Before I start this chapter, go and check out the fantastic story, 'A Happy Accident: 70 Years,' by the wonderful Njchrispatrick. It is where the inspiration for this story came from. If you notice any similarities between the stories, I do have permission to use them.

In the chilly September of 1979, two hunched over figures walked down Jubilee Road. They walked hand in hand, both shivering at the uncharacteristically cold weather. The reason they were walking along the road was something that they were keeping a secret, not wanting to tell any of their family yet. It didn't help that they were in the middle of a war, with enemies who reacted extremely violently against anything that wasn't 'pure.' Every time the couple talked about it, that word was spat out with a snide derision, complete with a side plate of utter disgust.

The male shivered, rubbing his hands together in an effort to warm up. "Is this the place?" asked James Potter, turning to his wife Lily. He was, uncharacteristically, quivering with nerves. "Are you sure you want to do this?" They had talked about it so much, gone over every single option. Lily, the little firecracker that she was (and she was little, standing at just over five feet), was dead set on this option, though. James still wasn't sure.

"Yes, this is the place, and yes, I want to do this," Lily sighed. "James, we've discussed this so many times. I want to do this. I want children." Sometimes, James frustrated her so much. How difficult was it for him to understand that adoption and surrogacy were last resorts for her? It was already bad enough that they couldn't have their own children. It had always been a dream for her to carry her own children.

"There are other ways for you to do it, though. There are ways in the magical world." As progressive as he was, James still defaulted back to the magical world and the options it held for infertile males, as barbaric as some of them were. Sometimes, when they talked about the options, he folded in on himself, like he was less of a man because he couldn't have biological children. When he'd first told Lily, he looked like he was expecting her to slap him silly and then leaving in a hailstorm of insults. They were past that total shame now, but talking about it still made James a bit antsy.

"And I want to carry my own child. Don't you dare try and take that away from me." Lily rounded on James, stopping him in his tracks. "You know how much this means to me, so stick to your agreement."

"I would never―" James looked aghast at just the thought.

"Then don't." Lily's voice held a tone to finality. "We're doing this, right here and right now. We've discussed this so many times, you stupid man." Lily gently kissed James. "And I don't care that the child won't be yours biologically. You're going to be a fantastic father, I know you are. Things are going to turn out fine, and we're going to have a family when all this is over." The thought made her almost glow. James smiled fondly at her.

"O-Okay. I'm just worried. Something could go wrong. The procedures are still so new!" The muggle world still made him nervous. Well, this side of it. Clubs, bars and record stores, on the other hand, James was very familiar, often going out with Remus and Sirius. Peter was absent more often, though it was for personal reasons, which Lily and James respected.

"Look at you, doing all the fretting. Usually, it's me doing that." Lily giggled. "You're turning into a total worrywart." A sudden gust of frigid wind swirled down the street, sending them both violently shivering. "Come on, let's go in. It's chilly out here." They walked up to the door. James knocked firmly, hands snapping back into his pockets, which were like a sauna compared to outside of them.

No one came to answer the door. James was about to knock again, when he saw the sign next to it, reading, 'Please come in to the reception. "Oh." Lily was snorting at their stupidity. She pushed the door open. A strong, almost overpowering smell of sterilised metal hit them, almost making Lily block her nose. She turned to James.

"There's no going back now," he murmured. following Lily into the building that was all glass and metal beams. It was so different to anything that he'd seen in the wizarding world. The design fascinated him, making him think of vessels that weren't of this world. He made a mental note to build something in their backyard of a similar design. Maybe it could be a playhouse for their future child. The thought made him all warm and fuzzy inside.

"You got that one right," chuckled Lily. She took his hand, squeezing comfortingly. "But think about it, James. We're going to be parents. We're going to have our own child. Just think about it."

"I already have."

As one, strong unit, they approached the large desk. It extended from one wall to another, a small part of it on hinges, to let the receptionist behind it. Behind the desk sat a small lady with wispy hair and light wrinkles lining her face. She glanced down at her book and then back up. "Hello. Lily and James Potter, I presume?" Her tone was welcoming and warm, setting the prospective parents at ease.

