Writer: Azure K Mello

Title: A Bond Never Dies

Part: 54?

Words: 429

Warnings: Father angst. Non-canon.

MRHG- you do love me deep down.

James kept eating as though he hadn't said anything. He couldn't look up at his friend because he knew he would have to continue his thought.

"James, what is it?" prompted Remus.

"You can say no, it's just. . . I trust you. If anything happens I'd really like Harry to be able to stay here."

"I," Remus started slowly and then rethought his statement before speaking. "When you're not here Harry is safest with Lily's relatives. I think-"

"Tell that to the scared little boy covered in scars! I would rather take my chances and leave him with two kind and capable wizards than those people. I know you could take care of him. And I know you would do anything to protect him. Look, I'm asking an awful lot. I know it's dangerous and I can understand why you might say no. But just think about it."

"James, I'm not worried about Sirius or me, just Harry." He thought about it. He knew that the spell Lily had used was ambiguous at best. Her love would protect her son so long as he was with her family. But who was to say that Remus and Sirius hadn't been her family? They had loved her dearly, more so than her real family. And nothing in the spell or potion she's used actually stated that the relationship had to be forged in blood: that part was just assumed. "Ok," he said after a long pause, "So what were you thinking?"

"Are you sure? It's a lot to ask."

"Shut up, James, don't make me say I love you."

With a little laugh James put another forkful of food in his mouth. "Well, I was thinking that if you sold a third of the house to Sirius and a third to me it would be a start."

"You're sure you're not just trying to give me some money?"

"I would do that. And it's a definite perk, but no. Harry needs a secure home. Then there are some papers we can sign that name you both as guardians."

"Guardians in the event of your death," said Remus bitterly.

"No, just guardians." James smiled at him, "A secure home, like I said."

"You've grown up," said Remus with an answering smile. "You would never have done this four years ago. Danger and uncertainty are supposed to be fun, remember?"

"Not when he's on the line," James looked slightly offended at his friend's words, reminding him of his reckless past.

"Hold the presses! James Potter just grew up!" And they both laughed.