The Difference One Choice Makes
6th August 1991
James and Narcissa led their three children out of the concealed visitors entrance of the Leaky Cauldron into the very busy Diagon Alley.
James was now 33 years old with his once messy brown hair smooth and flat and he was dressed in dark red acromantula silk wizard-style robes with his spectacle style glasses perched on his nose.
Narcissa now aged 34 with shoulder-length blonde hair styled in a fancy braid and she was dressed in a dark green witches style dress holding onto an expensive black handbag.
Their eldest child Edward Henry Potter was now 13 years old taking after his Father in looks with short dark brown hair and grey eyes though like his Grandfather Fleamont Potter Edward did not need to use glasses like James. Edward was about to start his Third Year at Hogwarts having followed in Narcissa's footsteps by being sorted into Slytherin House.
Their second child Harrison James Potter who preferred to be called Harry was now 11 years old and due to start his Hogwarts journey that September. Like his father and his older brother Harry had short dark brown hair and spectacle like glasses like James but he had blue eyes like Narcissa.
Their third child Euphemia Miriam Potter was now 10 years old with long blonde hair taking after her Mother in looks along with a pair of spectacle glasses identical to Harry's.
As the family of five joined the rest of the shoppers in Diagon Alley Euphemia turned to Narcissa with a slightly pleading look on her face.
"Can we get some ice cream Mum?" said Euphemia as they approached Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour which as usual was busy with shoppers both young and old alike.
Narcissa shook her head at her Daughter.
"You can have some ice cream later, after we have finished shopping" said Narcissa in a soft but slightly stern voice.
Euphemia pouted showing her disappointment as they continued walking past the shops coming to a halt outside Madam Malkins Robes For All Occasions.
Upon entering the shop they saw that Edward and Harry would have to wait to be fitted for their school robes as there was another family in the shop with a child of their own being fitted for their own robes.
The sight of the 38-year-old tall, long blonde haired Lucius Malfoy caused James to feel angry remembering how the former Death Eater had shockingly avoided a sentence in Azkaban. He was dressed in fine acromantula silk black robes and gloves holding onto a black cane that concealed his wand.
Stood next to him was his 32-year-old wife Ursula Malfoy nee Lestrange who was of average height but thin with weedy, with dark brown hair and ferret-like facial features and she was dressed in an expensive gown-like dress.
Stood near her Father was Cassiopeia Druella Malfoy who Narcissa would remark looked more and more like her imprisoned Mother Bellatrix every time she saw her. The 13-year-old witch was tall for her age with shoulder-length curly black hair and she was dressed in a dark grey skirt and matching jumper having already been fitted for her own school robes for her third year at school.
Her youngest short blonde haired half brother Corvus Armond Malfoy aged 9 was stood next to Ursula who had both hands on his shoulders as she watched her 11-year-old short neat blonde-haired Son Lucan Abraxas Malfoy get fitted for his school robes with an impatient look on his face.
The elderly, short squat Madam Malkin who was dressed in all mauve accidentally pricked Lucan with a pin as she fitted his robes.
"Watch where you're sticking that pin!" said Lucan harshly.
With that, he looked at the entrance to the shop and saw the Potters stood waiting to be fitted.
While there had not been much interaction between the two families at the various Ministry functions they both attended whenever the two families did cross paths there was always tension between Lucius and James as well as between Lucan and Harry.
Lucan looked directly at the Potters with a sneer on his face while Lucius and Ursula looked on in disapproval as Cassiopeia walked over to say hello to the Potters more specifically Narcissa and Edward the latter of whom was in Slytherin house like her.
Though they would sometimes move in similar social circles among high society, the Malfoys with the exception of Cassiopeia viewed the Potters as Blood Traitors.
Narcissa wrapped her Niece in a hug.
"Can I do my shopping with you?" said Cassiopeia hopefully.
Narcissa sighed wanting to say yes without hesitation but she knew that it was not up to her.
"You'll have to ask your Father" said Narcissa with a hint of regret.
Cassiopeia sighed and turned to Lucius as she let go of Narcissa.
"Can I go with them Father?" said Cassiopeia politely which caused Lucius to frown while Ursula looked disappointed.
"It's your Brothers first trip for his school supplies Cassie" said Lucius stiffly.
"We are spending the day as a family" said Ursula stiffly.
Cassiopeia rolled her eyes.
"Yeah yeah, not like you even bothered to come with me on my first two trips for my school supplies" thought Cassiopeia frostily thinking about how it was just her and her Father coming to Diagon Alley whenever she wanted her school supplies before Lucan was old enough to attend Hogwarts.
