"But, Lily." James whined. "You know I hate going to Severus' place! His house elf has a pure utter loathing for me, and I did nothing wrong."
"James, stop being such a baby. We're going. Get over it, now, because he comes over to our place, and he wanted to invite us over to his place."
"Fine, but if Bartholomew tries to bite me again, I'm leaving." James said. Lily rolled her eyes, and promptly left the room, to fix her hair, and put on a bit of makeup. James, curious to where she went, found her and chuckled. "Babe, I don't know why you put on makeup, you really don't need it. You look gorgeous without it." She stopped, her tube of lip gloss halfway to her lips.
"Aww, that was sweet." She said, reaching tiptoe to kiss his jaw. He hunched down so she could reach, then swiftly captured her lips in a kiss. She giggled when he pulled away. "Very smooth, James." He blushed lightly, and smiled. He looked away bashfully. That's one of the things that made Lily fall in love with him all over again; his bashfulness. No matter how alone they were, he always blushed and turned away like a shy little schoolboy. He might have acted cocky and obnoxious at Hogwarts, but once they had dated, Lily had seen a more laconic, intelligent, gentler, and sweeter person than before. Lily found it absolutely adorable when James held open a door, held her hand in public, took her purse when she was trying on some clothes. James treated her as if she were royalty, the same way Lily believed every woman should be treated. Remus certainly treated Dora like that. She wasn't sure about Sirius, because the two were so busy keeping their twins from literally ripping one another's heads off (which James had tried on multiple occasions). Innterupting that train of thought, James wrapped his arms around her waist while she finished applying her makeup.
"So, why are you putting that on again?"
"Because I like it. It's fun to me." She said. "I like feeling a little bit prettier than before."
"Look, honey, you're already the prettiest girl in the world, but that makeup is just making you look like a showoff." He said, kissing her neck. She giggled and blushed.
"Well, aren't we being a sweetheart today." James blushed deeper, grinning bashfully, mixed with a hint of sheepishness.
"Sorry love, I just… I've missed you." He said. "That's why I don't want to go to Severus'." Lily turned to him in confusion, the cap halfway screwed of her mascara. "I've constantly worked or slept for the past three months, I just want to be really selfish for the night, and have you myself." She smiled.
"Well, you're in luck. Dora got you the day off. And it's my day off, too." His face lit up.
"Let's go to Severus', what are we waiting for?" Lily burst out laughing.
Once they arrived at Severus', they were shown into a large family room, where Severus sat, legs crossed, and reading the newspaper.
"Master Snape." Severus looked up at Barney, his house elf.
"Ah, yes, thank you Barney." Severus folded the Daily Prophet and stood up. Lily hugged him and James shook his hand. Although James had started to really get used to the idea, Severus was a bit uncomfortable, because it wasn't in Severus' nature to accept and open up to many people. They sat down, and talked about their day, work, and Severus' latest research project.
"You should get together with Harry; he's doing the same on perfecting the spells he uses."
"Oh?" Severus asked. James nodded, sipping his tea.
"For example, he's using Expelliarmus." Severus rolled his eyes.
"He's got to stop using that one."
"Funny thing, I told him the same thing, and he's refused. He claims it's his trademark spell." James rolled his eyes. "A Sirius expression if I've ever heard one."
"Doesn't Sirius actually have a supposed trademark spell?"
"Or so he says. He claims it was Tallentegra, if I'm not mistaken." He pushed up his glasses. "I'm not sure as to why, but this is Sirius we're talking about." Lily giggled, and then stood up.
"I'll be right back." She said, leaving. The men shrugged, and sipped their tea in silence.
"Enlighten me, will you?" Severus finally piped up. James raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
"Why are you an Auror?' He asked. "I mean, it's not like you two need the money or anything." He blushed, uncomfortable with saying that last part. James crossed his long legs, deliberating that.
"No you're right, we don't." James replied slowly, thinking. "But it's almost my way of…satisfying a hunger I couldn't." Severus raised an eyebrow at him.
"What do you mean by that?" He asked.
"You said so yourself, Severus, the Death Eaters were a bunch of rotten, scumbag people who tried to kill innocent people and Muggles." He went quiet. "Have you ever heard of the Holocaust?"
"Of course, I'm a half blood James; I went to Muggle schools until I was eligible for Hogwarts. Why?"
