Life is Sweet

Chapter 3 “Hi I’m Hugo’s Uncle Harry…”

Harry had called Percy when the retuned home to find out how bad things were for Scotland Yard. The older Weasley was in hysterics about the situation because it was not only affecting the Police force but courts as well. With few Constables the force couldn’t afford to stay on a case for more than a day or two before moving on to the next. Then there was the cases pending in the Crown Attorneys Offices. A lot of cases were being dismissed due to lack of evidence and witnesses refused to testify because they didn’t have enough protection. The Higher Ups had been trying to keep it low key by diverting fund from the retirement funds this was just a patch job and would not last long. This was serious it looked like he was going to would have to get into this case before their trip after all.

“You’re evening tea sir.”

“Thank you. Dobby can you keep an eye on James for a bit? I need to do some work.”

“Of course sir.” Dobby retrieved the quiet baby and left his master to his work.

Once Harry was alone he got down to profiling. This is what he had done before James was born. He had been a criminal profiler for Scotland Yard and the youngest in over a century. He could have lived off his family fortune like his ex-wife had wanted him to but he wanted to do more. When he was five his father and mother were murdered but their killer was never caught. At the age of ten he was accepted into Hogwarts academy for the gifted.

That was where he met his life long friends Ron and Hermione. Both we’re a year older than him but in the same class. They had helped him to find his path to how he want bring his parents killer to justice. He took college level courses in psychology and criminal justice. He was the best and brightest there ever was in his short time in Scotland Yard. After James was born Ginny told him to quit Scotland Yard because she was going back to tennis. She screamed that she was not going to be pushed in the dark again. If wanted James he would have to quit or she would get rid of him. As much as that thought of Ginny talking like James was an unwanted pet enraged him; the fear of losing his precious son drove him into submission.

Now he was returning once again into the work he had loved so much. In fact if, he was honest with himself, he loved his job more than he had ever loved Ginny. But he would never love his job more than he loved his son. In his heart he knew he would return to Scotland Yard eventually if only part time. He needed to keep busy doing something that mattered. Harry sighed as the files raced across his computer screen. He knew he could only make a small dent in the investigation for now but after Hugo’s birthday he would make better progress.

“You can run but you can’t hide from me!” Harry smirked as his fingers began to dance upon the keyboard.


XXxxXXxxXXxx

“Draco if you insist on fidgeting I will tie to the chair and put you out in middle of the road.” the irritated chemistry teacher snapped. Snape was irritated with his godson for two reasons. The first being that the brat was right the large ball of fluff was growing on him. The Animal was quite intelligent and well behaved. His students could learn a thing or two about following instructions from the dog. The Second reason for his irritation was Draco was behaving like a nervous mother hen.

“Sorry Severus I’m just apprehensive of this meeting.” Draco confessed absently stroking the puppy seated at their feet. They were sitting out side at a sidewalk café waiting for Hugo’s mother and uncle.

“There is nothing to worry about. They are parents just like you; I’m sure they have all safety issues covered. You just have to get over your separation anxiety.”

“I do not have separation anxiety. Do I Snuffles?”

“Draco you are talking to a dog, who, is hardly in the position to render an opinion. Further more his name is Dark Lord not Snuffles.”

“For the love of god Severus. It is a puppy not a warhorse. That name is just as bad as those to snakes you have in your class room, Voldemort and Nagini.”

“It will not be young forever and I refuse to call it that hideous name.”

“Excuse me are you Mr. Malfoy?” The argument was stopped but a deep yet soft voice. They turned to see a small slender frame man with shaggy black hair pushing a stroller. In the stroller sat a shaggy black hair baby smiling and waving at the puppy.

“Yes, can I help you?” Draco smiled. The first thing that ran through his mind was ‘This man is beautiful.’

“Hi I’m Hugo’s Uncle Harry…” Harry reached out his hand about to shake hands with the blond man but was stopped.

“Potter.”

“I’m sorry, have we met before?” Harry was startled by the way the, man next to Malfoy, sneered out his name.

