http://noblealice.livejournal.com/ (![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png)
noblealice.livejournal.com) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
noblealiceworks2008-09-02 05:38 pm
noblealice.livejournal.com) wrote in noblealiceworks2008-09-02 05:38 pm
Entry tags:
fic: goes before the fall (lily/james; harry potter; rating:g)
Title: Goes before the Fall: Swallowed Pride, Shared Pride & Pride and Joy
Author: lily268
Pairing: Peter, Lily/James & (only-if-you-want-to-see-it) Remus/Sirius
Rating: G
Summary: In response to all of their praise, Harry thought it a good idea to blow a spit bubble at them and then attempt to suck on his toes.
Word Count: 1,700
Author's Note: Ack. This was supposed to be a drabble of proud parents crowing over their son and predicting greatness - not knowing how terribly accurate they would be (and how miserable he would be to be famous). Then it 'sploded!
Set in 1979 and following the Marauders until late 1980 (when Harry was born). Star Wars first came out in 1977. Three vignettes. Unbeta'd.
Sirius and him are walking down the street together, finishing off the last of the chips he paid for. They've already seen two places today and they've got one last address on the list he'd made of available flats for rent in his price range.
He doesn't really want to move out, but his Uncle had been making not-quite-whispered comments to his Aunt about when he was going to leave them alone. He would have liked to move in with one of his mates, but James is transferring all his things to share a flat with Lily and Sirius and Remus have already signed onto a two bedroom lease to save money.
He wouldn't feel comfortable with a Muggle roommate and anyone worth knowing is already a Marauder. So he's off to look for a bachelor pad, hoping that the next place has better plumbing and windows above ground.
Sirius interrupts his thoughts like always, with a blunt statement that leaves him feeling awkward. "Maybe you shouldn’t mention that you like that film. Y'know, the space one."
"It’s a great story! The boy grows up without friends or a father and then ends up saving the day! He learns that---"
"Yeah, yeah. You wish you got a mysterious message to rescue a pretty witch. Don’t worry! You want to be Luke SkyTracker, I want to be Casanova, James wants to be someone Lily fancies and I’m sure Moony has some obscure literary figure he idolizes but we’ve never heard of."
"Actually, it's--"
Sirius cut him off abruptly as they turned the corner. "But not all wizards understand Muggle films."
"Well...I guess that if it doesn’t come up in conversation..."
"Exactly! So go out and be yourself. What daft bloke wouldn’t want a Marauder as a roommate?"
Peter neglected to mention that neither of them had wanted him.
-----
"C’mon, honey. Do it for mommy."
"See ya, Lils. I’m setting off." He tapped the doorframe, waiting for a response. With her maternal instinct ramped up to full, she had lately been insisting that he let her know where he was at all times. However, her eyes didn’t flick up to say goodbye or remind him to pick up more diapers before he came home. She was fussing with Harry, murmuring and jostling him against her chest. He smirked at the crease in her brow. She sure was cute when she got frustrated.
"Got a problem?"
"S’fine. Just can’t get him to latch on."
"Wot?"
"I don’t want to resort to formula, but he’s been reluctant for a week now."
"Give ‘em time. He’ll be great at it. He’s a Potter." James walked to the rocking chair she was using and rested his chin on her head from behind. "Ain’t that right, little fella? You just gotta start a pattern and before you know it, you’ll be succeeding at everything you touch."
"Heaven help us if he inherits your ego." She giggled and reached a hand up for him, curling her fingers around his when he met her halfway. "I just look down at him and I’ve got so much love in me. Enough for ten of him. It takes me over."
"Imagine that. Ten little Harry’s all toddling around. Wouldn’t that be smashing, Lilypudding? Just what this world needs!" He imagined the way she had glowed with pride when she was round with his child, how she would just stand sometimes, one hand resting on her belly in satisfaction. "He’d excel at everything. Be the marvel of the wizarding world!"
James playfully tickled Harry under his chin. "Can you already see it, little man?"