Ursula, of course, had declined to attend both times having no interest to spend time with her stepdaughter preferring to treasure and spoil her own children instead which resulted in an almost non-existent relationship between Ursula and Cassiopeia.
"Please Father?" said Cassiopeia politely with a slightly pleading tone in her voice.
Lucius straightened up.
"No Cassie… we are spending the day as a family, as are your Aunt and Uncle" said Lucius flatly.
At that moment Lucan finished getting fitted and measured for his robes.
"Your robes will be ready in an hour Mrs Malfoy" said Madam Malkin as Lucan stepped down from the podium hastily removing his robes as he did.
Ursula straightened up before politely nodding her head to Madam Malkin.
"Come Lucan" said Ursula beckoning him towards the door.
"Are you going to get me the new Nimbus 2000 Father?" said Lucan with a tone of voice that expected his Father to buy him the brand new broomstick even though First Year students were not allowed their own brooms.
Lucius sighed.
"And what would you use such a thing for… you cannot have your own at school" said Lucius.
James led Edward and Harry over to Madam Malkin so they could get fitted for their own school robes as they heard Lucan Malfoy complaining about the fact that Lucius was a School Governor and should be able to change the rules to suit him.
"What school robes will you require Young Mr Potter?" said Madam Malkin looking at Edward as the Malfoys left the shop.
"Slytherin robes Madam Malkin" said Edward politely as he stepped up onto one of the podiums while Harry stepped up onto the other.
"When are Uncle Padfoot and Aunt Amy coming down Mother?" said Euphemia.
Narcissa placed a hand on her Daughters shoulder and squeezed it gently.
"Your Aunt had to go to work this morning… so, your Aunt, Uncle and Cousins will be here in about an hour when she gets back from work" said Narcissa making reference to Sirius, Amelia and their two children Jennifer Anna Black aged 11 and Eric Martin Black aged 9.
Euphemia frowned slightly making it obvious that she wanted to see Sirius, Amelia and their children much sooner than that.
One hour later…
Harry walked up to the till at Flourish And Blotts bookshop holding onto a stack of brand new school books in his arms while Narcissa walked close behind him opening her handbag ready to pay for the books.
After paying for the books and bagging them up Harry and Narcissa stepped away from the counter making their way back across the shop where James and Euphemia were stood waiting for them while Edward was scanning the shelves for his own school books.
As the Mother and Son made their way over to James and Euphemia James turned to Harry with a look of mild excitement on his face.
"We have a present for you… it's outside" said James proudly.
Feeling excited Harry handed his books to James before walking out of the shop followed quickly by Narcissa.
Once outside the shop, Harry was met by the now 33-year-old, long black haired Sirius Black who was holding onto a cage containing a snow-white owl that hooted occasionally.
"A going to Hogwarts present" said Sirius proudly.
Harry was still feeling the shock for a few moments before he walked towards Sirius and slowly took the owl cage from him.
"Thanks, Uncle Padfoot" said Harry softly.
Sirius waited for Narcissa to take the owl cage from Harry before wrapping the young boy in a hug.
After a few seconds, James and Euphemia walked out of Flourish And Blotts to see Harry's new owl before Narcissa called for one of their House Elves.
Harry looked at her in confusion before Narcissa managed a small smile.
"We can't be carrying an owl round the Alley when we're doing our shopping Harry, she'd be better off back at home" said Narcissa handing the owl cage to the House Elf who disapparated on the spot.
Harry sighed before Narcissa led him back inside to wait for Edward to finish his book shopping.
Ten minutes later…
The now 38-year-old long reddish-blonde haired Amelia Black nee Bones who was dressed in a blouse and jeans not often associated with the stern no-nonsense Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement led her 11-year-old long reddish-blonde haired Daughter Jennifer Anna Black into Olivanders Wand Makers.
As the elderly, medium-length grey-haired wandmaker Garrick Olivander walked out from the back area of his shop with a fond smile on his face as he laid eyes Amelia.
"Madam Black, nine and one-half inches, birch and unicorn hair… how good to see you again, and this must be your Daughter" said Mr Olivander in a fond voice that turned into a curious one as he saw Jennifer.
Amelia gave him a polite nod before clasping her hands on Jennifer's shoulders.
"Yes… Jennifer is here for her wand" said Amelia.
As Jennifer stepped towards the counter where Mr Olivander would begin his usual measurements of her dominant arm the door opened once again with James leading Harry into the shop while Narcissa had gone with Edward and Euphemia to Scribbulus Writing Instruments to get new quills, ink, parchment and notebooks for Edward and Harry.
