Muffins with Moms

Author's Note: This is an AU in which James survived that Halloween night and raised Harry with the help of Remus and Sirius. A couple of things to keep in mind:

I don't own Harry Potter. That's all JK.

I am American. I do not know what it is like to live in Britain at all. I at first tried to change the language to be more British English, but it didn't feel right, so I just did it the way we talk in America. Sorry if that bothers you.

This is my first ever fanfic, so I hope you enjoy :)

Harry was just tired of it all. Most of the time, the fact that he didn't grow up with a mother didn't really bother him. His father and uncles constantly told him stories of the amazing woman that had been his mother, and their home was filled with pictures of her. They made sure he never forgot her. But deep down, he had to admit that he wished he could have her with him now. He was too young to understand how his dad had fallen so deeply in love with her, but he did know that his dad's heart often ached missing her. So of course he would've loved to have had her in his life, but he also loved his life how it was.

For as long as he could remember, he had his dad and his dad's two best friends, Uncle Padfoot and Uncle Moony. His uncles had moved in soon after his mother had died, and they had been there for every milestone in Harry's young life. Though Harry often dreamed of life with a mom, he was for all intents and purposes, very happy.

For one, his dad was great! He took him to Quidditch matches. He played with him for hours outside. He taught Harry to ride a broom, though, as James loved to brag about to anyone that would listen, Harry didn't need much teaching. He was a natural. He bickered good naturedly about what the best position was in Quidditch, and while he loved his time as a Chaser, he was convinced Harry was destined to be the best Seeker the wizarding world had ever seen. He took Harry camping and swimming, tucked Harry in every night and packed his lunch every day, and was always there when Harry needed him.

Then there was Uncle Padfoot. He was essentially Harry's best friend. For one, he did his best to spoil Harry absolutely rotten every chance he got. (But Harry was far from rotten, always appreciative of his gifts and willing to share them with others. "Thank Merlin for Lily's genes," his dad would remark with a smile.) At least once a month he would take Harry on what he dubbed "Padfoot and Prongslet Adventures," on his flying motorcycle, and usually they'd end up at a playground or a movie theatre where they would eat so much junk food they'd both be sick. He'd transform into his animagus form and play fetch with Harry or walk with him through the woods. And usually if Harry was in some sort of trouble (which wasn't rare because, though Harry was a kind child, he was also a quite mischievous one) Padfoot would do his best to convince James to lessen his punishment. Once, while James was busy, Harry had snuck out without permission to fly and unfortunately crashed his broom into a tree. He ended up with a broken arm and a broken broom. After his arm was healed, James had grounded him for two weeks for putting himself in so much danger, but as soon as two weeks was over, Harry bounded downstairs to breakfast to find a brand new broom, courtesy of Uncle Padfoot, waiting for him.

Rounding out their little family was Uncle Moony. Moony was his favorite person in the world to read him stories at night, even long after he could read them himself (something Uncle Moony taught him to do as well). He could make different voices for each character, and he always made the stories come to life. He introduced Harry to all his favorite books. He always helped Harry with his homework when he needed it. He also kept a stash of chocolate in a box in his closet, and he would sneak Harry pieces when he was having a bad day or just because. At least once a week he'd whisper to Harry, "Meet me in my closet," and there they'd sit and munch on chocolate frogs while Harry filled him in on everything happening at school. Harry was convinced it was their little secret, but James always knew where they were and left them alone.

On this particular day, Harry could've used some of his uncle's chocolate. His 3rd grade teacher had told them all that on Friday the school would be hosting "Muffins with Moms." Each student's mom was welcome to come into the building at the beginning of the day, accompany their child to the lunchroom, and share some muffins, juice, and craft time together. The school had even hired a professional photographer to take pictures of the moms and their children. Harry had almost grown accustomed to these types of events over the years, but for some reason this year he was feeling particularly sad about what he would be missing.

