His Second Chance

Chapter Seven "Teacher's Kid"

People were staring at him again.

Harry frowned lightly as he sat in his father's lap. As much as he wanted to shyly hide in his father's robes to stop seeing the stares, his father had his arms around the five year old and was whispering to him comfortingly enough. He leaned against his dad and, as much as he was tempted to, he did not hide. He stared back at the ones staring though and waited for Albus Dumbledore to introduce him, as the headmaster told him he would, to his annoyance. They were currently listening to the first years being sorted and Harry watched as he heard Regulas Black be sorted into Slytherin. He spied Sirius' reaction and saw the brother's heartbroken expression.

"Daddy?" Harry whispered to his father.

"Yeah kiddo?" John whispered.

"Do you think Sirius will be okay?" Harry asked. John looked up to see Sirius downtrodden but in understanding sorrow. He bit his cheek before he kissed his little boy's forehead, glad Harry didn't have to be sorted for another six years. With how his youngest son was, he wouldn't know at all where the boy would be sorted to. He was a little trickster at times, brave to a fault, loyal to Minx, and he was certainly clever. He knew that Harry was understandably nervous at the moment and he comforted the boy.

"He'll make it," John could only say, knowing that Sirius was not fine as he knew he would have to 'hate' his brother because he was Slytherin while he was Gryffindor. Harry nodded, keeping his eyes set on the Marauders who cheered as some were sorted into Gryffindor. Finally the sorting ended with Zurita, Ashley who was sorted into Hufflepuff, Albus stood up and announced that they feast. When the food appeared, John began to load his plate and made a plate for Harry. The boy grimaced but obediantly began to nibble lightly on his dinner. He was munching on a roll as he watched James talking to Sirius encouragingly who nodded. Peter and Remus were beside them with their own comforting looks, though Peter looked more along the lines of just copying Remus, to Harry's mental disgust though outwardly he appeared to being grimacing at the piece of roll that he was eating. John bounced Harry in his lap a little and Harry mused about what he would do here at Hogwarts. Finally after he squirmed away when his father tried to make him eat more, John cleaned Harry's mouth with a cloth and Dumbledore stood to give his announcement.

"Alas I have a few start-of-term notices to tell you all before you hop on off to bed," he began cheerily, "First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do nicely to remember this as well." Here he paused to flash his twinkling eyes towards the grinning Marauders. Harry's lips twitched as his father sighed. Dumbledore continued, "I have also been asked by our caretaker, Mr. Carter, to remind you once more that no magic is to be used in between classes in the halls. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of term to anyone interested. Please contact Madam Hooch here." So Hooch still worked here and Filch wasn't employed yet? Interesting... "Finally, please welcome a special little guest we will be having here for the year, Professor Potter's youngest son, Harrison!" Harry turned a dark shade of red as his father stood him up in his lap to be viewed by the great hall occupants. He could definitely hear the loud cooing and awing from the girls (even Slytherin ones) and he saw his brother grinning at him. When the applause lightened, John pulled Harry to sit on his lap again and the little boy turned around and hid his face into his father's shoulder. John chuckled, finding this action so much like Harry's age that it was a nice change.

"That was mean daddy," Harry said, his words slightly muffled. John kissed the top of his son's head.

"Well how else was I going to show you off?" John teased and Harry's lips twitched into a small smile, making John beam. He hugged his son to him before standing up as the students were dismissed. James and his friends came up to him. Harry wriggled to be let down and John set him down easily. James laughed as Harry ran over to Remus who scooped him up. His friends doted on Harry even after the horrific bath scene in which Harry put up an enormous fight against them. Remus smiled at Harry who rested his head on his shoulder, his arms around Remus' neck. John laughed at the sight and Remus blushed though he still smiled.

"Hey dad, can Harry stay with us tonight?" James asked.

"I don't see why not. Just make sure he either goes to classes with you tomorrow or you drop him off with me in the morning. His clothes can be sent by house elf. Goodnight sons." John said with a wink at Sirius and Remus who grinned at their best friend's father. Harry reached a hand out to his father who took it and kissed his son's hand.

"Night daddy," Harry yawned as Remus turned and carried him down the steps and towards the Gryffindor Common Room with James and Sirius. Harry closed his eyes a little as he was carried, soaking in the comfort of the third year's arms as he said the password ("Drago... What kind of password is that?" Sirius asked with a grimace) and they entered the common rooms. Harry blinked to find various students all hanging around, whether it be first years or seventh years. James took Harry from Remus and settled him on his lap as he plopped down in an armchair that Harry ironically remembered as the chair he used to sit in, in his time line. James adjusted Harry who scooted so he could sit up and lean against his older brother's chest. James kept an arm around the little boy's waist as the child leaned over to grab Remus' loose hand who laughed and sat next to James.

