Disclaimer: I own the unfamiliar, the rest belongs to JK Rowling.
A/N: Something off the top of my head. Hope you all like it.
I hadn't planned on writing this chapter until I read the reviews. Hope it's what you wanted!
However, it is just various scenes flashing by during Harry's life, nothing too big, however it will be better. I've considered writing flashbacks to when Harry committed suicide and to when Charlie's wife and daughters were murdered before he used the time-turner, and it's possible, but not definite. We'll see.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Changing Past Wrongs
Chapter Three: Time Goes By
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas, 1982 (A/N: Same year Daniel took Harry from the Dursleys)
Daniel smiled as Harry walked shakily across the floor towards their small Christmas tree. It had been a difficult adjustment for both of them, adjusting to the rolls of Father and Son. It had only taken two months to get Harry to call him 'Daddy', which he hated to do to Harry, as his father should always be referred to as James Potter, but it was necessary. Until he had been successful however, he and Harry hadn't really left the house much.
It was just the two of them for Christmas, though the neighbors had invited them over for dinner the day after Christmas. Daniel had gone to town on Christmas presents for Harry, remembering that had Harry still been with the Dursleys, his first gift for any reason would be from Hagrid, in the form of an owl. He was distracted from his thoughts by a happy squeal from Harry.
Turning slightly, he chuckled as he saw Harry levitating a crystal snowball that filled with 'snow' when it was shaken. Harry looked up at Daniel, with a confused expression on his face. Daniel grinned and asked, "Are you having fun using your magic Harry?"
Harry grinned back and nodded before saying, "Yep!"
Daniel smiled and then asked, "How about turning it a different color?"
Harry looked confused, but squealed with delight as Daniel took out his wand and charmed it a different color, Christmas red and green of course. Daniel smiled and watched Harry giggle and laugh at the signs of magic, and the attention he was getting. Daniel of course, took endless amounts of pictures, wanting Harry to have albums upon albums to remember his childhood from.
Smiling, he turned towards the presents and grabbed one he'd labeled 'To Harry, From Daddy'. Harry watched, his interest peeked in what 'Daddy' was up to. Daniel grinned and handed it to Harry saying, "Here's a present for you to open up now. Happy Christmas Harry."
Harry squealed delightedly, an excited blush across his cheeks as he ripped open the present managing a "Happy Chismas Daddy!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
September. . . .
Daniel and Harry walked into 'St. Joseph's Pre-school and Day-care center' holding hands, while Daniel shifted his briefcase uneasily in his hands as Harry played with the strap on his back-pack. Daniel had decided that it was high time he got a job and Harry started interacting with children his age. Sure, the neighbor girl Julie (who was a year older than Harry) was great, but Harry needed to make friends.
Harry looked up at Daniel and whispered, "I no wanna go Daddy."
Daniel smiled and said, "Come on Harry, you'll have fun, make friends. It'll be good for both of us, trust me. Alright?"
Harry bit his lip, trying very hard not to cry, but he didn't want Daniel to leave. They walked into the classroom, and Daniel smiled at the children rushing about the room with toys. Harry looked up at Daniel and then looked at all the kids in the room and snuffled slightly. Daniel smiled at Harry, ruffling his hair and then walking over to the teacher, Harry following him very closely.
The teacher was a woman in her early twenties, who was smiling and looked as though someone had fixed her with a permanent cheerful charm. Smiling, Daniel said calmly, "Hello, I'm Daniel Watson, and this is my son Harry."
The woman smiled and said, "Hello Mr. Watson. I'm Laura Black, pleased to meet you."
Daniel was about to question her last name when Laura kneeled down to be eye-level with Harry and then said, "Hello there Harry. I'm Laura Black, and the kids around here call me Laura, so feel free to. You want to come play and have fun with us today?"
Harry bit his lip and looked ready to cry when Daniel reached down and pulled Harry into a warm hug before saying, "I'll be back for you. I promise you, alright Harry?"
Harry was still biting his lip, but nodded in agreement and took Laura's hand as she lead Harry off to play with the other boys and girls in the classroom. Daniel smiled and watched as Harry slowly became more interested in the other children and the teacher. With a grin on his face, he left before Harry could notice he was leaving, thrilled that Harry would adjust normally now.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following May. . . .
"NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Harry that's not funny! You're going over to Justin's house to play and spend the night with him and that's final! Daddy has a date tonight!"
"I NO GO!"
Daniel sighed in frustration, Harry was being exceptionally difficult. He had met a wonderful woman six months prior, Melanie Branstone, whom he was planning on proposing to tonight. She was, indecently, a witch that had been in Slytherin. While Daniel had come to love Harry as his own, he wasn't about to stop having a love life because his soon to be four year old had ego issues.
