Namesake James Sirius Potter, the eldest of the three Potter children, sat in the living room of their

small, cozy house. His two younger siblings were upstairs, napping. Feeling older, James declared that he was too grown up for naps. Harry and Ginny complied, but smiled inwardly, knowing that once he got older, he would be begging for a nap. So instead of napping on the cool, crisp winter day, he spent his time playing with their cat, lovingly named Minnie after his parents old Transfiguration teacher. Hey, Minnie, said the young child quietly. The gray tabby cat purred softly, nudging him with her head. The eight year old boy ran to his parents, who were sitting at the kitchen table. His father was reading the Daily Prophet until James sat on his lap, his warm brown eyes meeting his fathers emerald green ones. Dad? Yes, James? asked Harry, before sipping his coffee. How did I get my names? the young child asked. Ginny looked over at her husband, raising an eyebrow. Harry pulled James closer and higher up his lap, setting his newspaper down. Well, James. You were named after your grandfather, James Ignotus Potter. Your middle name came from my godfather, Sirius Orion Black, he said. James looked interested. What were they like? James asked. Harry smiled, and said, They were some of the bravest men Ive heard of. I didnt really know my father, but from what Ive been told, he and Sirius were some of the biggest troublemakers that ever lived. Like me? asked James, grinning mischievously. His father chuckled. Yes, like you. Sirius and my dad were great men. Loving, caring, and courageous. At times, they could be arrogant toerags, but they were excellent people in the end. Jamess eyes brightened significantly, and he sat up a bit straighter. I wanna be just like them, Dad. Exceptnot the arrogant toerag part, he added. Harry smiled at his oldest son, patting him on the shoulder. You will be. In fact, probably even better.

Dear Mum, Dad, and Lily, Im having a great time here at Hogwarts. Im sure youve already heard from James that I got sorted into Gryffindor. He looked proud of me (for once). Dad, it was a hard decision to make, but in the end, I felt that I would be happy in Gryffindor.

Ive made quite a few new friends. Scorpius Malfoy isnt as bad as Uncle Ron says he is. Despite being in different houses, Rose and I have become good friends with him. I hope you lot arent upset that we have. James has been making quite a ruckus around the castle. I feel bad for Headmistress McGonagall. But she seems to have gotten used to it. James mentioned that he was trying to live up to his namesake? Does that mean that hes trying to be as troublesome as Grandad James and your godfather, Sirius? It kind of made me wonder who am I named after? I miss all of you, even Lily. -Al Dear Al, Your mum and sister arent in at the moment, but they send their love. Congratulations on making Gryffindor! Youve made the lot of us proud (but wed be proud no matter where you went, with the exception of your brother, whod probably throw a fit). I hope youre doing well in your classes, and remember, dont make enemies of your teachers. (By the way, send our regards to Neville and Hagrid) Im happy youve made new friends, especially with Scorpius. It shows that even the most opposite people can become friends. We arent in the least bit upset with you. Tell James to send us a letter, and to stop giving the teachers more gray hairs than they would like. Im going to regret giving him the Marauders Map (Tell him to share with you!). About your name ask Headmistress McGonagall if you can speak to the portraits in her office. Im sure shell say yes. Lots of love, -Dad, Mum, and Lils Albus Severus Potter stood in front of the door to the Headmistresss Office. Nervously, he knocked on the door. Come in! said a voice behind the door. He quietly walked in, looking for the Headmistress. Minerva McGonagall sat behind her desk, looking old but wise. She stared at him from behind her spectacles, and smiled. Mr. Potter, what a pleasant surprise. What brings you here? Dont tell me your brother blew up another bathroom stall, she said, her tone stern at the last sentence.