"Everyone might know his name." She continued to stare down intently at his face, tracing his chin with pride.
"Exactly." He beamed, pleased that Lily was getting into the game. As a benefit, since relaxing a bit, Harry seemed more interested in feeding.
"Think they'll write stories in the Prophet about our marvelous son?"
"Of course! He’ll be a ladies man like his Dad and the brightest wizard Hogwarts has seen like his Mom."
"A ladies man?" She attempted to give him a disbelieving stare - an attempt which was thwarted by Harry's exuberant resistance.
"Well, okay, lady-singular." Upon seeing her eyebrow still arched, he protested, "I got you in the end, didn’t I?"
"I thought we agreed that I got you—ahhh!"
"What? You okay?"
"Yes! He’s doing it! Oh, my beautiful baby boy! Thank you! Mumsy loves you so so much!" She cried out and tried not to move too much so as to not interrupt him.
James wrapped his arm around her shoulders, gazing down at Harry’s eager little face all scrunched up with effort. "It feels like it’s impossible to love a 7 pound lump so much."
"Shh, he’ll hear you and get a complex."
"Harry? Never. He’s above other people’s labels. It’s going to win him The Order of Merlin eventually."
"You can’t be awarded that just for ignoring other people’s snotty remarks. Dunderhead."
"He’ll find a way. Arse."
"Pity." James softly murmured into her hair.
"What?"
"By the looks of these feathery bits, our son’s either going to grow up to be a raven or have hair the color of one."
"Did you expect fur and antlers?"
"No. But I wouldn’t have minded if he had ginger hair like his beautiful mum."
"Charmer."
She gazed down onto his scrunched up eyes, closed with pleasure and marveled at how his tiny fist seemed to continually search out her body, closing and opening on reflex. Sometimes she wondered if it was wrong to be so happy. To feel so warm when he was with her. She knew he was too young to smile yet, but she knew with all of a mother's certainty that when he did, it would be so brilliant it could probably heal people! She should take his photo and distribute it around St. Mungo’s! She should write a biography of him and when people read it they’d instantly feel better!
After his gums seemed to pinch and knead at her sensitive skin, she winced slightly and it brought her back to reality. Maybe he wouldn't magically solve everyone's problems, but if he made just one other person feel the type of love she was feeling, it would be a miracle to celebrate.
"The world needs this right now. It needs him." James murmured aloud, as if reading her mind.
"Are you sure we’re not biased?" She gently teased.
"Not at all! Other parents wish they had our offspring! The genetic makeup alone is worth hundreds of Galleons!"
"That’s a lot to put on a little boy who can’t even gurgle properly yet. What if he just wants to be a normal kid, grow up, graduate, get a regular job and family then retire?"
"Bite your tongue. There is nothing normal about a Potter. I just know it. Our son will be a legend!"
"I’m sure you’re right, dear." Lily replied distractedly, concerned that Harry had decided he was finished his meal so quickly.
In response to all of their praise, Harry thought it a good idea to blow a spit bubble at them and then attempt to suck on his toes. He was somewhat unsuccessful, but managed to create a sticky line of drool that connected from the corner of his mouth to his foot. His besotted parents marveled at their genius child.
Sensing he had had enough and would not suck again, Lily shifted him to gently rub his back in an attempt to coax out the gas. When he burped, James was proud to have witnessed the best belch in the whole of London.
After glancing at his watch and holding in an oath, he got up from where he sat beside her on the bed, "I gotta book it now."
"Catch ya later, Lilypuddles. See ya, Harry."
-----
"Bollocks! I was hoping that the prat would be on time." Sirius had taken to pacing the length of their kitchen and Remus had been trying to avoid asking why for a solid twenty minutes before he blurted out a string of slurs against a supposed reliability.
"Who?" He wearily queried, not very interested.
"Prongs of course! Can’t trust that bugger for all the world!"
"Of course, why didn’t I see? He’s as slimy as a Slytherin! A promise from him is as flimsy as Galleon from a Leprechaun!"
