Happy Father's Day James

Summary: Father's Day is approaching. Harry is struggling as to what to get James. That is until he remembers a book that James used to own. Harry looks for the book hoping to find it in time. Will he succeed?

Lily stood outside the Great Hall waiting on her son. Today was a Hogsmeade day. Most students were discussing what they were getting their fathers for Father's Day next week.

As she waited, Lily thought of Father's Day past when Harry was small when she would pick out James's present. She continued until Harry got older. Then Harry was able to pick out his own present for his Dad. James admitted to Lily that he sometimes missed the finger-painted pictures and the drawings of a stick figure of James and Harry.

Harry had overheard James tell Lily that. The following Father's Day, James received a drawing from Harry. It was of a younger James in his Auror uniform when he graduated from Auror Training.

James was shocked by the gift. Since then, Harry would draw something and add it to Jame's present.

Then she thought of how she and Harry would make breakfast together for James. When it was ready, they would go together and wake him up. She remembered how Harry used to wake James up by jumping on the bed and shouting for James to wake up.

Those days were long gone. A tradition got started after Harry went to Hogwarts. A week after they returned home from Hogwarts, she and Harry would make breakfast together. Once breakfast was ready, Harry would wake up James like he usually did, jumping onto his father.

She knew how special the father-son relationship was to James. She was thankful James had the relationship with Harry that he wanted. The close bond between Harry and James was strong.

Lily was brought back to the present by her son's voice.

"Mum?" Harry asked, waving his hand in her face.

"Sorry, my mind was somewhere else." Lily cleared her throat. "Do you know what you're getting?"

"Yeah, there's a book I thought of that Dad might like and a few other things. It depends if I find it," Harry shrugged.

"Okay, as long as it's not a joke or a prank book," Lily informed her offspring.

"It's not Mum," Harry assured her. The book he was going to look for was both. Lily didn't say a book that was both a joke and a prank book.

"Do you have plenty of money?" Lily asked.

"I have plenty of money. I'm good," Harry assured her. He had enough to get James's Father's Day present and to buy Ginny lunch and some chocolate.

"Okay, are you helping Ginny find something for Arthur, or does she know what she wants?"

"She said something about a model of an airplane," Harry replied.

"Oh, the Muggle store will be her best bet," Lily said.

Professor McGonagall announced it was time for those going to Hogsmeade to line up.

"I gotta go. I'll see you later, Mum," Harry said, kissing her cheek before anyone left the Great Hall.

Lily grabbed his arm and whispered in his ear.

"Take it easy on the sweets for yourself and your Dad. I'm not happy with his last Healer appointment."

"Got it. Do you want anything?" Harry asked. He always brought Lily something when he went to Hogsmeade.

"I think I'll have some truffles. The ones with raspberries in them," Lily decided.

"Okay. Bye, Mum."

"I'll see you later, Sweetheart."

Lily watched Harry approach Ginny, asking her if she was ready to go. She watched as Ginny nodded, adjusting the strap of her handbag. Harry took her hand as they approached McGonagall, who was marking names off this time. She nodded to them, and Harry led Ginny down the lane to Hogsmeade. Once they were out of sight, Lily headed towards the hospital wing.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

"Where to first?" Ginny asked as they entered the village.

"The bookshop. I'm looking for a joke and prank book Dad used to have. It was destroyed years ago. Dad has been looking for it for years."

"Do you think you will find it?" Ginny asked.

Harry shrugged. "I hope I can."

Harry explained to Ginny how important this book was to James, Sirius, and Remus. It was the book where they had gotten ideas for their pranks. Even the epic ones they were still known for around Hogwarts. All Harry had was the title and what the front cover looked like to go with.

If he didn't find the book in the bookshop, he might find it in the joke shop.

"I told Mum I was getting Dad a Quidditch book," Harry admitted. "According to her, Dad doesn't need another prank book or a joke book."

"What happens if you do find it? Will she be mad?" Ginny asked.

Harry shook his head. "I'm sending it to the house to Dad. She wouldn't know. She would only know what I tell her what I got him."

Ginny nodded. "Oh."

They reached the bookshop. Harry held the door open for Ginny. Once inside, they passed Ron and Hermione and headed towards the Quidditch section.

"Mum said the Muggle shop would be a great place to look for something for Arthur," Harry told Ginny as he scanned the shelf.

"Okay. I need to go there for something anyway."

