He's My Son
Summary: James had many reasons to be proud of Harry. This is a look at some of those moments.
Happy Father's Day
James always knew if he had a son, they would have an unbreakable bond, share the same hobbies and interests, he would protect him at all costs, but most importantly he would be supportive of his hopes and dreams, even those dreams were to follow in his footsteps. He would be the best father he could be, hoping to model some after his own father with the only difference being their age when they did become a father.
So when Harry was born, James was excited to see what the future would hold for his son.
Unfortunately, the first year and a half of Harry's life they were in hiding. Then he and Lily were in St. Mungo's for close to a year recovering from their ordeal. It wasn't until Harry was four that James felt he had picked up where he left off, only Harry was more mobile, talkative, and downright adventurous. He had given Lily many scares in his childhood.
While Harry was close to Lily, he was equally close to James. He often came to his father for advice, especially when he reached the age he was starting to become interested in girls.
But James was able to pass down his first love to his son, or rather his second love. Quidditch. Harry had become interested in Quidditch since James took him to his first match when he was six. He was a natural on a broom having been flying before he had even mastered walking, much to Lily's dismay.
Sirius had purchased his first broom for his first birthday and James spent the day chasing him on the broom
One of the first things James had done when they moved to Potter's Bar was to have a Quidditch pitch installed in the back garden. The garden in Surrey didn't allow for them to have one and the large garden was one of the selling points for James on the house, while the basement with room for a potions lab was Lily's. Needless to say, Harry loved it and would spend many an hour outside playing on the pitch either by himself or with Ron.
Lily didn't need to look far as she could see the pitch from the kitchen windows. She often would open the French door going out to the patio to call for Harry to come in for lunch or supper, or for him to slow down. She would often sit on the swing on the patio watching Harry fly, especially when he graduated to a real broom when he joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team.
The pitch was under Muggle Repelling charms, even though the Potters didn't have neighbors that live close enough to see their garden. The wards on the house allowed Harry to fly above the roofline of the house and the neighbors wouldn't see him. Lily had made sure James had warded it, even before they warded the entire property.
Every birthday Harry had Quidditch was involved one way or another. When he got older, there would be a Quidditch match before everyone went home. It was the highlight of the summer for James and Sirius as they were able to revisit their early days on the pitch, but reality would sit in the next morning when they woke up stiff and sore. But since it was what Harry had picked, they would go on and play, remembering to dose up on pain potions the night before.
So it was safe to say that Quidditch was one of the first things Harry and James bonded over since they both loved the beloved sport.
Third Year
James had the bragging rights as the father of the youngest seeker to play on a Quidditch team at Hogwarts. There wasn't a person James talked to that didn't know that fact. He was a proud father and people tended to let him brag. Not many fathers had to brag on his son being the youngest seeker. While Lily could have bragged being the mother of the youngest seeker, she left the bragging rights to James.
Harry had been on the Quidditch team for almost two years. James enjoyed sitting in the stands watching his son. He had never missed a match yet. He would always take off on the Saturdays Gryffindor had a match and go to watch his son. He especially enjoyed leaning to the person sitting beside him and pointing to Harry.
"See number 7, right there, that's my son," He would say.
One time during a match in Harry's third year, a Quidditch recruiter had come to see Oliver play in a match. James found himself sitting down next to him during the match. Having come from the Gryffindor tent, he glanced at James, doing a double-take.
"Excuse me, but are you any relation to the Gryffindor seeker?" He asked.
James smiled before he nodded. "He's my son," He said.
The man nodded. "I figured because you look a lot alike, except for the eyes. How old is he?"
"Thirteen," James replied before launching into the story of how Harry got on the Quidditch team. Lily sighed on his left, shaking at her when Minerva turned around to her.
The match itself lasted around five minutes. Harry had caught the snitch pretty quick thanks to the Firebolt. It was the first match Harry played with the broom since, in the last one, his old broom was destroyed.
The man looked over at James, holding his hand out. "Michael Wilson, I'm the Quidditch recruiter for the Puddlemere United," he introduced himself.
