Chapter Text
Warlock’s Heart
Chapter 1
A Place to Call Home
Yelling could be heard throughout the small cottage in Godric’s Hollow. Three men stood in what looked like a living room in the small cottage. There was a sofa with a coffee table and two armchairs all facing a small roaring fire. Along the walls were pictures of two of the men smiling and holding onto each other along with being surrounded by others, their friends, and family.
One of the yelling men was a handsome man with brown eyes and messy black hair. He had clear, pale skin and wore a pair of glasses. He had a youthful appearance that aged rapidly through stress, and in his arms was a small bundle of blankets that held a baby that looked barely a month old. The small boy had his father’s messy black hair as well. “I am not going! It is ridiculous that you can even suggest something so stupid, Dumbledore!” The man yelled, holding his child close.
“You have no place to ask something from James and I,” the second man said. His arm was around James’ waist as he held him close. He looked younger than James, but still equally as aged by stress. Standing at the same height, this man’s long shaggy black hair framed his face as he glared at the third man with burning emerald eyes. “Especially what happened to my brother and Remus!”
The third man was an elderly man. He had long silvery gray hair and a long silvery gray beard that connected before going further down. His eyes were hidden behind crescent-shaped glasses. All three men were wearing robes, though the elderly man’s robes were of a deep purple while the other two men wore a simple black robe over normal clothes. “Their deaths were tragedies, but it is an unfortunate circumstance of war, boys,” Dumbledore said. “You all knew what you were getting into by joining the Order.”
“No, we didn’t! None of us did!” the second man said, holding James closer. “We knew this was a war but I didn’t expect you to be so heartless!”
“Regulus,” Dumbledore interrupted, “I have only all of your well-being in mind! I was always the utmost concern of mine.”
“This is your utmost concern?” Regulus demanded, letting go of James to pull his sleeve up. On his inner forearm was a black tattoo scarring his skin. It was of a skull with a snake coming out of the skull’s mouth and twisting around menacingly. “How is making a seventeen-year-old boy take the Mark looking out for me, Albus?” Regulus demanded. “How is forcing me back into the madhouse with that insane megalomaniac looking out for me? You know what he does! You know exactly what he did to me! Does to anyone who even looks at him the wrong way!” He pulled his sleeve down and wrapped his arm around James once more. “I am not leaving my family to be tortured by him, Albus,” he said, spitting at Dumbledore’s name.
Dumbledore gave a soft frown and said, “I’m sad that you would think so poorly of me and those who gave their lives to the cause. Sirius and Remus would have—”
“Don’t you dare use my brother against me, old man!” Regulus yelled. James felt squirming and the baby in his arms started to cry.
“Reg, Harry,” he whispered.
“Sorry, lovely,” Regulus sighed, he gave Dumbledore a harsh look before turning his entire attention to Harry. “I want to keep my husband and son safe, and the only way to do that is to stay out of this war, Dumbledore. Out of your Order.”
“You know Voldemort will not stop until he controls all of Britain and kills everyone who ever opposed him,” Dumbledore argued. “You cannot step away from a war you started, boys, be reasonable.”
“Is that what you said to Lily before she found herself dead too?” James spat bitterly. “All of our friends die around us and you’re still standing—how is that, Dumbledore?” He gently moved the baby Harry into Regulus’ arms before confronting Dumbledore. “Lily, Sirius, and Remus all lay dead and yet you’re still fine and dandy. I want to live, damn it, and see my son grow up! But I can’t if I keep at this war and you keep sending me and Regulus to our deaths! I don’t care about your mission or your greater good, goddamn it, all I care about is what little remains of my family!”
“James, I know you are feeling stressed but that is no reason to feel hysterical—”
“ALL MY FRIENDS ARE DEAD!” James yelled at the top of his lungs at Dumbledore. “ALL OF THEM! WE ARE BARELY TWENTY AND YOU KILLED THEM! YOU SENT LILY TO BE BEHEADED! JUST AS YOU SENT SIRIUS AND REMUS TO GET KILLED! ALL OF THIS IS YOUR FAULT AS IT IS VOLDEMORT’S AND I AM SICK OF IT!”
