This is my first Fanfic i hope you enjoy

Disclaimer: I neither own the Harry Potter universe nor the characters they all belong to JK Rowling

James was greeted to a raucous setting, when he stepped through the front door to Potter manor. This was a frequent occurrence with three young children in the house, two of which had inherited the marauder behaviour that had epitomised James's youth. Today however was different it was the first of July commonly known to wizarding families as the day that upcoming first year students would obtain their acceptance letter to Hogwarts. James was suddenly hit by a Quaffle to the groin.

"Sorry dad" yelled his first born; Harry as he scampered past the keeled over James and scampered up the hallway stairs. He was then greeted by his youngest Rose while only eight she exuded confidence.

"Dad I have know idea who Harry was playing quidditch in the house with" James now grinning after his recovery commented in a imitated parental tone,

"Now Rose I can't imagine you ever lying to me" she quipped back "I know I just thought you might want some warning before mum comes". And sure enough a raging Lily burst through the kitchen doorway, her fiery red hair trailing behind her,

"Rose how many times do I have to tell you and Harry no quidditch or any sort of sport in the house" Lily yelled.

"Now Lil its not every day you get your acceptance letter to Hogwarts maybe consider a pass just this once?" James replied being the doting dad he was to his daughter but also secretly overjoyed that the mischievous in his character was shining through into his kids.

"As lovely as those sentiments are Jamie I happen to notice that Rose is still eight and therefore is not entitled to a free pass, don't even get me started on Harry, since his brother is in the exact same position yet has been quiet all day"

Lily was in fact referring to the middle child of the Potters. Linfred, Harry's twin had always had a separate personality to his siblings he had gained more of his mothers personality with a thirst for knowledge, while staying quite and respectful to others, yet like Lily could be outgoing in the spur of the moment.

James frowned and responded "is he alright?"

"Yep Jamie I'm sure he's fine don't worry you know he deals with changes differently to the terrible twosome"

"Hey that's unfair Harry and I include him all the time in pranks, we shouldn't take the blame for everything mum" Lily sighed as her daughter started sadly pouting.

"If you really want to know why Linfred has been acting strangely it's that he's anxious that Harry will leave him and make other friends" Rose proclaimed catching her parents by surprise. Rose then skipped off upstairs to the kids den as they called it.

"What do you think she means by that?" James said after a silent pause between the adults

"I have some idea, Jamie I know you can be perceptive at times, but you often forget to notice that they have very different personalities your two sons and are likely to be in different houses" Lily replied.

"But the two of them, are as thick as thieves" James said adamantly.

"Don't worry I'm sure they'll be both be fine, tea will be ready in half an hour, you need a shower you smell awful, mainly of sweat" Lily bluntly responded

"Don't lie to me Lil I know you love my natural aroma"

James smiled and then approached Lily and went to embrace her with a hunger in his eyes, just as the two started to passionately embrace each other Linfred interrupts shouting

"Ewwww mum dad we've had this conversation before don't do that it's … yuck" Linfred then ran off to the sitting room, James quickly pecked Lily on the mouth and said "he seems fine to me".

Upstairs Rose was arguing with her brother, "You just left me there by myself to deal with the rents"

"Firstly Rose stop calling them that it is parents, stop trying to impersonate Daphne, secondly you would of just either blamed it all on me to get out of it or use your favourite trick by distracting mum and dad by bringing up Linfred's issues; so which one was it today?"

Rose pouted again, Harry continued to wait for her answer, "Fine it was Linfred today, and your fine when Daph says it so why can't I?"

"Dinners ready kids tell your dad too while your up there" Lily shouted from the bottom of the stairs

Harry glanced at Rose "she just says it better, I'll get dad"

Harry walked down the large hallway; Potter manor like all ancient wizarding family homes was distinctively large, with it being over 600 years old the outside while beautiful with the scenic Exmoor hills in the backdrop was not exactly friendly looking. Inside however Lily and James had gone through major renovations and redecoration projects to allow the manor to give off a more welcoming environment more attuned to what a large modern home in the muggle worlds interior would look like. Harry reached the study to which his dad was often in, this was the only part of the house that had somehow avoided his mums interior design when he entered, Harry was welcomed to a dark damp room with two small windows at the far end, James sat behind a desk which had seen better days.

"Tea is ready mums waiting"

James beckoned Harry over, Harry responded with a trademark Potter smile and skipped across, Harry loved talking to his dad especially alone, it made him feel different to his twin and slightly special.

"What's up dad?" Harry brightly responded

"I'm just curious to which house you want be a part of"

"Gryffindor obviously" James smiled he then turned to look out the window.

"Be honest Harry when I ask you this but what house do you think your brother is going to be in"

Harry stared at his dad now in surprise, it had never crossed his mind they could be apart, he gulped and nervously proclaimed,

"I'd always presumed Gryffindor dad, but he could be a claw I suppose,… I don't want him to be though"

"Harry as the eldest I'm looking to you to stick by Linfred, I don't want him being used by the other kids okay so even if he's not in Gryffindor, family trumps house alright kid?"

Harry was anxious his other private talks with his dad were often in the realm of quidditch tactics, pranking and the occasional head of house mannerisms, this was the first time he'd seen his dad so serious.

"Dad I'm sure Lenny will be fine he's always fine with the other kids we hang around with, but I won't let you down dad if everything is not alright"

James chuckled he was watching a 10 year old boy look determined despite not really knowing really what was being asked of him to appease his dad.

"Come on then young' un let's get you some tea you'll need it to get that quidditch physique."

