Chapter 4
“I'm sorry?” Cecilia asked, voice conveying her worry.
“I knew at some point I would meet you Mister Potter. As well as the young Miss Snape and Mr. Smith. Which are your wand arms?” Mr. Ollivander said as he came around the corner to look at them more clearly.
As his eyes landed on Harry, he let out an amused noise. “You already seem to know which wand is yours don’t you?”
Mr. Olivander was cool and all, but he was currently starting to freak him out. Harry gave a short nod and when Olivander looked at him expectingly he spoke up. “11 inches long, Holly, and a phoenix feather core sir.”
Ollivander's smile faltered and he walked away down a column of wands. He pulled said wand from the shelf and came back, handing the wand to Harry. As Harry held the wand, he welcomed the warmth that came from it and swished it about, letting red and gold sparks shoot from the wand.
“Curious, how very curious.”
This time however Harry put on the counter the seven gold Galleons.
Cecilia stepped up this time “Mr. Ollivander sir, is there another of your shops in Hogsmeade?”
Mr. Ollivander smiled, “Why yes. Indeed, there is. Something tells me you also know which wand is yours as well.”
Cecilia smiled a sad smile. “I’m afraid that this wand you might not have sir.”
Mr. Ollivander hummed thoughtfully and turned to the wand shelves once more and summoned an old crate.
“My Grandfather received this wand over 100 hundred years ago, it belonged to a dear friend of the Ollivander's. I believe it is finally time for it to return to its owner.” He said while opening the crate and revealing the wand inside.
Cecilia let out a gasp and reached to grab the wand. “I’m back.” She whispered softly.
Olivander nodded his head. “Yes, this will do. 10 inches, Alder wood, Pheonix feather core, unyielding. Another perfect match!” He then turned his head to Rigel. “You, on the other hand, you will be tricky.”
Harry watched as Rigel went through wand after wand while Olivander got more and more excited. At some point the adults entered to see a whole mess of wands and Rigel in the middle looking a little overwhelmed.
“Not done?” Helen asked. Looking at her son in concern.
“Rigel still hasn’t found the right wand.” Harry answered.
“Try this one. 12 inches, Pheonix feather core, Blackthorn wood. Give it a wave.” Ollivander said as he handed yet another wand to Rigel.
Rigel took it and the wand spit up golden sparks of light and glowed a soft golden color.
“I have done it again!” Mr. Ollivander said as he waved his own wand and put back all the other discarded wands back onto the shelves.
“How much?” Helen asked. Walking up to the counter with Rigel.
“Seven Galleons.” He said as he walked behind the counter again. “Each.”
“I already paid.” Harry said
Cecilia and Rigel took out the exact money and once they paid it, they waved goodbye and everyone left the store.
By this point the sun was starting to set. As they made their way out of Diagon Alley Harry kept a look out for Severus. After all it has been hours since he has seen the man, it is entirely reasonable to worry.
When they made it into the leaky cauldron did Harry finally relax. Severus was at the counter having a conversation with Quirrell.
“Daddy!" Cecilia said as she too caught sight of him.
Severus looked toward the group heading in his direction and placed a hand on Cecilia’s head as she hugged him around the middle. Quirrell looked surprised at the display. Should he just expose him now? Maybe if he touched him now, they could avoid the drama later.
“Hi Severus. Did you find what you need?” Remus greeted as he got closer. Remus placed a hand on Harry’s shoulder, keeping a tight hold as if telling Harry not to move. Looking closer, Harry could tell that Remus was tense for one reason or another.
“Indeed. Shall we head out?” Severus drawled and began walking to the exit dragging Cecilia by the hand.
Quirrell and the rest of the group stayed silent and awkward until Remus spoke up. “C’mon everyone, let's go home.”
Remus, not letting go of Harry, led the group outside to see Severus still walking away with Cecilia in tow.
“What was that about Moony?” Sirius asked as they followed behind Severus.
“Trust me Padfoot, that man smells like bad news.” Remus said sharply. And Sirius just nodded his head, dropping the conversation.
Could Remus know?
Within the next hour they made it back to Spinners End. Severus invited them all to stay for dinner, and Helen offered to help make it. Remus took this time to unshrink all the bought goods and sort through them, separating everything into three bags, one for each kid.
