Author's Notes:

Hi everyone! I hope you're all staying healthy and practicing proper social distancing! I've finally finished this chapter. Sorry you didn't get a surprise update; I wanted this chapter to stay mostly intact because I really packed some important stuff in here.

My state just went on full lock down, aka shelter in place, aka travel ban. Nothing has changed. People are still assholes going to target to window shop out of bordom. But the liquor stores are closed, the online store is down, and I'm so sad. I JUST WANT SOME BAILEYS DAMNIT. Sorry, I had to get that out.

midnitewanderer: Sirius' past and his time in Azkaban is definitely going to be a reoccuring theme within my story. I"m glad you liked the last chapter and I'm sorry for the end of this one lol. Well, not really! geekymom: Glad you liked it! I hope you like this one, too. Dutchie: Thank you!

Anyway, rambling over. Please enjoy this chapter!

Stay safe, Stay healthy.

Chapter Thirteen: Playdates and Interviews

Looking around the room, Harry first noticed how warm and inviting the kitchen was. There were constantly objects moving on their own either washing dishes, peeling potatoes, or cooking something. The furniture looked comfortable, like something he could sit in for hours. He could faintly hear children somewhere in the house yelling and laughing.

Harry tightened his grip on James' neck and shoulders and whispered in his ear, "Are you sure they're going to like me?"

James lightly squeezed Harry and responded, "Yes. The Weasleys are a very nice family. I'm sure they're going to like you."

Suddenly, Mrs. Weasley came bustling around the corner shouting, "Put those away, Fred! And George, if I see a single Filibuster's Firework while Harry is here, you won't be able to sit during dinner!" she turned towards the kitchen and noticed Harry and James for the first time, "Oh! Hello dears, I didn't realize you had arrived. Welcome!"

"Good morning, Molly," James said, smiling, "We only just got here so we weren't waiting too long. I hope it's ok we came a little early? Harry here was anxious to meet Ron, Ginny, Fred, and George."

"It's not a problem! Honestly, what's one more. When will you pick him up? He's welcome to stay for dinner," Mrs. Weasley replied.

James turned to Harry and asked, "Do you want to stay for dinner?"

Harry stared at him.

"What if we plan on you coming home for dinner and if you decide to stay Mrs. Weasley can floo me and let me know?"

Harry nodded silently at James then turned his eyes on Mrs. Weasley and shrunk into James.

"Mom!" a voice shouted from the other room, "Mom, when's Harry getting here? I'm bored!"

A little boy with bright red hair wearing a maroon sweater walked into the room as he spoke. The boy had a muffin in his hand and he was silently munching on it as he took in the scene before him.

Harry shrunk into his dad further while still observing the boy intently, his heart racing.

The boy turned to his mom and questioned, "Mom, is that Harry?" he turned to Harry, "Are you Harry? I've been waiting for you to get here all morning! We've got a game of exploding snap going in the living room!"

James pulled Harry away from him just enough that he could see his son's face, "Do you want me to stay for a little? Until you feel more ok staying?"

Harry nodded in response.

"Do you want to go into the living room with," James turned to Mrs. Weasley, "Which one is this?"

The boy responded before his mother could, "I'm Ron, Ron Weasley! Let's go!" The boy turned on his heel and ran into the living room before turning around and waiving his arm, "Come on, we don't have all morning!"

"Ready?" James asked. Harry nodded in response.

James walked Harry into the living room and saw a horde of children with red hair sitting around a coffee table playing the aforementioned card game. One of them, a twin, already had smoking eyebrows; he's clearly lost already.

As James and Harry entered the room, the five children surrounding the table looked up and inspected the two of them. They must have approved of James and Harry because most looked back down. The small boy, Ron, waived Harry over and indicated a spot next to him where Harry could sit. The small girl, who must be Ginny, stared at Harry and then smiled at Harry just as her cards exploded in her face. This caused Harry to giggle quietly in James' arms before he looked up at James.

"Go on, I'll be right here," James encouraged.

Harry carefully slid down and walked tentatively over to Ron before sitting in the spot next to him. Harry looked back at James once to make sure he was still there before taking some snap cards and joining in the game.

After about ten minutes, James walked back into the kitchen and found Mrs. Weasley.

"I think I'm going to head out if that's ok? He seems to be fine playing with the kids right now," James said.

