Harry Potter and the Dragon's Mirror

by Watches the Shadows

To seek great power, Tom Riddle made a deal. On that fateful Halloween, he vanishes without a trace. Harry grows up, a normal wizard boy, with loving parents and two siblings, friends, uncles. Family. Yet destiny still dogs his steps. The prophecy still hangs above him, like the headman's axe.

2. Chapter 1

Chapter 1: An Eleventh Birthday

Ten years later, Godric's Hollow was still a mostly quiet little town. Only mostly still quiet due completely to the number of children that now lived here, having grown up and now ran all over the countryside getting into all kinds of mischief. One particular boy was still sleeping happily, unaware of how his birthday was going to begin as a little girl crept carefully into his room.

Harry Potter was jostled awake by his sister leaping onto his bed. "Happy Birthday, Harry!"

"Miri! Why so early?" He groaned, reaching for his glasses with his sister wrapped around his neck.

"Miriam, don't choke your brother!" Their mother called with a laugh. Her youngest son, little Patrick, giggled and pushed past her, launching himself into the bed to tackle his older brother and sister. Lily Potter leaned on the doorframe, smiling and laughing at her two younger children's attempts to pin their older brother. She was a tall woman with red hair that fell halfway down her back and eyes greener than most emeralds. Eyes that her eldest child had inherited. Harry was nearly the spitting image of his father, James, except for his eyes. Little Miriam was a mirror image of herself, while Patrick was a strange mix of her and James, with his red hair and brown eyes. Their cat, Crookshanks, rubbed against her legs. He was a large orange cat, with a smooshed face. Lily was convinced he was half or part kneazle.

Arms slid around her waist from behind as her husband came up to the door. Water dripped down from his still wet hair, causing her to squirm and giggle. "James! I didn't even hear you come home!"

James Potter kissed her cheek, rubbing his wet head against hers, as he chuckled at her laughter. "Sirius went home to change and get Marlene. They should be here in an hour." He smiled at his children still playing. "You let Harry sleep in late. Good."

"Of course. It's his eleventh birthday. Can't believe he'll be going to Hogwarts this September. His letter just arrived this morning." Lily sighed. "And Miriam will get hers next year. And Patrick the year after! Where has the time gone?"

James released her, taking a position on the other side of the door. "Have you given any more thought to what you'll do when Patrick goes off to school? Scrimgeour was asking if you were considering come back full time with the Aurors."

She nodded. "Most likely. Alice and I were just talking about it the other day, since Neville will be going off with Harry this year." She straightened. "Harry, why don't you go ahead and get dressed for the day. Miriam, Patrick, come on. Leave your brother alone for a bit."

"Okay!" The two younger children called at as they ran passed her.

Harry watched as his mother pulled his door shut, but he didn't miss the gesture she gave his father. The look that said, "I've got something to discuss in private." He'd gotten quite good at reading people, having grown up surrounded by Aurors, healers, and the like.

He shook his head, got up out of bed, and performed his usual morning stretches before getting dressed and hurrying down to breakfast. His brother and sister were already digging into their eggs and bacon, while his mother was cooking up fresh eggs for him and his father, who was also sitting at the table reading the morning copy of the Daily Prophet. Harry's eyes fell on an envelope, addressed to him, laying neatly on his placemat.

A grin spread across his face, and he rushed to pick it up. It was his Hogwarts letter! He'd known that it would be coming, but some small part of him had feared that it might not have. "My letter came today?"

"Obviously, Harry, since you're holding it." James chuckled as he folded up the paper and set it aside. "I told you they usually come around your eleventh birthday. We'll be going into Diagonal Alley in the next day or so to get your school things. Unless we can reuse some of our old textbooks."

"Absolutely not!" Lily said. "Harry is free to our books here at home, but he's not taking them to school. At least not mine." She flashed her husband a cheeky grin. "Mine are filled with all kinds of notes!"

