Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).

4. A Return to Hogwarts

The morning came with the sounds of children running around upstairs. Harry sat up replaying the night in his head. What will the kids say when they found him in their living room? How will they handle the news? Two girls racing down the stairs shattered the anticipation. Lily was the first to greet him.

"Hello. Did you sleep well?" asked Lily.

"Yes, I did," answered Harry. "Thank you for letting me stay in your home."

"My mom talked to me this morning, she said you are Harry Potter, but I can't tell anybody. Are you really Harry Potter?" quizzed Lily.

"Yes, I am, and she is correct that you need to keep this a secret," reinforced Harry. "But more importantly, no one must learn that Samantha knows me. OK?"

"I understand," Lily said. "She is a lot of fun. James broke my omnioculars last week and she fixed them with her wand last night. When James saw that this morning, he was mad and tried to break them again, but they wouldn't."

"I am glad you like her," Harry said. "Would it be OK if she stayed here until you went back to school?"

"Oh yes," cried Lily gleefully. "Then we would have an even number. Sirius and James would have to include me in their games then. They always say odd teams aren't fair so I never get to play."

"Wonderful," said a relieved Harry. "I need to ask your parents first though."

"Don't worry, I already did," said Lily with very Hermione-like voice. "She loved the idea."

"Good morning father," said Samantha. "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, I did, honey," replied Harry. "How about you?"

"Lily and I talked for awhile about all sorts of things before we finally fell asleep," informed Samantha. "Are you serious about me staying? I do like it here."

"Seeing how Hermione has already said yes, I don't see why not," Harry said. "I will be here as much as I can, but there are bound to be times that I can't. OK?"

"I understand," acknowledged Samantha. Is it alright if I go out and play with Lily?"

"Of course," Harry said smiling. "Go and have fun, but remember what we discussed. No one must know yet. I will tell you when. OK?"

"I understand. See you later, father," said Samantha following Lily to the front door.

The door closed as Ron came downstairs adjusting his collar. "Sleep well, mate?" asked Ron.

"Yes, and you?" asked Harry.

"Not at first, but yes. I am still getting used to you being here," said Ron. "It has been so long. Sorry about Hermione last night. She was just shocked, that is all."

"You have no reason to apologize for me, Ronald," snapped Hermione coming down the stairs. "He got less than what he deserved."

"Now, don't you start in again," retorted Ron. "I think he has been through enough already."

"Please, don't fight on account of me," implored Harry knowing they didn't need a reason as good as him to fight about this early in a day.

"Don't be ridiculous, Harry," said Hermione. "Ron shouldn't be speaking for others, least of all me." This statement received a scowl from Ron and a smile from Harry. "I took the liberty of speaking with the boys already. They understand the situation, or so they told me." Hermione's voice rose to a higher level, "they will be down as soon as their rooms are in order."

The threesome walked into the kitchen and Hermione put some water on the stove. Ron and Harry sat down at the table. A pecking sound came from the kitchen window. Hermione opened the window and a very small owl fluttered in with a copy of the Daily Prophet tied to its leg.

"Pig, stop flying around my head," cried Ron snatching the bird from the air. He untied the string from Pig's leg, and opened the paper. Pigwidgeon took off at once and flew over to Harry. He circled Harry again and again. Harry held up his finger for Pig to land on. Pig found the perch to be acceptable enough to land on and did so after one last circle.

"How are you Pig?" Asked Harry. "It has been a longtime."

Pig hooted at Harry for a few seconds before Ron told him to shut up already. Pig took off from Harry's hand and flew around the kitchen once more and then zipped out the open window. Harry's eyes followed the little owl around the room and out the window, but his gaze landed on his daughter playing outside with Lily. They were laughing and poking around in the tall grass on the side of the hill.

Ron flipped through the paper rather fast. "Nothing good. Same stuff as usual," said Ron. He folded the paper and tossed it on the table.

"I want to thank you again for taking in Samantha," said a relieved Harry. "It means so much to me."

"No big deal, Harry," was Ron's response. "Hermione mentioned you asked her to be Samantha's godmother."

"And would you be willing to be her godfather?" Asked Harry noting a slightly jealous tone to Ron's voice.

"Of course I will," Ron said looking more relieved. "It would be an honour."

