At Potter Manor, many people were gathered in the Dining Hall where balloons and garlands decorated the place. On the table, a rather large cake with candles on it. Today was a day of festivity for the Potters because someone was turning four !
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !"
"HARRY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU WILLIAM !"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU !" Lily, James, Sirius, Remus and many others chanted at the same time before clapping loudly at the end just as the auburn haired child blew on his candles.
3 years had passed since the demise of the Dark Lord Voldemort and many of his followers had been arrested and imprisoned in the most terrible prison in the Wizarding World : Azkaban. Sadly, some of them managed to escape it by claiming to be under the Cruciatus Curse (and with some bribes), much to many people's horror.
Among them was Lucius Malfoy, the current Lord Malfoy and husband of Narcissa Malfoy née Black (who was a cousin of Sirius). The tension between Lucius and Sirius grew because of this...especially when the latter threw Narcissa and Bellatrix out of the Black Line while reinstalling Andromeda Tonks née Black (sister of Narcissa and Bellatrix) back.
For being the one who defeated the Dark Lord, William was now a celebrity known as the 'Boy-Who-Lived' and was sent many presents of thanks for ending the War. He even received the Order of Merlin for it at the age of 1 by the Ministry of Magic !
The name Potters was now spoken with nothing but respect and Lily and James seemed to enjoy the attention they received from the medias and/or the populace. To the point they almost become as arrogant as some of the Purebloods they fought during the War.
However, it was thanks to this prestige that James and Sirius managed to pass many laws in favor of Sentient Magical Creatures such as Werewolves or Centaurs. Remus now had a post at Hogwarts as Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA for short). Some people at the Wizengamot, mostly from Dark families, voiced their disapproval (and for some their disdain) but because of their inferior numbers, they were ignored.
Another thing was still the disappearance of Peter Pettigrew, the Potters Secret Keepers and their Betrayer. Ever since that night, he had not been caught yet. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement (DMLE) had sent Aurors all around England to find him, with James, Remus and Sirius at the lead but nothing.
In the end, it was declared that he must have left the country. However, the arrest warrant against him still stood… with a good sum of money for the one who capture him.
We could think that everything was good and all in the Wizarding World but not for everyone. Frank and Alice Longbottoms, thanks to the Lestranges, were tortured to insanity and were now forced to stay permanently at St-Mungo's Hospital as they were now in a comatose state.
Their son Neville was left to the care of Augusta Longbottom, mother of Frank. Lily wanted to gain custody of the orphan (as she promised Alice to take of him) but in the end, she reluctantly left him with his grandmother.
Apart of th Longbottoms, there were also many people to mourn : Fabien Prewett, Gideon Prewett (both were Molly Weasley's brother), Rober McGonagall (Minerva's brother), the McKinnons, the McGregors, Benjy Wenwick etc.
Amelia, who married Sirius 2 years after the attack on Godric's Hollow, lost her parents, her brother Edgard Bones, her sister-in-law and their children. All killed by Death-Eaters. The only family she had left was her niece Susan Bones who she got custody of.
Sirius accepted her like a daughter just like Andromeda's own daughter : Nymphadora Tonks… who seemed to dislike her name a lot. Speaking Amelia, she was currently at home taking care of her and Sirius's son, Perceus Black who was now 14 months. After all, a loud party was no place for babies.
Back at the birthday party, many children were present mostly of William's age and among them were the Boy-Who-Lived's best friends : Susan Bones, Hannah Abbot, Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis for female friends and Neville, Blaise Zabini and finally Ernie Macmillan.
William had asked his parents to not invite Ronald Weasley and his mom Molly Weasley née Prewett. The orange haired boy was rude and seemed to only see him as the Boy-Who-Lived while the Matriarch was… creepy to his opinion. She always looked at him as if he was a piece of meat.
Of course, James and Lily agreed wholeheartedly. Arthur hadn't been offended as he could understand their point of views.
Anyway, while the kids were having fun, the adults were chatting or drinking. Albus Dumbledore was also present, having been invited by the Potters. The Old Wizard loved William like a grandfather but as he talked with Minerva McGonagall (his Deputy Headmistress), he noticed something that concerned.
Someone was not present at the party.
