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Author's note: I am so sorry I took so long getting this chapter out. Really, I intended to have it up in July, but it just kept getting longer. I tried less dialog. I'm not sure if thats good or bad. Umm.. I start school on the 16th. (noooooo!) Life will being to suck. Updates may be slower. I'm kinda revising my outline again. I really never planed to have chapters 11 or 12 in the story, but so many people wanted this stuff to happen... Anyway, enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 12: Confessions, Consequences and a Compromise
Harry awoke the next morning to find he was still wearing regular clothing. Why didn't he change before going to sleep? He thought back to yesterday's events. He read the Daily Prophet, went to Headquarters, Remus found him, James went ballistic, he got grounded again, and then he talked to Remus. Yes, the talk with Remus... he must have fallen asleep. He still regretted crying in front of Remus, but Remus had said it was nothing to be ashamed of anyway.
Harry got up and stretched. Trousers, a shirt and robes weren't exactly his choice for sleeping in. He walked out the door and headed downstairs to get breakfast. He hoped he wouldn't be receiving a huge lecture from his mum today. Hearing his dad's was bad enough.
When Harry walked into the kitchen, James was sitting as the table while Lily was at the stove frying bacon, eggs and toast. Harry took the seat across from James. He took note that James didn't look very happy today. Maybe he was still worked up about Harry leaving yesterday.
"Good morning." Harry greeted as usual.
To Harry's surprise James only mumbled back a "Morning, Harry" and walked out of the room. Why was James acting so odd today? Normally he was excited about seeing Harry. Was he that angry about yesterday? Harry came out of his thoughts when Lily set a plate in front of him. He looked up at her.
"What's up with dad today? He just walked out of the room when he realized I was here." asked Harry.
Lily looked as though she was deeply considering answer this question or not. She seemed to be struggling to find the right words. Harry started eating his eggs and was halfway through his plate before Lily answered.
"He overheard you talking to Remus yesterday."
"What? Why? That was private!" said Harry.
"Please don't be angry with him, Harry. You were just really loud and he couldn't help overhearing."
"He didn't hear me say..." Harry said suddenly.
"He heard you said you were ashamed of him sometimes." Lily cut in. "He was very hurt by it. Never seen James get so upset before. Not even the first time I turned him down for a date..."
Harry suddenly felt very guilty. Those words were not meant for James to hear. They were true though. Harry really felt that way. It was kind of fair that James at least knew now, but it was too soon for Harry. He never intended to tell James how he felt.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no," Harry muttered frantically. "He wasn't suppose to hear that. I only wanted Remus to know. Of all times for dad to eavesdrop."
Harry slid his plate aside and got up from the table. He needed to talk to his father. As much as he detested James at times, he couldn't help feeling guilty about making him so upset. Why did James have to hear that? Harry was absolutely furious with himself.
Harry checked the living room first, but their was no sign of James. His bedroom was empty too. Harry's room, the study, the bathroom and the living room were all empty. Where was James at?
Then an idea struck Harry. The Quidditch pitch was James' favorite place at the entire house. Harry thought it was a great place to go think when he needed too, so of course James would think the same! Harry hoped he would at least.
Harry walked out the backdoor and sure enough saw James laying underneath the golden hoops of the pitch. Harry slowly made his way over to James. What would he say to his dad? He stopped when he reached the goal hoops and sat down beside his dad. Apparently James didn't notice, because he didn't get up to leave.
"Dad?" Harry asked.
James looked sideways to see who the voice was coming from, but said nothing. He got up and started walking away. Harry got up too and ran to catch up with him.
"Where are you going?" asked Harry.
"I have to do something." lied James.
"Well, it can wait. I think we need to talk."
James stopped walking at these words and looked at Harry closely. Harry said he needed to talk to him. Had Lily put him up to it? Why would Harry want to talk to him? Harry hated him and loved to avoid him if he could. Now James was doing what Harry wanted and Harry comes running outside wanting to talk to him. The situation wasn't something James expected at all.
"About what?" James asked.
"Er... " said Harry.
He hadn't really thought it through yet. How should he start? James probably knew what this talk was about. Why was he making it so difficult for Harry?
"Do you want me to leave?" asked James when he noticed Harry was having difficulty.
"What? No, I want to talk now. You can't just avoid the subject. I know you'd like to talk about this too."
James began moving a rock around with his foot. Why was Harry struggling so much to start the conversation? Lily must have put him up to it. Harry didn't really want to talk about it with James.
"Look, I know what you overheard last night." said Harry.
