Guys, I have created a poll for this fanfic (but read the A/N first). I kindly request your help to vote on this so I decide on Harry's endgame. Thank you : channel/UCehK-HhKI1u7m9ZYxvCuXQ/community?lb=UgkxREF2NmOqDkoJ5OuJlnN6cmrxO_jwPBZs

The next day, Harry, James and Remus headed back home. James and Remus quickly left to gain insight on the Peter situation while Harry was left with his nanny, Helen. His father only returned after dinner and Harry met him at their hallway.

"Dad, what's going on? Has Peter been found yet?" asked Harry.

James looked down. "I'm afraid there has been no sign of him. It's almost impossible to find a rat."

"Oh. Umm … I don't think he'd want to risk it by trying anything though," Harry reasoned, his fingers crossed.

"Son, we can't be sure of that. If Peter's been holding a grudge or is still out to do Voldemort's biding, you'll be the first person he looks for. I can't risk that."

"What does that mean?" Harry asked indignantly.

James's lips tightened. "I'm sorry son. It pains me to say this but I can't permit your Hogsmeade trips until Peter is found.

Harry crossed his arms "But you already signed it".

"I know. I'll have to owl Professor McGonagall about retracting my permission until he's found".

"Then why don't you just lock me up here, dad? Why send me to Hogwarts at all? Harry's voice began to rise.

"Harry…. There will be dementors placed outside Hogwarts and you will more easily be supervised by the staff there. But at Hogsmeade, it's open season."

"THIS IS NOT FAIR. Why should I have to suffer because that rat escaped? We don't even know for sure that he'll be be after me."

"Harry, I understand that you're upset and it's not fair but please understand that I can't risk your safety even if there was only a fraction of a chance he was after you. It's only until he's found."

"You just said it's almost impossible for him to be found. Dad, please. There must be a way around this. I can't be expected to give up Hogsmeade or freedom forever if he's never found," Harry pleaded.

"Harry please" It was James's turn to implore. "I'm sorry. I don't like doing this but for now, there would be no Hogsmeade trips. But I promise that I will do my best to find Peter as soon as possible".

"I HATE THIS." Harry stormed off to his room and slammed his door, ignoring his dad's voice calling back to him.

He hated losing his temper at his dad but he couldn't help it. A rational part of him knew James was just trying to protect him but it didn't make him any less angry. Not necessarily at his father but at the situation. Maybe a little at his father. Surely his father could figure out a way without having to punish him for no fault of his. Harry never felt more stifled. He needed to get way from everything. Without much thinking, he found himself packing his trunk and sneaking out his window. He was about to sneak out the back gate but remembered that there were charms placed around it. When they first came back after Lily's death, James had wizards placed as security around their mansion, but as Sirius made peace with his father shortly before the latter's death, Orion Black had told Sirius where he could find the protection charms placed around Grimmauld Place and convinced him to use them despite them being dark magic as it was for protection and not something dark. Sirius and James decided to see the gray area and embraced the idea of using those charms to protect their homes.

"Harry, where do you think you're going?" came his dad's voice behind him.

Harry thought he could die of shame and guilt when he saw the look on his dad's face when he noticed Harry with his trunk. Besides his father, stood Jenny who had just come over.

"I don't what to do." James ran his fingers across his hair. "Even if he inherited my recklessness and impulsiveness, I always thought he was a lot more mature and sensible than I was at his age."

Harry didn't say much when they brought him in and James controlled himself from getting angry and tried to be understanding about his situation. More than being angry, he was hurt and disappointed. But he had managed to at least convince Harry to agree to be patient until he tried to figure out some solution to his Hogsmeade situation.

"He's a teenager now. I'm afraid it comes with territory," said Jenny.

"I wish teenagers would understand when their parents are just trying to protect them," he said exasperatedly.

Jenny put a hand on his shoulder "If it makes you feel any better, they usually come around. I'm sure Harry understands. He just let his frustration about the situation get the best of him".

James flopped his head back on the couch and sighed. "What am supposed to do? Let him have his Hogsmeade trips and freedom at the risk of his safety? Or stay firm and have him permanently angry at me? Even if I did that, I'd also have to have him resent me more by taking away his cloak to prevent him from sneaking into Hogsmeade."

"James …"

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to unload. I'm just completely lost about what to do" He clasped his hands on his head, feeling completely defeated.

"Maybe you could have Aurors as Harry's bodyguards during his Hogsmeade trips. Maybe even have Sirius in his animagus form," Jenny suggested.

James perked up. "That is … brilliant. But wait … I don't think Harry's going like having bodyguards. He'll be too embarrassed and afraid his schoolmates would make fun of him."

"They don't have to be obvious about it. They could be in disguise at a distance. His schoolmates may know Sirius is a dog animagus, but they don't know precisely what his dog form looks like."

James pondered over this. It really was a good idea. "Thank you Jenny," he squeezed her hand. "This might actually work. I'll go run it by Harry and hopefully he accepts this compromise.".

"I'm glad I could help. I should actually get going. I only came over to update you on the Peter situation."

"Why don't you stay for a drink?"

"I'd love to but I have loads of pending work at home. Next time I promise".

"Alright".

Harry didn't know whether to feel guilty or angry when James entered his room.

"Harry, we need to talk." James sat by his bed.

"Dad … I … it's"

It was hard to read what his dad was feeling.

"Firstly, Jenny suggested that you could go to your Hogsmeade trips but with bodyguards including your Uncle Sirius in animagus form."

"But I'll be made fun off."

"They'll follow you in secret at a distance. I'm afraid that's my only compromise for this situation. Are you willing to accept that?"

"I guess I'll be alright with that. Thanks dad"

Harry's now felt even more guilt. He really could have been more patient and even if he was banned from Hogsmeade until Peter was caught, his father was only trying to protect him. Also, Harry knew he would have sneaked into Hogsmeade with his cloak even if he was banned. "Dad I'm really sorry. I was just so angry that I didn't think and just wanted to get away."

James sighed. "Harry, I understand that you were angry but do you honestly think that running away was the best solution?"

Harry looked down. "No".

"Can you promise me you'll be more patient in future not jump to rash decisions in future? And that you would trust I have your best interests at heart and won't deliberately make a decision that makes you unhappy without good reason"

"I promise".

"Are we good?"

Harry nodded "Thanks dad" He laid his head on James's lap. "I'm sorry"

James stroked his hair. "It's alright son. I just want you to be save."

A/N: I really need an opinion on Harry's endgame. I torn between Hermione, an OC and Ginny (but more towards Hermione or an OC). With the OC, I even have a backstory (Jane Eyre inspired backstory with my own spin and changes) and if I go with an OC, I would need to start next chapter showing her at home with her abusive relatives. Hence I would really appreciate quick opinions on who I should pair Harry with so I know how to start next chapter.