A shorter chapter, I'm afraid. Thanks for all the support so far! I love reading your responses to this story!
Prongs Rides Again
Chapter Twenty-Five: On Probation
"You should read this, Padfoot," James said, tossing the Daily Prophet at his friend, who caught it and rolled it open.
Sirius' eyes widened as he read the main headline. "Mass breakout from Azkaban. Ministry fears Black is 'rallying point' for old Death Eaters." He stared at it, dumbfounded. "How…why can they think that? Why would I be involved in helping her escape?"
James glanced at the picture of Bellatrix Lestrange, one of the Death Eaters that had escaped from the prison. "I think they're basing that assumption on the fact that she is your cousin."
"And it doesn't occur to them that I was once an Auror?" Sirius asked.
James shook his head. "Obviously not. Since the public is unwilling to believe anything I say, it's likely that the Daily Prophet serves as the truth reader." He sighed. "Sooner or later Fudge will have to admit that Voldemort has risen again, and will have to hear you out. You can't remain here as a dog for the rest of your life."
Sirius scowled. "At least I'm not stuck in that house."
"Good point." James muttered.
Sirius was now reading the article and he was muttering every so often, his voice rising high in disbelief at what he read. The nerve of what people could read and believe astounded him beyond anything. He hoped fervently that one day he would be able to tell the truth to everyone, and that he could someday be accepted back into society and become an Auror again.
"…have rallied round Black as their leader." Sirius repeated. "What rubbish! It'll be a miracle if Bella ever does what I say!"
James sniggered remembering a particular incident during their years at Hogwarts which had involved Bellatrix, a box of chocolates, a broomstick and a love potion. The good old days.
"What are you laughing for?"
"Just reminiscing the old days."
"Must be something good."
"Trust me, it was." James grinned.
News of the Death Eaters escape spread round the school. Where ever James went, he heard from students various tales of how they had escaped. It constantly annoyed him that the students thought that Sirius had been a part of the plot to free them. If only they knew the truth.
"Professor Potter?"
James stopped in his stroll and turned to face the speaker. It was Umbridge. He rolled his eyes. Why couldn't she leave him alone?
"Yes, Dolores?" he asked, trying to sound polite, but knowing that he failed miserably.
She handed him a piece of paper. "Your inspection results."
James unrolled it and began to read. He became angry as he read, and when he was done he glared at Umbridge with indefinably hatred, lurking within his hazel depths.
"Probation?" he spat, appalled that Umbridge would do anything like that.
She nodded, a nasty grin spreading across her features. "Yes, Mr Potter. I have found your teaching methods to be unsatisfactory. I fear that the students are not reaching their full potential."
"I don't believe this!" James bellowed. "I'm following the guidelines set down by Dumbledore! What more can I do? Adhere to how you want them to be taught, without learning physical magic?"
Umbridge's eyes slit. "There is no need for the students to learn practical defense. Our world is safe…there is nothing that can harm them…nor will there ever will be."
James gritted his teeth. "Then what about the Triwizard Tournament last year?" he asked. "What about what happened to my son?"
"Your son is nothing more then a nasty little liar who is an attention seeking brat. You should teach him to tell the truth, then maybe society will accept him better then they have done. All that famous talk has gotten to his head!"
In an instant James had his wand out. He didn't care if he was fired: all he wanted to do was harm the person who dare criticise his son. "How dare you? You don't know half of what my son has suffered through. I should've been there for him, but I couldn't. My life was taken from me, and my son was forced to grow up with Muggles. Harry is one of the strongest people I know, and if you won't hear him out, then I am afraid I am against you. Fudge is a fool to believe otherwise! Someone needs to open his eyes to the truth! And then maybe we can take the precautions that the Wizarding World needs to in order to survive the war that Voldemort is stirring. He's already winning if we don't act now and prepare ourselves."
"It is impossible for someone to return from the dead." Umbridge said, her eyes staring.
James smirked. "Then what was I? Alive in a coffin? No, I was dead and now I'm alive, unless you think I'm still an imposter?"
"You stole those memories. Whoever you are, I will find out soon enough, and then your precious son can see who you really are inside. I know you are not James Potter. No one can return from the dead." She turned on her heel and left, James staring at her retreating back in anger and revulsion.
"She put you on probation?" Sirius asked.
James sighed, brushing his hair back with his right hand. "Yeah…here." he shoved the letter at his friend who read it.
Once he was done reading, Sirius glanced up and met his friend's eyes. "And she's basing this on…what?"
