Priori Incantatem [HARRY POTTER FANFICTION]

Chapter 60: The Dark Mark

This is for Eternal_potterhead who is my biggest stalker and most amazing supporter. ILYSM :)

Your comments help me to Write xx

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Chapter 60: The Dark Mark 

September 1981 

"And here's one of you and Sirius..." James put the photo he'd been holding face down on top of a large stack and held up another one for Harry's inspection. "And there's Granny and Grandpa; they were the ones who brought you that train...." Harry yawned widely and mumbled something that might have been "train." 

James picked up the next photo. "And here's Mummy and Daddy lighting the candle on your cake...." 

"Ma-ma!" Harry had no doubts whatsoever about that picture. 

"Hello, darling," Lily grinned at the baby as she came into the sitting room. "What are the pair of you up to?" she flopped down on the rug next to James and kissed him soundly on the cheek in greeting. 

"Looking at birthday photos," James leaned over to upgrade the kiss. 

"Uh-oh!" Harry uttered his favourite word before things could progress very far. 

"Sorry, mate," James winked at Harry as he put an arm round Lily so she could see the photos too. "How's your work going?" 

"It isn't," Lily grimaced. "That's why I'm taking a break." She eyed Harry, who was looking distinctly bleary-eyed again. "You know these photos always put him right to sleep," she reminded James. "Which means he won't sleep tonight, which means you and I won't sleep tonight." 

"We're almost done." James picked up the next photo, which depicted Harry smeared in birthday cake from head to toe. "Here's you and your cake." Harry yawned again. "Er, maybe you're right about the sleeping bit," James hastily put away the remaining photos. 

"No," Harry protested. "No!" 

"D'you know, I think that's his second favourite word," Lily unstrapped Harry from his baby seat and tossed him in the air. "It's all right, Harry! What d'you want to do for dinner, by the way?" Lily asked James as she settled a grumpy Harry on a blanket on the floor and surrounded him with toys. Harry immediately moved to all fours and began to crawl toward the sofa. 

"I dunno. Sirius said he was coming over; maybe we could order in," James stashed the thick stack of photos in a drawer. "Or maybe he'll bring food." 

"He's not bringing curry, is he?" Lily glanced round in alarm. 

"I thought you liked curry," James was puzzled. 

"I do, but Harry can't eat it." 

"He's eaten curry before," James pointed out. 

"Exactly my point. Or have you forgotten what happened the last time you and Sirius gave him curry?" Lily reminded James. 

"That was one time!" James turned to face Lily, and neither of them paid attention to Harry, who had reached the sofa and was now using it to pull himself into a standing position. "And now we know not to order the Four Alarm Fire Chicken Curry anymore if Harry's eating with us. Live and learn." 

"What possessed you to feed our baby, whose diet consists mostly of mashed peas and bananas, Four Alarm Fire Chicken Curry in the first place?" Lily shook her head. 

"Well, you've got to admit that Harry's diet is dead boring, Lils," James retorted defensively. "Sirius thought that he might like something spicy for once." Behind them, Harry had pulled himself to his feet and, with a furtive glance toward his parents, let go of the sofa and took his first staggering steps toward the nearby chair.