Disclaimer: I don't own any of J.K. Rowling's stuff, and if there are any similarities between my story and others like it, or other movies/books, I didn't do the similarities on purpose.

A/n: The first couple of chapters might be a little boring, but they are needed to "set-up" the rest of the story. So stick with it, and please review!

[Edit: This story was written years and years ago, when I was a writing newbie. I leave it up to show how far I've come, and because people still stumble upon it and enjoy it. I do not guarantee quality - enjoy at your own risk. ;) -Red]

Unborn Threat

Chapter 1

"You'll do great. You always do. So quit worrying." Sirius Black leaned back on his elbows on the freshly cut green grass.

James Potter ran a hand through his messy bedhead-like hair. "I guess..." he said, knowing deep down that it was probably true, but not willing to believe or admit it.

Remus Lupin looked up from his book. "You will, James. Now change the subject. All you 2 ever talk about is Quidditch."

Sirius grinned, revealing perfectly straight white. "Whatever you say, 'Professor' Moony, sir."

James laughed.

Remus smiled and continued reading. 'Probably.' he thought, but said nothing.

"He will Professor someday, too, I'll bet." James commented and crossed his legs.

"I'll take that bet." Sirius sat up and rubbed his chin, lightly covered in early stubble. "Whaddya say? A Galleon?"

"Done." James shook Sirius' hand and they both laughed.

Remus shook his head and good-naturedly mumbled, "That's right. Then I can keep guys like you 2 in line."

"Good luck with that." Peter Pettigrew sniggered.

The 4 friends were momentarily quiet as the hot September sun beamed down around them. Sirius, James, Remus and Peter all sat under the cool shade of the large leafy tree by the lake, on a particularly lovely Friday afternoon.

A very pretty red-head with startling green eyes passed nearby with a small group of friends. James nervously tried to flatten his hair.

Lily Evans...

She glanced his way, and James smiled crookedly. She half-smiled back and kept walking.

James had given up tormenting her when the feelings he had for her had become very strong. Now he was attempting to be kind to her, and so far she seemed to be okay with it. She'd even said it herself: she didn't "hate" him anymore.

All 4 friends noticed the brief non-verbal exchange, but no one said anything. Sirius winked and turned his attention back to the peaceful, glistening lake. Remus pretended not to notice and kept reading his book. Peter wasn't sure what the non-verbal exchange was all about, or why the others were saying nothing. He admired them to no end, however, and did as they did.

Shortly, James, Sirius, Remus and Peter rose from their comfortable place under the tree and headed into the Great Hall for supper, once again talking about their favourite subject: Quidditch.

"I'm pulling for Puddlemere United, myself." said James, and shoved his hands in his pockets. They passed a group of first year girls who gazed and sighed as Sirius and James passed.

"You are not." Sirius pointed at James' chest and the bright circle attached to his shirt. "You're wearing a Cannon's pin!"

James sighed. "Alright! So I lost a bet."

Sirius snorted. "So you have to cheer for Puddlemere or wear the pin? Which part was the win?!"

"Hey!" James lightly punched Sirius in the shoulder. "Puddlemere is doing well this year! And, actually, I have to wear the pin because I lost the bet."

Sirius shook his head still snickering, then turned to Remus. "You, Moony?"

Remus shrugged. "This year I think I'm going for the Woolongong Warriors."

"Australia?" James confirmed.

"Yes. And also, the Moose Jaw Meteorites." Remus said.

"What?! The Canadian team!? Aw, c'mon Remus!" Sirius groaned.

"You're not serious, are you?!" James exclaimed.

"No, actually, he is." Remus jabbed his thumb in Sirius' direction. James rolled his eyes and Remus continued. "Why not the Canadian team? They've been playing very well this year."

"True, I s'pose they have." Sirius agreed.

"But weren't they the ones threatened with disbandment recently?" James asked.

"Ya." Remus nodded.

"How come?" Peter asked quietly.

"Well, because usually after they win, they fly over nearby towns with sparks flying off their broom tails. Supposedly it's a safety issue, so they only do it over the pitch now." Remus explained.

"Oh." Peter said.

"And you, Sirius?" James poked Sirius in the chest.

"I - unlike you 2 - remain loyal to the team I cheered for last year." Sirius held his nose in the air in a mock snobbery-type manner.

"And which team might that be, Sirius?" Remus raised an eyebrow as the 4 wove through a group of chattering 5th years. They all ignored the 2 that giggled an sighed and pointed at Sirius and James.

"Why, the Falmouth Falcons, of course!" Sirius said and headed towards the Gryffindor table.

James groaned again. "Liar! You cheered for the Magpies last year!"

"You only like the Falcons because of the Broadmoor boys." Remus plopped down on the bench next to Peter.

"Not true! They finished nearly 10 years ago, in '69." Sirius held up his fork.

"That was 9 years ago." Peter piped up.

"Precisely." Sirius waggled his fork around. "That's why I said nearly 10 years!"

At that moment, Dumbledore stood and the Hall immediately quited.

Before we eat, I'd like to say good luck to all of our Quidditch player's in tomorrow's match!" Dumbledore beamed at the students. "Now, dig in!" he sat gracefully, and the food appeared on all of the golden plates before them. The hungry students quickly piled their plates and began eating.

Throughout supper as Remus and Sirius (with the occasional question or comment from Peter) continued to argue good-naturedly about Quidditch, James could not stop himself from glancing repeatedly over at Lily Evans.

She just did something to him. He didn't know what. She was so pretty, so vibrant and full of life...

James self-consciously ran his hand through his raven-coloured hair again. Why did he do that all the time? Was he really that vain, that he was always messing with his hair? Or was it merely a nervous habit? He didn't know, and it was frustrating.

Lily laughed heartily at someone's comment, and James immediately forgot about his stupid hair. Her smile was so radiant, her eyes such a sparkling, brilliant green...

She glanced at him, and James embarrassedly averted his gaze. What he didn't see was the way Lily's cheeks went pink as she smiled and also looked away.

"This can only work once."

"Yes, I know, my Lord."

"If you fail..."

"Yes, I know."

"I hope you understand the grave importance of this, Vadamir."

"I do, my Lord."

"Indeed."

2 hooded men stood on a deserted beach, the cold sea winds biting at their skin. The full moon was temporarily masked by a large black cloud. The setting was cold and eerie.

"He must be killed. My very survival depends on it."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Tomorrow night." the lips of this speaker moved to make a tight thin line. His jaw clenched then relaxed. "If you do not survive, all is lost."

"I will, my Lord. Failure is not possible."

"I should think not." the voice was colder than ice, and sliced through the firgid sea air.

Vadamir was cold, but he did not shiver. He could not show weakness or he would be struck down.

His task was clear and simple: kill James Potter and anyone who gets in the way.

A/n: So whaddya think? Please R&R! (just no swearing, please!)

More to come...(stay tuned...)