A/N: Hello everyone. This story starts with two parts of Prologue, after which the real story will start. Hope you like it. Read and review please.

Prologue: Part I

Marauder era; 4th year

Remus was lounging on a couch in the Gryffindor common room, a book in his hands.

"Ahem … ahem,"

Remus looked up from his book to find a fidgeting James. Something was wrong; James never fidgeted.

"Something wrong, James?" he asked concerned.

"Er – no … nothing," James stuttered, "can I talk to you?"

James stammering? Something was definitely wrong.

"Of course," Remus said, patting the seat beside him.

James took the seat but he was staring ahead. "Is Sirius better friend of yours than me?"

Remus was shocked to say the least. He wasn't expecting this question from James.

Sirius Black was a fellow Gryffindor who generally kept to himself. Three years in the school and he hardly had any friends. All the generations of Black family had been in Slytherin except for Black. Slytherins called him traitor and Gryffindors did not trust him. Though he did not share the Muggle-hatred as his family, he had all the other Slytherin traits.

Remus had become friends with Sirius during last year only because both of them spent a large part of their time in library; Remus because of his love for books and Sirius because he was lonely as he admitted to Remus some time back. The camaraderie Sirius and Remus had come to share was almost equivalent to what James and Remus shared. Both, Sirius and James, had accepted Remus the way he was – a werewolf.

Remus sighed. James was looking at him with hopeful eyes. James was a confident, cheerful and slightly arrogant but looks like he had some security issues.

"He's a friend of mine just like you, James," Remus answered rubbing the nape of his neck.

"You spend a lot of time with him these days," James accused.

"I do," Remus nodded, "but that's because we both spend a lot of time in library."

James wasn't yet convinced. It was a common knowledge that Sirius did not like James which was mainly because of him behaving in 'non-pureblood ways' and playing pranks on Slytherins especially Severus Snape just for fun. James disliked Sirius on principle.

"Who is your best friend?" James finally demanded, "Sirius or James?"

Remus sighed. James can be so childish and insecure sometimes. "You are my brother James."

"And Sirius?"

"He is my best friend. You two hold different positions in my life, in my heart. You two matter to me the most."

James frowned.

Remus continued. "Whom do you love more, James – Remus or Lily?"

James stared wide-eyed at his friend. "But that's not even a question, Remus. You two--"

James stopped abruptly. He stayed silent for a long time. "I understand," he said, "what you mean. I'm sorry, Remus."

Remus smiled at his friend.

"So, I still get to become your best man when you marry?" James joked.

Remus rolled his eyes and opened his book again. "Of course." If I ever get married, he added mentally.

"And Godfather of your child?"

"That title will go to Sirius," Remus replied, "Leave something to him."

James stood up. "Don't worry; I will be the godfather of your second child."

Remus smiled. Here he has planned my whole family. Great!

James patted Remus on his head and walked out of the common room, whistling to himself. In his happiness and relief he did not notice a smiling black-haired boy standing on stairs leading to boys' dormitories.

James and Lily's marriage

"Hello, Mate," a cheerful sound greeted Remus.

Remus turned around to find a grinning Sirius with a wrapped package in his hands. "Sirius?"

"One and only," Sirius replied.

"I mean," Remus said, overcoming his surprise, "I wasn't expecting you, you know. Come in."

"Well," Sirius said, walking behind Remus, "It has been a long time we met, so I decided to come. Best man, eh?"

Sirius was at present undergoing training to become an Unspeakable in Ministry (A/N: In my story, it requires three years) whereas Remus had joined Order under the leadership of Dumbledore and was also helping with his uncle's business.

Remus smiled at Sirius. Even though, Sirius didn't get along with James, he had come here just because these people mattered to Remus, whatever reason Sirius gave.

"How's Sarah?" Remus asked.

"Nobody asks about me," Sirius whined. "She is fine. Asked me to pass you her regards. Now, I am a messenger." Sirius rolled his eyes dramatically for extra effect.

This side of Sirius, funny, prankster and cheerful, was reserved only for close ones, which were unfortunately not many. Sirius did not open up to people easily. That's why he had taken a year to trust Sarah Parker, fellow trainee, and return her affections.

"So, when am I becoming best man again?" Remus asked.

"Very soon, Moony," Sirius said, thumping Remus' back, "Very soon."

"I think we should make Peter Secret Keeper," Remus suggested Lily and James.

Recently they had come to know of the prophecy and the danger hovering over them with the name of Voldemort. Dumbledore had suggested James and Lily to go into hiding along-with little Harry.

"But Moony--," Lily interrupted.

"Listen to me," Remus said, "Everyone knows I am James' best friend. So, it would be obvious that you will make me your Secret Keeper. No one would guess it to be Peter. So, even if Voldemort comes after me, you will be safe."

James got up, walked to his friend and engulfed him in a hug. Lily had tears in her eyes.

"Voldemort will not be able to touch you," James said fiercely, "as long as I live."

"That's what I want, mate," Remus said, smiling sadly, "for both of you to live. For our little Harry."