"Yes, that's us," answered James easily. The lady stood up, back ramrod straight, pushing her simple, rolling chair under the desk. "We…" James trailed off, not sure what to say. The lady, however, jumped right in before the conversation took a turn into the awkward territory.

"Nice to meet you, Mr and Mrs. Potter." She lead them through another door, which lead to a stark white room with a few seats and tables strategically scattered about, a purposely haphazard style. "I'm Gladys Jones. Please take a seat in the waiting area." She pointed towards two seats. "Dr. Hannigan will be with you shortly. Would you like some tea? It does wonders for your nerves. You, Mr. Potter," Gladys fixed the jittering man with a pointed glance, "look like you, especially, could use some." Lily snickered. James pouted. Gladys wondered if this man was a child in an adult's body.

"That would be lovely, thanks," Lily said, before James could say something that would only embarrass him further. She pushed him down into a seat, sitting in the other, flashing Gladys a winning grin. Or, the grin that women give other women when their husband is being an utter idiot.

"I'll be right back with your tea. You two make yourself at home. There are magazines in the draws, and for your husband, a colouring book and crayons." She booked it out of the waiting area, not even bothering to see James' gaping mouth. After muttering under his breath, he turned to Lily, eyes suddenly wide. Like it had just fully dawned on him what they were doing.

"We're really doing this," said James. He held his head in his hands. "I-I...what if I'm not a good dad?"

"You're going to be a fantastic father. And yes, we're actually doing this, and I won't hear another word about it. Nothing is going to go wrong. When this is over, we're going to be starting a family. Think about it."

Far from panicking now, James gazed off into space, a dreamy look taking over his face. Lily gazed at him fondly. Despite all his doubts, he was going to be the most wonderful, loving father a child could wish for. It didn't matter that he wouldn't share its biology, even though it used to mean a lot to him. Their child was going to have the best possible life it could wish for. It would have the most fun, loving uncles and she would have to resist the temptation to spoil it rotten.

Gladys reappeared with a rattling tray of steaming tea in delicately painted china cups, snapping her out of her reverie. James leaped up and took it out of her hands, placing it on the table. She patted him on the shoulder. "It's lovely to see that chivalry isn't dead, Mr. Potter. Now, you two stay put here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask me." Again, she made to leave. Suddenly, she turned back around. "And, congratulations on this step. I know what it's like to go through it. I just wanted to tell you, everything is going to turn out alright."

"Thank you, so much," said Lily sincerely. "It really means a lot to us. Especially James here."

"You're welcome, both of you." With one last smile, Gladys left the room. They fell into a comfortable silence, Lily drinking her tea and flipping through a muggle magazine (some of the fashion was, quite simply, an abomination). James was sitting anxiously, twiddling his fingers, foot tapping. It was actually getting quite irritating to Lily.

"What do you think he's going to be like?" James asked suddenly. Lily raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm?" Lily took a sip of the steaming tea. "Who?"

"The biological father," James said. Clarity rushed through her. Immediately, she opened up her mental checklist that she created, just for an occasion such as this. Creating mental lists was one of her favourite things to do. It was so satisfying organising everything into its correct place.

"Well, he's going to be healthy, I know that much. No mental disorders or illnesses in the family. I also don't want anyone with a prison record. No addictions, prior or present." James held up a hand, stopping her spiel before it even got going.

He laughed, then said, "I mean with looks.

"Oh." Lily stopped for a second. "I think we should try and get someone who has similar features to you. Maybe someone with black hair. What do you want?

James bit his lip. "I don't know. I think I want someone who is similar to me, if we can get that." He stopped for second. "How did we forget to talk about something as important as this?" He shook his head. "This isn't a great start, is it?"

"I think it's a magnificent start. But whoever we pick is going to be healthy."

"That's something we can both agree on."

