.  "You're darling little face, and those hands.  Look at the little toes!"

Sirius, Remus, James and Peter all rolled their eyes.  "Women," Remus muttered, causing James and Peter to snicker.

"What was that?" Lily asked, pretending to be very annoyed.

"Nothing," Remus responded quickly.  "Can I see the baby now?"

"Just be careful with him, Remus," James said, punching his shoulder lightly.

Jem handed Harry to Remus, who seemed to melt instantly.  "This one's gonna be just like you, James, I just know it…" 

James grinned proudly.  "I certainly hope so."  This, however, cause Lily to roll her eyes.

"How about letting his godfather have a go, huh?  A little respect is definitely missing for the most important person in the kid's life," Sirius declared.

"Right," Lily smiled.  "How foolish of us."

Remus bounced the baby over to Sirius, whose face also softened the second he held Harry in his arms.  "Okay, listen to me, Harry.  I am your godfather, and nothing will ever change that.  When your mum and dad are being annoying, you come to me and I'll handle it, ok?  Deal?"  Sirius gently shook Harry's hand.  "Good."  He was now grinning as well.

"How about giving him back to his dad," James said, extending his arms out to take Harry in them once again.

"Yeah, sure, I guess. It's not like you can't hold him any old time that you want," Sirius teased. "And what about Peter? He hasn't gotten to give little Harry here a proper hello!"

"Th-that's alright, Sirius. I'm n-not so good with babies," Peter stammered.

"If you're sure," James said. Peter nodded. "Then back to daddy with you," James grinned.

Just then a nurse entered the room. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but visiting hours are over. Anyone who isn't a new mum or dad, or baby, needs to leave."

"Couldn't we just have a few more minutes?" Remus asked.

"Mother and baby need their rest," the nurse insisted. "They should be ready to go home tomorrow though, so I'm sure you can all continue to celebrate then."

"Thank you," Lily told her. She then turned to look at everyone else. "Thanks for coming, and we will see you all tomorrow, I'm sure."

In truth, Lily was grateful for the nurse shooing everyone out of the room. She was very tired after her long day, and wanted some time alone with Harry and James.

The following morning, Lily was feeling very excited about returning home with Harry. "Do you think he'll like the nursery?" she asked James nervously. "Maybe we should have changed the colour of the wall paper back to the light green…"

James smiled. "Everything is going to be fine. I'm sure Harry will be perfectly happy at home with us. I mean, honestly, who wouldn't, Lil?" Lily laughed lightly, which pleased James since that's what he had been hoping to do. "Besides, he'll be in our room for the first few weeks anyhow, so we can gradually introduce him to the rest of the house."

"You're right, I know you're right. I'm just being silly, aren't I? Mummy is being a silly girl, yes she is!" Lily said to Harry, who was gurgling happily.

Suddenly, the smile on Lily's face faded and a confused expression took its place. "James?"

"Hmm?"

"How are we getting home?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, we can't apparate with Harry…"

James smiled. "Oh! Don't worry about that. I've arranged it. We're being picked up by a Ministry car. Should be here any minute."

Sure enough, within five minutes time, the Potters found themselves in the back of a Ministry car on their way home. James sat with his arm around Lily, who was holding Harry, who was fast asleep from the moment the car door closed.

Lily was very relieved to be home once again.  Beyond that, she was ecstatic to find that Jem had been kind enough to prepare several meals for her and James and left them in the freezer.  Lily and James both smiled when they saw that there was a banner hanging in the living room that said "Welcome Home Harry!" flashing in bright red and gold letters.  On either side, there was a Gryffindor lion. 

"Don't you think they're getting a little ahead of themselves?" Lily smiled.