Lily, Linfred and Rose were waiting by the kitchen table, "So Lenny do you think your going to be in the quidditch team" asked Rose

"I don't know Rose I'm not sure I want to be in the team, I think we'll get enough attention as it is"

"How can you not want to be in the team, quidditch is like,…I dunno like everything"

"Rose your brother may not be a fan, it is a rough sport in my opinion" Lily said looking pointedly at Rose to drop the conversation to which the spunky red head took no notice of; instead she continued,

"But Lenny you know that all the attention will not be on you but Harry he's far better at quidditch so everybody will be watching him, if you become a beater nobody will pay to much attention"

Seeing no way out of the conversation without a direct intervention Lily asked "Rose please go and get another knife for cutting the meat"

Lily watched Rose nod and skip to the kitchen, and then sighed, her little girl payed little attention to the boy-who-lived extravaganza, she like all 8 year olds were mostly isolated in her own little world that revolved around two or three of her favourite people.

"Don't listen to her sweetheart you do what you want, within reason of course" while saying this she got up and gave her son a motherly hug, a thud behind her signalled the arrival of her other two boys both laughing at each other. Harry then broke out of his trance and glanced at his brother.

"Hope your not crying mate, Lenny you know what Sirius says err.. we've got to be manly or something"

"Harry James Potter you will not listen to that shaggy dog and his beliefs"

"But mum he can't cry at Hogwarts we have to uphold the marauder tradition"

Lily was about to respond but was beaten to the bullet by her husband who with a raised voice said "Harry what did we just talk about upstairs"

Harry quickly flinched and yelped "sorry, Lenny you can do what you like, I'll always be there to help" Harry then looked toward his dad for confirmation to which he received a curt nod from James.

"Excellent your going to help Lenny become a beater aren't you James" came from Rose who was striding quickly back in after hearing the last snippet of the previous conversation.

"Rose why are you obsessed with me playing quidditch it's not as if everybody does it"

"Anybody that matters does, right dad?"

Before James could reply Linfred rebutted "Daph doesn't play or like quidditch does she matter?"

James looked toward Rose now who seemed to be in a bit of a hole, because Daphne Greengrass could do no wrong in Rose's eyes, James smirked while Linfred maybe quiet he could certainly win an argument if need be.

"Who says Daphne matters" muttered Harry from the other end of the table.

James was about to try and change the conversation before an argument occurred but was not quick enough it seemed yet again as both Linfred and Rose counted sharply,

"Shut up Harry when she's here you spend all your time with her and get annoyed when anybody else try's to talk to her"

"Yeah you told me that she says rents better than me" shouted Rose

Lily and James gave each other a knowing look which all the children missed. Harry then decided to act as usual when criticised, scowl which often led to either a moping Harry for the next few hours or an angry one, James and Lily were happy that today it was the moping, finally some peace thought James.

Once tea was coming to end and the kids gorged themselves on jam rolly polly and custard, James decided to address the family on the upcoming Potter gathering as they were known in the wider wizarding community. They were often the talk of the press leading up to and after the event, primarily due to the high ranking Wizengamot members who usually attended but also due to there outrageously different setting too the usual pure blood balls. Rita Skeeter wrote a whole article spread on 'muggle' karaoke that was present in the last gathering.

"Kids there will be over ten families at the house this weekend, it will be the most people we will have accommodated, we also thought it would be a nice idea for those families with kids your age who are joining Hogwarts this year to come too so Harry and Linfred can get too know them"

This got their attention, "Which families?" asked a concerned Linfred.

"Abbot, Black, Brown, Bones, Davis, Longbottom, Macmillan, Moon, Weasley"

"We've only met the Blacks and Longbottoms out of those families. We're gonna meet so many new people this is gonna be great" screeched Rose

James laughed he knew this would be Rose's reaction but the twins were quiet, James had expected this from Linfred but not Harry who often loved a change in scenery. Lily almost like reading James's mind addressed Harry "don't worry young man your dad left off the Greengrass's on that list they're coming too."

To everybody's surprise Harry just nodded. He then got up and asked "please may I leave the table and thanks for the food mum."

Lily smiled while Harry was a confident young boy whom could on times be perceived as arrogant from the outside, the boy was the most well mannered of the kids and would always without fail preach the same line, what concerned Lily was the lack of any reaction to the list of families coming on the weekend.

Rose the outspoken young girl she was approached Harry's strange reaction with little subtlety

"What's wrong Harry your friends with Neville, Daph and all the Blacks, why are you acting weird"

"I'm just tired ok, goodnight"

After dismissing Rose and Linfred, and asking Micky the house elf to do the dishes the two adult Potters made there way to the sitting room. Nicknamed the snug by the kids it was a no go area for the kids one of the few places in the house they couldn't go. James could tell once they sat down that Lily was fretting over Harry.

"Why do our kids have to bottle up their emotions so much" Lily asked

"Well Rose doesn't she pretty much says what she thinks, bit like us really"

Lily didn't even react to the comment, James could see that she was building up to ask something

"What did you and Harry talk about in the study, he was so excited today when he got his letter he must have played at least 10 pranks after that on the rest of family and then as soon as he comes down to dinner he is quiet and moody"

"Only that he needs to look out for his brother whatever the circumstances are when he gets too Hogwarts, I'm not considering that the reason for his change in attitude" James solemnly replied

"He didn't even react to the Greengrass girl coming over, and you know that they are inseparable, it has to be something to do with the families" Lily said without hiding her exasperation

"I still think he might be just tired"

Lily rolled her eyes "You are really useless at being a serious parent"

"I'm better than Sirius surely, I mean I didn't buy Harry a broom till he was four, that's responsible unlike Sirius who bought him one for his first birthday " James acclaimed

James looked back at Lily who was back in a world of her own. After five minutes Lily suddenly barks out her plan "right first we need to make sure it's not the Greengrass girl that's caused Harry's rut, that will be your job, if not we'll invite her over tomorrow and we will get her to report backs to us" concluded Lily

James laughed "so your solution as the serious parent is too get a 10 year old kid to work it out". She punched him in the arm and pointed to the stairs.

