This is my last chapter.
Disclaimer: No I don't own Harry Potter, and I'm glad I don't because if I did, I wouldn't be able to idolize JK Rowling.
"Lils," James whispered, and Lily turned to look at him, his eyes barely visible in the pitch darkness. Harry was asleep in his cot, next door to them, only having slept a few minutes ago.
A lot had happened in the past few months, but what was worrying her most was that her child was in danger. Why? Nobody knew. All that she was aware of was that one day, Dumbledore had appeared in their house, and had told them to go into hiding. It was the only way to keep Harry safe, and Merlin knew how much both James and Lily would sacrifice for their son.
"Yeah," she whispered back, her own eyes twinkling in the darkness like stars. James gazed into the brilliant green for a few moments, lying on his side with one arm around Lily's waist and his other hand tracing her cheekbone. There was an odd feeling of dread in his stomach, and he didn't know why. All he knew was that he had to hold her. He needed to hold her.
"Do you have a bad feeling as well?" he murmured, and Lily sighed, nodding.
"Do you think Harry is okay?" she asked, and James nodded
"Don't worry love, we'd know if anything happened," he said, referring to the charm they had placed outside the child's bedroom, alerting them if anyone other than themselves, and Sirius, of course, were to get within a few feet of the room.
"I'm scared James," she whispered, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, and hiding her face in his shoulders. James stroked her hair gently, muttering soothing words and after a while, felt his wife's shoulders relax. Suddenly, they started to shake violently and he flinched backwards, to see that she was giggling
"What's so funny?" he asked, bewildered, and Lily shook her head, her hand covering her mouth as she continued laughing
"I'm sorry, I just, I just remembered the first time we changed him," she laughed, and James's face split into a grin, visible in the darkness, "Do you remember that?" she chuckled, and James nodded
"Like it was yesterday"
"Er, Lils, he made poo," James said, holding the infant towards his wife, who huffed and crossed her arms. They were back in their little cottage and Harry had been lying in a basinet in the kitchen, James talking to him, while Lily made Harry's dinner.
"Then change him," she said, and James's eyes widened
"Er, no thanks, I'll bestow that honour upon you," he said, desperately trying to shove the infant in his wife's arms. By this time, Harry had begun to cry, "No! No! Stop crying!" James said, rocking the baby back and forth, but having no success in shutting him up, "Lily!"
"But James I don't know how!" she hissed, looking down at the baby with large eyes as if it was going to be the death of her.
"What do you mean you don't know how? Who's been changing him then?" he retorted, putting Harry down in his basinet, and taking a step back as he continued to cry, "MERLIN how could a child that size be so loud?" he yelled, covering his ears, and Lily groaned
"Well, mum, or Emily usually did it!" she whined, "They wouldn't let me! I don't know how!" she repeated, waving her arms about. There was a hissing noise behind her, "Oh fuck," she said, turning around as smoke began to fill the kitchen
"Lily!" James hissed, gesturing to his son, and she clapped her hand over her mouth quickly
"I'm sorry!" she said fearfully, looking down at Harry, "Harry, I'm so sorry!" she said, and the baby continued to cry.
"We should go change him," James said, and Lily nodded
"Have fun," she said quickly, turning around once more, but James snorted
"By we, I meant the both of us," he said, pointing his wand at the stove, which immediately shut off, "Come on," he said, walking out of the kitchen, holding the baby in his arms. Lily sighed and followed after her husband, up the stairs and into the baby room.
James gently laid Harry down onto the changing table and then took a step back, looking at Lily expectantly, "Oh, so you're just going to leave me to do it?" she asked irritably, coming to stand next to James, who shrugged, before turning around and sprinting out of the room, "Your father is an idiot," she said, looking down at Harry, who stopped crying and looked at the sound of her voice, "There you go, now was that so hard?" she asked, stepping closer to the baby, who whimpered, "Now don't you cry," she said sternly, "This is your mess and I have to clean it up, it's not very pleasant you know," she said, prodding the nappy uncomfortably, feeling the soft, squishy substance, "Shouldn't I be the one crying?" she whimpered, and the baby sneezed, "Bless you," she said, and the baby started to cry again, "NOW what?" she asked, stomping her foot, "you kept me up all night you know! You shouldn't be allowed to cry," she said, placing her hands delicately on her hips.
Harry gurgled at her and then whimpered again as he shifted, "Were you just having a conversation with him?" she turned around quickly to see James smirking in the doorway
"I'm not talking to you," she declared irritably, turning around and facing Harry again, watching the nappy as if it would just change itself
"I felt bad, so I came back to help," James shrugged, kissing her on top of the head and rolling up his sleeves
"It's not going to be that messy," Lily snickered, and James chose to ignore her
"Shall we?" he asked, and Lily sighed.
"Do I have a choice?" she asked, and James grinned
"That's the spirit," he said, and took a step towards Harry, "What's the game plan?" he asked, hesitating right before touching the nappy
"Change it," she said bluntly, digging another nappy out of the nappy bag leaning against the changing table. James chuckled and then took a deep breath
"Here goes," he said, and gently, but quickly, ripped off the tape on the sides of the nappy, causing the sides to fall back. He carefully peeled the front part of the nappy away from Harry, exposing him, and then breathed out quickly, pushing the nappy back down and waving his hand in front of his nose, "That's disgusting!" he choked, "Absolutely revolting. Did you smell that?" he asked incredulously, turning to Lily, who was trying her best not to laugh at him.