Harry raised an eyebrow at his mother. "But mum, you've already taught me a lot about potions and charms. Plus, Dad, Uncle Remus, and Uncle Sirius have already gone over some basic defensive spells with me."

"Not to mention flying." Lily muttered, but she appraised her eldest son critically. "Yes, and I daresay you've got some my knack for potions, mixed with your fathers ability at spellcasting. Honestly, I can't help but wonder what House you'll be sorted into."

Miriam giggled. "He's cunning and crafty, like a slippery Slytherin!"

"Slytherin!" Patrick laughed along.

Their father shook his head. "You'll do great in whichever House you're sorted into, son. Even if it's Slytherin." He said with a glance at his wife. "Though personally, my bet's on Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. Your love of learning is only matched with your ability to get into trouble." He laughed.

"I don't know which House I want!" Miriam said after putting her fork down. "Ginny will probably get Gryffindor, but Luna says she's gonna be a Ravenclaw! I can't choose between my best friends!"

"That's a good point, Miri. Both Ron and Neville will probably be Gryffindor's." Harry thought aloud. "Plus, both of you were in Gryffindor when you were at Hogwarts." He said to his parents.

"That we were." His mother replied. "Although the Sorting Hat did tell me I'd do well in Ravenclaw. And I did have a friend in Slytherin."

"Severus Snape." His father half muttered, taking a sip of his coffee.

Harry frowned. "Isn't he one of the professors at Hogwarts? Did he fight with you and Uncles Remus and Sirius against Voldemort?"

Lily pursed her lips as she plated up eggs and bacon for Harry and herself before placing Harry's plate before him and taking her own seat. "Not at first. But he later turned against him, and because of him, our family was kept safe."

Harry blinked, pausing mid bite. He finished chewing and swallowed. "You mean…Voldemort came after you? When I was a baby?"

"Well." James sighed. "That's a talk we'll have later tonight, Harry." He held up a hand. "We will tell you some of it, I promise. Right now, you need to finish eating breakfast. Sirius and Marlene should be here with Alexis any moment."

At that moment, they all heard the front door open. "Prongs, Lils, we're here!"

"Honestly, Sirius, there's no need to holler that loudly." They heard Marlene admonish her husband.

A black haired girl entered the kitchen, followed by her heavily pregnant mother, and a smiling father.

James raised an eyebrow at him. "Honestly, Padfoot, I just saw you two hours ago."

"Ugh, don't remind me. Don't know how you're still so awake." The man muttered, falling into a chair next to his wife. Alexis had claimed a chair next to Harry and Miriam.

She squealed in delight and snatched Harry's letter. "Dad, dad! Harry got his letter!"

Sirius chuckled as he stole one of Lily's bacon, breaking it in half to share with his wife. "Of course he did, Lexie. You'll be getting your own soon enough, alongside Miri."

Patrick pouted. "Why can't I go next year too?"

Lily patted his cheek. "Because you're not yet old enough. Besides, don't you enjoy your lessons with me?"

Patrick thought for a moment, then stuck out his tongue at his older brother and sister. "I'll get mom's teaching all to myself for a whole year!"

"What House do you think you'll be in, Harry?" Alexis asked him excitedly. "I can't decide if I want to be in Gryffindor like dad and your parents, or Slytherin. Cause Kreacher says all true Blacks should desire to be in Slytherin!"

Sirius put his head in a hand, while James sniggered at him. "Kreacher still giving you trouble?"

"Not at all. He's outright pleasant at times, especially with Lexie. But other times…he still clings to my dear old mum's ideals."

Miriam's face had once again become distressed. "You mean I have to choose between Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, AND Slytherin?!"

Alexis blinked at her before slinking back into her chair. "I forgot Luna was so stubborn about Ravenclaw." She sat forward again. "But, if we go to Gryffindor, then it'll be you, me, and Ginny!"

Miriam thought for a moment before muttering, "True, but that still leaves Luna on her own in Ravenclaw."

