A/N: Sorry that this chapter took so long to get out! I'm back at work finally after two and a half months of furlough so I haven't been able have time to myself to work on my writing fanfiction or my original work. Once I get used to being back hopefully I can get a set schedule going.

Hannah put her hands out in front of her. "Sirius you need to calm down a second." She said inching towards her boyfriend. Or the father of her son.

"W-W-What did you say just now?" He sputtered stepping back. "To Hermione?"

Hermione looked between the two and decided this wasn't the right place for her to be right now. "I'll take the snacks outside." She said quickly and picked up the platter making her way to the backyard as fast as her legs could carry her.

"You said I'm John's father?" Sirius said again.

Hannah sighed. "Sirius you have to understand that I-"

"Is it true?" He said firmly his momentary surprise still there, but he needed to take control of this situation. He wanted answers.

"Sirius-"

"Hannah." He said moving towards her. He had a pleading look on his face. "Please. Be honest with me. Is it true? Is he my son?" After a momentary hesitation she nodded. "Fuck." He rubbed his head before falling into the seat behind him. "Talk about a messed-up day."

"Sirius I'm so sorry for not telling you." She said sitting down next to him. "When I found out I was pregnant you were already in Azkaban. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't go to Joseph with this. He would've killed John before he was even out of the womb. You know he would have."

Sirius nodded. "Babe you did the right thing." He said to her satisfaction. "Why didn't you tell me though when we moved in together? That would've been nice to know."

She decided humor was her best option to attempt to disarm the situation. "What was I supposed to say? "Hey ex-convict boyfriend of mine turns out that you have a fifteen-year-old son that I've been passing off as an Irish lunatic's since he was born?" I'm not sure how well that would've gone over."

Sirius snorted. "Maybe not in those exact words." He agreed. "But really Hannah…"

"I didn't know how to Sirius." She admitted. "This is a sticky situation. I don't even know how to tell John."

"He doesn't know?" Sirius looked at her. She shook her head. "Well bloody hell Hannah this is going to be worse on him than it is on me. He had to live with that bastard for what was it nine years?"

Her heart dropped into her stomach and a tear ran down her face. "Don't remind me." She said her voice breaking. "It was me who put him through that."

Shit. That wasn't what he had been trying to do. "Hey." He said putting his arm around her and pulling her close. "I'm sorry. That's not what I meant."

"But it's true." She said burying her head into his shoulder. "I let him live with that monster who did nothing but abuse him. And I just let it happen." The first time that Joseph had used the Cruciates Curse on John, she hadn't been able to lift a damn finger. The bloody marriage contract that the families had drawn up had guaranteed her husband absolute power over her and the household. So, she had to watch night after night as that piece of human debris hurt her son. Through the Torture Curse or through the Muggle way, he always found a way to hurt him. But one day when John was seven, she felt different. Like some sort of power had been lifted from her. Suddenly she didn't feel compelled to follow every single order that her husband gave her.

She started slow by going outside of the manor without permission from Joseph. When she was able to do that, she wrote Gringotts discreetly and asked them about her marriage contract.

It had been declared null and void. One of the stipulations said that she needed to father a child with her husband in the first seven years of the marriage. Legally, Joseph had claimed John as his own, but the magic never lied, and John didn't share his magic.

That very day she took her son and went to her brother who immediately took her in feeding him some cock and bull story about how Joseph had left her for another woman. She wouldn't tell him about the abuse that Joseph had done to her son. Mainly because Daniel would've killed the man outright that same day. And that was her goal. For the past eight years she had been formulating ways to kill the bloody bastard. Now that they were at war this just got a lot simpler. Killing him would just be seen as one less Death Eater instead of murder.

Sirius flicked his wrist and out came his wand. Must've been one of those new wrist holsters that many Aurors used but Hannah was still confused. What was her boyfriend doing?

"I, Sirius Orion Black, hereby do swear on my magic, that before I'm put into the ground that I will kill Joseph Duffy for the abuse towards my son. So mote will it be." A light shot from the tip of the wand and surrounded Sirius binding his oath in magic.

"Sirius!" She drew back. "What did you just do?"

"Made it official." He grunted. "I'm going to kill that fucker. Nobody harms my family."

"Sirius." She said softly. "I appreciate what you're trying to do but you shouldn't have done that. What if someone else kills him? You'll lose your magic."

