Daddy Dearest

Albus Dumbledore was sitting at his desk sorting through the list of incoming first years when he heard the flutter of wings coming from the open window behind him.

Turning in his seat he smiled when he recognized it as Sirius Black's new owl, Orion.

"Hello, Orion. What do you have for me today?"

The owl flew over to Dumbledore and lifted its leg so the letter could be untied. Once it was released of its burden the owl nibbled on Dumbledore's ear before flying off through the window.

'Sirius must not have wanted a response,' Dumbledore thought. Turning once again to the letter, he unrolled the parchment and read...

Dear Albus,

Sirius and I have become quite concerned for Harry lately. Any owls we send him just get returned unopened. And that isn't like Harry. We were wondering if it was possible if you would allow us to go to the Dursley's home to check on him. Sirius is concerned that there might be something wrong. Please call us through the network once you have received this to tell us your answer.

Thank you,

Remus and Sirius

Dumbledore sighed softly. He wasn't sure if that was a good idea. But he knew he would have one angry godfather on his hands if he didn't allow it.

He got up to retrieve his supply of Floo Powder so he could make the call when he heard a commotion from outside his door. Making his way toward the door he stopped halfway when the door burst open revealing a flustered Professor McGonagall.

"Albus!" she gasped, her hand clutching the door handle for balance. "Quick, come to the front hall! Potter! He's alive!"

Dumbledore looked at McGonagall confused, "Alive? Of course Harry's alive. He's at his relative's home."

"No. Not Harry. James!"

"Minevera. James Potter is dead. Has been for 14 years." Dumbledore was beginning to wonder about the sanity of his Transfiguration professor.

"I'm positive it's him, Albus. At first I thought it was a Death Eater in disguise but I asked him some question and he answered each one correctly. I really do believe his is James."

Sighing Dumbledore stood up and walked around his desk and stood in front of the professor. "Ok, Minevera. Lead the way. I guess Remus can wait a little while longer."

Stopping just behind the gargoyle, Minevera turned back to the headmaster. "What's wrong with Remus, headmaster?"

"He sent me an owl requesting permission to check on Harry. He believes that he is in trouble since every owl that is sent to Harry has been returned unopened. Harry has never returned an owl unopened before this summer. So naturally he is concerned, as am I."

Minevera looked at Dumbledore shocked; "You don't think it's You Know Who do you?"

"Call him Voldemort, Minevera. Fear of the name creates fear of the thing. And no, I don't think it was him. There are too many wards around the Dursley home for him or any Death Eater to get to Harry."

McGonagall nodded but still looked concerned.

"Now, let's go see this James Potter."

**************************************

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall made their way to the entrance hall and were greeted by Professor Snape and the man claiming to be James Potter.

'My, he does look like James, but it can't be. James has been dead for 14 years,' he reminded himself.

"Severus, you're back already? And who is you guest?"

"Albus, I know this is hard to believe but this is James Potter. You have seen his son here for nearly 10 months out of the year..."

"My son? Harry?" James asked shocked. "You mean to tell me that after everything he has done you still allow him to come here?"

Everyone looked at James, shocked. "Potter!" Severus said exasperated. "I told you Voldemort and that rat were just lying to you. Your son would never even think of doing the things they told you he did,"

"Severus...James I think we better go to my office so you can explain what happened. Minevera, can you send a fire to Remus and tell him and his guest to Floo over here immediately?"

"Of course Albus. I'll go right now."

Albus sighed then led the two younger wizards to his office. Once they reached the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to his office he whispered the password, "Chocolate frogs."

Once inside he walked around his desk to sit down and waved to the two chairs for the other two to sit as well. Once they were all seated he looked at them.

"Now Severus please tell me how you came across James here."

Severus went on to tell Albus what went on during the meeting and how Voldemort had brought James back.

When Severus finished telling the story Dumbledore sat stunned. "Now, Severus I'm sure you understand that its not because I don't believe you that I'm questioning this?"

Severus nodded, "Of course Headmaster. I have some Veritaserum in my stores if you would like to use that?"

"Yes, thank you Severus." As Severus left the room Dumbledore then turned to James. "Now, James. Would you mind taking some truth serum in order to prove that you really are who you say you are?"

James nodded thoughtfully, "Yes of course Albus. I'm not that surprised that you're concerned. But I can assure you that I am James Potter and I will do anything to prove that to you."

"Good, good."

****************************

Minevera McGonagall went to her private chambers and straight to her fireplace. Throwing some powder into the fire she shouted out, "Remus Lupin."

Within a few seconds Remus's head popped into her living room. "Minevera. Well this is a surprise. What can I do for you?"

"Hello, Remus. I am calling because you sent an owl to Albus about Harry. But I am afraid that there is a matter of much more importance that you are needed here for. Albus has asked me to call you and have you and your guest Floo here as soon as possible."

Remus stared confused for a few seconds but soon nodded. "I'll be there in a few seconds. I'll just come through the fire here." After a few minutes the flames turned green and Remus Lupin came through quickly followed by another man that Minevera wasn't expecting.

"Sirius Black! Stupify!" Minerva cried, her wand pointing at the fallen man.

"Minerva! No! You don't understand! Sirius is innocent and Albus knows"

Minerva stared at her former colleague, "Mr. Lupin. I don't know what is going on here but once we get to the Headmaster's office you will be explaining this."

Remus nodded, "Fair enough." Taking his wand out, he pointed it at his friend he levitated him off the ground and through the halls to the Headmaster's office.

*****************************

As the trio came to the gargoyle guarding the office they were met by Severus, who was returning with the potion.

"Lupin. And what do we have here. It seems Black has finally got what he deserves," Snape sneered.

"That's enough, Severus. We have much more important things to deal with then your childishness." Stepping up to the gargoyle she gave the password and then walked into the office with Sirius floating along beside her; silently followed by the two men who were feeling more and more like they were about to get into trouble for some prank.