Harry shook his head at little sister before looking to his uncle. "So, what'd you get me?"

Sirius snorted and looked up at him. "Haven't bought it yet, pup. Figured it was high time for you to have your own owl so you can quit borrowing Artemis when sending letters to Ron and Neville. Besides, what if you meet a pretty girl at school?" He ruffled Harry's hair with a smirk.

Lily snorted. "He's only eleven, Sirius. He's too young to be having a girlfriend just yet. He will be responsible and wait till third or fourth year before he even begins looking at girls that way."

Harry couldn't help but blush at his mother and Sirius' teasing, but Sirius burst out laughing. "Lils, James was infatuated with you from first sight! Your telling me there's no chance Harry won't do the same?"

James picked up his coffee and muttered, "Yeah, but I was right prat at that age, wasn't I? Least Harry's nowhere near as bad."

Lily narrowed her eyes at Sirius. "Precisely! I didn't even start looking at James till midway through sixth year."

"So if you're getting me an owl, does that mean we're going to Diagon Alley today?" Harry asked, excitement creeping into his voice.

"As a matter of fact, it does!" Sirius grinned.

"In fact," Lily cut in, "we're even meeting the Weasleys there, then going to the Burrow for supper."

"The Burrow!" Patrick and Miriam both cheered.

Harry didn't miss the pointed looks and nods between his mother and aunt Marlene. He knew Ron's family wasn't as well off as his and the Blacks, but he also knew that Mrs Weasley was a proud woman. Not to mention as loving and motherly as she was stern. But he also knew as of last year how much his mother and aunt did their best to pitch in when they could, often outright ignoring Mrs Weasley's protests. Lately, she'd begrudgingly stopped fight so hard against them. Then again, they'd all been close friends as far back as he could remember. The Weaselys, Blacks, Potters, and Longbottoms. Wasn't too surprising he supposed when they all worked in the Ministry of Magic together, often closely. Mr Weasley wasn't an Auror, though. Something about a Department dealing with Muggle gadgets he thought.

"Alright Potters," James said sharply. All three Potter children straightened in their seats. "Gameplan is this: we will be going to Diagon Alley via floo powder. Harry, Patrick, I want you both to enunciate clearly and distinctly. Let's try for none of us to accidentally, or purposely, end up in Knockturn Alleg again. Lils, I take it we are meeting them all at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"Yes, Molly wrote yesterday they'll be there in roughly half an hour from now." She answered.

"Excellent! Any objections from the Blacks?" James asked.

"The Black family are all in agreement, provided Alexis here also promises to ensure she doesn't end up in Knockturn Alley either." Sirius gave his daughter a side eye. The girl sheepishly nodded, knowing full well she fell under the "purposely" category of Mr Potter's gameplan.

"Alright then, let's move out!" James smiled, as Lily quickly flicked a wand and sending the dirty plates into the sink.

Sirius walked to the fireplace, plucking a pinch of floo powder from a pot on the mantle. "I'm going first to give old Tom a heads up that we're coming through." The fireplace flared green, and he was away.

James stepped up. "Right, birthday boy next, come on Harry."

Harry took a pinch of powder, tossed it into the fireplace, and said loud and clear, "Diagon Alley!"

The world spun, fireplaces all a kaleidoscope around him, before the one he needed popped up. He stepped out and stumbled into his uncle.

"Nicely done! You're getting the hang of it!" Sirius clapped him on the back and helping him upright.

Alexis came tumbling out of the fireplace next, her long black hair falling over her face. Her father was quick to pick her up, fixing her hair back to its pristine look before she could open her mouth. She grinned roguishly at her father. "Made it! Didn't even try for Knockturn Alley!"

Sirius patted her cheek and kissed her head. "You are so very much my daughter." He sighed. "Always up to mischief, aren't you?"

"Not always deliberately either!" She cheekily replied as Miriam flew out of the fireplace.