James offered his hand to shake. "James Potter."
Michael paused. "Potter, are you telling me your son is Harry Potter?"
"Yes," James replied. "And we're not interested," he added when Michael opened his mouth once more.
"Understandable," He said. "I'll be back to see your son one day. I think he might have a career in Quidditch."
James nodded, smiling softly. "He might," he agreed.
James wasn't going to mention it to Harry, but it had slipped out when they were talking about the match.
"I don't know if I would want to play Quidditch professionally," Harry admitted.
Lily smiled, pushing back some hair out of Harry's face. "You have time, you're only thirteen. Besides you have two years before you need to think about that."
As per their usual, James and Harry adventured out to the Quidditch on Sunday, something they always did when James came for the weekend. They usually flew around together or play a game of two people Quidditch, tossing the quaffle around. It was something they did when Harry first came to Hogwarts and James was visiting. If the weather allowed it, that is.
It was when they were in the air, Harry asked, "Would you and Mum be happy if I decided to play Quidditch for the rest of my life?"
James didn't need to think twice. "We would be happy with whatever you decide, as long as you are happy."
Harry nodded. "Sometimes I think I would like to play Quidditch professionally and others I think I might join you with the Aurors. Sometimes I imagine I come back here and teach. But then I remember Mum said I have two years to decide."
"You do," James assured him. "In your fifth year Aunt Minnie will meet with you to discuss what you want to do for your career since your last two years at Hogwarts will be what you're working towards. Now if you pick Quidditch, there is no class for it, but I'm sure your mother would tell you to pick something to get your NEWTs so you could have something to fall back on."
Anytime he was sitting in the stands at the Quidditch pitch watching Harry, James imagined how it would be when Harry did play professionally. He was sure Lily was going to be white-headed by then. Harry scared her on a broom at the best of times, often yelling at him to slow down or to not try the dangerous stunts.
But that dream came to a halt when Harry decided he wanted to be an Auror.
Even with the dream of being the father of a famous Quidditch player gone, that didn't stop James from bragging on being the father of the youngest seeker in over a century. But he looked forward to sitting in the stands of a professional Quidditch match and look to a person beside him and brag.
He would say, "See the one with Potter on the back. He's my son."
Fourth Year
James never felt so helpless as he did when he sat in the stands watching Harry in the First Task. The Tri-Wizard Tournament had come to Hogwarts. The first one since 1792, over two hundred years, and for some reason, someone thought they could resurrect it. There was a reason why it had discontinued. It was in the history books. James even was against it when it was brought up at a Board of Governors meeting in June.
And now James wished it didn't happen at all.
The board met it mandatory for it only to be available for those over the age of seventeen. Barty Crouch agreed.
James wasn't at Hogwarts when the Goblet of Fire selected the champions. He had come home from work, only to be greeted around midnight with a Patronus from Lily.
Get to Hogwarts! Now!
James grabbed a change of clothes and flooed to Hogwarts. Lily was waiting for him when he arrived in her quarters. Before he had a chance to ask what was going on, Lily blurted, "Harry's name came out of the Goblet of Fire."
He and Sirius spent two days reading over the books to see if there was a way to get Harry out of a magically binding contract. Unfortunately, there wasn't. Harry didn't have a choice. But there was nothing in the rule books said that family couldn't help with training. They helped Harry prepare for the first task.
When Hagrid mentioned to James about something for the first task being delivered to Hogwarts under the cover of darkness, he made a plan to show Harry. When James saw Charlie Weasley, he had a bad feeling. When he saw the cover being removed revealing dragons, he felt his heart fall to his feet.
Charlie knew about Harry being one of the champions. When he walked passed James after speaking with Hagrid, he said, "Secret with safe with me. You and Lily both need to know what Harry is up against."
He didn't know Harry was there, under the invisibility cloak.
When they were away from the forest, Harry pulled off the invisibility cloak. "Dragons! That's the first task!" He exclaimed.