"Voldemort's reign was a lot like Adolf Hitler's. They persecuted people for their beliefs, their race. Voldemort used his army to torture his victims, not getting his hands dirty. Hitler was the same way. Now, they're intelligent men, hiding everything they've done, but they used that intelligence for all the wrong reasons. They became power hungry, and vicious. Even to the point where Voldemort himself was torturing his victims personally." James stopped to sip his tea.
"But, you've got one problem, James; the Dark Lord's followers were not like some of Hitler's men. A few of his men were kind, compassionate, caring. The Death Eaters weren't." James stopped him before he could go on.
"That's where you're wrong, my friend." James said quietly. "You, for example." Severus blushed, suddenly staring into his teacup. "If you didn't care for my son, we would have lost this war. And Pettigrew, also. He killed himself to repay the debt Harry gave him. He owed Harry his life. And he gave him just that. Now, I'm not entirely suicide was the brightest way of going about it, but it has that basic concept. You were the same. Severus, for sixteen years, I wanted nothing more than to see my son, and to save him from the crap he'd been put through. Now, believe me, when I say I went mad, being cooped up for that long. But, after Lily had her miscarriage, I realized that I could make a difference, bring Harry back sixteen years of a life he never knew. I knew that once day, I could see him again, that I could be with him again. Now, I was also wondering how I could make a huge impact on his life, one that would make him proud. And I wanted to lock away the people that did what they did to Frank and Alice Longbottom that tortured Remus in our seventh year, that belittled my beloved wife and son that had killed people I loved." James was quiet. "The one regret that I have, the one that breaks my heart, is that Harry will never know either my parents, or Lily's."
"Or Jimmy." Severus said quietly, mentioning Lily's youngest brother, who turned out to be a Muggle.
"That last one… Lily thinks she found him."
"She what?"
"Found him. In a Muggle hospital, working as an ER doctor." James said, the word unfamiliar to him. "He wanted to give his life to save others, like Lily did." Severus went quiet.
"I never realized how important your job was to you." He said quietly. James smiled warmly.
"Most don't, not just you, my friend." He said quietly. James rarely referred to people as "my friend." Severus blushed slightly.
"Master Snape?" Barney was standing in the doorway, Lucius and Narcissa in the doorway. James figured he looked just as surprised as he felt. Severus stood up.
"Thank you, Barney. That's all I need for now." Barney left. Severus beckoned for them to sit down, just as Lily walked into the room. She froze in her tracks, and backed away quickly. James looked totally at ease. They had sat down, without noticing her. Severus offered them tea, and refilled James' without him asking. They were talking quietly.
"I wonder where Lily went." James said. Severus rolled his eyes.
"She probably got lost." Severus said.
"I wouldn't be surprised; she does that once in a while." James said, laughing. "Remember the time she got lost in Diagon Alley, and wound up in Knockturn Alley, where she got even more lost?" Severus grinned.
"Vaguely. Wasn't it you and Lupin who were searching for her when you found me, and I found her?" James laughed.
"Something like that. Although, you had Remus, it was an unfair advantage. He picks up peoples scents for literally a mile away without being a werewolf." James said. "Even more in werewolf form."
"Does he? No wonder the Auror's office recruited him." Severus countered. Lucius crossed his legs. Narcissa looked uncomfortable. Lily chose then to walk in.
"Oh, hello love." James said. "You get lost." She slapped James' arm.
"Shut up, I've been here too many times to get lost."
"Well, this is you, Lily." Severus said slyly. She stuck her tongue out at him. "Oh, real mature, Lillian." She rolled her eyes and sat next to James. Lucius turned to Severus.
"We were wondering if you've seen Draco around here." He said. "We haven't seen him sense he picked up Scorpio and all of his stuff."
"That was nearly two weeks ago, wasn't it?" James asked. Lucius nodded. "That's funny, Harry said the same thing. I don't think Hermione said anything about him not being at work."
"He wasn't today. I wrote his secretary and asked. She said he never showed up." That was odd.
"My brother knows him, and hasn't seen them at St. Mungo's."
"Harry would have said something though." Lily piped up. Severus nodded.
"I do recall Harry mentioning Scorpio staying with them for a few days, but I took it as one of those ludicrous children's play dates. Accept, the fact that they were sleeping over." James rolled his eyes.
"Play dates aren't ludicrous, mate, they're popular amongst kids." He countered. "Besides, I don't recall Harry telling us that."
"He told me, you were sleeping." Lily said quietly. "I figured he'd wrote you or something."
"We figured he just needed to get away, clear his head." Narcissa said.