"Now, don’t exaggerate Moony, it doesn’t become you."
He smiled at Sirius’s ability to keep a straight face – although it wouldn’t be hard when you believed everything you said. When he was about to tease him again, he felt the awful twinge of an itch that had become all too familiar. Sirius didn’t seem to notice and continued to ramble on while the cogs in Remus’ mind went wheeling out of control from worry. He was starting to feel like an unwelcome guest every time they continued to sneak to the Shack now that they had graduated. He couldn’t break into Hogwarts forever, could he?
He couldn’t stand being a risk to anyone else. At all costs, his condition was a threat that must be contained.
"Wormtail! Thank Merlin that someone owns a watch!" Sirius exclaimed as he threw open the door, sending Peter reeling slightly on the stoop from the force.
"Actually, I think I lost it in a puddle just the other—"
Sirius continued as he dragged him into the living room. "Not important. You’re here! Sit down! Have a chocolate! Want a beer?"
"No thanks." He said in a shaken voice, probably still wondering how he had transported from the doorway to the couch.
"Right. Me neither. Moony wants me to cut back." Casually, he threw the pack of matches he had been fiddling with haphazardly over his shoulder where it landed in a cushion of dirty socks.
Peter was saved from wondering about Sirius' drinking habits by James walking through the door. "Sorry I’m late. The little man refused to breastfeed."
"He refused Lily? Wait, are you sure he’s your son?"
"He just about shattered our china with his after-dinner burp so I don’t think I’ll order a DNA test."
"Load of rubbish anyways. Simple spell’d do just as well."
"So am I to be filled in on what I’m here for?"
"My great unveiling! My masterpiece! My only other hobby outside of my bike!"
"Sex doesn’t count as a hobby, Sirius." James poked him in the ribs.
"Pshaw. I will show you non-believers the meaning of the word—"
"Insane?"
"Barmy?"
"Loony?"
All three volunteered at once.
With a large, dramatic sigh, he continued. "No, you tossers." He had obviously intended flourish when he opened the walnut door to the linen closet, but his movement was too violent and the sudden large room behind the tiny doors proved too much for a reaction from any of them. All three stood with their mouths agape as Sirius walked into the area meant to keep guest pillows and was able to continue walking for a solid minute without touching the other side.
"Come on in! It’s The Infection-Prevention Room! Or The Transformation Lounge. I haven’t decided on the name yet."
"Excuse me?"
"For tonight! When you change, Moony! We need somewhere isolated."
"Of course, and London was your immediate thought?"
"Well, we’ll all be locked in."
"Hmm...it is sorta brilliant Remus." James had entered by now, gingerly touching the walls as if he were afraid they'd bounce back to their original size soon.
"Yes! Knew you’d see it my way, Jamesie! Oh, and look there! See that little hole? It’s like the knot in the tree!" Unimpressed by their uncomprehending silence, he continued as if they were all three year olds. "So Pete can still feel useful."
Pete’s words came out like a bite that wants to leave a mark, but must settle for the useless sting of sarcasm. "Gee whiz Sirius! That sure is swell!"
"Now, don’t get sour Pete, this is a big moment for Moony!" He paused and stepped closer towards Remus. "You do like it, right?"
"Course he does, Pads!" James came up from behind, slapping them both on the back. "How long did this take you? You obviously used a variation on the engorgement charm and you must have copied some elements from those experimental tents my Dad's been keen on getting for next year's World Cup."
"I got the idea from my mum’s pockets. They were bigger on the inside so she could fit loads more heirlooms on her at one time to keep them safe from thieving blood-traitors like me. She didn’t trust anyone else. That’s okay, isn’t it? Using that spell?" He looked almost bashful and Remus felt a churning in his stomach and a sudden need to reassure him.
"’Course it is, Padfoot. This is the best surprise I’ve ever gotten. I can’t believe how long you must have waited for a permit and the Muggle-deflecting authorization."