"I know," James murmured. Forget the Firewhiskey, he needed something stronger. He knew he would have to bring a crate of wine for Lily to get through the first task. He couldn't keep it from her. It was Harry who told me when they came back. She managed to calm Harry and get him to bed.
When she returned to the sitting room, she sat down on the sofa, heavily. "What are we going to do?"
James didn't hesitate. "I have a few ideas."
That was how summoning Harry's broom came about. He was only allowed his wand, but there was nothing in the rules that didn't state they could summon something. As long as they collected the egg, they were fine. Sirius managed to find that bit of information and he and James began training Harry, helping him master the summoning charm.
And now James found himself sitting in the standings watching Harry. He could have bragged on how good Harry was on a broom if he wasn't so worried about the dragon that was chasing his son.
"Come on, Harry," He would whisper every once in a while.
Lily sat next to him, holding onto his arm. A few times, she had pulled on it so hard he wondered if she had pulled it out of the socket. When the dragon's tail hit his shoulder, he heard Lily gasp. She was going to be the first one to Harry and drag him, if she had to, to the first aid tent.
James watched as Harry missed the fire being shot in his direction many times.
Then after what felt like an eternity, Harry flew towards the nest, grabbing the egg. It wasn't until he saw his son was on the ground that he felt he could breathe. He and Lily embraced, both relieved that Harry had made it.
Then Sirius asked if he was okay. Remembering the tail hitting his shoulder, Lily shot up from her seat and down the steps.
James held out his hand for the galleon Sirius owed him. They had a bet on how long it would take Lily before she got up and went to Harry. Lily would probably have something to say about it later, but right now her main priority was to make sure Harry was okay.
He headed to the first aid tent to wait for his son. He heard Harry exclaim 'Mum!' when she banished his shirt.
When he stepped out, his shirt back on, James approached his son. He pulled him into an embrace, hugging him as he had never hugged his son before. Then Sirius and Remus took a turn hugging Harry. Minerva even hugged him when she came to check on him. They all hugged him again before he left to go to Gryffindor Tower for the celebration party.
James, Lily, Sirius, and Remus had a celebration of their own.
It was later after Harry came back to Lily's quarters for one more night after he went to bed that James felt he could relax. Harry was okay, the first task was behind them, and the second one was months away. James couldn't put into words the fear he felt for his son. He felt as a father it was his job to protect his child. When he couldn't it was the most helpless feeling there was.
James slipped into Harry's room in Lily's quarters, watching him sleep. He bent over, kissing his forehead.
When he returned to work on Monday many asked how the First Task went. James answered each question patiently. Ruby was glad to know Harry was okay.
"I knew he would survive," James commented.
"How's that?" Ruby asked.
James smiled. He simply replied, "He's my son."
Fifth Year
James didn't know where Harry's interest in Defense Against the Dark Arts came from. It was the one subject Harry excelled at. He figured it was when Remus taught Defense Harry's third year since it seemed after that Harry was always reading Defense books. Remus and Sirius indulged Harry's interest by buying him books on the subject. Between Quidditch and Defense and the Muggle books, Harry was interested in his bookshelf in his room was full.
But when Dumbledore proposed a Defense Club Harry's fifth year, James wasn't expecting Harry to be put in charge of teaching the students. But he knew if Harry wasn't asked to teach, he would volunteer to.
After the meeting with Dumbledore, James had a talk with Harry about asking for help. It was Harry's fifth year, one of the busiest years for Hogwarts students. James and Lily were worried about Harry overworking himself. But if there was anything Harry enjoyed more, it was proving people wrong, even if those people were his parents.
Regardless of his concern, James enjoyed helping with the Defense club and watching his son. He, Sirius, and Remus would watch from a corner of the room, often discussing the improvements students were making, how well things were going, and how good Harry was teaching.
Remus commented one evening that Harry would make an excellent professor if he decided to become a teacher. James agreed, but he had a feeling teaching wasn't part of Harry's plan.
James walked into the Room of Requirement where they held the Defense club meetings. The Board of Governors was at the last meeting, wanting to come and see how things were going. For those who doubted Harry's ability, no longer doubted him. They were impressed with how well Harry did, how patient he was with the students, and even though his friends and girlfriend were in the group, he didn't favor them over the others.