Harry was scowling, he didn't want to be left alone and he was making it dead obvious to the world. Daniel grinned suddenly and asked, "Harry? How would you like to have a really, really big birthday party this year? With all your friends from the preschool?"
Harry's face suddenly brightened, a birthday party? That would be like the one Tommy Moon had! Where Harry got all kinds of gifts and they ate cake and played games! Harry suddenly grinned and nearly shrieked in happiness before saying, "Please Daddy?"
Daniel smirked and said, "Only if you agree to go to Justin's house tonight. Bonnie and Floyd agreed that you and Justin could spend the night at their house so that Daddy can go out with Melanie tonight."
Harry frowned and then pouted but nodded his agreement, he rather liked that Melanie. Daniel nearly let out a whoop of joy; Harry was not an easy person to convince to do something he didn't want to do. And of course, Harry knew every trick in the book and reminded Daniel eerily of Slytherins with his ability to get whatever he wanted.
So Daniel and Harry got ready for their 'dates' for that night, Daniel in his best suit, Harry in his favorite pajamas, and headed towards Justin's house to drop Harry off. Hopefully, Melanie would accept the proposal and Harry would soon have a mother figure in his life aside from the father figure he now had in Daniel. Harry however, was trying to decide if he wanted Dragons or Clowns at his birthday party, not realizing he couldn't have the Dragons in front of the Muggles.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
July 31st that same year. . . .
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, dear Harry! Happy Birthday to you!"
Everyone in the room clapped and cheered as the now four-year-old Harry sat in front of an enormous cake that had four candles on it for his birthday party. There were twelve children from the preschool class Harry was in, and their parents as well. Melanie was standing next to Daniel, engagement ring proudly being shown off. And next to Harry was a pile of presents he could barely see over, not that he minded.
Harry quickly blew out the candles, leading to more cheering as Melanie and one of the other children's mothers helped cut and serve the cake to the bouncing overly energetic children. Harry giggled and laughed and shouted right along with the other children, bringing a smile to Daniel's face.
After the party was over, Daniel, Melanie and Harry sat down together to watch cartoons on the telly. Daniel smiled at Harry, who was sitting in- between him and Melanie, and asked, "So did you have fun today Harry?"
Harry nodded and grinned before saying, "Yep!"
Melanie smiled and said, "Good, because when your Daddy and I get married there's going to be an even bigger party. But the presents will be for us, instead of you. Think that will be alright Harry?"
Harry nodded and then asked, "Awe you gonna be my Mummy?"
Daniel and Melanie exchanged a look over Harry's head and then Melanie asked, "Do you want me to be?"
Harry bit his lip slightly and then nodded, making Daniel and Melanie chuckle slightly. Daniel couldn't have been more happy, Harry and Melanie got along splendidly. He'd been worried at first, but he'd explained the situation to Melanie, who had readily agreed that the Dursley Family would never lay a finger on a single hair on Harry's body if she had anything to say about it.
The small newly formed family sat watching the television for the rest of the evening, having sandwiches that Melanie made and chocolate shakes that Daniel made. Harry basked in the attention from both adults, eventually falling asleep between them. Both tucked him into his own bed that night, putting his presents away in his room for him. They smiled at one another as they left the room, both prepared to do anything to save the little boy sleeping in that room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nearly One Year Later. . . .
"Do you, Daniel Arthur Watson, take Melanie Athena Branstone to be your lawfully wedded wife, till Death do you part?"
"I do."
"And do you, Melanie Athena Branstone, take Daniel Arthur Watson to be your lawfully wedded husband, till Death do you part?"
"I do."
"Then with the power invested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I pronounce you Husband and Wife! You may now kiss the bride."
Daniel grinned at Melanie and lifted her veil. The ceremony was small, but elegant with only Melanie's family, and their close friends present. They sealed their marriage with a kiss, and their guests clapped for them, ecstatic for the young couple. Harry on the other hand, was dead asleep with his head resting on his new Grandfather's shoulder, his small tux wrinkling and tie loosened so he didn't choke, softly snoring.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Three Weeks Later. . . .
"Harry! Time to go!"
"Coming Daddy!"
Daniel and Melanie shared an amused glance as little feet ran down the stairs, so fast that they might have sworn Harry was actually flying down them instead of running down them. Melanie smiled at Harry and asked, "Well Harry? What do you think of the new house?"
Harry grinned and said, "I want the room with the funny closet!"
Daniel asked, "Funny closet Harry?"
Harry nodded and said, "Yup! It's my height! So I can reach it!"
Melanie frowned and then exclaimed, "Oh! I know which room he means, and you can have that room Harry if you like. Danny it's the one just across from ours, remember? It's got two sets of clothing rods across it. Muggles are so funny about things like that aren't they? Honestly, why would the child need to reach the clothing, shouldn't the Mother or Father be taking care of that when they're too young to reach?"