When the final school bell rang for the day, Harry made his way to his Uncle Moony's office. Remus was the assistant principal of his school, and Harry would stay in his office most days after school until Remus finished his work for the day. After that they walked to a secluded area where they would apparate home together. Today though, Harry was surprised to see his dad waiting when he got there.

"Hi son! How was your day?"

"Fine" Harry huffed, lowering his eyebrows at his dad, "Why are you here?"

James faked a hurt expression, "Really? No 'hi dad, it's great to see you.' No 'wow how awesome that my brilliant and handsome father came to pick me up today'? Nothing. Just, 'why are you here?' I'm hurt, Harry."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Where's Uncle Moony?" he deadpanned.

"Faculty meeting. Said he will probably be late. So how was your day? What did you do?"

"The same thing we do every day. Reading, math, play. Pack up. Go home. The end."

James raised an eyebrow at his son who was intensely watching the ground as they walked to the hidden apparition point.

"Is something bothering you Harry?"

"No."

"Are you sure? We can talk about it."

"Yes I'm sure."

"DId you have a bad day?"

Eye roll "No."

"Did someone do something to you to make you upset?"

Heavy sigh "No!"

"Did you get into trouble today?"

"No," groan, "Dad, I'm fine. I'm just...I don't know, tired I guess."

"Ok, son. Ok, I'll drop it. But if something is bothering you, you know you can talk to me about it right? Or you can talk to Uncle Moony or Uncle Padfoot, if you'd prefer."

"Fine. I mean there's nothing wrong, but if there is, I will talk to one of you." Harry said quickly, followed by another eye roll.

Isn't he supposed to be a little bit older before this stage starts? James thought to himself.

The two walked in silence the rest of the way home. He could tell something was off with Harry, but he wanted to give his son some time to come talk to him before he forced it out of him. He knew, even at Harry's young age, that his son had a habit of brooding, and he knew that unfortunate habit was inherited directly from him, so he gave Harry the space that he would've wanted himself.

Once they arrived home, Harry completed his homework in the living room before going to his bedroom. James had asked if he wanted to go out and fly, but Harry refused, saying he just wanted to rest. As James was beginning to prepare dinner, Sirius came in the door.

"Honey. I'm home!"

James rolled his eyes, "You know you make that joke just about every day, and it hasn't been funny yet."

Sirius, seeing this as a challenge, snuck up behind James, wrapped his arms around him and kissed him on the cheek.

"But sweetie, it's just so nice to come home from a long day of work and see you cooking a delicious meal. Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Not really, and if you do that again I will transfigure your bed into a dog house and make you sleep outside...again!"

"You wouldn't."

"Try me. Now..." he threw a bowl at Sirius, "Make the salad."

"Yessir. So someone is a little testy today. Everything ok?" He reached into the refrigerator to pull out the necessary ingredients. "Also where's the rugrat? I almost always see him outside when I come home. Where is he?"

"He's upstairs resting. Actually more like sulking. Something is definitely off with him. He's been moping around and cranky ever since I picked him up from school."

"Did you ask him about it?" Sirius asked, concerned.

"Of course I did. He wouldn't tell me anything. Insisted he was fine. But something is definitely wrong."

"Maybe he's getting sick."

"That's a thought. Maybe I will go up and check his temperature. Watch the meat for me?"

Sirius nodded and James walked up the stairs to Harry's room. He gave two quick knocks before peeking his head in. Harry lay on the bed staring at the wall. He barely acknowledged his dad's presence as he walked over and sat on the bed.

"Harry, are you feeling ok? Do you think you might be getting sick?"

Harry shook his head. He started to think of an excuse as fast as he could. He really wasn't ready to share his heartache with his father right now, and he didn't know how his dad would react. Would he think Harry was unhappy to have him, that he wasn't enough for his son? "No I'm not sick. I guess I didn't sleep well last night. Can I just rest for a while?"

James felt his son's forehead. He definitely didn't have a fever. He rubbed a couple of circles on his back before taking his son's glasses and placing them on his nightstand, "Sure Harry, you rest. I'll come get you when dinner is ready."

