Pensive

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/45859840.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationship: James Potter/Lily Evans Potter
Character: James Potter, Lily Evans Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Peter
Pettigrew, Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall,
Bathilda Bagshot
Additional Tags: Marauders Era (Harry Potter), Marauders, First Wizarding War with
Voldemort (Harry Potter), POV Multiple, WIP
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-03-19 Updated: 2023-05-03 Words: 5,208 Chapters:
5/?

Pensive
by MABK_Potter_Fan

Summary

After the war, Harry finds a visual memory diary left by his parents with missing moments
from the Marauder's Era. This story features my own takes on important moments from this
era that were not in the story, but that take up space in my head as canon.
 The Summons
Chapter Notes

I do not own Harry Potter, any of these characters, or content below. My writing is
fanfiction based on my own ideas from the Harry Potter universe.

After the war Harry had time. It stretched before him in an endless void. That combined with the
guilt and gaping loss of Fred, Tonks, Remus, Dobby, and countless others made him itch for
something to do. For the first time in his life he had freedom, and time to do what he wanted. The
problem was, Harry wasn’t sure what he wanted. He’d always had a mission, and been a marked
man, separate from everyone else. On the run, fighting for his life, Harry never let himself dream
of a future, not really.

In the meantime, he set himself with small tasks; cleaning the grounds of Hogwarts, attending
funerals, and avoiding the media. Rita Skeeter in particular was waiting to sink her bejeweled
talons in him for a juicy story and he wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.

A month after the battle he received a summons from Gringotts. The goblins wanted to assess the
damage done upon their escape on the back of the dragon. The sum they were asking for was
outrageous, and they notified him that his accounts were frozen until he came to sort things out. He
knew from his own dealings with Griphook that goblins were shrewd, and not to be
underestimated.

He was rather nervous about the whole process, and having been brought up as a Muggle, he didn’t
know much about wizard banking either. He mentioned it that night to Ron, as they had both
moved to Number 12 Grimmauld Place a week ago.

“I got the same letter.” Ron said regretfully. “Bloody goblins. You’d think they’d show a bit of
gratitude, Chosen One and all that, saving the bloody wizarding world wouldn’t you?”

Harry chuckled. “Just don’t let Hermione hear you say that.”

Ron nodded smartly. “I won’t. Let’s go talk to Bill tomorrow to sort this out. Hermione keeps all
her money in a trust in a muggle bank and converts it each school year so they didn’t have a way to
hold her accountable. Let’s leave her out of it for now.”
Harry agreed.

The next day after a spot of breakfast, they apparated to Shell Cottage. Harry had a wave of
nostalgia hit him as he smelled the salty air and heard the waves crashing against the shore. Ron
and Harry trudged along through the sand. Harry noticed a seashell windchime as Ron knocked on
the front door.

“Ronald! Harry! Come in! What brings you here, not running from the law again I trust,” quipped
Bill. Ron chuckled and accepted a hug.

“‘Ello ‘arry and Ron. I’ll make some tea,” said Fleur, going into the kitchen and giving them
privacy.

“Well, to what do we owe the pleasure,” Bill said, sitting in a chair by the fire. Harry and Ron
settled onto the couch. Harry pulled out the letter and handed it to Bill. He quirked an eyebrow and
began reading. His face went from intrigued to enraged by the end.

“They can’t be serious!” Bill cried furiously. “Well I’m going with you both. I know Goblins and
can be a mediator. It’s really good you came to me.”

“Thanks Bill,” said Ron. He hesitated before saying, “Do you think we could keep this-”

“Between us?” Bill said, nodding fervently. “Absolutely. Mom and Dad have enough to worry
about right now. We’ll have to tell them eventually, but let’s wait.”

Harry nodded appreciatively, and Ron let out a sigh. Fleur returned with the tea. “Would you like
anytheeng else, perhaps?” She asked them.

“No thanks Fleur. We have a couple errands to run but I’ll be back by lunch time,” Bill said. Fleur
smiled and nodded, retreating to the kitchen again.