After Daniel and Melanie had married, they'd decided to move to Cambridge, where Melanie ran her own Coffee and Tea Store. Daniel helped her run it, and made investments for them in the Stock Market, which helped to increase their wealth significantly.
Daniel smiled, she was already wonderful with Harry, and he couldn't wait to see how she was with their own children. She spent half her life cuddling and coddling Harry, and the other half split between working at the cafes, and taking care of the house. Harry simply grinned and asked, "Mummy? Can I go play with Tommy Moon later?"
Melanie nodded and rolled her eyes before saying, "Sure munchkin, I'll drive you over there later alright? Right now you and Daddy and I need to go back to my apartment and get the rest of my things so we can finish moving into the house. You and Daddy already have all of your things here, so it won't be too long, okay sweetheart?"
Harry didn't seem to notice that at the age of five, he should really be protesting with the 'names' his Mummy was bestowing upon him, which Danny blamed on the near three months he spent with the Dursleys. So of course, Harry merely beamed and ran ahead back out to their newly purchased Passat, ready to go and waiting for them.
Melanie and Daniel just shook their heads and smiled, Harry was unnaturally full of life, and it effected both of them as much as it did them. So they went out after Harry to the car, ready to make one last trip to Melanie's apartment before they started their new life as a family, just the three of them - for now that is.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That September (1985). . . .
Melanie smiled at Harry as they walked from the car to the large brick school building together. Both Melanie and Daniel were insistent that Harry complete Muggle Schooling while he went through Magical training, mostly so that he would be able to disappear into either world if he wanted or needed to. Melanie, in Daniel's opinion at least, was training him to be the perfect little Slytherin - always prepared for the worst, and ready to do whatever it took to get the best.
Harry had a sack on his back, holding his school supplies and the lunch Melanie had made, charmed to stay perfectly warm just for him. Melanie told Danny that morning at breakfast that she didn't really care what the Muggles thought of it, her darling boy was getting a warm lunch. Harry had merely smirked and nodded along with his Mummy, knowing that Daddy would cave against both of them.
When they reached the room, Melanie knelt next to him and whispered, "Now, you remember to make sure that you don't draw attention to yourself too much. No futzing around with your magic, got it buddy?"
Harry nodded his agreement and then Melanie said, "Be good, have fun, listen to your teacher, and stand up for yourself, alright? Now I don't mean start fights young man, what I mean is you don't take crap from anyone, you stand firm in what you think is right, and what the rules say, and if you need me you go to the school nurse and tell her you have a tummy ache, alright?"
Harry nodded and grinned before Melanie pulled him into a warm hug, which Harry returned before he pulled away and said, "Bye Mummy!"
Melanie smiled and replied with a kiss on the forehead and saying, "Bye baby, I'll be here later to pick you up."
Harry was already off running into the classroom, grinning from ear to ear when he saw his friend Baker Madison sitting down across the room. The two boys started talking excitedly, and Melanie watched with an amused smile. She hadn't just fallen in love with Danny when she met Daniel and Harry nearly two years ago, that little boy was the most important person in her world, not that Danny wasn't, but Harry in his own special way, and she'd do anything to make sure he was happy.
She'd even go to Azkaban willingly for helping to kidnap him from the Dursleys. She'd been astonished and utterly disgusted with the stories that Daniel had told her about the way Harry would have lived, and she was NOT about to let that happen to their baby boy. Sure, he might have been born to Lily and James Potter, but she knew that Lily wouldn't have minded someone who loved and cared for Harry stepping up to the plate when she'd gone. She had a feeling that the Potters were somewhere trying to figure out how to come back to life, for the sole purpose of killing the Dursleys for the way they'd treated Harry.
Merlin knows she'd love to.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas Day Morning, the following year (1986). . . .
Harry sat up in his bed and looked around excitedly, it was Christmas! Giggling he jumped out of bed and ran across the room, opened the door and ran across the hall. Quietly, he opened the door to his parents' room; tip toed across the room, jumped into the bed on top of his Mummy and Daddy and yelled, "WAKE UP MUMMY! WAKE UP DADDY! MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Melanie groaned and buried her head into Daniel's chest, who frowned slightly at the overly zealous six year old before saying, "Harry, we love you, it's five am. Go back to bed."
Harry shook his head, still grinning, and said, "No way! It's present time!"
Melanie whined, "Oi! Mummy's tired!"
Harry gave them the saddest puppy eyes and sniffled slightly before whimpering, "Sorry."
Both caved, and in three minutes were following the bouncing six-year-old boy down the stairs, holding onto one another and the stairs for support moving about the house. Harry squealed with delight when he saw all the presents and ran at them full-force only to stop when he heard a slight whine from one of the baskets that had a cover on it.
