Godric's Hollow

Summer of 82'

Despite past events, the Potters had decided to stay within Godric's Hollow. It was the only home that they found fit for their blossoming, yet extremely messy in the process of doing so, son. Harry had just turned two years old, and Lily insisted on having a birthday gathering. James was not as keen on people bursting into his home but she eventually won his agreement.

"You're lucky I'm in love with you, Evans."

Lily knew, of course, that he would of broken sooner or later. She was the love of his life. However, as she flicked her wand to hang the streamers, she couldn't help but smile at the untidy man who was struggling with opening the cake box.

She stopped what she was doing and giggled at the way his hair flopped. "Having fun?" she walked into the kitchen. He blew his hair out of his face and smirked at her.

"Yeah, I'm having an absolute blast." Lily gently moved his hands out of the way and opened the cake box with ease. James blew out a sigh of defeat and rested his arms on the counter. "I loosened it for you," he peeked at her from underneath his arm. "Hmm," she took the cake out of the box, "sure."

James laughed and stood up, quickly moving behind Lily. He wrapped his arms around her and took her hands from the package she was opening. She turned around and looked up at the goofy face he was making, and it caused her to bust out smiling. James smiled and his heart almost burst because he found this woman absolutely beautiful.

"Lily Potter," he kissed her nose, "you look very welcoming when you aren't being stubborn."

She raised her eyebrows at him and kissed his jaw. "And you, James Potter, can be very handsome when you aren't being ignorant." James let out a loud laugh and bent down to kiss the fiery red head. Before they continued any further, Harry's cries erupted from upstairs.

"Mummy!"

Lily giggled against James's lips and moved out from his embrace. "Finish putting the balloons up, and we'll see about later," she grinned at him. It was moments like this when James felt like they were back at school and he shook his head because she was something else.

Harry sat sniffling on the floor of the hallway when Lily came up the steps. "What's wrong?" she picked up her very stressed son. "Scary," he pointed to the stairs. She smiled at him and walked to the top of them. "Want to try and walk down?"

The toddler shook his head very aggressively. "No way," he sat on his bottom, "watch this!" Lily's eyes widened as Harry turned on his stomach and slid down the stairs. "Mummy go!" he smiled crookedly from the bottom of the steps.

Lily laid on her stomach and, rather roughly, scooted down them. She picked Harry up and tried to ignore the carpet burn.

"When will the boys be here?"

James peeked his head round the corner. "Eh," he looked outside "soon?" Lily rolled her eyes and then focused them back on their baby boy. "Who's the cutest?" she tickled Harry's small belly. "Mummy," he giggled.

Lily stuck her tongue out and shook her head. "No, silly, you're the cutest," she blew on his belly. Harry laughed loud enough to pierce a few eardrums.

"I beg to differ," a voice stated.

Lily shifted her attention behind her to find Sirius holding a small birthday bag. "However," he set the present down and picked up Harry, "he's an amazing runner up."

James ran into the living space and jumped on Sirius. "James! The baby," she took Harry from the man handling at business. "I haven't seen you in days," bellowed Sirius, "have you gotten shorter?"

"I blame it on Lily," James motioned to his wife, "she basically forces me to 'get on Harry's level'." Sirius sighed and bopped James's nose.

"Where's the love?"

Sirius and James turn to see none other than, Remus Lupin. "Sorry Moony," James grinned, "no dogs in the home."

Sirius scoffed and James cackled. "I'm a wolf," Lupin replied, "much more sophisticated." Sirius leaned in close to where only Remus and James could hear. "Our fourth year, you wolfed out, forgot who you were, and shoved three tree branches down your throat," he held his hands up, "but you're sophisticated."

Remus coughed slightly and set the present for Harry down. "Yeah," he smiled at the oblivious Lily, "let's not mention that one."

"Hey," Sirius grabbed his shoulders, "I'm not judging you. If you're vegan, just say so." James spit out his juice. "Padfoot, this man has literally eaten half of the prey in our eco system."

"Yeah?" Sirius turned, "and I've eaten half the women." Before James could object, he smirked and made his way towards Harry. Lily handed the small child over to him and began to cut the cake.

"You look just like your father," he smiled, "only a lot more handsome."

Harry giggled even though he had no clue what this musky dog man was trying to say. Sirius rolled his eyes as the infant began to grab his nose.

"Now now Harry," he let out a small chuckle, "that's not anyway to treat your godfather."

Sirius set the boy down and changed into his other figure; a dog. Harry cackled and pet Sirius. "Doggy," he laughed.

"Yes Doggy," said James, "show us a few tricks?" The two men could see the annoyance grow in the dogs eyes. Alas, he began to roll over for the amusement of small Harry; and partially James.

Sirius changed back and Harry's face went blank. He thought he'd done something wrong until the boy burst out laughing again.

"Cake time!" Lily's voice rang out. The three men immediately rushed to their seats and patiently waited for their food. "Oh," James grabbed Harry from the floor.

Lily set the ginormous dessert in front of them and looked at Harry. "Happy Birthday" rang out across and through the house.

Harry, who probably didn't really grasp the concept at the time, giggled at all of the people singing to him.

It's all he wanted and more.