Disclaimer: All recognizable characters and settings belong to J.K. Rowling.
"I just wanted to check in and see how you three are doing," Dumbledore said after summoning James, Lily and Harry to his office one afternoon.
"We're doing well," Lily said.
"And Harry?" Dumbledore asked, giving the child a fond look.
"He's adjusting," James said, ruffling his son's hair.
"You'll mess up his hair," Lily protested.
"It always looks messy, like mine," James teased.
Harry nodded. "No matter how many times I brush it, it sticks up. Aunt Petunia once -" he paused.
"Once what?" Lily asked lightly though her eyes darkened.
"She cut off all my hair, it looked so awful," Harry winced at the memory. "But the next day it had grown all back! She and Uncle Vernon were sure mad."
"What did they do?" Lily asked in a tense voice.
"Two days locked in the cupboard, no food only water," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"What?" James hissed.
Lily stood up, fists clenched. "I hate her," she hissed.
Harry shrunk in his seat. "I'm sorry," he said quickly.
"No, Pronglet. You did nothing wrong," James said, quick to reassure his son. "Your hair growing back was accidental magic. You never punish a child for accidental magic."
"Which she knew," Lily said bitterly as she slowly sat back down. "She would have remembered that it happened to me too." Every time she learned a new piece of information on how her sister had treated Harry in his world, she became furious all over again.
Dumbledore looked sad. "And they raised you...I left you with them?" He asked incredulously.
Harry nodded. "Blood sacrifice protection. You said I had to stay because of the blood wards."
"Ahh," Dumbledore nodded, but still looked upset. "Still, I can't believe I couldn't think of some other way." he murmured to himself. He sighed and then smiled. "Well, on a happier note. I thought Harry might enjoy playing with kids his own age. Molly Weasley, she and her husband Arthur are in the Order and have a seven year old, a five year old and a two year old."
Harry thought for minute and then grinned. "Bill, Charlie and Percy?" He would get to see them as kids!
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes."
"Are Fred and George born yet?" Harry wondered out loud.
"Ah, they must be the twins she is carrying," Dumbledore chuckled.
Lily's mouth dropped open. "Five children? Merlin, they're brave," She winked at Harry.
"They end up having seven," Harry grinned at her.
"Seven?" James mouth dropped open. "Merlin." How did you even keep track of seven children? Wow.
"I thought I could make sure their home is warded properly and then you could take Harry over to visit." Dumbledore said.
James looked at Lily and they both nodded. It would be good for Harry to play with other kids.
Before leaving, James asked Dumbledore quietly about the progress in destroying Voldemort.
"Thanks to Harry, we're much closer than we were," Dumbledore said. "We're in the process of destroying his Horcruxes. The most difficult will be his snake Nagini as she is always with him but we're working on it."
"Good." James wanted that monster gone.
"Don't worry about it," Dumbledore said. "Just keep taking care of your son. Keep protecting him."
"I will," James said in determination.
HP
On Saturday, James, Lily and Harry flooed to the Burrow.
"Welcome," Molly Weasley beamed. Her stomach was very round with the twins she carried. She smiled down at Harry. "Well, look at you. Aren't you just the cutest little boy. Why, you look just like your father! Except with your mother's lovely eyes."
Harry grinned at Mrs. Weasley. She was just like he remembered, except younger and well, her stomach was much rounder. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley."
"So sweet," Mrs. Weasley cooed at him before smiling at James and Lily. "I know your parents James, they are wonderful people. Lily, I don't think I've ever met your parents."
"Mine are muggles," Lily explained.
Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Well, if Arthur finds that out he will bombard you with questions. He's fascinated by muggle inventions. Right now he's been collecting something called screwdrivers." She shrugged. "I have no idea what they are supposed to do."
Lily and Harry laughed. James looked confused. "What are screwdrivers?"
"Oh, he'll show you," Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "Arthur, they're here! Bill! Charlie!" She called. "My youngest, Percy, is still napping but Bill and Charlie have been excited to meet you." She told Harry with a smile.
Two little red-headed boys ran into the room, one taller than the other. "Hi!" The taller one said. "I'm Bill."
"I'm Harry," Harry said, intrigued to see them as little boys. Bill reminded him of Ron, tall and lanky with blue eyes. Charlie was stockier and had brown eyes.
"I'm Charlie," Charlie said. "Do you know what a bike is?"
Harry nodded.
"Are you a muggle-born?" Bill asked curiously.
"No," Harry said, glancing at his parents.
"My parents are muggles," Lily explained.
"Are they really?" Arthur Weasley asked as he entered the room. "Can you tell me how a washing machine works?" He asked eagerly.
"Oh Arthur," Mrs. Weasley sighed.