"We have to change it," she said, and James rolled his eyes
"And I don't see why I have to do the hard part," he said, and Lily grinned at him
"Well I did have to push him out," she said, and James rolled his eyes
"I'm going to be hearing that one for years," he said to Harry, who sneezed, "Bless you," he said automatically, before sucking in a breath, "Ready champ?" he asked Harry, who gurgled, "Honestly I don't know what your mama is feeding you," he muttered, as he peeled the nappy away once more, the revolting smell filling the room.
"Well done James," Lily praised, as James let go of the nappy and took a step away, as if it was dangerous.
"Now what do I do?" he asked, and Lily took a step forward
"I'll hold up his legs, and you wipe his bottom," she said, and James shook his head
"No I think that's something you do simultaneously," he said, and Lily rolled her eyes; she hated it when he was right.
"Go die," she advised, and James grinned. Lily took a breath, and sending out a prayer for the gods of her nose, she lifted Harry's legs up, "This is gross," she told Harry, who clapped his hands, "No it's not funny," she said, and James laughed. She grabbed a wipe and carefully wiped all trace of waste off of her precious son's bottom while James removed the disgusting nappy from beneath his son and wrapped it up, throwing it away, "Done," Lily announced happily, putting Harry's legs down. Harry lifted his legs and started to wave them around and Lily rolled her eyes, a smile on her face.
"Don't do that," James said, gently taking Harry's fingers out of his mouth, and Harry looked up at him with twinkling eyes, "Why does he look at me like he's looking at Merlin or something?" he asked, smiling at Lily, who snorted
"Because he doesn't look at me very often," she said, and James guffawed.
"What next?" he asked, and Lily bit her lip
"Er, you pick him up, so I can put the new nappy down," she said, and James nodded. He carefully picked the infant up, careful to support his head, and held him at arms distance; he was naked after all. Lily had her back turned to him, so she jumped as a yell sounded. Turning around quickly, her worried expression dissolved into hysterics.
"HE PEED ON ME!" James screeched, his face dripping, the top half of his shirt wet, and Harry in front of him, two hands in his mouth, "LILY!" he screamed, and Lily laughed. She took the infant from her husband, who pulled his shirt off, and threw it in the laundry hamper, before proceeding to continue yelling incoherently.
"Good boy," she praised her baby, carefully doing up his nappy.
"Crazy child," James chuckled as they finished reliving the moments of Harry's early infancy. Admittedly, those were the boring months. Harry was a lot more entertaining now. For starters, he could say things.
James chortled at the memory of Harry first watching a Quidditch Match with himself, Sirius, Remus, Peter and Lily. Harry had been no more than 7 months old, and was sitting on Lily's lap, as Lily rocked him gently with her knees. Hestia was sitting a few rows in front, taking rapid notes.
"It's starting!" James said excitedly, hitting Lily's arm in excitement
Harry yawned hugely, and James rolled his eyes, amused, as Lily grinned, kissing Harry on the forehead.
"Hey Harry," Sirius said, crouching down in front of Lily. Harry's face brightened, as it usually did when he saw Sirius, "You ready to see your first Quidditch game?" Sirius asked, and Harry clapped
"He's his fathers son all right," Remus chuckled, gently ruffling Harry's hair. It was a constant source of irritation in Lily's life. The rate at which it was growing suggested that Harry was going to have hair just like his fathers. How was she going to deal with two messy haired men?
"It's starting!" Peter said excitedly, as a broom soared into the air, carrying the Seeker of the team they were supporting
"VROOM! Mama! Vroom!" Harry said excitedly, pointing at the broom, and Lily grinned
"It's a broom, dear," she said, but Harry ignored her, just like her husband did when watching a Quidditch game.
"Daddy!" he said, whacking his father on the knee. James turned to look at Harry, the only one he had patience for whilst watching a Quidditch game, and Harry pointed at something in the sky.
"Well I'll be damned, little Harry Potter found the snitch," Sirius said incredulously, looking at his godson in awe, "Bet you he's going to be a better Seeker than you, mate," he said, grinning at James, who snorted.
"We'll see," he said, but Lily could see the pride in James's expression.
"Whazi?" Harry asked, whacking Sirius on top of the head
"It's a snitch, Prongs Junior," Sirius said, flattening out his hair. Remus chuckled and ruffled Sirius's hair, causing Sirius to yell out, and Harry to laugh, "Whose side are you on?" he asked Harry, who looked at him, and then promptly farted, causing all of them to burst into a fit of immature giggles.
Harry grinned happily, eyes flying back to the game, "Mama, I want 'itch," he said, and Lily's eyebrows raised
"Bu- wha- why?" she finally settled on asking
Harry ignored her, wide eyes following the snitch, and out of the corner of her eyes, she saw James beam with pleasure
"I don't want him to be a Quidditch player," Lily groaned, hiding her face in James's chest, and James looked down at her incredulously
"Why ever not?"
"Because he'll get injured, and I don't want that to happen," she said, and James chuckled
"You cant protect him forever," James said, and then froze, realizing how painful his words were, especially under the circumstances, "Remember his first Halloween?" he asked, promptly changing the subject.
