Disclaimer: I do not own these characters, brilliantly created by J.K.
Rowling. Most situations are based on those created by J.K. Rowling.
Note: Sorry for the delay in updating. It takes me longer to write Harry/Ginny chapters. I don't write them as well as I write Ron and Hermione! Sorry I couldn't oblige you with a sorting hat song - I'm not great at anything that resembles poetry! (And apologies in advance: I know this isn't my best work.)
Chapter Two: Professor Potter
On the morning of September 1, Ginny Potter woke her husband up early. "Okay," she said to him, "vacation's over."
Harry groaned and pulled her down onto the bed. "Harry!" she laughed. "Harry! You really do have to get up. Professor McGonagall is expecting you."
"Have I ever been late for work, Gin?" Harry asked.
"Not since we moved to Hogsmeade," said Ginny, remembering his scrambles to get out of the house when they lived further away from the school.
Though Harry knew that he would get up and head to work, he said, "But the students won't be there until tonight!"
"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed again. "You know you have to get ready for tomorrow."
"I know," he said, finally opening his eyes and looking at her. She smiled, kissed him and stood. "Are you going to let the first years 'ooh' and 'ahh' over you?"
"Only on the first day," said Harry. He had started teaching at his alma mater, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the year before. He had caused quite a stir, and most of his students had wanted to talk about his defeat of Voldemort and his career as a Quidditch player instead of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry amended the situation by allowing them each one class session to ask questions. He intended to do the same this year, but only with his first years.
Harry, Ginny, and their children - James, 7, and Lily, 2 - had moved to a new house in Hogsmeade towards the end of the last school year. They had avoided it for as long as possible, but had finally realized that they were seeing Harry less and less as the school year wore on. They hoped the move to Hogsmeade would make life easier.
* * *
Ginny was in the kitchen when Harry finally pulled himself out of bed and went downstairs. James was sitting at the kitchen table, avoiding his breakfast and reading a broomstick supply catalog instead. He looked up hopefully when his father walked in but his face fell again when Harry said, "You know you're not old enough yet."
Lily, sitting in her high chair, smiled and held her arms out to her father. Harry lifted her up and kissed her cheek, then leaned over and ruffled James' hair. "I know you want one," he said to his son, "and you will have one. Just not yet."
"Mum!" James protested.
"Don't look at me," said Ginny. "You heard your father."
Defeated, James sighed and picked up his fork to eat. Harry sat down across from him, and placed Lily on his knee. "You want to come to Hogwarts with me today?" he asked James.
"Okay," said James. "Can we play on the field?"
"Well, I have some things to do, but I'll do my best to make some time before the students get there, okay?"
"Okay," said James.
"You want to come, Gin?" Harry asked his wife.
"No thanks," said Ginny. "You and James go. I think Lily and I will have ourselves a girls' day."
"Sounds nice," said Harry. It was Ginny's day off. She and Hermione ran a private Mind Reading practice, one of the benefits being that they worked a four day week in order to spend more time with their families.
Harry turned to his son. "Whattaya say, James? Want to spend the day, just you and me?"
"Yeah!" said James, excited. He rarely got to spend time along with his father and he quickly learned to take advantage of it when he could.
Harry looked at his watch. "We've got to get going soon though," he said. "You ready?" James nodded, but he was still in his pajamas.
"Come on, Jamie," Ginny said to her son. "Let's get you dressed." James slid from the chair and followed his mother upstairs.
* * *
An hour later, Harry and James were walking up the path that led to Hogwarts. James ran ahead of Harry once they were on the grounds, and Harry didn't worry about his. Even with the threat of Voldemort long gone, Hogwarts was still one of the safest places to be.
"I beat you dad!" James exclaimed with glee. He was standing at the entrance to the castle, waiting for his father.
"Looks like you did," said Harry. "Ready to go inside?" He didn't wait for James' answer before he opened the door.
Harry let James walk into the school first, and then followed. In the entrance hall they ran into Professor Sprout, who waved hello to them before heading to the door herself, wanting to prepare the greenhouses. "We're going to go up to my office for a little while," Harry said to James, and the little boy nodded and sprinted up the marble staircase, knowing very well where his father's office was.
