We Wouldn't Have it Any Other Way

Summary: James is ordered bed rest following an injury in an Auror mission. Even though he has about driven Harry and Lily mad, they wouldn't have it any other way.

Lily ran up the stairs, taking them two at a time, and flung open the door leading to the Spell Damage floor. She had just received word from Healer Chorley that James had just been brought in and was injured. Running through the halls, she weaved through the maze of healers and mediwitches until she reached the main desk.

James was gone on a mission to capture a wizard wanted for Muggle Baiting. He was injured once again. This time it warranted a trip to St. Mungo's. She was on James's contact list and imagined Sirius had gone to the house to get Harry. She regretted agreeing to allowing him to stay home alone at that moment. But Harry was fourteen years old, too old for a babysitter, at least to Harry.

Reaching the main desk for the Spell Damage ward, she stopped and slammed a hand down on the desk to bring attention to herself.

"I need to see Healer Chorley. I'm Lily Potter, James Potter's wife…." Lily began rambling off to the mediwitch at the desk.

"Lily!"

She turned at the sound of her name and found the healer she was looking for. Healer Chorley was among the healers who oversaw the Aurors when they came to St. Mungo's. He was a medium build man with brown hair, blue eyes, and about James's height. Between Healer Chorley and Healer Morris, Harry's primary care healer, Lily spent many hours in their waiting rooms.

In three strides, she was in front of the healer.

"Tell me he's okay?" she pleaded.

"He's okay. He took a spell to the chest, and he hit his head. He has a concussion as well," he explained.

Lily sighed in relief, letting out the breath she had been holding.

"Did anyone come with him?" she asked. Someone often came with an Auror when they were brought into the hospital.

The healer looked in James's file. Lily noticed that it had gotten thicker.

"Yes, a Sirius Black," he said.

"You called?"

As if he was summoned, Sirius appeared beside Lily. She jumped.

"Sirius, don't do that," she growled. Sighing, she asked, "Did you notify Remus?"

"Yes, and I flooed your house and told Harry. I offered to come and get him, but he said." Sirius was cut off by a witch's grumbling.

"The youth today….no respect."

"Sorry!" a familiar voice called.

They turned to see Harry weaving through patients, healers, and mediwitches. He was about to run past his mother, but she grabbed his shirt.

Harry almost started to fight the person who grabbed him when he heard, "It's me, Harry."

"Mum! What happened?" He panted.

"That is what I was about to find out when you came charging in here," Lily informed her son. She turned to Healer Chorley.

"What happened?" It wasn't a request.

"I think he," the healer pointed to Sirius. "Should explain."

"He approached a fugitive by himself. As a result, he got knocked unconscious," Sirius explained.

The healer explained the next steps in James's care. He added they were going to monitor him closely.

"Can we see him?" Harry asked, speaking up for the first time.

The healer led the mother and son to James's room. Lily entered first, and Harry followed with Sirius behind him.

James laid in the bed. He was pale but breathing and alive. Lily settled in the armchair beside the bed, leaving Harry with the hardback chair.

This wasn't the first time James was brought into St. Mungo's. Lily knew it wouldn't be the last.

"This is why I hope you don't become an Auror," Lily deadpanned, looking at her son.

"I'll keep this in mind," he replied.

Lily looked James over. She noticed his face was bruised, his lip was split, and there were a few other injuries. A concussion was one of them, and because Harry had inherited James's vomit trigger, she called it, vomit would be in her near future.

"Well, this is a wonderful start to your summer," Sirius sighed, looking at Harry.

"Huh," Harry said.

"This is a wonderful start to your summer," Sirius repeated.

"Did you say you informed Remus?" Lily asked.

"Yeah," Sirius murmured. He walked over to where Harry was sitting. "Budge up."

Harry scooted over in the chair to give Sirius more room. When Sirius sat down, he pulled Harry to him, sitting beside him in the chair.

"You're too big for my lap," Sirius teased.

Harry looked at his godfather. "I'm almost fourteen. I'm too big for anyone's lap."

Sirius ruffled Harry's hair and then padded his back.

"This is where the party is at?" Remus asked as he entered the room.

"Yes," Lily sighed. She looked over at her son, whose head was leaning on Sirius's shoulder. "I've spent too much time here."

Remus hummed in agreement. Sirius chuckled. Harry never moved from his spot, leaning against his godfather.

"I think so, too," Sirius said.

Healer Chorley came in and checked James's vitals. He asked Lily if James had shown any sign of waking up. She said no.

"Let me know when he does." And the healer left the room.

After some time, Lily turned to Sirius. "I want the full story," she demanded.

Sirius sighed and began to tell what had transpired that day.

James and Sirius were searching for a man wanted for questioning in a case of Muggle Baiting. Kingsley and a few others had suspicions the man they were after was the ringleader. James had spent so much time on this case that he lately hasn't been coming home until long after Harry went to bed.