Harry’s cries filled the room as James huffed angrily. “Look at what you caused!” He yelled at Dumbledore. He turned his back to the old man and pulled out his wand as Regulus started shushing and rocking the baby gently. James summoned small globes of faint light that shined in many colors. The lights shone above Harry who opened his eyes revealing their baby-blue blue with hints of his father’s green color. The two men doted on the baby to calm him down, and they talked silently with their eyes as they looked at each other. Regulus nodded and took a cooing Harry out of the room and through a door as James turned to address Dumbledore once more.
“I will not leave my son an orphan or deprive him of any of his fathers,” James said in a cold, threatening voice.
“There are bigger plans and bigger problems than the safety of your family,” Dumbledore said seriously. “I am sorry, James, but the needs of Magical Britain surpass your personal wants. I do my best to keep you all safe, believe me, your friends’ deaths weigh heavy on my heart.”
“Is that true? Really?” James sneered, “Or is it another selfish desire from you, old man?”
“What are you implying?” Dumbledore asked, “Do you even know what you are saying?”
“I know exactly what I am saying, Dumbledore,” James seethed. He took a step closer to Dumbledore, who stood stoic with his hands at his side. Still holding his wand, James dug it under Dumbledore’s chin. The old man did not retaliate as James’ eyes bore into him with hatred. “When exactly were you going to tell us about the prophecy?” he spat.
“I do not know what you are suggesting, James,” Dumbledore said.
“Don’t bullshit me, Dumbledore, this is my family we are talking about!” James said, “The prophecy! The one a Death Eater told you he overheard!” There was a shock of recognition in Dumbledore’s eyes and James gave a short laugh. “Yes! That one!” he continued, “the one about my son! Saying that he’s the one to kill You-Know-Who. The one that puts a target on my baby’s head! When were you thinking of telling us that?”
“You are perfectly safe, there was no reason to tell you at that time,” Dumbledore said, folding his arms. “You and Regulus are overreacting and wasting precious time. I need the both of you in the field, I will keep your child safe—”
“No, you won’t!” James yelled, pushing Dumbledore away with his free hand. Dumbledore stumbled back a couple of steps but didn’t fall. “Reg and I talked, and we agreed: we’re moving.”
“That is a horrible idea, James, I am completely against it,” Dumbledore said. “You’re not safe.”
“We will be after we move,” James said. “We’re going someplace far away, you will never find us, and more importantly you and this stupid war will never touch my family again!” Dumbledore gave him a deeply disappointed look and James gasped when he felt a presence in his mind. He quickly put up his mental shields as he whipped his wand to send a stunner toward Dumbledore, who easily blocked it with his own wand. “Get out!” he shouted.
“It’s not safe, we need to know,” Dumbledore insisted. “James, believe me. Your family is not safe outside of the Order’s protection.”
“My family will be safe only when we are far away from the Order and you!” James shouted. “None of you are welcome in our home anymore, Professor Dumbledore. Goodbye.”
“You’re making a serious mistake, James Potter,” Dumbledore warned.
“At least I’ll be alive to regret it, goodbye, Dumbledore,” James said. He flicked his wand and the fireplace burned an emerald flame. Dumbledore gave him one final look before walking through the floo fire. James quickly moved to replace the wards around his home. He blocked the floo channel, warded his home against Apparation, and made sure to put up every single shield and charm he could think of. Exhausted after expending so much magic, the twenty-year-old sighed heavily as he made his way back to his bedroom, where Regulus was humming over a self-rocking bassinet. Harry was sleeping peacefully inside.
“How is he?” James asked, giving a tired kiss to his nineteen-year-old husband.
“Just fell asleep,” Regulus said softly. “Is he gone?”