The school was empty, save for the occasional teacher passing by. Argus Filch gave Harry a dirty look for bringing James with his when they passed by. "Don't worry about it, Filchy," Harry said, always relishing the fact that he could tease the old caretaker now without getting himself into hot water, "he's not going to make a mess. And if he does, I'll clean it."
"You'd better," Filch said, and he walked off down the hallway, his old cat following slowly along. Harry and James continued their trek down the hallway until they had reached Harry's office.
James immediately ran to his favorite corner of the office, where Harry had a tank full of creatures. Harry's teaching was reminiscent of his favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin, and he intended to make nearly all of his classes hands on. It was true that Defense Against the Dark Arts was not as needed as it once was, but there were still things that students - and witches and wizards in general - had to look out for. There was no dark wizard as powerful as Voldemort had been, but there were still wizards who preferred the darker arts, and Harry thought it important to be prepared. His theory was that proper Defense Against the Dark Arts training would ensure that those who did go to the dark side would not be able to get very far.
"What's this?" James asked, and he pointed to a grindylow. Harry explained what the creature was, as well as his own experiences with them. James was always fascinated to hear stories of his father, especially when they involved an adventure of some kind.
The story, however, was interrupted by a knock on the door, and Professor McGonagall poked her head in. "Busy?" she asked.
"Not just yet," said Harry. "Come in."
Professor McGonagall walked into the room. There was a different air about her. She was always more casual when the students weren't around. "Hello James," she said when she saw the little boy. "How are you?"
"Good," said James, but his attention was still focused on the grindylow.
"Are you ready for Hogwarts already?" Professor McGonagall asked.
James laughed. "No, I'm not a student!"
Professor McGonagall smiled. "Well, you could have fooled me. You're studying that grindylow so intently." James didn't say anything else, but turned and smiled at the professor before moving on to another creature.
"You ready for tonight, Harry?" Professor McGonagall asked. Harry had been appointed the teacher in charge of the sorting, and so it was his duty to bring out the hat and place it on the first years' heads. He liked the job. He was just glad they hadn't asked him to escort the first years across the lake. Luckily, Hagrid was still happy to take care of that.
"I'm ready," said Harry. "Anything you need me to do to prepare for tonight?"
"Not a thing," said Professor McGonagall. "Dobby and the other house elves are taking care of everything in the kitchens, the Great Hall is being adorned by Professor Flitwick as we speak, and the castle is clean and ready for the students tonight. In fact, the Hogwarts Express should be chugging them along right now. Just do what you need to do, and you should have plenty of time to take a certain someone flying out on the Quidditch field before the students arrive tonight."
James looked up, knowing that he was the subject of the conversation. "Can we go now, dad?" he asked eagerly.
"Well, I have a little bit of work to do," said Harry, "but we will get a chance. I promise. Until then, would you like to go down and visit Hagrid?"
"Okay!" said James.
"I'll take him down," said Professor McGonagall, and Harry thanked her. Once they were gone, he sat down at his desk and started to work.
* * *
"Well, well, well, if it isn't James Potter!" said Hagrid happily when he opened the door and saw the boy standing there.
"Hiya Hagrid!" James said.
"Come on in, come on in!" Hagrid said, and he stood aside so James could make his way into the hut. "How's yer mum and dad?"
"Good," said James. "Dad's working, but he said we could play Quidditch later. Mummy's at home with Lily."
"Very nice," said Hagrid, and he moved to the table and gestured to a plate of cookies. "Want some?"
"Sure!" said James, and he climbed into one of Hagrid's huge chairs and grabbed a cookie. He took a bite, and then, not wanted to be rude, turned his head and put the bite in a napkin. He hid the rest of the cookie from Hagrid's view, remembering too late the stories his parents and aunt and uncle had told him about Hagrid's cooking.
"What have yeh been up to this summer James?" Hagrid asked, taking a seat across from the boy and biting into one of the cookies.
"Avoiding Lily," said James.
"Little sister a bit of a pain, is she?" Hagrid asked.
"The biggest pain in the world," James said. "She's always breaking things."
"She's only two years old, James," said Hagrid, in Lily's defense. "I'm sure she'll stop breakin' things soon. Besides, I bet she thinks you're a pretty cool big brother."