“No we haven’t met before but I knew your father. Let’s go Draco we are wasting our time here.” Draco was confused and he was sure Potter was too. He couldn’t understand why his godfather was acting this way. He was about to protest when someone else did protested for him.

“Now Severus, don’t be rude.”

“Lupin. What are you, doing here?” Snape glared at the name walking toward them with a wolf.

“I am one of the chaperones on this trip to France. My godson Harry thought it would be a good idea if also met with the Parents of the children going. Hello Mr. Malfoy I’m Remus Lupin.” Draco was still in a confused daze as he shook the man hand. “As both may have guessed Severus and I have met before.”

“Met is hardly an accurate term Lupin and stop calling me by my given name. Where did you get that monster? If that thing eats my dog I promise to poison your food.”

“Moony is an Irish wolfhound and he is not going to eat your Newfoundland.” The sandy haired man sighed as he motioned for Harry to sit at the table before taking the other opened seat. “Professor Snape teach at Beauxbatons where now substitute.”

“You mean that this git is that Professor Snape?!”

“Harry please be nice.” Remus pleaded

“No I will not. This man is a git for believing you are just like my father just because you were his friend. He probably believes that I am my father simply because we look a like. You didn’t see how he sneered out my name. I refuse to sit here and let my son be exposed someone with blind prejudice.”

“And I will not allow my great godson travel with a self-absorbed rich bastard.” The tension was upsetting everybody and James began to fuss. Dark lord began to whimper and whine, Moony gave a warning growl and Harry had had enough.

“Remus let’s go.” Remus was surprised by the snap command but said nothing.

How did everything go so wrong? Draco was panicked. They had come to meet Hugo’s uncle so Scorpius could go to France. What happed was they met a beautiful man who his godfather hated on sight. Turns out the hatred was not one sided and now Potter was leaving and Scorpius was going to be heart broken.

“Potter Wait!”

“Draco let them go.”

“No this has gotten way out of hand. We are all adults and should be able to work this out. I am not going home to tell Scorpius that he can’t go to France because his Uncle Severus hates Hugo’s Uncle Harry. This meeting is for the children’s happiness not yours. Please Potter, Lupin I want to work this out. I’ll even put a muzzle on my godfather if you want.” Draco pleaded and Snape looked horrified at the suggestion of a muzzle.

“No need for that Malfoy.” Harry smiled softly as he temper drained out of him. “You’re right. This meeting is for the Children not about us squabbling adults.” The two men settled back in their seats and Moony nuzzle the baby to calm him down.

“Thank you. Let’s start again, I’m Draco Malfoy this surly Professor is My Godfather Severus Snape and his dog Dark Lord.”

“Nice to meet you both. I’m Harry Potter and this is my godfather Remus Lupin his dog Moony and his little man is my son James.” Harry noticed Snape’s eyebrow twitch his son’s introduction but he said nothing.

“Dark Lord?” Remus chuckled.

“Yes he is a Noble dog and will grow into his name.” Severus glared ignoring the snickering coming from his godson.

“Where is Mrs. Weasley? “ Draco smiled tying to avoid the glare.

“There was an Emergency at her work and had to go in. She is an editor at a Publishing House. Her husband works at Scotland Yard so he wasn’t able to meet us here either. If you do decide to go or let Scorpius go you’ll meet them at the Airport.”

“If I decide to go? I thought the trip was just for the kids.”

“Didn’t Hermione explain the trip when you talked on the phone?” Harry was taken back by the blonde’s lack of knowledge. He knew his sister-law would never leave anything unexplained it was so unlike her. She had been sort of a know-it-all in school and had to explain every assignment in detail to him and Ron. This annoyed them great but eventually they learned to live with it.

“She told me it was a family trip and that you were the host of the Party.”