"It's never too early!  You think our son wouldn't be in Gryffindor?  After all, he is already on the list for Hogwarts…"

"I know, I know," Lily sighed.  She then lifted Harry out of his carriage and showed the banner to him.  "See?  Everyone is very excited about you!  They're already trying to teach you school spirit and House pride!"  Harry just yawned and wiggled a little.  Lily smiled.  "I'm going to go lie down with him for a while, I think.  I feel fatigued…"

"And understandably so.  I'll be up shortly to check on you, just need to pop into the lab and get a bit done."

Over the course of the next week, Lily and James found that they had to readjust their lives to make even more room for Harry.  After a few days though, they got used to his schedule for feedings and sleeping, somehow managing to change their own habits to match his.

Lily woke up early on the morning of August 7th and quickly got dressed.  No sooner had she buttoned her blouse though than Harry started to cry.  "I guess it's time for your breakfast, huh, little guy?" she said.  Lily reached down into Harry's cradle and lifted him up, carrying him over to a chair by the window.  "Let's try not to wake daddy up though, he's had a long night."  She then undid her blouse, readjusted herself, and began to feed the baby.

"Morning," James said groggily.

Lily smiled. "I didn't think you were up yet.  Sorry."

James yawned.  "It's ok. What time is it?"

"Nearly half-eight."

"What are you doing up so early?"

"I'm taking Harry to meet Gran today, remember?"

"Mmm hmm.  That's right, sorry."  He yawned again.  "He eating alright?"

"Yeah, he's a hungry little man this morning, aren't you?"

James sat up and smiled.  He reached over for his glasses.  "You really are beautiful, you know that?"

"James, shut up." Lily laughed.  "I'm half dressed and have a baby attached to me.  That does not make anyone beautiful."

"I think that's where you're wrong.  You look wonderful right now."

Lily blushed slightly. "Well, thank you."  Before she could say anything else though, Harry started to cry again.  "All finished, are we?  I'd better get him ready.  We're to be there in 20 minutes."  Lily stood up, Harry still held tightly in her arms, and walked over to James.  "Hold him for a minute so I can fix myself up?"

"I'll even get him ready to go for you," he winked.

"Why are you so good to me?" Lily joked.

"Just lucky, I guess!  Now, come on Harry, daddy's going to get you dressed.  You've got an excitingly boring day-"

"James!"

"Ahead of you!"  James grinned as he carried Harry out of their room and into the nursery to get him ready.

It took some time, but eventually Lily was ready along with Harry and his baby bag.  Once the goodbyes were said, Lily carried Harry out into the taxi that was waiting for them.  She would have to travel by floo powder to get to the Palace, and since their fireplace was not connected to the floo network, this involved going over to Jem & Sirius's house to use theirs.

Lily and Harry finally made it to the Palace of the Prophets, only about 15 minutes late.  Victoria was standing by the fireplace in her office waiting for them, with a warm smile lighting up her face.  "Lily, my dear child," Victoria said as Lily materialized in the fireplace.  "And this must be our little miracle," she said softly.  "May I?"

"Of course!"  Lily carefully handed Harry over to Victoria and then set the baby bag down.

"Such a small child with such large responsibilities," Victoria whispered.  "But you will live up to every expectation, I am certain of that."  She then kissed Harry gently on the forehead.

If Lily heard what Victoria just said to Harry, she showed no sign of it.  Instead, she continued to brandish her smile and busied herself getting a bottle ready for Harry.  The rest of the day was a very enjoyable one, Harry was introduced to the other prelates, all of whom were very anxious and excited to see him, none more so than Victoria however. 

When it came time for Lily and Harry to go home, Victoria held the baby in her arms once again, only this time, much to Lily's surprise, she pulled out a small dagger and pricked Harry's forehead.  She then pricked her own finger, and blended their blood.  "You are now guarded by your ancestors," she whispered.  She then kissed Harry goodbye and handed him back to his mother, who she also kissed goodbye.  "Be sure to come back again soon, alright, dear?"

Lily forced a smile.  "Of course, Gran."  She then turned back to the fireplace and left with Harry the way they had arrived.