"Mr and Mrs. Potter?" Gladys had returned, a younger looking man with dark skin and scarred hands standing beside her. "This is Dr. Glenn Hannigan. He will see you now." She winked at them. "Good luck."

James and Lily leapt to their feet, their nerves suddenly returning, faster than a tsunami, and ten times more raging. Now it wasn't only James who felt like the ground was going to turn into a gaping maw any second. Lily's heart was pounding harder than the drums at a rock concert.

Dr. Hannigan stepped forward. He was dressed in casual clothes: fading jeans, a hand-knitted woolen sweater and what looked to be well worn Doc Martens. The only thing that betrayed his status as a Doctor was the badge on his chest. Despite how nervous they were, Dr, Hannigan exuded a welcoming aura, similar to Gladys. Even though he was yet to say a word, he seemed like a very nice person.

"If you will follow me through here," said Dr. Hannigan. His voice was low and resonant, the type of voice that opera singers had. "I've already picked out some potential candidates who I think will be best for you. We are a smaller company, so the options aren't as expansive as some of the larger sperm banks. Because of our smaller company, we are able of offer a far more personal experience than other sperm banks, which I think you'll appreciate."

"We don't need the walking advertisement," said Lily. "We're just happy that this technology is even available."

"You're not the only one, Mr. Potter. Here's my office." He didn't seem to mind her dismissing his proud speech. Dr. Hannigan held open the wooden door, which didn't fit the rest of the building. They walked in and sat down on comfortable seats. Lily was a bit shocked, if she was going to be honest. Whereas the rest of the building looked like a time machine to the future, Dr. Hannigan's office was a portal to the past. It was like they'd stepped straight into the fifties, decor and all. And the Dr. looked completely at home. In fact, it was now a bit strange to think of him in any environment that didn't look to be straight out of the fifties.

"Now, Mr. and Mrs. Potter―"

"James and Lily, please, Dr. Hannigan," said James. "This is quite personal, so if you don't mind, could you call us by our first names?" Lily agreed.

"If that is what you wish. But, if that's the case, I insist you call me Glenn. It's only polite. Now, Lily and James, let's get down to business." Glenn opened a draw on his impressively carved desk and drew out three files. "These are the first three I have picked out. If you don't like them, don't fret. I have more files for you to choose from. Take your time. I would worry if you didn't. This is a big decision, afterall."

"Well, let's look, shall we?" James said happily. Lily nodded and took the file on top of the pile. She opened it, not sure what she was going to see. Hopefully, something good.

Immediately, from the photo, she knew that it was a definite no. Looking over his details, she saw that he was perfectly healthy, with no disorders or illnesses whatsoever. He was the right age and a good height. There was just the feeling that something was off. She looked over at James and saw he looked slightly weirded out.

"Not this one, sorry," she said, handing it back to Glenn. He smirked.

"You don't need to apologise. This is completely normal. Trust me, you'll know when you find 'the one.' It's a feeling you get. And no, James, I can't explain it. Go on, take the second one."

He handed them the second file. Lily opened it and was filled with the same feeling as before, only stronger. Again, this man was totally healthy and quite handsome. He wasn't sick, had no addictions or disorders. Something was just wrong. James, on the other hand, looked quite happy with this option. It was probably the black hair and hazel eyes of the man in the photo. He did look remarkably similar to James. And yet, to Lily, it was wrong.

"What about this guy?" asked James. Lily's answer was instantaneous.

"No."

"Why?"

"I don't know. There's just something off. It's definitely not him." She wasn't going to hear anything else. James got the message and handed the file back to Glenn.

After reading the third file, the result was the same. No luck. Lily couldn't help but feel slightly dejected. James placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, tracing soft circles on her back. No words needed to be exchanged. They would find the right donor eventually, even if it took several meetings. Lily hoped it didn't come to that. She wanted to have their child as soon as possible. She was crossing her fingers that it would be today, but she coudn't hope for something too unrealistic.

"Are we doing something wrong?" asked James. He was wringing his hands frantically, occasionally fiddling with his golden wedding band, twisting it round and round. This particular action was a nervous habit he'd developed after they got married.