"Thank you. Both of you." Harry felt more secure in his daughter's future now. She would be taken care of if anything happened.

There was a ruckus coming down the stairs. Harry turned to watch two boys come racing down the stairs. They knocked over an arrangement of flowers and vases near the stairs. The crash of pottery resounded through the living room and into the kitchen. Ron didn't flinch at the noise, but Hermione's reaction was the complete opposite.

"How many times have I told you? NO RUNNING IN THE HOUSE!" Hermione was advancing on the scene drawing out her wand. A flick of it and the mess was cleaned up and the decorations were repaired. The boys looked past her and straight at the visitor in their house. "How many times, boys?"

"We are sorry, mother," said the older boy. He looked right at Harry, lingering on his forehead. They made their way to the kitchen, Hermione on their heels scolding them. When there was a lull in the reprimands, the elder brother stepped forward.

"Hello," said the older boy. "I am Sirius, and this is my brother James."

"Nice to meet you Sirius, I am Harry," said Harry looking over the boy. He was taller than Samantha by two inches or so, but he had his father's taller slender build. He looked at James and said hello.

"Hello," replied James. "So are you Harry Potter like mom said you were?"

"Yes, I am, can't you tell?" Asked Harry. James had a very direct approach to things. He didn't waste time; he shot straight to the point.

"Yeah, you have the scar and you look like the picture mum and dad have on the wall upstairs," James stated. "So, you are Samantha's dad then?"

"Yes, I am. I heard you met her this morning," Harry said.

"Sure did. She fixed Lily's omnioculars," said James. "How did she do that? You aren't supposed to use magic out of school."

"Ah, well," Harry started. "Salem doesn't have those rules. Until she starts at Hogwarts this year, she is not prohibited from using magic."

"But that isn't fair," cried James. "I tried to break them again, but…"

"James, you did what?" Yelled Hermione.

"He was just testing Samantha's repair charm, Hermione," said Harry trying to save James from another scolding. "She is well skilled in charms. It would take a lot to break them again"

James took advantage of the break in his mother's train-of-thought and headed for the door outside wishing Harry a good day. Sirius stepped up and examined Harry.

"Bloody hell," said Sirius under his breath.

"Sirius, watch your tongue," snapped Hermione. "That is no way to welcome our guest."

"But mum, this is cool," said an impressed Sirius. "It really is him."

"Out you get," snapped Hermione. "Watch your brother, and keep an eye on your sister. We do not want any extra attention right now. Understand?"

Sirius went outside as instructed assuring his mother that he would keep everyone in line. Harry watched him head over to the others near the hill. They laughed at James who did something funny, and then they ran out of site of the window.

"Sorry about that, Harry," said Hermione. "Sirius has always liked the stories his father told him." Ron looked toward Hermione finding a glaring look on her face.

"I never said anything that wasn't true, Hermione," explained Ron. Hermione just snorted and went back to preparing breakfast. "Well, the kids seemed to like you just fine. They seemed to take to Samantha rather quickly too."

"I am not surprised by that," said Harry. "She has her mother's charm. A very likeable person she was."

Breakfast went by quickly. The three of them discussed what had been going on in their lives the last sixteen years. Ron and Hermione had more to talk about, but that was just fine by Harry. He enjoyed hearing them talk. It had been so long since he had just relaxed and listened to his friends. Hours seemed to go by, but that didn't seem to matter to any of them. The kids returned for lunch. They seemed to bond pretty well in the short time they had been together. This made Harry very happy.

"How was your morning, Samantha?" Asked Harry.

"It was great," began Samantha. "Sirius, James, and Lily are great fun. I really like it here. They have a pond on the other side of the hill full of frogs and other creatures."

"I am glad you are enjoying it, Honey," said Harry quite pleased that things were working out so well.

After lunch, the kids went outside again. They could be heard every now and then through the open window. After the kitchen was cleaned up, the old friends moved into the living room to continue their stories. Some were funny, others not so much. Harry was in the middle of a story about Samantha's first day of school when he heard two cracks outside.

He shot up from his chair, wand in hand. Ron and Hermione jumped in their seats, startled by his actions. Harry cautiously made his way to the back door, mumbling something to himself. Ron and Hermione jumped to their feet, following after him.