"Ah Mr Potter, eleven inches mahogany, pliable with a core from dragon heartstring, and where is Mrs Potter today?" said Mr Olivander looking up at James as he carried on measuring Jennifer's arm.
James politely nodded to the eccentric wandmaker.
"She is doing more of the shopping with our eldest and youngest" said James politely.
Mr Olivander nodded to him.
"Very well… if you would just wait over there, once Miss Black has her wand your Son will get his turn" said Mr Olivander.
James guided Harry over to one of the seats in the waiting area so he could sit down while he went over to talk to Amelia.
After Jennifer had tried out three wands before receiving a thirteen-inch ash and unicorn hair wand, Sirius walked into the shop with Eric Black having taken the young boy to the Leaky Cauldron after he needed the toilet.
"If you are ready Young Mr Potter… we can find you a wand" said Mr Olivander.
As Harry made his way up to the counter Mr Olivander told Jennifer that her wand would cost her seven Galleons which was paid for by Amelia.
"Which would you say is your dominant hand Mr Potter?" said Mr Olivander.
"My right" said Harry.
"Very well… hold out your right arm Mr Potter" said Mr Olivander.
Harry held his right arm out for Mr Olivander to measure it with his magical measuring tape which took around a minute before the wandmaker went to get him a wand to try out.
Like with Jennifer, Harry had to go through a few wands totalling four before he finally found one that was suited to him. James paid seven galleons for Harry's new twelve-inch ebony and unicorn hair wand.
As the Potters and Blacks left Olivanders they spotted Narcissa leading Edward and Euphemia up the Alley towards Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour with Narcissa obviously having given into Euphemia's request for ice cream.
Upon seeing the sight the two families decided to take a break in their shopping and enjoy some ice cream together before they resumed their shopping.
14th August 1991
"GWANDMA!" cried out the five-year-old Harry as the now 66-year-old, greying black haired Dorea Potter nee Black collapsed sideways to the floor gasping for air.
The eight-year-old Edward and four-year-old Euphemia ran towards the fallen Great Great Aunt they affectionately called "Grandma" or "Grandmother" who was struggling to breathe.
Soon enough all three Potter children were crying out for their Great Great Aunt as her breathing slowed to a halt before she managed one last sharp breath and left them for good on that fateful day in May 1986.
Harry bolted awake with a sharp cry which left him feeling shaken with cold sweats as he held onto the covers on his single bed.
Seconds later he heard someone burst into his room running over to his bed before he was swept up in the comforting embrace of someone's arms and held close to their nightgown clad chest.
The still shaking Harry did not have to look up to see that it was his mother who was holding her close to him in an attempt to calm him down.
After several seconds Harry stopped shaking before Narcissa placed her hand on the side of his head and held it against her upper chest and rested her chin on top of it.
"Did you have that dream again?" said Narcissa sadly.
The dream she was referring to would plague all three of her children's dreams from time to time. On that day in May 1986, she and James had been stuck at the Ministry Of Magic for most of the day due to multiple cases that needed to be closed so their three children had been sent to Potter Cove to stay with Dorea Potter for the day.
From what little information she could get from her children about what had happened. The three children had been playing some sort of game with the elderly and slightly unwell Dorea Potter when she collapsed and died in front of their eyes. Had Dorea Potter's personal House Elf not heard all of the commotion barely a minute later, who knows how long the three children would have been forced to remain next to their Great Great Aunt's lifeless body before their Parents were able to come straight from the Ministry and take them home.
Harry nodded.
Narcissa frowned and just held him close to her chest letting him feel his Mother's love while Narcissa found herself wishing that her three children would cease to have these nightmares already.
"What happened?" said the voice of James from the doorway.
Narcissa looked up at the doorway still rubbing Harry's head and shoulders to see James stood still in the doorway with his arms folded and a look of concern on his face.
"He dreamt about it again" said Narcissa in a very concerned tone.
James sighed.
"It's been months since the last time" said James sounding concerned.
Narcissa turned away from James pressing a gentle comforting kiss to Harry's forehead.
"Go downstairs honey, I'll be down in a second and I'll get you a glass of milk" said Narcissa softly.
Harry slowly got out of bed putting his glasses on and making his way towards the door where James gave him a quick hug before letting him walk past in the direction of the stairs.
Once he had left his room a very concerned Narcissa walked up to James.
"At least when he's at home we're here for him when he has those dreams, what will happen when he's at school… when we're not there to help him when this happens" said Narcissa.
James sighed.
"We could remove the nightmare from his mind… he won't forget what happened to Aunt Dorea but hopefully the nightmare won't come back" said James wearily.