"Well, it is a contraption that you put your dirty clothes in along with detergent and it spins around inside as it washes them. Then you put them in the dryer which heats up and they spin around until dry." Lily said, sharing an amused glance with James.
"Fascinating," Mr. Weasley breathed. "I must find one of those and try it."
"No, you mustn't," Mrs. Weasley rolled her eyes.
"Dad brought home a bike and we're trying to figure out how to ride it," Charlie said excitedly.
"I can show you," Lily offered. She used to have a bike when she was a kid.
"Yay!" Bill and Charlie yelled.
Outside, Lily examined the child's bike and then explained how to use one. "Harry, hop on and show everyone."
Harry shuffled his feet. "I've never ridden one." He said quietly.
Merlin, I'm stupid, Lily thought. She should have figured he had never been shown. It's not Petunia or Vernon would have taken the time to show him. "It's okay. I'll talk you through it."
"Okay," Harry said, settling himself on the bicycle seat.
"Wait," Lily picked up a twig and transfigured it into a child sized helmet. "For safety." she said as she put it on Harry's head. "Never ride a bike without one." She spent almost an hour teaching the boys how to ride.
"Looks kind of fun," James commented. "Do they make bikes for adults?"
"Yes," Lily said with a laugh. "My parents and I used to ride together when I was younger."
"Shall we go inside for tea and biscuits?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
HP
"I can't imagine how difficult it must be, raising a five year old while still in school," Mrs. Weasley said as they sat and had tea. They sat near the window so they could keep an eye on the three boys sharing the bike in the backyard. Percy, who had woken up from his nap, was playing on the floor with toys.
"It can be but our friends help us," James said.
"The circumstances of why he is here is remarkable," Mr. Weasley said. "It must be so strange for him. He acts like a five year old yet..."
"He fights it sometimes but we think the five year old is taking over more and more," Lily said. "He is already starting to forget things that a five year old wouldn't have learned yet. Which is good, as I started him on schoolwork."
"Very good," Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Perhaps he could have some lessons here. I teach Bill and Charlie. That way he would get socialization."
Lily looked at James.
"I'm just thinking a couple afternoons a week," Mrs. Weasley said. "He could floo here from Albus's office."
"I take it the Headmaster brought up this idea?" James asked, a little sarcastically. Nice of Dumbledore to tell him and Lily about it first.
"No, I did," Mrs. Weasley admitted.
James raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"It makes sense, and it would be good for him" Lily said, tapping her fingers on the table in thought. "Harry would have to be assured that he wouldn't be left here indefinitely."
"Why would he think that?" Mr. Weasley asked in confusion.
"My parents wanted him to stay with them while we finish out the year at school," James answered. "We already had decided we wanted him with us but Harry overheard and freaked out at the thought of us leaving him."
"Oh," Mrs. Weasley's face softened. "Poor dear."
"We can mention the idea to him and see how he reacts," Lily said.
"So how do you enjoy parenting?"
"We love it. We just don't know if we're doing right," Lily laughed. "Harry's learning to let himself be a little boy and we're learning how to be parents."
"Parenting requires a lot of love, patience, discipline and affection." Mrs. Weasley smiled. "I'm sure you two are doing very well."
"I hope so," James said. "I want to be a good dad."
"You are." Lily told him. "Harry adores him." she told Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. "He's a daddy's boy for sure."
"I've had to punish him a couple of times," James said hesitantly. "I thought he would hate me but he doesn't."
"Of course he doesn't," Mr. Weasley said easily. "Discipline isn't easy but after did you comfort and reassure him that he was forgiven? Did you make sure he understood why he was being punished?"
"Yes."
"Then you're doing just fine," Mr. Weasley assured him.
HP
"The bike is fun," Charlie said as he, Harry and Bill plopped onto the ground to rest. "Brooms are still better though."
Bill nodded in agreement.
"Well, a real broom would be more fun. Not the baby broom we have to use," Charlie scowled.
"Not this again," Bill sighed.
"I have a Starduster," Harry said.
"Us too. But it doesn't go very high or fast," Charlie said.
"Yeah, I know." Harry said. "I could fly a real broom. I've, uh, done it before." He didn't know how much they knew about him.
"Really?" Charlie asked excitedly. "Dad's broom is in the garage."
"Don't even think about it, Charlie." Bill scolded. "I tried to use it last year and got introduced to mum's wooden spoon."
Charlie and Harry winced in sympathy.
"I could get some games to bring out here," Bill suggested.
"Okay," Charlie said sweetly. As soon as Bill had walked away, he was on his feet running to the garage. Harry followed.
"What are you doing?"
"Dad and mum's brooms," Charlie whispered. He picked one up, struggling a bit since it was heavier than his own broom.