"I'm really sorry, I didn't mean to, Harry." said James quickly.
"That's not what I meant." said Harry. "I didn't want you to hear that. I only told Remus because he asked. If I would have known you were listening I wouldn't have said it... I'm sorry."
"But did you mean it when you said it, Harry?"
"Yes," said Harry. "Or I thought I did at least." he added quietly.
"You're not sure though. You can act like you hate me, but you can't say it to me."
"I never said I hated you."
"You make it seem that way though. When we talk, you sound annoyed. You constantly try to avoid having me around. You act like you would rather be living back on Privet Drive. Sometimes I feel like you'd rather have had me not come back to life."
"No, that's not true! This summer has been the best one I've ever had, even it I spent most my time here grounded or in bed. The day I found out you and mum came back to life was the best day of my life. The memory would probably make a great Patronus even."
"What changed then? One day you suddenly decided you didn't like me and were ashamed, because I hexed everyone while I was at Hogwarts? Why the sudden change, Harry? Why not just talk to me about it or something?"
"I don't know. I guess I didn't think about that. I was so excited you were alive and first and then I remembered what I saw in fifth year and I just decided I didn't like you I think. You seemed so stuck up, obnoxious and as if you thought you were better than everyone else. Then everyone goes and says I'm just like you when I'm not. I don't like being compared to that."
James sat down in the grass and motioned for Harry to sit beside him. They defiantly needed to talk about this. Where would he start though? Harry was really ashamed of being the son of the leader of the Marauders, because James had cursed Snape a lot. James would have been proud to have a dad like himself, but Harry was not James. They were two different people.
"Harry, I know I was arrogant when I was at Hogwarts, but I've changed. I haven't been like that since my seventh year. I'm sorry for the way I used to act and I can only hope you'll forgive me."
"I do, it's just... I don't know. I just have a lot to be dealing with right now you know. I'm kind of stressed out with all the Voldemort stuff going on. You don't know what it's like to be the 'Boy-Who-Lived', not to mention having your life drawn out for you before you were born. You think you know a lot about me, but you don't. There is so much more you may never find out."
"I want to get to know you better, Harry. I want you to get to know me better. I can't change your past, but I'd like you to have a better future."
"I won't have a future." Harry said bitterly. "I'm going to die."
"Look, Harry, I know about the prophecy."
"You what?! Who told you? It wasn't Remus, was it?"
"Dumbledore told me in June. He thought Lily and I should know if we were going to be your guardians. We went into hiding fifteen years ago because of the prophecy being made, but we just found out the contents when Dumbledore realized the prophecy was made about you and not Neville. Back in the first war, Dumbledore had informed both Alice and Lily to go into hiding because the prophecy could have been about both children. He wouldn't tell us then, because what if he told us and it was Neville who had the power?"
"Why didn't you tell me you knew?"
"We were waiting to see if you'd tell use yourself, but it's obvious you had no intention to. Anyway, what's important is that you won't die. I will do everything I can to make sure you survive. No one is just going to send you out to fight Voldemort alone. Remember that."
"Yeah, but-"
"You will have a future, Harry. I'll do everything I can to make sure you do."
Harry knew this was one argument he wasn't going to win. Although James couldn't promise Harry would live to have a future, he did promise to do everything he could to help Harry survive. That was enough for him to win the argument. Sirius had done everything he could for Harry to survive too though. What if James died too just to save Harry? Harry didn't even want to think of that. Sirius and Cedric had died because of him already; James dying too would hurt so much.
"I just don't want to lose you too." said Harry quietly.
James was a bit shocked by this comment. Harry always acted like he would enjoy nothing more than to see James dead. Now, Harry sounded like he wouldn't be able to live if James died. What was going on? Why did Harry have this sudden change today? James wondered what had made Harry turn around so quickly today? Did the fact that James knew the truth make him change his views?
"Harry, I wish I could promise that I won't die, but you know I can't. No one can promise you they won't die. Voldemort's risen and deaths will happen. I will promise to try my hardest to be here for you though."
"Just don't do anything stupid." Harry said seriously. "I don't know what I'd do without you."
James smiled and ruffled Harry's hair. So Harry didn't hate him. This could defiantly be a start to a good life.
"Don't worry about what you'll do without me until the time comes. For now, just think about what to do while I'm here with you. If you want to get to know me that is."
"I'm willing to give you another chance." said Harry. "A chance to show me you've changed. A chance to be my father. If you want to try to prove to me that you've changed, then I'll stand by and let you. I'll respect you until you lose your chance. Are you willing to take the challenge though?"