Harry James Potter
The youngest son of the Potter couple and a Squib. Many people in the Wizarding World knew they had a second son but no one knew that he was without magic. Thankfully, their main attention was focused on the eldest, William the Bo-Who-Lived.
Looking around, he found no trace of the boy he was looking for. He wasn't even with the children. It wasn't the first time it happened so he released a deep sigh before approaching the Potters who were in deep conversation with the Greengrasses. He stopped when he heard them talking about a possible marriage contract between young William and Daphne.
Frowning, Dumbledore then cleared his throat which caught their attention
"Dumbledore..." the Greengrass Patriarch, Eugene, greeted the Old Wizard respectfully.
The Greengrass Family was a neutral family during the War but it was no secret that they weren't really fond of Muggles. So seeing them here was kinda surprising. Well entirely seeing that Lily was rather good friend with Ivy Greengrass.
Nodding a greeting back to Eugene, the Old Wizard turned his head to look at James and Lily with inquisitive eyes. The Potters stared at one another for a second before looking back at him.
"We will discuss later..." Eugene inquired with a nod before leaving, understanding that Dumbledore wanted to discuss something important with their hosts. Ivy nodded at Lily before following her husband, leaving the Potters with the Old Wizard.
"Albus… Can we do something for you ?" Lily asked him politely but also curious of what he wanted.
"Lily… James… May I ask where is young Harry ?" Dumbledore inquired them with slightly narrowed eyes and a serious look on his aged face.
The Potters stared at him blankly for a moment as if they didn't what or who he was talking about until a flash of remembrance passed trough their eyes. Albus watched with disapproval as their expression turned sheepish.
"I ask again : where is Harry ?" Albus asked them again sternly.
"Isn't he with the children ?" James asked him in return with scratching the back of his head.
"No he is not..." the Old Wizard replied while pinching the bridge of his nose with slight irritation.
It wasn't the first time they forgot about their youngest… and it won't be the last.
"Then he is probably in his room...or in the library..." Lily mumbled before flinching when Albus glared daggers at BOTH of them.
"How can you be so irresponsible ?! He is your son and yet you forgot about him ! It is also his birthday ! " he harshly told them but thankfully, the people around them were too focused on their businesses to look at them.
"What's going on here ?" Sirius asked the trio as he and Remus approached them with concern.
"Nothing nothing it is just a misunderstanding-" James began to say before being interrupted by an angry old man
"A misunderstanding ? My boy, I was disappointed of you !"
Tensing at Albus's anger, Remus turned his head toward Lily who looked ashamed of something
"Lil ? What is this all about ?" the Werewolf asked her while pointing at Albus and James.
"We… we kinda forgot about Harry…again… " the redhead responded in a soft tone, feeling really bad.
"Dammit here we go again..." Remus thought to himself as he sighed in irritation.
"How can you just forget about him ? He is your son !" Sirius asked her angrily, having heard her answer.
Lily turned her head away in shame, having no answers for that. James looked just as much especially under the glare Dumbledore was sending his way.
"Mom ? Dad ? Where is Harry ?" a new voice echoed behind them.
Blinking in surprise, they all looked down to see William staring at them with his shining emerald green eyes. In his hands, was a plate with a large piece of chocolate cake on it. Seeing this, the adults were more ashamed of themselves. They both knew, along with Sirius, Remus and Albus, that William loved his younger brother dearly.
Despite Harry not having Magic, the auburn haired child would do anything to cheer his brother. The two of them often played together with William being careful as to not hurt him. Harry, thanks to this, adored his brother while he was indeed a bit jealous at not having any magic.
However, it was also no secret that Harry was what many would call a 'loner'. Instead of going to the other kids, the raven haired child would instead go to the library to study. For his age, he was intelligent and curious : he seemed to also have a liking for Norse and Greek Mythologies.
If he had been magical, Albus and Remus had both bet he would end up in Ravenclaw. Sadly it will never happen as Harry was a Squib.
Minerva had sometimes be seen with the boy and Albus brang him up during a conversation, the old Witch had nothing but praises to say about him. In fact, she even commented that Harry was 'similar to Lily in term of curiosity and intellect'.