They headed to Diagon Alley together. As they approached Gringotts, Harry noticed scaffolding
and workers repairing the dome of the bank. When they stepped inside the bank, the hairs on the
back of Harry’s neck stood up as they always did. It got very quiet as Ron and Harry approached
the front, and many goblins leered unpleasantly at them. The tips of Ron’s ears reddened the
further they walked. At the front a goblin in an impeccable suit greeted them and waved them into
this office.
“Mr. Weasley,” the goblin said, peering over his glasses at Bill. “I hardly think this matter pertains
to you, especially given your position with this bank.” Harry didn’t like the way the goblin was
looking at Bill, especially after all the time he’d spent with Griphook. Bill however didn’t seem
bothered in the slightest.

“Given that I am your best treasure hunter, Ricbert, and have helped faithfully supplied Gringotts
with new treasures for the last 5 years, I thought otherwise. Also, as someone who lives both with
wizards and has worked among goblins I think I understand the implications of this summons a
great deal better than perhaps you do.” Bill responded calmly but there was a viciousness in the
look that he was giving the goblin. The goblin looked incensed but took a loud breath and turned
to Ron and Harry.

“Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, do sit down,” Ricbert said formally. “We appreciate you coming into
Gringotts to settle this, er, unfortunate problem we are having. The loss of the dragon, damage to
the Bellatrix vault, and damage to the rest of the bank, not to mention to the unlawful access to
high security vaults and unlawful spells used-”

“I’m going to stop you there,” Bill said, holding up his hand. “These two are heroes of the Second
Wizarding War. They helped defeat Voldemort. Now, I understand Goblins do not involve
themselves in wizarding affairs, but I mention this because a great deal of wizards will take their
gold and treasures elsewhere if they hear that Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley are being denied
access to their accounts for what many wizards will consider a necessary move to defeat
Voldemort.”

If Ricbert looked incensed, it was nothing compared to how he looked now. His face was heavily
lined and he spoke quite acidly, “They broke into some of our oldest, most loyal family vaults,
stole from them, and defaced this bank, costing us millions of galleons!”

“Yes. I don’t deny that. However the question is whether Gringotts cares more for families with
known Death Eater ties or supporting two heroes of the war. The media will be very interested to
hear about the bank's new allegiances,” Bill replied just as fiercely.

“Is that a threat?! Go to the media and your position is terminated at this bank Mr. Weasley,”
Ricbert yelled angrily.

“I will not work for a bank that supports Death Eaters or by extension, Voldemort. It’s time
Goblins pick a side and decide how Gringotts will be run moving forward. I’m simply pointing out
that your clientele, primarily wizards, will be influenced by the recent events of these two and their
role in bringing out Voldemort’s defeat. Additionally I believe that the bank has an emergency
fund in the event of tunnel collapses, repair needs, and other catastrophes” Bill replied.

“So you’re proposing no responsibility on the parts of Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter.” Ricbert asked,
pounding his fist on his desk.

“Not at all,” Bill said, crossing his arms across his chest. “Perhaps we could have Ron and Harry
make a small donation to the bank, shaking hands with you, and the media could take a photo.
Perhaps they could run a story about the repairs and new security features the bank is working on
for a bit of publicity. That would help cover the costs of the repairs if a few new wizards picked
Gringotts as their bank, don’t you think?”

Ricbert thought this over. “What do you think, Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley. I think it’s a rather
elegant solution to our problem.”

Ron looked like he’d rather be anywhere else, his face and ears red. Harry answered, “As long as
Rita Skeeter isn’t the journalist I’m okay with that deal. In fact I’d like to donate 500 Galleons to
repair on my and Ron’s behalf.”

Ricbert brightened, bringing himself to full height. “A deal,” he said, shaking Harry’s hand.
“Ragnok can help you access your vaults.”

Ron and Harry left the office, followed by Bill. Ron breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks Bill, you
were great. Blimey Harry, I don’t think I can repay you for that donation.”

“Don’t worry about it Ron. Besides, you repaid it by Horocrux hunting with me.” Harry said.

They approached Ragnok, Ron got his key back, and then stepped over to talk to Bill. Harry
stepped up and got his key as well.