James smiled at this, but didn't say anything else. He looked around the room, surveying all the things Hagrid had there. "Did you have any good creatures here, Hagrid?" James asked. It was quickly becoming clear to his parents and other adults around him that James had a penchant for animals, and they suspected he would one day excel in a Care of Magical Creatures Class.
"So I hear yer cousin Phillip's coming to Hogwarts next year," Hagrid said.
"Yup!" said James. "He's the oldest. I can't wait till I can come."
"Well, you know we'll be happy to have you here," said Hagrid. "I miss my regular afternoon teas with you dad and mum, and Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron. Do yeh think yeh'd want to have tea with me sometimes?"
"Sure!" said James, and Hagrid smiled. The pair spent the next hour talking to each other, James listening to stories about his father, mother, aunt and uncle and all their adventures when they were at Hogwarts. It seemed as though he was only there ten minutes when a knock sounded at the door.
"Must be yer dad," said Hagrid, and sure enough, when he opened the door Harry was standing on the other side of it.
"Having fun?" he asked, stepping into the room.
"Yup!" said James. "Dad, did you really go into the Forbidden Forest?"
Harry looked at Hagrid, who simply chuckled. "A few times," Harry admitted. "But only in an emergency! The Forbidden Forest is way too dangerous for you. However, the Quidditch field should be just fine. Are you ready to head down there?"
"Yeah!" said James, hopping down from the chair. "You want to watch, Hagrid?"
Hagrid smiled and thanked James. "I've got ter be getting ready for later, when the students arrive. But I'll be sure to see yeh next time, all right?"
"All right," said James, and they said their good-byes.
* * *
James was flying high when Ginny arrived at the Quidditch field. She watched her husband and son soar through the air and throw the Quaffle at each other. "Daddy!" Lily laughed and pointed. "James!"
"There they are!" Ginny said to Lily, and she placed the little girl in the grass so she could toddle along.
Harry spotted them first and directed James to the ground. "Hello, Gin," he said, and he kissed her.
"Do we have to go?" James asked, knowing the reason for this mother's visit.
"You know we do," said Ginny. "It's getting late, and dad has to get ready for the feast tonight."
"But we were just getting started!" James complained.
"James, we've been playing for two hours," said Harry. "And I promise you can come and see the first Quidditch match this year. Right, Gin?"
"Of course," said Ginny. "But now we're going to head home and have dinner. Ron and Hermione are coming over with Emma, Olivia and Jack."
"Can I tell them all about today?" James asked.
"Of course," said Ginny. "Now, do you have anything inside, or are you ready?"
"I'm ready," said James.
"If he left anything upstairs, I'll bring it home later," said Harry.
"Sure," said Ginny. "Are you going to stay overnight?"
"I don't know yet," said Harry. "I guess I'll see how long the feast goes. I'll send Hedwig over with a note to let you know."
Ginny nodded, and kissed her husband. "Bye then. Have a nice evening!"
"You too," said Harry, with a slight chuckle because he knew that having all the children in the house would be no picnic (though nothing compared to the amount of students he would have to face himself that evening). He watched as his family disappeared out of sight, and then headed back into the castle to get ready for the evening.
* * *
Harry stood at the entrance to the Great Hall, awaiting Hagrid's arrival with the first years. There was no mistaking their entrance when he heard the footsteps, though most of the students were in awe of the castle (and Hagrid, for that matter) and so their voices were hushed. "Here yeh are," said Hagrid to Harry. "Fresh off the boats. Firs' years, this is Professor Potter. He'll be in charge of the sortin' tonight."
"Welcome!" said Harry brightly, and he heard a small murmur rush through the crowd, and saw some of the children towards the back crane their necks towards him to get a better look. "Follow me, and we'll get you sorted into your houses." The doors to the Great Hall opened and Harry walked in, the line of first years behind him. Some of the older students waved at Harry as he walked in, and he smiled at them as a return greeting.
Harry disappeared into the small room off the Great Hall and returned moments later with the ratty old hat. He placed it on a stool and everyone watched with bated breath. The rip opened and the sorting hat began to sing.