"Harry, calm down," said Hermione with a tremor in her voice. "It should only be Arthur and Molly. They visit around this time." It was obvious that his friends were not used to the stress of constantly being on guard. They had grown comfortable over the years.

Harry pivoted on the spot, his wand still at attention ready to attack. "Are you sure?"

A knock came from the front door Ron went to answer it keeping an eye on Harry who looked as though he would strike any minute. Harry sunk back towards the wall in the kitchen, ready for anything. Ron opened the door and said hello to who was there. Arthur and Molly Weasley entered the living room greeting their son and daughter-in-law. Harry stepped forward into the doorway putting his wand away in one fluid motion similar to how he had drawn it moments ago. Molly was the first to spot him. She let out a shriek, and then ran to him.

"Harry, dear. Oh how good it is to see you again." She nearly knocked him over when she collided into him with a huge hug. Tears were falling from her eyes. Though she had not seen him in years, it felt like time had not dampened her concern for him. Arthur was not far behind Molly. They both hugged Harry like the parents he considered them to be. Harry felt like he was a kid again back in the Burrow. When they had finished squeezing the life out of him, the back door burst open. A breathless Samantha stopped in mid run, wand poised to strike. She stood there scanning the room. She saw her father standing amidst a sea of red-haired people.

Molly stared at Samantha. She saw the scared look on her face. Her bright green eyes searching for an answer to a question that had not been asked. Molly saw something in this child that was familiar but she could not put her finger on it.

"It is ok, Samantha," Harry said calmly. "This is Arthur and Molly Weasley. They are the closest thing I have to parents." Samantha smoothly returned her wand to its location.

On those words, Molly knew who this girl was. She stepped forward and offered Samantha her hand. "I am Molly. Nice to meet you my dear."

"I am Samantha," she looked at her father receiving a nod. "Samantha Potter."

Molly couldn't hold herself back; she scooped Samantha up into hug that one would get from a grandmother. Samantha's uneasiness subsided while the embrace enveloped her. Arthur followed Molly's lead and did much the same. Harry found the scene very warming. His daughter had grandparents now as well.

The other children rumbled into the kitchen disrupting the heart filled moment. They saw Samantha being returned to her feet. "Grandma, grandpa," cooed Lily.

"Hello children," replied the elder Weasleys. "I trust you are staying out of trouble?" Questioned Mrs. Weasley.

"Yes, grandma," Sirius said. "We were just playing and Samantha took off back here. We didn't know why she ran back."

Hermione looked at Harry finding a concerned expression on his face. "Well, she must have heard your grandparents arriving, that is all. Now out you go while we talk." The Weasley children knew better than challenge such an order and went back outside. Samantha followed with a reassuring smile from Harry.

Samantha closed the kitchen door behind her and followed the others up the worn path over the hill. They headed back to the pond at the edge of a group of trees.

"Why did you take off like that?" Asked Sirius.

"I heard them apparate and I wanted to see who it was," answered Samantha.

"You must have really good ears," commented Lily.

Samantha smiled and knew better than to say anything more.

A few weeks came and went. They played with the frogs and wandered around the field telling stories about school and friends. The grove of trees offered a quiet place to roam around. Samantha liked the others. They loved to have fun and seemed to like having her around. Lily treated Samantha like a sister almost. Being the sister of two brothers must have been hard. She had always wanted a sister and Lily seemed to fit that role quite well. Sirius did what big brothers were supposed to do. He was never too far away from any of the younger kids. He made sure they didn't get into anything they shouldn't within reason. He kept James in line the best he could, but that kid could cause trouble no matter how many brothers were watching him.

One morning while everyone was sitting at the table eating breakfast a large brown owl came to the window. Hermione let him in and removed the parcels from his legs.

"Your letters are here children," said Hermione. She handed them out to Lily, Sirius, and James. Samantha got one too. The others opened theirs up right away and started scanning the pages.

Samantha opened the official looking letter; it was addressed to Samantha Brooks. Inside the letter warm words welcomed her to Hogwarts and listed all the books and supplies she was going to need for the year. She was very excited to be attending Hogwarts finally. She had heard so much about it.

"Aw cool," cried Sirius. "The Dark Arts and Their Defenses, by Alastor Moody. That is a serious book. Finally we are going to have a real dark arts class. Anyone who would pick that book knows what's what."