31 October, 1981

Where could Peter be? This was the only thought going on in Remus' mind since he had been to Peter's house. Peter and Remus were to go into hiding from tomorrow. Remus had come to Peter's house for a round of drinks but his absence had made Remus panic-stricken.

There was no sign of fight or violence which meant only thing – Peter had gone somewhere willingly. Remus' first thought was Godric's Hollow and that was where he was headed to.

Remus had apparated to Godric's Hollow and was now hurrying towards James' cottage, dread filling his heart. He prayed to all the Gods for his brother's safety.

His heart stopped beating, breath caught in his throat, eyes widened and feet stopped.

There in front of his eyes, instead of the beautiful cottage of James and Lily stood a wreckage. The right part of the building was blown away. Debris were lying all around in the garden leading to the house.

Remus did not know how long he stood there staring at the house but a child's cry brought him out of his shock.

Harry!

Immediately, he rushed inside to the ruined part of the house. On the doorstep was lying the lifeless body of James. Remus turned his head away to go help Harry. He needed him first.

On the first floor, lay the limp body of Lily. And near her body was Harry's crib. Remus slowly and carefully moved forward … wand outstretched. His senses were on high alert but he could not sense any foreign smell. He reached the crib. Harry was lying there, crying, with a small wound on his forehead and blood gushing out of it.

Sure that there was no one else, Remus relaxed and gently picked up Harry, wiping the blood from his forehead. There was a lightning shaped scar there. Remus clutched Harry close to him, firmly, fiercely. Harry was safe … safe …

It was then the reality of the whole situation sunk in. Lily and James were dead … Harry's parents were no more … his brother was gone … forever…

Remus let out a howl … full of fury, betrayal, grief, pain. For the first time in life, Remus cried. He had never cried even when he had been bitten at the age of four; he had never cried when people had called him a beast; he had never cried at the resentment he received from people. Today … Remus cried and for how long, he did not know.

"JAMES!"

A cry from below alerted Remus of an intruder in the house. Clutching Harry to his chest, wand at ready, Remus moved cautiously towards the source of sound. Vigilance however was unnecessary as the intruder turned out to be Hagrid, sent by Dumbledore for Harry. News had spread that Voldemort was gone; that Harry, an year old child, had brought the end of the most evil wizard. Harry Potter was famous.

Alas! For what…

Hagrid helped Remus get out of the house. It was important to ensure Harry's safety first. Remus decided to handover Harry to Dumbledore first and then come back here.

They had just reached at the gate of the house when a sudden and familiar smell filled Remus' nostrils. Anger flared through Remus' whole body. He sensed the curse before he saw it. Ducking the curse, Hagrid and Remus took refuge from the onslaught behind a tree.

"Peter!" Remus growled, seeing a black cloaked figure standing few feet away from James' house. "Hagrid, you take Harry to Dumbledore. I will take care of this traitor. You move out of here as soon as I distract him."

Hagrid nodded. Remus shot a curse at Peter and rolled out of his hiding place towards a tree across the road. That gave Hagrid time to leave his hideout unnoticed. Seeing Harry in safe hands and out of danger, Remus focussed on exacting revenge from the person he had called friend for ten years.

"Where is my master?" Peter shouted, "Where is Harry?"

"Master?" Remus yelled back, "And what were we, Peter?"

"I was promised power, Remus," Peter growled, "today was the day of my glory, but it was taken away… all because of a kid. Where is he, Remus?"

"Power?" Remus shot back, "So, that was all it was about? We meant nothing to you, Peter? James, Lily, Harry, me? We meant nothing to you? You killed them just for power?"

"No one dares go against Dark Lord," Peter said, fear in his voice, "What could I do? It was better to join him."

"It was better to die than betray your friends, Peter. We would have died for you … happily. But you betrayed us. You will die, Peter … I will make sure of that. You will have to walk over my dead body to get to Harry."

"So it be," Peter said maliciously and thus ensued a duel between two former friends. Remus was surprised to see that Peter knew so many spells, but of course Voldemort must have taught him. Peter would be no match for Remus; Remus was burning with anger and desire for vengeance.

Sirius had had a bad day. He had gone home to meet his family; he had moved out after graduation. It was getting impossible for him to tolerate his family's pureblood superiority ideas. They were pressurising him to support Voldemort.

The main cause of today's bad day was the news that his parents had shared enthusiastically with him – Regulus had joined Voldemort's ranks. He was a Death Eater now. According to Sirius, Regulus was doomed. How could he be such a fool to become a Death Eater? Regulus was not brave enough to stand against his parents but he actually became a Death Eater to please them? Sirius was feeling sick of the idea. His parents actually supported Regulus killing innocent people? How disgusting that was?

He had broken all his ties with his family today and his mother had burnt his name from the tapestry. Regulus had watched all this in silence. Sirius' parting words to Regulus were simple – you will regret it one day.

Sirius was feeling lonely like he had never felt before. Only one person had the capacity to calm him down – Remus. With that in mind, Sirius took his flying motorcycle and flew to Remus' house.

