History Undone

Harry was lying in bed on this Saturday morning in July thinking back on all the things that had happened to him over the past year. He had met his godparents, and was taken out of the Dursley’s. His godmother was now his legal guardian. His godfather was present in his life too, but he was still currently a patient at St Mungo’s due to his long exposure to the Dementors of Azkaban. Harry had no idea what those things were, but given the way Sirius looked he didn’t want to meet one any time soon.

Harry looked around his bed room and smiled. The black and green colors grew on him. He was wondering if he got sorted into Slytherin if he would ask to change it to silver and green, but that was still a few months away. Aside from the bed his room was adorned with posters of some of his favorite bands, and a few pictures of his parents were hanging beside his bed. A few pictures of him with his four closest friends were also next to his bed. Tracey had a bad tendency to place bunny ears behind his head, and the constant movement of the pictures meant that he and his friend got into a bit of a shoving match from time to time.

Harry picked up the picture of his four closest friends.  He, Hermione, Tracey, Daphne, and Pansy had spent hours learning about each other and the Animagus transformation. Ria seemed to view Harry as an older brother, and it was absolutely funny when she would run into the picture to annoy Daphne then duck behind him to keep Daphne at bay. The only boy his age he was friends with was Lady Longbottom’s son Neville. Neville was a quiet reserved boy, who like the rest of them would be going to Hogwarts in a little over a month. In fact their birthday parties were scheduled for the same day July 30.

This thought brought a smile to Harry’s face. He had never had a birthday party of his own. Dudley always flaunted this little fact all the time. “No one cares about you.” He would say. Harry was smiling at the thought of how wrong Dudley was. His one and only regret is that he would not be allowed to go to Dudley and jinx the Hell out of him once he received his wand.

A knock on his door snapped him out of his thoughts.

“Harry can I come in?” the soft spoken voice of Neville Longbottom carried through the door.

“Come on in Neville.” The portly boy walked through the doorway. “What’s up Neville?”

“Nothing much we just got our Hogwarts letters today.” Neville tossed an envelope to Harry. He recognized Professor McGonagall’s handwriting on the envelope.

“I bet your mum was ecstatic.” Harry said with a smile.

“She was indeed. Mum says Sirius will be joining us.” There was a look of dread on his face.

“He needs the fresh air, and it isn’t going to be too bad Neville he has sworn off pranking you. After what your mum did to him I don’t think he’ll go back on that promise.” Harry wanted to shiver at the thought of what Alice Longbottom had done to his godfather after the man turned Neville’s hair grey, his eyes pink, and his skin grey. In response Alice caused Sirius’ clothes to turn into a ballerina outfit, and the man started to perform the female half of the Nutcracker. “Just remind me never to prank you.”

“What are you five learning from the man anyway?” Neville asked.

“Sorry Nev that is the one thing I can’t tell you as it is a Marauders’ secret.” Harry smiled at the thought of learning about Animagus transformation from Sirius. He and the girls (Pansy included) had discovered Sirius was an Animagus when the man jumped out of a closet and scared them to death in his dog form. He had offered his assistance when he learned the group was trying to do the same thing. Harry looked back at his school list of needed supplies. “So what house do you think you will end up in?”

“I don’t know.” Neville shrugged his shoulders a little at the question. “I am thinking I might end up in Hufflepuff or Gryffindor. What about you Harry?”

“Your guess is as good as mine Neville.” Harry sighed. “I am a perfect fit for any of the houses. I am cunning, intelligent, loyal, and brave.”

“You must have some idea.” Neville was smiling widely now.

“Well my mum and dad were in Gryffindor, but I am torn a little bit.”

“Why is that?”

“Well I would feel lousy if I couldn’t chat with the girls without being glared at by my own house, and Slytherin.” Harry said waving his hand somewhat dismissively. “Besides I think the girls would kill me.” Harry grinned. “Either that or I might wake up as a hag.”

Neville started laughing heartedly. “I don’t doubt that one bit mate.”

A gentle knock on the door caused Neville to jump just a little. Neville’s mum opened the door. Her long black hair tied back in a ponytail made her look slightly younger somehow. “Neville dear I told you to get Harry so we could head to Diagon Alley before it got too crowded.”

“Sorry mum.” Neville said rubbing the back of his head.

The three of them made their way to the living room where everyone else was gathered. Jacob and Jack were talking in whispers off in a corner. Iris was glaring at the girls for some reason or another, meanwhile Sirius was sitting in a chair one hand over his mouth in an attempt to stifle a laugh. Harry looked to Ria who simply held up her hands in mock surrender, and gestured to Pansy and Daphne. Both girls robes were bright pink, and their hair was fuchsia. It seems that the girls had gotten hold of Iris’ wand, and been fooling around with some of the joke jinxes that Sirius had been teaching them. Hermione was smiling like a mad girl at her friends ‘plight’.