Sirius shook his head. "I'll only lose my magic if I let the bastard live when I have him on his knees and I don't plan on being merciful." He got to his feet. "It's done Hannah."

She shouldn't have been so surprised. This was the kind of man that Sirius was. He had tried to kill Pettigrew for killing James, a man he thought of as a brother. The fact that Duffy had harmed his son? She would be shocked if there was anything left of the man after Sirius was done with him. "You're going to be a good father." She said suddenly.

"Because I said I'd kill a man?" He was confused.

"Because you're protecting your son." She said. "He'll love you."

"Only if he knows the truth." Sirius pointed out. "When are you going to tell him?"

"When are WE going to tell him?" She asked. "You're his father remember? You should be there as well."

He shook his head. "And you're his mother. It's better to come from the woman who raised him. I'll support you when you do it. I swear I will, but you need to be the one to tell him."

Finally, she nodded. "As long as you're there with me." She kissed him on the cheek.

There came a fake retching from the doorway as the door to the backyard opened. They looked up to see her- their son. "Bloody hell." He shook his head, but he couldn't help the smile on his face. He was just glad his mother was happy. "Tori sent me to find you Black. She's waiting on the broom."

"Be right out lad." He smiled at John who shrugged and then saw the brooms on the ground.

"If those are them, I can just take them out now." John said walking over and picking up the two brooms. "Thanks for letting us use them by the way. Tori will be thrilled." He slapped Sirius on the back before leaving the two behind.

"Should we have told him then?" Sirius asked.

Hannah shook her head. "One unveiling is enough for the day. We'll tell him I promise. Before the end of the summer."

Sirius nodded and sighed. "I have a son." He shook his head. "I never thought I'd say that."

"You never wanted children?" She asked.

"I always did." He shrugged. "A family. A beautiful wife." He looked towards her.

She snorted. "Was that your idea of a proposal?" She warned him.

"Don't worry love." He grinned. "When I do propose, I'm going to do it right."

"What took so long?" Astoria asked as her cousin came out to the backyard with a pair of brooms.

He shrugged. "Sirius was putting the moves on my mother." He shivered.

Harry landed right next to the porch where most everyone was sitting. "Were they shagging?" Harry said quietly to his friend.

"Don't put that in my head!" John hissed at him.

"What do you think that banging sound was above us the day you moved in?" Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Mum said it was a boggart." John glared.

"Boggart." Harry emphasized that with air quotes. "That must be what the ki-"

Astoria silenced him with a slap on his shoulder. "I don't need to hear about my aunt shagging her boyfriend." Her eyes narrowed. "Don't make me get Daphne down here."

That silenced Harry. "They weren't shagging!" John was trying to tell this to himself more than anyone at this point.

Astoria smiled sweetly. "If you say so Johnny."

"I need some damn lemonade." John barked and then all but stomped up the steps of the porch.

"What's got your panties in a bunch?" Daphne asked from her place by Hermione.

"Nothing." He said simply filling a glass and taking the open seat by Hermione who laid her head against his shoulder. "You alright love? You seem a little strange."

"I'm fine." She forced a smile as she lied to him. She had sworn to Hannah that she wouldn't tell John. As much as it pained her to keep this from her boyfriend, she couldn't betray Hannah's trust.

"I was just telling Hermione that we should go out on a group date on Thursday. What do you think?" Daphne asked.

John shrugged. "Sounds fun." Not like he had much of a choice. From the way it sounded the two had already planned the entire thing.

"Harry!" The boy turned to look at his girlfriend. "We're going out with John and Hermione on Thursday!"

"What if I'm busy?" He asked.

"Mate we live in the same house. I know all you have this week is that Quidditch practice and that's on Wednesday." John called back. "Plus, if I have to go then you have to."

"What do you mean have to go?" Hermione challenged raising an eyebrow.

"I meant get to go." He said quickly. "I misspoke."

"Clever lad." Daniel snorted.

"And you're coming to dinner for sure tomorrow, right?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world." He smiled kissing her on the forehead. "I'm excited to try your mum's cooking."

Hermione grimaced. "Since we're having steak, you best hope that it's my dad cooking. My mum will probably make mashed potatoes to go along with it."

John shrugged. "They could make anything, and I'll be okay with it." As nervous as he was, it'd be nice to finally talk to Hermione's father.

And hopefully not piss himself.

Harry got up that Wednesday morning trying not to wake anyone. It was just a bit past five in the morning and the entire house was fast asleep. He shouldered his Firebolt and started to walk towards the staircase.