"Uhh...yeah...that permit was a right pain." He shifted the weight from one foot to the other, ruffling the hair on the back of his head.
Laughing, Remus reached for Sirius' shoulder. "Oh, come on then. We need to properly celebrate! I’m buying everyone a pint!"
.
Author: lily268
Pairing: Peter, Lily/James & (only-if-you-want-to-see-it) Remus/Sirius
Rating: G
Summary: In response to all of their praise, Harry thought it a good idea to blow a spit bubble at them and then attempt to suck on his toes.
Word Count: 1,700
Author's Note: Ack. This was supposed to be a drabble of proud parents crowing over their son and predicting greatness - not knowing how terribly accurate they would be (and how miserable he would be to be famous). Then it 'sploded!
Set in 1979 and following the Marauders until late 1980 (when Harry was born). Star Wars first came out in 1977. Three vignettes. Unbeta'd.
Sirius and him are walking down the street together, finishing off the last of the chips he paid for. They've already seen two places today and they've got one last address on the list he'd made of available flats for rent in his price range.
He doesn't really want to move out, but his Uncle had been making not-quite-whispered comments to his Aunt about when he was going to leave them alone. He would have liked to move in with one of his mates, but James is transferring all his things to share a flat with Lily and Sirius and Remus have already signed onto a two bedroom lease to save money.
He wouldn't feel comfortable with a Muggle roommate and anyone worth knowing is already a Marauder. So he's off to look for a bachelor pad, hoping that the next place has better plumbing and windows above ground.
Sirius interrupts his thoughts like always, with a blunt statement that leaves him feeling awkward. "Maybe you shouldn’t mention that you like that film. Y'know, the space one."
"It’s a great story! The boy grows up without friends or a father and then ends up saving the day! He learns that---"
"Yeah, yeah. You wish you got a mysterious message to rescue a pretty witch. Don’t worry! You want to be Luke SkyTracker, I want to be Casanova, James wants to be someone Lily fancies and I’m sure Moony has some obscure literary figure he idolizes but we’ve never heard of."
"Actually, it's--"
Sirius cut him off abruptly as they turned the corner. "But not all wizards understand Muggle films."
"Well...I guess that if it doesn’t come up in conversation..."
"Exactly! So go out and be yourself. What daft bloke wouldn’t want a Marauder as a roommate?"
Peter neglected to mention that neither of them had wanted him.
-----
"C’mon, honey. Do it for mommy."
"See ya, Lils. I’m setting off." He tapped the doorframe, waiting for a response. With her maternal instinct ramped up to full, she had lately been insisting that he let her know where he was at all times. However, her eyes didn’t flick up to say goodbye or remind him to pick up more diapers before he came home. She was fussing with Harry, murmuring and jostling him against her chest. He smirked at the crease in her brow. She sure was cute when she got frustrated.
"Got a problem?"
"S’fine. Just can’t get him to latch on."
"Wot?"
"I don’t want to resort to formula, but he’s been reluctant for a week now."
"Give ‘em time. He’ll be great at it. He’s a Potter." James walked to the rocking chair she was using and rested his chin on her head from behind. "Ain’t that right, little fella? You just gotta start a pattern and before you know it, you’ll be succeeding at everything you touch."
"Heaven help us if he inherits your ego." She giggled and reached a hand up for him, curling her fingers around his when he met her halfway. "I just look down at him and I’ve got so much love in me. Enough for ten of him. It takes me over."
"Imagine that. Ten little Harry’s all toddling around. Wouldn’t that be smashing, Lilypudding? Just what this world needs!" He imagined the way she had glowed with pride when she was round with his child, how she would just stand sometimes, one hand resting on her belly in satisfaction. "He’d excel at everything. Be the marvel of the wizarding world!"
James playfully tickled Harry under his chin. "Can you already see it, little man?"
"Everyone might know his name." She continued to stare down intently at his face, tracing his chin with pride.
"Exactly." He beamed, pleased that Lily was getting into the game. As a benefit, since relaxing a bit, Harry seemed more interested in feeding.