Lily laughed and nodded, "That was a fun night"
"Why don't you look dashing?" Lily laughed, walking into the baby room to see James, wearing nothing but his boxers, covered with tape, and string, and painted gold in certain places.
"Why thank you," James winked, and Lily laughed
"Have you seen Harry?" she asked, and James shook his head, "He's about the size of a Quaffle," she said, and James snorted
"He's over there," he said, nodding towards the cot, where gurgling noises could be heard, as well as the occasional sound of a nursery rhyme.
"What are you doing?" she asked, as she made her way to the cot, looking inside to see her son, wearing a large cardboard ball, "What the-?"
"It's Halloween Lils!" James exclaimed, and Lily shook her head
"Why is my son wearing a cardboard sphere?" she asked, and James grinned
"He's dressing up," he said, and Lily laughed
"As what?"
"Golden Snitch," he said, and Lily rolled her eyes
"Have fun with that," she said, walking out of the room, leaving her husband to his feeble attempts at making a costume.
Sirius Black entered the house that evening, greeted by a sight for sore eyes.
James Potter was dressed up as a broom
Harry Potter was dressed up as a snitch
Lily Potter was standing there, laughing.
Sirius guffawed and they all turned to look at him, and Lily burst out laughing, as James grinned at him, "I like your costume mate," he said, admiring the oversized Beaters Bat his best mate was wearing
"You should see what Moony and Wormy are wearing," he grinned, just as the two walked into the room, dressed up as Quaffle and Glove respectfully
"A glove Pete? Really?" James chuckled, and Peter flushed
"I didn't know what else to be," he said defensively, but James wasn't listening, he was busy tending to his son, who wanted to play with the wings attached to his spherical costume
"Well have fun," Lily giggled, and James raised his eyebrows at her, "I'm not coming," she said, and with a wink, headed up the stairs, "Have Harry home soon," she yelled, and James rolled his eyes, before picking the Golden Snitch Harry up and walking out the door with his best mates.
"What's bothering you?" Lily asked, turning towards James, who was fidgeting, as he usually did when something was on his nerves
"It's nothing," he sighed, and Lily jabbed his arm, causing him to chuckle, "Okay, fine, I'm just angry at Peter," he said, and Lily raised her eyebrows
"Why? What did he do?" she asked, feeling her stomach sink. Peter, their secret-keeper, by Sirius's request, could harm them in the most ways.
"Oh, no, nothing like that," he said, and Lily breathed in a breath of relief, "It's just, he asked me a question that angered me," he said, and Lily waited expectantly, "He asked me if Harry was the worst thing that ever happened to us, and if we'd led him die," he spat, and Lily hissed
"Of course not," Lily said, "He's our son," she said defiantly, "And he hasn't brought about problems at all," she said, not at all sarcastically, "Sure, we've had to take precautions due to him, but that's good," she said, "It means that our son is a threat to Voldemort," she said, and James nodded, pride welling up in his chest
"That's my boy," he grinned, and Lily smiled. She rolled over and kissed James on the cheek, "I think the precautions made his first Christmas even more fun," James chuckled, and Lily rolled her eyes.
James and Lily jumped, frightened. They had gone into a hiding a few weeks ago, and Sirius was their secret-keeper, and at the sound of a voice, accompanied by heavy footfalls and a banging noise, they froze, their faces paling. Lily picked up Harry, who was sitting by the Christmas tree; tangled in ribbons that James had stupidly left lying on the floor.
"Who goes there?" James asked, pointing his wand at the door, hiding Lily and Harry with his body.
There was silence, and Lily pinched James's arm in fear. Harry, sensing the tension, sat quietly, attempting to peer around the broad shoulders of his father.
"Your worst nightmare," a voice hissed, and James jumped. The voice was coming from something right next to him. Lily squeaked and held Harry closer to her. Harry, on the other hand, was giggling
"What are you laughing at?" Lily asked incredulously, disregarding the situation.
"Sius!" he said happily, clapping his chubby hands together.
"Pardon?" James asked, still looking around.
"Sius! Sius!" Harry repeated, pointing at the source of the noise.
"What's a Sius?" Lily asked, and Harry seemed to sigh dramatically, causing Lily to grin.
"Pssssst," a noise came, from behind Lily, who screamed.
"Hello James," another voice hissed from beside Harry, and James turned his wand towards the source of the voice
"Harry Potter…" a voice said, trailing off, and Lily pulled Harry towards her. Harry, on the other hand, was giggling and reaching towards the source of the noise.
"Harry!" James said, as Harry was suddenly plucked from Lily's arms, hovering in midair, grinning.
"Sius!" Harry repeated, and Lily frowned, looking at James, who looked equally confused.
"Wha-"
"How thick could you get?" they turned to see Remus appear, hands on his hips, shaking his head at the couple. He had been the voice calling James. Peter, laughing, appeared behind Lily, and Lily glared at him.
"Hello mate," James burst out laughing as he looked over his best mate, who was dressed in the largest Santa suit he had ever seen, with a white overflowing beard and a Santa hat, large black boots on his feet.
"We tried to stop him," Remus said, as Lily grinned at Sirius
"Whas this?" Harry asked, whacking the beard. Sirius, who was holding Harry, looked at Harry and chuckled
"This, Harry, is a beard, which you re never going to grow, understand?" he said, and Harry nodded, just as he did when his mother was telling him off.
