The one where James messed up

The call and the awkward truth

The air inside Grimmauld Place remained heavy with tension long after the initial revelations. Despite Harry's attempts to accept everything, it was clear that the shock of discovering his future family dynamic—and the unexpected friendships—was not something that could be easily digested. Not to mention, the revelation of Scorpius Malfoy as part of this future family had left a particular awkwardness hanging over everyone.

Harry kept casting glances at Scorpius and Rose, trying to make sense of it all. Hermione, of course, had stayed remarkably composed through the entire ordeal, while Ron seemed a mixture of incredulous and dumbstruck. As for Sirius and Remus, they exchanged glances, clearly unsure of how to react to the new information about the future.

Sitting by the fireplace, James Sirius Potter was the first to break the awkward silence. "So, uh... how's everyone holding up?"

"Honestly?" Harry ran a hand through his messy hair. "I'm still processing the fact that Ron and Hermione are married. I mean... they argue all the time!"

Lily grinned from where she stood next to Lysander. "Argue? Sure. But they're perfect for each other. You said so yourself, Dad. You always knew."

Harry blinked at her, looking genuinely bewildered. "I did?"

"Yes," Lily confirmed, glancing over at her Uncle Ron. "And don't worry, Uncle Ron, you're still as, um, unique as ever."

Ron, who had been sitting with his arms crossed, suddenly spoke up. "Wait a minute. I married Hermione? Hermione? How? When did this happen?"

Lily smiled fondly. "I don't know when exactly it hit you both, but you got together after the Battle of Hogwarts. You've been married for years now, and you have two kids: Rose and Hugo."

"Hugo?" Hermione asked, her eyes lighting up. "We have a son?"

Lily nodded. "Yeah, he's about three years younger than Rose. You'll meet him eventually."

Ron opened his mouth, closed it, and then opened it again, clearly trying to grasp the situation. "So, we... really did it? I mean, we're still together in the future?"

"Still very much together," James said with a chuckle. "And from what I hear, Uncle Ron, you still can't keep track of where you put your wand half the time."

"Oi!" Ron protested, but his ears turned red, which was usually a sign that it was true.

"Hang on," Sirius interrupted, grinning wickedly. "If Ron's married to Hermione, that must mean I'm still single in the future, right? The most eligible bachelor in wizarding Britain?"

James snorted. "Uncle Sirius, you're not exactly—"

Before James could finish his sentence, a sudden, high-pitched beep echoed through the room, making everyone jump. It wasn't a sound that anyone in 1995 would recognize, but for the future generation, it was unmistakable.

"Is that...?" Albus murmured, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small, enchanted device. "A call. From home."

Immediately, everyone from the future tensed, their eyes widening as they realized what it meant. A call from home—specifically from 2024—was never a good sign, especially in a time like this.

Albus looked at his family, silently asking whether he should answer. James shrugged, while Lily gave a small nod. Rose and Scorpius exchanged a glance, both knowing they were likely about to face some difficult questions.

Finally, Albus tapped the device, and a shimmering blue holographic image of their parents and friends appeared above the device.

The future Harry Potter—now older, more weathered but still carrying that unmistakable intensity—stood at the center of the group. Next to him was Ginny, arms crossed and looking every bit as fierce as her younger self. Behind them were Ron and Hermione, both appearing slightly haggard, but no less surprised. Astoria Malfoy hovered at Draco's side, wearing a worried expression.