Another school year had begun.
Note: Sorry for the delay in updating. It takes me longer to write Harry/Ginny chapters. I don't write them as well as I write Ron and Hermione! Sorry I couldn't oblige you with a sorting hat song - I'm not great at anything that resembles poetry! (And apologies in advance: I know this isn't my best work.)
Chapter Two: Professor Potter
On the morning of September 1, Ginny Potter woke her husband up early. "Okay," she said to him, "vacation's over."
Harry groaned and pulled her down onto the bed. "Harry!" she laughed. "Harry! You really do have to get up. Professor McGonagall is expecting you."
"Have I ever been late for work, Gin?" Harry asked.
"Not since we moved to Hogsmeade," said Ginny, remembering his scrambles to get out of the house when they lived further away from the school.
Though Harry knew that he would get up and head to work, he said, "But the students won't be there until tonight!"
"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed again. "You know you have to get ready for tomorrow."
"I know," he said, finally opening his eyes and looking at her. She smiled, kissed him and stood. "Are you going to let the first years 'ooh' and 'ahh' over you?"
"Only on the first day," said Harry. He had started teaching at his alma mater, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the year before. He had caused quite a stir, and most of his students had wanted to talk about his defeat of Voldemort and his career as a Quidditch player instead of Defense Against the Dark Arts. Harry amended the situation by allowing them each one class session to ask questions. He intended to do the same this year, but only with his first years.
Harry, Ginny, and their children - James, 7, and Lily, 2 - had moved to a new house in Hogsmeade towards the end of the last school year. They had avoided it for as long as possible, but had finally realized that they were seeing Harry less and less as the school year wore on. They hoped the move to Hogsmeade would make life easier.
* * *
Ginny was in the kitchen when Harry finally pulled himself out of bed and went downstairs. James was sitting at the kitchen table, avoiding his breakfast and reading a broomstick supply catalog instead. He looked up hopefully when his father walked in but his face fell again when Harry said, "You know you're not old enough yet."
Lily, sitting in her high chair, smiled and held her arms out to her father. Harry lifted her up and kissed her cheek, then leaned over and ruffled James' hair. "I know you want one," he said to his son, "and you will have one. Just not yet."
"Mum!" James protested.
"Don't look at me," said Ginny. "You heard your father."
Defeated, James sighed and picked up his fork to eat. Harry sat down across from him, and placed Lily on his knee. "You want to come to Hogwarts with me today?" he asked James.
"Okay," said James. "Can we play on the field?"
"Well, I have some things to do, but I'll do my best to make some time before the students get there, okay?"
"Okay," said James.
"You want to come, Gin?" Harry asked his wife.
"No thanks," said Ginny. "You and James go. I think Lily and I will have ourselves a girls' day."
"Sounds nice," said Harry. It was Ginny's day off. She and Hermione ran a private Mind Reading practice, one of the benefits being that they worked a four day week in order to spend more time with their families.
Harry turned to his son. "Whattaya say, James? Want to spend the day, just you and me?"
"Yeah!" said James, excited. He rarely got to spend time along with his father and he quickly learned to take advantage of it when he could.
Harry looked at his watch. "We've got to get going soon though," he said. "You ready?" James nodded, but he was still in his pajamas.
"Come on, Jamie," Ginny said to her son. "Let's get you dressed." James slid from the chair and followed his mother upstairs.
* * *
An hour later, Harry and James were walking up the path that led to Hogwarts. James ran ahead of Harry once they were on the grounds, and Harry didn't worry about his. Even with the threat of Voldemort long gone, Hogwarts was still one of the safest places to be.
"I beat you dad!" James exclaimed with glee. He was standing at the entrance to the castle, waiting for his father.
"Looks like you did," said Harry. "Ready to go inside?" He didn't wait for James' answer before he opened the door.
Harry let James walk into the school first, and then followed. In the entrance hall they ran into Professor Sprout, who waved hello to them before heading to the door herself, wanting to prepare the greenhouses. "We're going to go up to my office for a little while," Harry said to James, and the little boy nodded and sprinted up the marble staircase, knowing very well where his father's office was.
