Right guys i know i must be on ur assassination list it tok so long but i couldn't help that but anyway its here now life as a student nurse is a killer. Shift work! Urgh! Anyway here's the new chapter!
Disclaimer: Do i have to say it? Fine. I don't own it...I'm borrowing and i will give them back...eventually...
Now to my reviewers...
Areohead1980: Thanx for the review! Your vote has been logged, thanx. Here's the next chapter read on!
Pandas Rule The World: Thanx for the review! as for if Fudge gets into trouble you'll have to wait and see... Here's the next chapter read on!
Maliaphire: Thanx for the review. I think you're right about the squeal thing so im gonna pull it out over the year. You're right the Fudge bashing was fun look out for more in the future! Here's the next chapter read on!
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Leencz: Thanx for the review. As for why its taking me so long im a student nurse. I love writing the chapters but lately free time has been for sleeping. Here's the new chapter anyway i hop you read on!
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A/N Just before i go thanx to all those who took part in the vote and ive decided thanx to you guys that this fic will continue through the year!
Enjoy the next chapter!
Mirror Image
Chapter Eight: James' Present
Harry was pacing up and down at Remus' waiting for his dad to return. He knew James would be fine at the Ministry, if anything Harry feared for the Ministry and the damage James could inflict.
"Harry your dad will be fine." Remus said calmly. "I know that." Harry said meaning it. "It's just…I wish I could have gone with him." "That isn't a good idea and you know it." Remus said reasonably.
"I know." Harry sighed. The truth was the ministry, for all it had meant to discredit Harry last year had wished for Harry's help in the war against Voldemort. Or, at least the war against Voldemort on paper.
Harry shook his head in disgust. He would never do that. The war was against Voldemort for real and if the Ministry couldn't do that then Harry wasn't about to help them cover his tracks.
He started pacing again. He wished he knew was what going on. What was taking so long? If James was gone all day then Harry would use that as another reason to hate everything the ministry was striving for. It was his birthday and he wanted to spend it with his dad.
James would not be here that long. Harry knew that now. He knew that as surely as he knew his own name.
Was that too much to ask?
Obviously it was. The Ministry was always interfering now, that much was certain. Trying to get Harry to participate in their stupid game well they could go to hell for all he cared. He really did not care.
Just when he thought he might have to go and blast the Minister of magic to get his father back there was a knock on the door and a shadowy form of a prontus appeared. It gave the message and Remus chuckled sending one back.
"Harry your dad's back." Harry spun round pumped his fist in the air saying, "YES! Finally what took him so long?" Remus chuckled again. "From what I can tell he was having fun with the ministry officials. I'm sure he'll tell you. He was never one to keep a venture to himself. He and Sirius are so alike that way it's scary."
Harry smiled. It still hurt that Sirius was gone but at least if his dad was here even for a little while then the pain might ebb even just a little. There was a knock at the door and Remus smiled. "You might want to get that Harry."
Harry smiled and ran for the door and opened it to see his dad, he still couldn't believe it. He had a dad! At the door smiling down at him his hazel eyes twinkling as he took in his son.
"Hey son! How about we get your party started." Harry's eyes lit up. James smiled seeing his son smile. "We don't have to do this you know." Harry said quietly.
"Of course we do!" Remus said coming down the hall. "Hi Prongs, how was the ministry?" Remus tried to keep a straight face but failed miserably when he saw James grin.
"The fools made me drink Truth Serum and they had Sawyer on the Council." "WHAT?" Remus and Harry yelled but James knew it was for completely different reasons.
"You heard me. Give them the shock of their lives as well." James said viciously. "They wanted the truth and they got the truth the bastards."
Harry smiled. "Should know better than to mess with the Potters and others that tell the truth." James smiled sympathetically knowing his son was referring to the blatant attempts to try and discredit Dumbledore the previous year.
Remus however was still worried. "Please tell me you were seeing things, after effects from returning from the dead and so on, when you saw Sawyer?" "Er…unfortunately not Moony." James said quietly and then laughed bitterly "He was sat with the Council at my trail."
