ChapterThree: September 1 – December 27, 1935

Harry stood with the group of first years feeling decidedly out of place. One by one he watched the first years stand on the Gordian knot and be chosen by one of the house statues. He had been given an overview about the houses when he and Theodore had come for his testing, and they were nothing like the Hogwarts houses.

Finally, it was his turn. The headmaster stood from his spot on the balcony (and wasn't that nerve racking to have the entire school looking down on you) and introduced Harry. "Ladies and gentlemen, this year we are blessed to welcome Hadrian Potter into our school. Mr. Potter is a transfer student from Hogwarts. Despite being fifteen, Mr. Potter will be joining the sixth years. I expect all of you to make him feel welcome."

With a gesture from the headmaster Harry stepped onto the knot. Immediate all four statues reacted. While it had be quite before, once the statues reacted absolute silence reigned. Clearing his throat headmaster Smith stood. "Well Mr. Potter, it seems as if you have a choice to make. Which house would you like to join?"

Harry looked at all four statues, trying to remember what each stood for. 'The Horned Serpent for scholars, the Wampus for warriors, Thunderbird takes adventurers and Pukwudgie is for healers. Honestly, I think I could go into any of them. Steve and granddad have brought out the scholar and healer in me, but which to choose?' "I choose-" Harry was interrupted by the Wampus roaring again. The school laughed. "Well, I guess I'll choose Wampus." Following the path of the other first years Harry headed for a small side room.

Looking around Harry was reminded of Ollivander's. The walls were stacked to the ceiling with small boxes, while in the middle of the room stood a small tree growing on a large boulder. "Welcome Mr. Potter. I am surprised to see you here. I would expect a wizard of your age to already have a wand."

"I did have one, but my uncle locks up all of my school supplies the moment I returned from school in June. I was unable bring them with me when he brought me here. My adoptive family and I decided it wasn't worth the trip to England, and I have no desire to ever see my uncle again. Not even for my wand."

The man nodded. "Very well. What was your old wand?"

"Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches."

Nodding the man gestured for Harry to move closer to the tree. "We are different here at Ilvermorny. While Ollivander tries wands individually, we do not have time for that. Instead, we have the wand tree. Place your hands upon the tree and allow your magic to flow. The tree will sense your magic and pull your wand from the inventory we have here."

Harry stared at the tree feeling unsure but figured what the hell and put his hands on the tree. Immediately he could feel its magic gently poking at his own. Releasing a small amount of his magic he felt the tree perk up. Instantly one section of the wall began to glow. "Phoenix feather." He heard the man whisper. Slowly the glow shrank until only one box was glowing. Flicking his wand, the man summoned the box and held it out to Harry. "Birch wood, phoenix feather, nine inches. This wand is extremely loyal and will not work for anyone else, even if they win your wand from you. Take very good care of it and it will look after you."

Harry looked down at his new wand and smiled at the feeling of completeness that over came him. He hadn't gotten this feeling with his holly wand. Looking up from his new wand Harry noticed the man was gone and a door was now open on the other side of the room. shrugging off the oddness of it all he went through the door into a short hall which led to the Great hall.

"Hello," next to the entrance a boy around his age was waiting. "I'm Jared Coulson. Nice to meet you."

Harry took the offered hand. "Harry Potter, but I figure everyone already knows that."

Jared laughed. "Very true. I've been asked by our head of house to show you around as we are in the same year. Our table is this way." Harry followed the other boy to the table o the far side of the hall. "Gentlemen, this is our new dorm mate. Hadrian Potter. Hadrian, this is Devon Longbow, Daniel Smith, Gabriel Donnell and Riordan O'Conner."

"Hello," Harry nodded in greeting.

"Shove over Devon." Jared poked the other boy in the shoulder making room for both him and Harry to sit down. As Harry sat the Headmaster stood and began the welcome speech, which Harry mostly tuned out in favour of looking around.

While there were many similarities the differences were striking. Mainly the lack of an enchanted ceiling. Harry was used to watching the stars while listening to Dumbledore. Yet, there was something about the plain wooden beams of the ceiling that Harry finds just as soothing. Also missing were the large hour glasses that kept track of the house points. Never mind his uniform. It was odd wearing a blue robe trimmed in red, rather than black. The food appeared magically, just like at Hogwarts and while there were several dishes that were the same, there were just as many new ones.

"So, Hadrian," one of the boys asked. Harry thought that it was Daniel. "Are there many differences between Hogwarts and Ilvermorny?"

Harry nodded as he helped himself to roast beef and mashed potato. "The food for one," he laughed as did the others. "At Hogwarts the ceiling is enchanted to reflect the sky. We also have four huge hour glasses filled with gems to keep track of house points. And our uniforms are all black." Harry allowed himself a few bites of food before continuing. "We ride a train to school, all the students together. Hogwarts is also much larger."