Back to present, William, with the piece of cake in his hands, was still waiting for an answer.
"I-I-I..." James spluttered, trying to form an answer for his eldest son.
"We don't know where he is dear..." Lily responded softy with a hint of shame in her tone.
"Don't worry my boy ! I'm sure he is in his room..." Albus inquired to the auburn haired child when he saw him starting to be concerned.
The Old Wizard barely said those words that James called out rather loudly
"TINKY !"
"Master James called for Tinky ?" a male House-Elf asked squeakily as he appeared in front of the man.
"Do you know where is Harry ?" James asked him and the group could see the elf's eyes narrowing at his master as he responded
"The young master is still reading in his room…"
However, Tinky then added with a whisper "Not that Master and Mistress care much anyway..."
James opened his mouth to say something but cowered under the glare he received from Albus, Sirius and Remus. Lily seemed at the verge of tears as she looked at the House-Elf but then noticed something.
William was not there anymore !
Using this momentum, Tinky left with a snap of his fingers, no wanting to deal with this once again. All the House-Elves loved the Potter boys and were kinda angry at Lord and Lady Potter for being no negligent with their youngest. It happen many times and sometimes, it would take DAYS before either James or Lily would remember Harry !
In fact, they just broke their own record today : it had been 2 weeks since the last time they asked about him. Usually it was William who always asked them about his brother. The young boy somehow knew that his parents didn't seemed to care much for his younger brother so stopped asking them at this point… until tonight.
Speaking of William, he was right now standing in front of a wooden door : the entrance of Harry's bedroom. Clenching the plate in his hands, William opened his mouth to call out
"Harry ?"
"Will ?" his younger brother called out from inside the room.
"I have some cake for you..." William explained as he waited for Harry to open the door.
The sound of someone climbing down a bed was heard from the other side of the door before it opened to reveal Harry James Potter. Unlike his brother, Harry had paler skin because of the lack of sun on it. Why ? Because his parents forbidden him for leaving the manor.
At first he had protested but now he reluctantly obeyed. Harry was a Squib and because he couldn't perform magic, he would be unable to defend himself if a Death-eater somehow break in. That and they didn't wanted him to be kidnapped for later be used as a pressure way against the Potters.
Harry internally hated himself for being magic-less. He also disliked his parents for ignoring him in favor of his brother. He loved his brother but still he felt a pang of jealousy each time William was hugged by their mother or tickled by their dad.
He had stopped calling Lily and Father 'Mommy' and 'Daddy' two years ago. Now he called them 'Mother' and 'Father' respectively. Speaking of his brother, Harry couldn't hold any grudges against him : William had always been there for him… even if he didn't wanted it.
They both had a strong relationship and it was the main reason of why Harry hadn't run away from home yet. He couldn't leave his brother behind. Sirius and Remus were another reason : the former was fun to hang out with when he was around while the latter… well he was mostly there for his godson. But that didn't stopped the Werewolf for passing some time with Harry.
Albus Dumbledore was also someone Harry grew to appreciate. He was like a grandfather for him but sadly he wasn't always there for him and in fact, each time those blue eyes landed on him, Harry swore he saw sadness shining in them.
He knew the Old Wizard was the one who told his parents about him being what he was but he had been nothing but nice to both him and William. However, that doesn't stop him from being a bit cautious around the bearded man.
Back to present, Harry smiled softy at the sight of his brother and his eyes shined when he saw what William was holding
"CAKE !" he almost squealed in delight as he swiftly picked up the plate before quickly climbing on his bed to eat it.
William chuckled in amusement at his younger brother's antics. Apart of him, and maybe the House-Elves, no one knew that Harry had a really big appetite. Not enough to be compared to a Weasley but close.
When the auburn haired child approached his brother, the latter was licking the last remaining of the cake off his fingers.
"It was good ?" William asked him as he sat next to Harry.
"Excellent ! Thank you !" the raven haired boy replied with content before hugging his elder brother… which he returned without hesitation.
"Happy birthday little bro~" William whispered softy to Harry who smiled at first before pouting
"We have the same age you dummy !"
"I was born first so I'm the eldest~" the auburn haired Potter replied with a toothy grin.
