I Do not own Harry Potter. Enjoy.

After getting back from the failed midnight duel with Malfoy and the subsequent run-in with the three-headed dog, Harry didn't feel tired. He was lying in his bed and was wringing with energy. The adventure and now the mystery had his mind whirling. Not to mention that he was now on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. He really couldn't wait to tell his dad about that, he knew his dad would be over the moon. He also wanted to tell him about the "dog" and the trapdoor, but he knew he couldn't.

His parents had been so worried that night after Diagon Alley and the 'incident' with him getting his wand. His mum had been close to hysterics and his dad had looked shaky. He remembered their words, especially his mums; "I… don't know if I can do it again… I don't know if I can handle worrying about him."

Following his last letter, his parents had responded, and his dad had specifically warned him against getting into trouble in the third-floor corridor. It took all of a week for Harry to completely break his silent promise to his parents that he would stay away from the third-floor corridor. Of course, tonight was an accident, they had been trying to escape Filch. But another element had been added to the mystery of the third-floor and Harry found himself mulling over the information. He was sure that Ron would also be curious.

The result was that Harry was not comfortable sharing what he had learned with his parents. He didn't want to worry them, and on some deeply subconscious level, he didn't want them to regret finding him. He didn't want them to send him back to the orphanage. He knew that they wouldn't, but he also had seen children come and go in the foster system and it had left a lasting impression. He couldn't disappoint them.

Harry decided that he wasn't going to get any sleep and got up from his bed. Silently he rummaged in his book bag until he found a quill and parchment. He then stole out of the room and went down to the common room which was empty. He sat down by the dying embers of the fire and started to compose his letter to his parents, with a distinct lack of three-headed dog and third-floor corridors.

James was the next to receive the letter. Sirius and himself had got off early on Friday, which was a rare occurrence, and headed home for a butterbeer and to listen to a quidditch game on the wizarding wireless. It was rare that they got to relax like this, and they were ready to take full advantage. As the game started and they settled on the sofa with some muggle crisps and a butterbeer, there was a tap on the window. James and Sirius looked over and James felt a large smile break across his face at the sight of Hedwig.

He jumped up and let the bird in. Hedwig with all the imperial grace of a queen settled and elegantly held out her leg, but only after James had properly cooed about how pretty she was and had offered her an owl treat. James eagerly fingered the envelope that had both 'Lily and James Potter' written upon it in their son's surprisingly neat script. He wanted to rip it open and read it but knew that Lily would probably hex him all the way into the dog house.

"Letter from Harry?" Sirius asked.

"Ya, I'm going to wait for Lily though, she will be home in a couple hours. If I opened it she would probably hex my balls off." James added.

"Pfft… James mate, she has had you by the balls since 5th year. Maybe before." Sirius snorted. James couldn't really deny it, but also didn't resent it, he loved his wife.

Sirius was a perpetual bachelor and enjoyed it. While Lily had tried continuously to make him settle down, James just enjoyed living vicariously through Sirius. But despite his bachelor state, he could tell that Sirius was also extremely excited at the prospect of having a kid around. Both him and Mooney had been excited at the prospect of being able to completely dote on Harry as loving uncles and imparting their infinite wisdom. They both had never considered themselves Father material; Sirius because of his bachelor status and Moony because of his lycanthropy.

Sirius had taken Harry's 'death' extremely hard. He had thought it was his fault and that he had killed his best friends' son. Sirius had completely spiralled into self-destruction. It had been a close call, he had nearly lost everything. James and Remus had managed to pull him back. James remembered how difficult that time had been. His wife in hospital, searching for Harry as per her request, and Sirius's self-destructive tendencies, all the while having thought that his wife was wrong and his son was dead.

Sirius had got much better but had always carried that guilt. James thought it was part of the reason he never settled down and had his own family.

With Harry back in their life, Sirius had really improved. He was taking his godfather and fun uncle role very seriously (no pun intended). He and Harry got on like a house on fire and Sirius had also exchanged a letter with Harry. He had told James that his letter was filled with prank ideas to permanently maim the Malfoy kid and all the best tips for getting witches, but James knew he was just telling Harry stories and liked to hear back from the kid. But it did get Lily riled.

"How do you think he's doing?" Sirius asked.

"Well, we've only had that one letter. But I'm sure he is doing fine. He's in Gryffindor so that's a bonus. Can't go wrong with making friends. Glad he has found Ron though. The Weasleys are great." James added.

"Seemed to make a lot of enemies in a pretty quick time. I can't believe Snivellus." Sirius added with a grimace.

"Ugh, I try not to think about Snape teaching my kid. I think your right though, he will probably take out his animosity for me out on Harry, doesn't help that the kid is like a physical clone of me." James added.

James had very complicated feelings in regards to Snape. James was one of the few people who knew about Snape's true motives and as a result, had a greater understanding of the man than most. It was an uncomfortable situation for both Snape and himself. Only Lily and Dumbledore also knew, but he suspected that Remus had an idea. Snape loved James' wife with his whole being.

