Previously:
"Where's Remus, Headmaster? Didn't he come?" Harry asked excitedly, ready to have his three favorite idols back together just like the old days.
"Professor Lupin has been informed of the newest addition to the royal family, though I had not told him about the returning ones." Dumbledore smiled, "I suggest owling him. No doubt he wouldn't want to miss out on your plans."
Harry pulled James and Sirius along with him, wanting to get word out to Moony as quick as possible.
Harry continued to drag his father and godfather along the halls. His excitement was witnessed by guards and servants alike as they passed the king and prince, bowing respectfully. Harry jerked James and Sirius around a corner; James and Sirius muttered twin, "Oy's" in return. Once they reached a nearby door to the outside gardens, James stopped them. "Harry, why don't you go run up to the Owlery and write Moony a letter," said James, ruffling his son's hair up in the process, "come to the gardens when you're done."
Harry scowled at the hair ruffling, but nonetheless said, "Alright," before running off down the hall. Sirius and James chuckled, seeing Harry almost ambush a walking guard before rounding the corner to the Owlery. James clapped Sirius on the back, pulling him along outside. James nodded his head to the bowing servants and various house elves that were tending on of the larger areas of the garden.
Sirius looked down at his feet, his arms lost within the deep depths of his robes. "I heard about your father, James," Sirius said in a deep, rough tone. He blinked rapidly, most likely keeping back tears. The king was just like a second father to him after his own father passed away a few years ago on a dangerous quest. James gritted his teeth, his jaw muscles tightening. Taking one of his arms from the folds of his robes, Sirius grasped James' shoulder in brotherly comfort, "Merlin, I'm so sorry."
James felt tears spring to his eyes, scowling down at the ground. Try as he might, he couldn't get passed his father's death. He'd tried being strong for his family and kingdom's sake, but it just didn't work. Every day that he spent keeping up a perfect, happy image, he lay awake every night, brooding over the sad fact that he was now ruler of this kingdom. "I miss him so much," he said thickly.
Sirius said nothing for a few moments, just letting the sad aura all around stifle them. Finally, he said, with his voice crackling a bit, "As do I, James."
James suddenly snorted. Was the Sirius Black actually speaking properly to him? Sirius looked at James, startled, hearing the snort. "What?" he asked him.
James shook his head and said, "I just never thought I'd see the day when Sirius Black actually used proper grammar." James snorted again, starting to laugh. Somehow, just having his best friend back there with him seemed to lift a huge burden off of James' shoulders. He laughed for the first time without actually feeling any real guilt ebbing away at him. A white dove fluttered past the two of them suddenly. And as it flew past, James almost felt as though it was taking away the sadness dwelling within him.
Sirius joined in laughing, clapping James on the back. They continued walking along the path, settled into their own thoughts. It really was a lovely day. The sky was painted brightly with various shades of oranges and pinks due to the sun's beautiful setting.
"So, James," Sirius said after a while, breaking the comfortable silence between the two, "I was talking to Harry before…about the Order," looking past some stray hairs that swept across his forehead into his eyes, he continued, "he didn't seem too familiar with the concept of you being in the Order."
James looked out into the horizon, squinting past the sun's bright rays, "There's no logical reason why he should have."
"When are you going to tell him, James?" asked Sirius solemnly, "When are you going to explain to Harry how Voldemort disappeared?"
"When he's ready, Padfoot" exclaimed James suddenly, "He's only eleven years old!"
"And more than half of the children his age know about that incident. You obviously can't shield that knowledge from him. He's going to Hogwarts now, Prongs," Sirius insisted, flopping down on a nearby bench, leaning back on a tree with his hands folded behind his head. "As brilliant as the Order has been with keeping that knowledge away from the children residing within these palace walls, Hogwarts is a different matter entirely. Most of the children there know, James."
"He's not ready!" James burst.
Sirius stood up suddenly, "Face it, Prongs. Harry isn't a baby anymore."
"No," agreed James, "he isn't. Nor is he an adult. He can't handle all the information at this age; he's not strong enough yet."
"He's just as strong as you were at that age," Sirius pointed out, "When we were his age, we've accomplished just as much as he has. We would have been strong enough, and you know it."
James wordlessly sat down on the bench Sirius had just vacated. Sirius sighed and then said, "I didn't come back here to start an argument." He then sat down beside James and the two of them just sat in a strained silence.
After a few minutes, James finally spoke, "He knows about Lily's powers."
Sirius tilted his head in James direction, showing he was listening. James recounted the recent events to him.