James blew up at bathroom stall?! Mum and Dad are going to be bloody mad when they hear about this! he thought. Uh... no, maam. I actually just came here to ask you something, he said, snapping out of his reverie. Her face changed from a suspicious frown to a kind smile. Well go on and ask, boy. May I speak to the portraits, please? he asked. Minerva stood and put a hand on the boys shoulder, looking at him with a strange air. Of course, Mr. Potter. Ill leave you to speak to them, she said, turning to leave. She was halfway out the door, but paused, turning back. I believe the portrait that you would find most useful would be that one, she said, pointing at a painting of a sleeping, elderly looking man with a strange nose and half-moon spectacles. Once she left, he nervously walked up to the portrait, and cleared his throat. Sir? Hello? he asked. The mans eyes opened, revealing sharp blue eyes. He smiled kindly down at Albus, and leaned forward in his portrait. Hello. Can I help you with anything? he asked. Albus fumbled with his hands and spoke again. Uh well, Headmistress McGonagall and my father said you might be able to help me know who I was named after, he said, stammering. Ah. And your father is? Harry James Potter, sir. The man in the portrait smiled knowingly. Ah, Mr. Potter. I recognize the eyes. He was one of my favorite pupils. A good man, that one. And your name is? he asked. Albus, sir. Albus Potter, answered Al. The mans blue eyes twinkled, and it appeared like he was about to cry. Albus. Really? he asked, sniffing a bit. The young boy nodded, confused. Your father is really one of a kind, isnt he? You see, young man, you are named after me. Als green eyes widened. After you, sir? he asked, dazed. Yes, my dear boy. I am Albus Dumbledore, replied the older man. Wow Im named after a Headmaster! exclaimed Al, grinning proudly. Dumbledore nodded, smiling as well. It appears so, Mr. Potter. Now what did you say your middle name was? he asked. OhI didnt say. My full name is Albus Severus Potter, sir.

Dumbledores eyes widened, and twinkled a bit more. It seems, Mr. Potter, that you are named after two Headmasters of Hogwarts, he said. Two?! Wow! grinned Al. The older Albus nodded, and pointed to a portrait across the room. I suggest you speak to Headmaster Snape, now. Hell be shocked to know that someone was named after him. It was nice speaking to you, Albus Potter. Do come round again, yes? said the ex-Headmaster. Albus nodded feverishly. Of course, sir. Send my regards to your father. Yes, sir. With that, he walked across the room to the portrait that Dumbledore had pointed out, and cleared his throat. Excuse me? Headmaster Snape? he asked nervously. The man in the portrait stirred, opening his pitch black eyes. He had a hooked nose, greasy-looking black hair, and pale skin. Snape looked surprised to see he had a visitor. May I help you? he asked slowly, his eyes narrowing. The boy looked slightly frightened, but his eyes looked strangely familiar. Sorry to bother you, sir, but Headmaster Dumbledore said that my middle name is your first name, said Al, looking uncomfortable. Snape raised an eyebrow, looking only mildly interested. Surely the boy is confused with another portrait, he thought. May I ask what your name is, then? he asked. Albus, sir. Albus Severus Potter. The man froze, surprised. Potter? Your father named you after me? he asked slowly. I am Severus Snape. Albus lost a bit of the scared look, and started to look a bit awed. You knew my father, sir? he asked. Knew him? I knew him, alright. But not in a way that he would name a child after me, replied Severus, slightly awed as well. I was I was horrible to your father, boy. Terrible. Yet he names you after me. Albus met the ex-Headmaster in the eye, and Severus remembered where those emerald green eyes were from. Your eyes you have your father and grandmothers eyes he said wistfully, with a twinge of sadness. Al nodded, feeling slightly self-conscious. Severus leaned back in his chair, his stony heart feeling slightly lighter. Tell your father that I said thank you. Yes, sir.

It was nice speaking to you, Mr. PottAlbus. You too, sir. Albus turned to leave, but paused at the doorway. Headmaster Snape? The man looked up again, his eyebrows raised. Yes? My dad said you were the bravest man he ever knew just thought youd like to know, said Al, and left.

Lily listened to the rest of her brothers letter as her mum read it aloud. Namesake? What does that mean, Mum? A namesake is the name of a person that was named after another person, said Ginny. Lily frowned. Huh? Ginny smiled, and sat next to her youngest child. For example, James is named after your Grandfather James. Get it? she asked, running her hands through her daughters red hair. Ohh I get it. Who was I named after, Mum? Ginny reached over to a basket where all the photo albums were, pulling out a worn looking one. She turned the pages, and after a few minutes, she found the picture she was looking for. Lily Luna Potter, you were named after your grandmother and one of our dear friends. See this woman, Lil? The red head? Thats your grandmother, she said softly, pointing to the picture of Lily, James, and Harry. Wow shes pretty, like you, Mum. We all have red hair, too! she said. Ginny smiled. Yes we do. Lily looked at the picture for a while, and asked, What was she like? Harry walked up behind his daughter and wife, leaning over the back of the couch. Your grandmother? he asked. Lily nodded, and Harry grinned. She was a brave, kind woman. She would do anything for anyone, and she always tried to repay for her wrongs, he said, kissing his daughter on the top of her head. Wow I want to be like her and Mum when I grow up. But whos Luna? Ginny wrapped an arm around her daughter. Luna is a dear friend of ours. We met her during school