"Whee!" The girl shouted, flying right into her brother's arms.

"Miri! Hasn't Dad told you off for doing that enough?" Harry asked, exasperated at her antics.

"Of course! But it's always so fun, cause I know you'll be perfectly positioned to catch me!" She grinned up at her brother, who just shook his head and hugged her.

Sirius stepped forward as Marlene appeared next, helping to steady her, a hand protectively on her belly and back. She moved to sink into a nearby chair. "Whew, that's getting to be a bit much, dearest." She laid a hand on her belly, rubbing it gently.

Sirius gave her a grin. "I can't wait for him or her to get here. Still not going to tell me which will be?" He rolled his eyes when she shook her head. "Honestly, dunno why you're enjoying keeping it so secret this time round."

"Pay back, Sirius. For when Lils was pregnant with Patrick." Her eyes flashed with good natured mischief. "Though I will say, I will be really glad for when he gets here." She said smugly.

Sirius' eyes widened and he broke into a grin, pumping his fist just as Lily came through the fireplace.

She looked between the two before finally asking Marlene, "Finally told him?" Her friend nodded. "About time. He's been hounding James and I for months!"

Alexis looked between her parents. "Sooo….dad finally knows I'm getting a baby brother?"

Sirius groaned and ran his hands across his face. "You told Alexis before me?"

Marlene smirked at him. "Alexis was the first to know after the charms had confirmed it." She grinned at her husband's chagrin.

Patrick came through, tumbling at his mother's feet, James right behind him. He looked from his wife's gleeful face, to Marlene's smug look at her husband, and his best friend's despair. "Ah. Finally told him it's a boy, I see." He blanched and panicked. "That…that is what his despair is about, right?"

Lily laughed and smacked his chest. "Yes, honey, it is."

Just then, Tom the bar and innkeep came up beside them, handing Marlene a glass of water. "It's always good to see you lot." He gave a weary look at James and Sirius. "And honestly, the Ministry keeping the two of you busy? You've not stopped by for a pint in a while now. Hagrid was whining about it not two days ago. Said he might swing by sometime today, knew you lot'd be here, getting Harry's things for Hogwarts. And a fine happy eleventh birthday to you, Harry! I hope it'll be a good one!" He gave a toothy grin and scurried off.

The fireplace flared again, and a tall, thin boy with a crop of red hair and freckles stepped out. He grinned at them all, then noticed Sirius and Marlene. "Oh sweet! George and dad owe me two galleons each!" Sirius looked up and scowled at them.

"Am I the only sod who didn't know he was having a son?" He asked.

James shrugged. "The only one in our group, anyway. Marlene told Lily, Molly, and Alice not that long ago, Fred and George overheard them, told their dad, and the three of them set up a betting pool. Speaking of which." He pulled out a pouch, plucked two gold coins from it, and handed them over to Fred. "Here you go Fred. Well played."

Fred gave a bow as his brother stepped out of the fireplace. "I thank you, Mr Potter, for your generous words."

George glanced around, his grin fading a bit and turned to his brother, who held out a hand. He rolled his eyes. "Oh, come off it. I was so certain too." He clicked his tongue and handed two coins to his brother. "Well, at least dad will have to pay up as well."

"Pay up for what?" Arthur Weasley asked as he joined them. A quick glance around had him scoffing. "Blimey, Fred, can't believe I lost that one, but here you are." He looked at James and Sirius. "I say, you two alright? Heard through the vine it was a right night for you lot."

James waved him off. "Managed a couple power naps, but otherwise fine. Old Mad Eye's hunch actually paid off. And young Tonks surprisingly stepped up nicely, despite still going through training."

Arthur nodded. "Good to hear Dora's doing well." His daughter, Ginny, popped up at his side, red haired and freckled as the rest of their family.

She smiled at her friends. "Happy birthday, Harry! Hi Miri, Lexie! Hello, Patrick!"