"So what are we doing tonight?" He asked when he approached his son.
"Review what we've covered one more time," Harry replied. "There are a few students who asked to go over certain spells again. I decided to pair the students who need help with a student who mastered it while the others practice a spell of their choice."
James nodded. "In case I haven't said it lately, I'm proud of you."
"You have," Harry said, looking up at his father.
As Harry began the lesson, James noticed how the other students looked up to him, even those in his own year. The younger students respected Harry, looked up to him. While in the first few lessons, the first-year students in the Defense club found Harry intimidating. But when they got to know him, they found how kind and caring he was. He broke things down for them to understand, patiently showing them how to perform the spells and charms.
"Any questions?" Harry asked the group. When no one said anything, Harry paired the students who needed help off with those who mastered the specific spell they asked help for. The other students practiced the spells they had learned already. One student did ask Harry why they were reviewing again. Harry explained that they would get better with practice, even if they had mastered the charms or spells.
"He's doing well with this isn't he?" Sirius said, whispering. He didn't want to disturb the students working near where they were sitting.
"He is," Remus agreed. "Nigel's grade in my class has improved since Harry started tutoring him. He said that Harry is a great teacher, even in tutoring.
The alarm for the door went off, making everyone look who was coming in. It was Professor Dumbledore.
"Continue," He said as he walked to where James, Sirius, and Remus were sitting. He sat down next to James. "I've been meaning to come to observe a session."
"I wondered why you haven't, but then you've been busy," James commented.
"How do you think Harry is doing?' He asked James, Sirius, and Remus.
Remus answered first. "He's doing well. He's patient with them, he breaks it down for the younger students, making it easier for them to understand both the theory behind the spell or charm and how to perform the spells."
As he spoke, Harry came over to the group working near the four men. He showed Mila the wand movement. She was one of the students who needed help last week and asked when Harry announced they were continuing the review the next time if she could have help again with the spell.
"You're getting more confident," He told her. "Remember not to flourish your wand."
"Thanks, Harry."
"You're welcome."
When he walked back to the front of the room, he stopped by the group Ginny was with. He spoke with her for a moment before he walked towards another group.
James thought back to the previous meeting when the Board of Governors were observing. They all knew Harry was his son, but he still leaned over and said, 'He's my son.' He wanted to brag about Harry to everyone who came to watch a session, even if they knew Harry was James's son. But one member of the board didn't make it to Hogwarts to observe when the board came to a session to observe.
They saw the session from a pensieve and were equally impressed with Harry. They approached James after the meeting.
"I'm about to ask a stupid question, but are you and Harry related?"
James nodded, slightly confused. "He's my son," he said.
"Oh. Well, you must be so proud of your son."
James smiled. "More than words could say."
Sixth Year
James didn't know if he could be proud or not that Harry wanted to follow in his footsteps. Harry had decided during his Career Advice meeting with Minerva that he wanted to be an Auror. He didn't tell his parents until after the meeting. James didn't know what to think at first, but he knew that it would be better for his and Harry's relationship that he would be supportive.
During the summer before Harry's sixth year, James brought Harry with him into work to get an idea of what it was like. Harry had visited James at work many times before and knew how dangerous the job of an Auror was. He remembers the summer before his fourth year when James got hurt.
Then he held the first meeting with the sixth and seventh years interested in becoming an Auror. As usual, those interested were very few, making them decide to include those fifth-year students interested, so if they wanted to change their course work for the next two years they can. But this meeting James saw some familiar faces. Part of the sixth year group was Ron and Neville and Harry. Ron and Neville came with Harry to the meeting for those interested.
James began as he usually did, explaining the job of an Auror.