Harry found the book he was looking for. He picked it up.

"The History of the Appleby Arrows," Ginny read. "Isn't that your Dad's favorite team?"

Harry nodded. "It's also one of mine."

"I knew that," Ginny said. "I'm going to look for a book while we're here."

"Is it the next one in your series?" Harry asked.

"It is," Ginny confirmed.

Ginny found the book she wanted on a display shelf. She picked it up, tucking it in her arm.

"Remember that game we played in your back garden last summer," Ginny whispered.

Harry swallowed, nodding.

"I got it from the previous book," She admitted. "It also had a sad ending. And it ended on a cliffhanger."

"Are you going to tell me what happens?" Harry whispered in her ear.

"I will if you're good."

After paying for their books, they met up with Ron and Hermione outside. They were separating so the girls could go to the Muggle shop, and the boys headed to the joke shop. Ginny planned on getting Arthur a model plane set. She had other purchases she wanted to make in the shop as well.

Harry wished he had a picture of what the book looked like. It was in one of the pictures of James, Sirius, and Remus in their teenage years. He described it to Ron, who volunteered to help him look.

They had looked almost all over the shop with no luck.

"Did you find it yet?" Ron asked, approaching his best friend.

"Not yet," Harry muttered.

They turned around another row of bookshelves. Harry scanned the shelf as he passed them, looking for this book. The joke shop was the only other place that would have it. Harry wasn't sure if it was even still in publication.

He backed up to see if he saw it on a higher shelf. He could see a corner of the book, recognizing the front cover. This might be the book.

"Ron, I think I found it," Harry said.

"Where?" Ron asked, looking over the shelves.

"Top shelf. I need a boost."

The shelf was a little out of Harry's reach. Ron was six foot, while Harry was five foot eight. Neither of them could reach this self without help.

After checking to see if the coast was clear, Ron bent over, cupping his hands together. Harry put his foot in Ron's hand and hoisted himself up, holding onto the shelf for balance. Ron lifted him higher, allowing him to reach the book.

"Can you hurry up, mate?" Ron grunted.

"Sure."

Harry reached for the book, not believing he had found a copy. James had been looking for this book for almost sixteen years. Now, Harry found it.

"I got it," Harry said.

Ron lowered him back to the ground. Harry sighed once he was back on the ground.

"Thanks, mate."

"Anytime," Ron breathed, wiping his hands on his jeans. "You would do the same for me."

Harry looked around to see if there was anything he wanted to add to James's present. After looking around the shop, Harry headed to the till with the book.

"Can you double-wrap it?" Harry asked.

"Yes, sir," The boy at the till replied.

"Thank you."

He asked for it to be double-wrapped in case he might run into Lily, not knowing whether or not she was coming to the village today for potion supplies. James wasn't on patrol today.

He was working on a case at Auror Headquarters.

Harry met up with Ron at the door. They left the joke shop and headed to the Muggle shop to meet up with the girls.

"Did you find it?" Hermione asked when she saw the boys enter the shop.

"Yeah," Harry replied, holding the wrapped book up.

"What's Lily going to say?"

"Mum would never know I got it."

Ron walked over to his girlfriend while Harry went searching for Ginny. He found her looking at the selection of airplane models.

Harry came up behind her, kissing her cheek. "Any luck?"

Ginny nodded. "Did you find the book?"

"Yeah, I did." Harry held up the wrapped book. "Is that the one you're getting?" He pointed to the box in Ginny's hand.

"Yes, it is," Ginny said, leaving the section and heading to the till.

After Ginny paid for the airplane model, Harry and Ginny left the Muggle shop. As they walked to Honeydukes, Ginny asked Harry about the story behind the book.

"So what happened to the book? How did it get destroyed?"

"I might have set it on fire," Harry replied.

"What?!"

"I had a bout of accidental magic and set the book on fire. Well, I set a bookcase on fire. This book," Harry held up the wrapped joke and prank book. "Was among the few on the shelf. Mum was able to replace all of them except for this one."

"Do you think she didn't replace it on purpose?" Ginny asked.

"She might have. Mum was sometimes a target of their pranks. Well, she was their trial for a few. She might kill me when she finds out I replaced the book."

Upon entering the sweet shop, Harry headed straight for the chocolate bars. They were James's favorite. While Lily liked dark chocolate, James liked milk chocolate. Harry selected four bars of milk chocolate and four dark chocolate bars. They were how Harry survived Ginny's monthly visitor. He would break off pieces and give them to her before he would be hexed.