The school was empty, save for the occasional teacher passing by. Argus Filch gave Harry a dirty look for bringing James with his when they passed by. "Don't worry about it, Filchy," Harry said, always relishing the fact that he could tease the old caretaker now without getting himself into hot water, "he's not going to make a mess. And if he does, I'll clean it."
"You'd better," Filch said, and he walked off down the hallway, his old cat following slowly along. Harry and James continued their trek down the hallway until they had reached Harry's office.
James immediately ran to his favorite corner of the office, where Harry had a tank full of creatures. Harry's teaching was reminiscent of his favorite Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Remus Lupin, and he intended to make nearly all of his classes hands on. It was true that Defense Against the Dark Arts was not as needed as it once was, but there were still things that students - and witches and wizards in general - had to look out for. There was no dark wizard as powerful as Voldemort had been, but there were still wizards who preferred the darker arts, and Harry thought it important to be prepared. His theory was that proper Defense Against the Dark Arts training would ensure that those who did go to the dark side would not be able to get very far.
"What's this?" James asked, and he pointed to a grindylow. Harry explained what the creature was, as well as his own experiences with them. James was always fascinated to hear stories of his father, especially when they involved an adventure of some kind.
The story, however, was interrupted by a knock on the door, and Professor McGonagall poked her head in. "Busy?" she asked.
"Not just yet," said Harry. "Come in."
Professor McGonagall walked into the room. There was a different air about her. She was always more casual when the students weren't around. "Hello James," she said when she saw the little boy. "How are you?"
"Good," said James, but his attention was still focused on the grindylow.
"Are you ready for Hogwarts already?" Professor McGonagall asked.
James laughed. "No, I'm not a student!"
Professor McGonagall smiled. "Well, you could have fooled me. You're studying that grindylow so intently." James didn't say anything else, but turned and smiled at the professor before moving on to another creature.
"You ready for tonight, Harry?" Professor McGonagall asked. Harry had been appointed the teacher in charge of the sorting, and so it was his duty to bring out the hat and place it on the first years' heads. He liked the job. He was just glad they hadn't asked him to escort the first years across the lake. Luckily, Hagrid was still happy to take care of that.
"I'm ready," said Harry. "Anything you need me to do to prepare for tonight?"
"Not a thing," said Professor McGonagall. "Dobby and the other house elves are taking care of everything in the kitchens, the Great Hall is being adorned by Professor Flitwick as we speak, and the castle is clean and ready for the students tonight. In fact, the Hogwarts Express should be chugging them along right now. Just do what you need to do, and you should have plenty of time to take a certain someone flying out on the Quidditch field before the students arrive tonight."
James looked up, knowing that he was the subject of the conversation. "Can we go now, dad?" he asked eagerly.
"Well, I have a little bit of work to do," said Harry, "but we will get a chance. I promise. Until then, would you like to go down and visit Hagrid?"
"Okay!" said James.
"I'll take him down," said Professor McGonagall, and Harry thanked her. Once they were gone, he sat down at his desk and started to work.
* * *
"Well, well, well, if it isn't James Potter!" said Hagrid happily when he opened the door and saw the boy standing there.
"Hiya Hagrid!" James said.
"Come on in, come on in!" Hagrid said, and he stood aside so James could make his way into the hut. "How's yer mum and dad?"
"Good," said James. "Dad's working, but he said we could play Quidditch later. Mummy's at home with Lily."
"Very nice," said Hagrid, and he moved to the table and gestured to a plate of cookies. "Want some?"
"Sure!" said James, and he climbed into one of Hagrid's huge chairs and grabbed a cookie. He took a bite, and then, not wanted to be rude, turned his head and put the bite in a napkin. He hid the rest of the cookie from Hagrid's view, remembering too late the stories his parents and aunt and uncle had told him about Hagrid's cooking.
"What have yeh been up to this summer James?" Hagrid asked, taking a seat across from the boy and biting into one of the cookies.
"Avoiding Lily," said James.
"Little sister a bit of a pain, is she?" Hagrid asked.
"The biggest pain in the world," James said. "She's always breaking things."
"She's only two years old, James," said Hagrid, in Lily's defense. "I'm sure she'll stop breakin' things soon. Besides, I bet she thinks you're a pretty cool big brother."
