Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
A/N: So I've received some reviews/messages that don't like the corporal punishment or feel uncomfortable with it. That's why I put a warning in the first chapter so if it bothers you, I don't know why you would bother to read it *shrugs* Only this story and my Brothers series has it, my others stories don't so if you like my writing stick to my other stories. Again, that's why there is a warning in the first chapter so please don't write that it makes you uncomfortable or you don't like it when you've already been warned about it. Okay, mini ramble over, happy reading! =)
"Are you sure it's safe?" Harry asked as he gazed at the Great Lake. It looked so much larger than he remembered. He could see the squid floating lazily on the other side.
"This part is more shallow, we're fine if we stay on this side," James said. It was a Sunday afternoon and they were dressed in their swim suits so that Harry could try swimming.
Harry started to run to the lake but Lily stopped him. "Not yet. First, wear these," she handed him arm floaties.
"Aw mum," Harry groaned. He wasn't a baby!
"Just until we're sure you've got the hang of it," Lily assured him, helping him put them on.
Suddenly someone ran past them and did a cannonball into the deeper part of the lake, splashing all of them.
"Sirius, you prat!" James laughed.
Sirius broke the surface, shaking his hair out. "Water's just right! Jump in, pup!"
Harry walked to the edge of the lake and then hesitated.
"Come on, Pronglet," James took his hand and together they entered the water. They entered it slowly, until Harry grew more confident and let himself be immersed in the water, still holding onto his dad.
"Remember how to float on your back?" James asked, helping to support Harry as he floated.
Lily got in and swam to Harry's other side. "You're doing great, love," she said.
Harry floated for awhile and then began swimming from his father to his mother. As he got more used to it, James and Lily widened the space between them so that Harry was swimming more.
"Good job pup!" Sirius cheered.
"Daddy, can you take me further in the lake?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Sure. Put your arms around my neck," James said and once Harry did, he swam easily through the water while Harry squealed with delight.
Once they had gotten tired of swimming, they moved to sit under a tree where Lily had laid out a blanket. "I asked the house-elves to make us a lunch." she said cheerfully.
"Where's Remus?" James asked as he pulled on a t shirt.
"He had a to meet his Arithmancy study group," Sirius said as he picked up a ham and cheese sandwich. "He studies too much."
"And you not enough," James joked.
"I study," Sirius protested.
"With N.E.W.T.s approaching, we all need to study more," Lily said as she handed Harry a cup of juice.
Sirius made a face. "I suppose. Oh, and Peter said he couldn't come because he had to write a letter home." He rolled his eyes. "I think he's staying away because of..." he glanced at Harry.
"He can join us," Harry said innocently.
Sirius grinned. "With you glaring at him?"
Harry shrugged. He still didn't trust Peter, he didn't know why. The rat hadn't done anything yet but still, Harry was cautious around him.
Harry munched happily on his apple slices. He was about to reach for a sandwich when he saw two Slytherins staring at him. He shifted a bit closer to his mum and then threw them a defiant look. He saw Snape pass them and glance over at him and then at the other Slytherins. A scowl formed on Snape's face and Harry watched with interest as he appeared to be snapping at the Slytherins. They quickly turned and walked away. Snape glanced back over at him and Harry gave him a bright smile and a wave. Snape hesitated, then gave a short wave back before continuing to walk back to the castle.
Harry focused back on his parents and Sirius was telling a funny story and waving his arms dramatically. Harry started to laugh but then caught sight of Sirius's wand laying on the blanket. Longing hit him, he missed having a wand. Without really thinking about it, he reached for the wand and picked it up.
"Put that down!"
Harry immediately dropped the wand and then looked guiltily at his dad, who was giving him a disapproving look.
James leaned forward and took Harry's chin in his hands, making eye contact. "You do not ever touch a wand. Not until you are old enough to get your own. Do you understand me?"
"Yes Daddy." Harry's lower lip wobbled.
James remained stern. "I hope you do because if I find out you've disobeyed me, I'll put you over my knee and take away your broom. It's not safe. You'll get your own wand when you're older." His expression softened and he ran a hand through Harry's hair. "Okay?"
"Okay," Harry said softly. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay as long as you don't do it again," James said. He sighed. "When I was seven, I nicked my dad's wand. I thought of it as a toy and waved it all around. I ended up causing a huge explosion in the room. I could have easily killed myself or my parents. I had to learn the lesson the hard way," he said wryly, remembering how furious his dad had been with him and the punishment that had followed that incident.
Sirius snickered. "I bet." He slipped his wand into his pocket.
"Sorry Sirius," Harry said.
"It's okay pup. But I have to agree with your dad. No touching wands until you're eleven."
Lily handed Harry a biscuit. "Did you enjoy swimming in the lake?" She asked lightly, changing the topic.