"Why did you transfer? I don't think I've ever heard of someone transferring before." Devon asked.

Harry grew silent and put down his goblet. "I had a change in guardianship and my new guardian lives in New York."

Jared was quick to pick up on the new boy's tone and quickly shifted topics to Quodpot and the games they had seen and played over the summer. "What about you Hadrian?" one of the boys asked. "Do you play Quodpot?"

"No. I played quidditch at Hogwarts though. I still haven't had Quodpot explained to me." Steve had planned on explaining the sport, but they had become distracted on dates and then after with Steve's attack Bucky had been around. The five boys looked offended. The rest of the feast was accompanied by a lively discussion of Quodpot versus quidditch.

Harry waited for a lull in the conversation to finally ask about a thing that had been bothering him since he got his wand. "Jared," that was another thing he was still getting used to; the damn informality of the Americans, calling everyone by their first name regardless of how close you were. "Who is the person in charge of the wands? Is he the wand maker?"

"No one knows. We all call him the Wand Maker, but no one has ever seen him outside of the tree room. America has no official wand maker. I think Canada has a few. I know the Canadian students can take their wands home over the holidays."

"Wait! We're not allowed to take our wands home. What if something happens?"

Jared studied Harry for a moment. "How much have you been told about Rappaport's law?"

"I was told that it is illegal to befriend or marry muggles and that interaction with muggles is frowned upon. It's all rather odd to me honestly."

"Don't you have any laws about No-Maj in England?" Jared looked honestly curious.

Harry shook his head. "I don't know of any specific laws other than the Statute of Secrecy. I know that in England you can befriend and even marry muggles and once you are married you can tell your spouse about magic. The families of muggle-borns are told about magic as well."

Jared sighed, "I wish it was like that here."

"Is there a book about the law I can read? I want to know what I can't do before I go home. I've been lucky so far, but I would rather not accidently break the law."

"I don't think the library here has one, but I know my dad has one. I'll ask him if you can borrow it."

"Thanks Jared."

"No problem. Come on," gently Jared elbowed him in the ribs. "I'll show you to our Common Room." looking around Harry was surprised to note that the feast was done. Standing he followed Jared out of the hall. Harry paid close attention to the turns and stairs hoping that it wouldn't take him too long to learn his way around, after all Ilvermorny was much smaller than Hogwarts.

"Here we are." Jared stopped in front of a painting of a young man with brown hair and eyes. The boy was wearing a much older version of their uniform "Webster Boot. The password is always our house founder for the first week. It will change every two weeks after." Smiling at them the painting swung forward to allow them entrance. Harry looked around what would be his new home for the next two years. Directly across from the door was a massive fireplace that had a large collection of comfortable looking couches and chairs. To one side was a small library with a collection of tables, clearly a study area. The other side had a collection of smaller tables meant for games.

"Come on, the head will be here soon, lets grab a seat." Jared guided Harry to one of the couches where the other sixth year boys had gathered. The first years, Harry noticed were sitting on a plush looking carpet in front of the fireplace along with the second and third years.

Beside the fireplace a door opened, and a witch entered the common. She was very pretty, Harry noticed. Her ash brown hair hung in waves ending just below her shoulders. Her robes were the height of fashion and brought out the blue of her eyes. Harry instantly noticed a likeness with Jared.

"Welcome to Wampus house. Here we are a family. I am your head of house Lynnette Coulson; I teach runes and warding. My office is through this door and while I will be available if you ever need me my office hours will be posted on the message board. The fourth years will be escorting the first years to their class for the first two weeks to make sure you learn your way around the school. By the end of the month a sign-up sheet will be posted for tutoring. Those of you who feel up to becoming a tutor may let me know and we will have a meeting. If you find yourself in need of tutoring, then you put your name on the sheet for the subjects you require help in. Starting next week, I will be holding meetings with each of you. For now, I suggest you all retire for the night, tomorrow classes start, and you all want to be well rested."

Harry waited until their head had left before turning to Jared, trying to hide his grin. "So, your mom's a professor?"

Jared groaned. "Yes. Both my parents are. Dad teaches dueling and law. It's nice, but it's also really irritating, especially with mom as our head. I can't get away with anything, and when I do get caught it's double the punishments." Harry couldn't help himself, he laughed. Smiling Jared shoved the smaller boy. "Come on I'll show you our dorm." Still laughing Harry stood and followed Jared up a set of stairs to the sixth landing. Entering the room Harry was shocked. He had been expecting something like the Gryffindor dorms, instead it was a smaller version of the common room downstairs.

"We each share a double room and bath." Jared gestured to the four doors, two on each wall. "There is a joint bathroom we share with the seventh years. It has a large tub for when you want to soak. I'll show you the booking sheet for that later. This is our room." Jared opened one of the doors on the left. The room reminded Harry of a collage dorm he had seen on tv once. Each side of the room had a bed, nightstand, wardrobe, desk, chair and a small bookcase. There was even a small fireplace between the beds.