James smiled at this, but didn't say anything else. He looked around the room, surveying all the things Hagrid had there. "Did you have any good creatures here, Hagrid?" James asked. It was quickly becoming clear to his parents and other adults around him that James had a penchant for animals, and they suspected he would one day excel in a Care of Magical Creatures Class.
"So I hear yer cousin Phillip's coming to Hogwarts next year," Hagrid said.
"Yup!" said James. "He's the oldest. I can't wait till I can come."
"Well, you know we'll be happy to have you here," said Hagrid. "I miss my regular afternoon teas with you dad and mum, and Aunt Hermione and Uncle Ron. Do yeh think yeh'd want to have tea with me sometimes?"
"Sure!" said James, and Hagrid smiled. The pair spent the next hour talking to each other, James listening to stories about his father, mother, aunt and uncle and all their adventures when they were at Hogwarts. It seemed as though he was only there ten minutes when a knock sounded at the door.
"Must be yer dad," said Hagrid, and sure enough, when he opened the door Harry was standing on the other side of it.
"Having fun?" he asked, stepping into the room.
"Yup!" said James. "Dad, did you really go into the Forbidden Forest?"
Harry looked at Hagrid, who simply chuckled. "A few times," Harry admitted. "But only in an emergency! The Forbidden Forest is way too dangerous for you. However, the Quidditch field should be just fine. Are you ready to head down there?"
"Yeah!" said James, hopping down from the chair. "You want to watch, Hagrid?"
Hagrid smiled and thanked James. "I've got ter be getting ready for later, when the students arrive. But I'll be sure to see yeh next time, all right?"
"All right," said James, and they said their good-byes.
* * *
James was flying high when Ginny arrived at the Quidditch field. She watched her husband and son soar through the air and throw the Quaffle at each other. "Daddy!" Lily laughed and pointed. "James!"
"There they are!" Ginny said to Lily, and she placed the little girl in the grass so she could toddle along.
Harry spotted them first and directed James to the ground. "Hello, Gin," he said, and he kissed her.
"Do we have to go?" James asked, knowing the reason for this mother's visit.
"You know we do," said Ginny. "It's getting late, and dad has to get ready for the feast tonight."
"But we were just getting started!" James complained.
"James, we've been playing for two hours," said Harry. "And I promise you can come and see the first Quidditch match this year. Right, Gin?"
"Of course," said Ginny. "But now we're going to head home and have dinner. Ron and Hermione are coming over with Emma, Olivia and Jack."
"Can I tell them all about today?" James asked.
"Of course," said Ginny. "Now, do you have anything inside, or are you ready?"
"I'm ready," said James.
"If he left anything upstairs, I'll bring it home later," said Harry.
"Sure," said Ginny. "Are you going to stay overnight?"
"I don't know yet," said Harry. "I guess I'll see how long the feast goes. I'll send Hedwig over with a note to let you know."
Ginny nodded, and kissed her husband. "Bye then. Have a nice evening!"
"You too," said Harry, with a slight chuckle because he knew that having all the children in the house would be no picnic (though nothing compared to the amount of students he would have to face himself that evening). He watched as his family disappeared out of sight, and then headed back into the castle to get ready for the evening.
* * *
Harry stood at the entrance to the Great Hall, awaiting Hagrid's arrival with the first years. There was no mistaking their entrance when he heard the footsteps, though most of the students were in awe of the castle (and Hagrid, for that matter) and so their voices were hushed. "Here yeh are," said Hagrid to Harry. "Fresh off the boats. Firs' years, this is Professor Potter. He'll be in charge of the sortin' tonight."
"Welcome!" said Harry brightly, and he heard a small murmur rush through the crowd, and saw some of the children towards the back crane their necks towards him to get a better look. "Follow me, and we'll get you sorted into your houses." The doors to the Great Hall opened and Harry walked in, the line of first years behind him. Some of the older students waved at Harry as he walked in, and he smiled at them as a return greeting.
Harry disappeared into the small room off the Great Hall and returned moments later with the ratty old hat. He placed it on a stool and everyone watched with bated breath. The rip opened and the sorting hat began to sing.
Another school year had begun.