He smirked again "I didn't know talking about parenting would get you so raunchy that you are ordering me up the stairs into our bedroom I'll have to remember that"

Rolling her eyes again Lily said "go and see your son then we'll think about that"

The next morning James was in a good mood Lily's plan had gone off without a hitch and the Greengrass heiress was due in the next two hours. Yet his mood swung dramatically when he was greeted by Glass the family owl. He sorted through the tat as he called it and got to a letter addressed to himself, this was not what stood out though, no it was the Potter emblem on the back. James was left in a trance, any emblem or Potter sign used on a letter often caused bad news. The last time he was in contact with a letter that had the Potter emblem and seal addressed to him it was the day of Halloween 1981 James and Lily had dropped the use of emblems on their own letters, in a sign to drop a pureblood tradition which had its heritage in pureblood hegemonic tendencies. Thus the letter did not originate from them. The Potters while a symbolic wizarding family in Britain, little was known about the inner workings of the ancient house, but James knew that the wizarding community would be shocked to know how many skeletons were hiding in the Potters closets. While on the surface the epitome of the light, the Potters were know doubt a highly grey family. James was brought out of his trance by Linfred

"Dad, what are you looking at"

"Er nothing son nothing at all"

"Are you sure dad it doesn't look like nothing"

"I'm sure, why don't we get you all dressed up for your play date with Miss Greengrass aye?"

"Dad both me and you know that Daphne's invite has little to do with me, and that even if it was so, we both know that erm, well let's just say she is very Harry focused"

"Well son, nothing gets passed you I see"

Daphne Greengrass was the epitome of a pureblood heiress, she had an angelic shaped face which had the typical aristocratic button nose and porcelain skin. Her blonde hair was light, resembling a close white look when the sun had been on it long. Her mannerisms were also representative of a pureblood heiress, often snooty to others, yet very traditional and sophisticated. Where Daphne falls away from the typical pureblood heiress is her lack of bigotry to those that are half-blood and muggleborn. Her snootiness comes more from her proudness of her family history than anything else. Daphne's parents had made extra effort to introduce Daphne and Astoria to a muggle world and away from a stereotypical pureblood upbringing. Cyrus and Annabelle Greengrass had grown up in Hogwarts at the same time as the Potters and while Cyrus had only mutually respected the Potter couple from afar Annabelle being a Ravenclaw had become a good friend to Lily bonding over the mutual love for work.

"Daphne get downstairs we're flooing to the Potters now"

"Alright, alright calm down I'm coming" shouted Daphne. Once Daphne reached the bottom of the stairs she was greeted by Annabelle and Astoria.

"Now, I know I don't need to tell you this since I tell you every time but behave, be well mannered your representing your father and I. Astoria please refrain from being your usual unsettling self, and you Daphne"

Annabelle looking directly at her now, both blue eyes meeting "do not bicker with Harry, it never ends well"

The Greengrass's were met by James and Rose in the kitchen of Potter manor.

"Lord Potter" Annabelle nodded

"Lady Greengrass" James smirked

"Formalities over, I do hope you keep a better eye on them today than you did last time when Lily was away and it was just you in the house"

"Oh Annabelle I had it all under control that day, ask Linfred "

"Linfred was not at home that day he was at Longbottom manor, and I think if we ask your cat how in control you were I reckon we might get a different answer" Annabelle replied

"Don't worry I'll keep Daphne and Harry away from the cat this time" Annabelle nodded

"Goodbye Daphne, Astoria be good I will be getting a report back from Mr Potter here, so best behaviour and James"

"Yeah"

"Good luck"

And with that Lady Greengrass was gone. Astoria rushed off straight away with Rose while Daphne waited by James. James slightly unnerved by the girl who was now staring at him, decided to break the silence by asking what she would like to eat for lunch.

"Mr Potter I don't mean to be rude but why am I here today?"

"Sorry what" asked James slightly puzzled

"What I mean is there must be a reason for you to invite me over on such a short notice so what is the reason"

James contemplated the blonde in front of him "you're a very smart girl Miss Greengrass I can see why Harry likes you"

Daphne kept a masked face but James could see her cheeks slightly taint rose.

"I prefer Linfred" said Daphne as she tried to sidetrack James.

"I see…, anyway Miss Greengrass, Lily and I have noticed that Harry has been acting a bit strangely since yesterday evening so would you mind trying to find out what's bothering him"

James waited for a cryptic response but it never came instead the blonde haired girl simply shrugged and replied ok, and then was off.

"Harry"

"Hello Daffy"

"Would you not call me that name please" snapped Daphne

"I'll think about it"

"Which means you won't will you" addressed the girl with her hands on her hips, Harry just smirked. Daphne was working out her options in how to get the information out of Harry, she knew that while he often was not afraid to express his opinion, the deeper emotions were often locked away. Daphne decided for the long drawn out affair rather than a direct approach.

"So Harry what have you been up to, are you excited about Hogwarts?"

"Yeah I guess I can't wait to get my own wand, mums isn't much good I don't think"

Daphne rolled her eyes "you know your not supposed to use magic your underage"

"Unlike you Daffy I don't really appreciate potions or books I prefer a more hands on approach"

"So all your excited about is getting a wand nothing more, I mean it's Hogwarts!" asked the incredulous blonde.

"Well I suppose meeting new people might be ok" he shrugged but then looked away while fidgeting with his hair.

She grinned it always took her so little time to read him, or use certain questions to direct him toward the issue.

"What are you smiling at, you look like a bit of a maniac Daffy"

"Well I figured why you've been moody since last evening"

Harry suddenly found the far wall really interesting Daphne decided she would go for the kill, she moved her hands to his face, directing his face in the direction of her own, blue and green eyes meeting, "why don't you want to meet other kids at Hogwarts Harry?"

