The night after he got back from Christmas break, Harry decided to go for a stroll as he was intrigued to try on his new cloak and take a walk around the castle without being seen, especially by Filch. He decided to visit the Restricted Section of the library to search for more information on Nicolas Flamel while he was at it. Unfortunately, he nearly got caught due to a screaming book in Restricted Section that resulted in Filch and Snape storming into the library. Harry managed to escape the library with his cloak, but his efforts to escape their clutches landed him in an empty classroom.

This classroom contained a magnificent mirror that showed Harry an image he never thought he would see. It was of him with both his parents standing behind him with their hands on his shoulders and two other kids smaller than he was on either side of him. His mother looked older than she did in her pictures and the same age as his father in the current day, but just as strikingly beautiful with her dark red hair and green eyes. She looked and felt more real than she did in any of her pictures as Harry reached out his hand towards her. He noticed that the two kids beside him very much resembled himself and his parents. The girl looked like his mother up to her dark red hair and green eyes, but had his father's lips and smile. The boy looked somewhat an even combination of both his parents with dark brown hair and his father's hazel eyes. He understood that they were supposed to be his siblings. "But how?" he wondered to himself. Was this mirror supposed to show the future? But it couldn't. His mother was dead, he thought sadly. Did the mirror show an alternate universe?

Harry immediately woke Ron up to show him the mirror, but Ron saw something entirely different. The red-haired Weasley saw himself as Headboy and captain of the Quidditch team with a Quidditch cup instead. Despite Ron's warnings, Harry was so entranced by the image of the family he never had that he returned to the mirror the next day. This time he was caught by Dumbledore who explained to him that the mirror showed a person their deepest desires. Harry realized that his deepest desire was for his incomplete family to be complete. Dumbledore moved the mirror to a different location the next day and as he said it was unwise to dwell on dreams.


Dear dad,

I hope you're doing well. Classes and Quidditch practice have been going on alright but I'm worried about why Snape is suddenly interested in refereeing our next match against Hufflepuff.

I finally figured out what the three-headed dog is guarding. Opening a chocolate frog card with Dumbledore on it reminded me that I had read about Flamel being friends with Dumbledore on his chocolate card. This made Hermione remember one of the thick books she checked out for "light reading" which as our luck had it, contained information on Nicholas Flamel. He created the Philosopher's Stone and that's what Professor Dumbledore is helping Flamel guard. It's the Elixir of Life that stops a person from dying. No wonder Snape wants it. He even talked about "putting a stopper to death" during our first class.

I think Snape suspects that I know more than I should about the Philosopher's Stone and that's why he's out to get me by refereeing my Quidditch game. But I'm not letting him or the Slytherin team get to me. I can't let them think I'm a coward. I'll show them when we win.

Take care

Lots of love,

Harry.


Dear Harry,

Snape's interest in refereeing your match has me worried too. I'll write to Professor Dumbledore about this. As admirable as your fighting spirit is, your safety is my top priority.

Son, I don't know whether or not Snape is trying to steal the Philosopher's Stone but I really don't think it's wise for you to continue investigating this. I'm sure Dumbledore knows what he's doing and has it under control. I don't want you to put yourself in any danger trying to figure this out.

Take care

Lots of love,

Dad.


The Marauders were in the Potter's kitchen with their respective mugs of hot drinks, discussing Harry's latest letter.

"I really don't know how to get Harry to stop putting himself in danger, investigating about what the Three-headed dog is hiding," said James apprehensively as he gulped his thick, hot chocolate. "Apparently it's the Philosopher's Stone".

"To be fair, he's acting just like his old man," said Sirius, sipping his strong coffee.

"Nah, he's kind and compassionate like his mother. Not the arrogant toerag or showoff that I was at his age," said James.

"I think he's a lot like you too, James. You're both curious and adventurous, along with being thick-headed and stubborn when you've made up your minds. You both have a certain disregard for rules and a fighting determination when it comes to achieving your goals and you're both unfailingly loyal towards your friends," said Remus as he laid his mug of tea down on the kitchen counter.

"And don't forget, sarcastic, cheeky and mischievous," Sirius added.

"Pot calling the kettle black", James teased. "But should I do anything beyond writing to Dumbledore about Snape refereeing Harry's game?"

"If I were you, I'd be at Dumbledore's office, kicking his table and insisting he changed the referee on the grounds that the current one has a motive to harm my son," Sirius slammed his mug on the kitchen counter.

"But maybe we should wait for Professor Dumbledore's reply before we decide," Remus reasoned as both his best friends reluctantly agreed.


Dear Harry,

I've written to Professor Dumbledore and he truly believes that Snape is genuine in wanting to referee your game. As much as I'm skeptical, he made a good point that it would be hard for Snape to harm you in front of a massive crowd. I pointed out how you were harmed in front of a massive crowd the last time, but he insists that wasn't Snape. As much as I don't trust Snape on a personal level, I do trust Professor Dumbledore. He promises to be at the game to oversee any unfair refereeing on Snape's part and any attempts to harm you. As much as part of me wants to, I won't keep you away from the game as I know how much it means to you. But nevertheless, I will be keeping a close watch on you and Snape during the game.

l'll see you at your next game.

Take care,

Lots of love,

Dad.


Dear dad,

Thank you so much for letting me play. I'm sure it will turn out fine especially if Professor Dumbledore is overseeing it. Besides, I'll also have you watching over me. Can anyone truly harm me under my dad's watch?

I guess I'll give up investigating about the Philosopher's Stone if Professor Dumbledore has it under control.

I'll see you at my next game.

Take care,

Lots of love,

Harry.

...to be continued...


A/N: Please, please review so that I know if it's any good.

Please remember to FOLLOW the story if you want updates and please remember to FAVORITE the story if you liked the story.

Question: Should I continue Year 2 (and Harry's subsequent years) in the same story? Or should I start a new story called Paternal Instincts 2 for Year 2 and Paternal Instincts 3 for Year 3, etc?

Does it make sense if James remains single for life?