He picked up some truffles for Lily.

"Are you ready to head to the Three Broomsticks?" Ginny asked, coming up behind Harry with her hands full of candy.

"Yeah," Harry answered. Together, they headed to the counter.

Ginny watched as the clerk bagged up the candy. Her face lit up when she saw the dark chocolate bars.

"You got me chocolate. I love you!" She threw her arms around her boyfriend.

Harry stifled the laughter that was building inside him. "No, Gin. I bought it for myself," he said sarcastically.

Ginny knew Harry was being sarcastic.

"Is this the same chocolate you give me when….?" She trailed off.

"Yes, dear," Harry replied.

They paid for their candy and left Honeydukes, heading towards The Three Broomsticks. Harry held the door open for Ginny and followed her to a table in a corner.

"What can I get you?" Rosmerta asked, coming to take their order.

"Two Butterbeers and I'll have the lunch special."

"Make that two lunch specials," Harry said.

When Rosmerta left, Harry pointed towards the bar. Remus and Sirius were sitting on the stools at the bar.

Just in case, Harry banished his purchases to his mother's quarters. He would get them when he went to check in with Lily later.

"Where did you send them?" Ginny whispered.

"Mum's quarters. I'll get them later."

Rosmerta brought their lunch and Butterbeers. They ate, making small talk about the plans for the summer. After they finished their lunch, Harry paid the bill while Ginny went to the loo. When she stepped out of the loo, Ginny walked over to Harry.

Taking her hand, Harry led Ginny out of the pub. They walked back to the gates to return to Hogwarts. Because it was a beautiful day outside, they decided to sit under the oak tree. It had become their tree, especially since Harry carved their initials on the side of the tree. He didn't realize it until after that his parents' initials inside a heart were also on the same tree. Only his and Ginny's were on the opposite side.

Now that Harry had found the book, he couldn't wait to give it to James. He knew his father would love his gift.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

"Did you find what you were looking for?" Lily asked later that evening. Harry had come down to Lily's quarters for a quick visit and catch up.

"Yeah, I found a book on the history of Appleby Arrows and got him two small Honeydukes chocolate bars. The rest of the chocolate is what I keep on hand for when Ginny's on her time of the month."

Lily smiled. "I knew I raised you right."

Harry had learned the chocolate trick from a book. Fred and George had given Ron a book on how to be the best boyfriend. When Harry and Ginny started dating, Ron shared the book with him.

Between that and the book Twelve Fail Safe Ways to Charm Witches James gave Harry during The Talk, Harry knew how to approach his girlfriend during that time of the month without getting hexed.

Give Ginny a chocolate bar during that time, and she'll love you for the rest of your life.

"Harry!"

"What?"

"I asked you if you're sending Dad's present with Hedwig or waiting on Oscar?"

"I'm sending it with Hedwig tomorrow," Harry informed her. He glanced at the clock, noticing it was almost curfew. "I gotta go, Mum. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay, Goodnight. I love you," she recited, telling Harry what she always said when she told him good night.

"Good night, Mum. I love you too."

Harry returned to Gryffindor Tower in hopes of a good night's sleep.

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"Here, Hedwig. Take this to Dad," Harry instructed the owl. Hedwig flew off in the morning sky. If Harry did the math right, Hedwig would reach Potter's Bar in the morning, in time for Father's Day.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Tapping on the window woke up James the morning of Father's Day. He sat up, reaching for his glasses. As he slipped his glasses on his face, he got up, heading to the window. Hedwig was at the window, waiting for him to open the window and let her in.

"Hi, Hedwig," He greeted her when he opened the window. She flew in through the window, perching herself on the chair to Lily's vanity.

"What have you got for me?" James asked as he petted Hedwig's head.

The owl motioned to the package tied to her leg. James untied it. Taking the package from the owl, he sat down on the bed.

"Go down to the Owlery and get some water. I'm going to Hogwarts later. I'll take you back to Harry."

Hedwig hooted in reply and flew off downstairs to the Owlery. James heard the Potter's owl, Oscar greeting Hedwig with a hoot.

"What do we have here?" James pondered.

He opened the package to reveal two books. One was the History of the Appleby Arrows, a newer edition than the one James already owned. He laid it to the side to see what the second book was. When he saw what book it was, he froze. He couldn't believe what he held in his hands. Was he seeing it right?