Harry nodded as James kissed his forehead and walked out the door. Harry rolled onto his back and didn't make a noise as tears began to fall down. Unwelcome thoughts started invading his head.

Why are you being such a baby about this? You have your Dad, Uncle Moony, and Uncle Padfoot, get over it. They would be so hurt if they knew this was bothering you like this. Get it together, you're 8 years old!

Harry let the silent tears fall. He would let it out now, so he could keep it together for his dad and uncles later. After a few minutes, he went to the bathroom, washed his face, replaced his glasses, and tried to read a book. Not long after, a familiar big black dog nudged his door open and jumped on his bed, licking his face.

Harry couldn't help the giggles. "Hey Uncle Padfoot. Good day?"

Padfoot gave a happy bark and bobbed his head up and down.

"Catch any dark wizards?"

Another happy bark. He picked up a discarded sock of Harry's, gripped it tight in his teeth, and began to playfully swing it side to side growling. Harry laughed.

"Good then. Dinner ready?"

At that question Padfoot the dog transformed into Padfoot the Uncle. He sat down beside Harry on the bed and put his arm around his favorite nephew.

"Yes, but I wanted to talk to you first. Your dad has informed me that something is bothering my favorite godson-"

"I'm your only godson."

"-Beside the point. Anyway, he says that he cannot get anything out of you, but I figured you might be a little more forthcoming with your favorite person in the whole world."

"So Hagrid is here?" Harry answered, grinning.

"What?! No I meant me, cheeky little brat," he teased ruffling Harry's hair.

Harry smiled but then shifted nervously. He really did not want to talk about this, and he was starting to feel very annoyed that his uncle and dad had been talking about him. He wished more than anything that they would just let it go. When he didn't respond, Sirius persisted.

"Anyway, is there something you want to talk about?"

"No!" Harry answered in annoyance before stalking to the door, stomping down the stairs, and plopping himself into his normal seat at the dining table. SIrius soon followed and just shook his head at James's confused look.

Just as the three of them were sitting down to eat they heard Remus come through the door. "In here Moony" James called out. Remus came through the dining room door, greeted everyone, and took his normal seat. The three adults began to eat while Harry mostly pushed his food around with his fork, something that didn't go unnoticed by his trio of guardians.

"How was your meeting Moony?" James began trying to quell the awkward silence.

"Mostly uneventful. Coordinated end of year activities and exams. What about you Padfoot," Remus continued while shooting a worried look at Harry, "How was your day? Anything new and exciting happening at the DMLE?"

"No, not really. Some old witch near Lichfield bewitched a lawn chair to grow teeth and growl at the muggle children in her neighborhood. So we had to deal with that. Mostly a boring day, but I did meet a pretty little muggle while working the case. Took my lunch break to go back to her place for a little…Ouch!" He felt two separate legs kick him under the table as his two best friends sent him death glares. "I was just going to say we got to know each other better. Talked. That's all!"

"Got to know each other better? What was her name?" Remus asked sarcastically.

"Amy...or Amanda. It started with an 'A'...or possibly an 'E.' Oh nevermind, let's change the subject. Harry, I saw today that there's a new dinosaur movie out this weekend. How about we all go see it, maybe Friday night?"

Harry didn't answer. He just kept pushing food around on his plate. The three adults exchanged quizzical looks before James nudged him. "Harry, did you hear your Uncle Sirius?"

"Huh? Oh sorry. What did you say?"

Sirius smiled and winked at him, "I said there's a new dinosaur movie at the muggle theatre this weekend. Would you like to go see it Friday night?"

"Oh yeah, that sounds great," Harry agreed with as much enthusiasm as one would use to agree to a root canal.

Now all three adults were equally worried. James was the first to speak.

"Umm Harry, son, is something wrong?"

"No," Harry could feel the sadness in his heart again, tears threatening to fall, but he couldn't explain what was going on to his dad and uncles. He wasn't sure why, he just knew he couldn't. So he replaced the sadness with anger. "I. am. Fine" he said through gritted teeth.