"Think they'll write stories in the Prophet about our marvelous son?"
"Of course! He’ll be a ladies man like his Dad and the brightest wizard Hogwarts has seen like his Mom."
"A ladies man?" She attempted to give him a disbelieving stare - an attempt which was thwarted by Harry's exuberant resistance.
"Well, okay, lady-singular." Upon seeing her eyebrow still arched, he protested, "I got you in the end, didn’t I?"
"I thought we agreed that I got you—ahhh!"
"What? You okay?"
"Yes! He’s doing it! Oh, my beautiful baby boy! Thank you! Mumsy loves you so so much!" She cried out and tried not to move too much so as to not interrupt him.
James wrapped his arm around her shoulders, gazing down at Harry’s eager little face all scrunched up with effort. "It feels like it’s impossible to love a 7 pound lump so much."
"Shh, he’ll hear you and get a complex."
"Harry? Never. He’s above other people’s labels. It’s going to win him The Order of Merlin eventually."
"You can’t be awarded that just for ignoring other people’s snotty remarks. Dunderhead."
"He’ll find a way. Arse."
"Pity." James softly murmured into her hair.
"What?"
"By the looks of these feathery bits, our son’s either going to grow up to be a raven or have hair the color of one."
"Did you expect fur and antlers?"
"No. But I wouldn’t have minded if he had ginger hair like his beautiful mum."
"Charmer."
She gazed down onto his scrunched up eyes, closed with pleasure and marveled at how his tiny fist seemed to continually search out her body, closing and opening on reflex. Sometimes she wondered if it was wrong to be so happy. To feel so warm when he was with her. She knew he was too young to smile yet, but she knew with all of a mother's certainty that when he did, it would be so brilliant it could probably heal people! She should take his photo and distribute it around St. Mungo’s! She should write a biography of him and when people read it they’d instantly feel better!
After his gums seemed to pinch and knead at her sensitive skin, she winced slightly and it brought her back to reality. Maybe he wouldn't magically solve everyone's problems, but if he made just one other person feel the type of love she was feeling, it would be a miracle to celebrate.
"The world needs this right now. It needs him." James murmured aloud, as if reading her mind.
"Are you sure we’re not biased?" She gently teased.
"Not at all! Other parents wish they had our offspring! The genetic makeup alone is worth hundreds of Galleons!"
"That’s a lot to put on a little boy who can’t even gurgle properly yet. What if he just wants to be a normal kid, grow up, graduate, get a regular job and family then retire?"
"Bite your tongue. There is nothing normal about a Potter. I just know it. Our son will be a legend!"
"I’m sure you’re right, dear." Lily replied distractedly, concerned that Harry had decided he was finished his meal so quickly.
In response to all of their praise, Harry thought it a good idea to blow a spit bubble at them and then attempt to suck on his toes. He was somewhat unsuccessful, but managed to create a sticky line of drool that connected from the corner of his mouth to his foot. His besotted parents marveled at their genius child.
Sensing he had had enough and would not suck again, Lily shifted him to gently rub his back in an attempt to coax out the gas. When he burped, James was proud to have witnessed the best belch in the whole of London.
After glancing at his watch and holding in an oath, he got up from where he sat beside her on the bed, "I gotta book it now."
"Catch ya later, Lilypuddles. See ya, Harry."
-----
"Bollocks! I was hoping that the prat would be on time." Sirius had taken to pacing the length of their kitchen and Remus had been trying to avoid asking why for a solid twenty minutes before he blurted out a string of slurs against a supposed reliability.
"Who?" He wearily queried, not very interested.
"Prongs of course! Can’t trust that bugger for all the world!"
"Of course, why didn’t I see? He’s as slimy as a Slytherin! A promise from him is as flimsy as Galleon from a Leprechaun!"
"Now, don’t exaggerate Moony, it doesn’t become you."
He smiled at Sirius’s ability to keep a straight face – although it wouldn’t be hard when you believed everything you said. When he was about to tease him again, he felt the awful twinge of an itch that had become all too familiar. Sirius didn’t seem to notice and continued to ramble on while the cogs in Remus’ mind went wheeling out of control from worry. He was starting to feel like an unwelcome guest every time they continued to sneak to the Shack now that they had graduated. He couldn’t break into Hogwarts forever, could he?
He couldn’t stand being a risk to anyone else. At all costs, his condition was a threat that must be contained.
"Wormtail! Thank Merlin that someone owns a watch!" Sirius exclaimed as he threw open the door, sending Peter reeling slightly on the stoop from the force.
"Actually, I think I lost it in a puddle just the other—"
Sirius continued as he dragged him into the living room. "Not important. You’re here! Sit down! Have a chocolate! Want a beer?"
"No thanks." He said in a shaken voice, probably still wondering how he had transported from the doorway to the couch.
"Right. Me neither. Moony wants me to cut back." Casually, he threw the pack of matches he had been fiddling with haphazardly over his shoulder where it landed in a cushion of dirty socks.
Peter was saved from wondering about Sirius' drinking habits by James walking through the door. "Sorry I’m late. The little man refused to breastfeed."
"He refused Lily? Wait, are you sure he’s your son?"
"He just about shattered our china with his after-dinner burp so I don’t think I’ll order a DNA test."
"Load of rubbish anyways. Simple spell’d do just as well."
"So am I to be filled in on what I’m here for?"
"My great unveiling! My masterpiece! My only other hobby outside of my bike!"
"Sex doesn’t count as a hobby, Sirius." James poked him in the ribs.
"Pshaw. I will show you non-believers the meaning of the word—"
"Insane?"
"Barmy?"
"Loony?"
All three volunteered at once.
With a large, dramatic sigh, he continued. "No, you tossers." He had obviously intended flourish when he opened the walnut door to the linen closet, but his movement was too violent and the sudden large room behind the tiny doors proved too much for a reaction from any of them. All three stood with their mouths agape as Sirius walked into the area meant to keep guest pillows and was able to continue walking for a solid minute without touching the other side.
"Come on in! It’s The Infection-Prevention Room! Or The Transformation Lounge. I haven’t decided on the name yet."
"Excuse me?"
"For tonight! When you change, Moony! We need somewhere isolated."
"Of course, and London was your immediate thought?"
"Well, we’ll all be locked in."
"Hmm...it is sorta brilliant Remus." James had entered by now, gingerly touching the walls as if he were afraid they'd bounce back to their original size soon.
"Yes! Knew you’d see it my way, Jamesie! Oh, and look there! See that little hole? It’s like the knot in the tree!" Unimpressed by their uncomprehending silence, he continued as if they were all three year olds. "So Pete can still feel useful."
Pete’s words came out like a bite that wants to leave a mark, but must settle for the useless sting of sarcasm. "Gee whiz Sirius! That sure is swell!"
"Now, don’t get sour Pete, this is a big moment for Moony!" He paused and stepped closer towards Remus. "You do like it, right?"
"Course he does, Pads!" James came up from behind, slapping them both on the back. "How long did this take you? You obviously used a variation on the engorgement charm and you must have copied some elements from those experimental tents my Dad's been keen on getting for next year's World Cup."
"I got the idea from my mum’s pockets. They were bigger on the inside so she could fit loads more heirlooms on her at one time to keep them safe from thieving blood-traitors like me. She didn’t trust anyone else. That’s okay, isn’t it? Using that spell?" He looked almost bashful and Remus felt a churning in his stomach and a sudden need to reassure him.
"’Course it is, Padfoot. This is the best surprise I’ve ever gotten. I can’t believe how long you must have waited for a permit and the Muggle-deflecting authorization."
"Uhh...yeah...that permit was a right pain." He shifted the weight from one foot to the other, ruffling the hair on the back of his head.
Laughing, Remus reached for Sirius' shoulder. "Oh, come on then. We need to properly celebrate! I’m buying everyone a pint!"
.