In his hands was the book 1001 Jokes and Pranks for the Practical Joker and Pranker.

He used to own this book many years ago before Harry lit it on fire in a bout of accidental magic. He, Remus, and Sirius had been looking for the book for ages. He couldn't believe he had it back in his hands again.

Laying the book aside, James noticed Harry had included two small bars of Honeydukes chocolate. He would need to hide this from Remus. And Sirius.

Harry picked well for his Father's Day presents this year. He made a mental note to hug his son later and thank him for the books and candy. He would need to ask Harry where he found the book. After close to sixteen years of searching, James had the book again. He couldn't wait to tell Remus and Sirius. They will be just as happy as James was. Harry was definitely getting a hug later.

James picked up the note, unfolding it. He began to read.

Dad,

In case you didn't notice, I found the book. I know it has some meaning to you. I hope you enjoy it. Just don't use any of the pranks on me, is all I ask.

Now onto the next thing: thank you, Dad. Thanks for always being there, whether because I need advice to get out of trouble (I swear it finds me!) or for your words of wisdom when I needed it or not, and for your love and support through everything.

I know I haven't made things easy. But I know regardless of what I do, I know you and Mum love me. Over the years, you've taught me how to fly a broom (I know it wasn't hard), all about Quidditch, and much more that is too many to list.

You protected me when I was in danger. You took care of me when I was sick, and Mum wasn't around (if you don't remember, it was when Mum was gone for a week. I got sick from taking an expired headache potion. Then there's the time Mum was gone to that convention. I got food poisoning, and you took care of me. Then there was last summer, we went on a road trip, and I got car sick. Lastly, when I got sick from too many chocolate frogs when I was thirteen, refresh your memory?) You took care of me, and once again, sorry for throwing up all over you twice.

I'm thankful to have you as a Dad. I don't know where I would be without you. I love you, Dad. I know I don't say it enough, but I do.

I hope I've made you proud. Thanks, Dad, for everything.

Love,

Prongslet

James wiped the tears from his eyes when he finished reading. He gathered some clean clothes and headed to the bathroom to get ready to head to Hogwarts. Lily told him to come to Hogwarts in the morning for breakfast. She would collect Harry after breakfast. Then they would spend the day together.

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James tumbled out of the floo in Lily's quarters. The one benefit of the floo in Lily's quarters was the direct access to the house in Potter's Bar to Hogwarts and vice versa. Sometimes, Harry would floo home for the weekend. Of course, he would get permission from James or Lily first.

Noting the time, James knew Lily would be down in the Great Hall for breakfast. He dropped off his bag in Lily's bedroom since he was spending the night. The last lecture for those interested in becoming an Auror was tomorrow. James was looking forward to it.

He left his wife's quarters and headed down to the Great Hall. The timing was perfect since breakfast had just started.

James was approaching the open double doors of the Great Hall when a whirl of red rushed towards him. Familiar lips crashed into his. He sighed as he wrapped his arms around his wife.

"Oh, for the love of Godric, do you two have to do that here?"

The voice caused them to break apart. They turned to find their son, an exasperated expression on his face, arms folded across his chest. Ginny stood behind him, stifling giggles behind her hand. For a minute, James thought he was looking at his wife. Only Lily put her hands on her hips.

"Well, then. We'll keep that in mind when you and Ginny." Harry cut him off.

"No, go ahead. Snog each other senseless." He glanced at Ginny, who was amused.

As they walked into the Great Hall, Lily met eyes with Dumbledore. He nodded to her.

"Harry, I need to talk to you really quick," Lily said.

Harry told Ginny to go on to the Gryffindor table. Ginny kissed his cheek and headed to the table.

"What's going on?" He asked.

"I forgot to tell you last night. We're going to spend the day with Dad today. We'll leave after breakfast," Lily explained.

They headed on into the Great Hall. Harry went to the Gryffindor table while James and Lily went to sit at the head table.

"I'll come and get you when we're ready to leave," Lily said as they parted.

"Okay," Harry said as he slid in beside Ginny.

"What are you planning?" James inquired as he sat down beside his wife at the head table.

Lily just smiled, patting his cheek. "You'll see."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

The first stop was the cemetery where James's parents were buried. Lily side-along Harry and conjured some flowers for James to lay on their grave. While James went to his parent's grave, Harry and Lily headed to the swing. As they did on Mother's Day, Harry and Lily gave James some time alone at his parent's grave.