"…I don't know…" James sighed as he finished, running his hand through his hair, "Maybe he is ready."
"Listen," Sirius said in a tone of apology, "I didn't have a right to argue with you about that. You're his father; you above all should know what's right for Harry and what isn't."
"But you're his Godfather," James pointed out in a defeated, tired voice. "Lily and I both trusted you and your judgment enough to give you custody of him if we weren't around."
"That doesn't make my word gold," Sirius argued right back. "But, I have one final warning, Prongs: One way or another, Harry will find out about all that is kept hidden from him…he and his friends are just as nosy as we were when we attended Hogwarts."
Just as James was about to speak, Harry came bursting through the garden, running at top speed. His glasses were skewed again and his hair was even messier than James' usually is. "Come on!" exclaimed Harry, taking his father and godfather's sleeves again and pulling them back out from whence he came.
"Harry, I thought we were going to plan a few pranks in there," said Sirius as he ran along beside his godson and best friend.
"I told Moony to us meet by the front parlor via floo powder," said Harry breathlessly.
James noticed Sirius' disappointed look and grinned, "Cheer up, Padfoot; the pranks were always better with all of the Marauders, anyway."
It took exactly two seconds for Sirius to break out into his famous eye-twinkling, mischievous grin. With an apparent burst of adrenaline, Sirius sped up and the roles were switched between him and Harry as he started to drag Harry and not vice versa. Just as they rounded a corridor, right before James was about ready to burst out an objection from all that running, Sirius, Harry, and the said King found themselves facing the front parlor's fireplace. And that said fireplace was grumbling like a hungry man's stomach.
Within three seconds after, Remus popped out of the fireplace, grinning widely, not caring about the soot all over his face and clothes. Standing up from the ground he'd just fallen upon, Remus' eyes, twinkling, looked over the group of three. "So, the original dream team is back together, eh?"
Within seconds Sirius and Remus were embraced in a brotherly hug. Pulling back Remus clapped Sirius on the shoulders and said loudly, "Merlin it's good to see you again, Padfoot. Things just weren't the same around here and on our monthly visits."
Confusion flashed before Sirius' eyes, instantly disappearing, "Yes, well, I'm here for quite a while this time, I think."
"Splendid! Good to hear," Remus beamed.
"Come on, let's go plan some pranks," exclaimed Harry, almost ready to run back out into the gardens. He always seemed to switch personalities when he was with the Marauders. He was happier, more upbeat, he was just…well, he was just a kid. With this peers and friends, Harry was a trademark leader- presumably because he was the prince of the kingdom- but with the Marauders, they were the ones guiding.
Placing both his hands on Harry's shoulders, Remus turned the eleven year old around towards the door. Without removing his hands, Remus pushed forward, guiding Harry out the door with James and Sirius on their trail. "First things first, Harry," replied Remus, leading in the general direction of the Infirmary, "I still have to have a look at your little sister."
"And I as well," said Sirius abruptly, his eyes twinkling.
James suddenly pulled Sirius back a little ways, still walking a safe, inaudible distance behind Moony and Harry. "I'm surprised you haven't mentioned this, so I'll bring it up."
Sirius glanced curiously over to James.
"Lily and I want to name you Godfather of Lydia as well," James continued, looking up to witness Sirius' reply. A slow smile crept onto the latter's face.
Staring down at his feet, a full fledged grin overtook Sirius' entire face, "Thanks, James," he said simply.
A lopsided grin was the only reply Sirius received.
"Oh, Lily, she's beautiful."
Lily sniffled, her bright glossy eyes looking over at Remus and her daughter in his arms. She just couldn't get over the fact that all her childhood friends were back, just in time to see her precious newborn on her birthday. She was holding Harry's hand tightly from her beside, her heart bursting with joy.
"My turn," insisted Sirius, reaching out for Lydia. Remus rolled his eyes in good-natured sarcasm before obliging to Sirius' whiny order and gently placing Lydia in her godfather's arms for the first time, all the while making cooing baby noises to her.
Sirius stared down at the little girl, his eyes wide with wonderment. She had the same features Harry had- Lily's eyes, James' hair. She was simply…precious. He slowly bounced her up and down in a comforting manner, whispering inaudible things to her. He grinned as Lydia yawned widely, a slight chuckle emitting from his mouth. "She looks just like you, Harry," Sirius remarked. Harry grinned from his mother's bedside, feeling James' hand clamp proudly around his shoulders.