A big thud came from the hallway outside Harry's room, they both looked in that direction standing there was Linfred, he smirked "what are you to doing?"

Daphne was a bit taken aback by the sudden appearance of Linfred but she wanted him gone so she could figure out Harry's problems by herself rather than with the help of others like Linfred, but without revealing what is up with Harry she was struggling to reason why they were in that position.

Luckily Harry seemed to take it in stride and cockily said "Daffy here wanted to see my beautiful green eyes up close; right Daffy because she is so girly"

Daphne relaxed a bit, since spending time with the Potter twins she established that Linfred was by far the more mature of the two, while Linfred could see the position they were in was remarkably close for just friends, Harry either didn't show it or saw no implied meaning in the position they were in or Linfred's snarky comment. Harry was almost definitely still in the stage of girls being icky.

"Well dads made sandwiches for lunch downstairs so let's go" said Linfred when he walked out the door Harry was up following close behind before he got to the hallway Daphne grabbed his arm and twisted him round.

"I'll get it out of you eventually" said Daphne smugly.

Downstairs James was waiting for them the last time he was put in charge of the kids he had sent Micky the house elf to keep an eye on the children, yet Harry and Rose had cleverly sent Micky whose soft spot was gardening a task of cutting three large trees down that surrounded the manor allowing for the kids to be unsupervised for two hours. Lily had returned to a manor with three ruined trees in the front garden, a cat that was pink and the houses central heating stuck at 28 degrees Celsius. James was not going to risk that again, Lily was fuming, not from the actual tasks. But the fact she had to explain to the Greengrass's why the manor was so warm, while the Potters and Greengrass's weren't pretentious, Cyrus Greengrass was a strict and traditional man whom while loving was always prone to judge, to which Lily had no desire to upset. Her attitude to the whole circumstances was to withhold sex with James for over a week, to James a 31 year old bloke who had always followed a horny attitude it had been torture so he was going to continue checking up on them regularly, by firstly having lunch with them.

All five kids trotted into the kitchen, and sat themselves down at the table where Micky's sandwiches were waiting.

"Afternoon kids"

"Afternoon Mr Potter" responded the two Greengrass's whereas the Potters just grunted back showing their acknowledgment.

"So you kids do anything interesting that didn't involve a cat" James looked pointedly at Daphne and Harry who both blushed.

"Dad, Astoria showed me how to put my hair into a bun, have you not noticed yet!" Rose exclaimed

"Of course I noticed sweetie I'm not totally blind despite the glasses"

"Astoria always knows the best beauty tips"

"Oh Astoria you must show Rose the skin care charm to help her skin cleanse after she plays quidditch"

The twins just rolled there eyes as if this girly talk was pointless.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me Potter" Daphne snapped while the three men had all done so Daphne's attention was clearly on Harry

"Hey it's not my fault you talk about rubbish Daphne, besides Linfred did it too."

"Maybe but unlike you, Linfred rolled his eyes because of the generic girly talk, whereas you did it when I said something, so what's the problem"

Harry smiled and said jokingly "sometimes I wonder why I'm friends with a pushy, pretentious and snappy person not to mention a girl"

Daphne responded in playful manner "maybe because I know all your dirty secrets Potter"

"And please enlighten me to those secrets, oh so wonderful heiress Greengrass, show me your wisdom"

"Oh I don't know maybe I could say Harry still sucks his thumb when nobody's looking, he still snuggles to his teddy bear at night, and finally I know why he has been silent since last evening"

"I do not do any of those things! and you only guessed what it was I did not confirm nor deny so like usually you assumed you were correct"

Linfred then said "I think this conversation pretty much shows why your best friends Harry"

"We're definitely not best friends, I'm friends at a push in the first place I mean, come on Lenny I can't be best friends with a girl surely you know that"

Before Linfred could retort, James weighed in and cryptically said "Trust me Harry when you get older being close to a girl will become a real advantage"

"I don't understand what you mean dad"

"Doesn't matter son I'll tell you when the time is right"

"Ok Daphne my friend who is not my best friend do you want to go outside"

"Yeah why not"

Can we come too shouted the two young giggly girls Harry just nodded. The four of them went outside to look for mischief while Linfred stayed behind "do you think he'll ever realise by himself" questioned Linfred.

James slightly taken aback took a defensive approach not wanting to spurt out something that may be completely out of context, "could you be more specific son"

"Erm You know how Daphne is a girl and Harry's a boy"

James laughed "I think he knows that son" keeping himself on the defensive

"That's not what I mean dad and I think you know it"

James looked startled "what?"

"I'll put it this way do you think he'll realise soon that sleeping occasionally in the same bed as Daph might become a bit embarrassing or looked at dubiously by some"

"How do you know?" said James aghast

"Like mum often says I read a lot, instead of pranking"

"How come you haven't told your brother then"

"Are you joking why would I tell him about sex, do you know how embarrassing that would be to me, plus I don't want to be there when his head explodes from knowing"

James laughed but then looked at Linfred curiously "how many of your friends know"

"Well I think Samantha knows and that's about it, and maybe the two Patil twins, because Padma is very smart, that's probably it"

"So you don't think Miss Greengrass knows, she's erm very astute usually" James said thinking about this morning.

