Wonders

August 30, 1991

“It is Harry Potter’s safety, to be with the Dursley.” I stared hard at the old man who my brother trusted, standing before me- trying to convince me about the greater good.  After the court, I stood winning the case of Harry under my protection thanks to Astra. Yet Dumbledore was completely calmed, and level headed, it bothered me in some ways-

“And with me it's otherwise?” I bite back, frowning deeply at the thought. “I can protect him, he’ll be safe with me- people who have been there for him since birth. Who won’t be ashamed of his gift and who he is- they.. They despise him. You and I both know that. To me, gives me more reason to have custody of him.” 

“There are blood wards, guaranteed to protect Harry.  Because of his mothers blood lived there.” The headmaster reassured me.  “There is no other bloodward that can be replicated-”

“Oh bog off!” I snapped at him, echoed in the halls. Running my hand through my hair frustrated the man who knows it all.  The man to be considered the most powerful wizard, “Why is it up to you? To know what's best for him- cause you don’t. I do. You care about being safe- not about him being happy.” 

“Mr. Potter, I could understand you are worried, and angry. Considering everything you’ve lost.” He admits, “But you must understand, putting him in the muggle world would be best with them. No death eater-  Not even I could find them.. It's what your brother would’ve wanted.” What my brother would’ve wanted, the way he worded it made me feel bitter in the stomach. The memory, the flashback- the regret pitted in me-

“Which is why he needs to be with me.” I stated, I stand my ground for it. The old man was hesitant, and before he could say anything to deny or reject, I continued. “I’ll  work at Hogwarts.  I’ll be a professor there, to be by his side at all times- including yours. I’ll protect him with my body and soul- I will do whatever it takes for my nephew.” 

“Napa!” An annoyed calling as a shoe was tossed, bouncing off my face.  I was flabbergasted at such an attack, I turned my attention to see the boy who lived (Who won’t be after throwing that shoe) pouting at me. 

“Harry, did you just throw a shoe at me?” 

“Well what was the option, keep calling your name? That didn’t work. ” He crossed his arms in the matter of fact, to which I rolled my eyes. “Could’ve just walked over to me- and you know. Poke me or something- like an actual human.”  

“I’m not a human, I’m a wizard! So that doesn’t apply to me” He claimed with such smugness.  I couldn’t help but snort at his courageous wellbeing, sometimes. I forgot he's certainly James' kid. Every Time he opens his mouth there's always something snarky or ego needed to be said. 

“Right.. Well, I apologize. I was a bit distracted- what did you want to tell me?” I hummed to my greatest patients. In response he heavily sighed dramatically, turning his attention to Peter as he continued to play around his half eaten cake-“See what I’m talking about Uncle Peter? He hardly listens to me, you’re the only one who understands me.” 

“Harry.” 

“Anyway!” He turned to me with sudden excitement, “I was telling Uncle Peter about my letter.”

“Ah, your letter. That's right- it's going to be a big day for you.” I admit, and smiled seeing the boy's eyes brighten by the thought of it. He was thrilled I remembered it, the day the letter came just yesterday- when he saw that owl with a letter engraved with only his name. He jumped with such joy, he couldn’t stop talking about it. 

“And I was telling him about what house I’ll be in. I hope I’ll be in Gryffindor though- just like you and Uncle Peter were. Like mum and dad.” He quickly added with such hopefulness, “I want to do all the things you told me about. Be like the Marauders!” I chuckled, he was determined to make friends for sure.  I told him stories of how his father was back then, how peter- how they were. I saw it all and it's only right for him to know this absorbing chaotic youth they lived.  

“Ugh why would you be a gryffindor when you can be like- anything else.” Astra bored as she walked in with such messy glamor, with a matching owl along her side. 

“Ms. Morales” I greeted in amusement. 

“Mr. Potter.” 

“I see you brought a friend.” I pointed at the owl in the cage that is oddly enough hissing and flapping menacingly. Feathers flying out, it was angry.  Absolutely pissed at whatever this mad woman did. 

“Oh this? It's a gift.” She said with a toothy grin. I blinked at her, I couldn’t tell if she was serious or joking. 

“For who? Harry???” 

She didn’t answer, which furthermore answered my question. “Harry! Auntie is here to bear gifts!” She dramatically opens her arms to my nephew who happily runs to her. “Since you got accepted to Hogwarts- it's best you should have a pet for yourself.  Think of it as your birthday gift.”

“That's so cool!!” He jumped up and down energetically as he clung onto the cage.  I stared at her in shock.  “Astra- I didn’t know you were getting him an owl.” 

“I didn’t either.” She said bluntly, to which I choked on my slice of cake-

“What-”

“Saw this little lad in the street and I thought. Why not?” She said so casually, and honestly I would laugh if this was a joke I hoped for. “You caught it?????”

“I did.” 

“Why- it cost 10 galleons for an owl.” I blurted.  

“Which is why I caught it. 10 galleons is a lot Mr. Potter.” She hummed, “Besides look- he likes it.” She pointed at Harry grinning so widely. 

“Is this thing even safe????” I asked eagerly.

“I’m naming her Hedwig!” He claimed. “Thank you Auntie Astra.” He hugged her once again to which she happily complied. I find it hysterical that this is happening, I facepalm to it. She's odd and I can hardly know what she's thinking or how she does it. Yet she's the exact reason Harry is with me today- 

“So hogwarts-excited?” She asked him as she grabbed herself a slice of cake- picking the cream with her finger to enjoy the sweet to herself.  He nodded, “Yes! Once I start, I want to do everything.. Like quidditch! I want to do quidditch.” 

“Quidditch? You know your Uncle Winnie was in quidditch. The best seeker there is, well from what I’ve been told.” she pointed out to which he looked at me in shock. “Really? You only mention dad being in quidditch.” 

My cheek reddened as such attention to my own youth.  I shrugged slightly, “I didn’t think to talk about me.” And as the conversation was interrupted there was a knock on the door- and with open consent.  There was a small pudgy boy with shyness yet delight.

“H-Happy birthday Harry!” Neville said happily, greeting us awkwardly. “Good a-afternoon Mr. Potter, M-Ms. Morales, and Mr. Pettigrew..” Clearing his throat as he held out a custard pie that was completely fresh and steaming. “M-My grandma wanted to give you this. S-she recently made it too.” 

I smiled warmly at the young boy- watching Harry accept the pie then hugging him afterward. Introducing his owl, and blabbering their excitement of being in Hogwarts together. Since the court, they grew up together side by side. They were attached to the hip, the only boy around Harry age that he was simply drawn to.. Considering the similar condition they were in. I winced remembering both Longbottoms and James and Lily's fate.   

“So.” My friend cleared her throat, to which I looked at her arching my brow. “How are you feeling?”

“About..?” 

“Being a professor.” She reminded me, “At Hogwarts. That you gracefully convinced Dumbledore with your stubbornness and pride.”

Right.  That I did.  

“I don’t know..” I said sheepishly, “But it's a start- for Harry..”

“Right.. But you never taught anything at all.  I’m surprised how Dumbledore just hired an inexperienced man. Actually I do wonder how Hogwart is managing to stand.” She joked lightly to which I chuckled. That is true. To be honest, I wasn't sure how to feel. But for now, I simply just want to focus on Harry birthday..

 “I’ll figure something out.”