Sirius however challenged the three of them to yet another boardgame called Life. Hallow of course having been left alone all day would sometimes walk over the board and attempt to eat the game pieces.
Once the food was ready everyone sat and ate, enjoying each other's company and making small conversation.
“Did you buy everything on your list dad?” Harry asked, casting a look at Cecilia as she not so discretely tossed her carrots onto his plate.
“I did. Cecilia.” Severus sent Cecilia a look that said, ‘try me’ and he put even more Carrots onto her plate.
Cecilia whined but ultimately ate her Carrots.
“How was your shopping?” Severus asked.
“Diagon Alley is awesome.” Cecilia answered, still chewing.
“I certainly think it is interesting.” Helen said, passing the napkins to Remus.
“We met the Weasleys!” Harry said as he remembered meeting the cute baby Ron.
“Did you?” Severus took a sip of his drink before frowning. “Did the Malfoys not show up?”
“They left early once we saw the Weasleys.” Sirius answered, “Seriously why do you like them so much?”
Severus took another sip before speaking. “They are old friends. When I first got Cecilia, they helped me figure out parenting.”
“You mean Aunt Cissa helped. Mr. Malfoy did almost nothing.” Cecilia said innocently.
“I think you have worked hard and have become an amazing Father. Besides you now have us to rely on.” Remus said softly.
“If you ever need any help, do not hesitate to rely on me as well. We single parents sometimes need to stick together.” Helen said with a smile.
Sirius spoke up and spoke in a rushed voice. “If you don’t mind my asking, who is Rigel's Father?”
Helen coughed a little and pressed a napkin to her lips before looking at Sirius with wide eyes. “I’m Sorry?”
“Padfoot!” Remus said, elbowing him in the ribs.
“No, it is all right. It was just unexpected.” She said with a sad smile.
“To be honest it was such a long time ago while I was visiting some family here. He was a nice wizard. We spent some time together and when I returned to the states we still corresponded. At some point he stopped replying to my letters.” She picked up her cup and took a few sips before continuing. “I hope he is alright.”
“Was Dad a good guy?” Rigel asked.
“Sweetie he was marvelous. I have never met another man like him.”
As Rigel and his mother smiled at each other Harry noticed how similar their smiles were. “I wonder which Parent I am most like.” Harry said, mostly to himself.
“James.”
“Lily.”
Sirius and Severus said at the same time. They then looked at each other and frowned.
The rest of the table laughed and giggled over their display.
“I personally thing that Harry is just like Harry. There is no one else like my brother.” Cecilia said before Sirius and Severus can get into an argument.
Harry smiled in return.
Soon everyone finished eating and everyone went home except for Remus, who stayed behind for one reason or another.
As Harry was getting into Bed, there was a knock on the door and Remus entered the room.
“Hey pup, you ready for bed?”
Harry nodded as he layed down and pulled the covers over himself. Remus walked closer and sat at the edge of the bed. “You know I love you, right pup?”
Harry nodded slowly, what was he getting at?
“I want you to know that no matter what happens, you will always be dear to me. I promise to protect you from anything and help you if you ever need it. Trust in me when you feel like you can’t trust anyone else. Good night Prongslet.” Remus placed a hand on Harry's head softly before getting up and leaving. Closing the door softly behind himself.
What was that about?
As he layed there about to start occluding for the night. Let tomorrows Harry worry about everything the door opened slowly, Severus this time. Harry lifted his head a little, alerting Severus that he was in fact still awake.
Severus entered the room then. “Everything alright Harry?”
Harry layed his head back down and nodded.
Severus smoothed the hair out of Harrys face and hummed. “That is good. Do you need any help occluding tonight?”
Harry shook his head no and closed his eyes, starting to occlude on his own. He felt Severus smooth his hair some more and tuck the blankets more securely around him before getting up and leaving the room.
They went through the next two months learning what they can and enjoying the rest of the summer. Harry was confident in the fact that this time he was looking forward to doing better in his classes. Cecilia was excited to finally visit the ROR. Rigel was ready to just go to school in general.