Harry growled at him before lunging at William. The two of them were now wrestling on the ground like fighters… except they were just having fun not hurting one another. Soon the auburn haired boy found himself pinned down with his brother standing above him triumphantly. Of the two, Harry was the strongest physically.
"Who is the strongest ?" the raven haired boy asked his brother with a grin
"I am !" William hissed back playfully before using his hands to tickled Harry's underarms.
Squeaking in surprise, the raven haired boy found himself laying on his back, laughing uncontrollably while squirming to escape his brother's tickles.
"Pleheheheheheaaase ! Stoohohohohohop !" Harry tried to say between laughs.
"Not before you say it !" William hissed at him mischievously as he kept tickling his doomed brother.
"NEVER !"
It was the scene James and Lily, along with Albus, Sirius and Remus came across once they arrived. All of them were watching the moment with amusement clear in their eyes or faces. However, William then noticed them and stopped his tickles. Panting, Harry slowly went back on his feet, having not noticed the newcomers yet.
"Giving up alread-" he began to taunt William before stopping when he saw his brother's sheepish face looking at something behind him.
Turning his head, Harry's cheeks reddened a bit when he saw the little crowd at the entrance of his room. But then his embarrassed face turned into a stoic one as his green eyes looked at the peole before him
"Mother… Father… Padfoot… Moony… Sir..." he greeted the newcomer in a cold tone at first before softening a bit when he reached Sirius and Remus.
Lily and James tensed at how cold he spoke to them while Sirius and Remus smiled warmly at the raven haired boy. Albus's eyes twinkled as he stared at the youngest Potter but nodded his head in greetings.
"We were just playing !" William began to say before his mother waved a hand at them in a dismissive manner
"Its fine Will… We saw everything…" the redhead replied with a soft smile to her eldest but it disappeared when she saw that Harry wasn't smiling back.
Mother and son stared in the eyes of one another, saying nothing. The air around them was tense and everyone could feel it.
"Hey pipsqueaks… I got something for ya !" Sirius inquired in an attempt to break the tension as he handed something to the boys.
"NOT PIPSQUEAKS !" the twins said at the same time as they picked up a card-like object.
Grumbling at the laughs they received from the adults, the duo turned their heads to look at what Sirius gave them.
"Whoa tickets for the zoo ?!" William cried out in excitement.
Harry, him, staid silent, but his eyes were shining. It was easy to understand that he was as excited to go than his brother.
"Of course ! I thought it would be a good trip for you and Harry ! You can go there whenever you want !" Sirius replied with his familiar mischievous grin.
The second Lord Black (he claimed his lordship right before his wedding with Amelia Bones) finished talking, William turned his head toward his parents, using the cute puppy eyes. Behind him, Harry did the same as himself wanted to go.
"Can we go to the zoo Mommy ?Pleeeeaaaaassse..." William inquired in a soft tone while looking at his mother right in the eyes. Harry, to be sure that they would win, even made a small sound… strangely similar to a puppy.
Lily's heart almost stopped beating at the sight of her boys being so cute. But deep down she was a bit annoyed : her own eyes were used against her ! Normally its her who do this with James ! And now they were using the same technique against their own mother !
Noticing his wife's behavior, James couldn't help but commenting with amusement "How does it feel to be the victim of the eyes ?~"
"Quiet you !" Lily hissed in embarrassment while slapping the back of his head, causing him to yelp in pain.
Sirius and Remus were snickering at the scene while Albus looked just as amused.
"Hey Padfoot what about me and the tigress ?" James asked his longtime friend with a bit of hurt before flinching when Lily's narrowed eyes landed on him once again.
"Sorry buys… Its not your birthday… You pay for your own stuffs..." Sirius's answer caused James to look at him in mock betrayal, much to the amusement of those present.
Harry, however, was the only one ignoring the scene currently taking place as his eyes were still focused on the tickets. Unknown to them all, someone hidden in the shadows had heard everything and an evil grin grin of the spy's face.
"The zoo huh ? Perfect~" the figure said before disappearing.
00/(Time Skip)/00
Harry and William were looking around in amazement as the brothers and their parents walked in the zoo. It was their first time in London and so far the little ones were enjoying the trip.