"She certainly does," Remus agreed, taking a seat on Lily's other bedside, his face bright and overjoyed. "Almost the spitting-image of him when he was born."
"That's right," said Sirius, looking over at Harry then back down at Lydia, "Just like him."
"Though I hope she won't be getting into as much mischief as he does," Lily remarked, smirking over at Harry.
"I'll see to it that she does," replied Sirius confidently, sending a cheesy grin in Lily's direction.
"I'm thinking she'll be the next recruitment of the Marauders," remarked Remus.
"The first girl in the Marauders…that doesn't sound too bad," chimed in James thoughtfully.
"Hey," Lily immediately objected, "wasn't that me?"
"I thought it was Peter," joked Sirius.
A sudden silence overtook them all. Harry just stared at the adults in the room curiously. Who was Peter? He decided to voice that question. Lily and the other three men in the room finally realized Harry was in the room with them.
"He was no one, Harry," Remus quickly answered- too quickly.
"No one of importance, anyway," corrected James, his spiteful tone surprising Harry slightly.
"Harry, you'll just have to trust us when we say that you'll know when you're ready," Lily gently chimed in, squeezing her son's hand tighter as though silently urging him to drop it.
Reluctantly, Harry nodded, "Alright, fine," he said unenthusiastically, albeit sourly.
Another uncomfortable silence befell upon them; Sirius let out a slight cough, eyes traveling back down to the baby tucked safely in his arms. Lily and James looked at one another over the top of Harry's head. Remus glanced at Harry, watching as the said boy scowled at his feet, frustrated.
Suddenly, a soft, weak sneeze tainted the silence, causing every occupant to look over at the pink bundle Sirius held. Things started to place back into perspective for them. The past was behind the four adults. The future hopefully held better things, despite the shadow of a cloud looming over Lily and James' heads created by those baffling letters. No matter how complicated or painful the past had been, it's simply the past. No one can change that, nor should one try. Things happen for reasons, and Lydia was the perfect example of the treasures the future held in its wake.
Harry stood up and walked over to Sirius. He looked down at his baby sister, compassion shining through his green orbs, through his glasses. So what if he'd have to wait a few years to be told all he wanted to know. If he was going to be an excellent older brother, Harry would have to get over the frustration.
One of the greatest things his late-Grandfather had told him was, "The first step to growing up is accepting disappointments- that is the only way to defeat them and rise to your fullest capabilities."
All it took was one time stopping moment. The moment when Lydia's bright, wondering eyes met her older brother's matching ones. Those beautiful, innocent eyes showed pure goodness. That was all it took. Harry was finally ready to let go of his frustrations and accept the uncontrollable things in his world. He'd be the greatest brother in the world; he'd make sure of it.
The dinner table in the Godric's Hollow castle was, for the first time in a long time, fuller. James sat in his late father's seat at the head of the table, his mother sitting at his right hand side, and Sirius on his left. Harry sat to the other side of Sirius, talking excitedly to Remus across from him. Frank, Matthew, Stephan, and Arthur were discussing the incident at Azkaban a few months prior. Elizabeth, Sarah, and Cynthia were remarking repeatedly how adorable little Lydia was. Madison, Bill, and Charlie, all of whom returned earlier that day because of all the occurrences happening, were in deep conversation about the Quidditch Cup, with Ginny listening in with perked ears. Molly and Patrick were silently listening to the various conversations around the table with interest.
Suddenly, James stood up and the table quieted immediately. Giving his friends a smile, James explained, "I'm going to have the cooks bring Lily some food." With that, he walked off in the direction of the kitchens and the talking returned to normal.
It was when Sirius and Harry started to play with their food, to the disgust of Remus ("The child's too much like you, Padfoot," he had remarked) that a beautiful muggle clock Lily's parents had once given James' as a gift started to chime. It was seven o'clock. Though the chatter didn't cease for that noise, it did for another. The fireplace in that room started to grumble and everyone stared at it curiously, wondering who would be the one to interrupt their meal and conversations.
They didn't have to wait long, because even before the person showed his or her self, a young man's voice came from inside the watched fireplace, "Mum, dad!?"
Alice and Frank immediately bolted from their seats, recognizing their son's voice at once. Neville came out of the fireplace, covered in soot and ash, grinning like Christmas had come early. Both his parents engulfed him in great hugs, Alice placing kisses all over her son's face, "Oh, I missed this face so much," she cooed, squeezing him warmly.
Before anyone at the table could inquire about Neville's presence, another grumble was heard from the fireplace, followed closely by two young feminine voices, "Will you get off my foot!"