“Now I am of half a mind to not get you your wand today Daphne, and Pansy if Isabella knew what you were up to I think she would agree with me.” She then looked over to Sirius. “And you, you overgrown little boy of a man I swear if you teach them any more of these spells I will…”

“Iris there is no need to be a nagging mediwitch. He gets enough of it at the hospital.” Alice said with a smile on her face.

“A hospital you seem to be spending a lot more time at Alice.” Iris looked appraisingly at Neville’s mum.

“I have no idea what you are talking about Iris. Now why don’t we all head to Diagon Alley?” Alice’s face had gone slightly pink. She quickly dispelled the colour change done to the girl’s robes and hair.

The group was still laughing at the banter between Iris and Alice as they made their way to the entrance to Diagon Alley. The first stop of the day was Gringott’s Wizarding bank. Harry had come here a few days after the fire storm caused by the reading of his parents’ will had subsided. He didn’t get to look inside either of his vaults then, but he was told he had plenty of money. It was odd coming from a portion of the world that used paper money to a place where gold, silver, and bronze were still commonly used as currency. The group had to split up into three groups. Jacob took Tracey and Astoria, and Pansy with him. Harry, Daphne, and Hermione were with Iris. Neville went with his mum and Sirius although he looked a little green, and Harry wasn’t sure if that was because of the speed of the carts, or because he would be riding with Sirius.

“So guys what are we going to do once we get to Hogwarts?” Daphne asked as the cart took a wide right turn.

“Why are you even thinking about this now?” Hermione asked.

“I don’t know it could have something to do with the house we will be in.” Daphne said with an air of confidence.

“Still think the young Lord Potter is destined for Slytherin eh?” Iris asked.

“Iris, please don’t call me that.” Harry was looking down at his feet.

“Oh, come off it Harry. You are a lord of an ancient and noble family. You need to get use to people addressing you so.” Hermione said matter-of-factly. She was attempting to conceal her bossy overtone behind a sweet smile.

“And this is why I say give her ten years and she will be the youngest Minister for Magic this country has ever seen.” Iris said with a smile.

“Vault 687” The goblin said as the cart came to a stop.

As they climbed out of the cart Iris handed over the vault key. “After today Harry that key is yours, but you need to remember this is your school money. Ok?”

Harry nodded as the door opened. Harry’s jaw nearly hit the floor when the door revealed the contents of the vault. The vault contained a vast amount of gold, silver and bronze. Iris walked in and started scooping up small amounts of the coins into a small pouch. Harry knew this was only a trust vault, but this caused him to wonder. If this was only for his schooling how much money did he really have? Once Iris was done getting his money they went to Hermione’s and then Daphne’s trust vaults. These vaults didn’t contain as much money as Harry’s and Iris explained that the Potter family had been around so long that their wealth was substantial. All he could do was nod. He knew she wouldn’t know this exact amount off the top of her head.

Once they were back in the main portion of the bank Harry spotted Neville kissing the ground. He chuckled to himself a little at the image that would be permanently burned into his mind. On their way-out Sirius stopped to say hello to the biggest man Harry had ever seen in his life. At first Harry was terrified of the man, but as he talked he relaxed as the man jovially talked with Sirius and Isis.

“I am telling you Hagrid that drink will get you killed one of these days.” Sirius said between barking laughs.

“Aw I am only going to the bar after I pick something up for Dumbledore.” Hagrid said with an overly large smile. He looked over at Harry. “Are you ‘arry?” Harry nodded. “Then let me get you something for leaving you with those horrible people.”

Iris spoke up at this point. “Hagrid you don’t have to…”

“No I insist. It’s I that took him to those horrible people, and I want to repay him for doing so.” The thick beard curved into a smile.

“Okay well we will be around for a while so just look for us.” Iris said as she helped usher the kids out of the bank.

“Who was that mum?” Ria asked.

“That my child is Rubeus Hagrid Games Keeper and Keeper of Keys at Hogwarts. He is a good man, but he does have a pension for dangerous animals.” Jacob said with a wide grin. “I wonder if he has got himself a dragon yet.”

“But you aren’t allowed to keep a dragon as a pet.” Harry said flatly trying to hide the fear in his voice.

“That doesn’t stop people from owning them Harry.” Alice said looking over at a retreating Hagrid. “If he ever gets one I shudder to think of what would happen.”

The group moved from Gringotts to Flourish and Blotts. Harry made a valiant attempt to get some books on jinxes and curses so he could pay a visit to his relatives one last time, but Iris kept telling him these books were way out of his league, and that she didn’t want to have to visit him in Azkaban. Hermione and Daphne kept laughing throughout the entire conversation.

