Chapter 21
After a few moments of savoring the fatherly hug that Harry had so desperately craved growing up, Harry gave one final squeeze then stated, “I know you are both very upset right now as I am, but I did have one story that I have been needing to hear for a while now if that’s okay?”
Lily took a deep breath seeing how her anger was affecting her son gave him a small smile and said of course that is our true hope for this, you deserve to get to know us as much as we want to get to know you.”
“So I saw part of a memory from Professor Snape during this past year from you guys OWLS testing, it seemed like you both hated each other, everyone else has told me and what all I have seen you both love each other very much, if you don’t mind could you explain what changed?”
James gave a hearty chuckle at that raising his hands in defeat he said, “I am afraid that this is all on me, I had hoped that I would be able to avoid either of my children ever having to know about how terrible of a child I was…. Needless to say, I grew up my final year, we were chosen as head boy and girl and seeing how my actions could have such an impact on the younger students I decided to get my act together. I took the time to apologize to your mother and to Snape, granted he did not accept it as well as she did. Anyway I apologized to them both and stayed true to my word that I would behave better and learned from my previous mistakes and thankfully your wonderful mother accepted the new me.”
There was a slight knock on the door at that moment and Ron who was closest at that time walked over and opened it for the nurse, who turning to James and Lily said, “The kids are cleared to go, but I am going to have to hold Sirius for a few more days at least.”
Turning toward Harry to make sure he was still good he felt part of his heart shatter as he saw that he had slanted himself in front of Hermione and she had slid her wand down to rest in her hand, “You guys okay coming home with us, we would really enjoy you all coming, as I know Harry will.”
With a significantly noticeable nod between Ron and Hermione she answered, “where Harry goes we go.”
“Okay guys, I know this is not the most fun way to travel but it is definitely the safest way with the exhaustion that all three of you are facing right now.” Lily explained referring the fireplaces, “all you have to say is Potter Residence and I will go ahead and go through so that I can let Remus and Mark know that we are coming through and open the wards up to let you all in then you are all good.
Harry agreeing to go last waited until it was just James left and quietly asked, “I don’t want to be a bother but floo kinda freaks me out can we go through together I really don’t want to get lost here.”
“Absolutely we can, it might be a bit tight so be sure to keep your elbows in so that you don’t hit them.” He felt the warmth growing in his chest that Harry was beginning to trust him enough to ask for help even if it was something as small as taking a floo.
“Potter Residence.” James declared tossing the floo powder down.
As Harry began to feel the spinning sensation he felt the panic setting in, all he could think of was how it felt going through the portal and prayed that it would end soon squeezed his arms together in the hopes that it would ground him. Finally the spinning stopped and he stumbled out of the fireplace, thankfully James had very good reflexes and was able to grab his shoulder before he fell. Harry noticed that he was in some form of sitting room and it was only him and James there, he was a little uncertain and on edge as he had not adjusted from his almost panic yet and he did not see Ron or Hermione anywhere.
Before Harry could fully gain his bearings and figure out where exactly he was he heard a loud bang in the next room and the next thing that he knew something was flying into his vision from the left. Harry felt his heart rate spike and his vision tunnel as he entered into his fight mode spun backwards behind a chair that was conveniently placed next to the fireplace as he slid his wand out of his holster and into his hand, instinctively beginning to cast a shield charm.