"Oh yes that's fine. We'll floo if we need you for anything," Mrs. Weasley replied.

James nodded, "I might not be home but Remus will be there all day. Sirius has some business at the Ministry and I have a few appointments myself."

"He'll be fine, James," Mrs. Weasley assured.

James nodded and then flooed home.

Back in the living room, Harry turned to look behind him and noticed that James had left. He began to panic and looked around the room before standing up.

Ron looked over at Harry, "What's going on?"

Panic rising in his chest, Harry responded, "I can't find my dad."

Ron casually looked around the room and shrugged, "Well you didn't espect him to stay all day, right?"

"Dad?" Harry called, "Dad!"

Mrs. Weasley came rushing around the corner, her eyes searching until they landed on Harry. She smiled, "Harry, your dad had appointments and meetings he had to get to. He'll be back later to pick you up, ok?"

Tears welled in Harry's eyes and spilled over as he began to cry. Harry sat down on the floor and began crying. Mrs. Weasley rushed over and attempted to soothe him by hugging him and patting him but nothing worked; Harry continued to cry.

"I'll go floo Remus, ok?" Mrs. Weasley asked Harry in a calm, soothing voice.

Harry nodded in response as he rubbed his wet eyes and continued to sniff.

As Mrs. Weasley bustled out of the room Ginny got up from her spot on the floor and toddled over to Harry, concern and hurt in her eyes. She sat down next to him and put her head on his shoulder, her red hair spilling down his back.

"It o-tay Hayr-wee, I get a-scared when my mummy leaves," Ginny empathized with Harry, sliding her arm around him in a half hug, "We can play what you want until Reem-shush comes, o-tay?"

The twins and Ron nodded and walked over to Harry and sat around him.

"Don't cry, Harry," Fred said.

"We understand it's scary," George added.

"We'll do whatever you need to make it less scary," Fred finished.

Harry sniffed and hid his face and said, "What if you don't like me? I'm a freak!"

Confused, Ron said, "Whattaya mean? We already like you."

Harry peaked out from behind his hands and saw all the other children nodding in agreement with Ron and smiling. Ginny gave Harry another tight squeeze with her arm.

Harry pulled his hands away from his face and wiped his eyes, "You—You do?"

All the children nodded and Ginny stood up and pulled Harry with her, "You're really nice! Wanna go outside and play with the waffle?"

Noticing Harry's confused look, George said, "She means quaffle. She has a hard time pronouncing some words. Mom says it's because she's so little."

Harry looked at Ginny's smiling face as she said, "Until your reem-shush is here?"

Slowly, Harry nodded and the four children smiled as they rushed him out the door and into a field where several strange looking balls sat on the ground, brooms laying haphazardly around.

Harry's eyes widened when he saw the brooms, excitement filling him as he ran over to them and picked one up, "I have one of these! It's smaller. I fly on it!"

"You have a broom?" Ron asked, his eyes wide.

Harry nodded as he mounted the broom, "I got it for Christmas from Uncle padfoot! He calls me BK because I'm the baking king he says."

"Ooo," Ginny cooed, "You can bake?"

"Mhm," Harry replied, "I can make cupcakes!"

Ginny blushed, "That's so cool, Harry."

Harry smiled at Ginny and then looked down at the broom handle, a determined look on his face.

"Harry, I wouldn't. That broom might be too big for you," George cautioned.

"What are you doing," Fred whispered, "This is going to be hilarious! Don't stop him!"

Harry looked at his new friends, a mischievous look on his face, and kicked off from the ground, soaring high on the broom.

Harry had never been so high off the ground. He began rising; five feet, ten feet, twenty feet; he loved every minute of it. He steered the broom towards Ginny and urged it forward and sped off. He zoomed towards Ginny and turned sharply five feet before getting to her and sped into the air again. Everyone on the ground was in complete shock and awe at Harry's flying skills. Ginny was beside herself with excitement as she cheered and clapped as Harry flew.

Eventually, Harry semi-crashed semi-landed back on the ground, ending up on his hands and knees in front of the Weasleys who were whooping and hollering at Harry's escapade. Harry smiled at them all and knew it would be a good day.