“Oh I see. My sister-in-law didn’t clarify the meaning of a ‘Family trip’. She just assumed you knew.” Harry smiled and relaxed a little. “You see the Weasleys are a very large family, and a ‘Family Trip’ usually means everyone is going Family and friends alike. Since I am hosting this trip I allowed him two friends from class and his Louis who is also five to go. That way if the parent did not attend I wouldn’t be overwhelmed with five-year-olds.

Hugo chose Philip Longbottom and your son Scorpius. We’ve known the Longbottoms for ages. When I asked them if they would like to go, they declined as did my brother-in-law Bill and his wife. I asked Remus to go with me to watch over my son during the trip so I can focus on the boys. You are more than welcome to come with us. I know it’s just a weekend trip but it’s to another country. I understand that it can be nerve racking to let your child go off with a stranger. I want to make this trip fun and relaxing for the children and their Parents.” Harry stated in earnest.

“Thank you for inviting us. Scorpius and I would be delighted to attend.” Draco smiled. He had been impressed with the dark haired man not only with his speech but the compassion and honesty in his voice.

“I believe I will go too.” Everyone’s head whipped to the Professor. “While Draco may trust you I do not. I also have medical training should something happen to any of the children.”

“Then you’re more than welcome to join us. You here can meet us at Harry’s house. His housekeeper will be watching Moony he can watch over your Dark Lord while we are gone.” Remus smile cutting Harry off before another argument started.

“That is acceptable. I do not trust Draco’s friends with my dog. If I did I fear I would come home to a traumatize animal garbed in pink.”

“Oh come on Severus, Pansy is not that bad.” Snape shot him a glare that said ‘Try and deny it.’ “Fine, yes, she can be a bit extreme but she wouldn’t hurt your dog.”

“Well then… I have the plane scheduled for Friday afternoon after the children are out from school. So please meet us at 14 Godric’s Hallow, by 12. That will give us plenty of time to settle the dogs with Dobby, pick up the kids and get to the airport.” Harry said.

“Pup!” James squealed when the curious puppy began to sniff his bare feet.

“Yes James but he will get as big as Moony.” Remus chuckled. “This has been an interesting but I fear we must be going now. I have to finish Moony’s walk before my class begins. It was nice to meet you both see you on Friday.”

“I’ll see you later Remus!”

“Rem!” The baby giggled when the teacher place a soft kiss on the crown of his head.

“Lupin is correct. I have classes as well. I will call you later Draco.” Sever stood and untied the puppy’s leash from the chair.

“Good bye Severus.” The two men and their dogs walked off in different directions leaving the younger ones behind.

“I’m really sorry about Severus. I really don’t understand his behavior toward you.”

“It’s alright. When Remus started at Beauxbatons told me about Snape’s dislike of him. It seems that my father and Snape attended the same Boarding school. To my shame my father was his tormentor. Therefore assumes that my godfather and I are just like him.”

“I knew Severus could hold a grudge but seriously this is a bit much.” The blond sighed in disgust. “Care to have a drink? You can tell me more about this trip.”

“I’d like that.” Harry smiled as he got a bottle out of the stroller basket. Then he handed the bottle to the hungry baby. “Here you Jamie it’s almost nap time.”

“I seems like yesterday Scorpius was that small.”

“Yes Jamie is growing so fast. I remember holding Hugo at his christening, he was so tiny. I was so afraid I might have dropped him, but he looked at me with unquestioning trust and love that my fear melted away. He is my godson and he’s turning six; I want to make sure it’s special.”

“I’m sure it will be.” Draco smiled before waving down the waitress for round of drinks.

XxXxXxXxXxX

“Dad!” The little blond shouted as he tackled his father who was washing the store window.

“Well hello to you too. I take it you left Pansy in the dust again.” Draco laughed.

“Can I go to Disney Land? Can I? Can I?”

“Straight to the point I see. It’s not ‘Can I’ Scorpius it is ‘May I’.”

“Sorry Daddy. May I go to Disney Land?” the little blond pleaded with his dark Mercury eyes.

“Yes, you may go to Disney Land. In fact Hugo’s Uncle Harry has invited Uncle Severus and I to with you all.”

