Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: Hi everyone! This story is the sequel to A New Chance! If you haven't read that one yet, you might want to before reading this one otherwise it might be a little confusing, however this story can be enjoyed even if you don't read the first one. This story will focus on moments in Harry's second chance childhood and him starting Hogwarts.
Warning that this story AU and a like with the first story, a warning for possible scenes of corporal punishment between parent and child, nothing too excessive but if it will bother you, make you uncomfortable or upset you in any way, then please skip this fic. Flames will be ignored.
..
Dec 12, 1979 – Godric's Hollow
Lily smiled at her husband as he walked into the kitchen, yawning.
"Morning," James murmured, kissing her on the cheek. "Oh good, you made coffee!"
Lily rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Honey, every morning I make coffee and you always say it like it's a huge surprise."
James gave her a lopsided grin. "Aren't I cute?" He poured himself a cup.
Lily laughed as she stirred the pancake batter she was making. She usually preferred to cook the muggle way, she found it relaxing unless she was in a hurry. She also had insisted on having muggle kitchen appliances, like a refrigerator and dishwasher as she had grown up with them. "Can you grab me another egg from the fridge? I only grabbed one and I need two." She said casually.
"Sure." James opened the refrigerator. "Only one left." He remarked as he picked up the egg from the shelf. "Hey, there's writing on it." He frowned as he looked at it more closely.
"Oh?" Lily asked innocently. Her eyes sparkled in anticipation.
"We are egg-specting a baby." James read and then froze. His hazel eyes shot to his wife.
Lily grinned. "You can't be too surprised," She teased.
James let out a whoop and picked her up, spinning her around. "Our boy will soon be with us!" He set Lily carefully down and bent down. "Hey Pronglet," He crooned to her stomach. "We've missed you."
Lily laughed. "James, you're so silly." She said fondly.
James straightened. "I knew it would be soon but still..." His eyes actually got a little teary.
"You worried?" Lily asked softly, putting her hand on his shoulder.
"I know what the founders said, but yeah," James shook his head. "I've had nightmares of Harry never being born." He admitted.
"Me too," Lily said softly. "But he's here, right here," She put her hand over her stomach. "Eight more months and he'll be in our arms again."
"I can't wait," James said, kissing her. He pulled back. "And hey, we already know we'll be great parents." He winked at her.
"Such a arrogant man," Lily rolled her eyes and laughed.
"And yet, you love me," James grinned.
"Yes, very much," Lily said warmly, wrapping her arms around him. They held each other, content that their son would soon be with them again.
..
July 31st, 1981 – Godric's Hollow
Lily surveyed the living room, eyeing the brightly colored streamers and balloons that she had put up. James had wanted red and gold colors only but she had quickly vetoed that and included all colors. She knew her husband, he just wanted to needle Sev and Regulus. Sometimes her husband and friends could be big kids themselves. She had set up a food table for the adults, with wards around to make sure little kids couldn't grab anything and a kid's table with food safe for the toddlers to munch on.
"The room looks great, Lily," James said as he walked into the room, holding Harry on his hip. "Do you agree, Pronglet?"
Harry looked around the room with wide eyes. "Ba-ba!" He babbled excitedly.
James and Lily chuckled. "It's your birthday. You are one years old today." James held one finger up and Harry grabbed it with his little hand.
"A year old," Lily sniffled.
"Uh oh, I think mummy is crying again," James whispered loudly to Harry.
"Uh oh!" Harry said with a big grin. He didn't understand what was going on but he was excited anyway.
Lily chuckled. "I can't help it, he's getting so big." She took Harry from James. "Such a big boy." She cooed.
Harry babbled happily and Lily laughed. The floo flared and Sirius and Regulus stepped out.
"Pup!"
Harry's eyes lit up and he held his arms out. Sirius quickly grabbed and swung him high in the air. "Happy birthday!"
"Look Harry. We have presents for you!" Regulus held up several brightly colored gifts.
"Ooo!" Harry said, his eyes wide as Regulus put the presents on a table.
Soon the room was filled with friends and family. Harry toddled around the room with Ron and the Weasley twins as the adults watched them.
"This is all just so wonderful," Mrs. Evans said, looking around the room with a smile. "I wish -"
"You wish what?" Lily asked.
Mrs. Evans sighed. "I wish Petunia and you got along and she was here."
"You know I've tried in the past," Lily said quietly. "But with how she treated Harry...I won't let him be hurt by her again. And I don't think she's changed."
"I know." Mrs. Evans nodded, looking sad. "It's just, you're sisters and you both have sons that are close in age."
"How is Dudley?" Lily asked.
"He's..." Mrs. Evans hesitated. "Loud."
Lily laughed.
Mrs. Evans smiled. "He's cute, blond hair, blue eyes but he's a big boy. I worry a little, from what I see Petunia is constantly feeding him."