Suddenly the door to John's bedroom open and out came the boy who was rubbing sleep from his eyes. "The hell you doing up this early Potter? We don't have to go running for another hour."

"I have that Quidditch practice remember?" Harry said.

John yawned as he scratched his head. "Forgot sorry. Where is it at again?"

"Not sure." Harry responded. "Letter they sent me is supposed to be the Portkey." It was still strange that they weren't giving him an exact location. He would ask Joe about that when he saw him.

"Alright well give em hell." John said. "I'll see you when you get back."

"Have you heard from the Irish?" Harry asked before his friend could close the door. "About your workout?"

John nodded groggily. "I go in tomorrow. Training facility is someplace just north of Galway."

"You feel ready?" It had been a bit of a struggle getting used to flying with only one eye, but John had been steadily improving since the accident.

John shrugged. "Guess we'll see tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens." Harry could tell that the other boy was nervous he just didn't want to show it.

"Well get your sleep." Harry turned and then remembered one last thing. "Oh, by the way how did dinner go at Hermione's parents? I never asked."

"Went pretty well. Matthew and I both bonded over football. Apparently, we're both MU fans. Talked to Mum and Sirius. Grangers are going to come over sometime next week."

Harry nodded. "That's good mate. Glad it worked out."

"Me too." John grinned and then yawned again. "Alright time for you to piss off. I'm going back to sleep."

Harry rolled his eyes but bid his friend goodbye and made his way down to the kitchen where he started to make breakfast. As he was making his eggs, he noticed a note just next to the stove.

Pup,

Show those bastards how an all-star plays. Your parents would be so proud of you and so am I.

Hope it goes great

Padfoot

Harry smiled as he read the note. He knew that Sirius would never be a father to him, but he was glad to have the man in his life regardless.

About ten minutes later and eating his breakfast in total silence, the parchment that had been sent to him began to buzz and glow. He sighed. Here we go.

He touched it and instantly felt the familiar tug on his navel as he was ripped through space.

Thank God all he did was stumble this time as he reappeared. He was getting better at this. Not a pro but better.

Instantly he smelled the country air. He looked around and all he saw was miles and miles of open fields. Where was the training center?

"Potter!" A voice came from behind him. He turned and saw Joe, but he also found what he was looking for. He saw a stadium that wasn't as large as where the World Cup had been held last summer but put the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch to shame. The training center. Walking towards him was his new coach Joe Smith. "Glad you could make it boyo."

"Glad to be here Joe." He accepted the handshake that the man offered. Even in the morning light the stadium looked great. "Where are we exactly?"

"Just west of Aldeburgh." Joe answered. "Sorry for all the secrecy but the brass likes to keep things like this close to the chest."

"You ready to meet the rest of the team?" Harry nodded. "Let's get going."

Joe led Harry into the training facility. It was smaller than it looked on the inside leaving most of the stadium for the actual pitch. There was a weight room, a room where the team could gather to discuss strategy, showers, and also living quarters where the team could sleep if need be.

"Through here." Joe nodded. He had taken Harry through a door and now they were walking up a dark tunnel. Judging from the light at the end of it, it most likely led out to the pitch.

Harry's assumptions were proven correct seconds later. There wasn't enough natural light for it to illuminate the entire stadium but there were lanterns scattered throughout. They reminded him of the Great Hall lanterns.

The pitch was incredible but not anything he hadn't seen before. There were only a few seats around for spectators. This building centered around the pitch and not much else.

Already waiting for him in full uniform were his teammates. Some of them were already dressed in uniforms but most of them were wearing hoodies with the English flag on them. They all seemed to be around Harry's age.

"Alright you lot." Joe announced to them as he led Harry to the others. "Meet our newest addition, Harry Potter." He saw a few of them glance at his forehead but he didn't react. He was used to it by this point. "Since Linus got moved up to the big boys, that means we have an open Seeker position. Jacobs, where are you?" A dark skinned boy stepped forward. He was tall and lean. He had a goatee forming on his face. "You're going to be going up against Potter for the open spot savvy?"

Jacobs shrugged. "Sure." He looked over at Harry and looked him up and down. "Let's see if you're not just a big name." He didn't say this in an unfriendly manner, but there was definitely an edge in his voice. Harry locked eyes with the boy. He wasn't here to step on any toes. He was here to help win games.