Ron appeared next, lightly punching Harry in the shoulder. "Happy birthday, mate! Can you believe we're finally going to Hogwarts this year? Still haven't figured out Gryffindor's the best House yet?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm only saying the other houses wouldn't be that bad. Just cause you don't like hitting the books."

Ron shrugged. "Well, it's not like their bad, or nothing, just not as fun as our broomsticks! Speaking of, I bet you'll be on the team next year! You are gonna tryout, aren't you?"

"I was planning, yeah." Harry nodded.

Fred and George shared a look while they talked. "You know, brother of mine, Harry wouldn't make too bad a seeker, d'you think?" Fred asked.

"Yeah, brother of mine, you've got a point there. Think Wood's found a replacement yet?" George asked.

"Better yet, think McGonagall would vouch for an exception?" Fred asked. They both nodded. "Seems like we've got a couple letters to send, eh?" And they slinked off quietly.

Ron grinned. "You're gonna love your gift! It's from both Ginny and me, but we spent ages picking it out!"

"Oh, honestly, Sirius!" Mrs Weasley was saying. "Marlene only told us last week. We've not known it for months, despite what Lily and James say. You can ask Alice tonight when you see her, if you wish."

Harry decided it was time to save his uncle. "Sirius, can we go pick out an owl now?"

This seemed to snap the man out of his mood. "Ah, yes! Let's go get you an owl, Harry. Unless you'd rather a cat? Toads went out of fashion a bit ago, from my understanding, but cats are as popular as owls these days. Still, I would say an owl is a bit more…well…useful. Although, cats do help get rid of rats." That last line was muttered with some venom, and not for the first time Harry wondered why his uncle hated rats so much.

"Oh, Sirius, that's awfully sweet of you to get Harry an owl. That's a wonderful gift!" Molly smiled at him, happily keeping the mood light again. "Why don't you go ahead to the menagerie then Olivander's? The rest of us will get the boys' potions things and caldrons, and then we'll all meet back up at Flourish and Blotts?"

"That's not a bad idea, Molly. James, care to go with them? What about you, Patrick? Want to go with the boys too?" Lily asked her youngest.

He thought for a moment before excitedly going to his father, who ruffled his hair.

Harry couldn't help but bounce with excitement as he led the way to the menagerie. Ron had gotten an owl back in March for his birthday, and while he rarely begged his parents for anything, he couldn't help but think they'd must have noticed his own looks of longing every time Ron's little owl, Pigwidgeon, popped up.

As they walked in, Harry immediately turned towards the area where the owl perches were. Owls of all varieties, shapes, and sizes perked up at his approach. Some eyeing him with barely concealed excitement, while others gave him a glance before settling back into naps.

One beautiful owl caught his eye, and he couldn't help be drawn towards its perch. A beautiful snowy owl perched pristinely on her stand, looking quite regal. She gazed down at him before hooting softly at him.

"Hello there, girl. You're quite a pretty owl, aren't you?" The owl seemed to preen at his words of praise.

"Wow, a snowy! Don't see too many of them around here that often." Sirius said, coming to stand next to Harry.

The shopkeeper stepped. "Ah, yes. She just came in, no previous owners. One of the best owls her trainers have raised."

Sirius checked her tag, nodding. "Well, what d'you think, Harry?"

Harry could only grin. "I think I'll call her…Hedwig!" The snowy owl seemed to puff herself even more upon hearing the name.

Sirius chuckled, holding out a couple fingers to gently stroke the owl's feathers. "A good name, pup! She already seems so regal!"

Soon, Harry had picked out a cage, some owl treats, and a few other things for owl care as the group made their way down to Olivander's. Arthur, Ron, and Sirius all waited outside, gladly watching over Hedwig in her cage, as Harry led his father into the shop. It was dimly lit, wand cases lining almost every inch of shelving space.