They kept busy with reading their schoolbooks, playing with Hallow, visiting the muggle entertainments. Etc. On Harrys Birthday, Severus took them to a muggle indoor play area where Harry, Cecilia, and Rigel ran around challenging each other to many things including the arcade games.
The day after Harrys Birthday Hagrid showed up asking to take Harry to get his school supplies. When Severus said no Hagrid insisted it was an order from Dumbledore.
That was the wrong thing to say though as Severus quickly kicked him out.
When they arrived home after a day of buying groceries. Harry received Hedwig from Hagrid just as he did his previous life, but as an apology. Hagrid also agreed to take care of Hallow while they had classes so that he wouldn’t necessarily be left alone, and they could visit him whenever.
Of 'course though, he did not leave out the details of stopping at Gringotts to collect a special item for Dumbledore.
Harry only rolled his eyes at the attempt that Dumbledore was making. Looks like the Sorcerer's stone drama is going to happen again.
When September first finally rolled around Harry was woken up early by an overly excited Cecilia.
“Harry! It’s time to go to school!” Harry sat up and gave her a glare. “What time it is?”
Cecilia, still in Pajamas and messy bed hair just grinned. “Like 6:30.”
Harry looked out the window and saw the sun was barely rising.
“Why?”
“Because Daddy is leaving early to get to the school, we need to say bye.”
Severus voice cut in. “There was no need to wake him silly girl.” Severus was dressed in his all-black teaching robes and looked every bit like his old self, only healthier and much more well maintained.
He entered the room and picked up Cecilia, putting her on Harry's bed beside him and sitting close. “She is however correct. I am leaving shortly to start my preparations. Remus will be the one to take you all to the platform and see you off.”
Cecilia leaned into Severus in a hug. “Bye daddy. I love you.”
Severus wrapped his arms around her, returning the hug. “We shall see each other soon enough silly child.” He then dropped a kiss to her forehead. “I love you too.”
Cecilia pulled back just enough to give Harry an inviting look.
Fine.
Harry leaned forward and wormed his arms around Severus, pressing his face into the fabric of Severus’ front. Harry felt Severus return his embrace and press a kiss to his own forehead too.
They stayed that way for a few more minutes before Severus leaned away a little.
“I must go now. Behave.” and with a fashion that was truly Severus Snape, he turned and walked out.
Cecilia and Harry shared a smile. Their father was such a child sometimes.
They both heard a knock and turned to see Remus leaning against the door frame. “Good morning you two. Breakfast?”
They started off their day this way, eating breakfast and then getting themselves dressed while Remus loaded the car. Cecilia vibrated with excitement as they all mounted the car and Remus began driving. According to Cecilia, she never got to cross the lake as a first year because she got accepted when she was 15. It will be a first experience for her.
They drove the half hour it takes to get too Great Hangleton and picked up Helen and Rigel, before finally heading towards London. Once they arrived Remus and Helen helped the kids set up their carts and walked through the terminals to reach platform 9 and 3 quarters.
As they walked someone shouted at them.
“Moony!” Remus turned at the sound of his name and saw one Sirius Black, stupid grin on his face, running full sprint towards them. Dora was behind him, trying and failing to match his speed.
When Sirius got close enough, he slowed to a jog and pulled the taller man into a hug. “Wassup Moony.”
“Hey padfoot. Glad you made it.”
“Harry!” Sirius said aloud as he spotted him. “Are you excited or what?”
“Uncle Sirius! What are you doing here?” Harry asked instead while giving his uncle a hug.
“Why I’m here to see you off of course, and I might also currently be patrolling for work.” Sirius finished saying as Dora finally caught up.
“Geez Sirius, you can’t just run off like that.” Dora said in-between breathes.
“Good morning!” Cecilia interrupted, giving them both a happy smile.
“Well, I think we must get going before they miss the train.” Helen said softly.
“Shit you’re right, C’mon everyone.” Sirius said quickly, taking the lead towards the Platforms.
“Where exactly is Platform 9 and three quarters?” Rigel asked, pushing his cart next to Harry.
“You’ll see.” Was the answer given.
Rigel looked from Harry to Cecilia and let out a sigh when she shrugged in return. Soon they neared the intersection of Platforms 9 and 10.