Thanks to their puppy eyes, Lily agreed to go to the zoo… but the next day. The two brothers reluctantly agreed but were still happy to be able to leave Potter Manor… especially Harry.
Sadly, Sirius couldn't come with them as Amelia needed him for something and Remus was to go somewhere else for urgent business or something life that.
They first apparated to Diagon Alley where James tapped one of the bricks on the walls. Instantly, the wall turned into a small hole before literally becoming an archway. Amazed by this, the little family passed through before passing near the Leaky Cauldron.
Later, they used a taxi to head to the zoo where Lily and James had to sadly (for them) paid for their own tickets while William and Harry got to pass.
That's bring us back to present.
The Potters passed by many paddocks where they had seen giraffes, elephants, rhinos… They even got to see Tigers ! William and Harry had instantly been mesmerized by the Big Cat's stripes and how strong they looked.
James had teasingly commented that Lily should be there with the striped cats… which ended with him receiving an amused glare and a slap from the redhead. In turn, as they passed near the Chimpanzees, Lily had commented about how they looked like a certain someone with hazel eyes.
James growled at her in mock outrage in response before heading away while Lily and William laughed loudly. Harry, for his part, was still looking around. Not caring about his parents in the slightest.
William wanted to see the Reptiles but his father had firmly refused because he didn't wanted to see 'slimy snakes'. Instead, they settled for going to the Lions Paddock. Why ? Because a certain Lord Potter said and I quote
"Because a Lion is what you will be once you enter Hogwarts !"
James was 100% sure that William would be in Gryffindor like many other Potters before him. Lily was more open : William was an intelligent boy and loyal to his brother so it was possible (for her) that he would end up in Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. But knowing how her husband saw those Houses, it was better to not voice her mind… yet.
Anyway, as they passed near another paddock, Harry froze when he heard a deep voice echoing from nearby
["Stupid noisy humans…"]It sounded masculine and rather old… a bit similar to Dumbledore's own voice !
Turning his head, Harry found himself looking at the nearest enclosure where, sitting on a rather large rock, was one of the most powerful Creatures in the Mundane World : the Brown Bear. Unconsciously, the raven haired boy stepped closer until he was now standing in front of the glass, looking at the brown ursine.
["Did you just spoke ?"] Harry asked it, unaware that escaping his lips were not words but soft growls. Thankfully for the boy, there were no one else close enough to hear it.
Instantly, despite the loud voices of the other people, the old bear's large head turned toward him before slowly making its away toward the glass, still looking at the boy.
["A speaker ? I have heard about people like you by my mother but I never believed them !"] The Ursine, who was definitely a male by the sound of his voice inquired with surprise.
Hearing this, the raven haired boy frowned in confusion.
["But sir, aren't we speaking English ?"] Harry asked the old mammal
["No cub… We are speaking the Languages of Bears..."] The old Ursine replied with a growl of amusement before becoming serious again when his eyes landed on something on the boy
["Now that explain how you can speak it..."]
["What ?"] Harry asked him in curiosity, still processing the fact he could talk to bears.
["You have been marked by the Gr-WATCH OUT !"] The Old bear began to say before roaring in alarm.
Harry turned around to face whatever the bear warned him off only to end up facing the tip of a wand ! Sadly, he couldn't see who was holding it as the Wizard or Witch's face was hidden by a hood.
"Follow me quietly boy or I will make you suffer !" the hooded figure said in a cold masculine tone.
"What do you want from me ?" Harry asked him defiantly which caused the man to chuckle.
" From you nothing ! Its your brother I want ! Now be quiet and fol-" the man began to say before yelping in fright when an enraged Brown Bear collided against the glass, growling loudly.
["LEAVE THE CUB ALONE !"] the old bear roared in anger as he tried to break the glass
The guttural roar caught the attention of the other visitors who turned their heads to look at them. Many screamed and panicked when they saw the bear trying to break the glass. The hooded man cursed loudly when he saw Lily and James Potter along with the Brat-Who-Lived appearing through the crowd before rapidly approaching.
"It is not over !" He cried out before running away from the scene.
"GET BACK HERE YOU COWARD !" James cried out in anger as he went after the man, hoping to catch him.
"HARRY !" Lily called out to her youngest as she and William approached him.
