"I…" He what? What was the boy supposed to say to something like that?
Luckily, the man continued on. "It isn't all bad, of course. Having an older 'teacher' can be nice, wonderful even. Your first time won't be as awkward, you'll understand more, have a more confident person showing you things. It can be…"
The man trailed off and Harry realized, with startling clarity, that he was remembering. "Wait… you and McGonagall?"
James nodded, but there wasn't disgust on his face or even anger, it was almost fond remembrance. "Not when I was with your mom, of course, but prior to us dating. Like I said it isn't uncommon and… well things just sort of happened. When I started Lily though, Minerva and I talked and agreed it would be best to end that portion of our relationship."
"I…" he shook his head, "That's not going to happen."
He was met with an older stare, one that seemed to take him in for a few moments before nodding, "And that's perfectly fine Harry, one of the reasons I told you this is because I don't want anyone telling you that it has to. Riddle or any of the students. There is no obligations or anything else like that. Just remember it is natural to have those feelings, I'm not sure where your mind will be at with all the time travel but its perfectly normal to be curious about things like that, regardless of your age."
Harry wanted to laugh, tried to in fact, but it came out hollow and choked. "She… she kissed me, at the station, before we got onto the Express."
James frowned, "Did she ask you first?"
"N-no… is that why she got me the necklace?"
This time he sighed, "Well… it's pretty normal for the older witch, especially if she is established with a good job, to buy gifts for the younger. Jewelry tends to be a bit on the flirtatious side though, I'll admit. Probably why your mom was pissed. Sirius would get things like that all the time, but to be fair he was also a bit of a slut."
Harry stared, making the connection for a moment before bursting out into laughter. That did seem like something the other Marauder might be known for.
Seeing as how the conversation had lightened, James gestured towards the door, "So, what do you say, should we go and talk to your mom about what you want to do about this Riddle thing?"
The boy-who-lived took a deep breath before letting it out as a sigh, "Yeah, I think I'm ready."
****
"I'm sorry" Lily looked up from where she was sitting at the kitchen table, attempting to do some reading despite being thoroughly distracted, to see her husband and newest member of her family standing at the doorway. "I was angry. I should have listened and talked it out rather than running away. I'm sorry."
Her expression softened as she noticed the relief in her husband's eyes as well. "Well, we should have talked to you about this in private first rather than springing it on you all at once. We forget that you aren't like Amaryllis and Harriet and that you are more independent and mature. I promise to do better in the future."
"As do I." James chimed in, "Would you like to sit down and talk about it a bit more?"
Harry nodded, before taking a seat across from his mother, while the man took an empty chair next to his wife.
****
A tapping at her window earned Grace Riddle's attention, one with a letter tied to its leg. It wasn't the snow-white one belonging to Harry, but she held out hope it would still be from his family giving positive news regardless.
Opening the glass she allowed the creature in, offering it a treat and watching it depart after removing the object in question. A second later and her eyes were scanning over the parchment, taking in what was written in the short, concise script.
It wasn't the news she was hoping for, but wasn't a refusal either. Harry was hesitant, but still open to the idea. Lily and James were suggesting a trial period, an opportunity for her to show exactly what she could teach him.
A smile formed on her lips, if there was one thing Grace Riddle thrived at, it was challenges.
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