"Apparently the students aren't receiving the education they need." James replied, anger evident in his voice.
Sirius' eyes darkened. "You're following the rules! What else can you do?"
"Apparently follow them to the extreme that I should deviate from following them." remarked James. "She's got it in for me, Sirius. Sooner or later you're going to be discovered and I'm going to be imprisoned for working against the Ministry. I pretty much told her I was anyway. I just got so angry…"
"Everyone's fed up with her. Heck, I'm amazed you haven't cursed her at least a dozen times since you met her."
James grinned. "Much as it is tempting, I simply cannot, since if I did then I really would be sent away, and I've promised Harry I'd be there for him. I just can't abandon him like I did on Halloween."
"James, you died. You didn't abandon him, you died to save him, to give him a chance at life. And you succeeded."
"Maybe," James sighed, "but Lily is gone."
"And she died to protect Harry." Sirius reminded him. "And now you're here to give him more protection. Live with what you can James. You may suddenly leave us again, but whatever you do, don't regret Halloween. That wasn't your fault. It was Wormtail for betraying you."
"I know." James fell silent, his thoughts focused on the past. If only he could set things right…
A few days later Umbridge set another decree. James was annoyed that Umbridge was going to such lengths to stop people from even considering that Voldemort was loose again. This latest decree meant that no teacher could give information to the students that were not related to his or her subject. Technically James wasn't even allowed to speak to Harry as father and son, but that didn't stop him. Thankfully Dumbledore overruled Umbridge's attempt to have James kept away from Harry. She didn't have control over what James did during his spare time, and he could tell that that annoyed her a lot.
Umbridge had taken to popping up in the most ridiculous places. She seemed to be spying on him. He was worried that Umbridge might just barge into his room one day and find Sirius, so at Dumbledore's encouragement, he placed spells on his classroom and quarters so that he could be warned when she was coming. He had the wards programmed to recognise her from a corridor away. If Sirius was in human form, it would give him a chance to transform and hide the fact that he was even at Hogwarts.
Dolores Umbridge didn't even suspect a thing. She thought she had James cornered, and it frustrated her that whenever she caught James, the dog was by his side. By the look she was giving Sirius, James had a funny feeling that she knew who he was. All she needed was to see him to believe it. Things were getting tricky.
One mistake could have James arrested. He was determined to not fail his son, if he did, he had no idea what he would do.
Harry was too important to him, for him to lose like he had lost Lily.
"How's Occlumency going?" James asked as he passed Harry a cup of tea. They sat in his office, having decided to meet every week to see how the other was going on.
Harry sighed. "Not very well. I don't think Snape is helping me."
"Dumbledore told me that you and him don't get along."
"That's true." Responded Harry.
"What's wrong with how he's teaching Occlumency?"
"I can't get the hang of it. If I do the slightest thing wrong he gets angry. I'm beginning to think he's not on our side but on Voldemort's."
James scowled, his hazel eyes seeking out Harry's green ones. "He is on our side. Harry…" he faltered, "…I shouldn't tell you this, but I feel you must understand."
"Understand what?" Harry asked seriously.
"Snape saved your life once." James stated.
"What…?"
James nodded. "Yes. Snape told Dumbledore that Voldemort was after you. He warned us so that we could find a safe place to live and protect you. He is the reason that you are alive today. He is the reason why we know Voldemort is after you."
"And why is he after me?" Harry asked.
"I can't tell you…not yet anyway…not until we know for sure." James knew that Harry was the boy of the prophecy, but Harry didn't have to know that. Not yet at least.
"You know something, dad, and you're keeping it from me." Harry accused. "Can't you trust me?"
"I can but Dumbledore doesn't want you to know until he is certain!"
"Certain about what?" Harry stood up, fuming. He was fed up of being in the dark.
"Whether you are the one who will defeat Voldemort." James whispered. "We don't know if that scar means something. There's a possibility that you are the only Wizard alive who is capable of defeating Voldemort."
Harry was stunned. Finally he stammered. "And this is why you've kept me in that dark? Because you don't know?"
James nodded. "Please understand."
"I was in the dark for eleven years before I even discovered what this scar meant." He pointed to his forehead. "I have a right to know what my future might entail. Whenever you are ready father to tell me the whole truth, I will be waiting."
And then Harry left.
James sagged, unsure of what to do. Would Harry ever talk to him again?
Harry sobbed, sitting on his bed in Gryffindor Tower. He never cried but he had to let it go. Why was people keeping things from him? Ever since James had accidentally informed him of a Prophecy, Harry's mind had been spinning. His father hadn't said what the Prophecy had entailed, but Harry was fairly certain that it meant he would have to fight Voldemort to his very last breath.