James was a little taken aback. "Ok son, well eat your food. It's getting cold."

"I'm not hungry," he responded pushing his plate away a little more forcefully than he intended.

"Are you sure? Mrs. Weasley sent over a treacle tart for dessert."

"Can I just have that?"

"Not without eating your dinner first."

James gave him a pointed look, and Harry pulled his plate back and began to pick at his food again. James sent a desperate look to his two best friends, silently pleading for help.

Remus was the first to try. "So Harry, didn't you have a spelling test today?"

"No, tomorrow."

James raised an eyebrow, "You didn't mention a spelling test when we went over your homework. Do you think you're ready for it?"

"You didn't ask," Harry answered, rolling his eyes yet again. James was pretty sure they were going to stick that way permanently at this rate. Harry continued, "and I guess so."

Remus attempted to diffuse the situation. "If you'd like, Harry, after dinner I can go over them again and quiz you."

"Fine," Harry huffed out.

James dropped his fork. He had had enough. He looked at his son and as calmly as he could said, "Harry, I don't know what is going on with you. You haven't taken a single bite of your dinner, and you've been quite rude to your uncles and myself. If you don't want to eat and don't want to speak with us respectfully, just go on up to your room and get ready for bed."

It was Harry's turn to slam his fork down. "Fine!" he yelled, scooting his chair back quickly and stomping back to his room. A few seconds later the adults left at the table heard a door slam hard.

James sighed heavily and rubbed a hand over his face. He looked desperately at his two best friends.

"What is going on?" he asked them, pleading in his voice.

"Has he been like that since he came home?" Remus asked.

"Yes, from the time I met him in your office. Testy, borderline rude. Absolutely insists there's nothing wrong. I guess he told you the same thing Sirius?"

"Yes, and he left no room for argument about it either. Remus, did something happen at school today?"

"If something did, it wasn't brought to my attention."

Sirius ran his fingers through his long hair before letting out a breath. "You know Prongs, this is really not like Harry. I mean, the kid is no stranger to trouble, just like you…"

"And you!" both Remus and James said together.

"Right. As I was saying, he keeps us on our toes, but he's never outright disrespectful,"

"True," James began, "and I've never known him to turn down flying his broom."

"Or treacle tart," Remus added.

They all sat in silence a few minutes before James said wistfully, "These are the times I really wish Lily were here. She would know what was going on."

Suddenly, realization dawned on Remus. He slapped a hand on his forehead. "Of course, I think I know what the problem is. I'll be right back."

Remus shot up suddenly, disappeared from the room for a few moments, then reappeared carrying a maroon backpack. He fished out a blue folder, opened it up quickly, and pulled out a pink slip of paper. "Here it is," he said in triumph. "If I had to wager, I would bet anything this is what is bothering Harry."

James took the paper out of his hand and Sirius got up to read over his shoulder.

Join us Friday for Muffins with Moms!

All moms are welcome to join their sons or daughters in the cafeteria before school on Friday, May 12 to share muffins and other goodies and complete a craft project together for Mother's Day. A photographer will be available for pictures as well. Please let your child's teacher know by Thursday if you plan to attend to ensure enough supplies are available. We look forward to seeing all of our amazing moms!

All three men were speechless for a few moments before James finally groaned, "Oh Merlin."

Remus put a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder while Sirius transformed into Padfoot and rested his head on his friend's thigh. After a few more silent moments, James finally asked quietly, "So what do we do?" Sirius transformed back and said, "I have an idea, but first let's go talk to Harry."

Harry for his part was feeling absolutely miserable in his room. Those tears he tried so hard to hide were falling willfully now. Why was he feeling this way? Didn't he have a great life? No, he didn't have a mom like Ron did to fuss over him, but he essentially had three amazing fathers. He felt like such a baby, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the longing to be able to celebrate Mother's Day like almost every other kid in the world.

His breath caught as he heard a knock at his door. He really was feeling quite ashamed at the way he had acted. After an internal struggle, he finally croaked out a weak, "Come in."