The group split up again with Alice and Sirius going and taking Neville, Tracey, and Pansy to Ollivanders to get their wands. While Harry, Daphne, Hermione, and Ria were going to Madam Malkin’s to get their robes with Iris and Jacob. Once inside Ria and Iris went looking at the latest wizarding fashions. The three first years were lead to a set of stands one of which contained a young blonde headed boy that two of the trio knew well.

“Oh God its Draco, we had to pick this time to get our robes.” Daphne said in a low whisper to her two friends.

“He is perpetually oblivious to what is around him half the time. Don’t worry about it.” Hermione whispered.

The trio stood on the platforms beside the pompous git. Madam Malkin and two assistants started to measure the three of them. It took a moment for the ponce to notice anyone was standing next to him. He looked over to Harry, and even though Harry had heard about the boy from the girls their descriptions of him did the boy no kindness. His pointy face and what appeared to be a permanent scowl, made Harry dislike the boy right away.

“Hello,” said Draco, “Hogwarts too?”

“No Salem Witch’s Academy.” Daphne retorted. Madam Malkin appeared to bite back a laugh.

“My Father’s next door buying my books and Mother’s up the street looking at wands,” Draco replied. Harry was trying not to laugh at the boy’s bored drawling voice. This was made even harder given the faces Daphne and Hermione were making. “Then I am going to drag them off to look at racing brooms. I don’t see why first years can’t have their own. I think I’ll bully Father into buying me one and I’ll smuggle it in somehow.”

Harry scowled at the ponce. He was reminded so strongly of Dudley that he almost thought they were related.

“Have you got your own broom?” the boy asked.

“No he has his own private jet.” Hermione stated in a calm cool voice.

“Pity, play Quidditch at all?” He drawled on.

“No I play American Football.” Harry threw in. He couldn’t let the girls have all the fun.

“I do- Father says it’s a crime if I’m not picked to play for my House, and I must say, I agree. Know what House you’ll be in yet?”

“The one with a good doctor,” Daphne said behind a grin.

“Well no one really knows until they get there, do they, but I know I’ll be in Slytherin, all of my family have been- imagine being in Hufflepuff, I think I’d leave, wouldn’t you?”

The three friends hummed at this. They were trying not to say anything lest they burst out in uncontrollable laughter.

“Are your parents of our kind?” the blonde asked.

“No Draco they are goldfish.” Daphne snapped.

Draco’s head moved to the right so fast that Harry could have sworn he heard his neck snap. He then looked off to the left at Harry and Hermione. He looked between the three of them for a few minutes. He then looked back at Harry and he began to scowl.

“What are you doing here?” Draco asked.

“Buying my robes,” Harry said sarcastically.

Before Draco could say anything Iris made her presence known with a simple cough. “I would’ve hoped Mr Malfoy that you had much better sense then to prance around like you own the place.” Harry thought he felt the temperature drop in the store. Looking back at Draco the boys face had changed considerably. Gone was the look of pride and superiority, and in its place was a look of fear and resentment. “Lord Potter, Lady Granger, and my daughter are not a group of vagabonds young man, and it is best that you remember that.”

“As you wish Lady Greengrass,” Draco said between gritted teeth.

“Not as she wishes young man,” Madam Malkin hissed, “…as it should be.” She looked up at Harry. “You’re done dear.” She said in a much nicer tone of voice.

“Thank you Madam.” Harry looked over at Draco. “See you in school Draco.”

With that Harry stepped down from the stool. He walked over to Iris and looked up to see her glaring at Draco as he made his way to the cashier. Harry wanted to laugh as the woman forced Draco to wait until one of his parents had arrived to pay for his things. Once Daphne and Hermione were done getting fitted for their robes the group left a still disgruntled Draco Malfoy behind in Madam Malkin’s.

They passed the other group as they made their way to Ollivander’s. As they past Tracey and Pansy both girls lifted their wands waved them in front of their faces whilst sticking out their tongues. Daphne just waved her hand dismissively, but Hermione and Ria were returning the gesture with one of their own. After a stern look from Iris the high jinks stopped. Harry and the girls had been looking forward to this all day. Harry continued walking towards the sign denoting: Ollivander’s: Makers of Fine Wands since 302 B.C. Jacob told them to go on a head he would pick up their parchment and quills.

A small bell chimed as Iris opened the door. The only place to sit in the entire store was a single spindly chair off in one corner which Ria ran up to immediately. The feel of the store reminded him of a library; a very old library. He looked over at Daphne and Hermione, and both of them were looking around the store with slack jawed amazement. What Harry wouldn’t have given for a camera at this moment. He would have blackmail material for the rest of his life. Looking around the store some more revealed thousands of small boxes presumably containing wands, and he wondered if all he had to do was pick one off the shelf and go.

“Good afternoon.” said a soft spoken voice. Harry and the girls jumped at that exact moment. Daphne landed on Hermione’s foot. This caused the bushy haired brunette to glare at their friend. Harry could hear Astoria laughing in the background.

When Harry turned around he was confronted by an old man with shining pale eyes in the dreary environment of the shop.

“Good afternoon Mr Ollivander.” Iris said cheerfully.

“Ah Iris Greengrass née Dagworth your wand was: 12 ¼ inches redwood slightly springy; great with charms if I remember correctly.” The old man said smiling at Iris.

“You are correct Mr Ollivander.” She gestured to the three children in front of her. “May I introduce my daughter Daphne, and her friends Hermione Granger and Harry Potter.”

“I thought I’d be seeing you soon Mr Potter.” Harry was torn between seeing this as a question or a statement, but decided to keep quiet just the same. “You have your mother’s eyes.”

Harry stood there and listened to the man talk about his parent’s wands, and he was amazed that the man could remember all of that information even all these years later. The first one of them to get their wand was Hermione much to the chagrin of Daphne. Hermione’s wand did not take long to find as the 10¾ inch vine wood wand with a dragon heartstring wand was the third wand handed to her. All hope that this would be a quick endeavour ended with Daphne as she went through what Harry thought was at least a third of the stores wands, but in the end the 10 inch hazel wood with unicorn core chose her. Finally, it was Harry’s turn.

“Hold out your wand arm. That’s it.” Harry stood still as the old man measured (through bewitched measuring tape) from his shoulder to his finger tip, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit, and round his head. While he laughed while this was happening to the girls now that he was on the receiving end of this treatment he could feel warmth spread across his cheeks. Once the tape measure had measured between his nostrils Mr Ollivander said “That will do.”

The first wand he was given to try was maple and phoenix feather core that measured seven inches. He didn’t even get the chance to wave it before it was snatched out of his hand. The next wand he tried was an ebony wand with a unicorn hair that measured 8½ inches lasted no longer than the first. The pile of tried wands was growing ever larger, and Harry was starting to wonder if he would even get a wand to accept him at all. Perhaps he would be wandless.

“Tricky customer, eh? Not to worry, we’ll find the perfect match here somewhere- I wonder, now- yes, why not- unusual combination- holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple.”

As Harry took the wand he felt a sudden warmth spread through his finger. He raised the wand above his head, brought it swishing down through the dusty air and a stream of red and gold sparks shot from the end like a firework. Ria cheered off in the corner, and Harry didn’t know if that was out of elation or simply owing to the fact that they could now get something to eat. Mr Ollivander cried out “Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well… how curious… how very curious…”

“I’m sorry Mr Ollivander but what’s so curious?” Iris asked.

“I remember every wand I have ever sold, Lady Greengrass. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in his wand, gave another feather- just one other. It is very curious indeed that he should be destined for this wand when its brother- why, its brother gave him that scar.”

There were several sharp breaths, and Harry himself swallowed hard.

“Yes, 13½ inches. Yew. Curious indeed how these things happen. The wand chooses the wizard; remember… after all, He-who-must-not-be-named did great things- terrible, yes, but great.”

It was a somber group that entered the Leaky Cauldron. Jack was asking about everyone’s day, and Tracey made it seem like her wand, an unyielding ten inch black walnut with unicorn hair, was the greatest wand ever made. Harry went along with the motions, but deep down inside he was wondering what the future held now that he had the brother of Voldemort’s wand. Before they left Hagrid returned carrying a cage containing a beautiful snowy owl that he gave to Harry as a gift. They debated for a while on what they should name the creature, and when the name Hedwig popped up the owl hooted thus ending the debate. Once their shopping for school was done Harry and Neville were sent back to Greengrass manor so the others could pick up their birthday gifts.

Daphne was helping her mother put up the decorations for Neville and Harry’s joint birthday party. She was placing the last streamer on the ceiling. Sure they weren’t supposed to use magic outside of school, but who was going to tell the ministry? Not her, and so long as her mum didn’t see anything, everything was okay.

“There that should do it.” Daphne said looking up at the green and red decoration. She and Hermione had insisted on adding the green hoping to subtly influence Harry into choosing Slytherin over Gryffindor. “Now all I have to do is go check on birthday boy.”

Daphne walked up the stairs to Harry’s room. She was wondering what prank Hermione and Astoria were going to pull on him. Last year the two of them had made her sing some crazy song by a Muggle musician named Madonna. She wanted to kill them for that because the charm didn’t wear off for four hours, and it took her dad using the silencing charm to prevent people from going mad. She was going to warn Harry to check what he ate for ‘poisons’.

As she drew near his bedroom she could hear words coming from there that would make her mum blush. “Harry, are you all right?”

“I am fine. I will be down in a minute.” Daphne could hear him moving some things around in his room. She thought he must have been practicing some spell and had broken something.

“Harry a simple spell can fix whatever it is you…” her words fell flat as she saw what lay in the room. The nightstand was in pieces, but aside from that the most unique thing in the room was Harry himself. His hair and skin were turned Slytherin green while his eyes were now a startling shade of silver. She also noticed a letter sitting on his bed. As she went to touch him, he backed away. “Harry what’s wrong?”

“Sirius sent me his birthday gift. He gave me two potion recipes that when taken, or render down into powder changes a person’s hair and eye colour.” He gestured to himself, “…and as you can see it works perfectly.”

Daphne saw the letter on the bed, and walked over and went to pick it up.

“No, the letter is coated in the powder!” Harry warned.

Daphne let out a long sigh. “Wingardium Leviosa.” Daphne lifted the piece of parchment off Harry’s bed. “I would let Tatters know that Sirius has pranked the sheets… again, so this doesn’t happen while you sleep.”

“Where are you going with that?” Harry asked.

“I am taking this to Mum, and remember the Mending Charm is done in a clockwise loop.” She said behind a smile.

“I know that!” Harry said in mock exasperation.

Daphne smiled as she walked out of the room. Sirius was going to be in so much trouble when her mum found out about this. As she descended the stairs Daphne passed her father who gave a curious look at the floating piece of parchment, and all she had to say was “Sirius” for him to leave her alone. Walking past the gossiping Hermione and Tracey she made her way to the kitchen. Her mum and Alice were running around the kitchen like their arses were on fire. The cake was already done and the two mothers and Tatters seemed to have out done themselves this time. Before her stood a three tiered cake decorated in Slytherin green and silver, and Gryffindor maroon and gold. The layers of the cake were not that thick but it was still a feat given her Mum’s baking skills left something to be desired. The word ‘decisions’ was written on the bottom and second layers of the cake.

“Daphne what have I told you about using magic?” Her mother queried.

“’Do not do magic outside of school’, but mother Sirius has coated this potion recipe in said powderized potion. So I am not touching it what so ever; because I don’t wana end up like Harry.” Daphne said calmly.

“Sally!” Alice called out.

“Kyte!” her mum cried out.

Both elves popped into the kitchen. “Yes Mistresses?”

“Can you two finish this work please while we go look into something?” Alice asked.

“Yes Mistress.” Both elves replied.

With that Alice ran towards the stairs, and Iris walked into the dining room. Iris conjured a table and asked Daphne to set the letter on it. Tatters brought her another piece of parchment, and after a quick copying spell the original letter was destroyed. After reading the letter her Mum broke into a smile.

“What is it Mum?” Daphne asked.

“It seems the heart and conscience of the Marauders is returning.” Her mother said this with a crooked grin on her face.

“What are you talking about?” Daphne quizzed after a few moments of unbearable silence.

“Not what darling, who: Remus Lupin.”

Jacob was slightly worried when he saw his daughter levitating a piece of parchment down stairs, and he thought it best to go check on Harry before Alice did. As he approached Harry’s bedroom he could hear gentle sobs coming from behind the door. He gently opened the door to find Harry wiping away tears from his face, and he could see dark green streaks down his cheeks. He was sitting at his desk, and Jacob noticed that his bed was devoid of drapes and sheets. He assumed that is where the prank letter went off at.

“Harry, are you alright?” Jacob asked as he knelt in front of the young man he looked upon as a son.

Harry sniffed a little bit before responding. “Does it look bad?”

“No, it doesn’t look too bad.” Jacob put a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Listen Harry Sirius was only joking, but unlike the girls he doesn’t know when to stop.” He shook his head as he thought of who Daphne was talking to. “Alice is going to hex him silly when he shows up today.”

“Really?” asked Harry.

“I might hex him, but I guarantee you this Harry,” Jacob and Harry looked to the open door; “…there will be a whimpering poodle when I am done with him.”

“Poodle?” asked Jacob with a raised eyebrow.

“You’ll see, and Harry it should wear off in an hour so don’t worry. The overgrown child pulled the same prank on Neville this morning.”  Alice knelt in front of Harry. “When did the letter get here?”

“About thirty minutes ago.” Harry said smiling.

“Then you just have a few more minutes of this.” Alice said running a hand through Harry’s hair.

“And four hours to plan retribution.” said Hermione.

Jacob saw that Alice wanted to stop them, but as she looked at him he just shook his head. “You could tell them not to Alice, but that would be like spitting into the wind.” Alice gave him a stern look. “And it has the side benefit of taking his mind off the foolish trick played on him.”

“Fine, but nothing this severe you hear me.” Alice said sternly.

“Yes ma’am.” Both kids said as one.

Jacob laughed at the expression on Alice’s face as Hermione dragged Harry out of the room. Given the direction the two went Jacob assumed they were headed straight to the potion cellar. He just hoped that the young Lady Granger showed the old man some form of mercy. As he followed Alice down stairs he was given a very stern warning to stay out of the kitchen lest he wish to be threatened by several very sharp objects. He just laughed.

Harry was fighting back a laugh as he watched his Godfather cower in a corner in his dog form whimpering as two very irate witches laid into him. The dog’s tail was truly tucked between his legs at the moment, and what was making him want to laugh was that instead of being solidly black haired dog the Marauder’s fur was completely fuchsia and his eyes were now bright neon pink.

Harry looked off to his right to see Hermione, Daphne, and Tracey doing the shame on use gesture with their fingers. Astoria was giggling hysterically while Jacob just had a broad grin on his face.

“…Now I thought you had learned your lesson after our little talk about Neville, but apparently you haven’t, and/or you see Harry as James. I hate to tell you Sirius but Harry has not had the greatest of childhoods, and that is something you need to take into consideration.” Alice didn’t seem to take one breath during her diatribe.

Harry watched as Jacob moved behind the two women and made a whipping motion with his hand after pointing at Sirius. The girls were laughing behind their hands as Sirius squinted at Jacob between Iris and Alice. With a flick of her wand Iris sent a stinging hex at Sirius’ backside. Alice looked at Iris a bit cross, and then walked up to Sirius and started whispering in his ear. At this point the hound’s ears snapped up and he started nodding his head in agreement to something. Neville made a coughing noise which made his mum look at him with a weird look on her face.

Harry looked over at the pudgy brunette. He had one hand pointing off towards Daphne and Tracey to find the former passing the latter a handful of galleons. Harry looked back towards the adults. Jacob was shaking his head, and Alice was blushing like crazy. Sirius was wagging his tail violently for some reason though Harry wasn’t sure why. Getting yelled at wasn’t that good of a thing, was it?

 “Sirius I would hold wagging your tail for later.” Jacob laughed as Sirius’ tail immediately stopped before Alice could see it. “Alright we need to get this party started before the kids start jinxing the lot of us.”

The party was spectacular. Harry received a few pictures of him and his friends from the girls. Neville’s gift was a magical plant that grew different flowers for every season. At the moment they were a brilliant blue, and he said in the winter, they would bloom to be a dingy grey colour, and in spring they would be a bright yellow. Daphne and Hermione got together to get him a gift they swore they would reveal later. Pansy got him a CD Walkman along with an Eagles Greatest Hits CD. Jacob and Iris got him a broom servicing kit. The reason for this became apparent when he opened Sirius and Alice’s gift a Nimbus 2000. Harry looked slack jawed at them.

“Consider it a belated birthday gift for the nine years of gifts that I’ve missed Harry, and sorry about the prank this morning.” Sirius said sheepishly.

“Thank you, Sirius and Alice.” Harry walked up and hugged the both of them.

The party devolved into chaos with the boys playing around with their gifts. Harry spent an exorbitant amount of time on his new broom. The adults never let him get too high off the ground with Jacob flying interference on his Cleansweep. This of course had the opposite effect. Harry started flying up to try and get past him. It really only worked once however as Jacob had more experience flying than Harry. When Alice and Iris flew up to call them in for the evening Sirius and Jacob chased them on their broom for a little while. Once they were back on the ground Harry was accosted by Daphne and Hermione about something in his room.

“Shouldn’t we tell Jacob and Iris?” Harry quizzed.

“No this is something you can totally handle.” Hermione waved her hand dismissively at the idea.

“Fine,” Harry said as he followed them to his room. He noticed they were whispering amongst themselves about something, and for the briefest of moments he thought this was a prank. Once inside his room he found a small box sitting on his bed. He looked over at the girls and they just gestured to the box. Harry walked up to the box and opened it up, and his first reaction was to jump backwards. Sitting there inside the box was a steel grey snake. When it opened its mouth Harry saw nothing but a mass of black. “What is it?” He asked in astonishment.

“A black mamba,” Daphne said nonchalantly.

“Is that what you call my kind two legs?” the snake hissed.

“Yes, and he is the one we spoke of.” Hermione said politely.

“You are the other speaker?” the snake asked.

Harry looked to the girls who only nodded to him. “If by speaker you mean I can talk to snakes then yes I am.”

“You said he was strong, he sounds frightened to me.” The snake sounded like it was laughing.

“He wasn’t expecting you.” Daphne looked at him. “So what are we going to name her?”

“It’s a girl?” Harry asked somewhat stunned.

“Yes Harry, and before you ask it was the only one left, and we didn’t feel like making a fuss about It.” said Hermione tersely.

“Okay, okay, sheesh. What is your name?” Harry asked.

“I don’t have one.” the snake hissed indignantly.

“How does Izzet sound to you?” asked Harry.

“Like a boy and I am a girl,” the snake seemed to laugh at this.

“Fine then Izzie,” Harry wanted to throw up his arms at this point, but thought better of it.

Both girls were suffering from such a case of the giggles that Harry almost didn’t hear the snake’s agreement to her new name. No one within the room heard the knocking at the door that signaled they were no longer alone. When Iris poked her head through the open door her mouth fell open. The only thing that broke the silence was the gentle hissing of Izzie.

“Okay which one of you bought him the snake? And more to the point: what kind is it?” Iris asked trying to keep a calm demeanour to her voice.

“We both did mum,” Daphne said smiling, “and what difference does it make what kind of snake mum? It’s just a snake.”

“Just a snake,” hissed Izzie, “I’ll have you know I am the greatest snake there is!”

“Your friend has a point darling, depending on the snake’s natural environment that will determine how we get her; I am assuming it is a girl, to Harry once you are in school.” Iris said pinching the bridge of her nose.

“But I thought we could only take an owl, rat, cat, or toad?” Harry asked.

“That is what it says on paper, but by next year you can openly bring your snake as that rule only applies to first years.” Iris started tapping her foot. “Now what kind of snake is it?”

Hermione was twiddling her index fingers while she answered, “A black mamba.”

Iris closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose even harder. “So we now have three venomous snakes to take care of?” Both girls nodded in agreement. “Okay, okay, no problem.” Iris said in an imitation of a calm voice. “He just eats rats, and he won’t get that big.”

“I’m a girl!” Izzie hissed.

“Oh right, just keep Iolis away from her when she comes into season.” Iris said sternly.

“Yes ma’am!” the girls said as one.

It then dawned on Harry that Iris understood what Izzie had said, but she never spoke in Parseltongue. “Are you a parselmouth Iris?”

“Yes.” Harry nodded his understanding. “Now you need to go put up your gifts, and remember until you really learn how to fly a broom your Nimbus will be stored in the broom closet, understood?” Iris had the judge sentencing someone to life in Azkaban look upon her face at that moment.

“Yes ma’am.” And with that they all left the room.

“Oh fine just leave me alone in a cold room!” Izzie hissed at Hermione who waved as she closed the door.

The weeks went by a lot slower after Harry’s birthday. By the time the thirty-first of August rolled around there was a palpable excitement in the air. Harry had his school trunk packed and ready to go before they even had lunch. Sirius was even coming over to see him off to school tomorrow, and one of Sirius’ best friends along with him. The fact that this was another friend of his father’s made Harry smile perhaps he could learn some more stories about his mum and dad from this man.

Harry awoke at five o’clock the next morning, and found it impossible to go back to sleep. He wasn’t the only one however as he could hear a commotion coming out of Daphne’s room. Once he was out of the shower Harry decided to check in on the raven haired girl as the commotion seemed to be louder now. He knocked on the door before announcing who it was, and when he was certain Daphne was decent he opened the door. What lay within made him smile. The room was a stark contrast of his bedroom. Daphne’s room was almost devoid of vibrant colors. In fact aside from the black ceiling the only colours were the green comforter, black four-poster bed, and mahogany desk.

Daphne at that moment was trying to fit as many things from Zonko’s as she could into her trunk, but she wasn’t the only one attempting this monumental feat. Ria was trying to help her, but they seemed to be torn on whether they should try and fit the No-heat Fireworks in the trunk or not. Ria was holding a rather large Dragon Buster to the side of the trunk saying she could make it fit.

“I’m telling you Daphne it will fit if we, and by ‘we’ I mean you, expand the trunk.” Ria said this with a smile on her face.

“I don’t know that spell yet Ria, and even if I did this trunk can’t be expanded anymore than it already is.” Daphne said in exasperation.

“She’s right Ria, and besides we haven’t established our names yet as pranksters so fireworks may be a bit much.” Harry wanted to laugh as both girls jumped about a foot into the air. “You guys knew I was standing here, I mean I did ask if you were decent.”

Astoria just stuck her tongue out at him while Daphne gave him her best death glare. “We are learning from a Marauder Harry, and thus we already HAVE a reputation. Well that is if they let us reuse that name of course.”

“You really want to cause the teachers to have a heart attack don’t you?” Harry asked with a smile on his face.

“No, not really, but if it happens I claim no responsibility.”  Daphne had this dignified look on her face that barely concealed the smile trying to cross her face.

Harry just shook his head. “Do you need any help?”

“Yes, do you think you can fit this in your trunk?” Ria asked as she held up the firework.

“I don’t know, but we can try.” Harry said as he left the room Astoria running after him carrying the Dragon Buster.

Once everything was packed, Dragon Buster included, they all walked to the dining room where Neville, Alice, Sirius, and Jacob were seated. There was also a man dressed in worn down robes. His brown hair was in such a state that Harry assumed the man didn’t have much time to fix it this morning. Sirius had his arm thrown around this gentleman’s shoulder, and was giving out his usual barking laughter. When Jacob noticed them he smiled.

“Remus the guests of honour have arrived.” Jacob said with a coy smile on his face.

When Remus turned around his jovial smile was offset by this worn out look on his face. He looked as if he had gone a few rounds with a heavyweight boxer. “Hello everyone,” the man’s voice was soft and there was a calmness to his voice that surprised Harry a little.

“Hi.” Harry said in return.

“I almost didn’t want to say this, but you really do look like your parents. You resemble your father, but you’ve got Lilly’s eyes.” Remus said smiling down at him.

“I know I’ve seen their pictures.”

Remus laughed. “With cheek like that maybe you’ve spent too much time around Padfoot.”

“You can blame my daughter for that actually.” Jacob said.

“Oh, which one is that?” Remus said chuckling even harder.

“Both of them,” Iris said as she entered the room. “Now let’s eat I’d rather not turn this into a mad dash for Platform 9¾.” She was glaring at Jacob at this point.

Breakfast was filled with laughter as Remus and Sirius reminisced about their misspent youth. Once breakfast was done the kids were sent to get there things ready to go, and at about nine fifteen they left for Kings Cross. The drive took about thirty-five minutes, and Harry was amazed that all of them could fit comfortably in the limousine. When he asked about the security of the limo Iris almost laughed, but informed Harry that the Muggles wouldn’t give them a second look.

“Don’t worry about it the car will be fine.” Jacob said patting him on the back. “Besides we are meeting the others at the station.”

“And it gives you a reason to pin your foot to the floor.” Alice said as she sat down.

“I will do no such thing.” Jacob said with a look of mock indignation.

Once all the trunks were in the boot they were on their way to London at a break neck speed. After many shouts of horror and near misses they were finally in the safety of London traffic. Harry wondered how he didn’t remember any of this from his first ride with Jacob. Then again the man was probably being kind considering the circumstance.

Once at Kings Cross Harry was debating on whether he should get out of the limo and kiss the ground. A few muggles were looking at them weirdly while others smiled at them as if the understood what they had just gone through. Jacob was laughing hysterically as Iris hit him repeatedly on the shoulder.

As they made their way to platforms nine and ten Harry saw Hermione, Pansy, and Tracey sitting on a bench while their parents chatted amongst one another. Pansy’s integration amongst the Granger family was so completely seamless that a person who didn’t know her origins wouldn’t have guess that she was a muggle-born. Once they drew level with the three other members of their group greetings were exchanged, and introductions made. Harry couldn’t take the tension anymore, and he asked Iris the question that was on his mind.

“Iris, how do we get to Platform 9¾?”

“Honestly Harry, didn’t you read Hogwarts A History?” Hermione asked.

“Uh, no,” Harry said curtly.

While Hermione huffed Iris answered his question between bits of laughter. “You walk, run, or lean into the barrier between Platforms nine and ten.” She pointed as an older student leaned into the brick column and disappeared.

“Sweet,” said Tracey.

“Come on,” said Hermione, “let’s get these things on the train before it becomes too crowded.”

With that they all made their way to Platform 9¾. Hermione and Daphne leaned into the barrier, while Harry, Pansy, and Tracey ran at it as if their life depended on it. Once on the other side Harry saw his friends staring at a scarlet steam engine. A sign overhead read Hogwarts Express eleven o’clock. Harry walked up to his friends and they made their way to the train. With a little help from Jacob, Jack, Sirius, and Remus they got their trunks up on the racks. Once that was done they went back outside to say their farewells to their families.

“Now behave yourselves.” Alice said this while looking at Harry and the girls more than her own son.

“We promise Mrs Longbottom.” Tracey said with a smile.

“Yes, we promise to make the Marauders proud.” Hermione said with a grin of her own.

“No, no, no!” Hermione’s mum said with a look of dread in her eyes.

Sirius and Jacob were laughing like mad, and Jack was just shaking his head in disbelief. Remus was looking over at Sirius with a raised eyebrow.

“You know Isabella that once they are at Hogwarts they are out of our control.” Iris said with a grin.

“I know, and that is what I am afraid of.” Hermione’s mum whined.

Harry, Daphne, Hermione, Tracey, and Pansy laid their arms across their neighbours shoulder, and said as one. “We will behave… maybe.”

“I think that was rehearsed.” Sirius said.

“You might be right.” Jacob said. A grin was plastered on his face at this point. “You guys better get on the train will be leaving soon.”

Final goodbyes were exchanged, and contrary to what she had said Ria was crying as they boarded the train for the last time. Harry told her through the window that she would be joining them in a couple of years, and not to cry. About ten minutes before the train left a clan of redheads came through the crowd. The mother stopped to talk to Sirius and Iris for a moment before rubbing some stain or something from her youngest son’s nose, and saying her goodbyes.

With one last blow of its whistle the train started moving, and a new phase of Harry’s life was about to begin.