"Alright Jacobs." Joe rolled his eyes. "Both of you go get dressed. Potter, your uniform is in the locker rooms. Lin, make sure he finds it okay." A tall Asian boy nodded and stepped forward.

"Michael Lin." He said introducing himself. Harry shook his offered hand. "Chaser and Captain."

"Harry Potter." He responded.

"Don't worry about Jacobs. He's only taking the piss." Lin grinned. "He's an okay bloke once you get to know him."

"Saw you play at that tournament this year Potter." Lin said as he led Harry towards the locker room. "You know how to fly. And beating Krum out for the Snitch? Not bad."

Harry shrugged. "I really just got the jump on him. He just got cocky."

"Still, you know how to fly." Lin wrinkled his nose. "Nasty business that. Him and the rest of team getting caught like that. I knew some of those guys. They didn't seem like the type."

They weren't, Harry wanted to tell him. Harry's girlfriend was just very clever. "They were nasty blokes. They jumped one of my teammates after our match with them."

"The Duffy boy?" Harry nodded. "Heard about his injury. Hope he can play. Accidents like that are awful."

John had told people how he received his bad eye was he took a Quaffle there while it was still healing. Better than telling them that he had been savagely beaten by his father. "Did they get you as well?" Lin asked. "Looks like you took some hits yourself."

Harry shook his head. "Separate incident." Some of his scars had faded over the past month or so but the one that ran from his nose to his chin still stood out from the rest.

"Hope you gave the bastard good as you got."

"Not enough." Harry responded holding his tongue.

They walked back into the tunnel but instead of walking back in the door to the rest of the stadium, Lin opened up another one. Inside were about ten lockers and a long communal shower. Jacobs was already changing inside. "Here it is." Lin said. "Joe left your uniform over there on the bench. Dress up and meet back outside." Harry nodded and Lin left him and Jacobs alone.

"Nice looking Firebolt you got there Potter." Jacobs commented as he finished dressing.

"Thanks." Harry replied. He wasn't sure how to feel about the other boy yet. He hadn't treated Harry with hostility, but he sure hadn't been friendly.

"I've always wanted a Firebolt." Jacobs continued. "My Nimbus 2001 has always been kind to me but that Firebolt sure is a beauty."

"I had a Nimbus 2000 before my Firebolt. It was a great broom, but it just didn't have that maneuverability like my Firebolt."

Jacobs nodded. "I'll see you out there Potter. May the best Seeker win." With that he left leaving Harry to dress in silence.

After he was done, he sighed heavily. Here it was. If he wanted to play professionally after Hogwarts it would all start here. Time to prove himself.

"Jersey looks good on you Potter." Smith commented after Harry joined him and Jacobs at the center of the pitch. The rest of the team were now in the few seats that they had available so they could watch the little competition. "Alright Jacobs you know the drill. Potter, we'll be running a few drills. They're pretty simple so they shouldn't take too long. Whoever does the best is our starting Seeker and the other is our backup."

"First off you lads need to be agile. We're going to be testing your hand-eye coordination. Let's take to the skies boys." With that he mounted his broom and floated off the ground, Jacobs and Harry following behind him. Smith pulled something out of his pocket. "Alright gentlemen, think fast."

He chucked something towards Harry and the younger boy although surprised was able to catch it without it hitting him in the face. "Quick hands I like it." He did the same to Jacobs who caught it with ease. "Simple enough. Now there's going to be a few objects thrown at you. You're going to have to separate the Snitch. Savvy?" The boys both nodded. "LAUNCH!"

From somewhere in the stadium a small boom was heard. "LOOK ALIVE BOYS!" Harry looked up and his eyes went wide. Hurtling towards them was a small cloud of objects. Bludgers, rocks, paper balls, and a few more items that Harry couldn't identify. Where was the Snitch? At his side, instead of being surprised at the cloud of objects Jacobs shot towards it with his hand outstretched. He took a couple of hits from the objects including a Bludger in the arm, but he came away with a grin on his face. "I believe this is yours." He flew by Joe and threw a Snitch to him.

"Good job Jacobs." Joe nodded and then looked to Harry. "You have to see through the cloud boyo. Truly see your target and then go get it. Savvy?"

Harry nodded. "It just took me by surprise is all. It won't happen again."

"Next exercise is going to test your dodging ability." Smith drew his wand and with a flick of his wrist, a flock of Bludgers shot up into a circle around him. "Goal is to get to one end of the pitch to the other. Simple enough?"