James deeply considered this deal. It would defiantly be a start. Harry said one chance only though. What if he screwed up right away and lost his chance? He'd be back to living the way his is now. Having Harry glare at him every time he walked into a room. Would it be worth the risk? He really had nothing to lose anyway.
"I'm willing to do prove to you that I'm more than Prongs, leader of the Marauders, biggest prankster in the history of Hogwarts.. I'll do everything I can to show you I can be a good father."
"So I guess I can't glare at you anymore." said Harry sarcastically.
"Not until I 'Lose my chance'" said James. "That won't take long."
"Probably,"
James rolled his eyes, "You weren't suppose to agree with me. Anyway, now what?"
"I should go start on those letters." said Harry.
"Oh, right." said James who had obviously forgotten Harry was grounded. "We could hang out later though?"
"Maybe,"
With that, Harry got up and started walking to the house. Part of him wanted to give his dad another chance, while the other part just wanted James to fail fast. Why was he having such a hard time accepting James into his life? Sure, he was still getting over Sirius, but shouldn't he seize the chance to have James take his place as a guardian back while he could? He felt he could really trust James, but did he want to give James all his trust? Harry let himself become confused in his thoughts as he walked into the house.
James watched as Harry disappeared into the house. How long would it take him to lose his one chance? Would he even lose it? Maybe he could prove that he was a good father to Harry.
Part of him told him he hadn't changed though. He was still Prongs, biggest prankster in the history of Hogwarts. Not father material at all. How could he still be the prankster he was without his partner, Padfoot though? Oh how his missed Sirius and his bark like laugh.
James put his thoughts aside and he walked into the house to greet Lily. He gave her a small smile before laying across the couch. She looked relieved at this and asked him what happened outside. She said Harry just walked up into his room without saying a word.
"Everything's worked out for now, Lily. He decided to give me a chance." said James.
Lily gave a sigh of relief. "Just don't blow your chance, James. Let him come to you to talk and do things sometimes. Don't try to force things out of him."
"I know. I'm going to try my hardest to get Harry to accept me. Hopefully I won't blow it."
Lily smiled, "I know you won't. I'm just worried about it still."
"Maybe I should go check on Harry-"
"James! He just walked in the door. Do you want to blow your chance already? Being overprotective is one thing Harry can't stand."
"Fine," James said in defeat.
Upstairs, Harry was finishing off his apology letters. They weren't too hard really. Just the usual 'I'm sorry for causing for much trouble last night. I wasn't thinking. I really hope you'll forgive me for being so stupid. -Harry' basically. Harry did manage to put separate names on every letter to make them to every Order member as James had asked.
His hand ached when he finished the last letter to Remus. He had added a little extra to Remus' to thank him for everything last night and explain the situation between him and his dad. He also extended a bit on Professor Dumbledore's, knowing that he really had to have gone out of his way to look for Harry. Harry imagined Snape's look when he received Harry's letter. Harry was sure to make his the shortest.
Harry put the letters aside and pulled out another piece of parchment. He might as well start on his essay. Where would he start though? He had no idea what to write. James would probably accept anything Harry wrote just so he wouldn't blow his chance, but something inside Harry made him want to write more than James expected. To spill out all his feelings to James. He dipped his quill into the ink and placed it onto the parchment hoping for an idea to come to him, and it did.
I cannot begin to stress how crazy my actions were yesterday. At the time, they had seemed quite reasonable really. I was angry with the Daily Prophet, the Ministry, everyone. I just wanted to go grieve in Sirius' old room alone. The thought of at least leaving a note didn't seem to come through my head in my hurry to leave I suppose.
I know I said countless times how much I've gotten over Sirius' death, but I don't really know what the truth is anymore. I thought I was done grieving, but maybe I was wrong. I may never be completely over it and may never accept that I will never hear his voice again. I wish I could have saved him from his terrible fate, but I couldn't. I'm sorry that you have to suffer the loss also.
Sadness wasn't the only emotion I felt yesterday though. I feel that I may owe you a major explanation, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to tell you everything. When Remus told me I needed to go home, I felt something I hadn't felt in weeks; something I never expected to feel again. I don't know why I felt it around you, but I felt fear. I was afraid to trust you and afraid you'd be just like the Dursley's. Apparently, I was wrong.
After talking with you this morning, I began to feel an emotion that I rarely feel. Something inside of me told me I could trust you. I could trust you to listen and be here for me; to help me through everything. It was as if I knew you'd understand everything if I wanted to talk to you. Part of me isn't sure if I want to trust you though. It's crazy how mixed up my emotions can get, isn't it?