"Hmm," Lily said, remembering what Vernon Dursley had looked like when she had met him.
"Oh, I'm going to go speak with Euphemia." Mrs. Evans said as she noticed James's parents arrive.
Lily quickly greeted her in-laws, happy that her parents and James's parents had become such good friends. She joined her own friends where they were lounging on the sofa. "Everyone doing well? Molly, how are you feeling?" Lily asked as she sat next to James.
Molly Weasley shifted on the sofa as she tried to make herself comfortable. "All I can say is, this is the last one, no matter what." She grumbled as she patted her rounded stomach.
"Seven children," Snape murmured, shaking his head. "I'm still shocked you didn't stop after those two miscreants," He pointed at Fred and George. He knew troublemakers when he saw them and those two definitely qualified.
Arthur chuckled. "We always wanted a big family." He shrugged.
"True. But still, this is the last one." Molly said with a laugh. "Will you two be having another one?" She asked Lily and James.
"We want to," Lily said, glancing at James and smiling. "But we'll wait until Harry is a little older." Her eyes widened when she saw her son riding a large black dog around the room. "He could fall!" She gasped.
James looked over and began laughing as Harry rode Sirius around the room.
Regulus walked over, looking a little sheepish. "I put a safety charm around him so he wouldn't."
"Doggie!" Ron clapped as he ran after them.
"We want a turn!" Fred and George said together, jumping up and down in excitement.
By the time Padfoot had given all the kids a ride, he flopped down on the floor next to James's chair, panting.
"Worn out, huh?" James patted him on the head. "We thought about getting a pony for the kids but this was much better. Saved us money." He smirked.
"We should hire him out," Remus suggested. "To all children parties, the amazing Padfoot."
Snape snorted. "I don't know, we would have to have him checked for fleas and lice each time."
Padfoot lifted his head and snarled at him.
Regulus snickered. "We could also get a saddle for him and maybe a muzzle and – Hey!" He cried when Padfoot attacked his leg. "Stop biting me!" He shook his leg, trying to get his brother to let go.
"Padfoot!" James tried to scold but the effect was ruined by him bursting into laughter.
Harry stopped his running around and stared. "Uh oh!" He pointed at Sirius and Regulus.
"Sirius, you're scaring the kids!" Lily hissed, grabbing him by the scruff of neck and pulling him back.
Regulus rubbed his leg with a wince. "Am I bleeding?"
Padfoot blurred into Sirius. "Oh please, I didn't actually bite down hard." Sirius scoffed.
"My leg is probably mangled." Regulus pouted.
"Such a baby," Sirius smirked before locking his brother in a headlock.
"Hey!" Regulus protested with a laugh.
"I suppose I shouldn't be shocked that the toddlers are more well behaved than the Black brothers?" Snape smirked.
Lily snickered before something across the room caught her her. "Oh!"
The twins were happily ripping up the pages in one of Lily's charm books.
"Fred! George! No!" Molly scolded from where she was still seated. "Lily, I'm so sorry." She apologized as Lily got up to stop the twins.
"We make fetti!" Both twins protested as Lily took the book from them.
Molly sighed. "For their last birthday, I let them throw confetti." She told everyone.
"I see." Lily chuckled. "Papyrus Reparo." She cast, fixing the pages.
"Oooo," The twin toddlers watched her with wide, sparkling eyes.
"Books are for reading, not tearing up," Lily told gently.
Arthur picked up both boys and brought them to the sofa. "That was naughty." He told them. "Say you're sorry."
"Sworry." Both boys said.
"You'll sit on the couch for three minutes." Molly told them. "George, sit back," She warned when one of them started to slide down.
"Me Frwed!" He protested as he climbed back up on the cushion.
"Oh, sorry Fred," Molly said.
"Prwank! Me George!" He said cheerfully while his brother giggled.
"Oh, honestly," Molly huffed, her eyes sparkling in amusement.
Sirius laughed. "Good luck with those two." He said knowingly. He could see future Marauders in them.
Once the twins had served their three minute time out, Lily announced it was time for Harry to open his presents.
Harry opened his gifts, babbling excitedly over his new toys and clothes. He tore into his last gift. "Ba!" He held up the stuffed white owl. He hugged it happily.
Lily shared a smile with James. It was the same owl they had bought Harry their seventh year when they had taken him to Hogsmeade. They had saved all of Harry's toys, waiting to give them to him again.
An hour later, the guests left. "I guess he has been partied out," Lily said, looking fondly at Harry who lay on the sofa, sound asleep with his owl in his arms.
James chuckled. "A sign of a successful birthday party." He scooped up Harry and cradled him in his arms. "Happy birthday Pronglet." He whispered.
..
October 31st, 1981
"Lily, ready to go to the Weasley's Halloween party?" James called up the stairs. He grinned when Lily walked down with Harry in her arms. She had made him an owl costume, he matched the stuffed owl that he had received for his birthday. "Pronglet, you look great!"
