Preface: The Children Who Lived
The second hand ticked slower than usual that night. Or maybe it was that the frantic heartbeat of the wizard holding the pocket watch thrummed more rapidly as midnight drew near. The light of the moon filled his veins with a glowing power, even weeks away from the full moon. He wasn't afraid though, after all the worst had already passed, and there were a million things that needed to be done. He had a task, one that was even more important than being a werewolf. He checked the watch again, wondering why it took too long for the time to come.
He ran a hand though his dull light brown hair and fixed his robe. He paced around in the small living room stopping as the small bundle in his arms stirred. Forgetting the pocket watch, the wizard concentrated on the reason for the baby's discomfort. This child was his most important mission to complete, not for himself or for Albus Dumbledore, but for his best friend. After all, he would do anything for James and Lily to make up for trusting the one that betrayed them.
That night in Godric's Hollow he lost not just two friends, but three, the third being almost a brother, one whom they had all trusted to keep James Potter and his family safe. He choked back tears that filled his green eyes at the thought of Sirius betraying them. Why would Padfoot do this to his own godson? Had he not been there in the Order meeting himself, and seen Dumbledore decide who would be the Secret-keeper...
The tears he tried to control came back, spilling on top of the child's forehead. Even if he knew he who was to blame, some part of his soul would always believe in his friend's innocence, no matter how much that same hope hurt him. He wiped the salt water off the baby's head with his thumb.
Remembering the time and his task, he grabbed the muggle pocket watch and just as he touched it, a strange force seemed to pull him from the inside of his stomach. Holding the child tightly, he landed smoothly on an empty street. He rushed to the one place he had been sent to.
In number 4 Privet Drive stood a witch and a wizard. "I shall see you soon, I expect, Professor McGonagall." the latter –Dumbledore- said, nodding at the witch who blew her nose in reply.
"Sorry I'm late, Professor," the wizard said as he reached them.
The man smiled widely at him, "I knew you needed your time Lupin. This has been tough for all of us, I cannot begin to understand how much more difficult it should be for you." He placed a hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly for a second and then let go. Silently he walked away.
Hurriedly, Lupin knelt before the door and placed the tiny blanket covered bundle next to another.
"I'll miss you Angie," he kissed the baby's cheek as she reached to her twin brother in her sleep, "You too Harry."
Before he disapperated, he heard Dumbledore's voice, "Good luck, Harry."
Upon hearing this, Remus Lupin felt his heart hurt. No matter the hardships ahead for either of James' children, it would be worst for the boy with the lighting scar on his forehead. "Good luck," He repeated, "you'll both need it." And with that, he was gone, leaving Lexie Angela and Harry James Potter in the doorstep of the Dursley's in number 4 Privet Drive.