Harry raised his hand to ring the bell on the counter, but before he could, an old man had appeared from between the shelving. "Ah, yes, I've been expecting you." He looked up at James. "Mahogany, eleven inches, dragonheartstring, correct? Pliable, excellent for Transfiguration. Lily, of course, has a willow, unicorn hair, ten and a fourth inches, swishy, perfect for charm work." He turned back to Harry, taking out a tape measure. "With such unique wands for your parents, I can't help but wonder, Mister Potter, what wand will choose you." He seemed to think for a moment before reaching for a case. "Let's try this one." But it had barely touched Harry's fingers before it was snatched away. "Oh no, I think not. How about…yes, let's see this one."

Harry gave the wand a flick, and the shelf across from him collapsed. He quickly placed the wand back in its case and backed away. Olivander, however, seemed to be getting more and more excited the more wands they tried. "Well, well, well, interesting. Marvelous. Simply marvelous, yes, let's see…hmm, surely not. But…why not?"

He fingered the case carefully, calculatingly, before opening it and holding it out or Harry. Harry reached out for the wand and picked it up. Warmth seemed to travel up his arm, and with a flick of his wrist, golden sparks showered over them.

Olivander nodded, muttering, "Most curious. Most curious indeed." At Harry and James looks, he spoke up. "I remember every wand I ever sold, you know. Every one. The phoenix whose feather resides in that wand gave only one other. And I've not heard anything from it for ten years."

There was a sharp intake of breath from James. "You can't mean…"

"Yes, I'm afraid I do." Olivander said quietly. "Your wand, dear boy, is the brother to the wand of he-who-must-not-be-named."

Harry stared at the man. "You mean, the phoenix feather in this wand is from the same phoenix as the feather inside Vold…his wand?"

Olivander looked down for a moment, seemed to decide something, then looked up and met his eyes. "Listen to me carefully, yes, you may share a wand core, but trust this wand, boy. Trust it to work with you, and it will surely serve you like no other wand. The wand chooses the wizard, Mister Potter. I daresay, for this particular wand to choose you…we can certainly expect great things from you."

James paid for the wand, but while he hid it well, Harry could tell that something Mr Olivander had said disturbed his father greatly. He wasn't surprised to find that once they'd left, he, Ron, and Patrick ended up in front, headed for Madam Malkin's to get robes that the three men walked a few feet behind, heads bent together talking. Arthur looked troubled, while Sirius looked grim. Harry wondered if it had anything to with the talk his father had promised that night.

The trip to Madam Malkin's was uneventful, and the group soon met back with the girls in front of Flourish and a Blotts where they collected their books, and Fred and George had reappeared from wherever they had disappeared to.

Miriam, Ginny, and Patrick led the way back to the Leaky Cauldron, eagerly chattering about the birthday party. It was going to be as much for Neville Longbottom as it was for Harry, since the other boy's birthday had been the day before.

The Burrow was very definition of what a muggle would think as a wizard's house. It was tall, yet appeared like it could fall apart at any moment. Any decent wizard, however, would easily be impressed at the magic used in its construction. A sizable garden lay next to it, and some distance away was an apple orchard, where a basic quidditch pitch had been made. On the other side of the house was the main lawn, which had been decorated with streamers, magically conjured bubbles that shifted colors, and small orbs of different colored lights.

Harry, the Weasley children, and Neville had all spent many a pleasant afternoon playing on their brooms. Currently, they and their parents were all gathered around a long table that had been set up towards the center. Marlene rested in a comfy chair that had been set up for her, surrounded by Molly, Lily, and Alice Longbottom. Harry and Neville were doing their best to not ogle the two piles of birthday gifts, while the adult men, now including Frank Longbottom and Remus Lupin, had their heads together talking quietly. Every now and then, Harry would catch one of them glancing at him.

"I still think the Canons have a good chance at the Cup. They've not been doing too bad lately." Ron was saying.

"True, Ronny," George said, passing the potatoes to Ginny, "but I still believe Puddlemere will go for it, maybe Ireland."

