• Growing up Harry •

• year three •

1993-1994

"Harry I hear that you've perfected your patrons?" James asked with a grin

Harry nodded, though he seemed to be drained...James only assumed it was the effect of the dementors

James hated that dementors were at the school but Dumbledore had reasoned that they were there looking for Peter Pettigrew, something which angered James knowing that the wanted man was a former friend of his

"Harry are you alright?"

Harry nodded, "yeah I'm fine really...just tired"

James nodded and then smiled punching Harry's arm, "how was riding the Hippogriff?"

Harry finally grinned, "it was pretty cool"

Harry recalled how grateful he was for Hermione's time turner to be able to save buckbeek, though he wouldn't dare tell his parents he did that...his mum would have a fit if she heard

"I bet...now what's better flying a broom or a Hippogriff?"

Harry smiled, "definitely a broom"

"Speaking of which" James said with a grin, "Sirius tells me that he got you a firebolt"

Harry nodded looking very happy, "dad you won't believe it it's insane how fast it goes...I took it for a spin before we got on the train and it was awesome"

"I'm glad you like it, your uncle is going to be very pleased"

Harry nodded and let out a yawn, "where is Mum?"

"Oh she's uh working with the order...trying to find out more about Voldemort"

"Dad do you think he'll come back?"

James hesitated before he nodded, "yes son...I think he's not going to just disappear but hopefully when he comes back he won't challenge an eleven year old"

Harry chuckled, "dad..."

"Alright alright son..." James stopped his teasing seeing his son's embarrassed blush

"So...how was Ginny this year?"

Harry choked on his water and then quickly swallowed, "w-who said anything about her?"

James laughed, "easy son I'm just wondering, after last year I just wanna make sure she's not getting possessed or anything"

Harry shook his head, his cheeks crimson, "not that I know of"

James sighed through a smile, never recalling being so embarrassed to discuss his feelings for Lily

Harry let out a small sigh, "dad is uncle Moony...is he really a werewolf then?"

James nodded slowly, "yeah...he was bitten when he was really young and me and Sirius have been the ones who helped him through it during school"

Harry nodded and then smiled

"Dad when did you become an animagus?"

James chuckled, "when I was fifteen"

"Can I become one too?"

James sighed, "we'll see Harry, it's not as simple as you'd think...it's actually quite dangerous I had to work hard at my grades"

Harry sighed, "oh alright"

Harry had a decent mind, he was fairly average but like any boy he didn't fancy homework at all and his stubbornness proved to be a challenge for professors such as Snape

"Oh and dad I found something"

Harry reached into his back pocket and pulled out the marauders map

James' eyes widened at the sight, "man I haven't seen this is ages...where'd you get it?"

"Well Ron's brothers gave it to me...filch had it"

James cursed, "bastard old squib"

Harry chuckled, "I can't believe you made this..."

"Is it hard to believe that I was actually smart?"

Harry laughed, "maybe.."

"I'll have you know Harry me and Sirius and Remus were some of the brightest wizards of our year...us and your mother were actually brilliant"

Harry felt sickened to hear that, why was it they were so talented and he struggled so much

Harry nodded though, "sorry"

James snorted, "well you're bright too Harry you shouldn't be so hard on yourself"

"I'm not like you guys..."

"Harry you're better at defence against the dark arts than I ever was...I'd never be able to produce a patronus"

Harry picked at his fingers, "that's all I'm great at"

James sighed, "you just need to work a bit harder son...it'll all come together though I promise"

Harry nodded and sighed wishing he hadn't asked
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