I need to know the truth…Harry thought, I can't go on like this not understanding. If my father truly cared would he keep it from me?
"He would if he wanted to protect you."
Harry looked up into the darkness. Standing there was James. "Go away, I have nothing to say to you." he turned his back on him.
James sighed. "I'm trying to protect you, Harry. I want to tell you everything, but there are some parts that not even I understand. Please, Harry, I do not want to keep these things from you, but sometimes a parent has to do that in order to protect his family. I made a terrible mistake in 1981. I lost you and Lily, and I have been given another chance." he shrugged his shoulders, "Even I have no idea why I have returned. You have to give me a chance to work things out. I love you Harry, I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I would never forgive myself."
Harry listened not looking at his father. As he heard his father move silently away, Harry turned to look at his retreating back. He sighed, exasperated.
Finally…
"Dad?"
James looked back. "Yes?"
"Answer me this question."
James nodded. "Go ahead."
"Am I the only one this Prophecy speaks of?"
"No. There is another. The Prophecy does state that there is more then one person capable of defeating Voldemort. I do know who that person is, but I can not divulge anything." James said.
"So this Prophecy may not be related to me?" Harry asked.
James nodded. "Yes, but I have a feeling that I have been brought back because of that prophecy. Dumbledore is working it out."
Harry smiled lightly. "Thanks dad. At least you are letting me know some facts."
"Are we still father and son?" James asked, knowing that is was a stupid question.
"Would I really pass up the chance to get to know my father?" Harry questioned, green eyes twinkling.
Things between Harry and James fled into place. A new understanding had become between them. Harry had realised that his father had to keep some things from him in order to protect him, and he hoped that one day James would reveal to him what he knew. But since the little argument, their father and son bond had grown stronger.
Something magical was going on and seemed to be connecting them together. Something was weaving them like stitches on a sewing machine. Yet neither of them knew how important this bond would come to be in the coming days. Everything depended on it.
When James returned from his nightly walk with Sirius, he found Hermione Granger waiting for him outside his office. She seemed relieved when they finally appeared and asked if she could speak to James privately in his office. Agreeing, he let Harry's young friend into his room, and told her to sit.
"What is it?"
Hermione shuffled in her seat, unsure of where to start. Finally she settled for a simple question: "Are you coming to Hogsmeade on Valentine's Day?"
James nodded. "Yes, Sirius and Remus and I are meeting up and going to go exploring, why?"
"Oh…it's just that I was wondering if you'd be able to meet me in the Three Broomsticks around midday."
"Is there a particular reason why?" James pressed.
Hermione bit her lip. "Rita Skeeter is going to be there. I've asked her if she would be willing to tell the Wizarding World the truth about you and Harry. I want to publish an article telling the world your views. You may even be able to rally support for Sirius' release." She added.
"The idea is interesting." James stroked his chin. "I like the idea. I've been wanting to rebel for ages. It would definitely give Umbridge something to get annoyed about." He turned to Sirius. "What do you think? Shall I?"
Sirius nodded. "Do it mate. Tell the world your story."
"I'm just worried that if I did this interview, people wouldn't believe it."
"The people who will are the people who know you." Sirius answered. "I know it was you because you, James Potter, resemble many of the characteristics that my old friend had. You've changed in death, but I know you are the real one because our friendship is that deep. If you weren't James Potter, I would know."
"How?" James asked incredulously.
"Simple. You miss Lily. I know for a fact that whenever you are alone Lily is in your thoughts. If you weren't upset about her not being here, then I would be worried I was sharing a room with an imposter."
"I'm glad that we have an understanding between us." James remarked, grinning slightly. He turned back to Hermione who was waiting patiently for his answer. "Yes, Hermione, I will do this interview. I may have a few things I do not agree with, but I support the idea. I only hope it doesn't involve me getting suspended from Hogwarts for telling the truth, as we all know Umbridge will brand me an 'imposter' and a 'liar'."
"She has so much faith in the Potter line, doesn't she?" Sirius added.
James rolled his eyes.
The day of the Hogsmeade trip arrived. James and Sirius in dog form left the Castle at the same time as the students. Meeting up with Remus they explored some of their old haunts in the village, and by midday James was ready for the Interview.
Saying goodbye to his companions, who were going off elsewhere, James made his way through the winding streets of Hogsmeade till he came to the Three Broomsticks. The pub was packed with students all buying drinks and getting meals. On the other side of the room was Hermione, a girl who James recognised as Luna Lovegood, Rita Skeeter and of course Harry.
