James, Jules and Ethan had just made it back from the trial. Jules still couldn’t believe what Harry had been through with their aunt and Uncle. He was immensely glad that Dad hadn’t forced him to go to them during second year. Ethan and Dad were talking about how both trials could’ve gone better.. Jules thought that it was amazing that they had gotten off as light as they did. It just showed how much power the Light aligned families had in the Wizengamot.
He decided to head up to his room. He had too many thoughts about both trials going around his head. Dumbledore had been right about throwing Black in prison. But did it have to be Azkaban? Were there any other ways to contain Black without exposing him to Demontors? He was innocent, after all.
And Harry. Maybe if Black had been freed, they would’ve had Harry just across the Floo instead of away with those awful muggles.He still couldn’t believe what the muggles had done to him. Beating and degrading a son of the House of Potter? Treating him like a common House elf? He still felt the horror and rage that he first felt upon seeing the memories
He still felt sorry that he’d hit Harry but Dumbledore had done great things for the world! He’d defeated Grindelwald! He heard the Floo chime. Ethan must’ve headed off. Good. he had a few things to talk to his dad about.
He headed downstairs checking to make sure that Ethan had left, rather than someone joining them.
“Hey dad”
James turned around, to Jules.
“Hey Buddy, what’s up?”
“I was just thinking about the trials”
James’ face turned sour. He obviously didn’t like the jury’s decisions. “Yeah, I can't believe they found us guilty. Dumbledore was just making sure that everyone was safe. And Dumbledore said that he was keeping an eye on Harry's situation, I can't believe that he would have known about what was happening and not stopped it!”
Jules looked at his dad. “If Dumbledore did know, do you think he would've told you?”
James looked away, :”I'm sure he would’ve told us if a son of our House was being abused, Jules. He let us know as soon as Harry’s letter came through.”
Now Jules might not be the quickest spell in the wand, but even he could tell that his dad wasn’t giving him the full truth. Ever since Harry had come back into their lives it felt like he was being torn between Harry and their dad. Jules had continued to stand in his dad’s corner, but Harry had just gone to another House for asylum. So he had to choose: did he want his dad or his brother?
“Dad, did you know that Harry was being abused?” James looked indignant, as if he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Why would you even think that?”
“If you didn’t know, wouldn’t he have told you before going back in second year?” James looked away. “He told you? And you sent him back?” James looked angry, “What did you expect me to do Jules? The enchantment needed to be renewed and like Hell was I sending you there!” During his rant, James has marched over to Jules.
Jules backed away, horrified. James seemed to realise that he was scaring Jules. “Jules, Jules you don’t have to worry.” Jules backed away. “You’re a monster,” he whispered. James looked shocked. “Jules……..” He ran. He didn’t know where he was going, but he needed to be away from his father. Who threw his brother to the wolves. When he reached the floo he didn’t know where to go. “Longbottom Manor!”
When Neville appeared in Grimmauld Place's fire, Harry didn’t know what was going on. “Harry, I don’t know how to tell you this but- your brothers here.”
Just what he needed on this emotionally draining day. To deal with his brother after being punched in the face.
“OKay, I’ll be right over.” Neville smiled in appreciation then disappeared. After informing Sirius of where he was going, Harry, Flooed to Longbottom Manor.
Neville met him at the Floo. “I didn’t know what else to do. He just appeared and started crying. I think it’s got to do with the trial.” Neville led him to a room on the first floor. Inside was Jules Potter, without the bravado that he usually had. Just another teenage boy dealing with drama. Harry was struck by the realisation just how different they were from other teenagers, even wizarding ones. Here he was confronting his brother, who was dealing with the emotional fallout of the trials where his heroes were dragged through the mud.
“Hey.” Jules looked up, his eyes were bloodshot from crying. “Hey.”
He didn’t seem inclined to say more so Harry sat on the opposite side of the table.
Jules looked at him,“I’m sorry for hitting you.” Harry looked up. “I accept your apology.” Julus looked hopeful for a second. ”But do not think that I’ll forget it.” Jules looked down again.
Harry stood up and walked to the window, looking down at the Longbottom's gardens. He knew that silence would be his ally in this.
A couple of minutes later Jules spoke.
“He knew.”
Harry looked at his brother.
“He knew what?” Harry had a feeling he knew what this was about. “He knew that they were abusing you.” Harry walked over to his little brother, who was going through immense emotional turmoil.” I can’t go back to him. I can’t go back knowing that he allowed it to continue.”
Harry eyed Jules, trying to come to a decision. Finally he sighed, knowing that he and Sirius wouldn’t be the best place for Jules right now. “I would ask Sirius, but he’s not in the best place right now. Let me talk to Neville. Maybe he’ll let you stay here, for now.” Jules' face transformed into one of gratitude. Harry retreated to the hallway where Neville was standing. Neville took one look at his face and sighed, “what do you need?”
Harry felt a tinge of guilt, pushing this onto Neville, but he and Sirius weren’t the best environment for Jules to sort through his feelings regarding James.
“Just for a couple of days, until he sorts his feelings about James.” Neville looked between Harry and Jules. “And so you get a chance to talk to him?”
Harry sideeyed Nevillie. “Am I that transparent?”
“Only when it's Jules.”
“I better head back to Sirius, will you be alright?”
Neville looked at Jules who was still sitting at the desk. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “We should be fine”
“Thank you Neville.” As Harry walked away he looked back at his brother and saw that maybe they could still be brothers in mentality as well as blood.