They were sitting on an old tree stump, waiting for Kingsley's signal.

"Merlin's muddy boots, Padfoot, your breath stinks," James hissed. "When did you brush your teeth the last time?"

"Really, Prongs? Complaining about my breath? When was the last time you took a shower?"Sirius retorted. "You smell worse than Harry does after Quidditch practice."

James winced. Harry was known to come in from outside after an afternoon of flying or playing a game of football by himself, smelling like a wet dog.

"Shut up, Padfoot."

"You shut up."

It was by pure luck that Sirius and James had become partners. Although Sirius went to Hogwarts this past year with Remus, and James had gone up to help during the nights and days after the full moon, James hadn't been assigned a new partner. But when they both were in the office, they worked together. Moody had often said that even though they could be mischievous, they were good Aurors.

Sirius had transformed into his Animagus form and walked around the property. James stayed on the stump, watching the property from where he sat.

A snap of a twig brought James's attention to the house. They found the person they were after was leaving the house.

James immediately got up and walked towards the man.

"Walter Riley?"

The man hesitated before nodding. "Yes."

"I'm from the Auror Department, Mr. Riley. You are wanted for questioning….."

Sirius watched as James approached the fugitive. Then he shot a red light off towards James.

The next thing Sirius knew, he was Portkeying to St. Mungo's with an unconscious James.

When Sirius finished the story, Remus said, "James, you idiot."

"I was going to say that," Sirius retorted.

Lily shook her head at how childlike that statement from Sirius sounded.

"You're an idiot, James Henry Potter."

Lily leaned back in her chair, watching her husband. She sat there, staring at him, watching his breathing. The number of times she had sat here, watching her husband, was too many. But really, she was thankful he was still alive. He is still here. He is breathing, and for that, she's grateful.

She was brought back to reality when Harry sat beside her. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, hugging her close.

It felt odd to her. She was used to giving her son comfort. Not the other way around.

She pressed a kiss to the top of his head.

"I love you," She whispered.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Sirius sat in the chair on the right side of James's bed. He had moved to this chair when Lily had set the reclining chair she was sitting in up for Harry when he had fallen asleep. Remus went to the Potter's house to collect some things James would need. Lily had asked him to bring a blanket and a book for Harry.

He had just returned when suddenly James turned his head from left to right before slowly opening his eyes.

"St. Mungo's?" he asked.

"Yes," the three adults said in unison. Healer Chorley had just walked in and stopped at the foot of the bed.

"I see you're awake," he stated. "How are you, James?"

"I'm fine," James replied.

Lily leaned over the bed, "Do you think I believe you? I know you're not fine."

"Okay," James sighed. "My head hurts, and my chest and back hurt." He turned to Lily. "Happy?"

Lily smiled softly and nodded. "Do you know what happened?"

James shook his head, wincing at the pain in his head.

"You approached Riley by yourself, like an idiot, and got knocked unconscious," Sirius explained. He smirked at James.

"You mean Riley knocked me out?" James asked, surprised.

Remus, Sirius, and Lily nodded. James sighed and leaned back against the pillow, not minding Healer Chorley checking his vitals. Once the healer was done, he approached Lily.

"Here is a list of potions he'll need." He handed the list to Lily, knowing she would see he took the potions. He turned to his patient.

"Regardless, James, you've been seriously injured. The curse had hit too close to your heart. But it managed to miss it. I want to check that before you go home, but it did make your heart go out of rhythm."

Lily gasped as James, Sirius, and Remus's eyes widened. Lily was thankful that Harry was still asleep and was clueless, for now, about what was going on. It had sounded serious, more serious than anyone could have imagined.

"I have another patient to check on. I'll come back and talk to you more."

Once the healer left the room, Lily leaned over and kissed James on the forehead. Then they kissed.

"I love you," they whispered to each other.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Harry had woken up an hour ago. Lily explained what had happened to James. She didn't leave anything out and hadn't sugared coating it. Sirius knew the reason was she was against the idea of Harry following in his father's footsteps and becoming an Auror.

When Healer Jackson, James's personal healer, came in to check on James, Sirius and Harry retreated to the waiting area. Remus had left to begin something for dinner. This way, there was something ready to eat, and Lily didn't need to worry about cooking.

Harry flopped on his back on the large loveseat in the waiting room. Sirius had noticed Harry had been quiet since Lily had told him what happened to James.

"What's on your mind?"

Harry took a deep breath, his belly deflating as he exhaled. "What would happen to Mum and me if something happened to Dad?"

If Sirius was shocked by the question, he didn't show it. Harry was at the age where he was old enough to know what was going on.

"You and your Mum will be fine. Remus and I could move in to help out around the house. The burden won't be all on you."