“As you are now of age, Mr. Potter, I am required to inform you about two additional vaults that
belong to you and relinquish the keys to you. Would you be interested in receiving keys and
accessing those vaults today?”

“Two vaults?” Harry repeated, confused.

“Yes sir. Vault number 619 belonged to your parents, Mr. and Mrs. Potter, and Vault number 412
belonged to your godfather Mr. Black. We received a copy of his will upon his death, however
family vaults are not given to beneficiaries until they come of age.”

“I see. I’d like to see them today, if that’s okay?”

“Absolutely sir. Here are the keys, and if you could sign that you have received a copy of the keys
then we can go to your vaults.”

Harry signed the parchments as indicated. He felt a sudden sense of excitement and fear,
wondering what he might find in these vaults.

Harry followed Ragnok into one of the carts, and it took off quickly down the track. They stopped
at vault 412, Sirius’ vault first. The dwarf stood with his lantern by the door, watching Harry
beadily. Harry saw mountains of gold, a few trunks, and deeds to Number 12 Grimmauld Place
and a small flat, but no personal effects. Feeling a little disappointed, Harry climbed back into the
cart for another wild ride.

They stopped outside vault 619. His heart pounded, and Harry felt a sense of foreboding. This
vault also had an abundance of gold, but more personal effects, trunks, and things in storage here.
He looked around, taking it all in. He spotted an older looking briefcase with the Potter Family
Crest on the outside. He used his wand to clear the dust, opening the trunk. Inside were lots of
vials with assorted writing on the sides. There was a letter written in a familiar, tidy scrawl.

June 1979

Dear James and Lily,

Congratulations on your wedding. Us Marauders have been through everything together and Lily,
we couldn’t have picked a better addition to our family or a better wife for James. As a wedding
present, we decided to give you a memory box, with a few of our memories, and a few for you to
add throughout your marriage. We hope you have many happy years together and make wonderful
memories. We love you and are so happy for you.
Love,

Sirius, Remus, and Peter

Harry clenched the letter, tears running down his face. With a shaky hand, he picked up the vials
which had labels with dates, written in different handwriting. Harry had never even heard his
parent’s voices, except when forced to relive their deaths around dementors, or in Snape’s
memory. He had no memories of them loving him, or being a family. This was a way for him to
see them, to finally understand who they were through these memories. It took him several
minutes to regain control after several sobs escaped him. He reverently set the letter back on top
and closed the case. After looking around the rest of the vault, he opened several boxes, cases, and
trunks. Inside a rather dusty trunk he saw a bejeweled case with runes written on the top. When he
opened it, he saw a pensive. He shrunk both cases, tucking them into his pocket. He piled a little
gold into his pouch, wiped his face, and exited the vault.

“I’m all set now. Thank you,” Harry said. Another winding ride and Harry was finally back in the
sunshine.

“All right Harry?” Ron asked, noticing his mood.

“I found some memories in my parents' vault,” Harry said, sorting through his feelings.

“Do you want some company to watch them,” Ron asked.

Harry shook his head. He wanted the first time he watched them to be just for him. Ron nodded
understanding. “I’m going to visit with Bill for a bit, but I’ll be home soon.” Ron said.

Harry closed his eyes and focused on his destination before apparating.
 Remus: May 1979
Chapter Notes

Warning: There is some brief language and swearing in this chapter. I feel like Remus
and Sirius in particular swore like drunk sailors, so be prepared.

See the end of the chapter for more notes

Harry uncorked the memory titled “May 1978”. He smiled recognizing Remus’ handwriting. He
dipped his head into the familiar substance of the pensive. Sure enough, he dropped into the
memory beside Remus. Remus was walking through the courtyard, exiting the castle, and making
his way to the tree by the lake. Harry’s heart skipped a beat as he recognized his dad. Harry
noticed James is the same height, and they look almost identical. James is holding hands with
Lily, both with their black Hogwarts robes and graduation caps on.

“Hey Moony,” James says happily. “We were just talking about celebrating at the Three
Broomsticks for old times sake. What do you say?”