Melanie and Daniel smiled at one another, knowing exactly what Harry was about to find. Harry cocked his head slightly at the package, trying to figure out what it was when something inside it literally howled. Harry's eyes lit up brightly and he opened up the top of the basket only to squeal with delight as he pulled the eight-week-old Chocolate Lab puppy out of the basket.
Daniel smiled and said, "Harry, you'll have to name him. The puppy is your responsibility though, so you have to take care of him."
Harry nodded and petted the puppy, holding him close before smiling and announcing, "Padfoot!"
Daniel and Melanie blinked at the odd name and Harry explained, "That's your name puppy. Do you like it Mummy and Daddy?"
They both nodded, and smiled at Harry, who smiled back and immediately took Padfoot out into the back yard to play. He barely paused to grab his scarf; jacket, hat and mittens as he rushed out the door, explaining to Padfoot the entire time how wonderful their back yard was. Melanie and Daniel could only smile, it was a rather ironic name for Harry Potter to name his first dog, and a story they would enjoy someday sharing with Harry's Godfather.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two Years later, the week after Christmas (1988). . . .
Harry was swinging his legs, bored out of his mind, in the chair next to his Uncle Stanley and Aunt Vivian. He didn't like his Mum's brother much, but Aunt Vivian was alright. They were fussing over their children, Jason (2), Charlotte (1) and Andrew (2 mo.), while he and their eldest daughter Eleanor (4), sat to the side, bored out of their minds. Though Eleanor was slowly falling asleep.
His Mum's sister, Anna, was sitting across from them in the Hospital Waiting room, with her husband Simon Reid, and their children. Vanessa was Harry's favorite, but that was likely because she was five, and liked to play with her cousin Harry. Aimee was too young at one, and David was only three weeks old.
His 'Grandparents', Stewart and Melissa Branstone, were sitting next to them, waiting patiently for news. They all looked up when the door opened and Daniel appeared in the doorway, grinning from ear to ear and holding a tiny bundle in a pink blanket. Daniel walked over to the waiting family and announced, "As you can see, it's a girl, and we named her Lana Virginia Watson."
Everyone stated their congratulations at once, and Daniel smiled and accepted them, moving Lana so that everyone could catch a glimpse of her red hair and deep brown eyes, luckily for Daniel's cover, Melanie had red hair, so no one noticed the distinct Weasley flair to the color of Lana's hair.
Harry sulked slightly, he wanted a sibling, yes, but he didn't want to very well be ignored! Daniel, noticing Harry sulking, smiled as he turned to go back to Melanie and said, "Harry? Come with me, your Mum wants to see you."
Harry smiled and jumped up, following his Dad down the hall to his Mum's room. The two made their way into the room to find Melanie smiling, sitting up and waiting for them. Harry rushed over and jumped on the bed with her, wrapping his arms around her neck in a warm hug. Melanie smiled and held him close before asking, "So? What do you think of your little sister sweetums? Do you like her?"
Harry smiled and nodded, relishing in the attention his Mum was giving him. Daniel sat down next to them after putting a sleeping Lana in her crib, and pulled them both into his arms. Their family was starting to grow, and Daniel was looking forward to having another child as soon as possible. Harry, on the other hand, was pouting and milking the situation for all it was worth, determined not to like his sister.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Almost Two years later. . . .
Ten-year-old Harry and a one, almost two year old Lana were sitting at the dinner table when Daniel sat down their meals. Melanie was upstairs in her and Daniel's room with the newest edition to their family, Alexander George Watson, who was only a few months old, and a very happy baby.
Daniel smiled as Harry almost immediately started to eat, and he helped Lana to cut up her food. He started conversation by asking, "Harry? How was school?"
Harry smiled and said, "Good Dad. Mr. Murdock wasn't there today, we had a substitute, he was kind of funny looking though. I think he might have been a Wizard, but it doesn't make sense, why would one hide in the Muggle World when there's a Wizarding World full of teaching positions?"
Daniel frowned and said, "Well that depends on the situation Harry. What was your substitute's name?"
Harry replied simply, "Mr. Lupin, he was really nice though."
Daniel looked sharply at Harry and asked, "Lupin? As in brown hair, amber eyes, really nice guy but vaguely shabby looking clothes?"
Harry nodded, not understanding the connection, and Daniel said, "Harry, did he look at you strangely? Pay any extra attention to you?"
Harry shook his head but then said, "Well, he did look at me funny when I accidentally levitated and summoned my pencil. But I think that's because I did magic, and I shouldn't have in front of all those Muggles."
Daniel frowned and then said, "Alright, just be more careful Harry, okay?"
Harry nodded and went back to his meal. Lana was giggling to herself and eating her dinner. Melanie came down shortly after that and placed a now sleeping Alexander in Daniel's arms so she could eat. They'd all agreed that their family was complete with Alexander, and they were starting to plan for when Harry left for Hogwarts the following year.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
A/N: Something off the top of my head. Hope you all like it.