“Allright, who wants to go first?” Remus asked, turning to look at the three kids.
“ME!” Both Harry and Cecilia said, then they suddenly turned to look at each other.
“Rock, Paper, scissors?” Cecilia asked, holding out a fist, which Harry quickly mimicked.
Cecilia and Harry often settled things like this. Either with a coin toss or a thumb war or something equally as childish. But it worked. Both found comfort in still relying in the childlike games.
“Always go Rock.” Harry said as he won.
Cecilia pouted and crossed her arms as Remus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
“Now Harry, to get onto the platform you are gonna have to be brave alright? See that wall? I need you to run full speed into it. I will be right behind you.”
Harry smiled to himself. Honestly, he should've had this kind of help from the beginning in his previous life.
He took a breath and started running at the wall. This time he felt the magic of the barrier twist and swallow him, taking him to the intended platform and welcoming him.
Harry let out an airy laugh as his eyes landed on the scarlet engine. A huge, warm, happy feeling started swelling in his chest as he read Hogwarts express written on the side of the train.
“Impressive right?” Remus asked. Leaning down next to Harry, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“Yea.”
Two seconds later Cecilia came through with Sirius close behind.
“Wow.” Cecilia said breathlessly. “It’s beautiful.”
“You haven't seen nothing yet. Wait till you see the castle.” Sirius said with a smirk on his face.
Two seconds after that Rigel and Helen walked through. Helen smiled brightly while Rigel couldn’t stop looking around in astonishment.
“Come on, let me help you put things away!” Sirius said quickly, going to pick up one of Cecilia trunks only for Dora to come through the barrier and scream Sirius’s name.
“We need to finish patrol!” Dora said, marching up to the group.
“Oh, come on Dora. Let me send off my godson.” Sirius said, practically whining.
Dora sighed. “I don’t want to get into trouble with Moody.”
Sirius and Dora stared at each other for a bit before Sirius finally sighed and put down the trunk he picked up. “Fine.”
Sirius gave Cecilia a hug and then turned to Harry to give him a hug too. “Duty calls! Have fun you two, and please write to me, and if anyone bothers you, let me know and I will be there.”
That said he waved bye to them all as he followed Dora back through the barrier.
Helen then let out a small laugh and turned to Remus. “Was he always this silly?”
“You have no idea.” Remus answered. “Come along. Let's put your stuff on the train and find a compartment. We have at least 20 minutes.”
They walked towards the back of the train and Remus helped put the stuff for each kid away. The three of them quickly found an empty compartment and rolled down the window to continue chatting with Remus and Helen.
When 11:00 hit and the train was ready to depart did Harry finally experience what it was like to leave home for Hogwarts while he stuck half his body out the window waving goodbye to Remus AND Sirius who appeared just as the train started to move, waving his arms like a madman.
As the three settled in their seats once the station was too far away to see, Rigel asked a question. “What am I getting myself into by going to Hogwarts?”
“Good question.” Cecilia said, looking at Harry.
“I have literally told you all the stuff that happens first year.” Harry deadpanned
“Well, tell it again. We are a team after all.” Cecilia said sheepishly, twirling a pigtail with one hand.
Harry sighed at her but nonetheless retold how Hagrid took him shopping, how there was a Cerberus in the school, the troll incident, the baby dragon incident, the unicorns, Quirrell, Voldemort, and the sorcerer’s stone.
Rigel listened with wide eyes and when Harry finished Rigel raised an eyebrow in suspicion. “There is no way all that is true. It sounds unreal.”
“Yea, and yet it has happened.” Harry shrugged.
“Don’t tell me the next few years are going to consist of similar crap?”
Harry nodded slowly as Rigel put his head in his hands at that answer.
“I think I might have a plan for how to deal with this year.” Cecilia said slowly, gaining the attention of both boys. “We could always just do nothing.”
“What.” They both said, one alarmed and the other confused.
“I mean, think about it. Everything that you described sounded like someone deliberately put you in the middle and roused your curiosity. If Dumbledore wants to put a Cerberus in the school full of nosy teenagers let him. Someone other than you will find it, and if we lay out cards right, we might be able to get Dumbledore in trouble with the ministry. It must be illegal to put a dangerous animal in a school. Although personally I would love to meet the dog.” Cecilia said, finishing with a soft sigh and small smile while she imagined the three headed furry creature.