Sirius and Peter joined them too from behind Remus.

“Finally done!” Sirius said. “What a relief.”

“Easy for you to say,” Peter moaned. “I have no idea what I'm going to do after graduation. Not
everything comes easy for some of us like you Padfoot.”

“Aww come on Wormtail,” James said, mood refusing to be dampened. “Let’s go have a drink at
Rosmerta's. It'll be fun!”

Peter smiled at that. Remus put his arm around him and they all walked towards Hogsmeade,
enjoying the beautiful day.

Rosemarta did a roaring trade, a mix of families visiting the graduation, and students celebrating.
After a few rounds, a few pictures on Lily’s camera, and lots of laughter, Remus stood up to leave.
“I’m going to take off”.
The boys all looked back at him, nodding with understanding. “Are you feeling tired already
Moony,” Lily asked kindly.

James whispered to her, “He always is the day before.” They shared a look of understanding.
“We’ll walk you out,” Lily offered. The gang paid their tabs, and headed outside.

Remus glanced around to make sure no one overheard them before saying, “Dumbledore offered
for me to stay at the Whomping Willow tonight since I’m too tired to travel and the train doesn’t
leave until tomorrow morning. I’ll spend the moon in the cellar at my Dad’s place tomorrow.”

“We’ll be there,” Sirius said. The others nodded. They all walked with him to the Willow.

“I can’t tell you how thankful I am for you lads,” Remus said tearfully. “You’ve stuck by me,
despite my furry little problem, and I can’t thank you enough for that. I am so blessed to call you
my friends.”

The boys all hugged him. James looked emotional and suddenly nervous.

“Speaking of people we’re thankful for,” James said, running his hand through his hair, looking at
Lily. His Adam's apple bobbed while he reached into his robes, pulling out a small box.

Lily gasped as he dropped to one knee. “Evans. Lily Evans. I love you. You are way too good for
me, so kind, fiercely loyal, and an amazing dualist. I don’t know what I did to deserve you-”

“Are you trying to talk her into or out of this Prongs,” Sirius quipped. Lily chuckled but Remus hit
Sirius in the back of the head.

James looked flustered, as he continued nervously, “I know we’re young but the war is coming and
there’s no one I’d rather have by my side-”

“HEY!” Sirius whined. Remus rolled his eyes and muttered, “Honestly shut the fuck up Padfoot”.

Lily was crying, Peter was barely containing his giggles, shoving his fist into his mouth at his
friends' antics.
 James opened the box, grinning at Lily. Softly she uttered, “Yes”. Suddenly everyone was yelling.
James was beaming radiantly, putting the ring on her finger, kissing Lily spectacularly. Peter was
jumping up and down, punching his fists in the air. Remus and Black were hugging, hooting for
joy. The boys ran up and embraced the couple, hugging them as they beamed at their friends.

Remus chuckled. “Well on that note, I’ll see you all tomorrow. Come on Peter, Sirius, join me for
a bit.”

“I’m good,” Sirius said obviously. Remus rolled his eyes again and tugged his friends with him
toward the willow. As he pressed the knob on the tree and entered the tunnel, the last thing he saw
was James dipping Lily and giving her a kiss as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

Harry stood up, tears streaming down his face. The ache for his parents was still there. Not more,
not less, but different. He loved learning about them, seeing them as they were back then. What an
amazing gift. Harry couldn’t wait to see the rest of the memories.

********

After watching the memory of his parent’s engagement Harry had gone and grabbed the scrapbook
that Hagrid gave him in his first year at Hogwarts. He watched the pictures of his parents on their
graduation.

With a pang, Harry realized that he wasn’t much younger than his parents when they died. He
understood the terror of the war, of fighting Voldemort, yet, he couldn’t imagine having a family to
protect while fighting. His parents had to face a different kind of bravery, dependence on their
friends and the Order. Tears leaked down his face, and the sense of longing that he always felt for
his parents increased.