"WHAT?" Remus roared. "I know." James said. Harry watched this interaction between his father and his self-proclaimed godfather since Sirius' demise with increasing worry and curiosity.
"What happened dad?" Harry asked, "Sawyer was a Death Eater one of Voldemort's most valued in his first rise to power. He's obviously one of the ones that slipped out of the Ministry's net. The Ministry is so stupid they've had Death Eaters infiltrating their defences since Voldemort's last climb to power. Do they learn nothing?"
James was angry and it was definitely a sight to see especially since his emotions seemed to make things happen without them really meaning too. Much like his son. Remus thought sombrely.
Remus watched as Harry took all this in and his face slowly turned from calm to angry and one of Remus' glasses blew up. "GOD-DAMN THEM!" Harry yelled and both James and Remus winced. Both had seen his anger and neither of them were used to the fully fury of an angry Harry Potter.
"DON'T THEY LEARN ANYTHING? I TOLD THEM ABOUT DEATH EATERS IN THE MINISTRY BUT NO THAT WASN'T GOOD ENOUGH NOW THEY HAVE DEATH EATERS IN THE COUNCIL? THOSE-"
James realised something as he watched his son fume and it made him forget his anger. Today was Harry's birthday and he was not about the fools at the Ministry ruin that. He was angry yes, but that anger could wait. Harry's birthday would not.
Harry had been pacing and his ranting was cut off when hands gripped his shoulders and spun him round. He turned to face his dad breathing hard.
"Yes the Ministry Officials are fools and yes they made a mistake but I will not have talk of it today Harry is that clear?"
"But-" Harry went to argue and James but him off again. "No Harry I refuse to let this ruin your birthday we will have your party and then maybe tomorrow we will discuss it there is an Order meeting due for then anyway."
Harry looked mutinous but then Remus stepped in and added his objections backing his best friend up and James couldn't have been more pleased that Remus was there to help had he paid him.
Gradually between them they slowly calmed Harry down again and Remus repaired the three glasses that had been broken in the process. Harry watched Remus' action and winced. "Sorry about that." He said embarrassed.
"Harry its fine." Remus said clearly amused. "I always do that when I'm annoyed I'm sorry." "Like I said its fine." Remus smiled. "Everyone does accidental magic at some point. It's just amusing to see you do it more often than most."
"Come on Harry Remus and I want to give you your presents before the others get here."
Harry looked up and saw the two ex-marauders grinning madly. "Why do I get the feeling I'm gonna be pranked?" Harry said carefully. "No, No, its nothing like that!" Remus exclaimed. "Who says?" James said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Cut it out James!" Remus said laughing. "You know full well Marauders do not prank their own." James flung his hand across his chest and exclaimed, "Alas, I have been caught Moony speaks the truth." "Really?" Harry asked raising his eyebrow.
James became serious, although there was still a smile visible on his face. "Marauders code of honour. We do no prank another Marauder."
"But I'm not a Marauder." Harry stated slowly. "No," Remus acknowledged nodding but you were born of one it's the same thing."
"I still don't trust you." Harry said smiling. James rolled his eyes. "Tough!" And with that he pulled Harry through the hall of Remus' house and out into the back garden. Harry let himself be dragged infected by his dad's obvious enthusiasm.
Harry looked around, "So what are we doing out here?" "You'll see." James said smiling at Harry's obvious confusion. "But first. Presents!" "But I thought the reason I was out here was to get presents." Harry frowned. "All in good time son. Remus are you going first?"
Remus shrugged and said, "Yeah sure." He waved his wand and a small pile of six presents appeared on the grass before Harry. Remus looked at them a sad smile gracing his lips. "Four of them are from me. Two are from Sirius. I found them in his bedroom." "How is that possible?" Harry said looking down.
"Sometimes I think Sirius knew what might have happened last year and was simply preparing for it." Remus shrugged. "Anyway these are yours. Of course these and the key I've already given you." Harry smiled pulling the key chain out of his pocket.
"And believe me it's one of the best presents I could have gotten." Remus beamed. James was practically bouncing. "Come on Harry!" He yelled like a kid, "Open your presents!"