James came in first, followed by Sirius, then Remus. It was James who spoke first.

"Harry, I know there is something bothering you, am I right?"

Harry nodded sheepishly. His dad didn't sound angry at all, but Harry was stealing himself for a stern lecture.

James continued, "and I think I know what it is. If we guess, do you promise to be honest with us about it?"

Again Harry was surprised by the sympathy in his father's voice, so he whispered, "Yes, sir."

Nodding, James pulled the pink slip of paper out of his back pocket and handed it to Harry. "Does it have anything to do with this?"

Harry couldn't help it now. Tears began to pour again from his eyes, and he began to sob uncontrollably. All three men piled onto Harry's bed with him. James pulled his son into a tight embrace against his chest. Remus sat to their left rubbing circles on Harry's back, and Sirius positioned himself to the right of them, his fingers stroking through Harry's hair. After a while, Harry's breathing finally calmed and he looked up miserably at his three guardians and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Sirius was the first to respond, "Sorry? Harry, why would you be sorry? You don't have anything to apologize for."

Harry shook his head. "I love you three. You do such a good job taking care of me. Most kids have one dad. I basically have three. But I really wish Mom was here. I wish I could do stuff like this with her. I barely remember her, but I miss her." He barely choked out the last words before sobbing again.

James shifted and took his son's face into his hands. "Harry, look at me. Never apologize for missing your mother. She was the most amazing woman that ever lived, and I wish more than anything she could be here. You don't have to apologize for how you feel son. It's perfectly ok to love the life you have but wish Mum was here to share it with us. I feel the exact same way. I am so sorry son that you don't have her. But know this. She would love you so much, and she would be so proud of you. Do you understand?"

Harry nodded before resting his head back against his dad's chest. The family of four sat in silence a few more minutes before Remus finally said, "Harry I wish I could do something about the school hosting this event, but unfortunately I can't. It's just one of those things we are going to have to deal with over the years. But know this, we will get through it together, ok?"

Harry smiled sadly, "Ok." James told Harry to go ahead and get his bath and put his pajamas on. Harry obeyed, and when he returned to his room, he found his favorite three men all sat on his bed with plates of treacle tart each, plus one extra for him.

The rest of the week passed rather slowly for Harry. Though he felt somewhat better after his talk with his dad and uncles, he heart still hurt a little as he saw the posters around school and heard the kids talk about the upcoming event. Over the week, James, Sirius, and Remus tried to tell Harry extra stories about his mother, trying especially hard to think of ones that would make him laugh, like the time she called animal control on Padfoot when he wouldn't stop barking at the neighbor's chickens just to annoy her. On Thursday afternoon, as Harry was finishing his homework with Uncle Moony, Remus told him he had one more assignment for him.

"What?!" Harry asked, outraged.

Remus chuckled. "Don't worry Harry, It's an easy one." He pulled out some construction paper, markers, scissors, and glue. "I want you to make a Mother's Day card for your mom."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Was Uncle Moony going daft?

"Ummm, Uncle Moony you know I won't be seeing my mom on Mother's Day right?"

"Yes, Harry but I want you to make her a card. Or write her a letter if you'd prefer. I think it will be good for you. Nobody else has to see it but you. Just write what you want to tell her, just like she was here." With that he patted Harry on the shoulder and walked away. Harry still thought Uncle Moony might be losing it, but he got started anyway. Before he knew it, he had poured his heart out onto a piece of construction paper, and Moony was right! He did feel better. He took the card up to his room and placed it in a drawer in his nightstand.

The next morning, Harry woke up feeling much more well rested than normal. Once he fixed his glasses he saw the time on the clock. It was an hour past when his alarm usually woke him! He leaped out of bed, threw on his school clothes, and ran down the stairs. He found Remus and his dad baking, still in their pajamas, and Sirius sitting at the table with a cup of coffee. He was dressed, but not in his work robes, and it was way past when he would normally leave for the day.