Despite how severe my actions yesterday were, I think a lot of good came of it as well. I seriously doubt I'd even be giving you a chance if it hadn't been for me running away to Sirius' old place yesterday. I'd still be sitting here, dwelling on whether or not you'd act like the Dursley's when you became angry. I would still give you absolutely no trust. More importantly, I would have never realized how important it is to have trust. I'm truly sorry for anything I said or did yesterday that hurt you. In the end, I hope both of us can benefit from this experience and learn more about each other.
Satisfied, Harry rolled up the parchment and set it beside the letters. One glance as the clock told him why his hand was so sore. It was already past 7 O'clock. 'Was I really writing that long?' Harry wondered.
Harry decided he might as well give James his paper before he lost it. He walked down the hallway and knocked quietly on James' door. He heard his father tell him to come in and opened the door slowly. James was laying on the bed reading a copy of Quidditch Today Magazine. Harry set the essay on the bed and was proceeding to walk out the door when James stopped him.
"Wait," said James picking up the paper. "Already done with the essay then?"
Harry nodded, "The letters too."
"I didn't expect you to finish so quickly." mused James.
James' eyes widened as he unrolled the parchment. Harry had obviously written more than he had expected. Harry wanted to leave the room before James finished, but something inside him told him he shouldn't. He knew James would be reacting to the essay. How, he wasn't exactly sure yet. James finally set the parchment down and gazed at Harry thoughtfully.
"Did you mean everything you wrote, Harry?"
"Yes,"
"So then, you flinched because you were afraid of what I might act like yesterday? You weren't afraid of me because of something I did." James asked uneasily.
Harry nodded slowly.
"You know, my door's always open if you ever want to talk." said James.
With that, James went back to reading Quidditch Today. He looked sideways when he felt the bed shift to see Harry sitting beside him. He grinned to himself. Apparently, he was wrong in assuming Harry didn't want to talk about it yet.
"Well, you said you door is always open." Harry said sheepishly.
"It is," James said hurriedly tossing his magazine into the corner of the room.
"If you want me to come back another time-" said Harry.
"No, no, I'm listening!" insisted James.
Harry laughed, "You're taking that chance thing way to seriously."
"Am not! If you said you wanted to talk anytime at all this summer, I would talk to you. What do you want to talk about?"
Well, I've known you a few weeks now and I think I can trust you with this... if you want to hear about it that is, If you're ready to hear about my life with the Dursleys."
James noticed Harry looked really nervous about talking about this. Harry had come to him to talk though and he was going to listen. He decided not to push Harry into saying anything.
"If you're ready to tell me, I'm ready to listen." said James. "I promise not to interrupt you either."
"The Dursley's were terrible to me. The really didn't approve of magic. They hoped I wouldn't be a 'freak' like they called you and mum. They tried to stop me from going to Hogwarts, but Hagrid rescued me on my 11th birthday.
"Before I received my Hogwart's letter, I lived in the cupboard under the stairs. I used to be punished by staying in my cupboard without food for a week. Usually by Uncle Vernon. Aunt Petunia and Dudley weren't quite as bad.
"My Aunt liked giving me a lot of chores. I did a lot around the house like cooking, cleaning and yard work. Dudley and his gang beat me up a lot. Uncle Vernon encouraged this of course. He was the worst of the three."
Harry buried his head into his arms. He could barely maintain a calm voice as he told his dad about his childhood. He still wondered if he was doing the right thing, but it was too late to turn back now.
"If you don't want to say anymore, I'll understand." said James noticing Harry's uneasiness.
"No, I better get it over with now."
James only nodded. He had trouble listening to the words Harry said. They hurt James so badly inside. His heart ached knowing how badly Harry had been treated.
"My uncle hated me and my magic more than Dudley and Aunt Petunia combined. He used to beat me and lock me in my cupboard to suffer. He enjoyed it really. He especially liked doing it during holidays when no one could find out. He made sure I was healed before going to school or kept the bruises where clothing could cover them easily.
"Some beatings were worse than others of course. I'd only get a few punches and my cupboard for the night for not finishing my chores. The time I got caught on the school roof got me some pretty bad bruises. Sometimes he would take his anger out of me if his drill company didn't sell much that day. A few kicks and punches, maybe a black eye too if he was really angry. I never got any serious injuries.