Narcissa frowned and gave her Husband a quick hug before walking towards the stairs to get Harry a glass of milk.
1st September 1991
The now 33-year-old Severus and Lily Snape led their three children along one of the platforms of the busy Kings Cross Station towards the hidden entrance to Platform Nine And Three Quarters at around half past 10 that morning giving them half an hour to get on the Hogwarts Express.
As he was trying to blend in with the surrounding muggles, the Potions Master and Head of Slytherin House Severus Snape had left his outer black teaching robe in his trunk wearing just his black trousers and black shirt instead.
Their 11-year-old twin girls Eileen Mary and Rose Alison Snape who were due to start their First Year had long black hair tied up into ponytails with striking green eyes dressed in matching skirts and jumpers each pushing a trolley containing a large brown leather trunk.
Like his older Sisters, the 9-year-old Jerome Toby Snape got most of his looks from his Father with short black hair but he also had his Mothers green eyes and was dressed in a dark blue shirt and jeans holding his Mother's hand as they walked through the station.
As they approached the hidden entrance they were surprised to see Deputy Headmistress and Transfiguration Professor Minerva Mcgonagall who also served as Head of Gryffindor House dressed in a muggle tartan dress doing her part to blend into the crowd as she escorted a muggle-born family of three towards the hidden entrance.
Two of the three were a couple in their mid-thirties while the third was a young bushy brown-haired girl of 11 dressed in a smart shirt and skirt holding onto a trolley containing a large, battered second-hand trunk.
As the Snape family approached the entrance Professor Mcgonagall turned to face them with a small smile on her face at the sight of her colleague Severus and one of her favourite former students Lily.
"Ah Severus, come over" said Professor Mcgonagall.
The Snape's made their way over to Mcgonagall and the family she was accompanying who turned to face them.
"Young Miss Granger, let me introduce your Potions Professor Severus Snape, Professor this is Hermione Granger" said Professor Mcgonagall warmly.
"Hello Professor" said Hermione politely.
Severus gave her a polite nod not being an incredibly social person even after all of these years while Lily gave the young muggle-born girl a handshake as well as introducing her children to the Granger's.
After several seconds Professor Mcgonagall checked her watch.
"We best get onto the platform, perhaps one of your Daughters would like to demonstrate Severus" said Professor Mcgonagall.
Eileen decided to go first gripping her trolley tight before running at the wall between platforms nine and ten causing her to disappear into the wall where she should have crashed into it as she entered Platform Nine and Three Quarters.
Once all of them were on the platform where all four children and the Granger parents, having never visited the platform before were in awe at the bright red Hogwarts Express as several children on the platform made their way onto the train with their family members waving goodbye to them.
"Come on, let's find a compartment together" said Rose pulling on Hermione's arm slightly as she and Eileen made their way down the platform eager to find a compartment together.
"Okay" said Hermione slightly nervously still trying to take everything in.
After another five or so minutes the three girls managed to get onto the train with their trunks and found a compartment while Severus despite being a Professor at Hogwarts and having the option of riding on the train had decided not to today, planning to walk up to the castle later on tonight from the Snape's cottage in Hogsmeade.
Meanwhile…
Harry and Jennifer pulled their trunks and owl cages containing Harry's snowy white owl named Hedwig and Jennifer's tawny owl named Starlight. Already sat in the compartment they had chosen was their childhood friend Neville Longbottom who was born a few days before Harry on the 10th July 1980. Harry and the short, slightly pudgy Neville had been friends since they were 4 years old meeting each other through their parents.
Also sat in the compartment with Neville was Jennifer's Cousin reddish-blonde haired Susan Bones who was the eldest child of David Bones and Melanie Bones nee Woodcroft.
As Harry and Jennifer placed their trunks on the overhead rack Edward Potter who was stood outside their compartment said goodbye to them before walking further down the train to find his own friends and sit with them.
As the four spent their time conversing with each other sharing their excitement about going to Hogwarts, there was a gentle knock on their still open compartment door.
"Excuse me, do you mind if I sit down… everywhere else is full" said an 11-year-old, red-haired, freckled Boy.
Harry made some space next to him.
"Not at all" said Harry.
With that, the Boy made his way into their compartment placing his battered second-hand trunk in the overhead compartment before sitting down next to Harry.
"I'm Ron by the way… Ron Weasley" said the Boy excitedly.
"Harry Potter" said Harry.
"Neville Longbottom" said Neville.
Susan and Jennifer introduced themselves next before Jennifer asked Ron if he was related to Arthur Weasley.
"Yeah, he's my Dad" said Ron warily.