“Dumbledore? Yeah, and I’ve put up all the wards. We won’t be disturbed at all,” James said, giving a long yawn. With another sigh, he leaned against Regulus and smiled down at Harry. “Don’t worry cub,” he whispered, “Dad’s gonna make sure no one ever hurts you again. We’re going to have a new life, you hear?”
“A better life,” Regulus said, smiling softly. “Is everything ready?”
“Yes, I just got the confirmation from Gringotts before Dumbledore arrived,” James said. “Most of the money is going to stay over here to build, while an account is opened in Massachusetts. It’s a joint account, but if you want a private one we can open it when we get there.”
“You don’t have to worry about that, James, that’s fine,” Regulus chuckled. “As long as we have enough to get started. The inn is paid for as well, right?”
“Yes, I’ve dealt with everything, Reggie,” James yawned. “We’ll be exhausted from house hunting this time tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait,” Regulus smiled. “It’ll be amazing being away from everything. If only…”
“I know, but we got Harry,” James said, “And we’ll make sure that he’ll never forget his name.” He kissed Regulus again and said while he yawned, “Come on, it’s late and we’re gonna be busy tomorrow. Let’s go to bed.”
“I’ll be with you in a bit, I just want to make sure Harry’s fine and we have everything,” Regulus said.
“Alright, nice pups,” James shrugged before disrobing. He was soon in bed and deep asleep, snoring softly. Regulus watched both the Potters for a moment before getting up to stretch. The nineteen-year-old felt at least a decade or two older as he pulled their luggage to the living room. He wanted the pictures to be the last to go, he couldn’t even begin to think of a day he couldn’t see his brother.
Their plan was months in the making, as soon as they realized they were going to have Harry they wanted to leave. But it was too dangerous. The ritual they used wasn’t exactly the lightest of magic, and it was in a gray area legally. Regulus remembered how fiercely Sirius argued with them against the Ministry that they should be allowed to perform the ritual, and with a shit-ton of money, they were given permission. But it was all worth it, and their little Harry was conceived.
Regulus picked up a picture of him and Sirius and smiled fondly, “Wish you were here,” he sighed, “but we’ll make it work. I promise.” He packed the rest of the pictures in silence before opening a larger trunk in the center of the room. He waved his wand and all of their furniture, their sofas, armchairs, bookcases, tables, utensils, and dining chairs all flew into the air, shrinking as they did, before piling into the trunk comfortably. Pillows and blankets were next, layering on top before the trunk closed itself and locked with a click.
His job of packing done, Regulus stretched and yawned as he found his way back to his bedroom where both Potters were sound asleep. He changed into his pajamas carefully and softly moved into the bed, snuggling with James before he too fell asleep.
The next morning was a mad rush of last-minute packing. They had to get their bedroom packed, their bed, sheets, blankets, wardrobes, and clothes all shrinking to fit in their own trunk Harry’s bassinet shrunk to join all of Harry’s clothes and toys in a trunk just for Harry. James, being better at Charms than Regulus, waved his wand and all of the trunks shrank until they all fit comfortably in their pockets. “Weird holding our lives in my pocket, eh?” James said, giving Regulus a smirk, “Reminds me of the time when I held your entire co—”
“Not in front of Harry, James,” Regulus groaned. He pulled out a small leather pouch and opened it, revealing a vivid purple soot. “Come on, I heard horror stories about American immigration and I want to get it all over with.”
“Fun,” James groaned, “but when we’re done I know exactly where I want your… rooster” He grinned widely as Regulus just groaned.
“You damn pervert,” Regulus grumbled, and he squeaked when he felt James slap his ass. He shot his husband a glare before moving to the fireplace. He threw the entire pouch to the fireplace, and it came alive with purple flames. James held Harry as the couple moved close, Regulus wrapping an arm around James’ waist, and the two stepped through the purple fire, saying goodbye to Britain forever.