Harry sat up, leaning against Sirius. This was normal behavior for Harry if something was bothering him or he wasn't feeling well. Sirius knew Harry wasn't sick because he didn't feel warm.

"Are you afraid that something will happen to your Dad?"

Harry nodded mutely. Sirius patted his back.

Harry was like Lily. He was a worrywart and tended to overreact to things, especially if it was life-changing, such as losing James.

"Come back in, you two," Lily said at the door. Harry followed Lily with Sirius trailing behind him. Lily stopped to let Harry catch up and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

Healer Chorley met them at the door and motioned for them to go in first. He followed Sirius into the room.

"Okay, we're going to release you to go home. I'm ordering bed rest for three to five days."

"Bed rest," Lily and James shouted at the same time. James nearly shot off the bed, but a pain in his chest stopped him.

"Three to five days," the healer repeated.

"Oh my, Merlin," Lily muttered.

"It's going to be a long three to five days," Harry stammered. He couldn't have been more right.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

"Lily! Can you bring me some water?"

"Sure, give me a second."

It had been two days since James had been on bed rest. So far, James had run Lily to death. She had been in the basement working on potions when James called for her.

She walked up to the kitchen and fixed a glass of water. She ascended the stairs and entered their bedroom.

"Here you go," Lily said, handing James the glass of water.

"Thanks, love."

Lily headed to her closet and picked up her purse. "I need to head to the store. Harry's here, so call him if anything."

"Okay."

Lily left, leaving James alone in the bedroom. He noticed that Lily hadn't left him anything to read. He decided to get his wand and summon a book.

"Accio book."

The book James summoned from downstairs flew upstairs. But another book sailed into the room, followed by another.

A faint "Ow" sounded from downstairs. Then footsteps sounded on the stairs. Harry entered the room. He was not happy about being hit in the head with the book.

"If you want a book, tell me. I'll get one." Without another word, Harry left the room and headed to his room. The slight slam of the door echoed in the quiet house.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Harry peaked in on James before heading back downstairs. Lily had come back from the store and was putting her groceries up. She slipped into the scullery, putting away the extra cereal and crackers. Harry walked into the kitchen as Lily came back in from the scullery.

"Dad summoned a book, and it hit me in the head," he informed her.

Lily instantly began checking Harry's head, afraid the impact might have caused something.

"Are you alright?"

Harry nodded and lifted himself onto the counter. "It's not like he did it on purpose."

Lily hummed in agreement. She headed towards the study to place some ink in the desk drawer when a book flew towards her. It whacked her in the face. She paused for a second and then charged up the stairs. Like a bull charged into the bedroom and took James's wand from him.

"I'm taking this." She left the bedroom, leaving a shocked James behind her.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Tensions were high on day three of James's bed rest. James had never been one to sit still, and yet that was what he was forced to do. He was only allowed up to use the bathroom. He was starting to get irritated with himself and bored. This caused him to pester Lily so much she was slowly losing her patience.

It had gotten so bad that Lily would send Harry if James asked for something or to bring him his meals. Lily thanked her lucky stars that Harry was willing to help. James hadn't tapped his patience. Yet.

"Lily! I'm hungry! Can you bring me some crisps?!" James bellowed from his bed.

"Oh sure, I have nothing to do. I don't have anything important to do today!" Lily grumbled.

James waited for a while for Lily to bring him his snack. He waited, and waited, and waited.

"Harry? Can you bring me some crisps?"

No answer.

"He's in the basement."

James sighed and waited. Then the bedroom door opened. Sirius entered carrying a bag of crisps.

"Here," Sirius tossing James the crumpled bag of crisps. James caught it as Sirius climbed onto Lily's side of the bed. The armchairs were too far away.

"What happened to the….." James trailed off, holding the bag of crisps.

"I don't know what you did, Prongs, that wife of yours is very frustrated with you." Sirius couldn't help but smirk.

"What was your first clue?" James inquired.

"I would say it was when I walked in the back door. She handed me the crisps and then growled literally growled, take this to that husband of mine before I kill him."

James laughed nervously. He better tone down the complaining and whining. Lily had the power to make his life miserable. He didn't want his wife to kill him.

"Why didn't you just summon the crisps?"Sirius asked.

"Because Lily took my wand," James hesitantly said, knowing Sirius would laugh. He was right when Sirius began to chuckle.

"Okay, why did she do that?"

"I might have accidentally summoned a book that hit her in the face."

Sirius went from chuckling to full-fledged laughing. Despite himself, James found himself chuckling too.

"I think she was going to take it anyway because before I summoned the book that hit Lily in the face, I summoned a book that hit Harry in the head."

Sirius continued to laugh, increasing the volume in the house.

"So, what are you doing here?"

"Sirius is staying here while Harry and I go clothes shopping. He's outgrown a lot of his clothes."