"Are you okay brother ?" William asked him with concern.
"Ye-Yeah..." Harry shakily responded to his brother.
"Do you know what he wanted ?" Lily asked her youngest son with concern as she comforted him.
"He-He planned to use me to have William..." Harry's response caused his mother in horror while William looked terrified.
Shaking her head to get rid of whatever she was thinking off, Lily then became serious
"We are going back home… Now !"
William and Harry nodded their heads, still a bit scared of what just happened. However, the youngest brother stopped to look back at the bear whose eyes were locked on him
["Thank you..."] He whispered to the brown ursine in a soft tone.
["Take care cub…"] the bear replied in an equal tone before watching as the trio disappeared through a corner, while veterinaries came toward him…
00/(Time Skip)/00
After returning from the zoo, Lily sent the boys back to their rooms before calling Albus, Sirius and Remus, saying that it was urgent. Needless to say the latter two came through the Floo as if they had the Devil behind them.
After asking what was going on, Lily told them of what had occurred at the zoo and both of them were horrified and angered by whoever tried to kidnap Harry. Soon after, the Headmaster of Hogwarts himself stepped out of the Floo. Like Sirius and Remus, the Old Wizard had asked Lily about the reason of her call which she did.
"This is grave news indeed..." Albus Dumbledore mumbled somberly as he stroked his beard, deep in thought once Lily finished her story.
Remus and Sirius were silent : both of them angered by the fact Harry was almost kidnapped. But they were also shocked that a Death-Eater (if he was one to begin with) would dare attempt such a thing in the open and surrounded by Muggles !
"How could they have know ?" Sirius asked to himself in shock as he blankly looked at nothing in particular.
Remus, in response, putted a comforting hand on his old friend's shoulder, squeezing it a bit.
Soon, someone else appeared in the room : James. He looked tired but also angry.
"Did you get him ?" Lily asked her husband with concern and a bit of hope.
"No he escaped… He had a Portkey on him..." James hissed in frustration and disappointment.
"That's bad… terribly bad..." Remus mumbled softy from his place.
"What I feared is happening : the Death-Eaters are targeting Harry…" Dumbledore inquired in a grave tone.
"He cannot stay in the Wizarding World… We must hide him..." he added to James and Lily with seriousness.
The two, unlike 3 years ago, only glanced at one another before sighing deeply.
"Maybe it is for the best… I love him dearly and I can't bear seeing him hurt by some mad people !" Lily declared in a broken voice.
"Where do you plan to send him Albus ?" James inquired the Old Wizard while wrapping a comforting arm around his wife's shoulders.
Dumbledore went deep in thought for a moment before looking back at the parents "Maybe you could leave him to Petunia..."
"ABSOLUTELY NOT ! She HATES me and anything magical !" Lily snarled in anger and outrage as her mind went to her sister.
The two had broken apart the moment she got her Hogwarts letter and thanks to her jealousy, Petunia grew to hate her sister and the world she was unable to enter. They never went to each other's weddings !
"Maybe but Harry isn't magical remember ? I'm sure she will be more accepting of raising him because of this fact..." Albus said in a calm tone, not bothered by the look of anger on the redhead's face.
"He has a point Lil… I don't like it but it is for the best..." James whispered to his wife who shot him a glare.
"She wouldn't hurt her own nephew as he is practically without magic like her right ?" Remus pipped in in a soft tone.
Sirius snorted from his seat : he didn't met Petunia but from what Lily said about her, she won't appreciate seeing them all.
Lily stared back and forth between Remus, James and Albus, deep in thought.
After what seemed like an eternity, the redhead sighed deeply before announcing in a firm tone filled with emotion
"Very well… Harry will be left under my sister's care..."
Dumbledore slowly nodded before saying "So be it… However, we must NOT tell William about it until AFTER Harry is at Private Drive !"
Many reluctant nods followed the old man's words as they all knew that the Boy-Who-Lived would fight them for his brother. Now they had to wait for the right moment.
If only they knew what they just condemned the child to…
In the bedroom, sleeping in the bed and unaware of what was being, the two brothers laid. None of them knew that after that night they won't be seeing one another before a long time.
(To be continue…)