Harry knew it wasn't. It wasn't simple in an actual game and would be even more difficult with about six Bludgers coming after him. The two boys flew down towards the opposite end of the pitch. "EVERYBODY READY?" Smith boomed.

"READY!" They shouted.

With a flick of Smith's wand, the Bludgers and the boys were off. Three on Jacobs and three on Harry. Harry immediately had to do a barrel roll to avoid a Bludger and dropped his head down when one came shooting towards his head. It was a maelstrom out here. This reminded him of when Dobby's Bludger wouldn't leave him be.

They had it made it to the halfway point when Harry heard the cry of pain. He risked a look to his left and saw Jacobs slow up. A Bludger had taken him in his left shoulder. Harry pushed further into his Firebolt. He was almost there. He could taste it.

Just as he zoomed by Joe, Harry had to duck his head as a Bludger came racing by. It would've knocked him out cold.

"FINITE!" Joe yelled out and the Bludgers ceased their murderous rampage falling to the dirt. "You okay Jacobs?"

"I'm fine." The other boy barked. He wasn't. His left shoulder looked as if it had been dislocated. "Next challenge."

Joe raised an eyebrow. "We can get a med wizard out here to take a look at that son."

"I'm a righty Joe." Jacobs grimaced in pain. "Won't be an issue. Next challenge."

Joe sighed but nodded. "Next is simple: catch the Snitch." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a Snitch that immediately took off. "What are you two waiting on? Go get the bloody thing."

Jacobs grunted in pain but tore after the thing with Harry at his side. The Snitch whizzed back and forth as it led them towards their teammates. Harry saw the looks of fear on some of their faces as he barely avoided them, the Snitch shooting right taking the two Seekers with it.

"Give up Potter." Jacobs yelled to the other boy as they zoomed after the thing. "It's mine."

Harry ignored him as he pressed harder and harder into his broom. Ahead of them the Snitch was drawing them towards a wall. And it wasn't slowing down so neither were they.

"PULL UP YOU BLOODY BASTARDS!" Smith cried out but both boys acted as if they hadn't heard him. They were almost at the wall.

"SHIT!" Jacobs yelled and then broke off from the pursuit. When Harry got close enough, he snatched the Snitch out of the air and pulled up. He actually grazed the wall as he went by. He held his prize up in triumph as he shot towards the center of the pitch.

"Do you have a death wish son?" Smith barked at him as Harry joined up with him and Jacobs. Jacobs had an unreadable look on his face.

Harry only shrugged. "You said catch the Snitch, so I caught the Snitch." He said simply throwing the Snitch to his coach who only sighed and shook his head.

"Crazy bastard." Joe muttered under his breath. "I did say that."

"Your play speaks for itself Potter. I'd love to have you as our starter."

Harry grinned. "It would be my pleasure."

"Well done Potter." Jacobs extended a hand which Harry accepted. "Guess you're not just a name after all." His smirk was back but Harry could tell it was all in good fun. "Welcome to the team."

"Oi Harry you almost ready?" John poked his head out his door. "We need to leave soon."

"Yeah, I'll be out in a second." Harry called back.

"Come on I don't got all night." John groaned.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Wanker." He mumbled.

"I heard that!"

Tonight, was their little group date with Hermione and Daphne. Harry's girlfriend would be joining them by floo, and they would then drive to Hermione's to pick her up. Apparently, Sirius had rented a limo for the night and had insisted on driving it himself. Harry was a tad bit afraid. Where had his Godfather learned how to drive? This night would be interesting.

Suddenly the door thundered open. "I said I don't got all night Potter!" Duffy yelled as he sauntered in.

Harry quickly covered himself. "Oi! I'm changing."

John raised an eyebrow. "You forget that we're athletes. We've also showered together in the locker room before. I've seen your small pecker before."

Harry rolled his eyes as he pulled on his boxers. "Are you really sure we should have Sirius drive tonight?"

"Why not? Merlin knows I can't work that thing sooo me thinks Black is our only option."

"Why do you call him Black? Why not Sirius?" Harry asked as he put on his pants. He was wearing a red polo with cargo shorts. Nothing too fancy but still was dressed for the occasion.

John shrugged. "Why not? Besides I'm not close with him like you are. He hasn't corrected me either, so I don't think he minds." He was wearing a flimsy green quarter zip with a pair of blue jeans. He had finally trimmed his hair down, but the mullet was still noticeable. Harry had cut his altogether.