It was empty. No sign of Remus.

Must be at James', Sirius thought. Normally he would have avoided going to James but he wanted to talk to Remus badly and Lily's cookies wouldn't be a bad idea. Being friends with Remus had gotten Sirius at least on civil terms with James; he was always friendly with Lily.

Instead of flying to Godric's Hollow, Sirius chose to drive. Driving his bike was always soothing for him. Unlike his family's views, Sirius was fond of muggle things and especially motorcycles.

Sirius was brought out of his musings by the sight of Hagrid running in the direction opposite to James' house, holding something close to his chest.

"Hagrid!" Sirius yelled at the running figure.

"Si—Sirius?" Hagrid came running to him. He was panting. He was holding a bundle of blankets in his hands. "Th-they killed James an' Lily."

James and Lily dead? Sirius mind was ringing with these thoughts. It was only when Hagrid mentioned 'attack' that Sirius was brought back to reality.

"What?" Sirius asked.

"Yes," Hagrid said, tears running down his cheek, misunderstanding Sirius' lack of attention to shock, "Can yeh imagine? Peter--"

Remus had shared his concern over James and Lily's safety with Sirius. Though, Remus had not given him any details about the whole issue, he had discussed his and Dumbledore's notion of a spy in Order. So, Peter was the spy.

"—he attacked us," Hagrid was saying.

"Us?"

"Remus an' me," Hagrid replied. "He is duellin' with 'im. Gave me an opportunity to run for Harry's safety."

"Take this bike, Hagrid," Sirius dismounted from the bike, wand already in his hand. "Take Harry to safety. To Dumbledore. I will go help Remus."

Without waiting for a reply, Sirius ran towards James' house.

"Incarcerous!"

Sirius heard Peter shout. He saw Remus protect himself from the ropes that came out of Peter's wand. He took in the scene. The shouts, coloured sparks and after-effects of spells had attracted attention. Though there were few people out in the open, many were watching from their houses, afraid of both of them.

Sirius ducked an orange coloured curse coming his way. Taking road-side trees as his cover, he moved towards Remus. A spell aimed at Remus stuck the tree and Sirius watched in slow motion a thick branch of tree falling on Remus, who was trying to avoid another spell of Peter's, oblivious to the falling danger.

Sirius yelled, trying to warn off Remus. It did not help. The branch fell on Remus. Forgetting the cover, Sirius ran to Remus, firing spells after spells at Peter. Peter tried 'Avada Kedavara' on the fallen form of Remus, but Sirius transfigured a stone to take it.

Finding himself outnumbered, Peter decided to back out and run for his life. Sudden popping sounds confirmed the decision and with a pop he was gone.

Sirius was kneeling beside Remus.

"Moony," Sirius shook Remus, "speak to me, Moony."

"Harry," came a faint voice of Remus.

"He is okay," Sirius said, relief washing over him. Remus was alive. Sirius picked up Remus, who had gone unconscious. Without waiting for the aurors running towards them, Sirius yelled St. Mungo's at them and apparated.

"Sirius," Sarah called out cautiously.

Sirius, at present, was pacing up and down the hall of St. Mungo's. They were at St. Mungo's. Remus had been here since a week. He was in coma and there had been no improvement in his health. Finally, it was decided to shift Remus to Sirius' apartment.

"I am quitting the training," Sirius said after a long time.

"What?"

"Yes," Sirius took a seat beside Sarah, "I will join Auror Academy."

"B-but--" Sarah was stumped. Their training was almost complete and now Sirius wanted to leave it.

Sirius sighed. "I will not be able to rest till I get hold of that rat. I want to catch and kill him, Sarah." He paused to regain himself. "I want my friend safe."

Sarah did not say anything. She knew how badly Sirius had been affected by the events of 31st October.

"Even while battling with his life," Sirius was saying, "Remus was thinking of Harry and his safetly. And that's what I will do. I will take Harry's custody. No way is he living with those muggles. Remus wanted Harry to be with him and safe so it be. I will ensure he is safe."

"I will move in after the training finishes off," Sarah said, "To your apartment, if you don't mind."

Sirius raised a questioning eyebrow at her.

"You don't know how to take care of a young baby, Sirius. Let's give Harry a family, the way it was supposed to be … the way Remus wanted it to be."

Sirius took Sarah's hand in his. "Thanks." his voice choked with emotions. "I, you know, … I--"

"You can't marry me?" Sarah said sensing Sirius' hesitation, "Without Remus?" Sirius nodded, looking away. "I don't expect you to, Sirius. He is a good friend of mine also. I want him to be there in our marriage and he will be."

Sirius smiled. There were tears glistening in his eyes. His life had changed completely but he will make through it. He will take care of Harry and Remus and theirs will be a big happy family … one day.

Like it? Hate it? Review to tell me.

Important announcement: This part dealt with Sirius. Next part will deal with Severus. This is basically to explain how the lives of these two people changed and how they come to possess they did not want to.