"Usually yes but from what I know most pureblood households are very backward and quite prudent when it comes to sex, so I imagine Mr Greengrass hasn't allowed Daphne to come into contact with anything that makes her aware of it"

"I see, well while as it has come as surprise and while this was a quite a embarrassing conversation it would have been a hell of a lot worse if I had to explain to you what sex is"

"Yeah that conversation can be for Harry"

James looked at Linfred said "now Linfred I have to tell you this otherwise your mum would hex me into next week, you have to be respectful to girls no messing about do you hear me"

Linfred blushed bright red "dad I've just turning eleven I'm not going to have it anytime soon, and anyway I imagine it's Harry you'll have to say that more to I mean he's already got a girl in his bed occasionally"

"Yep but as I know you probably know by now some kids mature early and put erm, erm… theory into practice a lot more earlier than others"

"One guess who you might be referring to dad may it have an S at the start and end while having iri the middle"

"I'm not going to confirm nor deny that Linfred now off you go and mess about in the garden with your brother where you can act your age, chop chop"

By the early evening the Potter and Greengrass siblings were out on the lawn, looking for something to do. Daphne was still no closer to finding out the reason for Harry's shyness toward meeting other people.

"Linfred can you show me how too spin a quaffle, through the air" asked Astoria batting her eyelids at him.

Linfred was about to refuse when Rose followed up begging for a demonstration, with pouts coming from the two nine year olds the poor boy gave in and headed off to the Potters quidditch shed.

Harry immediately became slightly uncomfortable, Daphne had noticed that he had been avoiding being alone with her since lunch, Harry quickly made a decision to get up and asked directly to her

"Is it your challenge or my turn to challenge"

"It's mine since I painted the cat pink last time, but your not going to get away with avoiding my question Potter"

Harry smiled for some reason he liked it when she called him by his surname,

"I need my challenge Daffy"

"Fine as always I get to decide the challenge and as agreed also the forfeit if you fail"

Harry rolled his eyes "just get on with it Daffy"

"Ok I challenge you to go and see Samantha Black"

"That's not very hard Daffy she's basically family all I have to do is floo call her and she'll come right over"

"Good luck with that she's grounded and is unable to receive any communication until the weekend"

"So how am I supposed to see her"

Daphne retorted use your brain Potter, eventually Harry realised it would have to be done under the noses of the parents, which received a sarcastic clap from Daphne.

"Ok so here's the plan Daffy we're going to have to take the night bus to 12 Grimmauld Place and then sneak in after that"

"I'm sorry to burst your bubble Harry but the Blacks don't stay in London over the summer, plus where are you gonna get that amount of money from"

"Right new plan either you tell me where they're at or I ask Rose it's up to you"

"And what about the money situation Potter"

"I've got it all sorted Daffy" Harry replied with a wink for added benefit

20 minutes later Daphne and Harry were arguing over Harry's new plan. "Potter you can't be serious firstly I'm no good at flying"

"You can share with me"

"It's really far away Potter I don't think you are strong enough to keep both of us in the air, plus we can be easily spotted"

"We'll be fine Daffy"

"Harry, just listen for once"

Harry's attention which had been checking on his Nimbus 2000 turned around to face Daphne after her final statement, he could tell she was serious.

"Ok what's really the problem here because I know it's not the distance or the chance of being spotted"

"Well I don't know how we'd share the broom plus I not sure how happy my father would be if he knew about this"

"Oh is that all, well when dad taught Rose and I he often put us at the front to allow us to steer, but I think it's probably best if you just sit behind me and wrap your arms around me, is that alright" questioned Harry

"Yep I think so" said Daphne anxiously

"Don't worry Daffy I'll get you there safely and undetected" declared Harry confidently

Harry got on his broom and gestured to Daphne to do likewise behind him. While the take off was initially rough the journey was smooth flying over the estuary of the Severn, yet once they were flying over land again Harry began to cramp and struggle. Harry had flown 20 miles in 20 minutes but the weight of the extra person was causing tiredness, on the outskirts of Cardiff they decided to land in a clearing. Unfortunately Harry stuffed the landing, Harry and Daphne were relatively unhurt just shook up but the broom was in tatters.

"Shit" muttered Harry when he looked at he broom. Harry still in shock that his favourite broom was broken, had yet to realise the gravity of the situation the two now found themselves in

Not distracted by the broom Daphne was looking mortified, "Harry James Potter, I told you this was stupid, what the hell are we gonna do now"

"Daphne I'm sorry I misjudged my ability"

"Your damn right you did you had to be such a bloody Gryffindor"

"Hey I've not even been chosen yet and it's not my fault you weigh a lot I mean aren't pureblood witches supposed to be thin and light"

That hit Daphne hard while she did not experience low self esteem, she always found that she took everything Harry says often to heart, but while many would crumble Daphne did the opposite and went after Harry as her father always said if they break your defensive efforts, just all out attack, "Potter you're such an egotistical child, no wonder your worried about meeting other people at Hogwarts they'll likely hate you"

Harry cowered then looked up, both meeting each other's gaze and both immediately regretting what they said.

"I'm sorry" they both simultaneously said. The two children both went back to just staring back at their shoes. Deciding to break the silence Harry submitted

"I'm sorry Daffy I didn't mean to erm, mention your erm er.., body I erm don't respond well to criticism and I hate it when I fail"

"It's alright Harry I know I just always take what you say seriously sometimes"

"Daphne I don't think you look too fat or too thin in my opinion your just right, plus I'm not that strong, and if it helps Linfred often says your pretty"

While Harry aimed to make Daphne feel better in this statement instead she felt completely awkward, one from Harry saying she was just right or in other words perfect, and the other being Linfred thinking her pretty. Before she could respond and ask for Harry to change the subject it seemed Harry was happy to pour his problems out

"It's just when I fail, er… I don't want others to judge me, like I'm a failure and do not meet up to all that chosen one and boy-who-lived business, what's worse is I don't know who will be friends with me for being me rather than the fictional Harry Potter character"

"Harry"

"Yeah"

"Whatever people say to you at Hogwarts, whatever you do at Hogwarts as in how well you play in quidditch or your lessons, I'll always be proud to know this Harry Potter and I'll always view you as a success because maybe not for you but you're definitely my best friend"

After this response both kids pulled each other into a friendly hug, when Harry whispered in her ear

"Do you mind not telling anybody about my er.. you know issues"

"Yep on one condition"

"What's that"

"You have to call me Daph when your in a conversation with me and other people are around, none of this Daphne business ok?"