"Guess I've just always called him Sirius. I don't think he would care but you do whatever."

"John! Harry!" Hannah called from downstairs. "Daphne is here!"

"Best get going." John grinned. "Our evening awaits."

Harry followed after him and clapped him on the back. "An evening of celebrating my friend making the Irish U-17 Squad." John's practice had been a success. Sirius had gone with him and from the way his Godfather had described it, John hadn't missed a single shot. He started training every other day with the team next week as did Harry.

John smirked back at him. "I wouldn't get too excited Potter. We play you the first match. They just released the schedule."

"Great! You get to see me catch the Sni-"

"Oi!" Daphne snapped at the two as they entered the foyer. "If I hear you trash talking each other tonight, I'm going to slap you both upside your head."

Harry had to step back a bit. Not from her words but the way she looked. She was wearing a green sundress that accentuated her curves nicely. She was also wearing a very pretty necklace that lit up. It went from grey to red in about an instant.

"What?" She asked confused noticing her boyfriend staring. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No." Harry responded and then stepped closer capturing her lips with his on. "Now you do." He whispered as he drew back leaving her to blush.

John snorted. "Smooth Harry very smooth."

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Should I slap you upside the head now perhaps?"

"Not necessary." He shifted uncomfortably. "Shall we get going."

"How are we getting to Hermione's again?" Daphne asked. "Harry wasn't very clear."

"Why me of course!" In came Sirius and Harry couldn't help his laughter. His Godfather was wearing a black coat, black pants and a black top hat. Hannah shook her head in exasperation.

"You look ridiculous I hope you realize that." She groaned as she shook her head

"Ridiculously handsome?" He asked.

"No…" She responded.

"So…you're driving us?" Daphne asked with a touch of trepidation in her voice. When Harry had said they would be taking a limo, she figured that he had been kidding.

"Well not quite." Sirius admitted. "The car basically drives itself…actually with the spell I just learned, it will drive itself. I just need to be in the front seat."

"Oh thank Merlin." John muttered.

Sirius looked aghast. "I know how to drive!"

"I'm sure you do Sirius." Harry patted his Godfather on the back.

"I do! Your mum was teaching me."

"Key words being was and teaching." Daphne commented.

"Just get in the bloody limo." He grumbled.

"Remember Daphne." Hannah said looking up from her book by the fireplace. "Your father expects you back by eleven o'clock tonight. We'll floo you back don't worry." Daphne nodded. "Alright then have fun you three. Let Hermione know I said hello."

"TO THE LIMO WE GO!" Sirius said excitedly running to the car with three nervous teens behind him.

"Hermione, it looks like there's a limousine outside." Emma said from by the window.

"Really?" Matthew asked looking away from the telly. "Are you sure?"

Emma rolled her eyes. "I think I know a limo when I see one Matthew." Her husband joined her at the window and saw that his was right.

"Bloody hell." He remarked. "Hermione, is that Duffy boy rich or something?"

Hermione came down the stairs. She was wearing a plain pink sundress and only a touch of makeup. "It's probably Harry's godfather. He's rather wealthy."

"Sirius Black?" Matthew asked. "And Harry lives with him? John as well?"

"His mother is dating Sirius." Hermione replied.

Matthew nodded. "Well have a nice time sweetheart. Make sure you're home before ten thirty."

"I will daddy." She gave him a kiss on the cheek and her mother a hug.

"Bye sweetheart." Her mother said as she walked out of the house.

"Hello love." John said as he stepped out of the limo holding her door open. "Your cha-"Before he could finish she had her arms around his neck and started kissing him.

"I'm so proud of you." She smiled. "I knew you could do it."

He grinned. "Thank you." He pulled her close and just let himself rest in that moment. He had just been named to his country's junior Quidditch team after the adult team had won the World Cup the year before. And not only that he had a beautiful witch by his side. Life was great.

"You two coming?" Harry asked from inside the limo. "We have dinner in a half hour and then we're going to a movie afterwards." Hermione got into the limo and treated Harry with a glare. "What? Sorry I just really want to get on the roa-"

"You never wrote me how your workout went." Her glare continued. "John had to tell me."

He tried so hard to melt back into his seat and then looked to Daphne who offered him no sympathy. This was an argument between siblings. "Sorry Hermione." He said sincerely. "I just have a lot on my plate what with the World Cup, Dumbledore's training-"

This culled Hermione. "When is that supposed to start for us?" Her, Daphne, and John had all tuned in.