Back in the house Remus and Mrs. Weasley watched Harry fly with baited breath, both worried and surprised at Harry flying on an adult broom. They watched as Harry landed on his hands and knees but popped up and ran to his friends who immediately began playing with the quaffles, the broom laying abandoned on the ground behind them.

"I should have known he would be a natural. He's too much like James. He's going to be built like James but slimmer, like Lily, I think," Remus thought out loud more to himself than Mrs. Weasley.

"He certainly has some skills on a broom. Does he have one at home?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

Remus nodded, "He has a small, toy broom. But it only goes about three feet off the ground. Maybe we should consider buying him a child's sized racing broom; I'm sure James would get a kick out of playing with him.

Remus walked around the kitchen mumbling, "We would have to place some charms around the pitch for safety. A cushioning charm, a lightweight charm, slow falling, muggle repelling, entry alarms in case he decides to go on the pitch without us…" Remus trailed off.

Mrs. Weasley watched as Remus mumbled to himself, creating plans and smiled softly. She had known Remus briefly during the war and remembered how closed off Remus had always been to everyone and any idea of a family. It surprised her and made her happy that he's become part a family without realizing it and that he took to it exceptionally well. He was made to be a father.

Remus caught sight of Mrs. Weasley again, his eyes grew wide, "I'm so sorry, Molly. I got lost in my own thoughts. It seems like Harry is feeling much better now; I don't think he needs me anymore. Thank you for flooing me about the situation though. I'll be around all day if he needs me."

"It was no trouble, Remus. He'll be fine here; you go enjoy your day off," Mrs. Weasley replied.

Remus nodded, "See you later, then."

Remus picked up some floo powder and headed home.

Harry spent the day playing with Ron and Ginny; the twins were in and out playing with them, sometimes leaving to go to their room and do other things that Harry couldn't think of. So far he liked the Weasleys, he thought they were fun and warm. He had the day of his life playing with Ron and Ginny. After his initial breakdown, Harry had grown close with both of them and decided that he would be happy to have them as friends forever.

It seemed that Ron and Ginny felt the same way. Both of them had taken to Harry quickly. Ginny especially as she clung to Harry while he was there, never leaving his side so she could help make him feel better when Harry started to get anxious or scared. Having Ginny around seemed to help him, though Harry didn't know or understand why.

So far, Harry would consider Ginny and Ron two of his best friends in the world and when he left that night after dinner he couldn't wait to return.

~ID~

While Harry was enjoying spending time with his new found friends, James was out running necessary errands around London.

He had stopped at Gringotts to handle the Potter accounts and assets. He was surprised to learn that his assets had increased exponentially since he had gone into hiding during the war. The presidents of his several companies, Sleekeazy's as an example, had managed to grow the companies and increase revenue and profits to the point that James decide to leave the business ends of the companies to those people. He did notice that the potions company had merged with another and he now owned several other novel potions including some Potioneers researching Lycanthropy and ways to cure it or curb it. His winery had also created a brewery that was doing exceedingly well. Several of his other businesses had expanded in similar ways.

James went shopping for a few things they needed around the house before finally heading to the first meeting on his list with Kalvin Warsh.

James apparated to Warsh's office and took a deep breath before walking into the building.

Warsh's office had a quaint little waiting room full of awards and posters of Portree as well as a small receptionists desk with a young looking wizard seated behind it.

The Wizard looked up at James' entry and said, "How may I help you?"

James looked around before walking over to the desk and asked more than said, "I have a meeting with Kalvin Warsh at 11?"

"Name?" the wizard asked.

"James Potter."

The wizard looked through the book on his desk quickly before saying, "Please take a seat, Lord Potter, Kalvin will be with you momentarily."

The wizard waived his wand in the air as James turned to take a seat. He looked around at the posters and awards on the walls and tables. James was thoroughly impressed with many of the awards that decorated the office. He didn't have to wait long before a door down the hall opened and a stout man with blonde hair strode towards him.

James stood up and held out his hand which Kalvin clasped in his own and shook vigorously, "Welcome, Lord Potter. I see you received my letter. Let's go back to my office so we can discuss this more in-depth, shall we?"

James nodded and followed Kalvin back to his private office. The office was liberally decorated with his own personally accommodations and awards as well as posters and jerseys from prior and current members of Portree. If Kalvin hadn't been the head recruiter for the team, James would have been incredibly awed and impressed with the extensive collection.