"After Hogwarts, things got a bit better. The Dursley's were afraid I'd hex them if they hurt me. I was given Dudley's second bedroom after I got my letter, which left room to lock my trunk in the cupboard under the stairs. They were absolutely terrified when I told them about Sirius, but they didn't remove the locks covering my door. I wasn't really allowed out of my room much, just to use the bathroom, do chores and possibly get a beating. I still got bruised a few times, but everything was much better.
"I wish I could have trusted you from the start. I should have told you about this sooner, so you wouldn't have been so hurt when I showed no trust. I'm sorry, dad. It's just, it's really hard for me. You don't know what my life's been like. I used to always wish I could be like every other kid, I was even jealous of Ron. I know that's sinking a bit low, but I couldn't help wishing I'd have a normal life too."
James leaned across the bed and embraced Harry in a hug so tight it was as if he never wanted to let go. He couldn't believe Harry had be abused so badly. All he wanted to do was kill the Dursley's right now. Harry squirmed a little in James' hold, before James finally loosened his grip a bit.
"All I wanted when I was little was a family that loved me. Every single day I'd hope someone would come take me away." Harry whispered.
"I'm going to kill the Dursleys!" James growled, unable to keep it to himself anymore. Harry's last whisper had pushed the limit.
"No!" Harry said suddenly. He sounded frightened of the idea. "That's exactly why I didn't want to tell you! If you kill the Dursleys, you'll be sent to Azkaban for sure. I don't want to lose you too!"
"I won't then. It's your choice, but if you change you mind..." James trailed off.
"You know I hate them too, but I don't want them dead." said Harry firmly.
James and Harry remained silent for a moment. Both wanted to be strong for each other and not cry, but it took all their strength to hold in the tears. James began twisting locks of Harry's hair to ease his nervousness. Harry seemed too caught up in his thoughts to notice.
James had never been in a situation like this before. Sure, Padfoot was hated by his family and Moony was rejected by the wizarding world, but they weren't abused by their families. Sirius was constantly called a blood traitor, but he was never hit or anything. He didn't even care what his parents thought, because he hated them and their pure-blood mania.
What should he say to Harry? Time was ticking by quickly and hadn't said anything comforting yet. Should he tell Harry how much he loved him? Should he assure Harry that he will never be sent back to the Dursley's again? James was so confused. Maybe he wasn't cut out for this father role after all.
"You're right. I'm sorry." said James finally.
"What?" asked Harry. He moved his head up, causing James to move his hands quickly.
"I'm sorry for everything. You're right. I don't know what you've gone through. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you all those years and you had to live with the Dursley's."
"It's not your fault. You gave your life for me. If it weren't for you and mum, I wouldn't even be here right now."
"Yeah, but it's not fair." said James. "You shouldn't have had to live the Dursley's. You shouldn't have to carry to the 'Boy-Who-Lived' title. You should have had a fun life."
"Well, who ever said my life was suppose to be fair?" said Harry.
"It should be though."
"But it isn't, and neither of us can change that."
James sighed, "I wish I could. I wish you could have grown up your whole life with people who love you. I wish you never would have met the Dursley's and became the 'Boy-Who-Lived'."
"It's pointless to wish for what could have been, Dad. It's over now anyway. I don't have to live with the Dursley's again. I hope not at least. ...It's almost like it would have been, except... Sirius." Harry chocked out the last word.
James draped his arm around Harry's shoulders and gave his arm a squeeze. Harry was right. Sirius would be alive now, he wouldn't have gone to Azkaban and Harry would have never lived with the Dursley's if that night had never happened. James wished it hadn't.
He hadn't seen Padfoot since the week of Halloween fifteen years ago and he'd never see him again. The thought brought tears to his eyes, but he would never shed them. Not in front of Harry at least. He needed to be strong for Harry, to help him get though his grieving. If he cried, Harry would feel terrible and start blaming himself again. James knew he would.
He felt a heavy weight on his shoulder. Looking down he saw Harry's head resting there. His eyes were shining with tears, but he just blinked them away. This was the boy that had the biggest burden in the entire wizarding world, the boy who had suffered so much pain and sadness throughout his life and the child who grew up for fifteen years never knowing what it was like to be loved. His pain burned inside of James as well, because he could do nothing for Harry. Life wasn't fair.
"You'll never be sent back to live with the Dursley's" James assured Harry quietly. "Never. I won't let anyone take you back there. Never, Harry."
"You promise?"
"I promise." said James.
"But what if you and mum-"
"We won't die." said James.
"How do you know that? Voldemort's going to kill you just like he killed Sirius."