“Awe but you will be no fun. You won’t let me go on any fun rides. Uncle Severus will scare my friends.” Scorpius pouted not seeing the gob-smack face on his father.

“He’s got you both pegged.” Pansy laughed having finally caught up to the two. “Now stop pouting you know it’s true.”

“Well my son I promise that I will let you go on the fun rides” Draco ignored his laughing friend. “You don’t have to worry about Uncle Severus scaring anyone. Hugo’s Uncle Remus will keep him busy and away from your friends.”

“Okay then you can go.” Scorpius decided and went into the shop to go start his Homework.

“Pansy will you stop that laughter. You sound like a Hyena.”

“I do not!” She screeched before smoothing her appearance once again. “So how did the meeting go?”

“It went brilliantly considering Severus hated Uncle Harry on sight.”

“What?”

“Don’t ask. It was a horrible start and almost ruined Scorpius chances of going on this trip. I swear sometimes Severus is too bitter for his own good. I nearly lost the chance to get to know Potter.”

“Potter as in Harry Potter and his son James the Boy-Who-Lived?”

“What are you babbling about?”

“Oh right this happen when you were in Ireland over seeing that Sweet deliver for the Nott wedding. Harry Potter was married to Ginny Weasley the raising Tennis star. Last August she sent Psycho and attacked him and their 3 month-old baby. She was stopped by her brother who is a Sergeant at Scotland Yard but not before slashing them up really good. It was in all the papers and on the telly. The baby was so tiny he almost didn’t make it from the blood lost. Weasley is in prison for life but her solicitors are trying get her moved to a sanitarium which would give her chance to get out.”

“That’s insane! How could anyone attack a baby?”

“She is crazy but she knew what she was doing because she had two one-way tickets to Tahiti. Anyways that was the last the papers reported and that was 5 months ago. Nothing has been said on the issue since then. Dray, be careful on this trip you don’t want to cause Potter any stress by bring it up. Fortunately the baby was too young to remember what happened but still.”

“I understand Pans. I am going to have a long talk with Severus before we go though. Oh and Dark Lord will be staying at Potter’s for the weekend. Severus doesn’t trust you to watch his dog.”

“Of all of the nerve. Wait, who’s the Dark Lord?”

“The puppy formally, known as Snuffles. He did not like the name you had bestowed on the dog.”

“Your godfather has some serious issues. If he doesn’t want me to watch his dog, that’s fine with me. I do not want to watch a dog with depressing name. So then I’m off and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks Pans.” Draco smiled as he was left alone with his thoughts. Harry was such a beautiful man with such sad eyes. He was interested in Harry maybe wanted something more. He had to ask himself ‘Do I want to try with this broken man?’ Only time will tell for now he would just have to get through this trip. “Shit what am I going to wear?!”


A/N: Yay another Chapter done. While I’m still struggling with the muses I am still working on getting out chapters. Normally I don’t address comments from my reviews because I am so busy not only with writing but my Family. So I try to adjust my writings to hopefully answer the grammar and spelling issues. I am sorry I don’t have a Beta because I do not know anyone well enough to trust them to read my work. I am sorry some things escape my notice when I edit the postings. I will try harder but received a comment about the setting of this fic. Yes this Alternate Universe fiction story set in London. While I am trying to make it as authentic as possible with places and events such as Wimbledon, this is still an Alternate Universe story. I understand that The UK has free health care and yes the nation wide police reduction would be a global issue but this fiction is not based on real life. I created a situation for the drama in the story. I am sorry if this offends people but this is just a story I wrote for fun and not to bring forth any conspiracies or criticisms about my lack of authenticity in my writing. If I did then My work would no longer be fun and I might as well give it up. This is my joy and my release from the everyday routine. I thank everyone who has read my stories and all who have reviewed. Please no more comments on authenticity. I don’t mind comments about the spelling and grammar mistakes as those make me try harder in my editing. Please keep reading and keep reviewing and I’ll see you at the next post.