"Never mind that now," Lily said, waving her hand, "What are you doing here?" she asked, looking around at the three invaders of her house.
"We came to celebrate Christmas together," Sirius grinned, and Lily felt a smile light up her face
"We're not here for you though," Peter said, and James looked at him, slightly hurt.
"Of course not, we're here to give mini-Prongs his Christmas presents!" Remus grinned, placing three packages under the Christmas tree.
"Don't I get any?" James asked, pouting slightly, and Sirius rolled his eyes
"Mate, they're already under the tree," Sirius grinned, and James's eyes brightened
"You guys are the best!" he said happily, as Lily rolled her eyes. Harry was eying the presents with undeniable greed in his eyes and Lily sighed
"Honestly, I cant believe you gave that stupid Christmas passion to him," Lily mumbled, and James scowled as she took Harry out of Sirius's arms. She placed him in her lap on the floor and pulled the three presents towards them, "Which one?" she asked, as the men sat next to them, forming a semi-circle around the Christmas tree. Harry reached out and patted the largest present, causing James to grin.
"I see you didn't get your mother's practicality," James said, and Lily winked at him, before turning back to her son, as their friends laughed.
Harry's second ever Christmas present, the first being from his parents, was a little golden snitch, that only levitated about a foot off the ground, from his godfather. Harry looked at it and then handed it to James, confused. He had learned that anything to do with sports was to be given to his father. James grinned and took the snitch from him, "Wow! A snitch!" he said happily, "Thanks mate," he grinned, clapping Sirius on the back, and Sirius shrugged
"Tankoo Sius," Harry said, and Sirius grinned, ruffling his godson's mop of hair, so like his fathers. James released the snitch, which began to fly around their heads, all around the room, all their eyes following it in awe.
Sirius had also given Harry a plushy stuffed animal; a lion. Harry held it in his hands and began to squeeze, causing certain parts of it to bulge, "Watch it mate," Sirius said, but Harry only laughed, holding it in one of his chubby little hands and banging it against the floor happily
"Translation; I love it," Lily laughed, and the boys laughed, "Thank you so much," she said, looking at Sirius, who shrugged
"Santa can't come without presents," he shrugged.
"You didn't come down the chimney, it doesn't count," Lily pointed out, and Remus snickered
"Told you," he said simply, and Sirius, after making sure Harry was preoccupied, threw him a crude gesture, which Lily chose to ignore as the rest of them snorted with laughter.
"Oh, Hestia says sorry, she can't come, she has work," Sirius said, and Lily nodded, not saying anything. The two of them had had a major spat, and hadn't talked for a few days. It was beginning to worry the Marauders.
Remus had brought Harry a book, "Trust you to get my son a book," James teased, nudging Remus, who rolled his eyes. Lily, who seemed more excited about the book than Harry, placed it on the floor in front of Harry, who continuously slapped the pages. It was a picture book that had figures flying out of it. The scenes acted themselves out in midair, the figures of which Harry attempted to catch, causing them to throw him a nasty look.
Peter had gotten Harry a set of jammies, which were covered with Quaffles, Brooms, Snitches, Lions and Beaters Bats. It was custom made. Harry really liked it, and shoved it in his mothers' face, before yawning hugely.
"Bed time," Lily announced, standing up, Harry resting on one hip, and gathering up his presents, "Harry, say good night," she said, facing the Marauders, looking at her baby lovingly.
"Gudight," Harry said, rubbing his eyes with his tiny fists, causing the Marauders to grin at him.
"Gudight to you too mate," Sirius said, saluting his godson, who shyly hid his face in his mother's shoulder
"Why are we suddenly shy?" Remus asked, and Harry slapped Lily's head
"Er, ow?" she said, kissing Harry on top of the head as he yawned hugely into her shoulder, and the four boys laughed, "Harry, why don't you say Merry Christmas?" she suggested, and Harry shook his head
"Please Harry?" James asked, and Harry looked up crankily.
"Merry Christmas Harry!" Remus said encouragingly, and Harry shoved his fingers in his mouth
"Merry Christmas," Peter said, smiling at the child, who slowly pulled his fingers out of his mouth
"Merry Christmas, Mini- Prongs, Godson of mine," Sirius said dramatically, and Harry grinned a toothless grin
"Mewwy Cwismas," he said, and they all grinned at him. Harry's eyelids were dropping and he yawned hugely
"That's it, time for bed," Lily said, turning around and heading up the stairs
"But mama!"
"We should go to sleep, it's late," James whispered, and Lily sighed
"And you know his highness is going to be up in a couple hours," she said, and James chortled, "Good night," she said, cuddling into James
"Good night Lils"
31st October 1981
"And it's time to get up," Lily chuckled, as Harry's screams echoed through the house. He wasn't crying, he had grown out of that, he was screaming so that somebody would come and take him out of his cot
"Smart child," James chuckled, and Lily stuck her tongue out at him. She got out of the bed and padded out of the carpeted room, walking to Harry's. The cot was placed near the window, and Harry was standing up, gripping the sides of it tightly, and looking towards her with what she would call an irritated and slightly exasperated expression, as if asking her what took her so long.
