the boy that could have been

Bad Dads

As usual, Lily got her way, and Remus was banished from the house. She was absolutely livid, but she did her best to hold it in for the sake of Cress.

"It's okay honey, I promise." She said softly, "It's not your fault. What did they say when you told them?"

"I- I don't know. Mr- James appeared. I left before they said anything." Her eyes suddenly widened as she realised what her father leaving meant, "But- wait! You know, right? I- I'm dangerous. You need to let me go with my dad, I could hurt you!"

"You won't hurt us." Said Sirius softly, "I promise. Me and James grew up with your dad, we can make sure you're safe. Everything will be okay."

It took a while to calm the girl down, but there was something about the sincerity in their voices that was impossible for her to ignore. And when Sirius transformed, she even let out a burst of laughter.

"No way! You're a genius!" 

"Woah now, don't give him all the credit." James frowned as Padfoot wagged his tail excitedly, "This was a team effort!"

Sirius transformed back and the two men began to tell her of their many adventures whilst Lily went to place some protective charms on the cellar. By the time the moon began to rise, Cress felt calmer than she ever had before a full moon. And with Padfoot and Prongs by her side, she knew she was safe.

Lily, meanwhile, went upstairs to see the rest of the children. They were all huddled together in the twins' room, gossiping furiously. They fell silent at the sight of her.

"Okay everyone, I know it's been a long day." She began, "But I need to talk to you all before I let you near Cress again. I don't know what beliefs you have, but-"

"It's okay, mum." Harry interrupted, "We all think the same."

"... and that is?" Lily questioned.

"That it sucks for Cress." Charlotte said firmly, "I don't know loads, but I know it's meant to be painful as hell, isn't it? And to have such a loser of a dad? I thought my situation was bad enough."

"For real." Muttered Harry.

Lily sighed, "You two, come with me. Weasleys, is it okay if we abandon you for a bit? Please be sensible boys, there's a lot going on."

"We know." Said Fred softly, "Don't worry Mrs Potter, we do occasionally know where the line is."

"And remember not to cross it." George added.

Lily smiled at them and guided Charlotte and Harry to the living room.

"Okay, have at it." She said. The two looked at each other in confusion.

"You both have a lot of emotions under the surface, clearly." Lily said, "And that's more than okay - to be expected, really. I don't want you to bottle it up."

The two exchanged glances and Charlotte gestured for Harry to go first.

"Well, look." He said awkwardly, "I'm so happy to have you guys, don't get me wrong. But it's like I'm meant to instantly be your kid and be okay with that? And, like, I do love you and you're really wonderful, honestly, but I grew up in a bloody cupboard. It does feel a bit like whiplash, especially with dad being so... much. And then you guys just up and ignoring me for a month? The Dursleys did that to me as punishment, it's not fair to do that to me! Then finding out there was some stupid bet, none of you were actually ready for kids, and us lot have been stuck with it all? Poor Cress definitely got the short end of the stick, but their immaturity has screwed up multiple kids lives. It's not fair!"

"Exactly." Charlotte put in once it was clear he'd finished, "My mother is a muggle, and she hated everything I could do. The first time I accidentally did magic, she slapped me so hard I had a bruise for over a week! My whole life I've had to try and hide this whole part of me, then suddenly this dude rocks up and says he's my dad, he didn't know I existed and he's been in prison for my whole life? What a joke!"

"I'm so sorry my darlings." Lily said, tears in her eyes, "If I could go back and change it all, I would in a heartbeat, I promise you. You two and Cress don't deserve this at all. I suppose we can all just be grateful Pettigrew didn't follow through."

Charlotte and Harry turned to each other in shock.

"Did you say Pettigrew?!" Harry exclaimed.

"Yes." Said Lily slowly, "Why?"

"There's a boy in our year" Charlotte explained, "A Slytherin. Tyler Pettigrew."

"You have got to be kidding me."