Chapter End Notes

I would love to know what you think about this collection. I am still working on a list
of ideas to write about, so these may be posted out of order, or I may add more
chapters than I have planned right now. If you have any requests or suggestions for
chapters, let me know. Please review! I'd love to know what you think so far!
 Sirius 1979
Chapter Summary

Chapter 3 of the Pensive series from Sirius' POV in 1979.

Harry picked up a memory entitled, Best Man Ever ‘79 and felt a jolt in his stomach and a pang of
sadness, recognizing Sirius’ handwriting. He took a deep breath, poured the memory into the
pensive and watched as Sirius’ face came to the surface. He lowered his face to the surface, falling
into the depths of the memory.

Harry recognized a young Sirius, carefree in a way post-Azkaban Sirius never was. Sirius was in
front of a mirror adjusting his tie. He had on handsome black dress robes with a white undershirt
and black tie. He turned around and walked over to James who was putting on a watch.

“Hey mate, so how crazy is it that you’re marrying Lily Evans today,” he asked, clapping James on
the shoulder.

James smiled, shrugging his dress robes on. “I am so lucky to have her, and all of you. We’re going
to have some tough times ahead, but I know if we all stick together, we’ll survive this war.”

Sirius nodded. “Absolutely. You know we’d do anything for you, for Lily. We love you guys.
You’re great together.”

Remus and Peter ducked their heads into the room. “Moony! Wormtail!” James said excitedly.

“Hey James, I just wanted to let you know the bride will be ready in 10 minutes,” Remus said.
James nodded. “We also wanted to give this to you from all of us Marauders.”

James smiled and accepted the box Harry recognized. He opened it and read the letter.

“Guys, this is amazing!” James said. “Are these memories from all of you?” They all nodded.

“I love you guys,” James said, embracing them all. “I know I’m marrying Evans today-”

“Soon to be Potter,” Sirius cut in, making James smile wider.

“But I love you guys. We’re still the Marauders and Lily understands it’s a package deal.”

Peter laughed loudly and Remus grimaced. “Please tell me you did not actually tell her that,”
Remus muttered.

James shrugged and Sirius laughed saying, “Don’t worry Mooney, she loves us.” With that they
headed out of the room and outside. The ceremony was a small one in the backyard of their house
in Godric’s Hollow.

James ran up and hugged his parents. “Jamie, you look so handsome,” Fee said, cupping his cheek.
“You too Sirius. My boys, all grown up”.

“Thanks Mom,” James and Sirius said together, making Remus chuckle.
They gathered under a small gazebo, Sirius standing next to James. The others sat in some lawn
chairs next to most of the Order of the Phoenix and a few friends. It was a small wedding as Lily’s
parents had died the previous year, and the Death Eaters were gaining more power by the day.

Suddenly Sirius saw Lily exiting the house in a simple gown with lace cap sleeves, the fabric
flowing to the ground. She carried a simple bouquet of wildflowers, and had braided some small
flowers into her red hair. Lily was smiling radiantly. Sirius turned to look at James. He had never
seen him smile so brilliantly. The two of them glowed. James' eyes were glistening and he let out a
big breath, trying to contain his emotions. Lily winked at James and walked towards him, joining
him under the gazebo. She passed off her flowers to a woman Harry didn’t recognize.

Lily joined hands with James, turning towards, to Harry’s surprise, Hagrid.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Lily and James. Two finer people you’d
never meet. I remember both of ‘em in first year. I spent a great deal o’ time chasin’ James and his
friends away from the Forbidden Forest. Course I think that just made ‘em want to go in there
more. James was energetic, bold, and a loyal friend ev’n from the beginning. Arn’t many who’d
have accepted people who are giants, werewolves, or come from different backgrounds, especially
being a pureblood, and all, but James always was kind to everyone. I admired him for that.

Lily was the perfect student. Bright, charming, attentive, and a hard worker. But as she got older
she also was quite vocal about issues she cared about and never backed down from a challenge.

At the start, James made a bloody fool of himself. Trying to impress Lily with his pranks and
tormenting her something awful-”

Everyone chuckled quietly. James laughed with them, shook his head, and looked down at their
intertwined hands for a moment. Lily gave him a big smile as Hagrid continued.

