The baby whisperer
The car from an outsider's point of view would be a scene to behold. Remus and Sirius sat in the backseat, squished on either side of Harry’s baby seat. Harry, blissfully unaware of his uncles’ mutual annoyance, giggled and waved his hands to the rhythm of James and Lily’s enthusiastic rendition of If You’re Happy and You Know It.
“If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands!” James sang, grinning in the rearview mirror.
Lily joined in, clapping along. “Clap, clap!”
And unfortunately the two godfathers were forced to participate as they clapped along for their godson´s amusement whenever the song indicated. Remus sighed heavily, leaning his head against the window. “Why does he know all the words?”
Sirius smirked, crossing his arms. “Parenthood does things to you. It’s tragic, truly.”
James glanced back. “Oh, come on, it’s Harry’s birthday! Show a little enthusiasm.”
Harry let out a delighted shriek, clapping his chubby hands in the air.
Sirius leaned over to him. “You’re lucky you’re cute, kid. Otherwise, I’d be plotting my escape.”
Remus, despite himself, chuckled softly as Harry reached out and smacked Sirius’ face with an open palm.
When they arrived at the Potters’ house, the birthday party had not started yet with only a few guests arriving early. The backyard was a flurry of activity though as James and Sirius supervised a group of teenage boys inflating a massive floating castle.
Over the noise of the castle Lily´s voice was heard “Honey. don't forget to tip the castle guys.”
James nodded although softly he scoffed as he muttered under his breath towards Padfoot “They showed up late, and made me do all the work. But sure, let's tip the castle guys.”
Sirius laughed at his remarks while he stared off at the castle in front of him. “This thing’s huge.” He mentioned crossing his arms as he watched the castle rise higher and higher.
“That’s the point,” James replied with a grin. “My kid deserves the best.”
“You do know he's not gonna remember this right?” Sirius smirked and watched James scowl at his comment.
“No, but I will remember.” Sirius thought that was absurd but what would he know he wasn't a father thankfully and refrained from saying anything else as he raised his hands in surrender.
As one of the boys adjusted the generator, another attempted to slip a small bag of something into his pocket. James caught the motion instantly.
“Oi, what’s that?” James asked, pointing to the boy and startling his friend.
The kid froze, wide-eyed. “Uh… nothing?”
James marched over, plucking the bag from the boy’s hand. He held it up, examining the contents. “Marihuana, huh? You’re lucky I’m not calling the police.”
The boy stammered, “Please don’t! My dad's a pastor”
Sirius had to stifle back his laugh at that “Relax,” James said with a dismissive wave, stuffing the bag into his jacket pocket. “Get out of here, all of you. And don’t let me catch you bringing that crap around here again.”
The boys mumbled apologies and quickly left. Once they were out of sight, Sirius burst out laughing.
“Nice parenting, Potter,” he said, shaking his head.
James grinned. “What? It’s a freebie for later in the week. I’ll share it with Lily after Harry goes to bed.”
“You’ve gone soft,” Sirius teased. “The James I knew would’ve smoked it on the spot.”
James chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. “Yeah, well, we’re not seventeen anymore.” He glanced at Sirius. “Speaking of reminisce from the past, how’s it going with that guy you were seeing? Chad or Matt?”
Sirius shrugged, kicking at the grass. “It's Charles and yeah that didn’t work out. He wasn’t the one.”
James’ smile faltered for a moment. He forced it back, though, patting Sirius on the shoulder. “You’ll find the right person.”
Sirius arched a brow. “What’s with the sentimental crap?”
“Nothing,” James said quickly. “Just don’t want to see you end up alone.”
Sirius snorted. “I’ll be fine, Prongs. Don’t worry about me, I´ve got you and Lily and of course the one and only Harry Potter”
James nodded, though a part of him couldn’t shake the feeling that Sirius’ fine wasn’t as solid as it sounded.
Inside, the kitchen smelled of fresh frosting and baked goods. Lily and Remus worked side by side, setting up the table for the guests.
“The café-bookstore Lunar Pages is doing so well,” Lily said, carefully arranging plates. “I’m so proud of you, Remus.”
“Thanks,” Remus replied, smiling as he unwrapped the cake Mary had made for the occasion. “Mary and I have been talking about expanding. The business next door is closing down—it’s the perfect opportunity.”
“That’s amazing,” Lily said, beaming.
Remus nodded, his excitement palpable. “It’s scary, though. Bigger space, bigger responsibilities.”
“You’ll handle it,” Lily said confidently. “You always do.”
Remus chuckled softly. “Thanks, Lils.”
Lily hesitated, her tone becoming playful. “So… I’ve been talking to this guy. He seems really nice, and I thought you might want to—”
“Lily,” Remus interrupted, already laughing. “You have the worst taste in gay men.”
“I do not!” she protested, though her grin gave her away.
“Oh, let’s review,” Remus said, ticking off on his fingers. “The dentist who kept asking me to open my mouth in public. The guy obsessed with his mother. God! Mark the shoplifter. The kinky one—do you even remember his name?”
“Okay, that one was a mistake,” Lily admitted, trying not to laugh.