"What about Bulgaria?" Fred asked. "There's a rumor they've got eyes on a rising star."

"Nah, come off it. They might have a chance, but my bet will be the Canons or Puddlemere." George replied.

"I wouldn't discount the Harpies, though." Harry said. "They're saying Gwenog Jones might get the captaincy."

"Yeah, and Bill was always saying how good she was before she graduated." Fred nodded. "That's a good point, Harry. Still, I don't know if they're good enough this year to fight for the Cup."

Just then, the sound of the gate echoed over the party, and everyone glanced around. James and Sirius broke out in grins. "Minerva! Glad you could make it!"

Professor Minerva Mcgonagall smiled at them all as she took a seat near the middle of the table. "I trust that I'm not coming too late. I had a small matter to discuss with Dumbledore." She gave a small wink to Fred and George. She turned a stern look to the three boys. "And keep in mind that you'll have to call me 'Professor McGonagall' while we're at school." She gave the three a warm smile. "At least when you're in class or it's school related. Outside of that, I still expect to be 'Aunt Minerva'."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall." The three boys, the twins, as well as Sirius and James all recited mechanically. The table rang with laughter.

After Minerva had had a plate, with the boys chancing a smaller third helping, Lily and Alice slipped back into the house, emerging a minute late with two good sized cakes. For Harry, they had a Golden Snitch, while Neville's looked like a flowering plant. They placed them down and sang them both a happy birthday. Minerva seemed quite amused with the snitch cake.

And of course, after their cakes had been cut and partially consumed, came the presents. Most of the things they got were both fun but with the promise of being useful when they went off to school in September. When he got to Ron and Ginny's gift, however, he paused. It was a deluxe broom cleaning kit. Normally, he'd be thrilled, but he hadn't gotten a new broom yet, since his old Comet and nearly bucked him out of the sky and splintered on one of the apple trees.

Sirius reached under the table and pulled out a long thin package then, placing it gently before Harry. "Happy birthday, pup, from the Black family."

As he began tearing into the package, a grin broke out across his face. There on the table lay a pristine new Nimbus 2000 broomstick. The Weasley and Potter children and Neville all clustered around him in awe of the broom.

Harry couldn't help but bite his lip in restrained excitement. Neville had finished unwrapping all his gifts, but neither had his parents given permission to leave the table. Lily shook her head with a smile, Alice standing up with an equal grin. "Alright, let's go to the orchard. I'm sure you're all eager to test out the new broom." She called out to the group of children as they rushed ahead of her. "Stick close to the ground at first, Harry. You too, Patrick! Miri, Ginny, don't you dare try for loops until we see just how sharply it handles!"

James smiled and raised an eyebrow at Minerva. "Alright, what business did you have with Dumbledore, and why so amused at Harry's cake?"

She took a sip from her mug. "James, Charlie just graduated last year. The best seeker Gryffindor has had since you graced us with your broom when you were at Hogwarts."

Sirius and Remus both raised an eyebrow. Frank coughed. "Are you suggesting…?"

She gestured to the orchard, where they could already see Harry almost completely ignoring his mothers instructions as he twisted and twirled, dipped and dived, rising up high above them all on his new broom. "He'd make a good seeker, is what Fred and George suggested. Wood still hasn't found a replacement for Charlie yet. Of course, he'd have to keep up his grades, prove he can handle the workload of quidditch practice on top of class work. There's a reason most students aren't allowed to tryout till second year. And I'll only talk to the boy myself with your ok."

James gaped at her. "He's not even started school yet, and you're offering him the position of seeker?" He rubbed a hand across his face. "He's going to love it." He and Sirius shared looks. "We may just need to bless those sacred grounds ourselves again, Padfoot. Moony, you in?"

