Taking care of myself

Chapter 4: Reunions & memories of myself

James Potter was a happy man. He had just gotten the news he was waiting for. Remus and Sirius had responded this time and they had included a copy of the daily prophet.

(p)

My dear Thunder,

It is with great delight that I write you as a free member of society. The Ministry even gave me a king's ransom for how they had "wronged me". I say stuff it!

(m)

Padfoot, be nice to the silly idiots. You've already sent them twelve pranked letters. Thunder, thank you for all you've done for us. That potion you sent me was earth-shattering to be sure. I kept my mind the entire time!

(p)

Yes, I too thank you, oh mysterious benefactor, for your help in getting my dear furry face to see the light. However did you know? I was convinced that I was going to die in that awful place. Thankfully, a dog isn't near as susceptible to the duhmentors as a mere mortal human. I haven't even met you and I already love you. If you told me the sun shone out of your bum I would probably believe it. I would have to pull off your pants and have a look though.

(m)

Sirius be serious!

(p)

I am.

(m)

Oh shut it! Anyway, Padfoot is right about one thing. Whatever strange explanation you have for knowing all this we will probably believe. There is a pot of tea waiting for you when you have arrived. Don't worry. I already gave Padfoot a flea bath.

(p)

Oy! I don't have fleas!

(m)

Not anymore you don't. We eagerly await your triumphant arrival and your explanation. Please hurry though, Padfoot won't stop bouncing around the place in excitement. Be prepared to have the breath hugged out of you, by both of us.

Reunited in mischief,

Padfood & Moony

James couldn't help but laugh at the letter. It would be so good to have the two of them home. Harry had lived with him on the Island for two straight weeks and was much healthier than expected. The child was still thin but no longer dangerously starved. He looked over at Harry, napping on the study couch and decided to visit the Marauders after the child was in bed. He would lace his bed time butter beer with a mild sleeping and dreamless potion to make sure the little boy didn't wake up scared and alone. He looked over at the child and dashed off a quick reply.

Dear Mischievous ones,

Pack your bags boys! If all goes well, you will be coming home with me tonight. I will come to see you as soon as Harry is in bed. You are not to tell him any of what we will be discussing tonight. I will tell him when I think he is ready. If nothing else, he will know everything before he goes to Hogwarts.

Much of what I say tonight will be hard to believe and yes, Padfoot, I have spotted some rays coming from my posterior. I ask that you please keep an open mind and be ready to leave as soon as the conversation is over. If it takes to long, I will introduce you to Harry and then go back to bed letting you two deal with the hyper-active five year old for once.

Awaiting with baited breath,

Thunder

James then read through the Daily Prophet article and with a huge grin on his face, framed the article and hung it on his wall. James sent the letter off with one of his owls and stepped over to where the little boy slept.