“And last but not least, Sirius Black,” Remus finished with a mock glare.
That did it. Lily burst out laughing, nearly doubling over as she held onto the counter. “Fine, fine! I’ll admit I’ve had some misses.”
“Some?” Remus teased, carefully placing the cake on the table. “Never again, Lily.”
“Noted,” she said with a grin, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.
A few hours later the party was in full swing. People walked and gossiped, Molly Weasly —the Potter's neighbour —had brought her five thousand kids who ran around the house. Lily´s one decent cousin had come and brought Harry a huge gift that no one knew what it was as it was wrapped perfectly.
And baby Harry seemed to be peacefully sleeping, until the noise became too much and Harry started crying from his mobile crib. Sirius and James had just come in from the garden when Sirius immediately swooped in, scooping Harry up into his arms.
“Who’s crying on their birthday?” Sirius teased, bouncing him up and down which seemed to do the trick. “Not my godson!”
James smiled although he felt like a warning was necessary “If I were you, I´d stop doing that. He's going through a puking phase.”
Sirius seemed to debate it mentally for no more than two seconds before he started bouncing Harry again. “But he loves it. Don't you Harry?” Harry laughed and Sirius snuggled him against his cheek. “You're the only boy I'II ever shave for.”
In that instant Remus walked in and noticed Padfoot bouncing Harry up and down. This would be great, he thought.
“Careful,” he warned, walking towards the sofa. “If you shake him too much, he’ll puke.”
Sirius waved him off smugly. “Relax, Moony. I know what I’m doing.”
That went on for a while. Harry, however, had other plans. With a dramatic gurgle, he emptied the contents of his tiny stomach all over Sirius’ shirt.
“I told you,” Remus said smugly, stepping forward to take Harry from Sirius.
Sirius looked down at the mess, equal parts disgusted and amused. “Great. Thanks, Harry.”
As Remus wiped Harry’s face, he smirked. “Don´t worry Harry, you´re not the first boy to puke on Uncle Padfoot.”
The room erupted in laughter as Sirius rolled his eyes, heading upstairs to change but before he left he turned around with mock offense as he spoke “See that Harry” the baby ignored him but Padfoot pointed towards Remus anyways “That's what boring and bitter looks like”
“Ha. Ha. You should´ve been a comedian Pads, now go change so we can sing Happy Birthday”
“Wouldn't miss it for the world” was all he answered before he winked and ran upstairs, Remus simply scoffed and rolled his eyes while he carried Harry.
Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Harry! Happy Birthday to you..
Lily held baby Harry in front of his cake, James at her side while everyone clapped and sang offtune around them. They had always known they were loved but watching all of their friends and family they truly felt so grateful.
Remus stood near the edge of the table with Sirius in front of him who couldn´t stand still and every so often would move back, stepping into Remus´ space.
“Oh. my God. Could you step away?” Remus leaned down to whisper directly to his ear. “You reek of baby puke.” Sirius startled, turned around.
“Oh really?” He mocked, leaning further back. The song was nearing its end.
“You do. Get away from me.” Remus whispered louder this time and like a child, Sirius kept leaning back; they only stopped when Euphemia Potter´s motherly glare landed on them.
The song was over and Harry (Lily and James) blew his candles, after a picture with “only family” James parents, Sirius and Remus was taken and a picture with all the guests too, the party continued in all its glory. It wasn´t until nine o'clock that it finally started winding down.
When only decorations and the four friends were left behind next to a sleeping Harry, James decided to make a toast.
“Now that everyone´s gone,” James turned towards Lily who passed them all apple cider in wine glasses “...we wanted to toast to Harry´s favorite people. And our best friends. We made it through his first year with most of our sanity thanks to you guys. Pads, Moony we love you so much and we´re so happy to have you guys in our life and our son's life so thank you”
Lily with the smallest voice ever whispered “We love you guys so much” All of them except for Remus , who barely managed to contain his sniffs, were letting their tears fall down freely.
Sirius downed his apple cider and spoke next “I know some of us,” he looked at Remus “don´t always see ye to eye, but I love our little family and I'm thankful to be a part of it but I´ll stop there before Prongs cries any further.”
They all smiled at each other and after two more glasses of apple cider they came to the conclusion they needed some real alcohol in their system to celebrate. It was Lily who proposed it and Remus who backed her up. So a few calls later and the babysitter was on her way.
“Pads, you´re going to love our babysitter” James declared with a smirk.
Lily immediately agreed. “We call her the baby whisperer.”
Even Remus across the room seemed intrigued by this “Oh, the baby whisperer, huh?”
Lily nodded but Sirius's question wasn't directed at the nickname.
“Is he hot?!” Remus rolled his eyes but Lily and James laughed before the latter answered.
“Totally hot” At that statement the doorbell rang and Sirius fixed his hair. Everyone heard the door open and Lily walking to the kitchen with the ¨baby whisperer¨.
“Hey. everybody, I think you all know him from our wedding but this is Regulus our babysitter”
Remus burst out laughing as Sirius gaped and looked horrified at his brother next to Lily.