He knew that this was the real reason that Snape and himself hadn't got on when they went to Hogwarts. It was in part that Snape was a Slytherin salivating over the dark arts, and he was a quintessential egotistical Gryffindor lad. But there was always that unspoken undercurrent of extra friction over their mutual infatuation with Lily. It was never confirmed until later when Lily had told him about Snape's confession, but it had made them butt heads during school. James had 'won' in the end, Lily had chosen him. He had therefore always felt justified in hating Snape during the war. But then Snape had changed sides to save her life, albeit he was the one to have put them in particular danger in the first place.

He had to re-evaluate. And he came to the conclusion that he had a greater understanding of Snape and actually was impressed with the man. The man loved Lily and James could understand the sentiment perfectly. Then what was he to do with such information? He decided on nothing. There was nothing he could do. Snape would always resent him, so any kind of reconciliation would just aggravate the bitter man.

He had only met Snape once after the war. He had been with Lily at the time. They had walked into an apothecary and Snape had been at the counter also collecting his orders. It was like time had frozen. Snape's eyes had widened and they had settled on Lily. James had kept his eyes on Snape and had seen the complex feelings flash on his face. Finally, Lily had moved forward and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck for a hug. It had only been a second and then she had stepped back and said a quiet 'thank you.'

Snape had closed his eyes during the hug but had stayed silent. He had then opened his eyes and seemed to be searching for something from Lily. Whatever it was, he didn't find it and the moment was interrupted by the shop keeper coming back into the room with packages. Snape scooped up the packages and had swept away from them. He had very briefly met James eyes as he had walked out. Snape had sneered, but all James could do was nod solemnly. It seemed to take Snape by surprise because he had rushed past quicker.

He didn't know what he was going to do if Snape continued to be a giant prat to his son. Harry had enough issues besides a vengeful teacher. Snape's grudge was the part of the reason that he also still held feelings of detest for Snape. He suspected that Snape didn't hold a grudge because Lily had chosen him, but because James and co were part of the reason the angry teenager was driven towards the dark arts, towards Voldemort, and away from Lily. Snape had turned to the dark arts to gain power, according to Lily, but James had continuously undermined him and his skills as a wizard. The cherry on top was that in the end, he was the one to turn Lily's head, and Lily hadn't even been able to look at Snape.

James thought this grudge was unjustified. James was not responsible for the choices that Snape made. He was a variable but not the person responsible. He didn't think Snape saw it this way. Snape blamed James and could not let go, and therefore James also couldn't quite let go, despite his new grudging respect for the man.

It was a complicated feeling that had many tangles, and he didn't think that it would ever be truly unknotted. But it did remind him continuously never to take his lovely wife for granted. There was another man ready and waiting for her if he screwed up, so he kept on his toes. And speaking of his wife.

It had been an hour or so since they had received the letter and Lily had returned.

"Lils, Harry wrote," James said waving the letter. She squealed and quickly put down her bags on the kitchen counter, while Sirius got up and turned the wireless down. Lily came into the den and sat on the arm of the large, comfy armchair that James occupied.

"Wait, let's call Moony!" Sirius said and made his way instead to the fireplace. Within a minute Moony was coming through the fireplace and looking excited as well. He sat down next to Sirius on the sofa, grabbing one of the unopened butterbeers on the table in the process. Now that everyone was comfortable, James opened the letter and began to read.

Dear Mum and Dad,

I have something to tell you that I am not sure you are going to be exactly happy about, especially you, mum.

"Oh no," Lily said looking worried. Sirius just laughed.

I guess I'll just tell you from the beginning. The week was really good and I am finally starting to find my way around the castle. There is a lot of homework though and that's why I was looking forward to flying lessons. Especially because you gave me so many great tips dad.

By the way, I was forced to share them with all the Gryffindors! Hermione nearly stole my letter because she wanted to read it so many times. She was nervous I think, she had been reading Quidditch through the Ages all week.

Anyway, the morning of, Neville received a Remembrall from his gran. He has a bit of trouble with remembering things. It turned red immediately, except he couldn't remember what he forgot!

James, Sirius and Remus burst into Laughter and even Lily chuckled. When they had settled he continued.

We didn't notice that Malfoy had come over and had snatched the ball from Neville. We told him to give it back but it took McGonagall coming over to make him hand it over.

Flying lesson were pretty much right after. We went down to the pitch and Madam Hooch made us first command the brooms up. Mine came up right way! But almost everyone else's stayed on the ground.

"That's my boy!" James whooped. While Sirius and Remus clapped and hooted.

"Ugh, I never got a handle on that skill," Lily complained from his side. She was not one for flying but had become a Quidditch fan over the years thanks to James influence.

We were taught how to mount and Madam Hooch told Malfoy he had been doing it wrong the whole time, HA! Then we were about to kick off and hover but Neville went too early. He went way too high and lost control of the broom. He fell and broke his wrist, it was a loud crack (ugh). Madam Hooch had to take him to the hospital wing and told us that if she caught any of us in the air then we would get expelled.

"Man, that's two for two letters in which Neville goes to the hospital wing," Sirius exclaimed.

