A/N: This is an alternate universe fic. Some of the character's roles have changed, but not their demeanors. Please review and tell me what you think, good or bad.
Disclaimer: None of the story is mine. We all know this stuff belongs to the genius J.K. Rowling.
The Loyal One
The Beginning
Many great minds have said that friends and family are the backbone. James Potter decided that he had to agree. As he watched his wife put his son to bed, the man thought of the road to come. He hoped Sirius would be safe from the danger ahead. James knew that for any man to risk his life to save his son, something more had to be important than fear and darkness.
"Mum, can I go outside and play quidditch today?" asked eleven year old Harry Potter.
"No, dear, you know the rules," Lily responded. As Harry slumped down over his bowl of oatmeal, Lily sighed with sad eyes. She knew her son loved to fly, but without his dad to go outdoors with him, the risks were too dangerous.
Harry was the target of a tyrannical wizard who wished to hold the power of the entire wizarding world in his hands. The one person standing in his way was he son. Voldemort knew that the Potters kept Harry safe. Because of this, Voldemort was always searching for a weakness on the family's wards, but founds none. Perhaps that was his motivation.
"Is Uncle Remus coming over today?"
"Yes, dear," Lily replied embarking from her reverie.
"Is he bringing me an early birthday present?"
"You could say that," Lily said with a sly smile.
Harry's eyes grew large as he jumped out of the chair nearly knocking his breakfast over.
"What is it, mum?" Harry begged with a yearning expression on his face.
"And why would I tell a little boy like you?"
"I'm not a little boy!"
"Sure, small fry," Lily taunted with a wicked smile, "Now help me with the dishes if your done with breakfast."
The morning passed slowly. Harry attempted to occupy himself with games, but eventually gave up. When the doorbell rang at one o'clock, Remus Lupin was nearly knocked over with the enthusiasm of a ten-year-old.
"Hey trouble." Remus, now headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was gentle in appearance, but few knew this fact to be false in battle. Having taken over the position after Albus Dumbledore when he became Minister of Magic, the werewolf vowed to do anything to protect his students from the Dark Lord.
"Mum said you're bringing something."
"Oh, I see how it is. I'm only good for gifts, huh?"
"No, I –"
"Ha, Prongslet, you know I'm kidding," with a twinkle in his grey eyes. "Here." The Headmaster produced a thick envelope with the Hogwarts seal.
Holding the defining Hogwarts acceptance letter in his hands, Harry slowly broke the seal and read the contents inside:
Dear Mr. Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed is your list of required books and materials. The term begins on September 1st when the Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 93/4.
Sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"Wow! Mum, when can we go to Diagon Alley?"
"As soon as your father gets a day off from work. Why don't you go fire call him? You know he would be happy to hear."
"Sure."
When the overenthusiastic trouble maker had safely scuttled out of hearing distance, Lily inquired, "I know you did not just come here to deliver Harry his letter."
"Always the keen one, aren't you?"
"Remus, I suggest we discuss the matter at hand before Harry and the hurricane come back downstairs."
Remus chuckled. "Quite right you are. I'm sure James has told you that the aurors are sending a division to be stationed at Hogwarts this year."
"Yes, but he was very secretive and would only tell me about the basic plans."
"That's because everything was just finalized this morning. It would decided that James and Sirius would be sent to the school for protection."
"Oh, Remus, this does complicate things quite a lot. You know that in order for the Fidelius Charm to protect all three of us that the family must stay together."
"Well, Lils, what would you think about replacing Flitwick as Charms Professor. He decided that he wants to dedicate his time solely to research and writing."
"I'd love to, but wouldn't Hogwarts be more in danger with all the Potters present."
"No, Lily, if anything, it will help Harry with his training for the task."
"Remus! He doesn't know just yet."
"Then I suggest you take care of that before someone else does."
"James and I had planned for his eleventh birthday. I guess we can discuss all three of us being at Hogwarts as well. Remus, I hope you will be there to explain things if we need it."
"As always."
"Mum! Dad says we can go to Diagon Alley tomorrow," shouted a blur running into the living room.
"Well, I guess that settles that question," Lily laughed.
"Uncle Remus, do you want to play quidditch?"
"I'd love to, Harry, but I'm afraid I have to pay your father a visit at work."
"Will you play at my birthday party?"
"You want this old geezer playing when Uncle Padfoot could give you a run for your money?"
"Yeah, because Uncle Padfoot cheats and you don't."
"Very true, trouble." Suddenly taking a package out of his robes, Remus broke intoa smile. "If you get bored, make use of these. With that, the headmaster rose from the couch and headed to the door.
"Thanks for listening, Lily. I'll see you two in a few days."
"Bye Uncle Remus." Harry said with a wicked grin."
As the door closed, Harry ripped open the note tied to the package.
Dear Harry,
Congratulations on being accepted into Hogwarts. I'm sending you these 'items' to shorten the wait. The deactivation instructions are not included for a reason.
For Your Enjoyment,
Uncle Remus
Taking the wrapping off, Harry revealed a package of never non-bouncing bouncy balls. A few minutes later the only sounds that could be heard were of crashing furniture and Lily summoning Remus Lupin to have him undo the damage he had created.
Somehow, Remus evaded the situation and Lily was left in a pickle until her husband came home.
A/N: Please remember to review!