"The bathroom is through the lighter door." Jared motioned to the pair of doors behind them. Just as he said one door was much lighter than the other. Smiling Jared opened the darker door to reveal the common. "It can be fairly confusion, especially first thing in the morning."

"I'll bet." Harry laughed while promising himself to always triple check which door he was opening.

"If It's all right with you I'm going to shower then catch up on some reading."

Harry nodded. "That's fine. I prefer to shower in the morning. I think I'll write some letters. Oh, I forgot. Where is the owlery and are there any rules about using school owls?"

Jared looked up from where he was unpacking his trunk. "The owlery is a separate building across the grounds. If you need an owl, open the window and whistle. It may take a few minutes, but an owl will come. As for rules, there aren't many. Just respect the owls and try not to send them on unnecessary long trips. Ah ha! Found it!" Jared stood triumphant with a small bag in his hand. "Right," he gathered up a larger bag and his pajamas. "I'm off."

Harry waited until the bathroom door closed behind Jared before pulling out his writing box, a wonderful gift from granddad, and began writing letters to his mum, granddad and Bucky. He wanted those sent off before taking out his journal and writing to Steve. After sealing each letter into their own envelopes, he put all three into a larger one with his mum's name on it, opened the window and whistled. Sure enough a few moments later a brown owl appeared. Reaching out Harry gave the owl a scratch before handing over the envelope. "Take this to Sarah Rogers in Brooklyn, New York please. You may be asked to wait for a reply. Thank you."

"You really like owls, don't you?" Jared asked as he settled on his bed.

Harry nodded sadly. "I had one before in England. My uncle killed her before we came here. I still really miss Hedwig." Jared nodded in understanding, letting the matter drop. Grabbing his pajamas and bathroom kit Harry headed into the loo to change and perform his nightly rituals. Leaving his things in the bathroom and the cloths in the hamper Harry gathered his journal and pen before settling into bed. Excited Harry opened the book and began writing.

Steve?

Harry! Is it crazy that I miss you already?

Only if that means I'm crazy too. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight without you beside me.

I know the feeling. I can't wait till Christmas.

Me either

So? Which house did you get into? what was the sorting like? What –

Steve! Relax. You don't want to start hyperventilating. Mum would kill us both. The sorting was…interesting. The rest of the school watches from a balcony above while you stand on a gordian knot and wait for one of the four house statues to react. The Horned Serpent has a crystal that lights up, the Thunderbird beats its wings. The Pukwudgie raises its arrow and the Wampus roars. All four reacted to me. I have a feeling that's not something that happens often. While I was trying to decide the Wampus roared again so I went into Wampus house.

That sounds horrible, having the whole school staring down at you. I don't think I would ever want to have that many people staring at me waiting for something to happen.

It felt like I was back in England.

It's over now though and you won't have to do it again.

That's true, thank Merlin. How was your first day?

Same as always, though Buck somehow managed to stay out of trouble and I didn't get into any fights.

I'm impressed.

Fuck you Harry.

"What is so funny Hadrian?" Jared looked up from his book confused.

"Sorry Jared. I'm just talking with my boyfriend." Harry held up the journal to show his roommate.

"You have a two-way journal?"

"Yes? There was a whole pile when I picked up my notebooks."

"Oh, I saw them. I just didn't think anyone's parents would let them spend that much on a pair of journals."

"Are they really that expensive? I didn't realize." Harry startled when he felt the journal vibrate. Looking down he saw a few messages from Steve.

Sorry Steve. I was apologizing to my roommate.

That's okay Harry. I was a little worried when you just stopped writing. Who's your roommate?

Jared Coulson. He seems nice. Both his parents are professors here, his mom is our head of house.

That's never fun. Sure, makes staying out HADRAIN JAMESON POTTER WHAT ARE YOU DOING UP THIS LATE? IT IS A SCHOOL NIGHT! GET TO BED IMMEDIATELY! I'm glad you and Steve can talk like this sweetie, but you cannot stay up this late on a school night. You boys have two minutes to say good night or I am confiscating this journal for a week. Sleep well sweetie. I love you.

Sorry Harry, Ma must have seen my light on.

That's alright Steve. You better go before mum really gets mad. Love you. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Not waiting for a response Harry shut the journal and settled in for the night. Mum was right tomorrow was a big day after all.

The months passed by in a flash. Harry and Steve wrote in the journal every day, though it wasn't often they were able to talk at the same time. Classes were just challenging enough for Harry to keep his interest but without making him doubt his choices in classes. Though there had been a few times when he would wait for Steve so that the older boy could help him with an assignment.