Hermione smiled at the news. She looked at Samantha and smiled again. "That is nice dear, you should learn a lot in that class this year."

"Mrs. Weasley, when will I go and get my things for school?" Asked Samantha.

"I figured we could go today if everyone is up for it," answered Hermione.

"Will my father be coming with?" Inquired Samantha.

"No, I am afraid that he is busy with Professor Dumbledore for the next few days," explained Hermione. "Besides, he feels he should stay out of sight for a little while longer."

"I understand," Samantha said with an air of disappointment to her voice. She had wanted her father to take her shopping for her supplies. It was going to be their time before school started.

"I know you want him to take you but hopefully I will do for now." Hermione had a pained look in her eyes.

"That sounds great," said Samantha but her heart wasn't behind those words.

After breakfast, the four children and Hermione took the floo network to Diagon Alley. Samantha kind of liked traveling by floo powder. It was exciting. She found herself in a large shop. There were candies along one wall and other magical items along another. Hermione and the kids were talking to two men who had to be family. The twins had red hair and devilish looks in their eyes.

"Oy, and who is this?" Asked one of the men.

"This is Samantha Brooks," said Hermione looking around the shop spotting a few other shoppers. "She is a new transfer student and Dumbledore asked me to help her get her things for school."

"Hello, Samantha, I am George and the ugly one over there is Fred," George walked over and shook her hand. A wand flew across the room and hit George in the side of the head causing flowers to rain down on the floor and stems to sprout up at least two feet from the spot of collision. Samantha giggled at the sight of this.

"Watch what you say brother. There is more where that came from if you open your trap again," said Fred a little miffed.

Hermione shook her head and hustled the kids out the door before sparks started flying. "Never mind them Samantha. They are troublesome children that never grew up," Hermione said. She never noticed Fred slipping James a small package.

The group made the rounds to all the shops. Samantha needed extra time at Madam Malkin's Robes For All Occasions. She needed a full set of robes, because at Salem their colors were green not black. A woman measured her and made up the robes in a flash.

"There you go my dear, a full set that should last you at least two years as long as you don't sprout wings," said the elderly lady.

Samantha found Hermione next-door getting parchment and quills trying to keep James from getting into trouble. They left the shop and headed to Flourish and Blotts. There were people everywhere. Hermione told the others to stay outside while she and Samantha went in to get the books. They squeezed through the throngs of people pushing and showing trying to get their kids books. Samantha found a nice corner out of the way. Hermione would bring over stacks of books every now and then. Another girl fought her way over to the corner carrying an armload of books.

"Hi, can't stand the crowds," said the girl. "I am Miranda, but everyone calls me Mira."

"Hi, I am Samantha."

"Are you new here, I haven't seen you around before?" Asked Mira.

"Yes, I am transferring this year," said Samantha. "What year are you in?"

"Fourth. I am in Gryffindor. Do you know which house you would like to be in?" Questioned Mira.

"I hope to be in Gryffindor too," said Samantha.

"There you are Mira. I was wondering where you got to," said a woman.

Hermione muscled her way through a wall of people and stood by Samantha. "Hello Parvati, how are you?" Asked Hermione in kind of a hurry.

"Hermione, how good to see you again," replied Parvati. "Is this one yours? Not quite your type is she?"

"She is Samantha, mum. She is transferring to Hogwarts this year," explained Mira. "She hopes to be in Gryffindor."

"I would be shocked if she was in any other house, Mira," said Hermione.

"Yes, Professor."

"Well, we should make our way to the counter if we want to get out of here before dark," urged Hermione.

"Yes, Mrs. Weasley," said Samantha taking the cue. "Goodbye Mira, see you at Hogwarts."

"Bye."

"Mira is a good student, but her mother is nosy. I thought it best to limit our conversation," said Hermione.

"I understand," responded Samantha.

They paid for the books and left the store pushing their way out. The others were sitting at a café across the street waiting. Once the group reformed, they picked up potion ingredients and headed back to Weasleys Wizard Wheezes. They bid the twins a good day and flooed home. James receiving another covertly exchanged package.

