The Potters

The Breakfast Table

Harry walked down the stairs, taking them two at a time. He'd stood at the window for a while longer but the sight hadn't reassure him at all. Entering the kitchen, he was greeted by Lily, who jumped straight into his arms, even though she was nearly ten.

"Morning!" Harry said, spinning her around before placing her back on the floor. "Sleep well?"

"Yeah! I had a dream that Archie got loose out of his cage and played quidditch!" She exclaimed, running back to the table and throwing herself into a chair next to Albus who was reading.

"That's a new one," Harry laughed, sliding into the seat opposite James. "What about you James?"

James looked up from the magazine he was reading for a second and sighed. "Fine."

Harry ignored his tone and turned to Albus. "What about you Albus?" He didn't look up. "Albus?"

Ginny walked over from the oven and tapped him on the shoulder. Albus looked up at her.

"Your father is asking you something Albus. Put that book away and talk to him."

Albus sighed and closed the book before looking at his father. "What?"

"I was only asking whether you slept well Albus. It didn't require the attitude."

"I slept okay."

"Was your room warm enough? We had frost on the windows in our room."

"It was okay."

"I had frost too!" Lily exclaimed. "And snow on the windowsill. Do reckon there's enough to make snowmen yet?"

"I'm sure it is Lil. We could go out and do it today if you want."

"Yeah!"

Ginny walked over and placed plates of breakfast on the table. Harry kissed Ginny on the cheek and James made a small retching sound that Harry ignored. She sat down next to Harry and everyone began to eat.

"So," Ginny started. "Albus, did you get set any homework?"

"Some. History of magic, potions. All boring."

"It can't be that bad. Shouldn't take too long. You can still go out with Lily and your dad."

Albus stopped eating and looked up. "Do I have to?"

"You used to love making snowmen."

"Mum, I'm eleven! I'm not a kid anymore!"

"Albus, eleven is still a child. Right Harry?"

"Of course it is. I know you've started Hogwarts and all but that doesn't mean you're an adult. You don't have to come with us but it would be nice if you did. Even if its for Lily."

Albus grunted and focused his attention back on his food. There had definitely been a change in Albus's attitude since he'd gone away to school. It bothered Harry but he decided not to dig any further. He turned to his other son instead, who was still reading his magazine and seemed not to be paying attention to anyone.

"What about you James?"

"What about me?" He carried on reading his magazine and flipped the page.

"Did you get any homework for over the holidays? Projects to do?"

"Not anything you can help me with, if that's what you're implying."

An awkward silence fell upon the table. Even Lily stopped talking to Archie, her pigmy puff, that had made it's way onto her shoulder.

"What was that James?" Harry inquired, trying to stay calm.

"I don't need your help. I can do it myself. Just because you were the chosen one doesn't mean you were any better at school that I am."

Harry's heart beat furiously but he didn't let it show. "James, I think you should go upstairs. And you two as well."

"But I didn't do anything wrong!" Albus cried.

"Do what your dad says Albus. You need to get changed anyway."

Lily hopped off her seat and rearranged Archie before leaving the room. Albus made his chair screech against the floor as he pushed it back. He gave a defiant glare at Harry and followed suit. James didn't move from where he was.

"James, I said go upstairs."

James quietly closed his magazine and stood up. He got up and as he walked away, Harry caught him mumbling under his breath words Harry hated to hear.

"I wish I wasn't your son."