"Honestly, I wouldn't blame him. The kids just been through a vicious custody battle, and a gut wrenching divorce." James replied to her comment. Narcissa nodded.
"I have to agree there. He'll come around." Severus said. "It's Draco, all he does is talk to people."
"But if nobody's seen him?" James asked. "I have to agree, that's a bit fishy" Severus went to open his mouth, when an owl swooped in. It landed on Severus' shoulder. He pulled the letter off it's leg. It nipped Severus' ear affectionately, then flew off, landing on a nearby perch, where it sipped some water and immediately dozed off. Severus relaxed as he read the letter.
"It's Draco. He said not to worry; he's taken a few days to clear his head. Scorpio was supposed to stay with Harry anyway. And his location is disclosed, he won't even tell me."
"As long as he's all right." Lucius stood. "Sorry for intruding, we'll be going-"
"I insist you stay." Severus said. James uncrossed and recrossed his legs, looking totally relaxed. Lily looked uncomfortable. Narcissa looked incredulous. Lucius astonished. James sipped his tea.
"Well, I… if you're sure, Severus." He slowly sat down. James adjusted his tie. He caught the paper resting across the coffee table at an angle. James picked it up.
"You mind if I read this?"
"By all means." He said. James scanned the front page, sipping his tea, while the others made awkward chat. Suddenly, James began grinning from ear to ear.
"What?" Lily asked, looking confused.
"Look." James laid the newspaper down, and read out loud:
TALES OF THE CHOSEN ONE
Harry James Potter, the young man who has been reunited with his seemingly dead parents, was questioned today by our own reported Alexandra Simmons, about the discovery.
Alexis: So, what was it like to find that your parents were hidden from you?
Harry: Well, at first, really confusing, because I was like 'all right, if you didn't die saving my life, then who did?' My dad was like 'oh, some neighbors who looked like us to scary degrees, and doted on you like you were a nephew or something. They offered their lives for you to Dumbledore, they wanted you to be with us forever.' So, in the end, it's those two I have to be my lives to give.
Alexis: What was it like, growing up as a Muggle?
Harry: Well, seeing as I wasn't aware of what I am, I figured it was normal, to drive in cars, and go to regular schools, and be chased by bullies.
Alexis: Bullies?
Harry: Yeah, I was small for my age, and quite thin. And my cousin and I never got along, so he punched me in the face a lot. My glasses were taped together, and I wound up with kids picking on me, and chasing me. It was weird though, because, before I found out I'm a wizard, weird stuff would happen.
Alexis: Like what?
Harry: Well, for starters, I turned a teacher's hair blue, and wound up on the roof of the school. I made glass disappear as an exhibit in the zoo, so my cousin wound up falling into the python's habitat, and the python escaped. It was really strange. My aunt and uncle were afraid of what I could do, knowing the full story. So they tried to make me seem normal.
Alexis: How so?
Harry: Well, for starters, I was told that my parents died in a car crash. I figured that made sense, because there are lights that turn green. They tell you when to go, and I figured that's what I remembered. Only after I first saw the Cruciatus Curse did I totally realize what I had seen and remembered.
Alexis: So, would you say that you've had a rough childhood?
Harry: Well, it was at first, because I was a target for bullying, definitely, but after a while, things smoothed out, and people left me alone. Especially my relatives, they couldn't recognize a spell incantation if it was right in front of them, stark naked doing the can-can, so I had a bit of fun messing with them. But I definitely appreciate everything they did for me, even if they were a bit reluctant.
Alexis: reluctant?
Harry: Well, for starters, they hated magic. And, my Aunt Petunia, my mum's older sister, hated my mother, for inexplicable reasons. So I was seen as guilty by association. And, because of Severus Snape's rivalry with Sirius Black and my father, there were preconceived notions there too.
Alexis: So, did you ever ask him to stop? Tell Dumbledore?
Harry: Honestly, I never thought of doing that. I must have my dad's strong will or something, because I figured there was no reason I couldn't fight my own battles.
Alexis: That's good, because, I've met your father, and he's got a lot of good qualities that you seem to posses. Now, tell me, what happened between you and Severus Snape? Did you two ever talk about your bad past, or anything else like that?
Harry: Um…. Well, the thing with Severus, is he saved my life. He really doesn't owe me any explanations, and honestly? I could care less, because I figured out the troublemaker my father was, and how his friends acted. They weren't nice to him, and he sometimes deserved it, but in the end, things were, last I saw my parents, working out between at least my father and Severus. There was a time, I guess, where mum stopped speaking to Severus, and I hadn't realized that. But they made up, and my dad had an epiphany a few years back. After my mother was faced with a tragic miscarriage, my dad changed a lot. And mum says he's been a much better person, making time for his friends more than ever, and really respecting the people mum and I talk to.
