Marauders Era One Shots

Flying Lessons with Harry

Flying Lessons with Harry

"I swear they're gonna kill before he even has a chance to try for the house team," Remus Lupin said to Lily Potter, on a clear afternoon in July.

They were sitting in the backyard of the Potter house in Godric Hollow, watching James Potter and Sirius Lupin teach the Potter's son, Harry, how to fly a broom. The kid obviously had natural talent, but he was only three, so his control wasn't the best, resulting in the broom jerking sideways or up and down at random intervals, and Sirius or James rushing to Harry's side to make sure he didn't fall.

Lily laughed and shook her head. "You're probably right. What were they thinking, getting a three year old a broom for his birthday?"

Remus groaned. "Oh, just be glad it was this late. Sirius was bent on getting him a broom since he turned one. And he-- oh god."

Remus and Lily ducked as Harry came soaring uncontrollably over them, James flying quickly to stop him before he could run into the tree.

"Careful, buddy," James laughed as he turned Harry around and sent him back to Sirius, on the other side of the yard.

Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. "This is so dangerous."

"Lighten up, Lily," James called from where he was hovering a few feet away. "If he's going to be on the team, he needs to practice."

"He's only three James, you'll have plenty of time," Lily said, rolling her eyes.

"Sure, but this is his peak moment to get it in his head; like learning a language, you teach it young so they're fluent! I want Harry to be fluent in quidditch!"

"James that's not really--"

"INCOMING" Lily and Remus instinctively ducked when they heard Sirius' shout, and Harry once more shot over their heads. Again, James stopped him before he ran into the tree.

James laughed and called back to Sirius, "Oi! Lupin! You trying to kill my son with how fast you're sending him back?"

"I'm only getting him ready! He's going to have to be fast if he wants to be seeker!"

"Oh please, he's not even been three four months yet, stop determining his placement on the team. For all we know, he may not even like quidditch."

Sirius gasped dramatically. "Potter, how could you even say that?"

"He's entitled to his own feelings, Sirius. He might not like quidditch as much as you and James is all I'm saying--"

"Don't listen to her, Harry," James said, covering Harry's ears with his hands. "She's trying to corrupt you. Just because she doesn't like quidditch...."

"Oh whatever Potter," Lily huffed and sat back in her chair with her arms crossed. James grinned and gave Harry a push as he flew back to Sirius, yelling "wheeeeeee!"

James went back to hovering waiting to catch Harry when he came flying back.

"Have you heard from Marlene recently?" Lily asked, striking up a conversation.
"Yeah, last month she came by our house and we chatted a bit. She's almost through with her healer training at St. Mongos. She reckons she'll be able to become a full time healer by March."

"Oh that's wonderful! I'm so glad she's doing well...."

"Yes, she really is excited. And with Voldemort gone, there are many more jobs to--"

"WATCH OUT. AGAIN."

They ducked once more.

James caught Harry and sent him back.