"Not at all, James," Glenn reassured. "There is nothing unusual about this."

"I guess."

Glenn gathered up the files and stood. "I'll be back in a few minutes. Sit tight, alright." He left the office, smirking at his little rhyme.

"Are we going to find him?" asked James. His mood kept fluctuating, between overjoyed and deathly worried. "If all the others go like those, then we're going to have a hard time."

"We'll find the one, I'm sure of it. There are hundreds of candidates." She was interrupted by Glenn returning to the office, three more files. She frowned. That was surprisingly quick. She expected it to take at least ten minutes. Then, her rational side kicked in and she realised that he likely already had them selected.

Dr. Hannigan returned with three more files.

"Maybe you'll have some more luck with these ones."

"Hopefully," murmured James.

Glenn handed them the first.

This time, as soon as Lily opened the first one, there was a feeling of...right. The picture was of a handsome man in military dress, with low eyebrows, blond hair and a pointed chin. His name was Steven Rogers. She glanced over at James. He was smiling slightly. They both knew that this was the one. After looking over the file's details their wishes were confirmed. Even though he looked nothing like either of them, there was something about the photo and details that was perfect for them.

"This is the one."

"Are you sure? Do you want to go home and sleep on it? This is a big decision.

Lily glanced at James. He nodded enthusiastically, eyes shining with happiness. "Absolutely."

"Prongs! Firecracker!" Sirius greeted enthusiastically, embracing the two of them tightly. Lily wriggled out of his chokehold, anxiously rubbing her slightly swollen stomach. She was past the point where it looked like she was just a bit thick around the middle. To those who were looking, it was obvious she was pregnant. Sirius was not one of those observant enough to see it, though. After they invited him over, he waltzed in and didn't say anything about it. He would be talking about it soon, though. He was the third person they were telling, after Lily's parents. She was actually a little nervous about how he would respond. James was totally relaxed.

"Don't call me that," she chastised. "You know how much it annoys me."

Sirius playfully grimaced at her. "You sound exactly like McGonagall when you say that."

"Professor McGonagall," Lily half heartedly corrected. Sirius said it at the same time as her. She frowned. "Am I really that predictable?"

"More than you know, Firecracker." He dodged her swatting at him. "Okay, I won't call you that anymore." Lily sent a satisfied smirk his way and pointed to the couch. "Sit."

"Oi, just because I can turn into a dog...oh, it's payback isn't it?"

"Hole in one, Black." She sat down herself, James flopping down next to her. He stretched his unusually long arms out around her. She leaned into the warm embrace.

"So, why am I here?"

"We have something we'd like to ask you," said James. His voice was full of feigned seriousness. Lily noticed that he was hamming it up more than they'd discussed. It was working, despite the fact that he sounded like a cheap knockoff of a James Bond villain. Sirius's face was falling slightly, the playful smirk always on his lips disappearing. "You have to keep quiet about it. We don't want this getting out."

"And if it does," continued Lily, "we won't hesitate to cut ties with you."

"Furthermore, this is a matter of utmost secrecy. So, whatever you answer, you have to keep it a total secret."

"Okay. I'm a bit worried, but carry on." Sirius looked more than a bit worried, his face having gone an ashen grey. On the outside, Lily was deathly serious. On the inside, she was cackling maniacally. For the first time, she managed to trick Sirius into believing something that wasn't true. It was such a hard feat to achieve she was considering making herself a little medal. No, a large, golden trophy, that would be proudly displayed on the mantle, where everyone could see it.

"Would you be our child's godfather?"

"WHAT!" Suddenly, Sirius was sitting next to them, scooping them into an awkward hug. "Of course! How could I ever say no? Oh, this is amazing! Do you know what gender it is? Whatever it is, they're going to be the best prankster. I'll teach it myself. The next generation of the Marauders is beginning. Ow, Lily!" He rubbed his cheek where she'd slapped him. "Come on, you didn't have to do that." James chuckled.