"An Auror is a profession for wizards and witches who are highly trained law enforcement officials for the magical governments. For those Muggle-Borns, we are considered the magical equivalent of the Muggle police." He paused to let the information sink in. "Auror training, which is also equivalent to the training police undergo, is intensive and extremely difficult. But first, you will need top grades to be considered. We ask for a minimum of five N.E.W.T.s and nothing under Exceeds Expectations. Then once you are qualified with the grades, you will then be required to undergo a stringent series of character and aptitude tests at the Auror office. It is a difficult career path…..and we only take the best."
James glanced over at Harry as he finished. He remembered when the Auror in charge of the training course challenged Harry to complete the training course against the Auror trainees after finding out Harry planned on becoming an Auror.
He was shocked to find that not only did Harry complete the obstacle course, but he completed it in less time than any other Auror on record. They couldn't officially document it until Harry entered the program, but the Auror made a note for those who would be involved when Harry started the program in two years.
"Any questions?" He asked.
A hand went up. James nodded to them. "Yes?"
"I've been researching it and I didn't see anything about the courses required or recommended. What are the courses we need to take?"
James nodded. "Good question. The courses we require are the core subjects: Defense Against the Darks Arts, obliviously, Potions, Transfiguration, and Charms. Herbology isn't exactly required but recommended. Another course I would recommend is Ancient Runes."
"Why Ancient Runes?" Someone asked.
"Because when you're in a situation where time is of the essences, you would be better off to have an Auror on hand who can read runes, because they are used for wards and other means of guarding or hiding. It can save time trying to figure out what it says and unless you need the assistance of a Curse Breaker, you should be able to break the wards yourself," Harry explained.
James nodded in agreement. That was the same explanation Harry had given him when he dropped Divination and took Ancient Runes.
"Any other questions?"
When no one had any questions, he handed out packets to everyone. They included information on becoming an Auror, the training in detail, and a form for those seventh years to fill out. A background check was required, one of the changes Kingsley began when he became Head Auror.
As the first meeting was short, they were dismissed. Only those seventh years stayed back to ask more questions.
At the next meeting, James introduced the obstacle course.
"Now this is a replica of what you will have to face when you do your Auror training. It tests all of your skills at once and can test you to the limit. Pay close attention to the instructions and you'll do fine."
James searched for his son, finding him standing next to Ron. "Harry, show them how it's done."
Harry nodded, walking to the starting line. When James pressed the buzzer for him to began, he was off. Ron and Neville watched wide-eyed as Harry complete the obstacle course. The sixth and seventh years watched in shock at not how well Harry was doing, but the speed he was completing it. Sirius and James watched, beaming with pride.
They had warned Harry beforehand that he might be used when they introduced the obstacle course.
When Harry completed it, Sirius stopped the clock. "Two minutes and forty-six seconds. The course was completed and all of the opponents have been taken care of. Good job."
Applause broke out as Harry returned to stand next to Ron, who high fived him as he passed.
"Now, who wants a turn?"
"How did you do that?" Neville asked Harry as another student took a turn.
Harry accepted the water Sirius handed him. "Thanks," he said to Sirius. He took a drink before answering Neville.
"It tests your wits and your instincts. Dad always says to follow your instincts, even if it goes against protocol. If you do, you would need a good reason for it. Depending on the severity, they would look over it."
James had talked with Harry over the summer, telling him everything about being an Auror. James wanted Harry to know what he was getting into. He still had PTSD from some of the earlier cases. They cropped up once in a while, but he did see a mind healer for it for a while when Harry was young.
"And you know because?" Ron asked.
"Dad is still an Auror isn't he?" Harry inquired. "Dad's broken protocol before, but when he did another life was in danger."
When they were dismissed Harry walked by James. He grabbed Harry, squeezing his shoulder.
"I'm proud of you my son," He said, softly.
When Harry joined the Aurors two years later, James knew Harry would make it through the training. Even though Kingsley offered for them to become Aurors without training, they still joined the training class for a few lessons, a compromise Harry came up with to show the Senior Aurors they did belong in the Auror office.
When the graduation program occurred the following spring Harry and Ron were included. James smiled with pride as he watched Ginny pin the badge on Harry. He couldn't help but lean over to the person next to him. Beaming with pride, he said, "Do you see that new Auror? He's my son."