Chapter 1
In one well-known universe, Harry Potter was born an only child, and had no repercussions being raised in an abusive house.
In this universe, Harry is not alone.
"For the last time, I am not naming my son after a motorcycle!" Lily exclaimed, half amused, half exasperated.
"Aw, but you love my motorcycle!" Sirius protested, grinning lopsidedly.
"Pleeeeeeease?" James pleaded.
"No," Regulus deadpanned.
"How about a compromise?" Remus suggested, eyes dancing merrily. "Harlequin."
Lily hummed, smiling down at the baby in her arms. "I like it," she said after a pause.
"But now Harry's name sounds boring," James pouted. The baby in Regulus' arms cooed.
"Then we'll name him Harrison," Regulus said dryly. "After your grandfather, I believe."
"Fine," James complained.
There was the sound of Apparition outside, and Regulus quickly handed Harrison to James. "I'll see you later," her murmured, giving James and Lily quick kisses before Disapparating.
Remus, who had rushed to the door at the loud crack, said in a strained tone, "Oh, Albus. It's good to see you."
Lily and James exchanged alarmed looks. "Here, Sirius," Lily said quietly, handing Harlequin to him. She bustled into the kitchen and put on a kettle.
Albus and Remus appeared in the front room, both smiling. "Ah, I heard you gave birth to twins," Albus hummed, studying both babies with a twinkle in his eyes. "What have you named them?"
James held up Harrison. "This is Harrison James, our firstborn. His brother is Harlequin Eli."
"And I believe I heard something about naming godparents?"
"I'm Harrison's godfather, and Remus is Harlequin's," Sirius chirped. "Alice Longbottom is Harlequin's godmother, and we asked Pandora if she could be Harrison's godmother."
"Wise choices," Albus agreed, although all three men saw a flash of annoyance in his eyes. "You did not take my suggestion of Molly as their godmother?"
"We don't know her very well, and we trust Ali and Pan with our lives," Lily said firmly as she returned with a cup of tea. "Besides, Molly already has six boys and is pregnant with a girl. She won't have the energy or time to protect my sons."
Albus nodded slowly, taking the mug from Lily. "I see." He took a sip and smiled. "Once again, a splendid brew."
"We need to put Harry and Harley to bed soon," James interjected.
Lily glared at her husband and said in a politer tone, "We're sorry to rush you out, but we were just about to head to bed."
"I apologize, my dear, I'll get to the point," Albus said with a sigh. "Greyback's pack is becoming more viscious. I need a spy."
"No!" Sirius exclaimed in alarm. Harley jumped and made a noise of distress.
Lily gently took her son back, cooing softly at him. Remus replied to Albus in a resigned tone as Harley calmed down.
"Greyback's pack all know who I am. They'll never trust me."
"Oh, I don't need you to infiltrate his pack," Albus said dismissively. "It's far too large. I just need you to travel to Albania to keep an eye on them."
"Can't someone else do that?" Sirius demanded, ignoring Remus' attempts to shush him. "Remus just got back!"
"I'm sure you can spend time with Remus once the war is over," Albus said gently. "It will be easier once you aren't called out every five minutes to investigate a murder or stop a raid."
Bloody manipulative asshole, the four of them thought.
"I'll go pack," Remus said quietly. "Sirius, come help?"
The two headed upstairs. Albus raised an eyebrow at James and Lily.
"Sirius couldn't go home, and Remus doesn't have one," James explained. "We weren't going to leave them on the streets."
"It's very kind of you to offer your home," Albus said warmly. He paused. "I'm surprised Peter isn't here. I assumed he would be celebrating the birth of your children with you."
"He wanted to be here, but he said he couldn't make it," James answered, a flicker of distrust passing over his face. "I think he was doing something for the Order."
"Have you given any thought to who should be your Secret Keeper?" Albus asked conversationally.
"We've already picked one," Lily replied. "I think it's safest that only the three of us know their identity. The less people who know, the better."
"But surely you trust me to know?" Albus said in surprise.
"Of course we trust you," James said indignantly. "She just said-"
"James, shut up," Lily said exasperatedly. Albus chuckled. "I will tell you that it is someone we trust, and that we plan on casting the charm tomorrow. I can't say anything else in case of eavesdroppers."
"Do you need assistance moving into your new home?" Albus offered.
"No, thank you, we know you're busy," Lily corrected. "And we've already moved the majority of our things there. We were planning on letting Sirius and Remus stay here."
Albus looked briefly annoyed again. "Very well. Please don't hesitate in reaching out if you need my assistance."
"Of course, Albus," the two agreed.
"Farewell, and may this war end swiftly, for your sake and for your children's," Albus said, as Lily led him to the door. "Hmm, I'm craving Taco Bell...."
Lily rolled her eyes as the man Dispparated off the front stoop. "Bloody manipulative asshole," she muttered.
"He'll assume it's Sirius?" James said quietly, as they headed upstairs to put the twins to bed.
"Of course," Lily said. "And he'll have him targeted by his fake Death Eaters. We'll be forced to switch to Pettigrew."
"How much time does that get us?" James asked.
"Just enough."
"Lily, get the boys, I'll hold him off!" James yelled, brandishing his wand at the Dark Lord. Lily dashed up the stairs, sobbing when she heard James screech in pain.
The nursery was at the end of the hall. She burst inside, ignoring the wailing of the boys. Instead, she crouched and flicked her wand. A cut appeared on her wrist, and she began drawing a red circle around the crib as quickly as she could.
"Protege cum sanguine meo," she whispered as she swiped her blood around the crib. "Protege cum sanguine meo. Protege cum sanguine meo."
When she spoke the last line, the bloody circle vanished, and her cut healed. Lily stood up and spun around, just as the door blew open.
"Stand aside, woman!" the Dark Lord snarled.
"No," she said firmly.
"I'm warning you-"
"I won't let you kill my babies!"
"This is your last chance! Stand aside!"
"Never," Lily declared.
"Very well," the man hissed. He pointed his wand at Lily. "Avada Kedavra!"
"Are you sure we should give these poor boys to Petunia?" Minerva whispered to Albus for the tenth time.
He closed his eyes, hiding his fury. How dare Minerva question him! Calmly, he replied, "I am very sure, Minerva. They are Harley's and Harry's last living relatives."
Minerva bit back a retort, noticing the anger Albus had attempted to hide. "Very well, but at least leave someone to watch over them. I don't trust that woman to care for magical children properly."
"Arabella lives down the block," Albus assured her.
That blind bat? Hah!
Minerva nodded, but decided to have someone she trusted to keep an eye on the boys. Lily had confessed about her sister often enough that she worried for the twins' safety.
Albus knew who she would send, and he already had her under his control. He didn't worry about it. The Dursleys would make the two boys quiet and obedient.
He should have worried about it. Because you can't control a sociopath and someone with the Black Insanity.