"He hasn't told me everything." Harry answered. "He's actually told me precious little. But supposedly it's supposed to start next week. He's trying to work around my Quidditch schedule." That they could understand. Harry was the one who the training had originally been offered to. "I've already written Fleur. She's actually planning on being in England this summer anyway. Apparently, she's trying to work at Gringotts."

"I didn't know you'd been writing her." Daphne said in a tone that showed how much she cared for the older girl. She knew it hadn't been Fleur's fault but almost every boy in the castle had fallen over themselves while trying to impress the Veela and it had disgusted Daphne to no extent.

Harry nodded. "Yeah her and Cedric. I've written to Neville. He said he'd tell Tracey. Are you able to tell Blaise and he can tell Susan? The only reason I didn't tell any of you is because it's all very recent and I knew I'd see you all tonight." He said quickly before either two girls asked him why they hadn't been the first to know.

"I've also talked to Dumbledore and we've agreed that you all will be training in the Black Family Training Room." Sirius called from the front as he rolled the divider down.

"Oh hello Sirius." Hermione blinked. "What are you doing up there?"

"Isn't it obvious?" He asked. "I'm your driver for the evening. Strap in boys and girls, we're off to dinner."

"Wait wha-" Hermione started before the limo took off.

After dinner they had just told Sirius they'd rather take a cab to the movie to the man's disappointment. The spell that he had used wasn't the worst thing in the world, but they'd still rather have an actual driver.

"So what's this movie called again?" Harry asked John as they walked into the theatre lobby. His friend had been the one to pick it after all.

"Tommy Boy." John grinned. "Matthew was telling me about it when I was over for dinner. He read about it in the paper."

"Daddy does like movies." Hermione commented. "He and a friend saw this last week and said it was very funny."

"Well I'm excited fo-" Daphne began.

"Hey Potter!" A boy that looked like a rat called over to him. After a moment of hesitation recognition appeared on Harry's face.

"Do you know him Harry?" Hermione whispered. She didn't like the look of this boy. He had an unfriendly aura about him.

Harry nodded. "His name is Piers. He is- was a friend of my cousins."

"Potter." The boy repeated walking over. Behind him there were two large brutish looking boys. "Thought that was you."

"Piers." Harry said dismissively to the other boy who had grown up and helped make Harry's life a living hell.

"I'm sure you heard about Big D." Piers said. "They said you were the Number One suspect after all."

"Already cleared that up with the police." Harry said gruffly. "I was at my Godfather's in London."

Piers snorted. "You have a Godfather? Why were you living with Dudley then? Or did he not want you?"

"What are you doing here Piers?" Harry's fists were shaking. Daphne put a hand on his shoulder and squeezing trying to calm him. It didn't work.

"Me and the boys decided to take a trip up here to clear our minds." Piers responded. "Dudley was a friend. But now that we found you, I think it's time for some payback."

"Listen here." John stepped forward. "You got a problem with Harry then you have a problem with me."

Behind Piers two more boys stepped forward. They weren't as big as Crabbe and Goyle, but they were close.

"Got a boyfriend now Potter?" Piers asked and then looked over at the girls. "Had a feeling you were a poof."

"Why don't you piss off?" Daphne snarled. It was one thing if he messed with her boyfriend but now he was looking at her and Hermione like they were pieces of meat.

Piers snorted. "I don't like blondes anyway." He looked over at Harry. "This isn't over Potter. I can promise you that."

"Wanker." Duffy muttered after the other boy walked off. "No offense Harry but if your cousin surrounded himself with cunts like that, then I don't what kind of person that makes him."

"Harry what are you doing?" Hermione asked. Her friend had started to walk after the retreating Piers with purpose. "John-"

"I got him." John grunted walking quickly after his friend. He couldn't help some of the excitement. It had been ages since he got into a good old-fashioned scrap.

Harry finally caught up to the other boy. "Fuck off Piers." He hissed making the other boy turn around.

"What'd you say to me Potter?" He asked.

"This is over." Harry retorted as the two other boys stepped up behind their friend. Dennis and Gordon were their names. "Don't bother me again."

Piers smirked as John arrived to back up his friend. "He's not worth it Harry." John said giving the two boys in the back a threatening glare. They were big but size didn't mean shit.