I hadn't planned on writing this chapter until I read the reviews. Hope it's what you wanted!
However, it is just various scenes flashing by during Harry's life, nothing too big, however it will be better. I've considered writing flashbacks to when Harry committed suicide and to when Charlie's wife and daughters were murdered before he used the time-turner, and it's possible, but not definite. We'll see.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Changing Past Wrongs
Chapter Three: Time Goes By
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas, 1982 (A/N: Same year Daniel took Harry from the Dursleys)
Daniel smiled as Harry walked shakily across the floor towards their small Christmas tree. It had been a difficult adjustment for both of them, adjusting to the rolls of Father and Son. It had only taken two months to get Harry to call him 'Daddy', which he hated to do to Harry, as his father should always be referred to as James Potter, but it was necessary. Until he had been successful however, he and Harry hadn't really left the house much.
It was just the two of them for Christmas, though the neighbors had invited them over for dinner the day after Christmas. Daniel had gone to town on Christmas presents for Harry, remembering that had Harry still been with the Dursleys, his first gift for any reason would be from Hagrid, in the form of an owl. He was distracted from his thoughts by a happy squeal from Harry.
Turning slightly, he chuckled as he saw Harry levitating a crystal snowball that filled with 'snow' when it was shaken. Harry looked up at Daniel, with a confused expression on his face. Daniel grinned and asked, "Are you having fun using your magic Harry?"
Harry grinned back and nodded before saying, "Yep!"
Daniel smiled and then asked, "How about turning it a different color?"
Harry looked confused, but squealed with delight as Daniel took out his wand and charmed it a different color, Christmas red and green of course. Daniel smiled and watched Harry giggle and laugh at the signs of magic, and the attention he was getting. Daniel of course, took endless amounts of pictures, wanting Harry to have albums upon albums to remember his childhood from.
Smiling, he turned towards the presents and grabbed one he'd labeled 'To Harry, From Daddy'. Harry watched, his interest peeked in what 'Daddy' was up to. Daniel grinned and handed it to Harry saying, "Here's a present for you to open up now. Happy Christmas Harry."
Harry squealed delightedly, an excited blush across his cheeks as he ripped open the present managing a "Happy Chismas Daddy!"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
September. . . .
Daniel and Harry walked into 'St. Joseph's Pre-school and Day-care center' holding hands, while Daniel shifted his briefcase uneasily in his hands as Harry played with the strap on his back-pack. Daniel had decided that it was high time he got a job and Harry started interacting with children his age. Sure, the neighbor girl Julie (who was a year older than Harry) was great, but Harry needed to make friends.
Harry looked up at Daniel and whispered, "I no wanna go Daddy."
Daniel smiled and said, "Come on Harry, you'll have fun, make friends. It'll be good for both of us, trust me. Alright?"
Harry bit his lip, trying very hard not to cry, but he didn't want Daniel to leave. They walked into the classroom, and Daniel smiled at the children rushing about the room with toys. Harry looked up at Daniel and then looked at all the kids in the room and snuffled slightly. Daniel smiled at Harry, ruffling his hair and then walking over to the teacher, Harry following him very closely.
The teacher was a woman in her early twenties, who was smiling and looked as though someone had fixed her with a permanent cheerful charm. Smiling, Daniel said calmly, "Hello, I'm Daniel Watson, and this is my son Harry."
The woman smiled and said, "Hello Mr. Watson. I'm Laura Black, pleased to meet you."
Daniel was about to question her last name when Laura kneeled down to be eye-level with Harry and then said, "Hello there Harry. I'm Laura Black, and the kids around here call me Laura, so feel free to. You want to come play and have fun with us today?"
Harry bit his lip and looked ready to cry when Daniel reached down and pulled Harry into a warm hug before saying, "I'll be back for you. I promise you, alright Harry?"
Harry was still biting his lip, but nodded in agreement and took Laura's hand as she lead Harry off to play with the other boys and girls in the classroom. Daniel smiled and watched as Harry slowly became more interested in the other children and the teacher. With a grin on his face, he left before Harry could notice he was leaving, thrilled that Harry would adjust normally now.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The following May. . . .
"NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!"
"Harry that's not funny! You're going over to Justin's house to play and spend the night with him and that's final! Daddy has a date tonight!"
"I NO GO!"
Daniel sighed in frustration, Harry was being exceptionally difficult. He had met a wonderful woman six months prior, Melanie Branstone, whom he was planning on proposing to tonight. She was, indecently, a witch that had been in Slytherin. While Daniel had come to love Harry as his own, he wasn't about to stop having a love life because his soon to be four year old had ego issues.
Harry was scowling, he didn't want to be left alone and he was making it dead obvious to the world. Daniel grinned suddenly and asked, "Harry? How would you like to have a really, really big birthday party this year? With all your friends from the preschool?"