They appeared in a sterile white room with a single desk and a middle-aged woman with fading blonde hair sitting behind it. She looked tired and yawned loudly before noticing them. “Stupid time difference,” she muttered to herself before perking up. “Hello! Good morning,” she said in a practiced customer service voice. “My name is Amanda, and welcome to Massachusetts. You are the… Potters, correct?” she asked, glancing down at a stack of papers in front of them. “Two adults and one child?”
“Yes, that would be us,” James said, stepping forward. “I’m James, my husband Regulus, and our son Harry.”
“Mighty young,” the woman muttered before smiling. “I see, I see, well if you all would like a seat. We have coffee if you need it, hot or iced. Or would you like some tea as you English say?” she giggled while James and Regulus just stared at her. She stared back and sighed, “Look, it’s 5 in the damn morning, and I have the night shift, so excuse me.” She gave another yawn and snapped her fingers. A coffee pot and mug appeared, and the pot filled the mug before the woman downed it all in one huge gulp.
“Right! So papers!” she said. “We have lots of papers to go through! First, identification for all of you! We got what you sent us but we need it again!”
“Oh right, of course,” Regulus said a little awkwardly. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small stack of papers. “Err, this should be everything.”
“Let’s see here,” the woman said, taking the papers. “We have James Potter and Regulus Black-Potter,” she began reading through the papers and checking with the papers she had. “And the little boy here is… Harry Sirius Potter, just as the paper here says. Good, good. Birthdates match up… now you two have graduated from Hogwarts, correct?”
“Yes, ma’am,” James answered.
“And it says here you were in the British Auror program?” the immigration agent asked, looking up at James who nodded. “How can you do that without a college or whatcha call it university degree? Or is there a trade school situation there?”
“I’m sorry?” James asked, “I don’t understand the question.”
“Right different schooling programs, let me put it like this then. Over there, you’re adults by seventeen right? Meaning that you can use magic outside of school. Same over here, but we still require you do to more schooling, at least for the big bucks jobs, you know? We got your elementary school which goes from five-ish in kindergarten to eighth grade when you’re around thirteen-fourteen years old, you can break that up even more with a middle school for 6th to 8th grade, and then you got your high school, see. You heard of our magical schools right?”
“I think I have, Ilvermorny School, right?” Regulus asked. “That’s the one we’ve heard about at least.”
The woman nodded, “Yeah that’s one of them. Boring school, very pretentious, don’t send your boy there, full of pricks. Anyway, those schools are like a mixture of middle and high school, starting around sixth grade and they’ll stay there until they’re seniors in high school, usually eighteen years old, see? Then after that, which you boys should be in, is like a college. There are several great ones in Massachusetts, and you’ll love them, you go there for four or so years to earn the big bucks, you see, though it can be expensive so honestly, and this is my mother speaking not me, after you get through everything here and settle down you might want to open up an account for that boy there to start saving.”
“Uh thanks,” James said, he felt his face fluster and turned to see Regulus’s face was as red as well.”
“Yeah no don’t worry, again this is all stuff that you and your husband can talk about after you settle in,” the woman shrugged. “Now I got everything in order, but for our records what town are you staying in?”
“Salem, we heard that it is a fully wizarding town like we have in England called Hogsmeade,” James said. “We want Harry to grow up in a place where we don’t have to hide.”
“Yup, got that down here too,” the woman said, tapping the papers. “And Salem’s one of many like that. You can do your own research but we got magical towns all over America, and every major city got their own magical part. Now, I just need you boys to sign some papers and you’re all good to go.”
The process took more than half an hour. Both of their hands and arms ached as they signed page after page and shifted Harry from one parent to the next. When they were finally done, Amanda the immigration worker took their documents and tapped her wand on the pile. Everything disappeared in a manila folder, and the three adults stood up. “Congratulations,” Amanda said as she shook their hands. “You can go through those doors and have your belongings processed.”
The screening took even longer. They walked into a room with a long line of people getting into America. The people keeping the lines in order were rude and yelling loudly at everyone as the line kept on moving, splitting into different sections. James and Regulus held hands to keep together as they moved with the line. Eventually, they reached a counter where someone asked them to empty their pockets for their luggage. The two men did so, flinching as another person yelled at them to take off their shoes, and the first person waved their wand over the shrunken luggage before giving them the all-clear as the second waved their wand over them and Harry.