"Owl!" Harry said brightly.
"You're an adorable owl," James said.
"We're ready." Lily said.
James frowned at the tense look on her face. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Hmm? Oh, nothing," Lily said, holding Harry tight in her arms.
"Lily, what is it?"
"It's Halloween," Lily said quietly.
"Yes." James said slowly, not understanding.
"In Harry's other reality, this was the Halloween we were killed." Lily's eyes teared up. "I know it's different now, but I just started thinking about it." She looked down at Harry, who was playing with the white feathers on his costume. "I just can't imagine...him being this age and losing us.." She trailed off.
"Hey," James put his arms around her and his son. "It's okay. We're okay. Voldemort is gone and we're safe. Our son is safe." He kissed her cheek and then dropped a kiss on Harry's chubby cheek. "Second chance, remember?"
Lily nodded, relaxing.
"Dada!" Harry said happily. "Mama!"
Lily laughed. "Ready to go see Ron, my little owlet?"
"Yay!" Harry clapped his little hands together.
"Come on, let's go have a fun Halloween," James said with a grin.
"Are you looking forward to the treats or the tricks you and Sirius usually pull?" Lily teased as they walked to the front door.
"Both." James laughed.
..
September 3rd, 1984 – St. Mungo's
"How much longer?" Harry whined. It felt like they had been waiting forever!
"I don't know, pup. It can take awhile to have a baby." Sirius said, picking Harry up and sitting him on his lap.
Harry huffed. "It's taking so long!" He brightened when his all of his grandparents entered the waiting room.
"Any news yet?" Mrs. Evans asked eagerly. She opened her arms when Harry ran up to her.
"No, we're still waiting," Remus said. "It's only been a couple hours, which is apparently forever." He winked at Harry.
"It is," Harry insisted as he then hugged his other grandparents.
"Look Harry. We brought you a new coloring book." Regulus said, handing it to the little boy. "It has pirates in it."
"Pirates?" Harry eagerly took the book and the box of crayons Regulus handed him. "Will you color with me?" He asked hopefully.
"Sure," Regulus grinned.
Sirius, Harry, Snape, Regulus, Remus, the Potter's and the Evans were all anxious to meet the newest member of the family and settled themselves in the waiting room as they waited for news.
"Sev, how is your apothecary?" Sirius asked.
"It is doing well," Snape said as he stretched his legs out. "Keeps me busy. How is the ministry?"
Sirius shrugged. "Okay. Fudge is still an idiot but thankfully I don't see him much. Too busy chasing the bad wizards."
Regulus rolled his eyes. "Yes, the last bad wizard we chased was a teenager who was charming plants in muggle's yards to dance. Very dangerous." He mocked.
Sirius scowled at his brother while Snape and Remus chuckled.
"Now, now," Mr. Potter said in amusement. "No fighting, boys." He had been like a father to both of them after their parents had disowned them.
"Yes sir," Sirius said, narrowing his eyes at his brother. "Stop laughing." He smiled when Reg just gave him a cheeky grin. He could be such a brat but he was Sirius's brat.
"Let's focus on what is important here," Remus said as he flipped through a magazine. "Another Potter is entering the world. Merlin help us." He joked.
"A little girl," Mrs. Potter sighed happily. "A new grandchild to spoil."
"You'll still love me too, right Grandma?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Oh, Harry! Of course!" Mrs. Potter hugged him. "My first grand baby, I'll always love you."
"Yeah pup. You know we're crazy about you," Regulus ruffled Harry's hair, causing the little boy to smile.
James walked into the room, a big smile on his face. "She's here!" He beamed. He crouched down and held his arms out for Harry, who ran into them. "Ready to meet your little sister, Pronglet?"
Harry nodded, resting his head on his dad's shoulder.
"You guys will be able to see her in a bit." James told everyone else.
"How is Lily?" Mrs. Evans asked anxiously.
"She's doing great." James smiled.
"Have you decided on a name?" Mr. Evans asked.
"Primrose Lillian Potter," James said proudly. "We'll be back in a few minutes." He said to the room. "Let's go see mummy." He told his son as he carried him to the room Lily was resting in.
"Harry," Lily smiled lovingly at her son as he peered at the bundle she was holding. "Meet your sister. Primrose."
James held him close to Lily so that Harry could see his little sister. He studied her thoughtfully.
"She's tiny," Harry said.
"So were you," James laughed.
Primrose gave a big yawn.
"She's tired already?" Harry asked, gently reaching out to stroke the baby's cheek. "She's so soft." He murmured.
"She is. And of course she's tired, she's had a big day," Lily chuckled. "So what do you think of her, Harry?"
Harry gazed at the little newborn. "I think I like her." He decided.
James and Lily laughed. "I suppose we'll keep her, then," James said, winking at his wife.
TBC: