Taking it back OLD SCHOOL!!!
I'll be honest and say I have not even reread this as I wrote it so long ago and I am concerned I may want to make tweaks. However, it was brought to my attention that someone was looking for this fic, and I promised I'd look into finding it and retyping/reposting it if necessary. Thankfully, retyping wasn't necessary. I combed through a lot of old haunts, and finally found a surviving copy on the original marauders_slash way back when we were on Y!Groups. Thank goodness for archives.
So, without further ado (and with me not reading this at all) from the early foraying months of 2003, I give you: Redux.
Title: Redux
Author: Phoenix Angel Suyari
Rating: PG
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Summary: Slip ups and Second chances.
Archive: Just ask.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all other characters from the popular series are the sole ownership of J.K. Rowling and like all other authors, I'm merely borrowing them for my own satisfaction. Enjoy.
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The sound of the explosion echoed off the cavernous walls of the dungeons, reverberating the sound and making it probably sound worse than it really was. Through the dark gray fog that had enveloped the classroom, Professor Snape growled, "POTTER!" It makes no difference he'd just covertly witnessed Mr. Malfoy toss something in the other's cauldron as he passed. Potter's cauldron exploded, so naturally it was his fault.
He waved at the dark haze with his wand furiously, trying to get a better look at his students. It had happened so fast, there hadn't been time for them to do so much as gasp in surprise.
He shouted a summoning spell, causing all of the thickness in the room to be sucked into the tip of his wand. The first thing he noticed was that the explosion hadn't managed to shake anything loose from the cupboards. The second, much to his dismay, was that his class now seemed to be missing. Confused, he walked over to the rows of empty desks, peering over Granger's cauldron.
He blinked in surprise at what he found. And nearly twenty pairs of eyes blinked back. He growled in agitation. "MALFOY!"
Draco's shinning silver eyes went wide, seeming even larger on his now cherubic face. His lower lip began to tremble, and he suddenly burst into tears, wailing unceremoniously. His reaction seemed to draw the rest of the class from shock and soon the sound of nineteen screeching voices could be heard as Severus rubbed at the pressure behind his eyes. When he looked up again, it was to find Potter looking around quietly, not even trembling. Figures HE'D be the composed one. Honestly, he'd thought Draco at least- but the sounds had brought a crowd of people and Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were standing in the doorway at present.
Severus Snape could remember a great many thing about Professor Minerva McGonagall. And he'd seen her on many, varying fronts. But somehow, he'd never quite seen her like this. Her eyes were wide, as if they were going to bulge out of her skull any second. She was standing quite stiffly, but her arms were slack. Her wand was just barely in her hand, threaded in the crevices between her open fingers. And above all, she had paled, mouth slack and slightly
agape.
Dumbledore released a small, amused chuckle. Snape couldn't find anything REMOTELY amusing about his current situation. Apparently, neither could McGonagall.
"Severus! What...How...What happened?!" she sputtered, voice a faint shriek.
Snape sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.
~*~
"Are you sure there is nothing you can do Poppy?" McGonagall said, roughly the fourth time tonight.
Madame Pomfrey shook her head, arms crossed over her chest. "I'm telling you, nothing. I can't treat without a diagnosis. And I can't have a diagnosis without some idea of what was in that potion!"
All eyes turned to Snape.
"How am I supposed to know what those two were up to...mixing their own obscenities..."
"Oh stop excusing it and go try to remake it! Take the potion apart. Do something!"
"Minerva, there's nothing left IN the cauldron to analyze. I can not-"
"You will! Or I shall have to-"
"Enough Minerva, Severus," Dumbledore said calmly, "We will discuss this in the morning. Come, we'll need our rest. Tomorrow shall be a long day I fear."
~*~
Hagrid looked around at his new little critters, penned carefully in the warm afternoon sun, and smiled. Dumbledore had left him to guard them after he and McGonagall had conjured up acceptable clothing. Red for Gryffindors. Green for Slytherin. He watched as the huddled mass raced around, releasing enormous amounts of energy. They'd grown since last night, which had greatly pleased Madam Pomfrey. That is, until they'd gotten loose. The hospital wing was still being sorted out, and they'd ended up in Hagrid's custody.
A heavy sigh came from his right, and he turned to see Professor McGonagall standing beside him at the gate of the pen.
"We've contacted their families."
Hagrid raised an eyebrow. "An'?"
"And this is one fine mess we find ourselves in."
~*~
The next hour consisted of gathering other students to come and claim their family members. Some of the small creatures were easily discernible, like Harry Potter, with his scar, Ron Weasley, with his flaming red hair, and Draco Malfoy, with large silver eyes. But others, like Blaise Zabini, Seamus Finnigan, and Parvati Patil were much harder to place.
Ginny Weasley peered around the small crowd of assembled relatives and smiled. It was rather funny in her opinion, but she didn't dare laugh. Not while Professor McGonagall was still so furious about the incident. However Padma, Parvati's Ravenclaw twin, took one look at the pen and began to laugh. "Parvati!" she called to some distant little mound. "Oh Parvy! You're so adorable!"
The siblings of the "afflicted" managed to help a great deal. And McGonagall seemed less ostentatious as she herded them off.
"Oh this is going to be great! I wish they'd let us stay and watch," a tall second year said, rubbing his hands together. He'd identified Seamus. "Aunt Kat's going to loose it!"
Ginny nodded. Her own mother would probably throw a fit, not to mention far worse. And just what would some of then other parents do? She had an odd image of Mr. Malfoy cursing the entire teaching staff and shuddered. Maybe it was better that they wouldn't be allowed at the congregation.
~*~
Molly Weasley tapped her wand in her hand idly; looking around at the room in which the Headmaster had bade them. He was standing quite calmly, on a raised platform, gazing out over the crowd of parents. Each of whom had different ideas about why they were here. The Muggle parents all seemed to be huddling in one corner, with the exception of a few, including Hermione's mother, standing beside Mrs. Weasley.
Finally Dumbledore asked for quiet and explained to them why he'd called them here. As he finished, a curtain to his left was raised. There, penned, and quite preoccupied, were their children. Someone screamed. That seemed to trigger the others into action. There was a lot of shouting and the room gained an angered undertone.
Kathleen Finnigan strode over to the pen and snatched up Seamus. She whipped around, sliding him to her hip as she pointed at Snape and uttered something extremely vulgar.
Molly reached down with a heavy sigh, picking up Ron. She sincerely hoped a counter-anything would be found soon. She didn't need to have to raise him again.
Mrs. Granger calmly lifted Hermione.
"How can you be so calm Anne?" Molly asked, in slight awe.
"Hermione's our only child," Mrs. Granger replied simply, "This is almost a dream come true."
Molly shook her head. Muggles were certifiable!
Narcissa Malfoy also seemed calm as she drifted across the room, taking Draco into her arms. She stroked his head lovingly, and Molly was quite sure she'd never seen a more tender moment from that woman, if ever at all.
Soon the crowd had managed to claim all of the children, with the exception of Harry. Mrs. Weasley found she wasn't the only one gazing longingly at him. She was about to offer to take him as well, when the doors burst open and Sirius Black charged in, followed by his lover, Remus Lupin. They parted ways toward the back of the crowd, Remus crossing to the pen and taking Harry, Sirius zoning in on Severus. He grabbed him by the front of his robes and pulled him roughly. "What did you do to my Godson?!" he snarled.
Many parents were nodding in agreement, glad that someone had finally done what they'd all wanted to do. Dumbledore hastily pulled them apart, speaking to them in hushed tones.
Remus sighed as Harry rested his head on his shoulder. Molly turned to him, smiling. "Wonderful, isn't it?" she offered sarcastically. But Remus smiled and gave Harry's back a small pat. "Yes. Yes it is."
~*~
Sirius' bad mood had lasted only as long as it took them to get home. Once there, he seemed to grasp the vast possibilities of the situation. He dropped into the couch and a second later, Remus had deposited Harry in his lap.
"Where are you going?" he asked as Remus scurried away.
"To get the camera," Remus replied.
Sirius smiled. They didn't have any pictures of Harry as a baby. Well, they did have a few, but not any of him after a few months old. They'd missed out on his childhood. On all his scrapped knees and dirty trousers. This was their chance. Maybe this wouldn't be quite so bad after all.
Harry was roughly two years old by the time night came around. They'd both managed to come to terms with the fact that he was a quiet, reserved baby. He didn't smile or laugh, and that left them both slightly uneasy. Harry made absolutely no sound at all. That is until they'd attempted to put him to bed. As soon as Remus had placed him in the crib, Harry had begun wailing hysterically, clutching at Remus' arms, legs kicking, and trembling furiously. Remus had been so taken by the change, that it was Sirius who hauled Harry from the crib, Remus' arms still outstretched.
"It's okay Harry...It's okay," he whispered soothingly, rubbing at Harry's small back. Harry quieted after a while and Remus leaned in to rest his head against the baby's back. Sirius wrapped an arm around him, and they stood there for a long while.
Once Harry'd fallen asleep, they carefully put him into the crib, hovering around it. Neither could squelch the horrible dread rising in their stomachs. The fear of leaving the room. Or of even moving from where they stood. Harry didn't stay in the crib long.
~*~
Remus woke the next morning to the feeling of being watched. And the gaze was intense. He opened his eyes to see a three-year-old Harry, propped up on tiny elbows, staring at him.
"Morning Harry," he said, ruffling the child's raven hair. Harry tilted his head, a small smile lifting his features, that turned into a full one as Remus raised him into the air. Remus smiled back and started lifting Harry like a dumbbell. A few minutes later he was giggling. The flash of the camera caught Remus' attention. Harry's as well, and the next picture was one of pure endearment, Harry resting against Remus' chest as they both stared.
The rest of the day consisted of dressing up baby Harry and posing him for various pictures. It turned out to be a rather silly day as his guardians joined him, and by the time bedtime had rolled around, there was a box full of film, ready to be developed. Remus carefully placed them out of Harry's reach. The now four-year-old child running circles around the living room.