"You're such a slimy snake, getting the most out of a situation when it arises ,very resourceful and cunning Daph"

The two kids were brought away from each other's attention by a loud clearing of the throat to the side of them, they both sprang apart relatively quickly and were faced by a smug Sirius

"Now then what do we have here two lovebirds looking for some alone time"

Both kids blushed instantly before Daphne quipped back, "Harry wanted to find Samantha so if it's two lovebirds it's them too". This did the exact trick Daphne was hoping for, Sirius Black while a player and womaniser was all in all a doting single dad to his lovely daughter, so a mention of a potential suitor definitely sidetracked his teasing.

"You better speak up soon Harry or you're going to be delivered back to your parents in many pieces"

Harry spluttered out quickly "no no no, Sirius believe me Daphne is kidding I wasn't looking for her in that kind of way"

"So why were you looking for her" asked Sirius who had relaxed a bit since Harry's revelation but was still much more serious than usual

"Well, I think you know, but if you don't, Daphne and I play each other in challenges, so Daphne challenged me to see Samantha Black"

"I see, so it was just part of that game you always play there is nothing going on with you and Samantha"

"No! Sirius that's just like wrong or something isn't it! I mean she's like my elder sister!"

Sirius sighed in relief and said "well thank god for that, but can I ask why you didn't just floo call I mean I'm sure Samantha would have been happy to come and see you"

Harry just turned around and said "sorry what?"

"Why didn't you just floo call her?"

"Wasn't she grounded so she cou…" he quickly stopped and turned to Daphne, Harry unraveling the puzzle "you lied didn't you oh your such a cheat my forfeit doesn't count for anything Daphne, you played dirty"

"No rules Harry I'm sure we agreed to that"

Sirius chuckled, "well kids I hate being the bearer of bad news but, your in big trouble, the whole auror force is out looking for you I had a suspicion that you might of tried to fly to our Wales retreat so I'm happy I trusted my gut and searched close to where I'd thought you could of got to from taking off from Potter manor 40 minutes ago.

"Why would the auror force be looking for us?"

"I don't know Miss Greengrass maybe because you're the heiress to a ancient and noble house that is part of the sacred twenty eight while your beloved here is none other than the sensation that is the boy-who-lived hmm" commented Sirius sarcastically

The two kids blushed again, the mention of the name boy-who-lived, got Harry's attention however and Harry asked Sirius "how long have you been standing there Padfoot did you here all our conversation?"

"Don't worry Pronglet your private conversation with your girlfriend remains private"

"She is not my girlfriend….that's just … weird Sirius don't say that"

"That maybe so, but it didn't look like that. What I did hear however is that you have to call Miss Greengrass, Daph now, to which I must say Harry that you have failed to do so so far"

Harry still blushing from Sirius's comments could not respond so instead Daphne looked pointedly at Harry and said "actually now it's has come to my attention Harry, you're now in trouble with me" she then followed on with a smug expression "you don't want to get on my bad side now do you"

"Erm no Daphne I mean Daph"

"Good"

"Right let's get you two home then" shouted Sirius who had gone to retrieve the Brocken broom and with one crack of side apparition and they were gone.

Sunday July 5th 1990

The morning of the Potter gathering was a rushed affair with Micky the house elf and the two adult Potters preparing food, and furniture for the BBQ. Leaving the three kids to themselves.

Linfred had always felt slightly wary of Daphne and Harry's friendship while friends with Daph, he was never alone with her, mainly due to Harry and her often being joined at the hip. Yet Harry and her by the evening of Thursday had been separated. Linfred had lacked any explanation, and when searching for answers to what had happened Linfred was met with with covert responses often in the way of 'the two are being reprimanded for their transgressions'.

Linfred was about to ask Harry what had happened but at that moment James approached the twins,

"Right Harry as the heir to the ancient and noble house of Potter you have to come and help greet the guests as they arrive"

"Really dad, why are we fulfilling these pureblood customs, which you always hate on, can't I just go and play with Rose"

"Let's go son, now"

The first to arrive were the Macmillans and Abbots, Harry noted that the two children being accompanied seemed to be quite shy and responded only when talked to, next were the Moons and Browns the two girls were very talkative and in Harry's opinion annoying. Harry was interrupted from his thoughts by a yell, in front of him stood two larger ginger haired boys

"I'm forge"

"And this is gred, nice to meet you"

"our great saviour"

Harry was slightly taken aback by the larger than life characters that were the Weasley twins. Suddenly a podgy short middle aged women came bundling up to him

"Harry dear, this is George, Fred, Ron and Ginny Weasley we are the very happy to meet you aren't we Arthur"

"Yes Molly we are, now Harry I've been told you went to a muggle school for the last 7 years, what may I ask is it like"

"Oh stop that Arthur, Harry doesn't want to hear about your fascination in meddling about with muggle inventions"

Harry was not however concentrating on the quarrelling couple instead his focus had shifted too the two youngest Weasley's that had their jaws on the floor

"Can I help you" Harry asked puzzled by their behaviour

"You're the real Harry Potter?" Directed Ron

"Yes you can pinch me if you want 100% real not fake" joked Harry

This seemed to do the trick for Ron whom's dazed look was replaced with a smile. Come on Ron let's meet the rest of the Potter clan shouted George. Harry watched as the 6 red heads moved off,

"You will get used to them, while not particularly involved politically they are wonderfully fun and loyal family" muttered James beside Harry

"They're different that's for sure"

"Greetings Lord Davis"

"Hello Lord Potter"

Harry was looking at a small brunette with ribbons in her hair, the name Davis rang a bell, it was not until Harry saw the twinkle in the girls eye did Harry cotton on to who she was

"Master Potter I do believe you should be performing a customary and traditional welcome"

Harry quickly stumbled down and kissed the hand of, Tracey Davis

"Daphne clearly hasn't trained you very well has she" quipped Davis as Harry blushed

"Don't worry Harry I'm sure Daph will teach you a lot of things over time" Tracey continued wiggling her eyebrows.