"Now why, may I ask, are you screaming?" she asked playfully, stopping in front of Harry's cot, placing her hands on her hips. Harry grinned at her mischievously
"Mama slow," he said, and Lily rolled her eyes, before placing her hands under Harry's armpits and hoisting him out of the cot, swinging him around one time, enjoying the sound of his childish laughter, before resting him comfortably on her hip.
"You know what you are?" she asked, as she walked out of the room, heading downstairs, "You're a naughty boy," she said, and Harry gasped.
"What did you just call my son?" James asked, coming up behind them. Lily jumped and Harry, who didn't seem at all bothered by the fact that James had tried to scare the wits out of her, stretched his arms out to his father, "I know," James said, plucking Harry out of Lily's arms, "Mama's mean," he said and Harry looked warily at Lily, who was pretending not to listen, before slapping his hand over James's mouth.
"No," he said, and Lily grinned, as James snorted. The memory of the first time James had been scolded by his son, in regards to being mean to Lily, flashed across her mind and she grinned as she remembered the day of Harry's first birthday.
"WAKE UP!" James yelled, jumping excitedly around their bedroom. Lily groaned and buried her face further in her pillow. Her alarm/son hadn't woken her up yet, so why she needed to get up was beyond her, "Lily! Get up!" he said, and Lily sat up quickly, remembering that they were in life-threatening danger every moment since they'd gone into hiding.
"What's happening?" she asked, grabbing her wand, and looking around. James looked down at her exasperatedly and she relaxed as she saw he was standing in his boxers, crossing his arms, and looking down at her, "What?" she hissed irritably, flopping back down on the pillows, throwing her arm over her eyes
"It's Harry's birthday!" James said excitedly, and Lily grinned
"I know,"
"It's his first birthday!" James said
"I know," she repeated, and James threw her an irritable look
"You should get up,"
"I don't see why," she said, and James sat down next to her
"Because! It's his first birthday! You have to get up! It'll mean a lot to him," he said earnestly, and Lily snorted
"James, he won't remember this," she said, and James huffed, crossing his arms and looking down at the floor. After a few minutes of repeated huffs, courtesy of James, of course, Lily sighed and sat up, "If you're going to be such a baby about it," she grumbled, pushing herself out of bed. James grinned excitedly and took her hand, dragging her out of the bedroom, "James! Let me at least brush my teeth!" she protested, to no avail.
James dragged her into Harry's bedroom and then stopped suddenly, causing her to crash into him. She sent him a dirty look, but he was too busy grinning at the sleeping child, "Can you believe we've had him for a year?" he asked, looking down at Lily, who smiled, despite herself
"No," she admitted, "It went by so fast," she said, and James nodded, before chuckling and running a hand through his hair.
"I hope all his years don't go by this fast," he said, and Lily sighed, knowing that was a loaded statement. They could both hear the lingering statement…if he had years to live.
"A year ago today, we went to St. Mungos," Lily said, and then shuddered. James chuckled and put his arm around Lily, drawing her close. She wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and they stood there, watching their baby sleep.
As if sensing their gazes, the child in question began to stir, and Lily sighed. This was her least favourite part of dealing with her son. As soon as his eyes flew open, he began to cry, as he usually did.
Lily walked over to her baby and carefully picked him out of the cot, holding him close to her. He stopped crying immediately and grinned at her, "Were you acting?" she asked incredulously, and Harry whimpered.
"Lils I think he made morning porridge," James said, and Lily looked over at him
"You just ruined porridge for me!" she hissed, and James grinned as his wife huffed and turned around, laying Harry down on the changing table, "Honestly, when will you be able to use the toilet by yourself?" she asked Harry, who gurgled at her, "No, you're not cute," she said playfully, rubbing her nose against Harry's. James walked over to his family and leaned near Harry's head
"Happy Birthday," he grinned, and Harry looked at him, "Do you know it's your birthday?" he asked, and Harry continued to look at him, "You're one years old," he said, holding up his pointer finger. Harry looked up at his father and mimicked the action, holding up his pointer finger next to James's. The contrast in the sizes made Lily grin, "That's right Harry, you're one years old," James repeated, grinning, "Did you see that?" he asked Lily, who was watching the two with a look of affection
"I did," she smiled, meeting James's gaze for a moment, before returning to changing his nappy. Once she was done, she threw the dirty nappy away and picked her son up, wearing only his nappy, and rested him on her hip, "What do you want to wear today?" she asked Harry, as she made her way over to the cupboard, James following after them.
"I think he should wear this," James said, reaching over Lily and Harry to grab a shirt. Lily looked down at it and snorted
'daddy's little boy'
"No," Lily said, and James grinned at her. Harry stretched towards the cupboard and Lily threw her husband a cheeky grin, "See, he doesn't like it either," she winked, and James scoffed. She reached into the cupboard and pulled out a body suit that, thanks to Sirius Black, had ears coming out of the hood, "Do you want to wear this?" she asked, but Harry was busy looking at his father, who was playing with one of the toy cars on the floor, making it move around with his wand.
