James is rattling off a million things at once, and Harry is, quite frankly, having a hard time keeping up with the facts he's learning. They promised to keep it a secret, which meant it wasn't a one time thing probably, that Scorpius may sneak out of school a lot to see James. It won't come back on you or mum, which jostles Harry, because, no, he wasn't even worried about that, and he doesn't care and how doesn't James know that? And finally, there's other places for me to work.

Harry can't help it; his brows furrow angrily, nostrils flaring as he steps in towards James and takes him by his shoulders. His grip is firm and unrelenting. If James tries to get away, he won't be able to. This isn't clumsy dad Harry; this is Head Auror Harry Potter.

"James Sirius Potter." The name almost shakes coming out of his mouth. He's equal parts hurt and angry that James would even think anyone in their family wouldn't want him around for something like that. "What the hell are you thinking?" It comes out a little rougher than intended, but Harry doesn't have any experience dealing with this, and it's difficult on the best day to be a parent anyway. "Do you honestly think I'd...what, disown you?? Merlin, James." His jaw is hard, and he can't find breath for a minute. The mere thought of disowning anybody was one of the most painful things he'd ever experienced. "I love you. There's nothing you could do to shake that." He tries in vain to loosen his grip; he just can't seem to let James go. "James, look at me."