Turning Time (A Harry Potter Fanfic)

Medicine, pt. 2

James Potter stood next to a man who slightly resembled him, most likely his father, who already had gray hair. James was looking his best to look innocent as his dad held up a thick school book in one hand and a thin one in the other. Harry casually walked over to the bookshelf behind them and heard his father read in a low voice, “116 Ways to Cheat in Class?” He tried to stifle a smile. “You hid this in a book? Really, James. I would’ve expected you to put in a little more effort.”  

“Good job, dad. I’m impressed,” James said, trying to hide his disappointment. But then, when his dad turned around to go to the checkout, James pulled a Galleon out of his pocket and hid it casually in his hand. He grabbed another book that was sitting in wait on a shelf nearby, then went over to the counter with his father. 

After his dad paid and was pushing through the crowd, James bought the book, one that blended in with the rest of the other standard school books. But by the mischievous look on James’ face, he knew it wasn’t on the Hogwarts supply list. 

Harry felt a renewed sense of excitement. First he had felt awed, then depressed, then too overwhelmed to think clearly, and now he felt light-headed with disbelief. How had he expected he’d react when he saw his father in person for the first time? After first seeing his mom and dad in the Mirror of Erised, he realized he wanted nothing more than to have a family.  

And now, the only other emotion that surfaced was…disappointment. It was similar to seeing his dad in the Pensieve in his fifth year. After that experience, Harry had been devastated at how much of “an arrogant toerag” his dad was. Already, at age eleven, James managed to flirt with all the girls that looked his age on his way out. You could tell where he had walked in the store because he left a trail of severe giggles. Just before he closed the door, he waved to a pack of three girls who looked to be about twelve. They all waved back, then laughed and started chatting animatedly, peeking outside to catch a last glimpse of the boy. Harry still didn’t think this made James out to be a complete monster, just conceited, maybe. Though…he hated that he could figure out his father’s personality just by watching him for a couple minutes.

Harry bought the book and went back outside. As he walked, he pulled out a bag he’d filled with supplies he already had from the purse. He now had to carry two owls and two heavy bags, and knew this was going to make the day seem longer. 

He surveyed the diverse faces in the swarm of people on the street. His white owl hooted, annoyed, as the cage bumped against the jumbled mass of people. Well, maybe it wasn’t that unusual, Harry consoled himself as he watched a sullen girl with striking black hair walk next to a sour-faced, middle-aged woman. By her moody complexion…she looked like a true Slytherin. Maybe some people were just easier to figure out than others. 

Harry felt a jolt of guilt. He shouldn’t label people based on how they appear to passerby. His dad probably had complicated feelings that he wouldn’t understand unless he allowed himself to accept there was more than what met the eye. How many times was he going to have to remind himself of that? 

Maybe the boy who was waiting under the awning seemed awkward, depressed and poor; someone one’d want to avoid, but Harry didn’t see Severus that way, now that they were sort of friends. No, he only saw the smile that lit up Severus’ face as he came closer, as he held up the beautiful owl that he bought for him. 

“Wow, thanks…” 

Harry angled the cage so they could admire the bird, which turned its head to look at each of them in turn. Every time it made eye contact with Harry, he felt the back of his neck prickle. It was like…the bird could see right through him. Somehow the sharp eyes and wise appearance reminded Harry of Dumbledore.