Chapter Text
(New and Improved) Headquarters-- Seven Years Later
“I want another kid,” James says, apropos of nothing.
“No,” Lily says, instantly.
“Absolutely not,” Regulus says, simultaneously.
“Oh, come on,” James says, a pleading look on his face. “Why not?”
The two of them look up at him, matching disbelieving looks on their faces.
When it becomes clear that James really is looking for an explanation, Regulus sighs, and puts down the sketch he’d been working on. “Because, for one, our son is the Master of Death,” Regulus explains. “Can you imagine the complex that would give his younger sibling?”
“And Harry is twelve- that’s too much of an age gap,” Lily says.
“We could adopt- someone older than him, even,” James says.
“Older siblings can have complexes, too,” Lily counters.
“What if none of that was an issue,” James presses. “What if we found a kid that has, I don’t know, the sort of personality that would make it impossible for him to get intimidated by his younger brother?”
“So, a raging narcissist,” Regulus says, flatly.
James points. “Yes! Exactly!”
Regulus stares at him. “...that was not intended as a genuine suggestion,” he says.
“Narcissists deserve love too,” James says, frowning.
“I didn’t say they didn’t,” Regulus says. James narrows his eyes, but seems to decide Regulus is being sincere.
“James, where is this even coming from?” Lily asks. “This is so out of the blue!”
“You both know I always wanted more than one kid,” James says, folding his arms.
“And then we all died,” Lily says. “And got distracted with finding all of Voldemort’s horcruxes. You know that.”
“I thought you were alright with having just the one child,” Regulus adds.
“I am,” James says, looking down at his hands. “I wouldn’t trade Harry for the world.”
Lily and Regulus both look at James, who is looking a little like a kicked puppy. Then, they look at each other. And sigh.
“James,” Regulus starts. “I’m- not opposed, entirely. I like the idea of adopting an older child. And if we find the right fit for our family, it might be nice.”
“I agree,” Lily says.
James lights up.
“...but,” Lily says, and James schools his expression into something more reserved. “Not until after we find and destroy the last horcrux. We’re close, I know we are, but- we can’t risk adding another member to our family while it’s still possible Voldemort could return.”
Regulus frowns. “And I don’t like that it’s his first one, either,” he says. “So much of his soul, still unaccounted for…”
James nods, looking decidedly somber. “Yes,” he says. “His very fifteen-year-old soul.”
Lily and Regulus both nod as well, expressions distant. Then, Regulus pauses. “Wait,” he says.
James is already talking:
“Okay, so before you shoot it down, Tom’s already out of the diary because- well, funny story, you know our son? The one with all those super-cool, a little bit scary powers we don’t fully understand yet? Well, the little scamp accidentally pulled him out-”
“James.”
“Look, I’ve been writing to him and he’s really not so bad- I mean, besides the one murder-”
“James!”