written by Rae Kelly

James Potter sat in the smaller Wizengamot court room as he had just over a year before. In fact, everyone who had been there before was ther e now and most were even sitting in the same places as before and James almost felt as if he had been transported back in time. The biggest difference was that Remus and Draco were sitting behind Severus, Lily and Harry rather than in the section reserved for witnesses as they had been last year. Their presence hadn't been required by the court, but James had requested that they be there.

"Everything will be fine, son," Tom told the nervous younger man.

"As long as they believe that I have really changed, Dad," James replied, sighing when the members of the Wizengamot filed into the room.

As soon as they were all seated, the Chief Warlock banged his gavel and called them all to order. "Mr. Potter, I understand that you would like to address the court before we begin?"

James nodded and stood. "With your permission, I would actually like to speak to young Draco."

"Very well. Proceed."

The former Auror turned and faced the young blonde. "Draco, what I did last year was very wrong. I didn't see that at the time, but I know now. I never meant to frighten you, I only wanted to see Harry…I just went about it the wrong way. My parents never taught me right from wrong and I didn't heed those who tried to teach me those lessons. And because of that I landed myself in a lot of trouble. You did the right thing in standing up for your friends and I'm glad that my son has you as a friend. I hope that one day you can forgive me for frightening you." He smiled at the boy. "Neither of us had good birth parents, but I'm glad that you've been given a second chance at parents and I hope that you never take them for granted."

James turned next to Harry. "My son…you are more mature than I was a year ago. I should have listened to you when you said that you didn't want to fly Buckbeak. I shouldn't have talked bad about your Da in front of you. And I never should have come to your house that day. I just wanted to see you to explain things you to, but I got spooked and panicked." He walked over and knelt in front of his son. "I promise to be a better dad from now on. I'll probably still make some mistakes, but I'm counting on you to help me figure it out."

He finally stood and faced Lily and Severus. "I'm extremely sorry for all that I put you through last year. I was…jealous of you, Severus. You had Lily and Harry and even though you weren't rich, you were happy with your life. I envied that.

"I also want to thank you both for teaching me so much this last year. I learned as much from the two of you as I did from Tom. If the court agrees to joint custody again, I would like to sit down with you both and learn your rules for Harry as well as the routines you have in your home. I finally understand what you said before about Harry needing consistency." He turned back to the Wizengamot. "I'm finished now."

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," the Chief Warlock said. "Our biggest concern is that you are able to provide a stable environment for Harry. And part of that is showing some responsibility. When we were here last year, you didn't even have a steady job…and never had."

"I do now, Your Honor," James replied. "I've been offered a position at Hogwarts as the flying instructor and the Quidditch coach. I will also still be considered a consultant with the Auror division as needed."

"And where will you be living?"

James glanced at his father before facing the Wizengamot again. "During the school year I will have my own quarters at Hogwarts. When school is not in session, I will continue living at Potter Manor."

A few minutes later a silencing ward went up while the Wizengamot discussed their verdict.

Harry whispered something in Severus' ear and when the Potions Master nodded, the little boy went over to James, leaning against his side and giving his father a hug. "I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, Harry James," the older Potter whispered into his son's ear, holding the boy close. He lifted Harry up to sit on his lap. Harry would be getting too old for this soon, but James intended to take advantage of it for as long as he could. "Maybe this weekend I can take you to Godric's Hollow for some trick-or-treating."

"Can Teddy, Tessa, and Draco come too?" Harry asked. "I haven't gotten to play with them much since baby Zoey was born. Just at school and Quidditch practice."

"Well, I'll talk to your mum and da and Uncle Remus and Aunt Cissy and we'll see what we can work out."

"Thanks, Dad," Harry replied, giving his dad another hug as the silencing ward dropped. Rather than going back to where he had been sitting, Harry stayed where he was, leaning back against James' chest.

The Chief Warlock spoke. "Mr. Potter, we have decided to allow you supervised visits with your son, as you had before. In six months, we will meet again to discuss further arrangements."

"Thank you, Your Honor," James replied.

Lily and Severus exchanged a look and Severus stood. "Your Honor, my wife and I have a request."

"Go ahead, Mr. Snape."

"We would like to be added to the list of those approved to supervise those visits with our son. As well as the Lupins and Headmaster Riddle. This will allow Mr. Potter to spend more time with Harry without having to arrange visits through Wizarding Family Services."

There was a quick discussion between the senior members of the Wizengamot. "Agreed. We're dismissed."

James stood and crossed over to Severus and Lily, Harry still in his arms. He held a hand out to Severus. "Thank you."

"Just don't betray our trust," Severus told him, shaking James' hand.

"I won't. I swear."

Mathilda Bagshot walked over to the small group. "Mr. Potter, I've been assigned to your case again."

He smiled at her. "I'm glad, Tildy. I'd hate to have to start fresh with someone new."

"I'll be contacting you in a few days to set up an appointment."

"Actually, while you are here…" he turned to Severus and Lily. "With your permission, I'd like to take Harry out to Godric's Hollow this weekend…and teach him a bit of his family history. I'm also considering keeping the manor closed and living in the cottage when I'm not at Hogwarts. This way he can pick out a room and decide how he wants it decorated."

"Really?" Harry asked.

James waited for Severus to nod before answering Harry. "Really."