Harry and Jared became close friends. Jared helped Harry in adjusting to American wizarding society. Harry helped Jared pull several pranks without being caught. They even were able to send Bucky a toilet seat in honor of Fred and George. Thankfully Harry had the foresight to put a note on the package telling Bucky to open it away from adults. Bucky promised in his return letter that he would hang it on his wall when he moved out.

Pranks and studying aside, Harry spent time with the other sixth year boys. (It was a little odd to him that they never spent time with the girls, but Jared explained that after fourth year they were not supposed to be together unless they were courting. Figuring it was a 1930's thing Harry let it drop.) The other boys were determined to make him a better chess player. They had gone so far as to create a schedule of games for Harry to both play and watch.

Jared helped by suggesting books on military strategy for Harry to read. Steve had admitted an interest in the subject, so Harry owl ordered the books. He had half sent to Steve so they could discuss different ideas before switching books.

Before he knew it, Harry was waiting with the others from New York at the teleportation pad heading home for Christmas. As he stood there waiting for their turn Harry found himself shaking with nerves. Beside him noticed and placed a hand on the other boy's shoulder. "Harry, are you alright?"

"I'm just worried. Steve hasn't written since Armistice Day (November 11) and in every letter mum and Buck say he's fine and not to worry. I just want to get home and make sure he's alright with my own eyes."

"I understand. If you need some time away to vent or to calm down floo me." Jared handed Harry a small piece of paper with an address written on it. "We're spending yule with my grandparents this year, so I'll be in New York. We should meet up in the Way some time. If he's feeling up to it, you should bring your imaginary boyfriend."

Harry accepted the paper then smacked his friend's shoulder. "Sod off Jared. Steve is real, no matter what you think."

"Sure." Jared's voice was dripping with doubt. Harry was spared from answering by the transporter activating. Further debate was prevented by Jared's sister Abigail pulling him away leaving a laughing Harry to look for his granddad.

"Hadrian." Theodore came up to his younger grandson, glad to see the boy after three months away.

"Granddad." Harry wanted to throw himself into the older man's arms, but he held back the urge remembering his lessons.

"Come." Lord Grant put his hand on Harry's shoulder. "Let us go home. Everyone is waiting for you." He then apparated them to a near-by alley so they could walk the remaining two blocks.

"Harry!" getting up from where he was sitting and waiting Bucky rushed forward to greet the irritating brat.

"Bucky!" Harry dropped his bag to embrace his brother.

"You've been missed Brat."

"But not by you, right you prat."

"Exactly." Laughing Bucky picked up Harry's bag and wrapping an arm around his shoulders led Harry to the house behind Theodore.

"How's Steve?" Harry whispered.

Bucky sighed. "He's doing better, but it was a pretty bad attack. He's been stuck in bed for five weeks. Your Ma says he should be up and about for Christmas. He was out of it for the first few weeks. I'll admit it was terrifying seeing him like that. He's okay now though."

Harry felt cold. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"

"I told you he was sick. I couldn't tell you how bad because I didn't know. You know I would have told you if I'd known."

"I know Buck. I didn't mean you. I've just been so worried."

"Well, get your ass in there and see him. I'll be by later. Go." Bucky gave Harry a gentle shove, which was all the other boy needed to go running up the stairs into his apartment.

"Hadrian sweetie. Oh, I missed you." Harry hadn't even gotten through the door when Sarah pulled him into a hug.

"I missed you too mum." Enjoying the comfort, but needing to see Steve, Harry gently pulled away and made a beeline for their room, only to freeze in the doorway. In August he had though Steve couldn't have ever looked worse; he had been so very wrong. The only colour Steve had, were the dark bruise-like bags under his eyes.

The room looked similar to when Harry first arrived, only all the pillows and blankets were piled up on the bed cocooning Steve. Despite the layers covering him Harry could tell that Steve had lost a lot of weight. Harry must have made a noise because Steve shifted and opened his eyes. "Harry," he croaked out. "You're home." Needing the other boy close Steve held out a shaky hand which Harry rushed to take. As gently as he could Harry settled on the bed.

"H-how...what happ…Steve." Overcome with worry and relief Harry collapsed beside Steve, while still trying to be gentle.

"I'm okay Harry. I still tire easily and I'm feeling a little weak, but Ma and Granddad both say I should be my old self by Yule." It took some effort, but Steve reached over with his other hand to run his fingers through Harry's hair.

"I was so scared. You stopped writing and mum and granddad's letters were all very short. Only Bucky told me you were sick, only he didn't know how bad. I was afraid that I might lose you. I-I felt things…my chest would hurt sometimes, and I would have a hard time breathing. There were a few times I nearly collapsed. Every time the nurse said I was fine. I'm sure she figured I was faking."