Harry's face suddenly brightened, a birthday party? That would be like the one Tommy Moon had! Where Harry got all kinds of gifts and they ate cake and played games! Harry suddenly grinned and nearly shrieked in happiness before saying, "Please Daddy?"
Daniel smirked and said, "Only if you agree to go to Justin's house tonight. Bonnie and Floyd agreed that you and Justin could spend the night at their house so that Daddy can go out with Melanie tonight."
Harry frowned and then pouted but nodded his agreement, he rather liked that Melanie. Daniel nearly let out a whoop of joy; Harry was not an easy person to convince to do something he didn't want to do. And of course, Harry knew every trick in the book and reminded Daniel eerily of Slytherins with his ability to get whatever he wanted.
So Daniel and Harry got ready for their 'dates' for that night, Daniel in his best suit, Harry in his favorite pajamas, and headed towards Justin's house to drop Harry off. Hopefully, Melanie would accept the proposal and Harry would soon have a mother figure in his life aside from the father figure he now had in Daniel. Harry however, was trying to decide if he wanted Dragons or Clowns at his birthday party, not realizing he couldn't have the Dragons in front of the Muggles.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
July 31st that same year. . . .
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday, dear Harry! Happy Birthday to you!"
Everyone in the room clapped and cheered as the now four-year-old Harry sat in front of an enormous cake that had four candles on it for his birthday party. There were twelve children from the preschool class Harry was in, and their parents as well. Melanie was standing next to Daniel, engagement ring proudly being shown off. And next to Harry was a pile of presents he could barely see over, not that he minded.
Harry quickly blew out the candles, leading to more cheering as Melanie and one of the other children's mothers helped cut and serve the cake to the bouncing overly energetic children. Harry giggled and laughed and shouted right along with the other children, bringing a smile to Daniel's face.
After the party was over, Daniel, Melanie and Harry sat down together to watch cartoons on the telly. Daniel smiled at Harry, who was sitting in- between him and Melanie, and asked, "So did you have fun today Harry?"
Harry nodded and grinned before saying, "Yep!"
Melanie smiled and said, "Good, because when your Daddy and I get married there's going to be an even bigger party. But the presents will be for us, instead of you. Think that will be alright Harry?"
Harry nodded and then asked, "Awe you gonna be my Mummy?"
Daniel and Melanie exchanged a look over Harry's head and then Melanie asked, "Do you want me to be?"
Harry bit his lip slightly and then nodded, making Daniel and Melanie chuckle slightly. Daniel couldn't have been more happy, Harry and Melanie got along splendidly. He'd been worried at first, but he'd explained the situation to Melanie, who had readily agreed that the Dursley Family would never lay a finger on a single hair on Harry's body if she had anything to say about it.
The small newly formed family sat watching the television for the rest of the evening, having sandwiches that Melanie made and chocolate shakes that Daniel made. Harry basked in the attention from both adults, eventually falling asleep between them. Both tucked him into his own bed that night, putting his presents away in his room for him. They smiled at one another as they left the room, both prepared to do anything to save the little boy sleeping in that room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nearly One Year Later. . . .
"Do you, Daniel Arthur Watson, take Melanie Athena Branstone to be your lawfully wedded wife, till Death do you part?"
"I do."
"And do you, Melanie Athena Branstone, take Daniel Arthur Watson to be your lawfully wedded husband, till Death do you part?"
"I do."
"Then with the power invested in me by the Ministry of Magic, I pronounce you Husband and Wife! You may now kiss the bride."
Daniel grinned at Melanie and lifted her veil. The ceremony was small, but elegant with only Melanie's family, and their close friends present. They sealed their marriage with a kiss, and their guests clapped for them, ecstatic for the young couple. Harry on the other hand, was dead asleep with his head resting on his new Grandfather's shoulder, his small tux wrinkling and tie loosened so he didn't choke, softly snoring.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Three Weeks Later. . . .
"Harry! Time to go!"
"Coming Daddy!"
Daniel and Melanie shared an amused glance as little feet ran down the stairs, so fast that they might have sworn Harry was actually flying down them instead of running down them. Melanie smiled at Harry and asked, "Well Harry? What do you think of the new house?"
Harry grinned and said, "I want the room with the funny closet!"
Daniel asked, "Funny closet Harry?"
Harry nodded and said, "Yup! It's my height! So I can reach it!"
Melanie frowned and then exclaimed, "Oh! I know which room he means, and you can have that room Harry if you like. Danny it's the one just across from ours, remember? It's got two sets of clothing rods across it. Muggles are so funny about things like that aren't they? Honestly, why would the child need to reach the clothing, shouldn't the Mother or Father be taking care of that when they're too young to reach?"