James could feel Harry trembling. He pulled him closer and began to calm him.
"Do you think I'd just let him kill me without a fight? I'll fight hard, Harry. If I don't make it though, always remember that I love you, Harry. I love you more than anything in the world, and I'll never let you go back the Dursley's."
At this comment, Harry embraced James so tightly he could barely breathe. Whether it was the shock of hearing James says he loved him or something else, James wasn't sure.
"Don't say that! You can't love me. You'll get killed. Everyone who loves me dies!" said Harry pulling away from James..
"Harry, I love you and I'm willing to risk my life for you. You can't stop me from loving you. I'll only love you more." James said gently.
"But-"
"I will never stop loving you. You could become a Death Eater and disgrace the Potter name and I'd still love you. I hope you have no plans to do that though, because I'd hate to have us fighting against each other."
Harry sighed in defeat before sinking right back into James' robes. That was the first time he'd ever heard James say he loved him. To Harry, those were more than words. Saying those words was a huge risk. If anyone loved Harry Potter, Voldemort was sure to murder them in a heartbeat.
A single tear fell from his eye. Nothing was fair. He felt James' strong arms wrap around his body and leaned back into his chest. He liked having someone comfort him for once no matter how childish it was. He liked the feeling of having someone care about him.
James began running his fingers though Harry's messy hair. It was so much like his own. He didn't care if Harry was too old to be comforted by his father. He never had a chance to do this since he was dead all those years. It's not like Harry was objecting to the comforting anyway.
Harry laid awake in his father's arms. He eyelids began to feel heavy as James stroked his hair again. He struggled to keep his eyes open, but soon found it was a losing battle. James' heartbeat was so soothing; like a lullaby. Before Harry knew it, he had drifted off into sleep, still in James' arms.
James smiled down at the form of his son sleeping in his arms. He hadn't been able to put Harry to sleep like that since October of 1981. He detached his arms from Harry's body and gently laid him back onto the bed. Harry could have the bed tonight; Lily would understand. James summoned a blanket and placed it over Harry's slim body. Harry had gained some weight over the summer while staying with his parents, but he was still small for his age.
James would never say it, but he was worried about Harry. He knew Harry was almost an adult and could take care of himself, but he still had some doubts. He wondered if Harry would ever get to a healthy weight. Those Dursley's were pure evil; not feeding Harry enough. James wished Harry would let him hex them so badly it would be irreversible. It wouldn't be worth it to hex them without Harry's approval if it would cost him Harry's trust.
"Goodnight, Harry." whispered James.
He
turned out the lights and walked out of the room. Maybe he'd go talk to
Lily for a change. When he got down the stairs, he found Lily in the
living room. She was on the couch reading the new Witch Weekly. James
stood behind her and wrapped his arm around her.
"James!" Lily laughed. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"Sorry, I guess I'll have to make it up to you." said James pecking Lily on the cheek.
"James, what did you want?" asked Lily pulling away.
"Oh, yeah, Harry's sleeping in our bed tonight."
At this, Lily rose an auburn eyebrow.
"We were talking and he fell asleep. I didn't want to wake him up." James shrugged
.
"Oh, well, you'll have to grab a sleeping bag or something. I'm taking the couch."
James put on fake puppy dog eyes, causing Lily to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
"Don't even try that one on me, James Potter." Lily laughed tossing a pillow at James' head.
James dodged the pillow and jumped up onto the couch. He pinned Lily down with his arms and began kissing her face. Lily giggled and pulled James toward her, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"You're so beautiful, Lily." said James between a kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They stayed like that the rest of the night; talking softly and snuggling on the couch. James soon fell asleep on top on Lily. Lily had fallen asleep long before, her arms still around James' neck.
End note: Well, I kept changing stuff in this chapter. James' reaction changed a lot. I just couldn't get it right. I had trouble with the ending, so you all are getting some lame Lily/James romance. Deal with it. Okay, I'm doing a check. Is my PG rating high enough or should I up it to PG-13? I really don't know. And yes, I do know this chapter was a bit fluffy and corny. Also, for those or you who don't think the Dursley's abused Harry, I'm sorry, but I think they did.
Other thing, a lot of people really want me to add Sirius into the story, and I'd love to, but it just wouldn't work. I'd have to come up with a whol story or how he returned and do a trial and everything and it might ruin my plot or something... I just can't give you back Sirius. I may change my mind, but don't count on it.
Another question for readers: Does anyone know if Katie Bell and Lee Jordan will be returning for Harry's 6th year? I know Alicia and Angelena graduated...
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