Realizing that, for once, Harry wouldn't care what he was wearing, Lily grabbed a pair of cotton shorts and a t-shirt, carrying her son to his changing table, his eyes still glued to James. She quickly pulled the clothes onto Harry and then placed him on the floor next to his father. James grinned at Harry and directed a car to roll around him. Harry squealed and attempted to catch the car with his pudgy hands
"He's one years old," she murmured to herself, and felt her eyes water. She cried a lot nowadays. She had gone over it so many times in her head, but she just didn't know, why? Why was Voldemort after her son? Why was her son a threat? Why was his life in danger? He hadn't even lived yet! The thought of him never being able to run around, make friends, go to the playground, ride a bike, go to Hogwarts, and so many more things! She couldn't imagine Harry, her sweet Harry, never being able to grow up, never being able to fall in love, or make friends that he could trust his life to. Her eyes started to tear up further thinking of these things, and she quickly excused herself.
James, who was producing bubbles out of his wand, which Harry was trying to catch in mid air, in his pudgy little hands, but every time his hand closed around one of them, it popped, much to his enjoyment. He noticed as Lily's eyes began to water and sighed as she excused herself. He knew she had been crying a lot lately, and she thought he didn't know. But he had been crying as well. Those same thoughts, about his son, and the fact that Lily was in danger as well, haunted him to no extent.
Lily walked back into Harry's room a couple minutes later, still wearing her pajamas, but James could see that she had finished crying, washed her face, and brushed her teeth. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail and James grinned at her. She smiled at him before walking over to her son, who was amusing himself by holding James's wand and waving it around, causing it to snow, which he hadn't noticed because James was holding something over his sons head. Lily gave James his wand back as he stood up before grinning at her son, "Shall we go get something to eat?" she asked, and Harry gurgled at her, "What do you want?" she asked
"How about some birthday cake?" James suggested, and Harry's eyes widened. Lily threw him a look, and James rolled his eyes, "Harry, do you want cake?" he asked, looking at his son, who looked at his mother with wide eyes, "Don't look at her!" James said, "She doesn't matter," he said, winking at Lily.
Harry gasped and shook his head wildly, before wrapping his arms tightly around Lily's neck, "Daddy wrong," he said, and Lily kissed her son's forehead
"That's my boy," she smiled, winking at James, who looked slightly dumbstruck
"I am never wrong," James told Harry, who shoved his fingers in his mouth and looked at Lily, as if to ask her to help him.
"Daddy's always wrong," Lily said, and Harry took his hands out of his mouth, grinning toothlessly at his father, who looked more than a bit insulted
"I was trying to get you cake, you little rascal," James said, scooping Harry out of Lily's arms and holding his upside down. Harry screamed, laughing, and Lily grinned as James began to tickled Harry, holding him upside down with one arm and tickling him with his other hand. By this time, they were at the bottom of the stairs, and Lily stopped
"Why is it so dark?" she asked, looking around at the blackness, that clouded her living room. James's nostrils flared and he put Harry back in Lily's arms, before standing in front of them, holding them behind him with his arm. There was a spark and then light exploded all around them.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY!" Sirius, Remus, Peter and Hestia yelled, jumping up and spreading their arms, wearing party hats. Lily looked around to see her house decorated with streamers, and colours, and large banners, and balloons, and a large stack of presents on their dining table, taking up all the room.
Harry clapped and giggled and Lily grinned at her friends tearfully. James had relaxed and run over to the four of them, and throwing his arms around all of them, pulling them into a squished group-hug.
"Hello darling," Hestia smiled, coming over to Harry and bending down slightly so she was at eye-level with him. Harry gurgled at her and Hestia laughed, "Happy birthday," she said, and Harry stretched his hand out to her, keeping his other wrapped firmly around his mother's neck.
"HELLO!" Sirius yelled happily, appearing next to Hestia. Harry squealed and let go of Lily's neck, leaning towards Sirius. Sirius grinned and took Harry out of Lily's arms, and resting him on his hip as Lily had taught him to do, "look at you! All grown up!" Sirius yelled, and Harry grinned at him.
"Happy Birthday," Remus said, peeking around Sirius and getting up in Harry's face. Harry grinned at him, but wouldn't let go of Sirius. He held on to Sirius as much as he did to Lily and James.
"Happy birthday Harry," Peter said, and Harry threw him an irritated, maybe even bored, look. He had never taken to Peter; nobody knew why.
"We have presents!" Sirius said, rocking Harry, to divert his attention from Peter, "Do you want your presents?" Sirius asked, and Harry looked at him, confused
"Of course you do," Remus chuckled, and held his hands out to Harry, who leaned forward, allowing Remus to carry him. Remus placed Harry gently on his hip and walked over to the dining table, along with Hestia, Sirius and Peter. James walked over to Lily and grinned at her, hiding her from view
"You shouldn't cry, bad example for Harry," he said quietly, and Lily wiped her eyes.
"He already knows how," she mumbled, and James grinned
"What's wrong?" he whispered, brushing her hair out of her face
"I'm just glad he got to have a birthday party," she sniffed, "I didn't know if he'd- you know," she hiccupped and James nodded solemnly
"Well, think about that later, right now, let's make sure Sirius didn't get him something that could kill him, okay?" he suggested, and Lily chuckled, and nodded
"Let's go," she said. James kissed her quickly and she looked up at him
"Congratulations," he said, and Lily grinned
"You too Mr. Potter," she replied, and James grinned
"After you Mrs. Potter," he said, standing aside and gesturing towards the dining table, which was already covered in wrapping paper. Lily walked over there, James's arms around her shoulder, to see Harry happily whacking a plush frog.