Harry reached out and stroked it. Charlie eagerly got on but was struggling to find balance as the broom started to lift into the air. When it was just several feet high he fell off.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked anxiously.
"Yeah," Charlie glared at the broom. "Stupid broom. Harry, have you really flown on a adult broom?"
"Yes."
"Really?" Charlie asked suspiciously.
"Yes!" Harry insisted. Didn't Charlie believe him? With a huff, he took the other broom and dragged it out of the garage. "I'll show you." He got on the broom, it was harder to balance on this one. And it definitely weighed more. He floated up and found it was harder to maneuver and control than he remembered. He frowned as he leaned forward to go but the broom didn't respond to his command. He tried again and the broom began flying. Unfortunately it took him higher than he planned to go and he couldn't control it to slow it down.
"Harry!" Charlie yelled. "Careful!" He got on the broom again, trying to fly up to his new friend.
HP
"We should bring the children in so they can wash up for lunch," Mrs. Weasley said as she stood up. As it was too difficult to bend down, she levitated Percy up to her, which made him giggle with delight. "Ready for lunch, Percy?" She asked the toddler as she glanced outside. "What is going on – oh, Merlin!" She gasped at the sight of Harry struggling on the broom.
The four adults rushed outside and Arthur quickly snatched Charlie off of his broom, which hovered in the air. "What were you thinking?" he scolded his son.
James was about to hop on the broom Charlie had been on to retrieve his son when Harry fell off the broom.
"No!" Lily shouted, grabbing her wand.
James was quicker. "Arresto Momentum!" He ran and caught Harry before he could hit the ground. He set the boy down, looking him over for any injuries. "Are you all right?"
"Yes," Harry sniffed. He'd started crying when he realized he couldn't control the broom. And then falling...
"What were you two doing?" Mrs. Weasley asked, Percy sitting on her hip. "Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?"
"Sorry," Charlie said quickly.
"Oh, you will be, young man," Mr. Weasley said with a stern look. "You know better."
"So does Harry," James glared down at his son.
Harry tried to hide behind his mother.
"Charlie, go to your room. I'll be there shortly," Mr. Weasley ordered.
Charlie sighed resignedly. He knew what that meant. He gave Harry a sad look as he went into the house.
James ran his hand through his hair, trying to get his anger under control. He was furious, he had told Harry he could not fly on an adult broom! How could he have disobeyed him? He could have broken every bone in his body!
Lily had knelt down and was looking Harry over herself. "Are you sure you're not injured?" she asked.
Harry nodded.
"Harry, that was very naughty of you," Lily scolded.
Harry flushed, feeling very young and foolish. "I'm sorry," he said softly.
Lily sighed and stood up. "I don't think that's enough," she said quietly.
"Neither do I," James said. "Mr. Weasley, do you have a study I could borrow?"
"Of course," Mr. Weasley said.
Harry's eyes widened. "No," he whined.
"Harry, you know what you did was not only wrong but very dangerous." Lily said firmly. "You're going to be punished for it."
Harry's face fell.
James took Harry's hand as they followed the Weasley's inside. Arthur showed him to his study before leaving to deal with his own son.
"Why don't you help me get lunch ready," Mrs. Weasley said as she and Lily went into the kitchen, noticing the concerned look on Lily's face. "Don't worry, they'll be fine." she assured her as she settled Percy in his high chair.
"I know," Lily sighed. She hated knowing Harry was going to be punished, even if he deserved it. And she knew James really hated having to do it, even though Harry needed it.
HP
Inside the study, James cast a silencing spell so no would hear them and then sat in an armless chair while his errant stood in front of him. He studied Harry for a moment. "I'm disappointed in you," he said finally.
Harry winced.
"We talked about this before, I told you why you couldn't fly on a regular sized broom." James continued. "You aren't old enough to be able to control it. You fell, Harry. You could have broken your neck. Seeing you fall like that..." he shook his head. "Do you have any idea how much you scared your mother and I?"
"I'm sorry," Harry cried. "Charlie didn't believe I could fly a regular broom -"
"That's why you disobeyed me?" James asked in irritation. "To prove a point to Charlie? Well, guess what. He was right, you can't fly a regular broom. You are five years old, Harry. You're too young and little to fly a broom like that but you are not too young to know right from wrong."
Harry looked and nodded reluctantly.
"I'm taking your Starduster away for a week," James said.
"But Daddy -"
"If you argue, I'll make it two," James said sternly.
Harry shut his mouth and pouted.