"If you get you're elbow out of my face, I will!"
Now it was Sarah and Matthew's turn to jump quickly up off their seats and rush to the fireplace. The scene that shortly followed matched Frank, Alice, and Neville's previous one perfectly. Harry grinned widely from his seat, watching his peers finally receive their long awaited wishes. Once the five hugging and laughing and crying people calmed down, they all returned to their seats, the kids sitting next to their parents. The exciting chatter once again picked up as everyone continued with their dinner.
Not five minutes after dinner had resumed before the fireplace started to groan again. Harry's eyes narrowed curiously. Who could it be now? That silent question was answered soon after never been asked when out popped Ron and Percy, one grinning widely and the other looking down at his brother with pursed lips (matching McGonagall's facial expression precisely), both in respective order. Just as Molly stood up and got ready to open her mouth, Fred and George popped out of the fireplace, both grinning exactly like Ron.
"What are you four-"Molly started but was interrupted by a shrilly girl's voice from the fireplace.
"I can't believe you did that! Dumbledore gave us specific instructions to stay at Hogwarts!"
An amused grin started to form on Harry's face instantly recognizing the indignant voice. Hermione, with her bushy hair all in her face, stalked out of the fireplace. She brushed the hair out of her face, showing her livid eyes. She continued on with her rant, unaware of the table full of surprised people watching them. "What will Headmaster Dumbledore say when he finds out we-,"
"Padfoot!" Ron cut her off, catching sight of the older man. Before Molly could step forward to take over Hermione's berating, Ron, Fred, and George all ran over to Sirius' side, giving him friendly pats on the back. Seeming to forget her anger, Hermione's face brightened and she too ran over to his side.
"Sirius!" she exclaimed as she hugged him tightly. With a chuckle, Sirius returned the hug.
"Hiya Harry," noted Ron, grinning at his best friend.
"Lo Ron," answered Harry, standing up along side his two best friends, his godfather, Fred, and George.
As Fred and George practically dragged the almost frazzled-looking Sirius away from the trio to discuss, what else, pranks, Hermione turned to Ron and Harry. With brighter eyes from the thrill of seeing Sirius after two years, she said almost breathlessly to Harry, "You've got a new baby sister, then? Come on, let's go see her." Without waiting for a response, she took hold of Harry and Ron's forearms and started to drag them out of the dining area.
Right before they got to the exit, Hermione's ears perked when she heard, "Going to leave without greeting your parents, then, Hermione?" She whipped her head around, smiling, and rushed over to her awaiting parents. She was immediately surrounded in two fierce hugs.
"Now, what was that you were saying about going against Sir Albus' orders?" asked Elizabeth, trying to smooth her daughter's hair.
Hermione pursed her lips and explained, "The Headmaster gave the Weasley's and I orders not to return to the kingdom."
"I see, and where was he when you all left?" Stephan inquired with twinkling eyes.
"I think he went to visit Lily," said Hermione, "He left before we did, saying he was going to the…Infirmary." Hermione bit her lip, rethinking her original thought of seeing baby Lydia. Surely he would punish them if he were to see her and Ron there. Looking back to Harry and Ron, she was slightly surprised to find Harry chuckling, not worried in the slightest. Ron turned his worried attention to Harry as well, and both Hermione and he stared curiously at their best friend.
Finally, Harry just shook his head, his laughter ceasing, and walked over to Hermione, pulling her back to them. With a slight nod to Stephan and Elizabeth, Harry dragged his friends out of the dining hall.
As it turns out, Dumbledore hadn't been too upset about the students going against his orders. He could understand why they did it, actually. This group of people was a tight knit family whether legally, or not. Truth be told, Albus was part of this tight knit family. Who was he to say Hermione, Ron, and the rest of his siblings couldn't see their new 'cousin'?
Well, despite the fact that he wasn't angry, he still gave them all a light, easy punishment for going against his orders. But, of course, one simple detention was nothing to fret about. Especially for Fred and George; and the trio had had their share of punishments worse than this one. Percy, though, he wasn't too happy about that little measly detention tampering with his perfect record. Fortunately, Dumbledore insisted that one little detention wouldn't be taken into account when he and the professors up at Hogwarts decided who would be Headboy when Percy's time came up.