"Okay, have fun."

When Lily and Harry were gone, James turned to Sirius. "So, what's happening at the office?"

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Harry and Lily returned three hours later, only going to one store since Lily decided to get other clothes when they went to Diagon Alley and other times in the summer. She didn't want to leave James for long, but Harry really needed clothes.

"I see your back," James said when Lily dropped a bag of pajama pants for James on the bed.

"Staying for dinner, Sirius?"

"Always," he replied.

"Maybe you can keep her from murdering me," James murmured.

"I could help her," Sirius retorted.

"But then I'll be dead."

"Oh, is that how it works?"

"Git. You want your best friend. Brother in everything but blood, dead?"

"Alright, I won't." Sirius headed downstairs and collected some food from Lily.

Sirius saw Harry sitting at the table.

"You knew you could…."

Harry cut him off, shaking his head.

"No, I'm not giving you two a fashion show. I've tried on enough clothes today. I'm not going to repeat that."

"Darn."

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

James sat in Healer Chorley's exam room, shivering. It was always cold in this room, and he had yet to figure it out.

"Why is it always so cold in here?" James pondered.

The door to the exam room opened. "I ask myself that question every day," the healer replied. "How are you, James?"

"Better, no soreness. I can move without pain. Thanks for telling Lily to bring me in here. I would have gone mad if I had to stay in that bed."

"Well, I figured it would be better, so if I had to admit you to the hospital for any reason, it would be easier."

Getting out his wand, Healer Chorley began running diagnostic charms.

"Okay, James," Healer Chorley said, depositing his wand inside his pocket. "It appears you are completely healed."

"Does that mean no more bed rest?"

"Yes, no more bed rest."

James was a little disappointed. In the beginning, he was extremely bored and restless. However, as time passed, he discovered he had actually enjoyed being on bed rest. He was waited on hand and foot. He also loved passing on the responsibility to Lily and gladly handed over the job of the yard work to Harry.

"Could we not tell Lily for another day or two?" James asked. "I think she's planning to hex me as soon as I'm healed."

"Too late, Potter. I know," Lily said, opening the door.

"Done at Healer Morris's already?" James asked. Lily had dropped off James to Healer Chorley and had taken Harry to his appointment with Healer Morris.

"Yes. Ready?" Lily asked.

James followed Lily to the waiting room, where Lily collected Harry, and they flooed home.

"Go and change clothes and then head outside. The grass needs to be mowed. The weeds need to be cut, get moving," She ordered.

"I thought Harry did that early….." James trailed off as Lily gave him her look. "I'll go take care of that right now."

By the time James had finished the grass and the weeds, Lily had compiled a list of things he would need to do now that he wasn't on bed rest. It was getting to be pretty long. But since Harry had his summer homework done and Lily had approved it, he was available to help his Dad.

"Could I have my wand back now?" Lily had yet to return his wand after the incident with the book. The work Lily had assigned him would take longer since he had to do it all the Muggle way. But at least he had Harry to help him.

"No."

James sighed, desperately wishing Lily had not heard the healer's words.

OoOoOoOoOoOoO

Lily watched James sleep that night. She was grateful he was alright. She didn't want to think about a life without him in it. She didn't think she would handle it if something happened to him. How could she make it through Harry's teen years without him? She had three more years to go until he was of age, and she wanted James there.

Quietly as she could, she slipped out of her bedroom and into Harry's room. He was asleep, lying on his stomach and snoring slightly. He had slept in between them the night before because of a nightmare. James and Harry had talked about it while they worked in the garden. Harry was able to get out his fears of something happening to James on the job.

James assured Harry that he would always be safe on the missions, and this was an accident because of his stupidity t.

Lily had watched them from the kitchen window, smiling and trying to keep the tears from flowing when she thought of the alternative. She could have been planning a funeral. But she wasn't.

She turned to return to her bed when she heard, "Mum?"

"What are you doing up, Harry?" she asked.

"Something wrong?" Harry returned.

"No. Just thought I'd check on you." She approached Harry and kissed his forehead. "Go back to sleep, and we'll see you in the morning."

Harry obeyed her and fell asleep, soon snoring almost as loud as Ron.

She returned to her bedroom and smiled as she watched James sleep. She hoped she didn't come close to losing him again. With his job, that was a possibility. Accidents and hospital stays would be in her future, regardless.

She hoped Harry didn't want to follow in James's footsteps and become an Auror. That wasn't something she had to worry about for another year.

She turned and stared at her husband. Even though he nearly drove her mad, she wouldn't have it any other way.

AN: This was the result of a plot bunny. It wouldn't leave me alone until I wrote. I figured I would write a fic about James getting hurt on the job, and this is what I came up with. I hope you enjoyed it.

Have a suggestion of what you would like to see, let me know.