Jennifer managed a small nod.
"My Mum speaks about him sometimes, says he's a decent guy" said Jennifer politely mentally chuckling about what would happen if her Grandparent's Orion and Walburga Black could see her right now.
She could imagine them making their disapproval known at the fact that a Daughter of House Black was talking to a member of a Family they believed to be Blood Traitors.
Though Sirius had a fractured relationship with his Parent's which had only gotten worse since his Grandfather Arcturus Black's death last year at the age of 89 years old, Orion and Walburga had insisted on getting to spend some time with their Grandchildren though they took a greater interest in her Brother Eric as he would become Lord Black one day.
Snapping herself out of her thoughts she turned to Susan to converse with her Cousin while Harry and Neville continued their own conversation with Ron.
The occupants of the compartment only stopped their conversations when the train was about to leave so they could wave at their families from the window as the train pulled out of the station starting their Hogwarts adventure.
Three hours later…
As the train thundered along the countryside the five occupants of the compartment talked excitedly with each other as well as sharing the vast quantity of sweets they had purchased from the Trolley Lady including Ron who would thank Harry for buying him some sweets as he was not able to afford any himself every five minutes or so.
As they helped themselves to the sweets the sound of the door being wrenched open causing all five of them to turn to the door finding a snide Lucan Malfoy stood in the doorway with his 11-year-old thin-faced, brown-haired, weedy Cousin Felix Lestrange, and Lucan's two large 11-year-old friends Gregory Goyle Jr and Vincent Crabbe Jr who bore a slight resemblance to gorillas.
"And here I thought Potter's and Black's couldn't sink any lower, associating with Weasley's and Longbottom's" said Lucan snidely.
"Get lost Malfoy" spat Ron.
"Take a walk Boys" said Jennifer fiercely.
"Shut up you filthy Half-Blood, you should know better than to speak to Purebloods in such a manner" said Felix Lestrange cockily.
"Get lost Boys" said Harry getting to his feet and making a move for his wand as did Neville, Ron and Jennifer.
"Or what?" said Lucan snidely as he, Felix, Crabbe and Goyle drew their own wands.
"Or Father will be sending you a very long letter about getting into pointless fights Lucan, I'm sure you remember the conversation the two of you had the other night about behaving yourself while at school" said a familiar female voice from behind the four boys.
When the four boys in the doorway turned around Harry and Jennifer managed a small smile when they saw Cassiopeia stood behind the Boys with her arms folded and a displeased look on her face.
Lucan put his wand away as did the other three Boys albeit a bit more slowly.
"Come on Boys" muttered Lucan.
As the four boys skulked off down the corridor Cassiopeia moved into the doorway making eye contact with her Cousins before helping herself to a box of Jelly Slugs.
"You guys alright?" said Cassiopeia.
Harry nodded.
"Yeah… your Brother's just being his usual annoying self" said Harry.
"Half Brother" stressed Cassiopeia.
"He was just being his usual self Cassie" said Jennifer softly.
Cassiopeia slowly nodded before bidding them farewell telling them that they should be arriving in a few hours.
"How do you know Malfoy's Sister?" said Ron in slight shock.
"She's our Cousin Ron, mine and Jennifer's Cousin" said Harry warily.
"You're related to the Malfoy's?" said Ron in shock.
Harry shook his head.
"Not all of them… just Cassie, her Mother was my Mother's older Sister" said Harry warily.
"And my Father's Cousin" said Jennifer.
Ron's mouth formed an "O" in understanding before changing the subject to what Houses everyone thought they would be going to.
Jennifer knew that her Grandparents would be hoping that she follows the tradition of nearly every Black by being sorted into Slytherin but she also knew that Ravenclaw would be a suitable alternative though if she were to be sorted into either Gryffindor or Hufflepuff like her Parents then her Grandparents would probably be furious.
Ron after stating that all of his Brothers have been in Gryffindor as were both of his Parent's said he wanted to get sorted in Gryffindor while Neville said he would probably end up in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff by that logic as those were the two Houses his Parents had been sorted into.
When Harry mentioned that his mother had been in Slytherin while his father had been in Gryffindor which made him expect that it was likely that he would end up in one of those two Houses with his older Brother also being in Slytherin, he saw Ron twitch slightly out of the corner of his eye.
Though it caused him to suspect that his new friend might be prejudiced against Slytherins Harry did not voice his suspicions as Ron chose not to further voice whatever prejudices he held.
That particular conversation ended with Susan saying she would probably be in Hufflepuff as most of her family members were Hufflepuff's before two separate conversations broke out between the two girls and the three boys.