Alexis: So, what do you see in you, that matches a lot of your father's qualities?
Harry: Well, for starters, I think he seems to be a great dad. I have a little sister, named Jamie, and she adores him, so he must be good. And, I like to think that I'm a good father. I mean, my oldest has this fascination for learning and he talks constantly. But he's otherwise a good kid. I mean, my kids come running screaming 'daddy' every time I walk in the door, so they must love me. And I see the way he looks at mum. He adores everything about her.
Alexis: Any examples?
Harry: Well, just the other day, I was visiting them with my kids, and he was on the floor, playing with my kids. Out of nowhere, he stands up, and walks over to where mum and I are sitting on the couch, kisses her on the forehead, and walks away like nothing happened. And, they hold hands everywhere. Once, my son, Charlus, asks 'Grandpa, why do you kiss Grandma so much, and old her hand?' My dad's only response was to look across the room, full of his Auror friends, look her straight in the eye, and said proudly 'Because I love her. And I always will.'
Alexis: So, are you and Cho like that?
Harry: I would like to think so, yes, but it isn't a perfect relationship. I mean, we have our arguments, but it's not like we can't work through them. I've done the same for her, only a bit more discreet. Because I think that the more personal stuff you do for your significant other of sorts, is what really makes the relationship special. I mean, Cho and I got into an argument last night, and we went to bed angry at each other. I had fallen asleep on the couch doing my reports because I couldn't sleep, right? Well, that morning, I made her some toast in the shape of a heart, took care of the kids, and came here, because I knew she needed some time to think. That's what she does when she's angry with me, think about it all. And she's always got the better solutions, so it works out. I love her to pieces for it. She's one of the few people who have made my recovery after the war so much easier to handle. She's been a saint, holding me, dealing with the nightmares, and crying for me when nobody else truly understood.
Alexis: We're out of time. Anybody you'd like to make a shout out too? I know it's not usual, but it seems like you have a lot of people you could really give a good message to.
Harry: Sure. To my parents, who are amazing. To Jamie, for being the greatest kid ever. Severus, who really understands it all. For my precious kids, and their adorable, crooked little grins from those insanely clever pranks they've begun pulling (thanks dad). To Draco, for helping smooth some finer details with the Death Eater investigations. To Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna, Neville, Dean, Seamus, and anybody else that I knew at Hogwarts. The Weasley's for caring for me. To Amie and Jason Carsen, for going through what they did, and for Remus and Dora Lupin for keeping them safe. Sirius and Scarlet Black, keep an eye on those twins of yours! But finally, this one's for my beloved Cho. Honey, I messed up last night, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean it, I swear. If you're still upset, that's okay, I understand. Just, know that I never meant to hurt you. I love you.
Alexis: Well, that was certainly sweet, now wasn't it? (Harry blushes and laughs) Well, thank you so much.
Harry: No, thank you. It's always a pleasure to find reporter's who aren't harassing my family.
Harry also has noted that he is happy to announce his new signing with the Chudley Cannons and he is permanently quitting his position as an Auror. Congratulations, Mr. Potter! (A/N Sorry for all the italics, I know that gets really annoying, but I was trying to make it easier to distinguish. If you've got better ideas, please, let me know, because I would love the help.)
James leaned back in his seat.
"Well, aren't you a proud father?" Lily asked.
"Of course I am." James said smugly. Severus looked at them.
"What happened to Jamie?"
"Oh, she's at Remus' place, until we get home. She wanted to play chess with Jason again." James pushed up his glasses.
"Master Snape, dinner is ready" Barney said.
"All right, thank you Barney." The group stood and went into the dining room, to enjoy a nice meal. In the middle of dinner, a letter came in for Severus, in neat, thin handwriting.
Severus opened the letter, read through it, and closed it, putting it in an inner pocket.
"Looks like they found a new Transfiguration Teacher."
"Who?" Severus smiled slightly, and took a bite from his food.
Sorry for the cliffhanger here, trying to leave room for more chapters, I really want this to last longer than it seems like it. Well, I hope that you all enjoy this, and please, review these chapters! Spread this to your friends! And, check out my account on , and review my chapter there. The link is on my profile. And, in the word's of Carlton Banks "Let's make like a tree, and leaf!"