"Ugh, I hate maps!"

"What's wrong?"

"Dad made me plan the route again. And I… just… can't… do it!"

"Come on, dear, it can't that bad."

"No, mum, I can't. It's stupid, anyway. Who needs a map when there's navigation spells and, heck, even SATNAV's!"

"Don't swear. And maps are pretty useful, still. It's important to your dad that you know how to find your own way, even when you don't have a SATNAV and at times when you can't use magic."

"That's just it, he's making me do all of this without any magic! I'm not even allowed to use a Broom compass! And he's been on my ass ever since I came home this summer! It's not fair!"

"Language, James! All summer, huh… Remind me, next year will be your third at Hogwarts, right?"

"Yeah, so?"

"And you'll be going on visits to Hogsmeade?"

"Yeah, I will. If he ever signs the stupid permission slip, which he still… hasn't… done!"

"Ah."

"What?"

"Nothing. I think I might have an idea of the game your dad's playing, that's all."

"What game?"

"No, that'll be for him to tell you. Tell you what, I'll help you figure out this map business, even teach you a little spell I think your aunt Hermione made up one day, if… if you promise to try your best and that you will use whatever your father gives you responsibly."

"What he'll give me…? That makes no sense!"

"It will, trust me. Do you promise?"

"Yeah, ok. I promise."

"Really, James, responsibly!"

"Yeah, yeah, I just promised, alright?"

"Good boy. Now, tell me about this assignment your father set you."

Needless to say, James never again thought maps were stupid after his dad gave him the Marauders' Map. Although he did resent his promise to his mother, just a little.