Harry was brought back into their room, as he was terrified of sleeping alone in his own. His lack of speech was still a concern. But neither of them fretted, as Harry snuggled close between them, sighing contentedly and falling asleep.
~*~
This morning it was bouncing. Sirius stirred, mumbling into his pillow, while Remus sat up, grabbing the five-year-old round the waist and pulling him down into the bed. Harry was waving around a parchment, which he deposited in Remus' lap, resting his head against Remus' chest. Remus picked it up and smiled. His drawing consisted of what was obviously him, Sirius and Harry. They were dressed up in outrageous colors and their picture selves were dancing in a field.
Harry emitted a squeak as Remus turned him upside down in the air. Then he laughed happily, hanging his arms on either side of his head.
This morning they received an owl from the Headmaster explaining that while no such cure had been found, the children should all return to normal in a week or so.
Harry was busy tossing Bertie-O's at Hedwig, who didn't seem to mind the extra food, or that her master was now many sizes too small, when Pig came through the window hooting madly. Sirius grabbed the small, fuzzy owl, detaching the letter and releasing him to read. Hedwig snapped indignantly as he invaded her game with Harry. But the young wizard wasn't at all perturbed and began to throw cereal in quick succession. Watching in delight as Pig zoomed around the kitchen catching them all. Hedwig hooted when he nearly choked.
Remus entered the kitchen, slicking back damp hair from the shower. He shook his head at the scene. "Harry, don't throw your Bertie-O's." Harry turned to him beaming, and pointed at Pig. Remus smiled.
Sirius turned the paper over, pulling out a quill and scribbling a reply. Rolling it up, he grabbed pig, attached it to him and tossed him out the window, much to Hedwig's delight.
"What was that about?" Remus asked, as Sirius turned back around.
Hedwig drifted across the kitchen, landing on top of Harry's chair and nuzzling the back of his neck affectionately, causing him to laugh ticklishly.
"Just Molly setting up a play date. Says Ron's driving her mad." He laughed softly.
"And you accepted?"
Sirius nodded around his cup.
Remus smiled and left the kitchen, in search of the camera.
~*~
Where Harry was quiet and reserved, little Hermione was observant and reflective, and young Ron hyperactive and loud. They were playing in the garden of the Burrow with the gnomes and Crookshanks. Their parents watching from the table.
"This is why we were so glad Ginny was the last," Mrs. Weasley said, as Ron hopped into a large puddle, splattering mud all over Hermione and Harry. The adults laughed.
"I'm rather glad this happened," Mrs. Granger replied. "As I said before, Hermione being our only child, it's nice to have another chance."
"Is she any different from her first childhood?" Remus asked.
"Oh no, not one bit."
Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Ron neither. He's just as troublesome and curious, only now we don't have to worry about his brothers' influence."
Remus nodded.
"What about Harry?"
Neither woman had failed to notice the quiet, shy nature of the boy.
They shrugged in unison.
"We think he's always been like that," answered Remus sadly, "Probably a back lash from the Dursleys."
Both women nodded, commenting no further, though they both had quite a mind to. Yet neither wanted to hurt Remus or Sirius any more than they already were.
The day passed by rather quickly, with talk and food and play. By the time dinner was over, the children were roughly six, Harry being the last one to change, as they wadded in the pond. Still, by desert, he wasn't talking and even gentle coaxing didn't seem to make much
difference.
The families said their goodbyes, tired children promising a good night's sleep for the Weasleys. Harry yawned, rubbing his face against his Godfather's shoulder, as Sirius finished his conversation with Arthur. Ron had fallen asleep against his father's leg, and Hermione watched from over her mother's shoulder, defying sleep as long as she could.
Harry slept again with them that night; so peaceful, a small smile on his angelic face.
~*~
"Daddy." Remus started awake, at the gentle prodding against his ribs, and the sound of a small voice. He turned to see Harry, seven and smiling. He was on his knees, and rocked forward to drape himself across Remus' chest.
"Harry?"
Harry sniffed, hugging him tightly.
Remus smoothed out his hair reassuringly.
"Are you alright?"
"There's a scary man outside," he replied, pointing.
Remus' stomach lurched, but Sirius had already gotten up, wand in hand, heart racing. He walked out of their bedroom and into the hall, checking all the rooms as he passed them. A large black shadow was casting through the window of their front door.
Sirius opened the door, after looking out the side window. "What do YOU want?" he snapped.
Professor Severus Snape looked at him, tugging at his clothing.
"Just came to apologize Black," he replied, eyes meeting Sirius'.
Sirius' raised a slender eyebrow. "Apologize?"
Snape rolled his eyes, and sighed, as if talking to a very small, extremely stupid child. "For Potter's condition."
Sirius glared. "Apology NOT accepted."
He attempted to slam the door in Snape's face, but Severus caught it and held it open. Sirius wasn't angry about what had happened. On the contrary, he was quite happy about it. Not that he'd EVER tell Snape that.
"Look," Severus snarled, "I didn't come here because I wanted to, or because I feel remotely responsible for what happened to your little golden child."
"Then get OFF my property!"
"I'll have you know that I am here under protest and strict orders from Dumbledore. And my apology is only a retraction from the school itself."
"Wonderful. Now LEAVE!"
Snape gave a curt nod. "Just remember BLACK, this may not be the last time something like this happens."
Sirius' eyes narrowed.
"Can't keep your precious Potter safe from everything."
"Are you threatening me?"
Snape was looking past him, and he turned to see Remus and Harry.
"Just stating the obvious," he replied, before giving Sirius one last raking look and leaving.
Sirius slammed the door. Harry blew a raspberry. It was barely a minute before they were all laughing.
This day consisted of much of the same as the last two. Play and Pictures. Buckbeak seemed to take Harry's transformation rather well, and didn't stampede him as Sirius had feared.
Harry was placed in his own bed. Books read, stories told, some more games played and finally sleep. He was tucked in and kissed goodnight.
They went to their own room, slightly uncomfortable about leaving the eight-year-old alone. Neither could sleep, and they were quite thankful when a little over two hours later, Harry traipsed into their room, climbed into their bed and fell asleep.
~*~
The next morning was defined by a loud crash. Remus and Sirius looked at the empty space between them, then at each other, before racing toward the sound.
Harry stood in the living room, wand out, a large mess of clutter all about him. He turned to smile sheepishly as both men sunk into the doorframe with relief.
They took his wand from him at breakfast, explaining that he couldn't have it back until he was able to use it, which meant eleven, and tomorrow morning. Harry decided he could wait, and they allowed him his Firebolt.
He was outside all day, joined later by Ron, as Molly had clearly "had enough" and needed him "out of the house." Ron was now old enough to stay, and he slept over. It was the first night Harry didn't sleep with them.
~*~
By the next morning, the boys had managed to retrieve Harry's wand from above the Grandfather clock and were levitating objects across the hall.
An owl brought news from Hogwarts, that students were allowed to return to school if their parents so desired. Remus and Sirius decided to keep Harry home, owling Molly and Arthur that they'd gladly harbor Ron as well. The Weasleys agreed, and Ron's things were moved to Harry's room.
Sirius was busy in the kitchen when he heard Harry calling. He walked outside, still unsure of whether or not Harry was actually calling. He was.
"What's the matter?" he asked, brushing off his hands.
"Can we please go to Diagon Alley?"
Sirius sighed.
"I don't know..."
"Please Dad?"
Sirius started in surprise.
"Um..."
Remus was making his way toward them, as he'd also heard Harry. "What's going on?" he asked, coming to stand by Sirius.
"We want to go to Diagon Alley! They have the new brooms in Quality Quidditch Supplies!" Harry said excitedly. "Ron said he saw them before he came yesterday."
Ron nodded, equally excited.
"Well..." He glanced sideways at Sirius.
"Please Daddy, please?"
Remus smiled, gripping Sirius' shocked shoulder. "Alright then."
Both boys began to jump about, and they raced into the house, Harry hugging Remus on his way by.
~*~
"But is it RIGHT Moony?" Sirius said, turning.
They'd seen the boys safely to Diagon Alley, leaving them some money and the time they'd be back to pick them up. They were now at home, discussing Harry's latest development.
Remus shrugged.
"I'm not saying it bothers me," Sirius continued, pacing, "It's just-Well..."
Remus nodded.
"You're not helping."
Remus sighed, standing and grasping Sirius by the shoulders.
"Padfoot, I'm just as confused by all this as you. But we have to let it run its course. When Harry's back to normal, we'll talk to him about it. Okay?"
It was Sirius' turn to nod.
~*~
The boys brought home tales ladened with mischief, and pockets brimming with candy.
All thorough dinner, Sirius and Remus listened as Harry spoke more than he had in days. He and Ron were positively overflowing with information. And neither man could find it in their hearts to reprimand such deceptive natures. After all they'd been the same way when they were young.
~*~
The next day wasn't nearly as eventful. Ron and Harry were subjected to home studies, courtesy of Remus. However, they did go out for dinner and ice cream, all the while being entertained by Sirius' avid story telling.
~*~
The day after marked the final day of change. The boys waking up fifteen, dreading going back to school. By nightfall they were sixteen and the next morning, their lean, hard bodied seventeen-year-old selves.
It was another day before they returned to Hogwarts. Dumbledore met them with a smile, Housemates cheered, and even McGonagall seemed happier.
The school drifted into normality rather quickly. And two weeks later, it was as if it never happened.
One Hogsmeade weekend, Harry met Sirius and Remus at the Three Broomsticks to discuss his current dubbing of them. He admitted, rather shyly that he'd always wanted to call them such, and had used the incident to his advantage. He shocked them more by asking if they'd minded. There'd been some tears, lots of hugging, and the names stayed.
Harry now felt more normal, more complete, than he ever had in his entire life. He had parents, and childhood pictures. A home, a name and friends. He'd never been happier. He did have to admit it occasionally sent him into happy daydreams. And it was during one such daydream, that Neville Longbottom tripped over the strap of Draco Malfoy's bag.
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So, without further ado (and with me not reading this at all) from the early foraying months of 2003, I give you: Redux.
Title: Redux
Author: Phoenix Angel Suyari
Rating: PG
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Summary: Slip ups and Second chances.
Archive: Just ask.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter, and all other characters from the popular series are the sole ownership of J.K. Rowling and like all other authors, I'm merely borrowing them for my own satisfaction. Enjoy.
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The sound of the explosion echoed off the cavernous walls of the dungeons, reverberating the sound and making it probably sound worse than it really was. Through the dark gray fog that had enveloped the classroom, Professor Snape growled, "POTTER!" It makes no difference he'd just covertly witnessed Mr. Malfoy toss something in the other's cauldron as he passed. Potter's cauldron exploded, so naturally it was his fault.
He waved at the dark haze with his wand furiously, trying to get a better look at his students. It had happened so fast, there hadn't been time for them to do so much as gasp in surprise.
He shouted a summoning spell, causing all of the thickness in the room to be sucked into the tip of his wand. The first thing he noticed was that the explosion hadn't managed to shake anything loose from the cupboards. The second, much to his dismay, was that his class now seemed to be missing. Confused, he walked over to the rows of empty desks, peering over Granger's cauldron.
He blinked in surprise at what he found. And nearly twenty pairs of eyes blinked back. He growled in agitation. "MALFOY!"
Draco's shinning silver eyes went wide, seeming even larger on his now cherubic face. His lower lip began to tremble, and he suddenly burst into tears, wailing unceremoniously. His reaction seemed to draw the rest of the class from shock and soon the sound of nineteen screeching voices could be heard as Severus rubbed at the pressure behind his eyes. When he looked up again, it was to find Potter looking around quietly, not even trembling. Figures HE'D be the composed one. Honestly, he'd thought Draco at least- but the sounds had brought a crowd of people and Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were standing in the doorway at present.
Severus Snape could remember a great many thing about Professor Minerva McGonagall. And he'd seen her on many, varying fronts. But somehow, he'd never quite seen her like this. Her eyes were wide, as if they were going to bulge out of her skull any second. She was standing quite stiffly, but her arms were slack. Her wand was just barely in her hand, threaded in the crevices between her open fingers. And above all, she had paled, mouth slack and slightly
agape.
Dumbledore released a small, amused chuckle. Snape couldn't find anything REMOTELY amusing about his current situation. Apparently, neither could McGonagall.
"Severus! What...How...What happened?!" she sputtered, voice a faint shriek.
Snape sighed heavily and ran a hand through his hair.
~*~
"Are you sure there is nothing you can do Poppy?" McGonagall said, roughly the fourth time tonight.
Madame Pomfrey shook her head, arms crossed over her chest. "I'm telling you, nothing. I can't treat without a diagnosis. And I can't have a diagnosis without some idea of what was in that potion!"
All eyes turned to Snape.
"How am I supposed to know what those two were up to...mixing their own obscenities..."
"Oh stop excusing it and go try to remake it! Take the potion apart. Do something!"
"Minerva, there's nothing left IN the cauldron to analyze. I can not-"
"You will! Or I shall have to-"
"Enough Minerva, Severus," Dumbledore said calmly, "We will discuss this in the morning. Come, we'll need our rest. Tomorrow shall be a long day I fear."
~*~
Hagrid looked around at his new little critters, penned carefully in the warm afternoon sun, and smiled. Dumbledore had left him to guard them after he and McGonagall had conjured up acceptable clothing. Red for Gryffindors. Green for Slytherin. He watched as the huddled mass raced around, releasing enormous amounts of energy. They'd grown since last night, which had greatly pleased Madam Pomfrey. That is, until they'd gotten loose. The hospital wing was still being sorted out, and they'd ended up in Hagrid's custody.
A heavy sigh came from his right, and he turned to see Professor McGonagall standing beside him at the gate of the pen.
"We've contacted their families."
Hagrid raised an eyebrow. "An'?"
"And this is one fine mess we find ourselves in."
~*~
The next hour consisted of gathering other students to come and claim their family members. Some of the small creatures were easily discernible, like Harry Potter, with his scar, Ron Weasley, with his flaming red hair, and Draco Malfoy, with large silver eyes. But others, like Blaise Zabini, Seamus Finnigan, and Parvati Patil were much harder to place.
Ginny Weasley peered around the small crowd of assembled relatives and smiled. It was rather funny in her opinion, but she didn't dare laugh. Not while Professor McGonagall was still so furious about the incident. However Padma, Parvati's Ravenclaw twin, took one look at the pen and began to laugh. "Parvati!" she called to some distant little mound. "Oh Parvy! You're so adorable!"
The siblings of the "afflicted" managed to help a great deal. And McGonagall seemed less ostentatious as she herded them off.
"Oh this is going to be great! I wish they'd let us stay and watch," a tall second year said, rubbing his hands together. He'd identified Seamus. "Aunt Kat's going to loose it!"
Ginny nodded. Her own mother would probably throw a fit, not to mention far worse. And just what would some of then other parents do? She had an odd image of Mr. Malfoy cursing the entire teaching staff and shuddered. Maybe it was better that they wouldn't be allowed at the congregation.
~*~
Molly Weasley tapped her wand in her hand idly; looking around at the room in which the Headmaster had bade them. He was standing quite calmly, on a raised platform, gazing out over the crowd of parents. Each of whom had different ideas about why they were here. The Muggle parents all seemed to be huddling in one corner, with the exception of a few, including Hermione's mother, standing beside Mrs. Weasley.
Finally Dumbledore asked for quiet and explained to them why he'd called them here. As he finished, a curtain to his left was raised. There, penned, and quite preoccupied, were their children. Someone screamed. That seemed to trigger the others into action. There was a lot of shouting and the room gained an angered undertone.
Kathleen Finnigan strode over to the pen and snatched up Seamus. She whipped around, sliding him to her hip as she pointed at Snape and uttered something extremely vulgar.
Molly reached down with a heavy sigh, picking up Ron. She sincerely hoped a counter-anything would be found soon. She didn't need to have to raise him again.
Mrs. Granger calmly lifted Hermione.
"How can you be so calm Anne?" Molly asked, in slight awe.
"Hermione's our only child," Mrs. Granger replied simply, "This is almost a dream come true."
Molly shook her head. Muggles were certifiable!
Narcissa Malfoy also seemed calm as she drifted across the room, taking Draco into her arms. She stroked his head lovingly, and Molly was quite sure she'd never seen a more tender moment from that woman, if ever at all.
Soon the crowd had managed to claim all of the children, with the exception of Harry. Mrs. Weasley found she wasn't the only one gazing longingly at him. She was about to offer to take him as well, when the doors burst open and Sirius Black charged in, followed by his lover, Remus Lupin. They parted ways toward the back of the crowd, Remus crossing to the pen and taking Harry, Sirius zoning in on Severus. He grabbed him by the front of his robes and pulled him roughly. "What did you do to my Godson?!" he snarled.
Many parents were nodding in agreement, glad that someone had finally done what they'd all wanted to do. Dumbledore hastily pulled them apart, speaking to them in hushed tones.
Remus sighed as Harry rested his head on his shoulder. Molly turned to him, smiling. "Wonderful, isn't it?" she offered sarcastically. But Remus smiled and gave Harry's back a small pat. "Yes. Yes it is."
~*~
Sirius' bad mood had lasted only as long as it took them to get home. Once there, he seemed to grasp the vast possibilities of the situation. He dropped into the couch and a second later, Remus had deposited Harry in his lap.
"Where are you going?" he asked as Remus scurried away.
"To get the camera," Remus replied.
Sirius smiled. They didn't have any pictures of Harry as a baby. Well, they did have a few, but not any of him after a few months old. They'd missed out on his childhood. On all his scrapped knees and dirty trousers. This was their chance. Maybe this wouldn't be quite so bad after all.
Harry was roughly two years old by the time night came around. They'd both managed to come to terms with the fact that he was a quiet, reserved baby. He didn't smile or laugh, and that left them both slightly uneasy. Harry made absolutely no sound at all. That is until they'd attempted to put him to bed. As soon as Remus had placed him in the crib, Harry had begun wailing hysterically, clutching at Remus' arms, legs kicking, and trembling furiously. Remus had been so taken by the change, that it was Sirius who hauled Harry from the crib, Remus' arms still outstretched.
"It's okay Harry...It's okay," he whispered soothingly, rubbing at Harry's small back. Harry quieted after a while and Remus leaned in to rest his head against the baby's back. Sirius wrapped an arm around him, and they stood there for a long while.
Once Harry'd fallen asleep, they carefully put him into the crib, hovering around it. Neither could squelch the horrible dread rising in their stomachs. The fear of leaving the room. Or of even moving from where they stood. Harry didn't stay in the crib long.
~*~
Remus woke the next morning to the feeling of being watched. And the gaze was intense. He opened his eyes to see a three-year-old Harry, propped up on tiny elbows, staring at him.
"Morning Harry," he said, ruffling the child's raven hair. Harry tilted his head, a small smile lifting his features, that turned into a full one as Remus raised him into the air. Remus smiled back and started lifting Harry like a dumbbell. A few minutes later he was giggling. The flash of the camera caught Remus' attention. Harry's as well, and the next picture was one of pure endearment, Harry resting against Remus' chest as they both stared.
The rest of the day consisted of dressing up baby Harry and posing him for various pictures. It turned out to be a rather silly day as his guardians joined him, and by the time bedtime had rolled around, there was a box full of film, ready to be developed. Remus carefully placed them out of Harry's reach. The now four-year-old child running circles around the living room.
Harry was brought back into their room, as he was terrified of sleeping alone in his own. His lack of speech was still a concern. But neither of them fretted, as Harry snuggled close between them, sighing contentedly and falling asleep.
~*~
This morning it was bouncing. Sirius stirred, mumbling into his pillow, while Remus sat up, grabbing the five-year-old round the waist and pulling him down into the bed. Harry was waving around a parchment, which he deposited in Remus' lap, resting his head against Remus' chest. Remus picked it up and smiled. His drawing consisted of what was obviously him, Sirius and Harry. They were dressed up in outrageous colors and their picture selves were dancing in a field.
Harry emitted a squeak as Remus turned him upside down in the air. Then he laughed happily, hanging his arms on either side of his head.
This morning they received an owl from the Headmaster explaining that while no such cure had been found, the children should all return to normal in a week or so.
Harry was busy tossing Bertie-O's at Hedwig, who didn't seem to mind the extra food, or that her master was now many sizes too small, when Pig came through the window hooting madly. Sirius grabbed the small, fuzzy owl, detaching the letter and releasing him to read. Hedwig snapped indignantly as he invaded her game with Harry. But the young wizard wasn't at all perturbed and began to throw cereal in quick succession. Watching in delight as Pig zoomed around the kitchen catching them all. Hedwig hooted when he nearly choked.
Remus entered the kitchen, slicking back damp hair from the shower. He shook his head at the scene. "Harry, don't throw your Bertie-O's." Harry turned to him beaming, and pointed at Pig. Remus smiled.
Sirius turned the paper over, pulling out a quill and scribbling a reply. Rolling it up, he grabbed pig, attached it to him and tossed him out the window, much to Hedwig's delight.
"What was that about?" Remus asked, as Sirius turned back around.
Hedwig drifted across the kitchen, landing on top of Harry's chair and nuzzling the back of his neck affectionately, causing him to laugh ticklishly.
"Just Molly setting up a play date. Says Ron's driving her mad." He laughed softly.
"And you accepted?"
Sirius nodded around his cup.
Remus smiled and left the kitchen, in search of the camera.
~*~
Where Harry was quiet and reserved, little Hermione was observant and reflective, and young Ron hyperactive and loud. They were playing in the garden of the Burrow with the gnomes and Crookshanks. Their parents watching from the table.
"This is why we were so glad Ginny was the last," Mrs. Weasley said, as Ron hopped into a large puddle, splattering mud all over Hermione and Harry. The adults laughed.
"I'm rather glad this happened," Mrs. Granger replied. "As I said before, Hermione being our only child, it's nice to have another chance."
"Is she any different from her first childhood?" Remus asked.
"Oh no, not one bit."
Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "Ron neither. He's just as troublesome and curious, only now we don't have to worry about his brothers' influence."
Remus nodded.
"What about Harry?"
Neither woman had failed to notice the quiet, shy nature of the boy.
They shrugged in unison.
"We think he's always been like that," answered Remus sadly, "Probably a back lash from the Dursleys."
Both women nodded, commenting no further, though they both had quite a mind to. Yet neither wanted to hurt Remus or Sirius any more than they already were.
The day passed by rather quickly, with talk and food and play. By the time dinner was over, the children were roughly six, Harry being the last one to change, as they wadded in the pond. Still, by desert, he wasn't talking and even gentle coaxing didn't seem to make much
difference.
The families said their goodbyes, tired children promising a good night's sleep for the Weasleys. Harry yawned, rubbing his face against his Godfather's shoulder, as Sirius finished his conversation with Arthur. Ron had fallen asleep against his father's leg, and Hermione watched from over her mother's shoulder, defying sleep as long as she could.
Harry slept again with them that night; so peaceful, a small smile on his angelic face.
~*~
"Daddy." Remus started awake, at the gentle prodding against his ribs, and the sound of a small voice. He turned to see Harry, seven and smiling. He was on his knees, and rocked forward to drape himself across Remus' chest.
"Harry?"
Harry sniffed, hugging him tightly.
Remus smoothed out his hair reassuringly.
"Are you alright?"
"There's a scary man outside," he replied, pointing.
Remus' stomach lurched, but Sirius had already gotten up, wand in hand, heart racing. He walked out of their bedroom and into the hall, checking all the rooms as he passed them. A large black shadow was casting through the window of their front door.
Sirius opened the door, after looking out the side window. "What do YOU want?" he snapped.
Professor Severus Snape looked at him, tugging at his clothing.
"Just came to apologize Black," he replied, eyes meeting Sirius'.
Sirius' raised a slender eyebrow. "Apologize?"
Snape rolled his eyes, and sighed, as if talking to a very small, extremely stupid child. "For Potter's condition."
Sirius glared. "Apology NOT accepted."
He attempted to slam the door in Snape's face, but Severus caught it and held it open. Sirius wasn't angry about what had happened. On the contrary, he was quite happy about it. Not that he'd EVER tell Snape that.
"Look," Severus snarled, "I didn't come here because I wanted to, or because I feel remotely responsible for what happened to your little golden child."
"Then get OFF my property!"
"I'll have you know that I am here under protest and strict orders from Dumbledore. And my apology is only a retraction from the school itself."
"Wonderful. Now LEAVE!"
Snape gave a curt nod. "Just remember BLACK, this may not be the last time something like this happens."
Sirius' eyes narrowed.
"Can't keep your precious Potter safe from everything."
"Are you threatening me?"
Snape was looking past him, and he turned to see Remus and Harry.
"Just stating the obvious," he replied, before giving Sirius one last raking look and leaving.
Sirius slammed the door. Harry blew a raspberry. It was barely a minute before they were all laughing.
This day consisted of much of the same as the last two. Play and Pictures. Buckbeak seemed to take Harry's transformation rather well, and didn't stampede him as Sirius had feared.
Harry was placed in his own bed. Books read, stories told, some more games played and finally sleep. He was tucked in and kissed goodnight.
They went to their own room, slightly uncomfortable about leaving the eight-year-old alone. Neither could sleep, and they were quite thankful when a little over two hours later, Harry traipsed into their room, climbed into their bed and fell asleep.
~*~
The next morning was defined by a loud crash. Remus and Sirius looked at the empty space between them, then at each other, before racing toward the sound.
Harry stood in the living room, wand out, a large mess of clutter all about him. He turned to smile sheepishly as both men sunk into the doorframe with relief.
They took his wand from him at breakfast, explaining that he couldn't have it back until he was able to use it, which meant eleven, and tomorrow morning. Harry decided he could wait, and they allowed him his Firebolt.
He was outside all day, joined later by Ron, as Molly had clearly "had enough" and needed him "out of the house." Ron was now old enough to stay, and he slept over. It was the first night Harry didn't sleep with them.
~*~
By the next morning, the boys had managed to retrieve Harry's wand from above the Grandfather clock and were levitating objects across the hall.
An owl brought news from Hogwarts, that students were allowed to return to school if their parents so desired. Remus and Sirius decided to keep Harry home, owling Molly and Arthur that they'd gladly harbor Ron as well. The Weasleys agreed, and Ron's things were moved to Harry's room.
Sirius was busy in the kitchen when he heard Harry calling. He walked outside, still unsure of whether or not Harry was actually calling. He was.
"What's the matter?" he asked, brushing off his hands.
"Can we please go to Diagon Alley?"
Sirius sighed.
"I don't know..."
"Please Dad?"
Sirius started in surprise.
"Um..."
Remus was making his way toward them, as he'd also heard Harry. "What's going on?" he asked, coming to stand by Sirius.
"We want to go to Diagon Alley! They have the new brooms in Quality Quidditch Supplies!" Harry said excitedly. "Ron said he saw them before he came yesterday."
Ron nodded, equally excited.
"Well..." He glanced sideways at Sirius.
"Please Daddy, please?"
Remus smiled, gripping Sirius' shocked shoulder. "Alright then."
Both boys began to jump about, and they raced into the house, Harry hugging Remus on his way by.
~*~
"But is it RIGHT Moony?" Sirius said, turning.
They'd seen the boys safely to Diagon Alley, leaving them some money and the time they'd be back to pick them up. They were now at home, discussing Harry's latest development.
Remus shrugged.
"I'm not saying it bothers me," Sirius continued, pacing, "It's just-Well..."
Remus nodded.
"You're not helping."
Remus sighed, standing and grasping Sirius by the shoulders.
"Padfoot, I'm just as confused by all this as you. But we have to let it run its course. When Harry's back to normal, we'll talk to him about it. Okay?"
It was Sirius' turn to nod.
~*~
The boys brought home tales ladened with mischief, and pockets brimming with candy.
All thorough dinner, Sirius and Remus listened as Harry spoke more than he had in days. He and Ron were positively overflowing with information. And neither man could find it in their hearts to reprimand such deceptive natures. After all they'd been the same way when they were young.
~*~
The next day wasn't nearly as eventful. Ron and Harry were subjected to home studies, courtesy of Remus. However, they did go out for dinner and ice cream, all the while being entertained by Sirius' avid story telling.
~*~
The day after marked the final day of change. The boys waking up fifteen, dreading going back to school. By nightfall they were sixteen and the next morning, their lean, hard bodied seventeen-year-old selves.
It was another day before they returned to Hogwarts. Dumbledore met them with a smile, Housemates cheered, and even McGonagall seemed happier.
The school drifted into normality rather quickly. And two weeks later, it was as if it never happened.
One Hogsmeade weekend, Harry met Sirius and Remus at the Three Broomsticks to discuss his current dubbing of them. He admitted, rather shyly that he'd always wanted to call them such, and had used the incident to his advantage. He shocked them more by asking if they'd minded. There'd been some tears, lots of hugging, and the names stayed.
Harry now felt more normal, more complete, than he ever had in his entire life. He had parents, and childhood pictures. A home, a name and friends. He'd never been happier. He did have to admit it occasionally sent him into happy daydreams. And it was during one such daydream, that Neville Longbottom tripped over the strap of Draco Malfoy's bag.
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