The heat of the summer was not as bad as it had been the previous years. One week before the start of term, Harry found himself standing at the gate leading into Hogwarts. It had been so many years since he had last been here. The memories were flooding back racing through his mind. He saw the lake where he had spent many hours with Ron and Hermione. The Quidditch pitch where he won so many matches. The memories were almost too much to control. He pulled his hood over his head and stepped forward onto the grounds. He strolled to the doors between the winged boars. A flash of heat and pain seared his forehead. Harry staggered a bit, but regained himself quickly. It had been over sixteen years since he had felt that pain. Being back here must have made him remember all those times he had felt it. He shook his head, trying to forget those bad times.

He made his way to the teachers lounge and stepped into the quiet room. Books lined the walls and worn leather furniture populated the room. He found a high-back chair in front of a window to his liking. He sank into the cushion and rested his eyes waiting for the others to arrive. After some minutes, he heard voices outside the room. The door opened and in walked a tall lanky man with short curly hair. A dark, greasy haired man that Harry had never wanted to see again followed him. Snape stared at him as their conversation died instantly. The tall man wondered over to a far wall and sat down, not saying another word. Snape maintained a stoic appearance examining Harry for any clues as to who he was. Voices of others in the hall broke the tense silence. Snape sauntered over to the far wall and took a seat. The next people through the door were Hermione, Ginny and Neville. Hermione saw Harry, but kept talking. Ginny stopped short causing Neville to run into her. They looked at Harry for a moment but cleared the doorway allowing Dumbledore to enter.

When everyone had found a seat, Dumbledore began. "There are others who were unable to attend this meeting, but I am glad we have so many of you here today. I am sure you have all noticed our guest by now, but that will come later."

Harry sat in his chair listening to Dumbledore speak of the direction he wanted the year take. It was like he was sitting at the house table listening to the start of term speech Dumbledore gave every year when he was a student. Harry felt an odd sensation in his head. It was like someone poking around looking for something. Harry turned his cloak-covered head towards Snape who was eyeing him closely. Harry closed his mind to the prodding and simply said, "Not this time, Severus." Snape's body snapped to attention like a solider. He had a very puzzled look on his face that fell into a sneer. Whether he knew or not, it did not matter. Dumbledore finished his speech and then announced what everyone had been waiting for.

"I have found a new teacher for the Defense Against the Dark Arts. I am confident that this one will not be so easily scared off nor forced into retirement." Everyone's eyes were on Harry at this point if they weren't already. Hermione stood next to a shelf of books watching the others. "I would like to welcome Harry Potter, back to Hogwarts after so many years of absence."

Most of the room gasped at this announcement. Snape looked like someone had just run over his foot with a hippogriff. Harry took much pleasure in that sight. He pulled the hood off his head revealing what most had wanted to see, his scar. Ginny rushed over to Harry and hugged him tightly planting a kiss on his cheek. After a few seconds she released him and hit him in the arm giving him a curt look. Harry knew she had welcomed and forgiven him all in one seamless motion. Dumbledore stood patiently waiting for people's attention to return. Once most had finished investigating Harry, Dumbledore spoke again.

"Yes, I assure you it is Mr. Potter," said Dumbledore with a smile noting the confusion on some people's faces and a loathing sneer on one particular person's face.

Samantha sat with Lily and Sirius in the living room playing a game of Wizard chess. Ron was coaching the children on moves when two cracks came from the kitchen.

"Hi Honey, we're back," called Hermione's voice.

"How did it go?" Asked Ron. "Did everyone fall over when they saw him?"

"That is putting it mildly, I'd say," replied Harry walking into the living room. "You should have seen Snape's face, it was brilliant. That was worth the trip alone."

"I bet he loved seeing you again," quipped Ron. "He thought this time it was his, but now you're here, he will never get the job." Ron smiled brightly at the images in his head.

"Ginny and Neville were very happy to see him again," added Hermione. "Ginny nearly knocked him over when she hugged him. Neville couldn't speak for at least ten minutes."

"It was nice being back," said Harry looking fondly at his daughter. "It will be quite a change for me, but it is all for the better. Samantha, could I speak to you for a minute?"

"Yes, father. What did you want to tell me," asked Samantha as they walked back into the kitchen.

"Tomorrow is your day again," said Harry. "I want to spend one more day, just us, before the year starts. Think of what you want to do and tell me tomorrow."

"I will, thank you Dad," said Samantha cheerily. "I will think really hard about it."

"Good. Now you better watch your knight, it seems like Sirius is trying to take him."