𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 (𝟏) || HARRY POTTER LOVE STORY

p r o l o u g e

It was one of those rare, sunny spring days in the middle of a war, where you had to grasp at joy like it was golden Galleons falling from the sky.

Lily and James's cottage in Godric's Hollow was loud. Not just baby-loud, which was expected with Harry. It was the specific volume level that occurred when nine adults who never truly grew up, two babies and a toddler occupied the same space.

"Remus, if you don't take that baby before Sirius throws her in the air again, I swear-!" John  shouted from the sitting room, nearly tripping over a plush Hippogriff as he lunged for his daughter, Julie, who was being held suspiciously high by Sirius.

"I had her under control," he replied, holding Julie like a prized Quidditch trophy. "Look at her! Future Chaser of England!"

"She's not even one yet!" John exclaimed, snatching Julie protectively. She giggled, totally unbothered. "That's my daughter you're launching!"

"And my goddaughter," Remus said, reaching out to take Julie with the same finesse he used when handling cursed books. "And this," he nodded toward the kitchen where James was chasing Mason, who had stolen Harry's toy broom, "is what I get for agreeing to babysit two under-ones and a toddler with the attention span of a flobberworm."

"Oh, don't be dramatic," Livia called from the kitchen, passing a bottle of warmed milk to Lily, who looked grateful and mildly fried.

"You brought Sirius," Mary pointed out. "You did this to yourself."

"Excuse me!" Sirius said from the couch, where he was now helping Mason zoom the toy broom across the cushions like it was a rocket. "I am exceptional with children."

"You taught Mason how to say 'bollocks,'" Lily reminded him as she cradled Harry, who had just woken up from a nap and was blinking at the chaos with wide, green eyes.

"Only because he said it correctly," Sirius said proudly. "With feeling."

Mason, picking up on the word, repeated it like a spell. "Bollocks!"

"That's enough of that," John muttered, covering Mason's ears, but not before Mason grinned at Sirius, clearly ready for Round Two.

"You know," Peter piped up from where he was feeding bits of biscuit to Julie, "Harry and Julie are almost exactly the same age."

"Oh no," Remus said, tone flat. "Don't."

"I'm just saying," Peter continued. "It's fate. Childhood friends. Same friend group. Same baby social circle. Happens all the time."

Livia raised an eyebrow. "Are you matchmaking my infant?"

Sirius leaned back with a wicked grin. "I love this idea."

"I don't," John said immediately. "That's my daughter you're talking about."

"She could do worse than Harry," Marlene pointed out, deadpan.

Harry burbled something incomprehensible and sneezed into Lily's robes.

"See, already charming," Sirius said. "I give them 'snogging by thirteen.' I'll bet five Galleons."

Peter raised his hand. "Ten says she hexes him before that."

"This is completely inappropriate," Remus muttered, though he was smiling now. Julie had fallen asleep in his arms, drooling on his jumper.

James finally flopped into the armchair, breathing like he'd run a marathon. "Mason's hiding under the sink. There's jam involved. I don't want to talk about it."

"You're a parent now," Sirius said solemnly. "This is your life."

"I love my life," James said automatically. "But Mason's fast. And sticky."

As if on cue, Mason bolted from the kitchen like a sugar-fueled Snitch, hair slick with something that looked disturbingly like marmalade.

"I give up," Lily said. "I'm not parenting today."

"You never really are, when we're here," Remus said dryly.

"You're right," she said, sighing with mock defeat. "I'm hosting a traveling circus instead."

"Cirque du Chaos," Livia said.

"Featuring Baby Romeo and Juliet," Peter added.

John looked around at the madness: Marlene singing to Harry, Mary trying to detangle Mason from a curtain, Sirius attempting to balance three juice cups on his head, and Remus quietly rocking Julie with a fond expression.

He sighed. "Merlin help my daughter."

                                       🤍

a/n

Ahhh! I'm so excited to finally be sharing this story with you—it honestly feels surreal. I've been thinking about this series for ages, and now that it's actually happening, I'm beyond thrilled (and maybe a little nervous) to bring you along on this journey with Julie, Harry, and the rest of the magical crew.

This is the first part of what I'm calling the "Meant to Be" series, and it's going to follow our characters from the very beginning (based on the books)—when they're still young, figuring themselves out, forming friendships, and beginning to discover the magic in themselves and each other.

They're only eleven here, so everything is still innocent and sweet, but don't worry—there are plenty of adorable moments, late-night talks, and little glimpses of deeper connections starting to bloom.

What you can expect from first year

Julie being the badass, stubborn, sarcastic Gryffindor she was born to be

Harry being exactly like James in all the best and most chaotic ways

Heartwarming friendships (Julie and Hermione supremacy! I'm literally so excited for Hermione to have a female friend, it's unreal.)

Julie and Harry will not fall in love instantly, because that would be boring (sorry, not sorry)

Some drama, obviously (this is Hogwarts)

And of course there'll be plenty of laughter, eye-rolls, and moments that'll make you go "awww"

What else to keep in mind

You can find all face claims on my profile in the 'summarised' version of the meant to be books :)

This story means a lot to me—not just because I'm obsessed with these characters (which I am), but because I think there's something so special about stories that explore how love, bravery, and identity begin to take root when we're young.

Julie isn't perfect—she messes up, argues with Snape (lowkey i would too), and occasionally blurts things she definitely shouldn't—but she's loyal, fiercely brave, and incredibly her. I hope you'll love her just as much as I do.

And of course, Harry. Our boy. He's still figuring it all out—fame, expectations, magic—but through it all, he stays true to who he is. I really am going to make him scream 'James Potter'. Trust me, it makes for some seriously entertaining (and occasionally adorable) moments.

So if you're into friendships that slowly evolve into something more, a badass Gryffindor who can stand her ground, and a reimagining of Hogwarts life from a different perspective, you're in the right place.

I promise this story will bring you the feels, the fun, and maybe even a bit of nostalgia for that magical first year at Hogwarts.

I hope you fall in love with this world the same way I have and enjoy the story. Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and let's begin.

-Anastasia xx