"Oh, Mo grá, come here." Steve used what little energy he had to tug on Harry's hand until the younger boy was leaning partially on Steve, wrapping his arms around him Steve sighed. "I will never leave you. I don't care what it takes or how long I will always come back to you." Leaning down he kissed Harry's head, letting him cry.

When Sarah went to get Harry for lunch, she found both boys sleeping and after seeing the tear tracks on her younger son's face she decided to leave them be. Returning to the kitchen she poured herself another cup of tea. "They're both sleeping," she told her father without looking up from her cup. "Hadrian has been crying. I think we should have told him more. He clearly worried too much. Next time we should tell him regardless of how bad Steve is."

Theodore took a large drink of his tea. "Healer Michalski and Lynnette Coulson wrote to me concerned about Hadrian. Apparently, he collapsed on Armistice Day and in the weeks following had difficulty breathing, chest pains along with two other fainting spells. Neither nurse McArthur nor Healer Michalski were able to find a cause. They both believe that Hadrian was acting out. I went to Gringotts and spoke with Stonehammer. Fortunately, he still had both Steven and Hadrian's original self-updating inheritance tests. They are soul bonded husbands. Hadrian felt what Steven was going through as his own pain."

Sarah sighed as she tried to pour more tea out of the empty pot. Getting up she stoked the fire in the stove and put the kettle on. "I'll let them sleep for another hour or two. I'm sure James will be back by then. We can tell them after dinner."

Standing, Theodore nodded. "I shall return home and write a letter to Healer Michalski and Lynnette Coulson explaining things. You need to take things easy. Rest while the boys are sleeping." Kissing his daughter on the head Theodore left through the front door. Moving the kettle off the stove Sarah decided to take her father's suggestion and went to lay down.

After dinner, which Bucky and Harry helped Steve to and from, and once James had gone home Theodore and Sarah sat down with the boys to explain things. Steve had pulled Harry close when the adults joined them as he could feel the boy's worry as his own. "Are we in trouble?" Steve asked looking between his Ma and Granddad.

"No, Steven no one is in trouble." Theodore was quick to reassure the boys. "Healer Michalski and Lynnette Coulson wrote to me a couple days ago. They were both concerned about Hadrian's health in the last five weeks. When I thought about the dates and what Hadrian was going though made me think. I went to see Stonehammer and had a second look at your inheritance tests. You remember how you both had an undefined soul connection?" he waited for both boys to nod before giving them a hint. "The inheritance tests you did were self-updating ones."

"Our soul-bound has become defined, hasn't it?" Steve asked. Both he and Harry had perked up and looked hopeful. Sarah laughed at her boys.

"It has. Hadrian has also had another soul bond come into fruition. It seems that there is something about James Barns that makes him a good soul bonded brother to both of my grandsons." Theodore laughed.

"You two, however have become soul bounded husbands. While this is a wonderful connection that should and will be celebrated there are adverse effects to it as well. You will be able to feel each other's emotions when you are near each other, it is unlikely that when you are apart you will feel anything besides very strong emotions. This includes being able to tell if the other is in distress. Hadrian this is something you need to be aware of. I will be writing to your head of house along with the school's healer to let them know about your connection. Next time Steven has an attack you will feel it like you did this time. One of the major side effects is if one dies then the other will follow quickly. The only times when one half of a soul bounded pair dies, and the other does not is when there are children involved or when the remaining pair is in the middle of a life altering quest."

The boys stared at their grandfather in shock. Harry looked up at Steve, but upon seeing Steve's look of confusion he looked to his mum hoping for some clarification. Scooting forward Sarah took both of her boy's hands in her own. "Right now, this means nothing. You two need to focus on your schooling, going on your dates and staying out of trouble. Later, in life, much later, then you can focus on the bond and what it means. We just wanted you both to know of its existence so that you can be cautious and understand what can happen."

Getting up she kissed both boys. "You are both to spend the days until Yule in bed. I will have your meals prepared and in the ice box for when I am at work and your granddad can't be here. Harry you will be allowed up only to heat and retrieve your meals, only because I do not trust James around my stove." Harry and Steve laughed. They had watched both their own mum and Mrs. Barnes try to teach James (and Steve) how to cook a few basic meals and all the lessons had been a failure. "Get some sleep. You both need the rest. I'll come and check on you both later. I love you both."

Theodore watched his daughter leave. "Your Mother is correct. Do not let the bond take over your minds, yet do not forget that it exists. Rest and reconnect. I shall be by tomorrow to check on you both and to make sure you take your potions Steven. Rest well." Getting up from the bed Theodore gave each boy's shoulder a squeeze then left the room.

When the door shut behind his granddad Steve leaned over and kissed Harry with all his non existent energy. Pulling away all too soon for his liking Steve stared down into Harry's shining eyes and wished not for the first time he could see what colour they were. "This proves it. We were meant to be together. This is why you ended up traveling through time. So, we could be together. I am never letting you go now."