Even though Hermione wasn't too happy with a detention, she felt she rightfully deserved one for what she'd done. And, if anyone would have asked her whether or not she would have visited Godric's Hollow after knowing the consequences beforehand, Hermione still would have gone. She'd gotten to see little Lydia, and was overjoyed at that fact. She could definitely see herself caring for it when Lily was away for a few hours or so, like babysitting. Lily had assured her that when Hogwarts had ended for the term, Hermione would have the steady job of looking after Lydia whenever Lily decided she needed a break (of course, Lily knew she would never need a break away from Lydia, but it would never hurt to let Hermione look after her daughter).
Before Harry, Hermione, and Ron had returned to Hogwarts a few day later, they had been informed that Neville and the twins would be staying another week to spend some quality time with their parents, a fate they truly deserved.
For Hermione especially, the week seemed to fly by without having Neville to tutor. She did admit that it was a bit awkward having just her and Lavender in the dormitory. With Parvati gone, Lavender had taken it upon herself to deem Hermione her new best friend (needless to say, Hermione had been taking refuge in the library a lot more that week). Though, with Hermione not around as much as she usually was, Harry and Ron saw the week as a vacation for them. She wasn't around to bother them with her insistencies to study for the final tests.
Eventually, though, as the week came to an end, things steadily got back to normal. Neville and the twins came back, Hermione went back to tutoring Neville without having to dodge Lavender, and Harry and Ron tried their best to slack off to their fullest potential. The only thing that stayed with them all was the carefree atmosphere they had all gained ever since Sirius, Frank, Alice, Matthew, and Sarah had returned home safe and sound.
Currently, Hermione, Ron, and Harry were seated in the Great Hall having an afternoon snack on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Harry and Ron were playing a game of wizarding chess. Hermione was reading a large book Harry had recognized to be from Professor Flitwick's personal collection. Every once and a while, Hermione would quickly glance up to look at her friends, exasperation evident in her eyes. After about the tenth time of her annoying sighs and grumblings, Ron snapped his head around to look at her.
"Why do you have to spoil the mood?" he asked her irritably.
Hermione straightened, raised an eyebrow, and looked around the Hall. "What mood?" she asked.
Ron flung his arms around, pointing in various and random directions in the Hall, "This mood. The peaceful mood. Blimey, Hermione, I bet you can't find a single student studying in this entire school!"
"Except for you," supplied Harry civilly.
"Except for you," Ron repeated, nodding his head fiercely.
Hermione suddenly slammed her book shut, causing a great BOOM! to echo in the Great Hall. Quite a few students jumped in their seats, surprised; Harry and Ron included.
"Alright, fine," Hermione said huffily, scooting closer to the two. She primly clasped her hands together on the table in front of her and continued, "I won't spoil the mood. I'll even join in on the fun. So, what are we going to do?"
Harry and Ron didn't answer right away, simply staring with slack jaws at her. They hadn't expected her to give in so quickly. Harry was the first to recover, his thoughts suddenly on the Order.
He motioned for Hermione and Ron to scoot in closer. The second they obliged, Harry told them all about what his mother explained. He knew she hadn't wanted him to tell, but they were his best friends. He couldn't keep anything from then. Besides, if he was going to solve the entire mystery, he would need the help of Hermione and Ron.
"Don't tell anyone about this," Harry finished.
Hermione and Ron both nodded wordlessly, both looking absolutely astonished. "I wonder if our parents are part of the Order," Hermione spoke softly and thoughtfully.
"I don't know…but I'm almost positive Remus is in the Order," Harry said.
Ron was silent, his face pensive. Suddenly, a dawning look graced his features and he asked, "Do you think Snape's in the Order as well?"
Hermione's eyes widened. "Of course!" she exclaimed, "Remember that time we snuck into Snape's office and saw that note? You know the one with the "success of deceiving them. They trust me once again" statement."
"You're right," Harry exclaimed, earning a few looks from students around him. He nodded stiffly to them, his prince-like ways coming into play. Turning back to Hermione and Ron, he went on quieter, "He's betraying the Order, and I bet you anything."
"The question is: What's going on for him to be betraying them?" asked Hermione, her eyes staring off into space. "I bet there's more going on than the Order knows; something big."
Back at Godric's Hollow, the kingdom was resting peacefully. All but one princess, that is. Sleeping next to her serene husband (ever since Sirius and the rest of his friends returned home, James was able to sleep more soundly), Lily was jerking softly around, mumbling incoherently. Not two feet next to her bedside, Lydia babbled softly, sleeping in her white, lacy bassinet, unaware that her mother was trapped in one of her recurring dreams that she would only forget the next morning.
A/N- Thanks for reading everyone! And a special thanks to my new beta-reader, Kathleen, for correcting it so quickly!