Kalvin walked around his desk and held out his hand to the two chairs in front of the desk as he sat down, "Please, take a seat. Can we get you anything? Water, tea, coffee?"

James took a seat and shook his head, "No, thank you. I'm hoping to make this quick, I have some other meetings I need to attend to."

"Absolutely. What can we do for you today?" Kalvin asked, leaning back in his chair.

James crossed his ankle over his thigh and began, "I received your letter and I've been weighing my options. I have an offer to return to my auror training at full pay with the understanding that I would be expedited through. I'm not sure I really want to live a life of catching criminals when I know that the war isn't completely over.

"Your offer is tempting, it really is. But I need more information regarding the position. A time line as well as hours etc. since I've recently become a single parent. I have help at home, obviously, but Sirius is looking for work and Remus gets ill often."

"Of course," Kalvin began, "When you would be on the reserve team, your team trainings would take place Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays on Pitch 3 from 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. with a half hour lunch. You would also be required to do individual work outs 4 days a week at any time you schedule with one of our personal trainers.

"After you moved to a starting position your trainings would increase. You would have to schedule individual trainings with one of the coaches 3 days a week as well as your individual work outs 4 days a week. Team trainings would then be Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. with a half hour lunch and two half hour stretching sessions.

"You would be welcome to bring your son to practices and place him in the team daycare facility when necessary or all the time. We offer basic education for children who are four and older until they reach Hogwarts age. You would be welcome to join him during your lunch time; many of our parents take advantage of that option.

"Did I address all of your concerns?"

James thought for a minute, running his fingers through his hair, "I think it does. When do you need a decision by?"

Kalvin sat up in his chair, "Well, we would like an answer as soon as possible as the season began two weeks ago. We've held this position open for you but we will eventually have to fill it."

"I understand," James replied, "Can I owl you tonight with a decision?"

"Of course. I'll await your response," Kalvin said, smiling.

James stood up and shook Kalvin's hand again before turning on his heel and exiting the office. Once he left, James apparated to the Ministry where he waited in the atrium for Sirius to arrive.

Hearing his name, James looked up to see Sirius walking towards him wearing one of James' sets of dress robes.

"Mate, why are you wearing my clothes?" James asked Sirius once he had walked closer.

"Because I wanted to look as sexy as you," Sirius replied, batting his eyes.

"Come off it," James said, rolling his eyes, "They're my clothes. Wear your own; you have a ton!"

"No dress robes. Those are all at my parent's house. I'm not going back there," Sirius said sternly.

James rolled his eyes, "Fine. But after this you need to go to Madam Malkin's and buy your own robes!"

Sirius shrugged, "If you say so. Let's get this over with."

"You're the one that wanted to come today," James said.

"It's time I get a job; that doesn't mean I have to like being here," Sirius spat.

"That's true. But are you sure you really want to have to come here every day for the rest of your life?" James aske.

Sirius let out a breath, "It wasn't Scrimgeour or Fudge's fault that I didn't get a trial right away. It was the bastard, Crouch, and Fudge's predecessor. As much as I want to hold a grudge…I just can't."

James nodded and didn't pry any further.

The two men entered the lift before them and rode it to the auror floor. They stepped off the lift and headed down the hallway towards the auror department and walked through the door.

The receptionist looked up at the pair and asked, "How can I help you today, gentlemen?"

"We're here to see Scrimgeour. We have an appointment," Sirius replied curtly.

The receptionist nodded and waived her wand, "He'll be out in a moment."

Sirius nodded and turned back towards James and waited. James, who continued to look at the receptionist, noticed her giving Sirius a nasty look as she went back to her paperwork.

"Do you have a problem?" James asked the receptionist.

Confused, the receptionist replied, "I'm sorry?"

"I asked, 'do you have a problem?'" James repeated.

"With what?"

"My friend, here," James replied, indicating Sirius.

"What would give you that idea?" the receptionist asked.

Sirius could see Scrimgeour walking down the hall towards them and tapped James on his shoulder just as he replied, "The nasty look you gave him once he turned away from you gave me a pretty good indication."

The receptionist scowled and replied, "Well, he's Sirius Black, isn't he? He was a death eater," the last sentence came out as a whisper intended for James.

