Chapter 4: Another Home

Harry slid the door out of his way to reveal the inside of the house. He looked at the stairs. They were dark, damp, and full of cobwebs. Harry got his wand out.

"Lumos," Harry whispered. A little light came from the end of his wand.

Harry pointed it around the room to try and make out what was inside. He passed through the living room. It had a sofa, a chair, and a small fireplace. A little table that was snapped in half sat in front of the sofa.

Harry walked over to the mantle of the fireplace and ran his fingers through the dust. He blew at it once and the dust cleared somewhat. He picked up a small picture frame that was upside down. He flipped it over and gasped.

There in the frame were Lily and James with their arms around little Harry. Next to James stood Sirius and next to Lily stood Remus. They were looking up and smiling at him. James's arm wrapped around Lily's waist and pulled her closer. She giggled a little.

Harry put the picture in his pocket and picked up something that was rectangular shaped. On the front it had the letters "JP + LE LOVE".

Okay, that obviously means it has something to do with mum and dad. No doubt about that, Harry thought. He dusted the cover off some more and opened it. The first picture was a shocker. Lily and James were standing in front of their house, arms wrapped around each other. A girl with curly hair and a guy with slick hair stood behind them, both wrapped together. Harry closed his eyes to try and picture it.

Flashback

Lily ran up to James with Harry in her arms. They were standing in front of a small house. A woman

with ginger hair looked at them.

"Come on Harry, dear. Smile," Lily whispered in the nine month old's ear. Harry giggled and bounced around.

"Do it for mummy and daddy," James said, taking his giggling son.

"Come on, Prongs. Get your child around and let's get the picture taken," the woman said. James chuckled.

"Go ahead, Miss Phillips. He's ready," James said.

End of Flashback

Harry opened his eyes and turned the page. There was a photo of baby Harry playing with his first broomstick. It hovered maybe an inch over the ground. James was laughing and Lily was nowhere to be seen. Harry shut the album. He had had enough photos for right now.

He stuffed it into his pocket with the other picture and walked out of the living room and into the kitchen. The kitchen was a normal kitchen. It was a little smaller than Petunia's, but perfect for a small family. Harry looked into see if there was maybe another door around, perhaps a slider, but none was found. He exited the kitchen and walked back to where the stairs where.

"It doesn't hurt to try 'em out." Harry whispered, pointing his wand to shine up the stairs.

Harry walked up the stairs, dodging the cobwebs and listening to the creaks they made. Some stairs weren't meant to last long. He came to a stop at the first door he came across. There were no letter markings or anything. He opened the closed door and peeked around the corner.

This wasn't the nursery. It was Lily and James' room. Harry walked in and shut the door behind him. The first place he walked was right over to the dresser. He pushed it in and then pulled it out. CREAK! Harry dusted it off and peered inside. There were enough robes to last someone maybe a month. He shut it and opened the first drawer.

Quickly, he shut it again. That was definitely the wrong drawer. It was Lily's personal belongings. He opened the drawer next to it and shut that one too. Those were James' personal belongings. No need to snoop through his parents' personal clothing sizes or anything.

Harry, being done, walked away from the dresser and over to the bedside table. He shined his wand over the table to see if there was anything worth looking at, but there wasn't. He opened the top drawer and looked inside. There was another album, this time with no markings on it. He sat it on the bed and closed the drawer. He opened the second drawer and it was empty. Harry closed it and opened the last drawer. There in the bottom drawer, there was an envelope, with his name on it.

Harry sat down on the bed, leaving the drawer open, and looked at the envelope. It had nice neat handwriting and was covered in dust. He unsealed the back carefully and pulled the letter out. The sweet smell of perfume filled his nose.

October 29th, 1981

Dearest Harry,

Today we have been told by Albus that Voldemort is once again after us. We have your godfather out patrolling the streets. Once again, we're not aloud to leave. Lorreta Granger, such a dear, isn't aloud to contact us anymore.

It's sad though, my Harry. Your father and I have been forced to quit our jobs and stay at home to keep you safe. Your Aunt Petunia, she does well to keep you in mind. You know, she was never like she is today. She used to be kind, and generous. But now that she has that blasted Vernon, he's turned her against us.

Your godfather has convinced your father and me to switch Secret Keepers. Yes, I know stupid idea. But, he said Voldemort is less likely to come after Wormtail. Sirius always did have a kind heart. James is out at the moment. I didn't want him to go, being under this spell and all, but he said he needed to. I can't stop your father anymore, child.

I'm sitting here watching you sleep in the basin. You're cursed, Harry. James gave you that ugly mop of hair you wear on that beautiful head of yours and I cursed you with my eyes. There isn't nothing to be ashamed of though. You're the beautiful boy that I had and nothing can change that.


Guess what? Mummy is due in two days. Yep, you're going to be a little brother. I still haven't told your father. He doesn't suspect anything either. I mean, with all the Camouflage Charms and Hiding Charms, it's easy to hide it. You're going to have a little sister. I've came up with the name Rose. I hope you like it. Rose Lily, my first daughter, and she gets to take my name.

Well, it's time to go. I'll write you more later.

Love you always & forever,

Your mother, Lily

Harry looked up at the window. The sun was getting ready to set. He'd been there too long. He slid the letter back into the envelope and into the photo album.

"What could it hurt if I stay here for the night?" Harry asked himself. "Besides, after a couple of Cleaning Charms, it'll look Okay." He lay on the bed and fell asleep. Hunger was the least of his worries.