"Hey Potter! So is that kid your brother?" A 7th year asked as he came up to them. Most of the Gryffindor girls came over, all finding the little boy completely adorable. When James nodded, one of the third years asked to play with Harry who hid into James' robe before reluctantly complying. He crawled out of James' lap and stood in front of the crowd who all practically melted at the sight of the five-year-old.

"So your name is Harrison?" Lily Evans asked as she knelt down to be at his height. Harry blushed and nodded.

"Harry," Remus added in loudly, "has to go to sleep in a bit so don't overwhelm him."

"Don't overwhelm him period!" Sirius snorted and the group all stared at the two marauders. Remus was normally quiet while Sirius was never really... serious. James smiled at his two friends before standing up to sit on the floor. Harry turned to see James and cocked his head to the side in an overly confused manner. James took notice that Harry was no longer unusually quiet, but had taken a more childish shyness about him and he was, dare he say it, cute. James ruffled Harry's hair before Harry turned back to the other girls in front of him.

"Looks like Harry's a ladies man," Peter said with a quirked eyebrow. James smirked smugly while his friends choked in laughter. Harry turned his head in wonder as he was picked up and a girl surprised him by kissing his baby-soft cheeks.

"So cute!" The girl squealed and Harry eeped as he was kissed by other girls on his cheek. By the time the Marauders rescued him, there were red lip marks all over his very red blushing face. Harry was carried upstairs by James who sat him on the counter as Peter and the others stayed in the common room for awhile longer with the exception of Sirius. James filled the tub in their dorm bathroom and Harry looked put out at the idea of a bath. He frowned at his older brother and began to grow fussy as James struggled to unbutton his shirt.

"Give it up James, he obviously doesn't like baths." Sirius said with a smirk. James glowered at his friend before he hatched an idea. He sat Harry on the bed and whispered Sirius his idea. Sirius grinned and the two eyed a wide-eyed little boy before Harry was pushed on his back on the bed. Harry turned red again amongst his lipstick-covered face and wriggled about but Sirius had him pinned down.

"Not this time!" Sirius chirped as he seemed to have learned his lesson last time they gave him a bath. Harry squirmed and tried to break free but unfortunately James had him undressed (to his embarrassment as usual) and put him down in the warm water that was now filled with bubbles which Harry found odd. Harry continued thrashing until he felt something hit his hand. He looked at it to find something he least expected... A rubber duck. Harry looked at it in wonder and was luckily distracted by the toy as James managed to dump a handful of shampoo onto the boy's head and scrubbed gently. Harry picked up the toy and squished it. Sirius couldn't believe his eyes and he shared a triumphant smirk with James as they hurriedly began to get the five-year-old cleaned as the boy was playing with the floating bath toys. Harry smiled a little, memories long ago buried surfacing back to his mind as he began to squish the duck again.

"Should we tell your mum?" Sirius asked as he remembered how apparently baths with no bubbles and no toys seemed to be the cause for Harry being so fussy during bath times. Seeing Harry in the bath playing with the toys like any child would brought disbelief upon their faces.

"Let them figure it out..." James said with a devious grin as he drained the tub to Harry's protest for once. He grabbed a towel and dried Harry off before lifting him out of the tub wrapped up. He sat him on the counter again while Sirius called a house elf who brought back a pair of Harry's pajamas and a bag of something to keep the child occupied. James slid the shirt through Harry's arms.

"I can dress myself Jamie." Harry said with an arched eyebrow.

"I know you can kid, just let me do it." James said with an amused smile as he buttoned up the pajamas. He lifted Harry onto his hip and carried Harry back downstairs. Harry yawned and leaned against James as he sat on the recliner in the common room. Remus and Peter came over to the three and sat next to them. Frank Longbottom, Alice Pennington, and Lily Evans all joined them. James switched Harry so that the little boy was cuddled in his lap laying down. Harry's eyes fluttered close and soon his breath evened out as he fell asleep, his cheek pressed against his brother's shoulder.

"He's so quiet," Lily whispered.

"Yeah..." James said with a smile as he brushed his hand through the tiny boy's hair. The minute his hand touched Harry, he felt a familiar jolt of warmth course through him. James paused. This always seemed to happen to him when he did this sort of thing with Harry. Could that be brotherly love? James shrugged inwardly and continued the movement. He never could figure out why he was already so protective of Harry so much. Maybe because Harry never had a family, considering he grew up in a place he was held captive in. James placed his lips against the little boy's forehead, smiling as he saw Harry's face soften and the child's hand moved towards his mouth until he found the boy sucking his thumb in contentment. Lily studied the boy in front of her. James, the normally arrogant toe rag, had such a gentle look on his face as he stroked his baby brother's hair. James ended up talking with the others about random things, his hand always comforting his brother somehow. When the clock struck midnight, the students scurried off to bed with a sheepish grin as prefects scolded the fourth years and under. James carried the sleeping boy up to his dorm and tucked him into his own bed before crawling to the other side of it and pulling the covers around the two of them. He threw his arm sluggishly over Harry's chest and murmured a night to his friends who echoed the response. He fell asleep immediately...