Harry couldn't find the words to agree with Steve's statement, so he simply reached up to cup Steve's face with one hand and gently kiss him, putting all his love into that kiss. Pulling away from the kiss Harry rubbed his thumb under Steve's eye. Taking Harry's hand in his own Steve kissed the other's palm. No words were said, they did not need to be said. As one they moved down into the bed and fell asleep tangled in each other's arms content in the knowledge of their bond.

Harry woke Christmas morning to a warm wet suction on his cock. Opening his eyes, he looked down to find Steve sprawled across the bottom of the bed fully focused on his task. Reaching down Harry tangled his fingers in Steve's hair. Moaning at the slight tugging Steve doubled his efforts and had Harry coming down his throat a few minutes later.

Crawling up the bed he looked like the cat who caught the canary. "Merry Christmas Mo grá."

Smiling at his boyfriend Harry pulled in for a kiss, tasting himself on Steve's tongue. "Happy Christmas love." The pair lay tangled in a mess of limbs until they heard movement in the hall. Sighing Harry pulled away untangling himself from Steve. "Mum's up. We should get moving before she decides to come and get us."

Groaning Steve followed Harry's lead and got out of bed. "If Ma's up granddad will be here soon. Bucky said he would stop by after breakfast as well."

Once they were dressed the pair made their way to the kitchen where both adults were waiting for them. "Happy Christmas boys." Theodore raised his teacup in a toast from where he sat. Normally he would have gotten up to hug his grandsons, but it was far safer to remain seated. Around the kitchen Sarah moved like a hummingbird, fluttering from one point to another.

"Happy Christmas Granddad." Carefully Steve made his way to the table, avoiding his Ma other than to give her a quick peck on the cheek as she passed him by. Harry, meanwhile had somehow fitted himself into Sarah's chaos perfectly. Steve wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not and shared a small look of horror with his granddad.

With two cooks, breakfast did not take long and was quickly on the table. With the festive mood and the excitement for presents it took even less time for breakfast to be finished. Theodore was quick to stand and made Steve help him in cleaning the breakfast dishes. Steve was anxious for Harry to open his gift, so he didn't argue with his granddad. Together they got the kitchen spotless in record time.

"I'm impressed honey. You usually don't clean that well without complaint." Sarah teased as she took another sip of her tea. Across the table from her Harry was trying to hide his own laugher behind his cup. Steve just glared at them both.

"Knock, knock." Bucky's voice carried from the front door.

"Perfect timing Buck." Steve put down the towel he was using to dry the dishes and headed to great his friend. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas Stevie. Harry. Mr. Grant, Mrs. Rogers. Ma sent you some of her Christmas baking." Bucky held out a large box that smelled amazing and had Steve and Harry drooling.

"Oh, thank your mother for me James. I do love her baking." Steve and Harry were both drooling at the prospect of Margret Barnes' baking. "I don't think so young man." Sarah smacked Harry's hand as he reached to take a cookie. "You can have some after lunch. Now let us all sit down around the tree and we can open presents." Turning she took the box of baking into the kitchen leaving the boys to head into the living room. Steve and Harry sat on the floor, cuddled in front of the fireplace. Across from them Bucky made himself comfortable on the single chair, leaving the couch for Sarah and Theodore.

After hiding the cookies Sarah made another pot of tea and carried the tea set into the living room. Slowly she served everyone their tea, enjoying making everyone wait to open their presents. "Stevie, why don't you hand out the presents." Putting his cup down Steve got up and quickly passed out all the presents, then cuddled back up with Harry.

Harry watched his family open their presents feeling contented. "Oh Harry!" Sarah exclaimed when she opened her present from Harry. Pulling it out of the box Sarah proudly showed off the beautiful green and red bird in a golden cage. Getting up Harry gently took the bird cage from his mum and showed her the key on the bottom of the cage. Twisting it all the way around when he let it go Benny Goodman's 'Moon Glow' began playing. "I love it. Thank you so much Harry."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Why don't you open your gifts Harry." Sarah hugged her son then pushed him back to his spot on the floor beside Steve and his pile of unopen presents.

Steve and Bucky meanwhile had opened their presents and pounced on Harry the moment Sarah let go of him. "How did you afford all this Harry? It's been ages since I've had a nice drawing pad and pencils." Steve gushed, giving Harry a one-armed hug.

"I could ask you the same thing James Barnes." Sarah lightly scolded from the couch having opened her gift from him. "Fred Astaire's Dancing Cheek to Cheek. James."

"I've been saving for quite a while Mrs. Rogers. I bought your gift back in June. I was told it would be easier to buy one Christmas and birthday present per paycheque."

"Well, I suppose if that is how you intend to shop from now on, I suppose getting more expensive gifts is alright. We'll have to listen to them all after lunch. What did you boys get?"