"Ummm...what's going on?"

James turned around, "Oh hi son! Have some juice. We're almost done. Padfoot, since you're doing absolutely nothing, why don't you explain our plans for today?"

Sirius ignored the insult and began to explain, "Well Prongslet, we are going to have muffins with your mom."

Well this is just great, Harry thought. It was one thing for Moony to be a little looney but all three of them? There were many times throughout Harry's life, when the Marauder side of his guardians was coming out quite strongly, that he wondered if he was the most mature person in his house. But this was just getting ridiculous.

Harry hesitated before asking, "What do you mean...exactly?"

James pulled a batch of muffins from the oven, then came and sat down beside his son, placing an arm around Harry's shoulder.

"We, Padfoot, Moony, and I, decided that we should do something special for Mother's Day. Even though your mom's not here, we still love and miss her very much, and we think it's time we take you to speak with her. Just because she's not here doesn't mean we can't celebrate her memory. So, once we're all ready, we're going to go to her grave and visit with her a while. We'll take the muffins with us, and you can take the card you made and read it to her if you'd like. Do you think that's a good idea?"

Harry couldn't speak, so he just nodded before hugging his dad tightly. He let a couple of tears fall before wiping them away and pulling back quickly.

"But wait, don't you guys have to work? And what about school?"

Remus answered. "We took the morning off, and you are too. Some things are more important than work or school," he smiled, "just don't tell any of the other students I said that," he finished with a wink.

Harry laughed and pretended to zip up his lips.

Not long after, all four members of their little family were dressed and ready to go. James held onto Harry while they apparated to Godric's Hollow. The four walked in silence to the entrance of the graveyard, each of the adults determined to calm themselves down and be strong for Harry despite all the strong feelings inside of them. They all paused outside the cemetery gate. James began, "Are we ready?"

Remus hesitated but then nodded. Sirius took a deep breath and then did the same. Harry was just staring at the gate, so James decided it was best to just go ahead, but before he could open the gate, Sirius grabbed his arm.

"James, are you ready?"

James threw pleading eyes at Remus, who understood immediately. "How about I take Harry on in and give him some time first?" The other two men nodded, and he took Harry's hand and led him inside the cemetery. Sirius threw up a silencing charm around them, then pulled James into a hug and let his best friend sob into his shoulder for a while.

Remus led Harry through a small maze of tombstones right to it.

Lily Evans Potter

January 30, 1960-October 31, 1981

Harry didn't know what to say, so he decided to ask a question.

"Have you been here before, you know, since the funeral?"

"Yes, quite a few times actually. Right after she died and we moved in, I would come here quite often. It was kind of my way of dealing with it all. I would tell her all about what was going on with you. When you rode a bike for the first time. Your first day of school. That time you turned Mrs. Holmes's hair blue." Harry couldn't help but laugh at that.

"I didn't mean to! And she kind of deserved it." Harry defended himself.

Remus chuckled too, "Yeah she did. I was happy when she retired to be honest. But anyway, yes I've come here often to talk to Lily. She was one of my very best friends. I know your dad comes here sometimes too, but he never tells us when he does. And I'm sure Uncle Sirius has been here too, but his way of grieving is to look through old pictures and tell stories. He's not a brooder, like you and Prongs."

Harry shot him a glare, which made Remus chuckle again. "My point is, Harry, that you can and should find your own way of grieving your mother. You may not remember much about her, but you lost a very important part of your life that night, and it's ok to not be ok with that. Do you see that bench over there?" he asked pointing to their left. Harry nodded. "I'm going to go sit over there and give you some time alone. Talk to your mom if you want. Tell her anything you want to. I'm sure she can hear you. Take as much time as you need. I'll be over there when you're finished." He walked away, and Harry sat down on the soft ground.

At first, Harry felt rather silly talking to a stone, but once he got started, he found it quite easy and comforting. He pulled out the card he made and read it to her. He told her how much he missed her, how he wished she could be there. Then he rushed to reassure her that he was fine.