After Daniel and Melanie had married, they'd decided to move to Cambridge, where Melanie ran her own Coffee and Tea Store. Daniel helped her run it, and made investments for them in the Stock Market, which helped to increase their wealth significantly.
Daniel smiled, she was already wonderful with Harry, and he couldn't wait to see how she was with their own children. She spent half her life cuddling and coddling Harry, and the other half split between working at the cafes, and taking care of the house. Harry simply grinned and asked, "Mummy? Can I go play with Tommy Moon later?"
Melanie nodded and rolled her eyes before saying, "Sure munchkin, I'll drive you over there later alright? Right now you and Daddy and I need to go back to my apartment and get the rest of my things so we can finish moving into the house. You and Daddy already have all of your things here, so it won't be too long, okay sweetheart?"
Harry didn't seem to notice that at the age of five, he should really be protesting with the 'names' his Mummy was bestowing upon him, which Danny blamed on the near three months he spent with the Dursleys. So of course, Harry merely beamed and ran ahead back out to their newly purchased Passat, ready to go and waiting for them.
Melanie and Daniel just shook their heads and smiled, Harry was unnaturally full of life, and it effected both of them as much as it did them. So they went out after Harry to the car, ready to make one last trip to Melanie's apartment before they started their new life as a family, just the three of them - for now that is.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
That September (1985). . . .
Melanie smiled at Harry as they walked from the car to the large brick school building together. Both Melanie and Daniel were insistent that Harry complete Muggle Schooling while he went through Magical training, mostly so that he would be able to disappear into either world if he wanted or needed to. Melanie, in Daniel's opinion at least, was training him to be the perfect little Slytherin - always prepared for the worst, and ready to do whatever it took to get the best.
Harry had a sack on his back, holding his school supplies and the lunch Melanie had made, charmed to stay perfectly warm just for him. Melanie told Danny that morning at breakfast that she didn't really care what the Muggles thought of it, her darling boy was getting a warm lunch. Harry had merely smirked and nodded along with his Mummy, knowing that Daddy would cave against both of them.
When they reached the room, Melanie knelt next to him and whispered, "Now, you remember to make sure that you don't draw attention to yourself too much. No futzing around with your magic, got it buddy?"
Harry nodded his agreement and then Melanie said, "Be good, have fun, listen to your teacher, and stand up for yourself, alright? Now I don't mean start fights young man, what I mean is you don't take crap from anyone, you stand firm in what you think is right, and what the rules say, and if you need me you go to the school nurse and tell her you have a tummy ache, alright?"
Harry nodded and grinned before Melanie pulled him into a warm hug, which Harry returned before he pulled away and said, "Bye Mummy!"
Melanie smiled and replied with a kiss on the forehead and saying, "Bye baby, I'll be here later to pick you up."
Harry was already off running into the classroom, grinning from ear to ear when he saw his friend Baker Madison sitting down across the room. The two boys started talking excitedly, and Melanie watched with an amused smile. She hadn't just fallen in love with Danny when she met Daniel and Harry nearly two years ago, that little boy was the most important person in her world, not that Danny wasn't, but Harry in his own special way, and she'd do anything to make sure he was happy.
She'd even go to Azkaban willingly for helping to kidnap him from the Dursleys. She'd been astonished and utterly disgusted with the stories that Daniel had told her about the way Harry would have lived, and she was NOT about to let that happen to their baby boy. Sure, he might have been born to Lily and James Potter, but she knew that Lily wouldn't have minded someone who loved and cared for Harry stepping up to the plate when she'd gone. She had a feeling that the Potters were somewhere trying to figure out how to come back to life, for the sole purpose of killing the Dursleys for the way they'd treated Harry.
Merlin knows she'd love to.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Christmas Day Morning, the following year (1986). . . .
Harry sat up in his bed and looked around excitedly, it was Christmas! Giggling he jumped out of bed and ran across the room, opened the door and ran across the hall. Quietly, he opened the door to his parents' room; tip toed across the room, jumped into the bed on top of his Mummy and Daddy and yelled, "WAKE UP MUMMY! WAKE UP DADDY! MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Melanie groaned and buried her head into Daniel's chest, who frowned slightly at the overly zealous six year old before saying, "Harry, we love you, it's five am. Go back to bed."
Harry shook his head, still grinning, and said, "No way! It's present time!"
Melanie whined, "Oi! Mummy's tired!"
Harry gave them the saddest puppy eyes and sniffled slightly before whimpering, "Sorry."
Both caved, and in three minutes were following the bouncing six-year-old boy down the stairs, holding onto one another and the stairs for support moving about the house. Harry squealed with delight when he saw all the presents and ran at them full-force only to stop when he heard a slight whine from one of the baskets that had a cover on it.