"Did you ever grow up?" Remus said rolling his eyes at James' antics. "No!" James looked horrified at the idea. "Why would I want to do that?" "Oh never mind! You never grew up when Voldemort was on your tail. Strained yes, less childish? Always."
James smiled and said, "That would have meant letting the bastard win. I would not, will not ever give the bastard that pleasure. I didn't, not even when I felt the curse impact. He knew he hadn't beaten me. Just as he knew he had never beaten Lily. It's what we live for Remus."
Harry smiled at his dad in admiration and then sat down and started to rip the paper off. His eyes widened and he looked a Remus who was smiling. Harry was holding a Phoenix charm in his hand. "It becomes invisible to everyone but you when you wear it." Remus explained. "It's really a present from both Dumbledore and I. You're one of us now. It'll help protect your Prontus when it delivers a message."
Harry put it on eagerly and James and Remus smiled as it disappeared from view. "You're an Order member now." Harry looked at James and saw a small frown marring his brow.
"You're not happy with this dad?" He asked. "No. Because this charm proves exactly what has to be done. You should not have to have the burden that many adult wizards, including I could not shoulder." "I have to do this dad." Harry said simply.
"I have to do this because I know I can." James nodded. "I know that son. I just wish there was another way." Harry nodded and smiled turning to his next present.
Harry ripped the paper off the next present and grinned. "Are you trying to overload me with DADA?" Remus grinned. "Well I thought since you wanted to be the best only the best would suffice." Remus had given him books on Auror training and DADA. "You can use them with the DA this year. Everyone who returns to Hogwarts this year will need to know how to use proper basic defence skills."
"Wow!" James said racing forwards, "I used books like these for my Auror training." "Well that is rather the point Prongs," Remus said rolling his eyes. James ignored this statement and sat down on the grass by Harry and started reading it.
Harry looked at Remus and grinned Remus rolled his eyes and Harry picked up his next present. Harry happily worked his way through the remaining presents collecting a pocket knife to replace the one he had destroyed last year, the thought had him holding back tears. His last present from Remus was a box of chocolate frogs." "Because you can't live without them."
Harry smiled. He turned to the last presents with some sadness Sirius should have been here to give him these. He steeled his resolve. Sirius had been brave and Sirius had given his life for Harry, Harry was not about to waste it.
He tore the paper off and looked confused. "Another set of keys?" Remus grinned, "Just read the note Harry. I promise Sirius hasn't gone insane more the opposite to tell the truth."
Harry was confused but did as Remus asked.
Harry,
If you're reading this then for whatever reason I'm no longer here. After that sentence I'm really not sure what to say. I hope that my passing didn't cause you too much pain god knows I never wanted anything to hurt you and if I could have shouldered everything you went through to lessen the pain I would have. I love you Harry always remember that.
Harry looked at Remus tears shining in his eyes. "Keep reading Harry. I know you haven't finished." Harry furiously swiped tears from his eyes and continued reading.
Now, the real reason for this letter. For some reason I feel the need to write this letter call it old Auror's intuition and if you are reading this then I've been proved right. You should be reading this and it'll be your sixteenth. Happy Birthday Harry I wish I could have been there. In the parcel with this note is a set of keys. I haven't gone mad I promise. I was wracking my brains for a birthday present life at Grimmuald Place is often so boring I started shopping early.
Here Harry had to smile. Trust Sirius to blame Sirius' love of shopping and presents and celebrations on boredom.
Now, the reason for the keys if you're like anything like Prongs and I, and there is every indication that you will be, I know the Ministry are letting you take apperation lessons this year.
Harry started at this? They were really taking things seriously now weren't they? About damn time!
But if I know you you'll hate it. Apperation is not comfortable and Prongs and I hated doing it. Moony, as usual mastered it easily and found it pleasurable. Even Wormtail liked doing it Prongs and I could do it but we hated it. So, I am giving you my pride and joy. I was going to give you this even if I was here. You'll get more pleasure out of it than I will, especially if you are reading this letter.