"You're winding me up," said a thirteen-year-old Harry, looking at the ragged old bit of parchment.

"Oh are we?" said an older red-head next to his twin.

He took out his wand, touched the parchment lightly, and said,

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

And at once, the ink lines began to spread like a spider's web from the point that George's wand had touched. They joined each other, the crisscrossed, they fanned into every corner of the parchment; then words began to blossom across the top, great, curly green words, that proclaimed:

Messrs. Moony. Wormtail. Padfoot. and Prongs Purveyors of Aids to Magical Mischief- Makers are proud to present

The Marauders Map.

..." Just tap it again and say, 'Mischief managed!' And it'll go blank."

"So, young Harry," said the other twin, "mind you behave yourself."

"See you in Honeydukes..."

James sat up with a gasp. He looked around, wide-eyed, until he found Harry still blissfully asleep next to him, his thumb promptly in his mouth loosely while his other hand fisted the blanket. He looked so little... James shook his head. Was that really a dream? Of course it had been, seeing as Harry was only five... But then... Marauders? Wormtail, Moony, Padfoot, and Prongs? Who were they? A Map that showed you anywhere in Hogwarts... That would be simply too unbelievably fantastic to believe! The Marauders sounded incredible as well... James sighed to himself before he looked at the time. 6:00 AM... Might as well stay up. James got up from his bed and looked back at Harry. He smiled before trotting off to shower. He warmed it up and undressed, fiddling with his pants before stepping into the shower. As the hot water hit his back, James relaxed and looked thoughtful.

He had yet again dreamed of an older version of his baby brother. How could he know that the boy in the dream was Harry considering Harry now had brown hair with red tints? The way Harry looked facial structure wise gave it away. Plus James just seemed to... know. James groaned to himself as a headache added to his thoughts and he stepped out of the shower, dried himself, and pulled on a pair of striped red boxers before heading into the dorm room. Remus was already up and looked at James in surprise.

"Couldn't sleep," James replied with a shrug. Remus frowned thoughtfully before heading off to get ready for the first day of school. Sirius snored loudly while Peter mumbled meaningless things in his sleep. James looked over to find Harry stirring and he smiled before tugging on his uniform. Harry blinked sleepily at James who walked towards him and picked him up from the bed. He set Harry down and called for a house elf who brought Harry his clothes. James set it out for Harry who blushed and unbuttoned his top before slipping on the red tight T-shirt with black jeans. James fished around for his own shoes while Harry clumsily attempted to tie his. Remus came out and laughed before he picked Harry up and sat him on the bed, taking the shoe and tying it on for him. Harry mumbled a shy thanks before hopping off the bed and waiting as Remus finished dressing and James finished doing his tie. The two then turned to eye Peter and Sirius. It was now forty-five minutes before classes... James coughed and pulled out his wand before he conjured a bucket of icey water. He levitated it over to Peter and whispered for Harry to wake up Sirius. Harry nodded and crawled onto the teen's bed as James put a silencing charm on Peter before dumping it. A silent yelp was seen...

Harry leaned over to look directly into Sirius' eyes and stared at his future godfather... Well... He was now his brother's best friend... Harry blinked before he stood up unsteadily and readied himself before -

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH MERCY ON ME I DIDN'T DO IT THIS TIME I SWEAR IT WAS JAMES!" Sirius howled as he launched forward with a cry of surprise. Harry eeped as he fell in the teen's lap while Sirius looked around wildly. Harry suddenly yawned and attempted to rub the sleep out of his eyes. Sirius looked down and his eyes widened.

"James you have a menace for a brother," Sirius huffed. James grinned.

"You mean I have a marauder." James said.

"Marauder?" Remus asked, curious. James shrugged.

"Had a dream last night... It sounded cool." James answered. Remus accepted this answer. Meanwhile, Sirius pinned Harry down and began to tickle him. Harry began laughing uncontrollably, trying to fend off the teen. The tickling finally ended when James kidnapped Harry from Sirius and the four boys and one child (physically at least... heaven knows there were mentally 2 children in the group) headed to the Great Hall. James slid into a seat with Harry perched on his lap. He ruffled Harry's brown hair and piled bacon and eggs on his plate along with Harry's. Harry made a face before reluctantly taking a bite.

"So what do we have today?" Sirius asked around a mouthful of ham.

"Double Potions with Slytherins, History of Magic with the Puffs, Transfigurations with the Slytherins, and Double Charms with Ravenclaw." Remus said as he consulted his schedule. James grimaced.

"This should be fun... especially with Harry." Sirius said with a wink. Harry did not like where this was headed too. He had a feeling this was going to be a very long day for him.

A very long day indeed.

Author's Note: Again, sorry for the long delay. I have a job now, followed along with a few other things... and a boyfriend. My time is being spent like a teen girl on a shopping spree with a credit card! Hope you all enjoy this chapter.