Remus chuckled. "Watching Harry on a broom does always make me think of you. He's got your talent, and Lily's brains. Dangerous combination for certain. As for the workload, Harry can handle it." He smirked at his old professor. "We've all been giving the children some basic lessons already. Lily in particular felt Harry should go with a good grasp of potion making."

Minerva gave an exasperated sigh. "Harry is a good boy, but he's certainly as headstrong as you were, James."

"Much less of a prat, though." James grinned at the others laughter. Minerva cracked a grin at him.

"Perhaps, but you've all grown up to be the finest men." She said softly, raising her glass to them. Out in the orchard, Lily was shouting at Patrick to not follow his brother's example.

The Weasley children had all gotten out their own brooms, and they were eagerly tearing each broom against Harry's new Nimbus. They whooped and howled in delight, until the sun began to set. Molly and Alice tried to protest Marlene helping with the clean up, but the woman wouldn't hear of it, insisting to help at least a little. An hour later, they all said their goodbyes.

Once they were home, Lily shepherded Miriam and Patrick off to their baths and bed, but James placed a hand on Harry's shoulder and led him into the living room. Once they were seated on the couch, James reached down and pulled out on last gift from beneath it. "Happy Birthday, son. May this server you even better than it did me."

Harry gave a hesitant grin to his father as he opened the package. He stared as he pulled out a silvery cloak. It flowed around his hands like water, nearly weightless. He threw it around his shoulders. His eyes widened. "An invisibility cloak?!"

"One that's been in our family for a long time. Usually passed from father to son. My father gave it to me when I got my own letter to Hogwarts, and now I'm giving it to you." James smiled for a moment before growing serious. "Just don't get into too much trouble with it, alright? And your mother and I want you to have it for another reason too."

"Because Lord Voldemort came after our family before he disappeared?" Harry asked.

"That's exactly why, Harry." Lily said, walking in and taking a seat next to his father. "Your father and I want you to have fun at school, Harry, but also to be careful. On your guard a bit. If you have any concerns, write to us, or Sirius, of course, but also go to Professor Dumbledore or Aunt Minerva. Or even Sev…Professor Snape."

Harry grimaced. "And call her Professor when in class. That's gonna be so weird."

Lily chuckled. "It will be very weird, won't it." She was quiet a moment, then she asked, "Do you have any questions for your father and I?"

"Why? Why come after us? I know you fought against him, along with Uncle Sirius, but so did other people. Neville's parents." Harry asked.

"We aren't completely certain why he chose to come after us. Why he chose to target…" James cut himself off, thinking. He shared a long look with his wife before they finally nodded. "We were going to tell you this when you were older. There is a prophecy about Voldemort. And the one who would stop him. He believed it to be you, Harry."

"And on the night of Halloween, after you'd turned one year old, it's believed he was coming to our house. Sirius confirmed it. Yet he never arrived. He just…he vanished. But Sirius…found something. Something on the gate." His mother reached into a pocket on her jeans and pulled out a necklace. It was a scale, carved into the likeness of a dragon, on a long silver chain. She held it out to him.

The moment it touched his fingers, the dragons wings unfurled, the chain shot forward, and the necklace rested gently around his neck. He stared at it. His parents had leapt to their feet in alarm, but he held up his hands. "I'm alright. Here." He took the necklace off and handed it back to his mother. The moment it left his hand, the dragon's wings furled tightly about it once more.

"Fascinating. Not even Dumbledore could get any reaction from it, though he could detect that it was magical. Even your father and I can feel traces of power within it." Lily handed it back to her son, watching as it 'woke up' once more in her son's hands. She nodded.

Harry looked up at them. "What was the exact prophecy?"

"That's something we'll tell you later, Harry. For now, just please, have fun, focus on school, your friends. Maybe make some new ones. And keep an eye out for anything you think is suspicious. Alright?" James asked. Harry nodded. His father and mother held out their arms, and he fell into them all too willingly. "Now, off to bed with you. And don't even think of using the cloak to raid the kitchen for late night snacks. Your mother and I will know."