So now you're obviously wondering what the great Sirius Black, best Godfather in the world Here Harry smiled. He had been the best Godfather in the world. Could offer you? Well you have in your hand Harry the keys to my motorbike. Now you'll be able to get places without having to Apperate though I think you should still master it can get you out of tight spots I should know. Have a great birthday I'll be watching you
Sirius
"YES!" Harry yelled. He had pestered and pestered Sirius for a ride on that bike. "He's obviously at the bit where Sirius has given up his most prized possession." Remus smiled. "No!" James said. "He promised I could have that!" Remus laughed. "Your loss Prongs besides your dead." "Oh you just have to go and spoil the fun don't you?" James huffed.
"He gave me his bike!" Harry said jumping up and down. "He thought you would like that. We'll pick it up from Grimmuald Place tomorrow." Remus said hugging his young charge. Harry smiled and then frowned. "No, No. Don't you dare!" Remus and James snapped. "He wanted you to be happy. And you better be when he comes back." James said hugging his son.
Harry looked at the remaining present and frowned. "Do you know what this is?" He pointed at the present. "That I have no idea about." Remus said. Harry frowned and ripped the paper and nearly dropped them in shock.
It was the mirrors. Both mirrors, the one Sirius had had and the one Harry had thought he had broke beyond repair. Remus looked confused but James grinned. Harry looked at the note. Be more careful next time Harry I'll always be with you. Sirius.
"How?" Harry stuttered. "How did he do that?" "There are things about the afterlife that make the impossible possible." James smiled. "Take good care of them." Harry nodded and smiled. Then he turned and whispered, "thanks Sirius thanks for everything."
"MY TURN!" James said pouring out a bag he had brought out. Presents galore fell out of them and Harry's jaw dropped. "Wow." James shrugged. "I have time to make up."
The afternoon drifted away in a blaze of coloured paper. James had given Harry a healthy stack of defence spell books, stuff from Fred and George's shop that made Harry grin, sweets, clothes and probably the best present out of the lot a full working Quidditch set. "Thanks dad." Harry smiled after the last present had been opened.
"Oh I'm not done yet. Well I am but there is someone else that wants to wish you happy birthday." Harry frowned. He then noticed that James had created a circle of crystals. "Come stand in here." Harry did shooting a confused look at Remus. "Go on." Remus said looking as confused.
"Moony I need you here as well." James called and Harry and Remus more than a little confused entered the circle. Once they were inside the crystals glowed and Harry got the impression of a door closing. "Dad?" He asked uncertainty.
"It's ok Harry I wouldn't let anything happen to you I promise." James said before taking out his wand and chanting an incantation Harry didn't know. Remus didn't seem to know it either but then the crystals blazed blue and a figure appeared in their circle.
Harry nearly swallowed his tongue. The figure was looking distinctly more feminine every minute and through the bright light he could see the figure had her hands on her hips. The light faded and in its place stood a very solid and a very annoyed looking Lily Potter.
"James Potter!" She said annoyed proving Harry right. "You were told not to call me unless your life was in danger." "So I broke the rules." James said as though it was an everyday occurrence. But then, both Remus and Harry found themselves thinking, knowing James it probably was. "Thought you might want to wish Harry happy birthday." He continued before stepping aside to show a very shocked Harry.
Lily's eyes went round and her mouth fell open. "Mum…" Harry said finding his voice. "Harry…" Lily said taking a step towards her son. Then before he knew it he was embraced in the strongest hug he had ever had in his life.
"Oh baby I've missed you so much." Lily murmured hugging him harder. "Mum…" Harry choked out. Tears fell down his face. He had his mum back even if it was only for a moment. He could live for a moment.
"Shhh." She whispered. "Now is not the time for tears darling." The broke apart and Harry smiled despite his tears. "Er…Lily." James said swallowing his own tears at seeing his son and wife together at last.
"What James." Lily smiled. For the first time in a long time she approved of his rule breaking. Well now and breaking through to watch Harry. Well, actually she didn't really care. It made James, James and Lily loved him the way he was.