"Poor Neville." Lily sighed. "Maybe I'll send a letter, he probably needs to have his spirits lifted."

Lily was Nevilles godmother and would spend time with Neville on occasion. She always worried about his lack of confidence.

After they left, Malfoy started bad mouthing Neville. We told him to shut up but then bent down and picked up Nevilles Remembrall. We told him to give it back but then he took off and said he was going to hide it up a tree. I couldn't do nothing, so I went after Malfoy.

"Oh, Merlin! He got injured didn't he!" Lily exclaimed and tried to snatch the letter from James. What followed was a minor wrestling match over the letter.

"Calm down woman! I get to read this one, you read the last one!" James exclaimed. Finally Lily gave up with a huff.

"Well then hurry up with the reading!" Lily just shot back. James could only give her an exasperated look.

It was amazing dad! I felt all my doubts melt away as I flew up! It was easy!

I easily caught up to Malfoy about fifty feet above the ground. He looked pretty surprised. I told him to give it back or I would knock him off his broom. I lent forward and tried to ram him, but he got out of the way. He then said "If you want it, go get it!" and then he threw the remembrall.

I chased it and went into a dive. I caught it just before the ground and managed to land perfectly right after! The gryffindors were cheering, but then McGonagall came out of the castle looking really mad.

"Oh crap!" Sirius exclaimed, he was on the edge of his seat along with Moony.

"Dang, he nearly got away with it," James added. That earned him a slap on the back of the head from Lily.

"James that was really dangerous! He's lucky he didn't get injured!" Lily said sternly.

"I know Lils but relax! He didn't and the kid's a natural." James grinned proudly. "And beside I bet he learned his lesson, McGonagall caught him."

"You never learned your lesson," Lily grumbled.

James just flashed her a grin.

She told me to come with her and I thought for sure I would be expelled. I followed her to professor Flitwicks class and she asked for Wood. Wood is a fifth year and ….

James trailed off, eyes wide and extremely stunned he read over the next few lines in silence.

"James? James, what happened?" Lily shook his shoulder.

"Ya don't leave us hanging prongs!" Sirius called from the couch.

"If you can't read give it to Lily!" Remus said, also looking intrigued. Lily went to reach for the letter but James shooed her hand away. James cleared his throat still in a state of disbelief.

Wood is a fifth year and captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team. McGonagall told him that she had found him a seeker and turned to me! So I am now officially part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and the youngest player in a century! So long as it's okay with you guys, I am going to be needing my broom.

James looked up with an almost demented smile on his face. He didn't think he had ever heard such exciting news! Well except for finding Harry of course but that was a different kind of excitement. James felt like his cheeks would split from smiling too hard. Sirius and Remus looked gobsmacked and Lily was pale.

"Gryffindor's seeker! Youngest player in a century! Merlin's saggy ball sac! Hahahaha! I can't believe it!" At this point, James had jumped up and started dancing around. Sirius and even Remus also jumped up and started cheering.

"Lily can you believe it!" James yelled scooping her up and spinning her. "Knew you were the perfect one for me, apparently our genes create Quidditch Superstars!" At that Lily finally smiled weakly.

"So there is no way you could be convinced to stop Harry from playing." She asked timidly.

James just looked her aghast, he also heard an outraged gasp from Sirius' direction. Finally, he sighed and let her down. "Lily I know your worried, and quidditch can get rough, but Harry is a tough kid and he will absolutely love playing quidditch. We shouldn't take this away from him, we should encourage it!"

Lily dropped her head. "Ugh fine! I thought I wasn't going to have to deal with this till fifth year at least!" The boys just continued their party. James scooped up his butterbeer.

"To the youngest seeker in a century!" James called.

"To Harry!" was the resounding cry, even Lily joined in.

"All right keep going," Lily said after taking a swig of an unclaimed butterbeer.

I think being Seeker is going to be awesome and I can't wait to get training. It's going to start next week so if there is any chance that you could send my Nimbus by then, I would be really thankful.

Other than that, classes are fun (except potions). Ron's doing well and is really excited that I am going to be on the team with his brothers (the twins are beaters). I am doing well too, and happy that I am not getting kicked out of Hogwarts.

How are you guys? Is Sirius and Remus still coming over and stealing all the food? (Oi!) Is work still boring dad? Mum how did that new Murtlap potion work (Hermione was really interested in that part of the letter too, she really doesn't understand boundaries, or priorities).

I am going to avoid the third-floor corridor, so you don't have to worry about me. Hope to hear from you soon.

Love Harry

(P.S. Tell Moony to send me stories like Sirius does, I have a feeling that some of Sirius' are biased (Oi!). I mean really, he fought an entire platoon of trolls, singlehandedly, without a wand? Ya right!)

James just laughed, his giant smile still in place from learning about his son's spot on the quidditch team. Lily sighed but grinned back.

"Looks like Hedwig is going to be carrying the broom back," Lily said. "Are you up for it girl?" Hedwig hooted an 'of course.'

James just gave her a hug, already planning on how to get time off work to watch the game.