Harry nodded enthusiastically. "It was way better than the tournament."
"What tournament?"
"The tri-wizard tournament. My fourth year the goblet spit out my name."
James, Lily and Sirius stared at him in shock. "I've read about the tournament. Wasn't it discontinued over a hundred years ago?" James asked.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, but they brought it back my fourth year. Someone managed to fool the goblet and enter my name as only students who were seventeen could enter. I had no choice but to compete and it led to me being taken to Voldemort. He used my blood to bring himself back." he shivered slightly at the memory. He gave a small yelp as his mother yanked him into her arms, holding him tightly.
"What were the professors thinking? What was Dumbledore thinking allowing a fourteen year old to compete in such a tournament?" She hissed.
James was furious. "I don't know. Apparently there wasn't a lot of thinking going on in Harry's time." he muttered.
Sirius also was angry. "Did they find out who entered your name?"
"Uh huh. Barty Crouch Jr. He was using Polyjuice potion to teach at the school so he could make sure I was entered and led to Voldemort."
Sirius froze. He was pretty sure he had seen his brother hang around Barty Crouch Jr. It reminded him that Regulus would likely take the dark mark. He knew that something his parents would want and he wished he could stop it from happening.
"And here I thought Hogwarts was safe place," James muttered, taking Harry from Lily's arms so he could hug him himself. "As for you, no tournaments for you."
"Fine with me," Harry yawned as he snuggled into his dad's chest.
"Merlin, a fourteen year old in that tournament," Lily shook her head. "How could that have been allowed? If the rule was that you had to be seventeen then it shouldn't have mattered if Harry's name popped out. He shouldn't have been made to compete."
"He didn't have a parent to step in and put their foot down," James said. "I would have pulled him from Hogwarts and home schooled him before letting him compete."
Lily nodded in agreement.
"I was there but couldn't intercede, right?" Sirius sighed. "Apparently I was in hiding, couldn't let my presence be known so I couldn't forbid it, as his godfather." Harry had told him about being framed and escaping Azkaban.
"He's here with us, and he's fine," Lily said, looking down at Harry. He had curled up next to her and was sound asleep. "None of that will happen again."
HP
For the weekend, James and Lily were taking Harry to visit James's parents. They had responded to James letter that they were beyond excited to meet their grandson. They used the floo in Dumbledore's office, each holding one of Harry's hands.
"You're here!" Mrs. Potter said happily has they stepped through the floo. Her eyes landed on Harry. "Oh, Fleamont. Look at him!" She breathed.
"Looks just like James," Mr. Potter said, a kind smile spreading across his face. He looked like James too, although his eyes were brown. James got his hazel eyes from his mother.
"Welcome, Harry," Mrs. Potter said warmly. "We're so happy to meet you."
"Thank you," Harry said shyly, holding tight to his parents hands.
"So fascinating that he is here," Mr. Potter marveled and James nodded in agreement.
"Would like some juice?" Mrs. Potter asked Harry.
Harry glanced up at his mum, who gave him an encouraging smile. "Yes, please ma'am."
"Oh, now that won't do," Mrs. Potter said with a friendly chuckle. "I'm Grandma."
"And I'm Grandpa," Mr. Potter added.
Mrs. Potter got her grandson a cup of juice and had him sit on the sofa to drink it. "I pulled out some books and toys that belonged to your dad, when he was your age," she told him. She put a box on the coffee table. "After you finish your juice, you're welcome to look through it and have whatever you want."
"Really?" Harry beamed. "Thank you Grandma."
"He is such a doll," Mrs. Potter gushed as they sat and watched Harry look through the toys.
"He is," Lily agreed with a smile. "He has his moments though." She laughed.
"Well, of course. Never mind that all children do, you are not dealing with an average child," Mr. Potter said. "He was seventeen not too long ago and has experienced extreme hardship. Now to be a child, it must be a struggle for him."
"He's learning," James said with a fond look at Harry as he played with the toys.
"Well, we were thinking that it would be better for Harry to stay here with us while you two finish your seventh year." Mrs. Potter said bluntly.
"No," James said immediately.
"It makes sense, you two are still in school and -" Mr. Potter started.
"It might make sense but the answer is no," Lily said gently yet firmly. "Harry needs us. He needs to be with his parents. And we want him with us," she glanced at James and he nodded.
"I just think it would be easier for all if we take care of Harry while you two are in school," Mrs. Potter continued. "You can visit him here, of course. That way you can focus on your N.E.W.T.s and we will raise Harry until -"
"No!"
"Harry," Lily said in mild alarm as they all realized the child had heard everything.
"I won't stay here!" Harry yelled, his eyes filling with tears. "You brought me here just to dump me!" He accused his parents. "I thought you wanted me!"
"Harry, dear -" Mrs. Potter started to say.