"Dad, Moony, and Padfoot are great. I mean, they're a little crazy sometimes, I see why you threatened to hex them so often, but they are great. Padfoot is a lot of fun. We always laugh a lot together. Moony makes sure I do well in school. I'm sure you like that. They said you were really smart. And dad, well dad is just brilliant. He's always there for me, whenever I need him. They tell me so many stories about you…"

He hesitated to go on as tears threatened to fall again.

"I wish you were here Mom, but don't worry. They take very good care of me. We all miss you. I love you Mom." He sat the card against her headstone.

With that, he stood up and walked over to where Moony was sitting and noticed that his dad and Padfoot had joined him. The four of them ate their muffins, and each adult took turns going to talk to Lily. While Remus was away, Harry turned to James.

"How often do you come here?"

James sat pensively for a moment before answering, "Not much anymore. I used to come at least once a month, but I think the last time I was here was our anniversary last year."

"Why don't you come much anymore?"

James sighed. "Because…" he hesitated, "because I don't need to be here to feel her with me anymore. I can look at our pictures without crying now. I can fix spaghetti with the special sauce she used to make or plant the lilies in the garden and feel her there. Most of all I see her when I look at you." He turned his eyes towards his son.

"Because of my eyes?"

"No. Well yes, but not just that. I see so much of her in you Harry. When we found out you were a parseltongue after you were talking to that snake like it was your best friend, I saw her. She always loved all animals. Also, remember last year when Remus caught you and that other boy goofing off in the bathroom and he took away your recess?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, "Yeah. What does that have to do with Mom?"

James laughed. "You didn't talk to Uncle Moony for a week. Your mom was an expert at the cold shoulder. Gave you her temper too." He smiled at Harry as he teased.

"And, when you stood up to that bully last year that was picking on Neville…"

"He broke my nose."

"Yes but you didn't back down. You wouldn't allow him to hurt your friend. And Remus says you're always sitting and talking with the kids who don't have a lot of other friends. You get that from Lily. I'm sorry to say I wasn't like that, but she was, and you're so much like her Harry."

"Your best friend is a werewolf."

"True, but I was already friends with Moony when I found out he was a werewolf. I didn't seek him out just because he needed a friend. That's what your mom would do."

Harry nodded in understanding.

James continued. "Harry, I will bring you here anytime you want. Promise. But just remember that your mom doesn't live here," he said pointing towards the headstone, "She lives here," and he moved his hand to Harry's heart.

Remus made his way back to the group and asked if they were ready. Sirius said, "just a minute" before looking at Harry, "yellow or white Prongslet?"

"Huh?" Harry asked in confusion.

"Yellow or white. Or maybe I can do pink, if you prefer."

James answered before Harry could, "Padfoot, what are you on about?"

"Let Harry answer Prongs. Yellow, white, or pink."

Harry finally spat out "white?" in bewilderment.

Sirius ruffled his hair and said "good choice." With that he pulled out his wand and handed it to Harry. "Give it just a little shake."

"Can't I get in trouble for this?"

"Not when your favorite uncle works for the DMLE."

"But Uncle Moony works at my school."

Remus and James laughed hardily while Sirius pouted. "James, you really need to do something about your son's cheekiness. Now give it a shake Harry."

With a raised eyebrow, Harry shook Sirius's wand and a fresh bouquet of white lilies appeared. A huge grin danced across his face as he grabbed the flowers, handed Sirius his wand back, and bounded over to place the flowers on his mother's grave.

After he carefully arranged them, he stood up and said, "I love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day." Behind him three men echoed his sentiment.

"Happy Mother's Day Lily. We love you," said Remus.

"Yeah Lils, Happy Mother's Day. Don't worry, I'm keeping these three in line," joked Sirius.

James whacked his best friend in the back of the head, "I swear Padfoot she's going to come back and haunt you." Turning his attention back to his wife's grave he added, "I love you Lily-flower. Happy Mother's Day."

WIth that the family of four walked out of the cemetery, arms around each other.