"Wow Harry!" James said excitedly, "Who got that for you?" he asked. Harry, who was looking at his father with wide, worshipping eyes, looked at Remus, who chuckled
"Thank you Remus," Lily grinned, and Remus blushed slightly, "Harry, did you say thank you?" she asked, and Harry nodded, returning to whacking his toy, "Harry…did you say thank you to Remus?" she repeated, and slowly, Harry shook his head, causing them all to chuckle, "Why not?" she asked, and Harry whacked the toy once more, "Harry Potter," she said, and Harry turned to her, grinning, "No you cannot get out of everything with a grin," she said, fighting her laughter, hard.
"I think he can," Hestia laughed
"Harry-"
"Thank you," Harry said, turning to Remus, who burst out laughing at Lily's slightly stupefied expression
"He just cut me off," she said, and James grinned, "Merlin he's growing up too fast!" she hissed, and James laughed
"Lils, we all cut you off," he said, and Lily turned to narrow her eyes at him, but was distracted as Sirius burst out laughing, "What?" James asked, but Sirius was too busy doubled over in laughter.
"Your son just looked at us and rolled his eyes," Remus said, his face bright red
"Why?" Lily asked
"I think it was because of James," Peter said, and Harry ignored him.
"What did daddy do?" Hestia asked, crouching down so she was looking Harry in the eye. Harry, who was sitting on the dining table, reached for another present, "I'll give it to you if you tell me," Hestia said, and Lily grinned as Harry sighed.
"Daddy poo-poo," he said, and James frowned
"I swear I didn't," he said, and Lily rolled her eyes at the Marauders howled with laughter.
"Daddy be poo-poo," Harry said, and Lily laughed
"Why?" James spluttered
"To mama," Harry said, and James huffed, crossing his arms. Lily would have laughed, but she was too busy eyeing the large present that was being handed to Harry. It had a paw print on it.
"Sirius, what the bloody hell is that?" she asked threateningly, and Harry gasped
"Mama!"
"Lily!" Hestia chastised, and Lily flushed.
"Sorry sweetheart," she said to Harry, who seemed to have already forgotten about it. He was busy ripping the wrapping paper, "Sirius Black I swear to Merlin if that is a broom I will kill you," she said, and Sirius shrugged, but James noticed his slight flush, and grinned.
Lily's eyes narrowed as the wrapping paper fell away to reveal a broomstick, a small one, but nevertheless, a broomstick. Sirius blew her a kiss before picking up her son and the broomstick, heading to the living room.
"Sirius Black I will kill you," she said, but he ignored her. Remus chuckled and put his arm around Lily's shoulders comfortingly
"You really think he'll let anything happen to Harry?" Remus asked, and Lily shook her head, "Then why are you worried?"
"Because he's Sirius Black," she said simply, and Remus laughed, as did James and Hestia.
Lily grinned over at the picture on the mantelpiece, a moving one, of Harry on his toy broomstick, howling with laughter, and James's legs chasing after him, herself laughing in the background. Sirius had taken it, just to prove that he had bought an adequate present for his godson, and that, despite what she said, Lily liked it.
She had sent Sirius a letter shortly after the picture had been taken. James had been so bored ever since then, as they hadn't met much. The only person who'd come over after the party was Peter, as he was secret keeper. The security on them had been upped after the torture of Alice and Frank.
Remembering that day brought chills to Lily. It had been a terrible day, and the blow had been even harder on them, especially since it was the day after the deaths.
Lily knew something bad had happened when Dumbledore apparated onto their doorstep. He had only done this once before, when telling them they had to go into hiding.
"James," she said, and he looked up from where he was holding onto Harry, who was asleep in his arms, as he read a book resting on his knees. James looked out the window and, upon seeing Dumbledore, stood up quickly, his book falling to the floor, and walked over to Lily. Lily took Harry from James, he was her constant source of comfort, and the couple walked swiftly to the door.
James pulled it open with shaking hands, and Dumbledore greeted them with an extremely grave expression. He walked inside, completely silent, his eyes shining with tears, and James shut the door, throwing Lily a helpless look, which she returned with her own frightened gaze. What had happened?
They walked into their living room and Dumbledore swiftly reached his hands out, "I'm going to need to hold Harry," he said softly, and Lily looked at James fearfully.
"Are you going to take him away from us?" she choked, instinctively holding onto her son more tightly. Harry was watching Dumbledore with wide, green, eyes. James's heart stopped; he couldn't lose Harry, no, he wouldn't lose Harry.
"No," Dumbledore said, his expression softening slightly, "I think it would be better if I held him, delivering this news," he said gravely. Lily, unwillingly, handed her son over to Dumbledore and stood next to James, who was standing as rigidly as a board, "I come with bad news," Dumbledore said, holding Harry in his arms, looking at Lily and James with sad, watery eyes.
"What happened?" James asked desperately, after a few moments of silence. Harry whimpered at seeing his father almost in tears, and at his mothers already streaming face.
"There was an attack," Dumbledore murmured, "And four deaths," he said, and Lily hiccupped.
"Who?" Lily choked, and a tear leaked out of Dumbledore's eyes
"Tell us!" James yelled, causing Harry to jump. Harry watched his parents with wide, curious eyes, and then looked to Dumbledore, who was crying.