"I think you know what to expect," James said, pulling Harry to his side. He took off Harry's glasses and set them on the desk. He pulled Harry over his lap, adjusting him before pulling down his trousers and pants. Raising his hand, he gave the pale bottom a smack. Harry yelped and cried through the whole smacking, crying out he was sorry and would be good as James reached the third smack. James raised his knee to give him better access to Harry's sit spots and aimed the last two smacks there, with slightly increased force. Harry was sobbing over his lap as James gently pulled up his pants and trousers over his slightly reddened bottom. He rubbed Harry's back soothingly. "You're okay, Pronglet." he said in a soft voice. He hated punishing Harry, he hated making him cry. But better a sore bottom than a broken neck.
After a moment, Harry sat up and flung himself at his dad, wrapping his arms around his neck. "I'm sorry!"
"I know you are," James sighed as he held his boy, running one hand up and down his back. "I know you're sorry. But better than sorry is not doing the wrong thing in the first place. You need to obey us, Pronglet. We give you rules to keep you safe and if you are told not to do something, it's for your own good." He pulled Harry back so that he could wipe the tears from his face. He gave Harry his glasses. "If you ride a regular broom again before you're old enough, then I'll add a couple of more smacks to your punishment. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Daddy. Do you hate me now?" Harry sniffled, putting on his glasses.
"What? No, of course not," James pressed his forehead to his Harry's forehead. "I love you, Harry. You're my son and I think you are an incredible kid." He playfully tickled Harry's sides. "And adorable, sweet -"
"I'm not adorable," Harry giggled, trying to escape the tickling.
"Sorry, but you are," James sang out, continuing to tickle the wriggling boy.
"Then you are too, since I look like you!" Harry laughed.
"Yup. We're both adorable," James kissed his forehead. "Ready to go back out?"
Harry rubbed his eyes. "Will they know I cried?" he asked, embarrassed.
James smiled and shook his head. Harry's face was dry now but his eyes were a little red rimmed. "Don't worry, you're fine. Everyone cries when they are punished, you don't need to be embarrassed." he assured him.
"Did you cry?" Harry asked as they left the room.
"Every single time," James said ruefully. He would cry and holler up a storm, especially when he was younger.
"Did mummy?"
"I don't know, but I bet she did," James said. Lily's parents had only spanked her a few times, it was more common in the wizarding world for that punishment to be used.
Charlie was already in the kitchen, his eyes also red rimmed. Bill had his arm around him.
"There you are. Everyone ready for lunch?" Mrs. Weasley asked cheerfully. "I made roast beef sandwiches."
"Sounds good," James said as they each took a seat. Lily gave Harry a hug and whispered in his ear how much she loved him before helping him get seated.
As the adults started talking, Charlie leaned over to Harry. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah. You?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Charlie shifted slightly and winced. "Sorry I got you in trouble."
"You didn't. I knew I wasn't supposed to ride that broom," Harry sighed. His backside still slightly stung and he wished he hadn't disobeyed.
"I shouldn't have left you two alone," Bill said unhappily. He hated it when his brother got into trouble.
"Hey, no long faces over there," Mr. Weasley said with a soft smile. "What happened has been taken care of and is in the past. We move forward now, all right? Hey, is that potato salad?"
Harry broke into a smile as he saw Percy happily and messily eating his food. Pompous, proper Percy as a two year old was hilarious to him. He chuckled to himself.
They ate the delicious lunch that finished with a berry trifle for dessert. Harry was full when they were done and was happy to play Gobstones quietly with Charlie and Bill in the living room.
Mrs. Weasley shifted as she tried to get comfortable. "I can't wait until these two are born. Hopefully, they won't be too mischievous."
Harry, overhearing her, grinned to himself. Boy, was she in for a surprise. The twins were probably already plotting pranks at this very moment.
"So James, what are you planning to do after Hogwarts?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"I'm thinking of becoming an Auror," James said. "Hopefully I'll do well on my N.E.W.T.s. Other than that, I'm not sure."
"It's a dangerous profession," Mrs. Weasley said, glancing at Harry. "You're away from your family a lot."
James frowned. He hadn't thought about that.
"I've thought about trying for the Committee on Experimental Charms," Lily said thoughtfully. Charms was her best subject, potions following a close second. "I've also toyed with idea of being a Healer."
"Interesting," Mr. Weasley said. "Both would be good careers for you. You know, the Ministry has the Department of Magical Games and Sports. They are a pretty relaxed department compared to the rest. They seem to enjoy themselves." He told James.
James's eyes brightened. That did sound fun and interesting. Hmm...
Lily glanced over to the where the children were and chuckled. "I guess they wore themselves out."
The three had fallen asleep.
"Harry is really such a lovely child, you must be very proud," Mrs. Weasley said with a smile.
James and Lily grinned and nodded. They were proud, Harry was a great kid and they couldn't imagine their lives without him.
TBC: