A second chance at life

Remus bound Vernon with a spell, grabbed his arm, and disapparated them to the Ministry of Magic.

Vernon fell to the floor, unsteady because of the ropes. Remus pulled him to his feet roughly and dragged him to the Auror department.

Dean Thomas waved at him enthusiastically.

"Professor Lupin," he called. "Good to see you here. Who is this?"

Remus smiled at him.

"Are you an Auror? Nice," he smiled kindly. "Can you tell me where do I go with someone who attempted murder?"

Dean's eyes widened.

"You've been here less than a week and you've already caught a murderer?" He wondered.

Remus shrugged.

"This is Harry's uncle. We went to confront him about how he treated Harry, and he tried to kill him."

Dean narrowed his eyes.

"That muggle thought he could kill the most powerful wizard in our world?" he asked contemptuously.

Remus sighed.

"Harry is really scared of him. He froze. Couldn't do anything," he explained. "And they were in a room alone."

Dean pulled Vernon with unnecessary force.

"I'll let you know when his trial is," he hissed with pursed lips.

Remus nodded and disapparated.

He found Sirius and James sitting on either side of Harry and Regulus walking into the living room, levitating glasses of water and a packet of crackers in front of him.

"Moony," a smile crossed Sirius' exhausted face. Remus sat down next to him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"How are you feeling?" He asked softly.

James sighed.

"We're all recovering," he answered. "What about Vernon?"

Harry shivered as he said the name and Sirius tightened his grip on his godson.

"I gave him over to the Aurors. Dean Thomas said he would let me know when the trial is," Remus said. "Harry, why isn't he at Hogwarts? Isn't the eighth year mandatory?"

Harry straightened up a bit.

"First of all - no, it's not mandatory, but Dean is at school. You should remember as you teach him..." he chuckled. "He and a few others have training every afternoon to become aurors so that next year they don't have to go through full training."

Remus nodded in understanding.

"Do you want to join it now that you're no longer teaching?" He was happy Harry could finally do it.

Harry shook his head.

"As soon as I finish my school year I'm starting to work there," he answered bitterly. "Everyone wanted me to come instead of going back to school but I wouldn't, so I promised them that when I finish school I'll start working immediately, without training."

Sirius put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"You don't have to be an auror if you don't want to," he said.

Harry frowned.

"I don't really have a say in that. They have been waiting for me for six months," he objected.

Sirius sighed.

"You saved them. They should say thank you and let you live the rest of your life in peace, without being in the spotlight all the time," he explained. "I know you don't like all the publicity and articles about you. Now you have the chance to end it."

Harry thought for a long moment.

"I don't know," he said at the end. "I'll think about it.'

James put a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Harry, I need you to remember that Vernon isn't going to prison only because he tried to kill you. He would also go for how he treated you," he looked into his eyes. "Because you don't take up space in the world. He does. And the whole world will agree with me. And the fact he tried to tell you you do - only for that he already deserves Azkaban."

Harry leaned into the touch.

"Will I have to testify?" he suddenly asked, terror in his voice.

James sighed.

"You probably will," he said, rubbing his son's back. "But we'll be there with you."

Harry swallowed.

A smile came to Remus' lips.

"Harry, you finally have a fair quidditch competition," he said. "Let's see who is Hogwarts' best seeker."

Harry's eyes lit up.

James and Regulus jumped up and went to get broomsticks, and Harry hurried to Floo, to get his broomstick from the school.

When he came back they went out to the pitch. Regulus and James looked at the firebolt curiously.

"What model is this?" James asked. "Is this new?"

"It's a firebolt," Harry replied. "It came out five years ago and it's still the best broomstick there is. They use it in the world cup."

The eyes of the two almost popped out with envy. Sirius puffed out his chest proudly.

"I bought it for him," he told his brothers.

"After you made him crash his first broomstick," Remus added dryly.

Sirius pushed him lightly.

"It was the dementors," he defended himself. "I just freaked him out that he was going to die."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"You're not helping yourself," he chuckled.

Sirius sighed dramatically.

"Come on, let me be, let's go play."

Remus released the snitch and the three took off.

Harry had won the first round, but James wasn't about to lose quietly.

"You won because of your broomstick," he complained. "We don't have the best broomstick in the world."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Do you have an extra broomstick?" He asked exasperated.

James summoned one of the broomsticks from the house and Harry grabbed it. Harry released the snitch and they were back in the air. Harry won again, and this time Regulus was also getting angry. In the third round Harry won Regulus and James landed in fury.

"You're cheating," James accused.

Harry sighed.

"You really don't know how to lose with dignity," he scolded his father.

James shrugged.

"I'm serious. There's no way you're beating us all the time. I lost one game. Regulus never lost," he answered.

"Guys, you three are the best seekers of your time," Remus interjected. "No one is cheating, this is truly the most real game out there."

James huffed in frustration.

"Okay," he blurted out. "But we don't stop playing until everyone wins at least once."

Harry shrugged and took off again, amused by the situation. He won two more rounds, where the competition was close but Harry managed to wrap his fingers around the golden ball. In the third round James finally won. He immediately landed and ran to Sirius. Sirius was lying on the grass, his head on Remus' lap. Remus was combing Sirius' hair with his fingers. When Sirius saw his friend running to him, overjoyed, he hurried to stand up, expecting James to jump on him with a hug. James pounced on him, delighted.

"I thought I had already lost my talent," he whispered.

Sirius laughed.

"I love you," he murmured in his ear.

Harry and Regulus landed.

"If I had known how competitive he was I would have let him win," Harry whispered to Regulus who chuckled.

James let go of Sirius and summoned his broomstick.

"Should we continue?" he asked, suddenly realizing how childish he looked.

They took off again and Sirius returned to Remus, sitting next to him, pulling him closer and starting to exchange soft kisses.

They broke off when they heard James cursing furiously.

"You got your talent from me," he complained. "You can't use it against me."

Harry laughed and released the golden ball, doing a backflip in the air, making James scream in terror.

"What, you can't do it?" Harry teased. Regulus sighed and stopped in midair, expecting an argument.

James did a double backflip, proving he could.

Harry frowned.

"Why did you get so scared?" He asked in confusion.

James swallowed awkwardly.

"I'm scared for you," he admitted. "I don't want to upset you by saying this, but you're my baby. I'm afraid you'll get hurt."

Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably.

"Thanks," he said before looking away and starting to look for the snitch.

Regulus saw that they were starting the game and zoomed back on his broomstick. He saw James rushing to a certain place, and hurried after him. Harry saw them and decided they were probably trying to distract him. Only after a few more seconds did he see the snitch, and began to gallop after them, knowing that he had no chance of winning. Regulus had already reached James and the competition between them became close. At the last moment Regulus sped up and grabbed the snitch. Harry landed, disappointed, but smiled when he saw Regulus' face. He reached the busy couple and cleared his throat dramatically. They broke apart with a sigh.

"Who won now?" asked Remus.

Harry wrinkled his nose.

"Regulus," he answered. "I lost in two games," he pouted.

Sirius hummed in sympathy.

"You should play again, not now, when you realize that you're really at the same level," he thought aloud.

Regulus and James came close to them, laughing.

"What's so funny?" Harry demanded.

"We're not used to not being in first place," Reg explained. "We're in the middle of debating whether it would have been better to stay dead."

Harry rolled his eyes.

"I apologize that I am better than you," he said sarcastically.

Sirius laughed and dragged Remus into the house, motioning for the others to come with them.

Harry yawned and sat down on the couch.

"What now?" he asked tiredly.

James sat down next to him.

"Do you want to watch a movie?" He suggested.

Harry opened his eyes wide.

"A movie?" He was so shocked that it worried the others.

"Why are you so surprised? How long has it been since you last watched a movie?" Sirius asked, plopping down on the couch on Harry's other side. "Just because you're a wizard doesn't mean you have to stop doing fun muggle things."

"I've never watched a movie," Harry admitted quietly.

A sad silence prevailed.

"So we have got a lot to catch up on," Sirius announced with almost convincing glee.

Remus turned on the screen with a wave of his wand and Harry laughed.

"Even the movies could work with magic?"

Sirius transformed some of the couch cushions into a giant cozy blanket and spread it over them all, snuggling into Remus and smiling at Regulus that sat next to James. They watched the movie in silence, starting with West side story - an old movie that Remus declared that not knowing it is a crime. Harry watched the screen with wide eyes, engrossed in the plot. The emotions that changed on his face were completely visible and James and Regulus exchanged smiling glances. Regulus was also like that during the first movie he saw.

"People shouldn't fight," Harry whispered as they all gathered for the duel.

James pulled Harry closer to him, rubbing his back. Harry's breath hitched as the boy collapsed on the floor, dead. James looked at him worriedly.

"Do you want us to skip parts?" he asked and Harry nodded.

Remus raised his wand and waited for the other man to die. When that happened Harry couldn't control his tears anymore. He covered his face with his hands and tried to stop his crying. Remus fast-forwarded to Maria's speech. Harry rested his head on his father's shoulder, his lips tight trying to hold back the sobs. At some point he gave up and let his tears flow freely.

"Can we stop?" He begged miserably.

Remus turned off the screen immediately, moving his gaze to Harry.

"I'm so sorry, Prongslet," he said sincerely. "I should have chosen something lighter for your first movie."

Harry wiped his tears with his sleeve.

"It's fine," he said weakly. "I just hate seeing people fight when they could be friends. War is something that no one really wins."

James held him, letting him relax. Harry let out a long, shaky breath.

"Kay, what do we do now?" he asked.

Sirius looked into his eyes.

"Now you are telling us what has happened to you since the war," he said softly. "How did you deal with the nightmares you for sure had? How long did it take for you to recover and go back to school? We want to know everything, Bambi. Just tell us whatever you're comfortable sharing."

Harry swallowed.

"I don't have enough energy," he admitted. "I want to ask Professor McGonagall for her pensive, and I'll show you what happened. I'll just give you a summary so you know the basics of what was going on with me... but we'll do the full story another time, if you don't mind."

James kissed Harry's temple.

"Tell what you can. Don't push yourself too hard."

Harry thought for a moment.

"After the war... I didn't have time to recover and process everything. The castle had to be rebuilt, and the curriculum for the next year had to be decided because everything was upside down, and everyone wanted me to be involved in everything. I don't know why the fuck they thought I should decide everything," he said bitterly. "They wanted me to decide whether to build the castle as it was or change things, and what I thought about adding a year of school, and they wanted my help with the trials of the Death Eaters. So I lived in a little suite in the Ministry of Magic, and all day I was busy with all these things. At night I had nightmares, so I started taking dreamless sleeping potions every night. A little before we went back to school I suddenly collapsed, and a healer told me it was because of the sleeping potions I was taking. If I continue taking it every night it will hurt me. So I started putting silencing charms around my bed, and I woke up every night from my nightmares. When Draco started sleeping in my bed I made sure he wouldn't hear me either, but he woke up from me moving, and then I started including him in my silent bubble, and he helped me fall back asleep every time. One night Dean and Seamus stayed up all night, and they saw me, so since then all of my roommates asked me not to muffliato them, and they helped Draco with me. When it was really bad they called McGonagall for help. One night, yesterday," his smile was bitter. "My screams were so loud they broke the silencing charm. It's probably because apart from the usual nightmares I also had the whole... situation... with you."

Sirius ran a hand through Harry's hair, not knowing what to say about the topic that had come up again. Harry rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"Should we go to bed?" James asked.

Remus smiled and stood up.

"Wait here," he ordered.

After a minute he returned, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"We're getting ready in Sirius' room," he announced. "I'm calling the shower first."

The other four followed him upstairs, wondering what he was planning.

"Padfoot, do you think he's charming the showerhead to let out paint or hair dye?" James asked.

Sirius shook his head.

"He knows we're all too tired for a prank. It must be something nice," he said logically. "Maybe he's making us all hot chocolate before we go to bed."

They sat on the bed, yawning, and waited for Remus to come out. As soon as the bathroom door opened Harry stood up. Twenty-five minutes later they were all ready for bed and followed Remus into Regulus' (and James') room. A hysterical laugh escaped Regulus' mouth, who quietly worried that he would have to sleep alone. Remus made the bed bigger so that the five of them could sleep together. The five got into bed. In the next few minutes they tried to settle down, climbing over each other, finding comfortable positions, and laughing. At the end Harry was lying in the middle of the bed, Sirius next to him on one side, and Remus against Sirius' back. On Harry's other side James and Regulus were close together.

Harry woke up first thing the next morning, and looked around thinking about everything that happened the day before.

So they really forgave him for what he did. And Vernon is going to jail. He can let go.

He took a deep breath and changed his position, putting his head on Sirius' chest, his fist clutching the front of Sirius' shirt. Sirius woke up and stretched, waking Remus as well. Remus smiled tiredly.

"How are you doing?" He asked.

Sirius yawned and mumbled something indistinct, ruffling Harry's hair. Harry hummed, satisfied, and closed his eyes again. After a few minutes Harry got out of bed and went to the bathroom. When he came back his godfathers were already asleep, close together, and Harry laughed quietly. He walked around the bed and shook James' shoulder. James woke up and rubbed his eyes.

"Morning, Bambi," he said hoarsely.

He got out of bed, careful not to wake Regulus, caressed his face and turned to his son. Harry smiled at him and gestured to the bathroom.

"Go get ready, I'll ask Spark to make us something to eat," he whispered.

James nodded and they went in different directions. When James went down to the living room Harry was waiting for him on the couch with a blanket and bowls of oatmeal. James sat down next to Harry, joining him under the blanket, and took one of the bowls. After a few quiet minutes James turned to Harry.

"Do you want to talk about something specific?" He asked. "I'm here. You can say whatever you want. I won't get angry and I won't judge you."

Harry rested his head on James' shoulder.

"I just wanted to spend some time alone with you," he admitted. "I want to get to know you."

James' vision got blurry.

"Sounds good," he smiled. "I'm just curious - how much have you heard about my parents?"

Harry's eyes lit up.

"Nothing. Honestly," he chuckled. "I never thought about the fact that I probably have, or had, grandparents."

James straightened up.

"They were perfect parents," he began quietly. "I was an only child and spoiled, but they always made sure that I didn't become a bratty spoiled kid. When I became friends with Sirius they were worried that I was changing, and they also started getting letters from school about the pranks I did. On the first Christmas break when I got home they talked to me, asked me questions. It was more like an interrogation altogether. In the end they realized that as much as I was a troublemaker at home, as soon as I had someone to play pranks with I just became more troublesome. Not in a bad way. During the holidays, Padfoot, Moony, and the traitor always came to me for a few days, and my parents became second parents to everyone. They gave us space to do all the stupid things we wanted to, but also made sure that we didn't cross the line. When I did pranks that hurt people I got punishments, except for Snivellus. They asked me why I treat him like this, why I hate him. Usually when I pranked people it was jokingly, but this one I clearly hated. So I explained to them that first of all he supports Voldemort, and they taught me that he is bad, but another reason I had was that he bullied Sirius and Remus because Sirius is a blood traitor, and Remus because of his scars. I couldn't stand the fact that someone systematically hurt my friends. After I explained it to them they asked me not to be physical, but they understood me, and agreed that I was protecting my friends."

Harry sniffled.

"I want to know them," he said. "When did they die? What did they die of?"

"Dragon pox," James replied quietly. "When I was in seventh year." He pressed his lips together, not wanting to give in to his emotions.

Harry scooted closer to him a bit more.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "It must be really hard to lose your parents. Especially when you actually know them."

James took a long deep breath.

"It shouldn't be something rare that you know your parents."

Harry tilted his head.

"Good point," he said thoughtfully.

Harry summoned a quill and a piece of parchment, and started writing a letter to McGonagall, asking for her pensieve. James pulled Harry to him again, ruffling his hair.

"I'm so happy the Dursleys didn't ruin you," he said in a choked voice. "I don't understand how you're such an amazing person despite everything you've been through."

Harry shrugged.

"I think that the way me and Dudley turned out actually explains it," he said thoughtfully. "He got everything he wanted so he grew up to be like them, but I suffered from them, so I didn't want to be anything like them . Sometimes when I have a hard choice, and I hear Vernon in my head, telling me what to do- I know that what he thought was a bad choice so he wants me to do it- that is the right choice to make."

James sighed and ruffled Harry's hair.

They sat quietly until they heard someone tumbling down the stairs and cursing.

"Morning," said a very grumpy Remus.

Harry laughed.

"You good, Moony?" He asked.

Remus rubbed his eyes.

"Do you want to do your old uncle a favor and make him tea?"

Harry stood immediately.

"Of course," he said while walking to the kitchen.

James came right after him.

"Prongslet, sit on the side here, I'm making the tea," he ordered. "I don't let you do anything in this kitchen."

Harry sat on a chair, confused, but not daring to object the first time his father was actually stern with him. James flicked his wand a few times, and a minute later there was one cup of tea, one cup of coffee, and three cups of hot chocolate floating before James and Harry on the way back to the living room. Harry sat down, holding a cup of water, and Remus frowned.

"Can I ask why the fuck are there six cups for three people?" He asked, clearly more awake than he was before.

Harry shrugged, also confused, and James cleared his throat.

"Two cups I charmed to stay hot so that when our dear Blacks decide to wake up they have their drinks ready, the tea is for you, and two hot chocolates are for me and Harry," James grinned.

"So why is Harry holding a cup of water?"

James turned to Harry, surprised.

"I told you not to," he scolded.

Harry swallowed.

"I don't like hot drinks," he mumbled, taking a sip of water from his cup.

James and Remus exchanged not believing looks, but started drinking their own drinks, letting Harry be for now. When Remus finished his tea he stood.

"I'm going to check on them," he explained.

He found Sirius sitting on his bed, running his hand through his brother's hair and singing quietly.

"Hi," whispered Remus.

Sirius turned to him, startled, and smiled lightly.

"I don't want him to wake up alone," he whispered back.

Remus nodded and made to come over and sit with his boyfriend, when Regulus' eyes snapped open. Sirius let out a surprised squeak and Remus and Regulus laughed.

"How long have you been awake?" Asked Sirius.

Regulus sat up, looking guilty.

"Pretty long," he admitted. "You were playing with my hair and singing ne m'oublie pas, and I didn't want it to end. I didn't know you were just waiting for me to wake up."

Sirius kissed his brother's temple.

"I wasn't waiting because I had to, I wanted to stay."

They got ready quickly and went down with Remus.

"Good morning, sleepy heads," teased James.

Sirius sat on one of the couches, Regulus squished to his side. Remus handed them their cups.

"Hot chocolate for Sirius, and coffee for Reg," he said with a smile.

When they were all comfortable in their places Remus spoke again.

"What were you singing, Padfoot?" He asked.

Sirius and Regulus' eyes got teary.

"Ne m'oublie pas," answered Sirius. "It's a French lullaby that means remember me. I don't know where I know it from, my mother didn't sing to us, but Reg loved it, and I sang it to him every night. In the time right before I went to Hogwarts I sang it more, knowing he's going to be home by himself for two years, and then I wasn't able to sing it to him anymore."

Regulus put his mug down and buried his face in the crook of Sirius' neck.

"Siri," he whispered.

Sirius placed his mug next to Regulus' and hugged his brother.

"I'm sorry," his voice shook.

Harry snuggled close to James.

"Will you teach me lullabies?"

James kissed his cheek.

"Totally," he promised.

Regulus fell back asleep, his head on Sirius' shoulder. Sirius cast a muffliato spell on his brother and turned to the others.

"Hi, Harry," he smiled. "What are you drinking?" he gestured to Harry's mug.

Harry sighed.

"Not you too," he groaned.

James chuckled.

"You do owe us an explanation for you not liking hot drinks. Everyone has at least one that they like."

Harry swallowed.

"Fine," he grumbled. "I never had a hot drink. I'm scared to try it."

Remus, Sirius, and James stared at him.

"You're joking, right?" Remus' voice was almost inaudible. "You're trying to get out of telling us why?"

Harry shook his head.

"By the Dursleys I obviously didn't get anything other than sink water, in Hogwarts I started drinking pumpkin juice, but I never cared much to try other drinks," he said simply.

James summoned Harry's full mug.

"Would you try the hot chocolate?" He asked. "For me? Please?"

Harry took the mug hesitantly.

"But it's hot," he murmured.

"It's not too hot," promised James. "It's warm enough that it's good, but not hot enough to burn your tongue."

"It could burn my tongue?" Harry freaked out and put the mug down again.

James ruffled Harry's hair.

"As long as it's me making your hot chocolate it won't burn you. I promise," James said earnestly.

Harry took a careful sip, his hand shaking ever so slightly. James waited for his reaction, holding his breath without realizing. Harry's head snapped up, his eyes full of surprise. He looked at James in shock for a second, and then downed the rest of the drink in a few big sips.

"That was..." he wiped around his mouth with his sleeve. "I dunno. Never tasted anything like this," he started crying suddenly. "Why did I not know what hot chocolate is like? How can I know how many other things I would've loved, but I never got to try?"

James pulled Harry to his lap, wanting him as close as possible.

"We have all the time in the world," he said soothingly. "We're gonna try everything we can, and whatever you like, we'll do, or eat, so many times that you'll get sick of it."

Harry rubbed his eyes.

"Thanks, Dad," he smiled.

Remus sat next to them, and Harry turned his head to him.

"Hi, Bambi, I got you more hot chocolate," Remus handed Harry his mug, refilled. "It's not very hot."

Harry took the mug gratefully and drank his second cup in big gulps.

"You always drink your tea slowly," Harry said suddenly, as he handed the mug back to Remus. "Do you not like it?"

Remus laughed softly, Sirius echoing him from the other couch.

"I'm getting you another cup, and I want you to drink it slowly, while eating a biscuit, or a piece of cake."

Harry nodded, resting his head on James' shoulder, and watched as Remus summoned the hot chocolate from the stove and cake. Harry picked his mug up for the third time, and took a small sip obediently. He bit his tongue, clearly wanting to drink more, but listened to Remus, and took a piece of cake. He giggled as he realized how much better it is like that, and Remus and James both kissed his forehead affectionately. When Harry finished his third cup he grinned at James.

"That was so good," he said.

James stood, holding Harry.

"I love you, Baby, I'll never give you something that's bad for you," he said while walking towards the kitchen. "Now that we're awake, I think we should make breakfast. Or..." he glanced at the clock, "brunch."

"I can make something," said Harry enthusiastically. "Even the Dursleys liked what I made."

Remus' eyes widened.

"That's why you didn't want him to make the drinks," he realized. "You're so right, James. I'm sorry I didn't think about it. Harry, you're not making anything in this kitchen. This place is out of your territory. Okay?"

Harry shrugged.

"Anyway Spark makes most of the food," he said indifferently. "Though I don't get why you're so against me making food here. It's not like you'll beat me for burning the food."

"I told Spark that she's only in charge of cleaning the place," James said as he placed Harry on a chair. "Me and Reg are bored, so we make the food. And Harry," he crouched and looked Harry in the eye. "Kids aren't supposed to make food. You did it as a child, so as an adult we're not going to let you do it. You can't make anything until we decide you can."

Harry straightened up.

"That's really nice of you," he said politely, and then continued heatedly. "But I asked you already not to treat me like a child. I make good food, and as long as my surroundings are calm, I like cooking. So there's no point in making me sit out like a baby."

Sirius walked into the kitchen, sighing.

"We're not treating you like a baby, we're trying to spoil you now instead of all the years we couldn't. Molly also doesn't want Ginny to volunteer to make every single meal. And she's a girl. Not in a sexist way, but girls make more food than boys. So we want you to get unused to making food. Get it?"

Harry nodded, sagging against the back of the chair.

"Where's Regulus?" He changed the subject.

"Sleeping on the couch. He can hear us in the kitchen, so I figured I can come."

James opened the charmed fridge and took an egg tray out.

"We could make the food together," he suggested. "Sirius, you're ONLY doing the toasts, and make sure they don't burn."

Harry laughed and went to get bacon and a pan.