Raising Harry

Chapter 1

7/8/1981

I walked into Harry's room. The light blue walls were illuminated by the afternoon sunlight. The lace curtains blew lightly in the breeze.

I could smell James cooking all the way up the stairs. He was making roast. We had invited everyone over for dinner. A sort of reunion.

I hadn't seen Barty and Evan in forever and James hasn't seen the mauranders in ages.

I looked down at the floor and rolled my eyes. James left Harry's toys all over the floor. As usual. I was like a maid I was always cleaning up James messes. I picked up the toys. Each time I touched one I felt a little angrier.

Not because of my son or James but because of Sirius. I haven't talked to him since.....

~Regulus flashback~

31/7/1981 ~ Harry's Birthday.

The smell of the BBQ filled my nose. The fresh summers air was cool slowly morphing into the fall. I walked out of the kitchen carrying a plate of double choc chip cookies.

I placed it down on the table along with all the other delicious food. "Regulus!" A shrieking voice said.

I looked up to see the bright smile of Lilly Evans. Mary followed her. "We brought gifts." Lilly said holding up a present for Harry.

Lilly placed the gift on the other end of the table. "This food looks good." Mary smiled as she held Lilly's hand.

"That foods only good because James made it." Dorca's had appeared carrying a bottle of wine and a gift.

"What's that supposed to mean." I smile at her.

I walked across the backyard and take the gift off her. She hugged me and then we both walked towards the table. "Where's Marlene I want to say hi." Mary called out from the table.

"She's out at the car.... She may or may not have baked a little." She put up a little okay sign indicating to how little.

"How little?" Lilly asked.

"Hey someone help me." I turned around to see Marlene coming from the back gate. She was carrying two large boxes with her.

She seemed to be struggling to Ballance them both. Mary and Dorcas jumped up from the table and ran over to help.

Mary took one box and Dorcas took the other. "Thanks babe." Marlene kissed Dorcas in the cheek.

I could see Dorca's cheeks grow red. "What is all this?" I asked. Mary and Dorcas placed the boxes on a free end of the table.

"Just a little something I baked." Marlene smiled as she reached for the first box taking the top off. "Taa da."

Everyone around the table leaned in close to get a look. I looked around at the table everyone was just as confused as I was. "Is that a hedgehog?" Mary asked.

I looled over at Marlene. "No it's a squirrel made of cupcakes." She quickly shut the lid down on the box. "I spent all night making that." She seemed disappointed.

"And it's beautiful." Dorcas said putting her arm around Marlene. Marlene's smile grew and she was happy again.

"Don't tell me I missed the party." Said a voice from behind us.

"Remus!" Everyone said in unicent. Everyone but Dorcas and I ran up to him and hugged him. Remus looked like he was being suffocated by the hug.

They all pulled away. Remus was carrying a beautifuly wrapped present. "Grant and I chose the perfect gift. Don't worry he did the wrapping." He handed me the gift and I gave him a hug.