"I got Ray Nobel's 'Let's Swing It'." Steve smiled "Harry?"

"'Sing Sing Sing' by Benny Goodman. Thanks' Buck."

"No problem. Thank you for all the amazing art supplies.

"Hadrian I must agree with the others. These gifts are wonderful. I must wonder where you found such magnificent cuff links. I have been searching for ones like these for many years."

Harry blushed and lowered his head. "I made those actually. Same with the bird. I had to buy the music making…thing."

"It truly is a wonder sweetie. But you boys haven't opened your gifts from myself and your granddad."

The three boys picked up their identical boxes and opened them together. Each box contained a fountain pen with matching pencil. "Those are Eversharp pens. There are refills in the boxes as well."

"Mr. Grant, sir…" Bucky stared at the pen set in shock and disbelief. "This is way too much. I've seen the adds these are nearly five dollars."

"It's alright James. I have some old family money put away that I like to use for gifts every now again. I would very much like it if you boys were to use those pens and pencils to better yourselves. Study hard in your passions and you will become amazing men and change the world."

"Now, you boys clean up and I will go and start on lunch." Sarah stood, gathered up the tea set and headed into the kitchen. Theodore gathered his and Sarah's gifts, putting them in Sarah's room then joined his daughter in the kitchen.

In the living room the three boys were cleaning as quickly as they could. Harry was gathering up their gifts, taking his and Steve's to their room while leaving Bucky's in a pile on the coffee table. When Harry left Steve and Bucky made short work of picking up the wrapping and boxes then throwing them into the waste pile. Together the boys made their way to the kitchen following their noses.

That Christmas lunch was the best one Harry had ever had. Looking around the table Harry smiled and felt full of love and contentment. Here in the past he was surrounded by family that loved and accepted him for who he was instead of the scar on his head. He had found a mum that love and cared about him the same way as she loved and cared about her own son. A granddad who took him in and taught him everything he needed to know about his title and his place in the wizarding world. In Bucky, Harry now had an overprotective older brother who may not know about magic but accepted all the odd things that still happened around Harry.

Best of all Harry had found his other half. Steve was everything Harry could have wanted, without even knowing it. Being sent to the past had to be the best thing that could ever had happened to him. Harry swore with a laugh that when he made it back to the nineties, even though he would be very old, he would find Voldemort and thank him. Maybe he would even send the man some flowers. That thought sent him over the edge and he burst out laughing.

"Every think alright Harry?" Sarah asked with concern. While it was normal for Steve or James to randomly start laughing it was not as normal for Harry to be.

"Perfect mum. Everything is absolutely perfect."

Harry looked around the Way searching for his friend. Beside him Steve was taking a moment to catch his breath and regain his balance. Even though their grandad had Mist take them to the Way it still took a bit out a person, and Steve was still recovering. Spotting Jared Harry waved them over, not wanting to move Steve before he was ready.

Jared had sent a letter on Boxing Day inviting Harry and Steve to meet up at the Way the next day. After getting permission Harry had written back agreeing to the meet up and telling Jared a bit about Steve's recent illness. A quick fire-call to confirm all the details (it was so much easier than having to write tens of letter and tiring out Jared's poor owl) Harry apologized and told Jared that due to Steve still recovering they couldn't spend the whole day shopping.

"Sweet Isolt he really does exist!" Jared exclaimed when he saw Steve standing with Harry.

"Fuck you Jared." Harry flipped Jared the two-finger salute. "Steve, this loud-mouth arsehole is my roommate Jared Coulson. Jared, this is my boyfriend Steve Rogers."

"Jared, nice to meet you." Steve held out his hand. "Harry has told me quite a bit about you."

"Likewise, Steve." Jared smiled as he shook Steve's hand. "To be honest though, I was sure he was lying about you."

Laughing Steve wrapped his now free hand around Harry's waist. "I know. My friend Bucky and I were having a great time reading about it in Harry's letters. Bucky especially found it amusing. He decided to start introducing me as his imaginary friend to people."

Harry almost fell over he was laughing so hard. "Oh, Merlin. Why didn't you tell me? I can just picture it. You two walking into a store and him being 'Hi I'm James, this is my imaginary friend Steve'."

"Well, that's what we're going to do for the rest of the day. I'll pretend I can't see Steve and will keep conversations with him minimal in public. It'll be great! I'm pretty sure that Devon, Gabe and Rio are all going to be here today."

"I'm up for it. It should prove interesting." Steve's eyes had gleam of mischief in them and Harry could only shake his head. Merlin help them if they lived long enough for Steve, Jared and Bucky to meet the twins. Holding his hands up in surrender Harry decided it was better to go along with them. Though, Harry had to admit if only to himself that it would be highly entertaining.