Sometimes breaking the rules got the job done quicker. Like now. "What James?" Lily asked this time looking exasperated. Harry spun to see James mouthing words and jumping up and down. Seeing Harry he stopped.
Harry turned back to his mum unable to believe it. Unconsciously he took a step towards Remus. He felt Remus' hand on his shoulder and felt better for it.
Lily saw this and smiled. "Taking care of our cub Remus?" "Of course." Remus' hand tightened on his shoulder. "See that you do otherwise I'll have to kick your arse." Remus chuckled despite the though he thought he might have to fall over from shock.
Two friends back from the dead in a day? Were they trying to kill him? Maybe they were testing his resilience to death. They needn't do that he'd had enough practice from Death Eaters.
Harry looked at his mum and smiled and suddenly saw her eyes go really round and she said, "OH!" "Mind cluing me in?" Harry said loudly breaking into his parent's antics.
"Oh your dad's just reminded me. I have something for you." She put her hand in her pocket. "You're birthday present from me. Well me and your dad." She pulled a small wrapped bundle from her pocket and smiled. "Happy birthday Harry." Harry took it with trembling fingers and smiled.
"Thanks mum." He smiled and Lily beamed in return she didn't think she would get used to actually being called mum it felt great. She didn't want to let go. At least not yet.
"Open it Honey." She said gently. Harry smiled and more paper flew through the air and Harry looked down. Inside a box was a tiny box was a tiny blue stone that was swirled with black veins. "What is it?" Harry asked confused.
"That," James said taking it from his son's hand is a Spirit Stone." Remus' eyes went huge. "That's impossible!" He whispered.
"There aren't any left on the Earth." "True." Lily smiled. "But these came from…with their blessing. This is for Harry and he'll be able to contact James or I know matter where we are." "They came from where?" Harry asked confused.
"Mum where did you say they're from I didn't hear you." "That's because we can't say." James said wincing. "This is one rule I can't even bend never mind break."
"The Afterlife." Remus supplied. "They can't tell us anymore Harry." Harry nodded. "Who'd have thought dad!" He quipped. "A rule you can't actually break!" "Tell me about it." Said James rolling his eyes.
"To activate it you simply say our names." Lily said "and to deactivate it simply squeeze it." James said finishing Lily's sentence.
Harry smiled. "Thanks Mum, dad." The nodded and Lily seemed to shimmer and then she shivered. "James I've got to I'm being called to the Bridge." She gave James a look Harry couldn't understand and then turned to her son. "I'll answer if you call me Harry but I need to go now. Hope you had a good birthday." She hugged him once more and kissed his forehead. Then stepped back from the circle. Be careful all of you." She said. "Do you have to go?" Harry asked. Lily smiled. "I'll be back Harry."
She winked at James and then shimmered and disappeared. "Bye mum." Harry said after she disappeared. James winked and through him his Spirit Stone Harry squeezed it and it seemed to wink at him.
He smiled and Remus said, "Well that was interesting," He said lightly. And that was the biggest understatement I've ever heard! Harry thought.
"Did I past the test?" Remus asked looking James. James looked at his best friend confused "What test?" "Well," Remus said slinging his spare arm around his adopted godson. "Two of my best friends came back from the dead in the space of twenty four hours." He smiled. "This has to a test to make sure I can take care of your son. I didn't have heart failure did I pass?"
James looked at Remus for a minute and then threw his head back and laughed. "Yeah Moony, as always you passed the test with flying colours."
Remus smiled and Harry smiled as Remus arms tightened around his shoulder. James looked at his son. "Right then, Party time!"
What transpired over the next few hours was the best party Harry had had in his entire life. James and Remus looked like kids in a candy shop setting off the fireworks. Fred and George brought along more stuff and dragons, Catherine wheels and wands soared through the air and Harry had all of his friends round him.
Harry enjoyed it as he saw Charlie, Bill, Fred, George Remus and James duelling with the self-made fireworks and Ginny, Ron and Herminone cheering on whomever they thought would win. Harry joined the fray knowing that he should enjoy the peace because somewhere deep down inside him he knew it wouldn't last.