It took too long, it was almost eight by the time they had their belongings and were out of the area, but soon they were free as they exited the building and stepped onto a cobblestone square. It was a sunny morning, and James and Regulus stood around to look around the square for a moment. Buildings surrounded them all with shingled roofs and stone and brick walls. Just at a glance, they saw a shop for potion ingredients, a large grocery store, an ice cream store, clothing shops, restaurants, and, with a large sign that read “Abigail’s Inn,” an inn.
“That’s the inn,” James said, pointing at it. “Come on!” He grinned widely at Regulus, and like a renewed man he practically skipped toward the inn as he held Regulus’s hand. Regulus laughed as he followed. It was a nice and spacious inn with plenty of lighting and polite workers. Soon, they were in a rather large room with a king-sized bed and a complimentary crib for Harry. They agreed to a nap before starting to search for a home.
It took three days of looking and exploring the town of Salem, getting used to the town that was much bigger than Hogsmeade or Godric’s Hollow, but in the end, James and Regulus found a house they could call home.
It was a two-story home that was rectangular with one corner pushing out to a circular tower. The walls were a mixture of stone and wood that was painted black and needed another coating of paint in James’ opinion. There were many windows, which Regulus was happy with, and a basement that James joked Regulus could live to do all his potions work in. The yard was spacious with a large tree on the property in the backyard, and both young men were shocked and excited at the prospect of owning a backyard! They took an entire day to move in, James leaving most of the organization to Regulus.
James spent the time playing with Harry as he looked through a magazine, he picked up full of pamphlets of various magical colleges and programs found in the state of Massachusetts. “Babe,” James called out, “There’s an advanced program in Defense Against the Dark Arts I could take. It offers night classes and it’s only for two years, it says that it’s everything a wizard needs to become an Auror. Several Ex-Aurors teach the course apparently!”
“That’s good, but what are we going to do about Harry?” Regulus asked. “We both can’t take courses at the same time and what about work?”
“Shit, right,” James said, frowning. “There’s this great Potioneering program too at the same university.” He looked over at Regulus, who was messing with the placement of the armchairs. “You could become a Potions Master.”
“That does sound nice,” Regulus hummed, “but I think you should go first. I’ll take care of Harry.”
“Are you sure?” James asked, pouting his lips in worry. Regulus rolled his eyes and moved to kneel down next to James. “I’m sure,” he whispered and he kissed James, using his teeth to pull at James’ lip. “Now no pouting!” Regulus said. “We got a lot of work to do, and if we need the extra money, I’ll find a job in the meantime. There's that potion shop with the elderly couple we visited yesterday with a help wanted sign, remember?”
“Are you sure Reggie?” James asked, leaning against his husband. “I can take care of us.”
“Yes I’m sure, and stop with that macho stuff,” Regulus said, rolling his eyes. “If you want to keep your manhood up then get in that program and start going to the gym again.” He rubbed his hand on James’ flat stomach and laughed as James protested. Harry gave a soft cry and Regulus took him. “What’s the matter, hungry cub?” He cooed, “Come on, let’s get food in our bellies while Daddy does boring paperwork for uni!”
James grumbled but couldn’t help but smile as he relaxed on the floor. They were finally settled. No war. No Voldemort. No Dumbledore or his Order. Just them, the small family living in America. He was going to make it work. He was determined. He was the man of the house after all! Even if Regulus would disagree. James picked up the magazine again and read through the program. He needed a letter from Hogwarts for his N.E.W.T. scores, and after a moment’s consideration, he figured Professor McGonagall would be the one to ask for both his and Regulus’. He was going to university, or college as they call it here first, but he was determined to get Regulus in that Potions program when he was done.
“Going to make a good life for you boys,” he said, looking at the doorway Regulus left through. “Just you wait, Daddy’s got you.”