Taking Steve's hand Harry followed Jared down the Way. The three talked quietly together as they made their way to the broom shop. Harry kept up conversation between both boys and himself, Steve acted completely normal while Jared completely ignored Steve, going so far as to look right through him Internally Harry was laughing as he took in the looks of the people around them, everyone seemed to be wondering what was going on between Steve and Jared.

Things came to a head when they met up with Rio, Gabe and Devon outside the bookstore. "Hey guys." Harry smiled as they made their way to the other group, he decided not to introduce Steve right away; see how the others reacted first. "How was your Christmas?"

"It was alright," Rio said. "Really stuffy as always."

Gabe was nodding beside his friend. "Yeah mine too. The entire family was there including all four of my grandparents which led to a ton of arguments."

Devon was chuckling a little. "Sucks to be in a large pureblood family sometimes. I had a quiet one. The family can't get together until the new year so my crazy will be next year. What about you…three? Who's this?"

Jared looked around in confusion. "Three? What are you talking about Devon?"

Beside him Harry was biting his tongue to keep from laughing. "This is my boyfriend, Steve. It's his family that took me in." Jared was shaking his head mouthing 'imaginary boyfriend. He's nuts.' Devon, Gabe and Rio looked horribly confused. It certainly didn't help that Steve had a goofy smile on his face and was waving at them. "Why don't we go get an ice cream or something?" Harry suggested wanting to get everyone moving and change the conversation.

It only took the suggestion of ice cream to get the others moving. "Jared, where's this sister I keep hearing about?" Steve asked as he wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders. Jared just ignored him, continuing his conversation with Devon.

"Where's Abby?" Harry asked, trying to keep a straight face. He was sure that between Steve and Jared he was going to end up biting through his tongue from trying not to laugh. He was sure it was only going to get worse when he introduced Bucky and Jared.

"She wanted to come, but one of her friends called and she decided to go and spend time with them instead of putting up with us."

"Well, I don't blame her for not wanting to hang out with you." Steve said with a surprising straight face. Devon wasn't sure what he was supposed to do. On one hand he did think the comment was funny while on the other Jared was sure the person who said the comment was a figment of Harry's imagination. Harry snickered; this was too fun.

After getting their ice cream the six boys strolled up the Way, mostly window shopping. "Harry, can I have a second? I want your opinion on a gift for my mom," Jared motioned to one of the stores. Nodding Harry followed with Steve in tow. As soon as the door closed behind them the three burst into laughter.

"Oh Merlin! This is too funny. I wonder how long we can keep this up." Steve leaned against the doorframe trying to hold himself up.

"Alright, so bets on who will cave first and start ignoring Steve." Jared reached into his pocket and pulled out a couple Dragots. "I've got two on Rio."

Straightening Steve also checked his pockets. "Three on Gabe." Both boys then looked at Harry expectantly who sighed and checked his pockets. "Three on Devon with an extra two if he starts before we hit the bookstore."

Nodding their heads, the others accepted the bet. After showing Harry an item, he was thinking about getting his mom for her birthday the three left the store and rejoined the others. It didn't take long before Steve and Jared noticed that Devon was refusing to look at Steve and ignoring his comments. Cursing Jared pulled out five Dragots and handed them to Harry. "I hate you."

Laughing Harry put the money in his pocket. "Awe love you too Jay-bird. But if it makes you feel better, we're probably going to head home soon. Mum will get upset if we're out too long, especially with Steve still recovering."

Rolling his eyes Jared nodded. "Fine, leave me alone with these three idiots. I'll see you at school."

With a jaunty wave Harry called for Mist to take them home. "Oh, that was great." Steve had to stop and take a few deep breaths before he passed out. Harry was quick to notice and stood next to his boyfriend giving him quiet support. When Steve was sure he could breathe properly he took Harry's hand and made his way to the kitchen where his Ma was waiting.

"Hello boys. Did you have a good time?" Sarah's comment immediately started the boys laughing again. Looking at her son's with confusion before shaking her head and going to make tea. "Clearly I missed something."

"Sorry mum. It's just something Jared and Steve decided to do to our friends."

"What did you do?"

"Nothing like that promise Ma." Steve and Harry both held up their hands clearly hearing the threat in their mother's voice.

"It's kind of Bucky's fault actually. I told Steve and Buck about Jared calling Steve my imaginary boyfriend and apparently Bucky's been going around introducing Steve as his imaginary friend. When Steve told Jared about it, he decided to do it as well. He ignored Steve the entire time Devon, Gabe and Rio were with us. He even convinced Devon that Steve is my imaginary boyfriend. They want to see how long we can keep it up for."

Sarah rubbed her eyes in exasperation and fondness. "Well, as long as no one gets hurt. Now, Steve you set the table and Harry come help me make dinner. I want to make the most of our last week together."