Melanie and Daniel smiled at one another, knowing exactly what Harry was about to find. Harry cocked his head slightly at the package, trying to figure out what it was when something inside it literally howled. Harry's eyes lit up brightly and he opened up the top of the basket only to squeal with delight as he pulled the eight-week-old Chocolate Lab puppy out of the basket.
Daniel smiled and said, "Harry, you'll have to name him. The puppy is your responsibility though, so you have to take care of him."
Harry nodded and petted the puppy, holding him close before smiling and announcing, "Padfoot!"
Daniel and Melanie blinked at the odd name and Harry explained, "That's your name puppy. Do you like it Mummy and Daddy?"
They both nodded, and smiled at Harry, who smiled back and immediately took Padfoot out into the back yard to play. He barely paused to grab his scarf; jacket, hat and mittens as he rushed out the door, explaining to Padfoot the entire time how wonderful their back yard was. Melanie and Daniel could only smile, it was a rather ironic name for Harry Potter to name his first dog, and a story they would enjoy someday sharing with Harry's Godfather.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Two Years later, the week after Christmas (1988). . . .
Harry was swinging his legs, bored out of his mind, in the chair next to his Uncle Stanley and Aunt Vivian. He didn't like his Mum's brother much, but Aunt Vivian was alright. They were fussing over their children, Jason (2), Charlotte (1) and Andrew (2 mo.), while he and their eldest daughter Eleanor (4), sat to the side, bored out of their minds. Though Eleanor was slowly falling asleep.
His Mum's sister, Anna, was sitting across from them in the Hospital Waiting room, with her husband Simon Reid, and their children. Vanessa was Harry's favorite, but that was likely because she was five, and liked to play with her cousin Harry. Aimee was too young at one, and David was only three weeks old.
His 'Grandparents', Stewart and Melissa Branstone, were sitting next to them, waiting patiently for news. They all looked up when the door opened and Daniel appeared in the doorway, grinning from ear to ear and holding a tiny bundle in a pink blanket. Daniel walked over to the waiting family and announced, "As you can see, it's a girl, and we named her Lana Virginia Watson."
Everyone stated their congratulations at once, and Daniel smiled and accepted them, moving Lana so that everyone could catch a glimpse of her red hair and deep brown eyes, luckily for Daniel's cover, Melanie had red hair, so no one noticed the distinct Weasley flair to the color of Lana's hair.
Harry sulked slightly, he wanted a sibling, yes, but he didn't want to very well be ignored! Daniel, noticing Harry sulking, smiled as he turned to go back to Melanie and said, "Harry? Come with me, your Mum wants to see you."
Harry smiled and jumped up, following his Dad down the hall to his Mum's room. The two made their way into the room to find Melanie smiling, sitting up and waiting for them. Harry rushed over and jumped on the bed with her, wrapping his arms around her neck in a warm hug. Melanie smiled and held him close before asking, "So? What do you think of your little sister sweetums? Do you like her?"
Harry smiled and nodded, relishing in the attention his Mum was giving him. Daniel sat down next to them after putting a sleeping Lana in her crib, and pulled them both into his arms. Their family was starting to grow, and Daniel was looking forward to having another child as soon as possible. Harry, on the other hand, was pouting and milking the situation for all it was worth, determined not to like his sister.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Almost Two years later. . . .
Ten-year-old Harry and a one, almost two year old Lana were sitting at the dinner table when Daniel sat down their meals. Melanie was upstairs in her and Daniel's room with the newest edition to their family, Alexander George Watson, who was only a few months old, and a very happy baby.
Daniel smiled as Harry almost immediately started to eat, and he helped Lana to cut up her food. He started conversation by asking, "Harry? How was school?"
Harry smiled and said, "Good Dad. Mr. Murdock wasn't there today, we had a substitute, he was kind of funny looking though. I think he might have been a Wizard, but it doesn't make sense, why would one hide in the Muggle World when there's a Wizarding World full of teaching positions?"
Daniel frowned and said, "Well that depends on the situation Harry. What was your substitute's name?"
Harry replied simply, "Mr. Lupin, he was really nice though."
Daniel looked sharply at Harry and asked, "Lupin? As in brown hair, amber eyes, really nice guy but vaguely shabby looking clothes?"
Harry nodded, not understanding the connection, and Daniel said, "Harry, did he look at you strangely? Pay any extra attention to you?"
Harry shook his head but then said, "Well, he did look at me funny when I accidentally levitated and summoned my pencil. But I think that's because I did magic, and I shouldn't have in front of all those Muggles."
Daniel frowned and then said, "Alright, just be more careful Harry, okay?"
Harry nodded and went back to his meal. Lana was giggling to herself and eating her dinner. Melanie came down shortly after that and placed a now sleeping Alexander in Daniel's arms so she could eat. They'd all agreed that their family was complete with Alexander, and they were starting to plan for when Harry left for Hogwarts the following year.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