"I won't stay!" Harry turned away and before any of them realized what he was doing, he ran out the front the door.
Lily gasped and jumped up but James was faster and ran out to stop his son.
"Harry James, stop running this instant!" James hollered as he quickly caught up with the little boy who was already halfway down the street. He grabbed him and lifted up, grunting when Harry began twisting and kicking, his foot landing in his stomach. "Harry, stop it!" When the boy didn't stop trying to get out of his arms, he gave him a quick swat to his backside. As he had hoped it would, the swat startled Harry into stopping his fighting.
"Now, calm down," James said, adjusting the boy in his arms so he could hold him better. His heart constricted at the tears streaming down Harry's face. "We aren't leaving you with your grandparents. You're staying with your mum and I. Okay?"
Harry sniffled. "You want me with you?" he whispered.
"Yes, always," James kissed his forehead.
"Oh," Harry relaxed, laying his head on James's shoulder.
"Your grandparents just want you with them cause you're so adorable," James teased.
"I'm not adorable," Harry said in a affronted voice.
"Sorry Pronglet, you are," James said with a small smile. His smile faded as he walked them back to his house. "You shouldn't have run off, Harry. We've talked about this, remember? And around here, there are cars around. You could have been hit by one."
"I wasn't thinking, I was just scared you were leaving me," Harry said.
"I know. But you remember what I said about you running off?"
Harry's eyes widened and he lifted his head, looking at his dad worriedly. "I didn't mean to! I'm sorry!"
"I know," James said. "I'm going to let it go this once, because I know you just reacted out of fear. Just this once," he repeated, giving Harry a serious look. "No running off."
"Okay," Harry said softly, laying his head back down.
James entered the house where a worried Lily was waiting for them. "Is he okay?" she demanded.
"He's fine," James said. Harry held onto him tightly so he sat on the sofa so Harry could sit on his lap.
Lily sat next to them, leaning over and kissing Harry on the cheek. "You scared me, love."
"Sorry mummy," Harry said.
"We didn't mean to upset you," Mrs. Potter said, looking guilty. "We were just offering. I'll admit I want you here because I've looked forward to being a grandmother." she smiled softly at Harry.
"We do hope you will visit us often," Mr. Potter gave Harry a wink. "Your grandma makes the best biscuits and she made a bunch for you. If you visit, I get more biscuits."
Harry giggled. "I like biscuits," he said shyly.
"I suppose a few before dinner wouldn't hurt," Mrs. Potter smiled.
The evening was fun, they played Gobstones after dinner and Mrs. Potter had made pie for dessert. Harry relaxed and had fun. He had never had grandparents before and he liked them a lot. As long as they didn't try to keep him from his parents. He didn't care that his mum and dad were still in school, that they were still teenagers, he wanted to be with them. He flushed a little as he remembered running off, he hadn't meant to. He had just panicked.
"If you need any help with him," Mr. Potter said as they were leaving. "Let us know. We can babysit anytime."
"We can floo to Hogwarts to babysit if that works better for him," Mrs. Potter said with a fond look at the sleeping boy in Lily's arms.
"Thank you," James said. "We might do that, we're still figuring it out. I just know he needs to be with us."
"I agree, after watching you three," Mr. Potter said. "You're both very good with him."
"I love him," James said, looking at his dad. "He's my son and I just want to protect him."
"Of course you do. And you will, I have no doubt," Mr. Potter smiled at his son. "You both will be just fine with him."
HP
A few days later, Lily crumpled up a note she had received. "Madame Pomfrey was going to watch Harry while we have Transfiguration but she got called away to St. Mungo's to help with a dragon pox outbreak," She sighed, glancing at Harry.
"Aw, pup will be fine in our class," Sirius ruffled Harry's hair.
"I suppose we could set up a desk for him with coloring books," Lily said thoughtfully. "As long as he sits where we can see him, it should be okay."
"I doubt Professor McGonagall will mind," Remus said. "After all, he is a future Gryffindor," he winked at Harry.
Harry grinned.
"Okay, let's ask," James said. "But Harry, you have to be very good and quiet during the class, okay?"
"Okay," Harry nodded.
Harry sighed as he finished coloring another page. He was bored! He had never been that good at Transfiguration so hearing the lecture was dull, dull, dull! He glanced behind him at the bare wall. Even the wall was boring, no pictures or anything. Too bad he couldn't just color on the wall, then it wouldn't look so empty. Hmm...
James heard snickering as they took their pop quiz and gave a sigh, guessing who was causing it. "Quiet, Sirius," he muttered.
"Huh?" Sirius looked up in surprise from his quiz.
Lily sighed as she also heard laughter. "Whatever you're doing Sirius, stop," she whispered as she focused on answering the quiz questions.
"I'm not doing anything!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Mr. Black, save you antics for after the quiz," McGonagall said, looking up from her desk and glaring at him.