“But in the end, James started being responsible. Got Head Boy, became a leader, cleaned up his
act a little bit, and started catching Lily’s eye. You both are two people who fight for what you
believe in, no matter if you stand alone in those beliefs. I hope that as you join hands today, you
never have to face anything alone again.”

Hagrid paused as Lily dabbed her eyes on a scrap of lace that her bridesmaid handed her.

Hagrid beamed at Lily, saying “Do you Lily Jade Evans, take James Fleamont Potter, to be your
magically bonded husband, as long as you both shall live?”

Lily looked up at James, both of them smiling. She squeezed his hands and said, “I do.”

Hagrid turned to look at James, saying “Do you James Fleamont Potter, take Lily Jade Evans, to be
your magically bonded wife, as long as you both shall live?”

James gave Lily his crooked smile and said in awe, “I do!”.

“I declare you bonded for life.”

Sirius stepped forward, bonding them together. A silver thread wrapped itself around their hands
and then faded from view. He handed them each their rings to exchange and they slipped them onto
each other’s fingers.

“You may now kiss the bride Prongsy,” Sirius said joyfully, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

“Finally!” James said to a smattering of laughter. James placed his hand on either side of Lily’s
face, and kissed her passionately. Breaking apart they giggled and turned towards the small
gathering of guests. People came up to congratulate them, hugging and smiling, taking photos
while Remus, Sirius, and Peter shot gold confetti and sparklers from their wands.

After a while James grabbed Lily and twirled her in their backyard under the stars, dancing without
music. They were smiling and whispering something, eyes only for each other. Harry wanted to
stay and watch, but the memory started to fade from view.

Harry softly wiped his eyes. He loved watching his parents so in love, seeing the friends and
family he had always wondered about, and heard about from others.
 Surprise, 1979
Chapter Summary

Chapter 4 of the Pensive series follows Peter's POV in 1979

Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

Harry poured a new memory labeled, “Surprise, 1979” into the pensive. He hesitated for a moment,
not recognizing the handwriting on the vial. As he plunged into the liquid, he saw Peter walking
down a street. Harry hesitated and stopped walking for a moment. Seeing Peter, despite earlier
memories was difficult, as in life he had only known him as the rat who betrayed his family. He
took a deep breath and followed him. Soon they were joined by Remus and Sirius, and continued
walking down the street.

They appeared in front of an abandoned building, waving their wands, muttering enchantments,
and slowly a house appeared in front of them. Harry recognized it as the house from Godric’s
Hollow and surmised that his parents must have gone into hiding by this point. They quickly
walked through the gate, glancing over their shoulders. Peter knocked on the door, looking around
anxiously.

“Who is it,” James’ voice came from behind the closed door.

“Peter, Sirius, and Remus, three of the four Marauders; Wormtail, Padfoot, and Moony,
respectively, who turn into a rat, dog, and wolf once a month, sometimes more if three of us want
to,” Peter said quickly.

James started to open the door but Sirius pulled it shut. “Don’t forget your answer, Prongsy.”

James sighed, “I am James Fleamont and despite being heir to the Sleekezy fortune, my hair, to
quote my darling wife, ‘is a fucking disaster’.”

Sirius beamed, “Well that’s you then. Let us in!”

Remus smirked and shook his head in exasperation. “So James, how are you? You said–”

“Yeah, what's the big news? Peter interrupted. “We’ve been trying to figure it out. Sirius and
Remus have a bet–”

“As I was saying,” Remus said glaring at Peter, “We’re excited to hear about this ‘surprise’.”

At that moment Lily walked in holding three gift bags. Sirius quirked an eyebrow.

Lily read the tags and handed a bag to each of them. “On a count of three, open them at the same
time. One..”

“Two…” said James.

 “Three!” Lily and James shouted together. Peter crumpled the tissue paper and found a shirt that
read “Being an Uncle is Mice”. It had a picture of a cute little mouse eating cheese. Peter held it up
in disbelief, his jaw hanging open.

“WHAT!” Remus shouted. “Are you guys serious? Lily you’re pregnant?” Remus held up a shirt
that said “Howling Fun Uncle” with a picture of a wolf and a pup howling at the moon together.