“Okay? But what about the other stuff?” Harry asked.
“Well, I mean if we just mind our own business most of that stuff would not even happen. I am sure dad could handle the troll, and no detentions means no spotting dead unicorns. Not to mention I am pretty sure daddy suspects Quirrell anyway. Unless something attacks us first, I see no reason to really sneak around.”
“Well, I mean, the sorcerer’s stone does sound interesting.” Rigel said.
Before they could continue speaking, there was a knock at the door.
“Hello? Is anyone in there?”
Harry recognized that voice. He got up and opened the compartment door to reveal Ron at the other side.
“Ron!” Harry almost hugged him.
“Harry? I was looking for you!” Ron said, sort of uncertainly.
“Well, you found him, Come in.” Harry stepped inside and retook his seat across from Cecilia and Rigel. Ron entered and sat next to Harry.
“Ronald Weasley, yes?” Cecilia asked, pleasant smile on her face.
“Please, just Ron is fine.” Ron said, cheeks flushing a little.
“Ok Ron. Nice to see you again.”
“Uh yea, nice to see you too er.”
“Cecilia.”
“Right, Cecilia.”
Harry let out a laugh. “Ceci, stop teasing him.”
Cecilia held up her hands in surrender. “By the way Ron, you have some dirt on your nose.” Cecilia turned to her small bag and pulled out some wet wipes. “Here you go.”
Ron took them with wide eyes. “Wicked.”
“So Ron, what is it like having three older brothers?” Rigel asked
“Five.” Ron said, taking out a wipe and using it to rub his face. “I have five older brothers, and I am the youngest.”
“Oh wow, more the merrier.” Cecilia said, taking the wipe packet back and putting it into her bag.
“Not really, they are all annoying.” Ron said, balling up the dirty wipe and just holding onto it. He shuffled some more and brought the cage he was carrying onto his lap, opening it and picking up one very alive Peter Fucking Pettigrew in rat form out.
Harry immediately tensed up.
“Who is this little guy?” Rigel asked.
“This is Scabbers, my rat. He’s pathetic, isn’t he?” Ron laid the rat onto his lap. “My brother taught me a spell to turn him yellow, but it didn’t work when I tried it yesterday. Watch.” He rummaged around and pulled out a very battered-looking wand. Unicorn hair sticking out from the end like last time.
However, Harry really couldn’t care less. Peter was right there. Alive. He itched to just grab him and...
And then what?
He needed a plan.
He looked up at Rigel and Cecilia. Rigel was looking at Ron with polite interest but Cecilia, she was looking at Peter with disgust. Of course, with her eyesight she might be able to tell that Scabbers is no ordinary pet.
They need to come up with a way to talk to each other without anyone else really hearing because now he has to wait until they are alone to talk to them about Peter.
Before Ron could start casting the compartment door slid open catching all their attention. Hermione stood at the door and gave one sweep across the small space before sighing.
“Have any of you seen a toad? Neville here has lost one.” Hermione said. She looked so young! Same bushy hair and attitude though, but for some reason Harry smiled at her. It was such a relief to see both Ron and Hermione, even if they were so young, and really nothing like the best friends he once had.
“I am sorry, you are?” Cecilia asked instead.
Hermione on the other hand noticed Ron’s wand. “Oh, are you doing magic? Let’s see it then.” She entered the compartment and took a seat next to Ron.
At the door Neville still stood, eyes watered and hands nervously twirling around.
Ron looked taken aback but managed to say “Er, Alright?”
“No.” Cecilia said, interrupting Ron once again. “I believe I asked who you were before you barged in here.” Cecilia gave a glare at Hermione, and Hermione returned it.
“I could ask you the same question.” Hermione said instead raising her head higher.
“I am not the one who barged in. However, I see now that some people just haven’t learned their manners. I am going to have to ask you to leave. Now.”
Uh oh.
“Ceci it is alright. She meant no harm.” Harry tried to say only to be met with the same glare from Cecilia.