"I was found not guilty," Sirius barked, "But I do take note that you recognized my handsome good look."

Scrimgeour walked up to James and Sirius and growled, "Is there a problem here?"

Scowling, James responded, "Your receptionist is severely misinformed about the comings and goings of the Ministry's court system. I find that rather concerning given the fact that she works in the auror department."

Scrimgeour looked blankly at the receptionist before turning back to James, "We'll deal with this issue. Shall we head back to my office and discuss employment?"

"Yes," Sirius replied curtly.

James snuck a peek back at the receptionist who now had a white face, her eyes wide and scared. James simply smirked and followed Sirius and Scrimgeour back to the office.

Scrimgeour turned to the two men, "I'll speak to each of you separately if that's ok with you."

James shrugged and indicated with his hands that Sirius was welcome to go first. Sirius nodded, sighed, and followed Scrimgeour into the office. James took a seat outside the door and waited.

"Lord Black," Scrimgeour began, "I must say I was surprised to receive your letter regarding reentry into the auror program."

"Yeah, well, I want to get back into a routine. Get a job, be responsible and all that," Sirius replied.

"For the Ministry? Even though the Ministry is who put you in Azkaban?"

Sirius nodded, "It wasn't your fault or Fudge's fault; even though he fought my immediate release. It was Crouch's fault and from my understanding he is now in the Department of International Cooperation, correct?"

"Yes. Crouch was moved shortly after the last Minister retired," Scrimgeour replied, "I've been reviewing your file and where you left off with training. It looks like you had almost completed everything. You finished boot camp, the classes, and training; you just needed to complete your examination. Is that correct?"

"Yes, sir. I was scheduled to take it about two weeks after Voldemort fell," Sirius responded.

Scrimgeour shuddered at Voldemort's name, "Please don't say his name in this office. We may handle dark wizards, but many of us still do not like to hear the name."

Sirius simply nodded in response.

Scrimgeour looked at Sirius as if expecting a response before looking back down at the documents, "Well, it looks like you exceeded expectations in all classes and in bootcamp. You did exceptionally well in your dueling classes. I don't think you would need to repeat any of this stuff. I just want you to take the exam and pass. If you can do that, you'll have a position as an A1 in the office, our lowest auror position. After that we can discuss how you could get promoted if that's what you want.

"That is, if you want to take the exam and become an auror?"

Sirius let out a deep breath, "What would I be doing if I received the position and passed the exam? Am I going to be continuously met with confrontations like I had with your receptionist?"

"Absolutely not. She's going to be dealt with immediately upon you and Lord Potter leaving the office. We do not tolerate hate and ignorance in our office," Scrimgeour assured Sirius in his gruff and deep voice.

"I've done a lot of thinking about this. I've always wanted to be an auror. But I don't think I want to do it full time. I have commitments with the Wizengamot and I want to be able to work on my motorcycles. And, honestly, I don't need the money. Is that something I can do?" Sirius asked.

Scrimgeour leaned back in his chair, "To be honest, you'll never advance in this department while working full time. If you want to be in a higher position, you would need to work fulltime until you receive those promotions and then move to part time."

"How long would it take for me to be promoted? I don't want your job or King's job, but A supervisory position would be nice," Sirius asked.

Scrimgeour thought for a moment before replying, "Maybe three or four years if you put in the work."

"While working fulltime, can I still have the ability to attend the Wizengamot meetings?"

"Yes, we would make sure that happens."

Sirius thought for a moment, "When can I take the test?"

"We can have it set up for a week from today," Scrimgeour replied, "Does this mean you want the job?"

Sirius sighed, "Yeah, I'll take the job."

"Excellent," Scrimgeour replied as he stood up and held out his hand. Sirius clasped it and shook briefly before standing himself and turning towards the door.

"Send in Potter, would you?" Scrimgeour requested.

"Sure thing," Sirius replied.

Sirius exited the room and looked up the hall and back before he noticed James sitting next to him.

"How'd it go?" James asked.

"Ok. I have to take the exam and then I have the job—assuming I pass that is," Sirius replied, "He wants you in there, now. What are you going to do? Do you know?"

"Yeah, I know. It should be a short meeting," James replied.

James stood up and walked into the door, closing it behind him.

End Notes:

Thank you for reading Ignoring Destiny! Please like, follow, and review!