Piers smirked. "What if I don't want it to be over Potter?" Around them people began to stare. It was a Thursday so it wasn't overly crowded but there were still quite a few people there that night.

"If you try to come after me again, you'll regret it." Harry said as if calmly discussing the weather. "I'll leaving you crying for your mum in an alleyway somewhere, but she won't hear you."

Piers laughed but anyone could tell he was nervous. This wasn't the same Potter that he and Dudley had been beating up since they were kids. This was…someone else. "Am I supposed to be scared of you?"

"I've gone up against worse than you." Harry smiled with no humor. "Want to test me?"

"We got to get going Piers." Gordon said shifting uncomfortably.

"Best listen to him." Harry whispered to Piers.

"Just watch yourself Potter." Piers snarled but there was no bite in his bark as he turned and ran.

John whistled. "Not bad." He said as Harry turned to face him.

"I don't like bullies." Harry replied simply as they began to walk back to the girls. "Least of all those shits. Besides I won't let Voldemort intimidate me, I'm definitely not going to let those goons do it."

"Alright ladies." Harry said with false enthusiasm. "Let's go, shall we?"

"You alright?" Daphne whispered to her boyfriend as they got in line. He shrugged. "That can't have been easy." He had told her before that his cousin had gone after him time and time again with his friends. Those must've been the friends.

"If we're going to win this war things are going to have to get ugly." Harry responded echoing his Godfather's words to him. "If I can't stand up to my childhood bullies then I can't really stand up to anyone."

"So that was just a way to prove yourself?"

He shrugged. "I guess. More of a test run really. Intimidating Death Eaters is going to be a little harder." It had been easy though. Making Piers and his two cronies run like scared little girls. Too easy.

She took his hand and squeezed it. "We're going to win Harry."

He slowly nodded. What other choice did he have than to agree with her?

They had to win.

"Oh, good you are all alive!" Hannah said as they returned with Sirius.

"I'm going to take a shower." Sirius pouted taking off his hat as he left the room.

"Why's he in such a mood?" Hannah asked.

"We took a cab from dinner to the movie." Daphne answered. "He was a little upset."

"Probably the right move." Hannah said and put a bookmark in her book. "I trust you'll be able to get yourself home. It's almost eleven." Daphne nodded. "Then I'm going to bed. Good night all." She said as she left for upstairs no doubt on the way to comfort her boyfriend.

John yawned. "Same with me. I've got an early day tomorrow."

"What are you doing?" Harry asked.

"Black and I are headed to an Arsenal game in London. Supposed to be pretty good seats."

"I didn't even know he watched football." Harry said.

John shrugged. "He's been acting weird lately around me. Ever since the day we all had tea."

"Maybe he's just trying to make the transition of you moving in easier." Daphne offered.

John shrugged again. "Maybe. Anyway, I'm not going to complain about free stuff." With that he gave Daphne a quick hug. "See you in the morning Harry."

"Night." Harry said. He was a little hurt that Sirius hadn't invited him as well. He would've like to see a nice match.

"If I didn't say it before you looked very handsome tonight." Daphne grinned at him dragging his attention back to her.

"I know." He smirked.

She frowned. "Note to self: never give my boyfriend another complement." She rolled her eyes. Before he could respond she took him into a searing kiss.

"What was that for?" Harry asked after it was over. "Not that I'm complaining or anything."

"I just love you is all." She responded as if it should be obvious.

"And I love you. You know I do." He smiled.

"Could I ask you about something?" She said slowly.

"You can ask me anything."

"It's about…us." She said. "About taking it a step further."

"What do you mean?" He was confused. She didn't mean marriage, did she? He loved her but he wasn't ready to be married just yet, especially not with a war going on.

"A step further in our relationship." She said wagging her eyebrows. At this point she was laying it on pretty thick.

"I don't u- oh." His eyes went wide. "OH!"

"Daphne." He said smiling at her. "It's like I told you, it's whenever you're ready. Whatever you decide I'm fine with."

"And I am ready." She smiled. "You're a gentleman Harry and thank you for respecting me but I'm ready. I really am."

"Right now?" He asked hopefully. He might've been a gentleman, but he was still a teenage boy.

"Not right now." She rolled her eyes. "I don't want our first time to be in-"

"AGUAMENTI!" A torrent of water covered them from head to toe. "Let's back it up now from each other!" Daniel's voice rang out from the floo as his wand withdrew.

It was 11:01.