“I’m not serious, he is,” Lily said, smirking and pointing to Sirius. Sirius’ booming laugh echoed in
the room. He ran up and high fived her, holding out his shirt with tears in his eyes. The shirt read
“World’s Best Dog Father” and had a picture of a black dog with sunglasses next to a puppy.

“Am I really the Godfather,” He asked in an awed voice.

“Of course Padfoot,” James said while Lily nodded. He hugged them, tears falling down his cheek.
“Congratulations Red,” he said, kissing her forehead. He gave James a huge bear hug.

James unzipped his jacket to reveal a shirt that said “Deer Old Dad” with a picture of a stag and
fawn. Sirius laughed again.

“You okay Peter,” Lily asked. She seemed nervous about his reaction.

“I’m so happy for you guys, I’m just surprised. This is not at all what we were expecting. We
thought you guys were going more into hiding or something serious. Not that this isn’t serious.
This is amazing news.”

Lily smiled at him, putting a hand on his arm. “Thanks Wormy,” she said. “It was a surprise for us
too. The timing is not great but we’re really excited. The healer says we’re due in July. We just
found out that Alice and Frank are expecting a baby in July too.”

Remus smiled, “How wonderful!”

James and Lily looked at each other so tenderly. James wrapped an arm around Lily and she
snuggled into him. “Thanks for coming over, guys. We’ve been dying to tell you!” James said, his
voice getting softer. A mist appeared, ending the memory.

Harry had a weird feeling like loss and longing all wrapped up in one. All of his family, and their
closest friends were gone. He wished he could have known then as uncles, parents. He wished he
remembered.

Chapter End Notes

Thanks for reading! I love to know your thoughts!

 James: HJP 1980

Harry smiled recognizing his initials, HJP, and birth year. The handwriting looked familiar, and
with a jolt, he realized why when he joined his Dad in his memory. James pulled on his hair,
pacing nervously at a house Harry didn’t recognize. There was a knock at the door. James drew his
wand.

“Who is it,” he said in an agitated tone.

“It’s me Prongs,” Sirius said. “I got your Patronus, which takes the form of a stag, which is also
your Animagus form.”

James nodded. “And you?”

“I am Sirius, the white sheep of the Black family, my Patronus and Animagus are both dogs.”

James let him in and Sirius threw his arms around him. “How is she?” At that moment Lily’s
scream punctured the silence of the house. James grimaced. “She kicked me out for pacing.”

Sirius chucked and pulled a bottle of Firewhiskey from his cloak. “Dual purpose Prongsy. A tonic
to calm the nerves and later a toast for celebrating,” he said with a roguish grin. James gave him a
crooked smile, took the shot offered, and knocked it back.

“One more for the road Padfoot?” he asked.

Sirius indulged him. He uncorked the bottle once more and poured another shot each.

“Cheers mate,” Sirius said, clinking the glasses together. They drank. James let out a sigh, clapped
Sirius on the shoulder.

“I’m going back in there. Be out soon, hopefully.” James opened the door to a sweating Lily who
was squatting. Molly Weasley had a wash cloth on her forehead. Molly smiled up at James as he
entered.

“Nearly there dear, time to push,” Molly said reassuringly. Lily groaned, and reached for James'
hand. He winced as she squeezed his hand, screaming again, he knuckles white in his hand. She
pushed several times, vocalizing like a wounded animal with each exertion. Finally James could
see black hair poking out.

“Oh my goodness I see the head, Lily!” She screamed louder, grunted and Harry slowly slid out of
her. She panted, and James wiped her matted hair out of her face. Molly used a cleaning charm,
swaddled him, and passed him over to Lily.

“Oh my goodness James, look at him! He looks just like you,” Lily said, in awe.

“Hey little man,” James said adoringly. At that moment the baby opened his emerald green eyes.
“I'm so proud of you,” James said, holding her face. Lily passed him the baby.

James held him close and said, “Hello Harry. You are so loved.”

Lily and James looked happily at each other and the memory swirled into nothingness.
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