He pulled up a chair, offering his son a slight smile, before glaring at Rita.
"My, my, James Potter." Rita whispered, "so the rumors are true about you."
James ignored her and looked to Hermione.
She clasped her hands together and explained the process. Harry was to tell Rita the truth about Voldemort, while James was to explain how he was James Potter and eventually in the article hoped to get onto the subject of Sirius' sentence and make a bid for his freedom. Rita had been surprised when Hermione mentioned about Sirius' involvement with James, but she kept quiet, and allowed both Potter's to speak truthfully.
Throughout the interview, James was nervous as anything, knowing that whenever the article was published, it would create an uproar within the Wizarding society, and he would be at the centre of it.
TBC
So, James and Harry had an argument and then made up…I hope it wasn't too out of character! Let me know what you think!
Thank you's go to the following: Crazy-Physco; Fixed Pottery; charmedslayers; The Kaizeress; ambereyes2873; IamSiriusgrl; kokomocalifornia; Dark Angel's Blue Fire; Lunatic Pandora1; supernova8610; Daftlilme; oxymoronique; bandgsecurtiyaw; Eric2; Loonie Potter; FK306 animelover; Padfoot's Sidekick; JTBJAB; Alexis Granger; Suicidal Bunnies; zippyfox; emuerz; RoschLupin-Black; kbluesmom; and prongspadfoot2003.
Godfric Potter: Thank you for your kind comments. I am british, and come from way down in the south east in the UK. I live about an hour away from Dover. And you're from Scotland? I've been there! I love that place!
TeresaBlackPotter: You'll have to wait and see how James and Harry are bonded together. I can't promise not to kill Sirius. I'm in the process of deciding however I am waiting to read book 6 before making my final decision. Thank you for reading my fic!
littlewolf-moony: About the summary, I think I meant 'particular' as I am referring to a certain event. Thanks for the good luck for my exams. I won't find out my results till August so I've got a while to wait. Thanks for reading!
empathicallychosen: There may be plot twists ahead. You'll have to read and find out.
DoNtLetMeGetMe: I am still deciding whether to kill Sirius or not. Sorry.
darkdanny: Your ideas about Harry are good, but he is different then he is in the original book because of the presence of his father. I'll try not to divert from his character too much but it is difficult. Thank you for the review!
Lady Taliesin: Hehehe…yes my last reply was quite long. I had so much to comment on. Well done on your exams! Congrats! Yes, we learn more about Harry's Grandparents later on…if I remember to add it in (its one of those parts in the story where I'm not sure whether it will fit). Ah, no Molly will not stop being Harry's Godmother. I worded that wrong! Sorry! Don't worry about the line you mentioned. I'm not fussed. I just thought I'd give a reason :-) Heh, yeah James will tell Harry about the Prophecy eventually, but Harry knows more now. Ohhh, shiny silver cyber-trophey…thanks…yes, Dumbledore is an employer, and I always refer to people who are top of a management structure and Dumbledore is and I thought it appropriate for him…I don't want James breaking promises. I see him as a loyal person who keeps his word to the best of his ability. It's an issue of trust really. And I break promises all the time…such as I promised myself I would stop reading fanfiction about a year ago, and a year later I'm writing my own and still reading it! More grammar mistakes! DOH! Yes, I made Snape tell the Order about the Prophecy because I feel that in order for him to gain Dumbledore's trust he gave important information to him or confirmed it. I do not think Snape paid his debt back that way, he was only passing information so he wasn't really saving anyone's lives, just giving them a chance to live longer. I hope that makes sense. That's my view on it anyway! Dumbledore means that Sirius is not concerned with the fraud between James/Snape/Harry. He's not part of the pay-back bond, so it doesn't really concern him. James has quite a few spell-detecting charms, but I didn't list them as I don't know any…James and Sirius have nothing to talk about as they are together all day in lessons, whereas when they were at school they were planning pranks upon pranks and James was planning to get Lily, but they can't do that, apart from reminiscence. Still a long review, and a long response…I hope you liked this chapter…and now I'm off to write more story!
Next chapter: The Quibbler Articles! In which James and Harry's interviews are published…This chapter is not completed yet, and as I've got five weeks left of school and we're starting next years courses early, I've got a lot of work to do, so I don't have a lot of time for writing. I will try and update next weekend, but I'm not sure if I will be able to.
Thank you for all the reviews so far!
MissBlackPotter