To Harry, Tracey's innuendo was lost on him, instead he just frowned and replied, "I'll think you'll find Daphne learns mostly from me" while pushing his chest out, Tracey didn't reply but instead just laughed and skipped off. Harry's mind began to drift off in thought about Daphne

To which as if on cue the Greengrass's arrived in the company of the Blacks. Since Harry knew the families well he asked his dad if he could leave now instead of greeting the two familiar whom were walking toward the front door of the manor. He was granted permission but before he could move he was grabbed by Samantha Black who must have ran up to greet him,

"Hello lil brother"

"Sam"

"We need to talk like now"

"About what exactly Sam"

"Daph"

"No thanks you can talk to Lenny about her"

"Why would Lenny talk to Daph, he hardly ever talks to her"

"Well he thinks she's pretty and they're friends so why not talk to him"

"Yeah but Lenny and I both want to know what you two did and why your now ignoring each other"

"It's nothing"

Samantha seemed to weigh something up and the asked quickly "did you say she was pretty too"

"Nope" dismissed Harry emphasising the P

"You're not going to tell me are you?"

"Guess" responded Harry cheekily

"Argh this is why I prefer Lenny"

"Sure you do"

Harry was then greeted by the whole Greengrass family to which James and Harry welcomed them sincerely into their home, while Harry was permitted to greet Daphne, he could do little in the way of more since Cyrus Greengrass stonily watched the interactions between the two kids. Annabelle Greengrass looked on with sympathy, while she abided by pureblood customs she did not approve of Daphne being raised in a mundane environment to which Cyrus encouraged. As the Greengrass's drifted away, Harry also made a start to leave however James pulled him back,

"Harry there is one more guest you will need to meet with me"

"Who?"

"The Bones's"

"Why do I have to greet the head of the DMLE it's not as if I can offer any help, plus everybody knows she's has no kids."

"That maybe true Harry but she has a niece that lives with her Susan Bones"

"I highly recommend that you try to make friends with Miss Bones or at least be acquaintances, the Bones's are an important ally it would be good to continue that trait in the future"

"Here they're now"

Approaching were two figures a tall relatively skinny brunette adult, and a small child with strawberry blonde hair.

"Hello Lord Potter"

"Amelia"

"Master Potter please meet Susan"

Harry looked at Susan now with all his attention and before he chose to think he spurted out "your pretty" both the children reacted the same both blushing profusely

The two adults chuckled and James reengaged them into the conversation when he said "son, I know I said it would be good to continue the alliance in the next generation, that didn't mean you had to charm Miss Bones"

"Sorry I wasn't thinking Susan"

"Oh I knew you wouldn't think of me like that" muttered Susan sadly

"No no you're pretty Susan I meant sorry I shouldn't of embarrassed you in front of my dad and your aunt"

"Why don't you go and introduce Susan to the rest of the family Harry"

"Ok come on Susan you'll love the rest of them"

Harry and Susan made their way over too the cluster of kids, "Hey guys this is Susan Bones" said Harry loudly

"Aww I wanted to be the only red head in the group" pouted Rose in a teasing sort of way,

"Play nice Rose, Susan seems to be great, plus she has a different colour hair to you"

The rest of the group just stared at Harry shocked from what he had just said, leaving both Susan and Harry puzzled

"Erm guys what's up with you"

Linfred was the first to the punch "nothing it's just you don't usually comment on somebody's hair, I mean you usually say that's too girly of a topic to discuss"

"oh I see well, erm I just wanted to let Susie feel more welcome"

The majority of the group was appeased by this explanation with many nodding and saying hello to Susan, however their was a certain blonde that was critically judging the newcomer, with a certain apprehension in welcoming her to the group, finally she approached Susan

"Hello I'm Daphne Greengrass, heiress to the ancient and noble house of Greengrass"

"Oh hi so how do you know the Potters and Blacks"

"Well Harry and I have been best friends since we were in nappies" Daphne said meaningfully, while the majority of the group read little in the way of the conversation, Linfred and Tracey the more astute members smirked knowingly, at this point Ron and Wilfred Black approached the rest of the group,

"Hey Harry, Ron likes quidditch too, do you want to go and play against his brothers, Sam you and Linfred should come and play too"

Harry not slightly concerned with the conversation between the two girls agreed, as did his brother and Sam, Susan asked if she could also join, which left Tracey and Daphne

"Well that was interesting"

"Not particularly, I'm not sure why the Potters invited the Bones family they haven't got a particularly sought out history"

"I'm not sure that's your problem with Miss Bones"

Daphne looked up at Tracey , "What's that supposed to mean Trace, I'm just stating the facts"

"Oh I dunno maybe that inclusion of mentioning you're an heiress and that you and Harry are best friends, were you not trying to assert your dominance"

"Well Trace as you know I'm proud of my family, and I think it's contributed more to wizarding Britain than the Bones's"

"I was referring to more the dominance over Harry's affection"

"Do you ever Trace shut up about that, I do not like him in that way, we're just close friends ok"

"So it didn't annoy you that he made a comment about her hair, when in the 10 years you've known him he has never made a comment about your hair"

"Well Trace my hair unlike Susan's is not comparable to anybody so there is no need for my hair to be commented on"

"What about Malfoy his hair is a bit like yours"

"Argh shut up Trace"

Lily whom was helping keep the party flowing with numerous elder guests, had gone to find more drink glasses, unfortunately there was none in the kitchen, so she went to the study where extra could often be found, it was there, that Lily found the letter with the Potter emblem still unopened. Lily just stood their blankly until

"Lily have you got them glasses yet" yelled James from outside the study

Lily reacted through shock and anger, she turned around opened the study door and dragged James in

"Whoa whoa whoa, Lily I'd be quite happy usually to satisfy your sexual needs in the study but I'm not sure that would be proper etiquette for a host of the party now would it."