“Exactly, my name is Hermione Granger. I was helping that boy Neville in finding his toad. Besides, I wanted to see others do magic.”
“Are you Neville?” Cecilia asked, turning to Neville in the hallway. Neville nodded fast, shaking a little.
“What is your toads name?” Cecilia asked, stepping closer and pulling out her wand.
“Trevor.” Neville said, sniffing and stepping back.
“I will show you magic. Accio Trevor.” Cecilia said, making the motion with her wand and two seconds later there was a small toad in her hands.
“Trevor!” Neville said, a watery smile spreading on his face. Cecilia smiled softly and handed the toad back. “Thank you so much.” Neville said in between sniffs and holding the toad closer to himself.
“You are welcome.” Cecilia said, then she turned and leveled Hermione another glare. “There, now leave.”
“You can't just make me leave!” Hermione said, standing up also and crossing her arms.
“Let me make this clear.” Cecilia started walking closer and stopped directly in front of Hermione. “You are not welcome here.”
Hermione’s eyes started to water, but she just huffed and walked back out of the compartment. “Come on Neville.”
Just like that both Hermione and Neville left.
Cecilia slammed the door closed and took a deep breath before turning to face the group. “Sorry about that.”
Harry wanted to face palm. That did not just happen. Cecilia might’ve ruined his chances to befriend Hermione. “Why did you do that?” Harry asked
Cecilia closed her eyes and took an even deeper breath before speaking. “Because she was rude Harry. She disrespected us and our privacy.”
“I also did not like how she came in here without an invitation. It bothered me.” Rigel said slowly. Locking eyes with Harry.
“Um, I did not like all the pressure I suddenly felt to do a spell.” Ron let out nervously.
“See?” Cecilia said. “She was rude.”
Harry sighed. “Maybe you do have a point, but there was no reason to be mean back.”
“Fine, I am mature enough to put this behind me.” Cecilia took her seat again.
“Anything off the Trolley dears?” Was heard outside the door and unlike last time where Harry was so hungry he bought one of everything, Rigel took out some boxed lunches that were spelled to stay warm.
“Mom made these for us.” Rigel then passed them out, so Harry and Cecilia had one too.
Ron took out the corn beef sandwiches that he had and just like that they had lunch and started up conversation again.
The boys were having a conversation about Quidditch while Cecilia read a book when there was a knock on the door and then it opened, revealing Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe standing there.
“There you are, I have been looking everywhere for you guys.” Draco said, entering the compartment.
“Draco please, I just yelled at someone for entering without permission, don’t get me angry at you too.” Cecilia sighed as she turned a page in her book.
“That was you? There are rumors going down the train how two first years got into a fight.” Draco laughed a little. “Bet you it was a mud blood.”
Harry had his wand out and pointed at Draco fast, face furious. “Don’t you ever use that word in front of me again Malfoy.”
Draco's eyes went wide and Crabbe and Goyle tried to step forward as well. But unlike last time Harry was not scared of their height difference.
“I am already pissed at you for insulting my friend Malfoy, don’t you dare insult my mother.”
Cecilia closed her book and stood up, “Draco I think it is time we had a talk.” She stepped closer and put her hand on Harry's shoulder before stepping in front of his wand and shooing the soon to be Slytherins out.
Soon the three boys were left in their compartment alone and Harry put his wand away.
“You good?” Rigel asked, looking completely relaxed in his seat.
Harry nodded once and returned to his spot.
“Malfoy? You know him?” Ron asked cautiously.
“Unfortunately, my dad is friends with his mom.” Harry said with a sigh.
“Your dad?” Ron asked, looking at him in alarm. “I thought Mr. Potter was um, you know...”
“Dead?”
Ron face turned red as he nodded.
“I got adopted.” Harry answered softly. “I live with my dad and sister.”
“Oh.”
“It’s alright.” Harry smiled at Ron, “So about Quidditch.”
Just like that the conversations continued.
Soon after the sun set there was a knock at the door and this time Rigel stood to open it before stepping aside as Cecilia reentered with Draco Malfoy behind her. Both already dressed in their school robes.
Harry immediately tensed when Draco made his way to Ron and himself but before he or Ron can say anything Draco closed his eyes and basically shouted.
“I am so sorry!”