Sirius would go later in the day. He did the same on Mother's Day. James's parents were as good as his parents. Sirius would visit their graves, both alone and with James.

"Are we going to the other cemetery?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Lily breathed. "After we're done at the cemetery, we're going to spend the day in London, going to his favorite places."

"Is the arcade on the agenda?" Harry asked. Lily nodded, imagining the intense air hockey game that Harry and James would get into it later.

Lily saw James stand up. He said something to the grave before walking towards Harry and Lily.

"I'm ready."

They walked to a shaded area. James side-along with Harry while Lily apparated alone to the cemetery where her parents were buried.

They appeared under an oak tree in the cemetery where Lily's parents were buried. Lily conjured more flowers and headed to her parent's grave. James and Harry headed towards a bench to wait. Lily got alone time with her parents just as James had.

"When I met Grandpa Evans, he said, 'So you're the arrogant toe rag my daughter has told me about."

Harry snorted. "Didn't you say Grandpa Evan liked you?"

James nodded. "From the moment we met." James paused, looking at his wife. She was cleaning off the headstone. "He approved of me marrying your Mum. He was happy to give her to me at our wedding, even called me his son. Then he and Iris died, things changed."

James reached over, ruffling his son's hair. "I didn't see her smile much after that. Then she found out she was pregnant with you, and I saw her smile again. Actually, you made all of us smile again."

"Really?"

James nodded, wrapping an arm around his son's shoulders.

"It's no secret that you changed my life and your Mum's life," James told him. "You single-handedly brought our happiness back. Despite the time we were living in."

"You wouldn't be a Dad if it wasn't for me," Harry commented.

James nodded. "If there's anything I'm most grateful for," He paused, pulling his son close. "It's that I have you."

Lily came over in the middle of the conversation. She sat down on the other side of Harry.

"Ready?" she asked when James and Harry ended the conversation.

"Yes, let's go."

James, Lily, and Harry headed to the shaded area and disappeared with a pop.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

"Did you have a good time today, dear?" Lily asked when they went to bed that night.

"Yes, I did. I enjoy anytime I get to spend with Harry."

Lily crawled into bed beside James, laying her head on his shoulder. "I'm glad to see you two have a good time."

James smiled. He had a great day with his son and his wife. They played games in the arcade and had lunch at his favorite burger shop. Once they returned to Hogwarts, he spent the rest of the day with Harry and Sirius flying around the Quidditch pitch and talking with his son.

James was about to say something else to Lily, but there was a knock on the door. It cracked open, and Harry poked his head in.

"Can I come in?" He asked.

"Sure, come in, Sweetheart," Lily answered.

Harry walked into the bedroom, approaching the bed. He was dressed for bed, wearing a Quidditch t-shirt and lightweight pajama bottoms.

He walked to James's side of the bed, sitting on the side of the bed.

"Did you like your presents, Dad?" Harry asked.

James realized he didn't say anything about the presents he had gotten for Father's Day. He didn't tell Harry thank you either.

"Sorry, Harry. Come here," James directed. Harry crawled up to James's side.

"I loved the books and chocolate you got me. Thank you," James sincerely said, hugging Harry to his side.

"You're welcome," Harry replied. "Remember what I said, though."

"I will," James murmured.

"Happy Father's Day, Dad."

James smiled. He leaned in to kiss the side of his son's head.

"Thank you, Kiddo. I love you."

Lily smiled as she headed to the bathroom to put lotion on her hands.

When she returned, Harry was heading back to his room.

"Good night, Dad," Harry said, hugging James.

"Good night, Son. Love you."

"Love you too, Dad."

Harry walked over to Lily, hugging her. "Good night, Mum."

"Good night, Sweetheart. I love you."

"Love you too, Mum."

After Harry left, Lily climbed in beside James. With a wave of his wand, James turned off the lights. Lily snuggled up beside him. He wrapped his arms around his wife. They talked about their day and what their plans were for the week.

When James yawned, they kissed each other good night.

"I love you," Lily whispered.

"I love you, too."

That night James dreamed of the day he had spent with Harry and Lily. He dreamed of Father's Days passed and a few that hadn't happened yet. What he said to Harry was true. He was grateful for Harry. Without his son, he wouldn't be a Dad.