"Shut up you arse, what the hell is this" Lilly shouted

Before James replied he cast a muffliato charm on the door, to prevent eavesdropping.

"Lil I was going to tell you about the letter after the party so it wouldn't spoil the occasion or your mood, and then we would open it together"

"Well while I appreciate the thought Jamie, that letter has now completely ruined my mood"

"Hey Lil it might just be a late birthday card from them" joked James

"Are you for real Jamie the last time we got a letter it was the day of Hallowe'en how can you joke about this"

"Well let's find out how serious it is"

After reading the letter two or three times over both James and Lily concluded that Hogwarts was going to be very interesting this year for the Potter household. The party from there on went off without a hitch, the children continued playing quidditch up to the late evening when the party was finishing, the adults had continued to debate wizengamot decisions, and how to counteract pureblood laws that were prejudice to muggle borns.

The last few days before Hogwarts was dedicated to purchasing robes, a pet, a wand and books for the upcoming year. While nothing of note occurred during these days Harry did receive the wand that seemed to be paired with Voldemort if James had inferred Mr Ollivander correctly. After the trip to Diagon alley, the two Potter twins used their new items. Linfred had holed himself in his room, or the reading room to study ahead, whereas Harry had used his wand and books to cast off pranks. To the extent even James had gotten infuriated with the continued tricks to the extent Harry's wand was temporarily banned. The differing use of the new items led to James and Lily contemplating it was almost a sure thing they would be in different houses.

Samantha Black had experienced Hogwarts from the previous year, while losing the quidditch cup to Slytherin, it had been the best year of her life. Samantha had grown up with her younger brother Wilfred, it was acknowledged by the majority of the pureblood society and the remaining Blacks themselves that her family were a disgrace. This was mainly down to her father Sirius, firstly his entry into Gryffindor, and later befriending of the blood traitor James Potter.

His adulthood had caused maybe more controversy, the birth of a child out of wedlock without the knowledge of the actual mother was considered taboo in wizarding circles. Despite this Samantha's childhood before Hogwarts had been quite sheltered from the limelight. Her first day as she remembered was scary, knowing only the Potters and Greengrass's from her youth. Sam despite her frowned upon background to many was received in Gryffindor happily and quickly made friends with the tomboy that was Katie Bell. Considering her experience she believed it would be best to also help Daphne whom while had associated far more with other wizarding families, none could be taken as a friend of Daphne for this very reason Samantha had invited Daphne over the day before Hogwarts.

"So Daph, do you know what house you want to be in"

"Well my dad was a Slytherin and mum was a Ravenclaw but Harry always says I have the traits of a snake" Daphne mentioned with concern in her voice,

"Ah well Harry can be wrong sometimes Daph it's not as if.."

Daphne quickly interrupted "I'm not going to be scared or upset if I get into Slytherin, its traditional traits I would say are the best out of all four houses it's just that everybody else I know well won't go there"

"Are you sure you don't just mean Harry won't be going to Slytherin" replied Sam cheekily

"No! why does everybody always point it back to him if I'm sulking over something I mean your in Gryffindor, Harry has the same traits as you, Linfred is either a Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, Tracy is half blood so will to be honest be a Gryffindor or a puff. Even my own sister is often so bold and obvious that she could be a Gryffindor.

"It'll be alright I mean you will make other friends I mean Slytherins can't be too bad I mean I'm friends with Adrian Pucey"

"The only thing is Sam, I know nearly all of the other pureblood that are likely to go to Slytherin and the majority follow the Malfoy ferret around like he's the second coming or something"

"Plus Pucey is a boy and you're both only friendly to one another because you fancy each other" Daphne quipped in a teasing manner.

"Now now little Daphne do not tease, you're likely be in the same boat this time next year"

"I highly doubt I'll talk dreamily about a Slytherin in my year"

"Why Daph have you got someone already in mind I don't know maybe a Gryffindor"

"Well firstly I don't know who is going to be in Gryffindor this year but I can make a good guess so, Longbottom is way to shy and pudgy, Ron has red hair and is a bit gormless I imagine Seamus Finnegan will be in it he's very brash, which leaves only muggleborns and half blood whom I have not come into contact with for the last two spots"

Samantha rolled her eyes "aren't you forgetting somebody"

"Sam if you're referring to Harry I will personally walk over to Pucey and tell him that you have bunnies on your knickers"

"No of course I wasn't, and if you dare do that I'll do the same thing to Harry"

"Well I would say you've got me there but I'm fairly sure Harry has seen my knickers"

"What! When was this?"

"I dunno like last Christmas, he was trying to be helpful and find my jumper while I put on my socks to save time, he went in the wrong draw"

"I would love to have seen his face after that"

"He ran out screaming 'aaaah' it took us almost two days before he could look at me without going beet red"

"I know you don't want me to say this but you're both so adorable"

"Shut up Sam and tell me something important like how the sorting works"

"Nope that's a secret that I will not be divulging on"

"Fine I'm sure it won't be as bad as what the Weasley twins said it was like, they convinced Rose and Astoria that to be in Ravenclaw you need to be able to quote Hogwarts a history off by heart"

"Yep Daph you will learn that tomorrow it is not just the Weasley's that will change the way you think but Hogwarts has a habit of having high amounts of drama and effects people in many different ways".