"You will do no such thing." Her glare was coming out in full force. It didn't affect Sirius in the slightest. "And personal space." Reluctantly, Sirius returned to his armchair.

"How long have you been pregnant? Come on, spill all the juicy details." He waggled his eyebrows, revealing exactly what he was thinking about. Lily facepalmed.

"Not the time. And we're just coming up on twenty weeks―oh, wait!" Lily placed a hand on her belly, eyes suddenly shining. "It just kicked! James! Our baby just kicked!" She grabbed James's hand and placed it next to hers. His eyes widened as the baby kicked a second time, before a grin split his face in two.

"Wow," he whispered in disbelief. "That's incredible. I'm going to be a father." A sudden bright flash interrupted their moment. Sirius was standing in front of them, holding a camera he'd pulled from somewhere. Usually, lily would have been mad, but she really didn't mind. That photo was going to become one of her most treasured possessions, she was sure.

"Sirius, get down here." He didn't move. Lily gently look his hand and guided it to her belly. It took a while, but the baby kicked again. A soft smile lit up Sirius' face, and it was then that they knew Sirius was the right choice for godfather. Or, dogfather, as Sirius would go on to insist, turning into Padfoot and winding around their legs until they happily agreed to the (frankly) ridiculous title.

And in that moment, everything was right.

A few months later, Harry James Potter was born with a shock of blond hair and crystal clear blue eyes. Both of his parents immediately fell in love with the adorable baby, who gurgled up at them and was so impossibly fragile. Sirius visited them the day after the birth, being the only one who knew about the sperm bank. Not even Remus or Peter knew. Not telling them was extremely hard, but they were in desperate times. And desperate times called for desperate measures. It wouldn't matter to them, Lily knew. But, they wouldn't know their little Harry as he truly looked for an indeterminable amount of time.

The decision they'd made a few weeks earlier was one of the toughest ones they had ever made, but a few weeks before the birth, James and Lily had decided to placed a complex glamour over Harry, which would last for the duration of the war. The prejudice was at an all time high, with Voldemort's power growing steadily with each passing day. There was already a lot of attention on them, so the last thing they wanted was more. Having a child that looked nothing like either of them would bring that.

A day before Lily performed the spell, they sent a letter off to Glenn Hannigan, containing a sincere message of their total gratitude for what he'd done for them and a picture of little Harry James Potter, before they changed his appearance. The picture was one that Lily and James would keep close to their hearts, hidden, but always there.

And so, it was with great sorrow that Lily performed the spell two days after their son was born. It was complex, long lasting spell that took all of her effort, leaving her exhausted both magically and emotionally. Both her and James had tears slipping down their cheeks as Harry's hair darkened, his skin gained a more tanned appearance and his sparkling little eyes turned into picture perfect replicas of Lily's. His body became slightly taller, similar to how James was as a baby. It hurt them immensely, but one day, they would have their baby boy back as he truly looked. Then, they would reverse the spell and tel Harry the truth about his parentage and appearance, and why they had to disguise him.

But before the war ended and they could reveal the truth, they were murdered, leaving the mystery of his true parenthood to Harry to solve, seventeen years in the future, when Lily's spell finally wore off.

Whoo, boy, this was a long one to write. I thought a little flashback chapter would be nice, and I had a lovely time writing this out. Lily and James are simply wonderful to write. I had fun with the part where Sirius appeared too (it wasn't meant to be in there, but moseyed on in anyway, oops). Then again, where Sirius Black is concerned, he always takes over the page, leading you through fantastic, fun filled paragraphs.

Next chapter is back to Harry, Ron and Gladys.

And, a massive thank you to all you wonderful people who are reading, reviewing and

If you want to, you can join my discord server. Link is below and the server is about everything fanfiction. It's set to never expire, you just have to type it in. I am quite active on there, and am willing to answer any questions you may have about this story or any of my others. If they don't spoil the story, of course. Small hints are another story, though.

//Kb9zJgV

Sincerely,
Mariadoria