Sirius threw his hands up. "It's not me!" He protested.
"Then what -" McGonagall looked to the side of the room. "Oh, my."
James and Lily glanced over curiously and Lily gasped. Harry was happily drawing on the wall and the students sitting near him were giggling. He had drawn a dog, a stag and now was working on what appeared to be a wolf.
Sirius burst out laughing while Remus grinned until he noticed the wolf. He stiffened slightly and shot James a panicked look.
I should of guessed he knew, James thought with a groan. He had referred to Peter as a rat, after all. He had been too distracted to catch on to the comment his son made but now it was obvious that Harry must know about their Animagus forms.
"Harry!" Lily hissed.
Harry looked over at her innocently. "Do you like it?" he asked eagerly.
"Yes, it's very nice," Lily said weakly. "But you need to draw on paper, not the wall."
Harry frowned. "But the wall was boring." he explained. "And my coloring book was boring and listening to the lecture was boring."
The class burst into laughter.
"Harry!" Lily said, horrified. She gave McGonagall an apologetic look.
McGonagall lips twitched slightly. "Well, I must say the drawing gives character to the room." she said dryly.
James quickly finished his quiz and then stood up. "I'm done," he said, handing it to McGonagall. "I can take him out." he said, nodding towards Harry. "If that's okay with you."
"Of course," McGonagall said, still looking amused.
James waved his wand and erased the drawings on the wall, before Harry could finish the wolf.
"Hey!" Harry protested.
"You can draw it again later," James said as he gathered Harry's coloring books up. "On paper." He shrank them down and put them in his pocket. "Come on." He took Harry's hand and led them out of the room.
"Am I in trouble?" Harry asked, a little anxiously.
"No," James assured him. "I understand you were bored. Just, no more drawing on walls. Use paper, okay?"
"Okay," Harry sighed.
"So, why were drawing a stag, a dog and a wolf?"
"The Marauders!" Harry grinned.
"So you know?" James asked casually.
"Uh huh, you're a stag, Sirius is a dog and Remus is a wolf," Harry said. "And Peter is a horrible, nasty little rat."
James bit back a laugh. "Right. It's a secret though. No one knows except your mum. Well, someone else knows about Remus but -"
"Snape," Harry nodded.
"You know about that too?" James asked in surprise.
"Yeah."
"Huh," James said, scratching his chin. "Hmm, well okay. So no one else can know, okay? For Remus's safety."
"I know," Harry nodded.
"Good boy," James said, ruffling his hair.
HP
Harry eagerly watched the Quidditch game his dad was playing in, clapping every time he made a goal. Gryffindor was playing against Ravenclaw and so far, the game was close with Gryffindor a bit ahead. Harry had thought his father played seeker and found out he only sometimes did, if the main seeker couldn't play for some reason. Otherwise he played chaser and he was really good and fast, scoring goal after goal. "Yay Daddy!" he cheered when James made yet another goal.
Everyone around him aww'd at that.
James, making a circle around the pitch, grinned. It felt so good to hear his son cheering him on. It made him play even better, work harder so that his boy would be impressed with him. He wanted to make Harry proud.
"You think you're so great just because you have a son from the future," The Ravenclaw keeper, Curtis Howell, said as he flew by.
"That and because I'm a superior player," James shot back.
"All anyone can talk about is your stupid kid," Curtis complained.
James gritted his teeth. "Don't ever talk about my son like that again!"
"Or what?" Curtis mocked.
James caught the Quaffle and threw it, right at the keeper. He yelped and moved and then could only watch as the Quaffle went threw the hoop.
"Geez Howell! Do your job!" The Ravenclaw captain yelled.
James smirked and flew away. He had been keeping his eye on the Gryffindor seeker and could tell he was about to catch the snitch. "Have fun commiserating your loss." he called behind him.
"We haven't lost yet!"
Just then the the Gryffindor seeker caught the snitch and held it up triumphantly.
James whooped and then flew to the stands, hopping off his broom.
"Daddy, you won!" Harry squealed, running up to him, arms raised.
James picked him up and swung him around. "That I did, Pronglet!"
"You act like you were the only player," Lily scoffed, her eyes sparkling. When James just shrugged in response, she laughed and kissed his cheek. "You played brilliantly."
"Thank you, Lils," James grinned. His grin faded when he saw Curtis walking by, glaring at his son. He tightened his arms around Harry protectively and gave the Ravenclaw a dark look.
"What's that about?" Sirius asked with a frown.
"I'll tell you later," James said, not wanting to repeat what he had said about Harry in front of him. It was unnerving to know that students had a problem with Harry being there. If it had been a Slytherin who had made that remark, he wouldn't have been surprised at all. But it had been a Ravenclaw which meant that they needed to keep an extra close eye on Harry.
TBC: