James woke up, a sudden noise from downstairs surprising him.
He looked at his bedside clock.
7:46 am.
He heard more talking and rustling downstairs, followed by a click of the front door opening and closing, and more soft talking. what the fuck was going on?
He climed outof bed and pulled on some clothes. Clearly, they had guests and he’d rather not go downstairs in just his underwear, in case someone had broken in. if someone had broken in….
Harry.
Shit.
James walked out his room, as quickly and as quietly as he could towards Harry's bedroom. He opened the door softly, just to check his son was okay. the bed was empty, unmade, (a habit harry had picked up from james that drove regulus crazy) and James’ heart let to his throat, Where the fuck was harry?
He moved down the stairs towards the living room, which was empty and dimly lit by the sun shining in through the sloghty open curtains he heard mumbles coming though the kitchen door and turned to it.. James suddenly realised that he’d forgotten to pick up his wand in the rush to check on harry.
No matter. years of playing qudditch at school had meant he was fairly strong. he slammed opened the kitchen door and raised his fists, ready to fight.
“Dad?” a very bewildered and sleepy looking Harry said to him from the kitchen table. james paused and took a second to take in the scene in front of him. Lily, Remus and Peter were sat around the kitchen table with Harry, all holding steaming mugs of tea. (although James suspected that Harry had mde himself coffee- he’d tried i for the first time a few months back and now drank it almost daily) There was a small pile of wrapped presents on the table, some wrapped in red paper with gold ribbons, some wrapped in green paper with silver ribbons. There were banners and little flags and other decorations that mirrored the colour of the wrapping.
Sirius was stood over the stove, frying something - probably eggs and bacon, by the smell of it. Music was playing softly, and James realised it was coming from the record player. It sounded like Bowie, and James had a sneaking suspicion this was Remus’ doing.
“What the fuck?” James said, relief and confusion flooding his body. “Happy fathers day, Dad. ” Harry beamed, looking properly at him. This was promptly followed by a chorus of “Happy fathers day!” From his friends. James felt a lump in his throat and had to fight back tears. “How did you- when did you-” he stuttered.
Lily smiled at him. “Well, Harry wanted to do something special for you and Reg for fathers day. He spoke to Remus and Sirius about it and they roped me and Pete in as well. With some careful and very organised planning,” she said pointedly, staring around at Harry and the rest of the marauders, (clearly the planning had been not at all careful or organised) “we pulled this together.”
James felt tears form in his eyes, unable to fight them any longer. He walked over to Harry and hugged him tightly. Harry, being a teenager, and being around people he thought were very cool, was very clearly embarrassed, but hugged back anyway. “What the hell is going on in here?” James pulled away from Harry and turned to see Regulus leaning against the doorframe. He looked stunning. But, James always thought Regulus looked stunning. His hair was still messy and he was wearing a fluffy black dressing gown that James had got him for Christmas.
"Happy fathers day Papa.” Harry said, grinning at Regulus. “Presents!” Harry gestured wildly at the pile of presents on the table. Regulus smiled back and walked over to Harry, before ruffling his hair playfully. “If I didn't love you all, I'd be hexing you for getting me out of bed so early.” They all laughed, except for Sirius, who turned to Regulus and said “Reggie, you love me?” earnestly. “Fuck off Siri.” But Regulus smiled, and it was obvious he did, in fact, love his brother, despite everything.
“Oi, back off my man Reg.” grinned Remus, clearly messing around. Regulus and Sirius both gagged, Sirius dramatically pretending to vomit. “Well, it is a Black family tradition.” Peter giggled, followed by groans from Harry, James and Lily. Regulus and Sirius flipped him off in unison, and the room descended into laughter.