"I'm so sorry," Dumbledore choked, and then turned formal, as he usually did when reporting a death to someone. Lily recognized the tone and body language and a sob escaped her, "I am grievously sad to inform you of the deaths of Daniel and Emily Potter, and Andrew and Jane Evans," he said quietly.
Lily collapsed onto the floor, sobbing her heart out, as James stumbled, and had to grab onto their fireplace for support, tears flowing down his face, his chest aching. Harry leaned towards his parents, but Dumbledore restrained him, causing Harry to cry out, but his parents were far-gone, and couldn't hear him.
"I'm so sorry," Dumbledore said, placing Harry down into his basinet, which was by the sofa, and walking over to rest his hand on James's shoulder, "They died bravely," he said, and James nodded, before wiping his face and looking into the fire.
Lily was still on the floor, on her knees, clutching her stomach, leaning forward so her face was hidden by the waterfall of red hair, her body shaking with silent, heart-heaving sobs of anguish.
"How?" James asked in a dead voice.
"They were visiting your parents, Lily," Dumbledore said, and Lily looked up, her face wet, and her eyes bloodshot. James, whose face was of similar state, walked over and sat down next to Lily, who allowed him to wrap his arms around her, and continued to cry into his shirt, as he rubbed her hair soothingly, his own tears soaking it. Harry was in his basinet, looking at his parents with wet eyes, "They were visiting and then, the Death Eaters arrived," Dumbledore said, and Lily sobbed harder, and James's grip on his wife tightened.
"Why?" she choked out, her voice barely a whisper
"I am not sure," Dumbledore said honestly, "But I suspect it is because they assumed that you would entrust your parents as secret keeper," he said, and Lily looked up, tears still falling down her face
"Was it the Avada?" she asked, her voice shaking, and James blew his nose
"Yes," Dumbledore said, and Lily nodded, wiping at her face
"The-then it could have b-b-been painful," she choked out.
"I assure you it was not a painful death, it was clean," Dumbledore said, and Lily nodded, her lip trembling, "I'll leave you now, I expect you would like to be alone," he said quietly, "I truly am sorry," he said, before turning on the spot.
As soon as he was gone, Lily fell forwards onto the floor, overcome with grief, and James hid his face in his hands, his shoulders shaking with sobs. Harry Potter sat in his basinet, crying, unsure of what was happening, not knowing that he had just lost the last loving relatives of his, apart from his parents.
Lily wiped her eyes quickly. She had never gotten over the fact that she would never see her mother again. Never laugh with her father. The memories she had with them, as well as with the Potters, were ones she would hold to her heart forever, and beyond.
Petunia had telephoned them two days later, screaming at her, telling her it was all her fault, that she didn't want to ever have anything to do with Lily, or her "Family of freaks", and to never make contact with her again. They hadn't talked since.
"Lils!" she turned quickly to see James looking at her curiously, and Harry sitting on the kitchen counter, eating some squashed cereal, his face completely covered in it.
"Sorry, I zoned out," she said, and James rolled his eyes, "What were you saying?"
"It's Halloween!" he said happily, and Lily chuckled
"I know,"
"Let's go trick-or-treating," James said excitedly, and Lily shook her head, before realization dawned on James, and he sighed, running his hand through his hair.
"We can do something at home," Lily suggested hopefully, and James shrugged
"I'd take him out under the cloak, but Dumbledore has it," James mumbled, and James look at him sternly
"You wouldn't have ever been allowed to do that," she said, and a grin flashed across James's face.
"Sorry mama," he said, and Lily grinned, as Harry looked up.
"Mama," he said in his high baby voice, and Lily looked over at him. He grinned at her, exposing his cereal filled mouth, before turning back to his food. Lily rolled her eyes and James chuckled, kissing her forehead quickly.
"Don't worry Lils, we'll have fun," he said determinedly, and Lily grinned
"I love you," she said, and James smiled
"I love you too," he said quietly, kissing her forehead, "And you," he said turning to Harry, "I love you,"
"Okay," Harry said, and Lily burst out laughing, walking over and kissing her son on the forehead.
November 1st 1981
Their bodies. Harry flying away with Hagrid. Their bodies. The destroyed house. James. Lily. Dead. Harry. Gone.
Peter will die.
Sirius sprinted down the street, tears in his eyes, tears that would probably never stop blurring his vision. James was dead. James. Lily was dead. Harry, his godson, Harry, Harry was gone. Sirius Black was certain he had nothing to live for.
James.
His best friend.
His brother.
Lily.
His sister.
Harry.
His godson.
Off to Lily's sister.
Who hated him.
Sirius was shaking with rage, when he finally saw him. Down the street, there he was walking, like everything was okay. Sirius didn't care that there were muggles everywhere. Wherever he looked, he could see James laughing. See Lily rolling her eyes. He could see James and Lily everywhere.
And Peter had killed them.
There were people all over celebrating, magical folk, celebrating the loss of Voldemort. Sirius had lost his best friend and his sister. His godson was off to live with muggles, where he would never know his true self.
"PETER!" Sirius bellowed, and Peter turned around, a flash of fear crossing his features. Let him be scared. He was about to die. Sirius's wand twitched with longing in his hand. He was about to raise it when-
"LILY AND JAMES, SIRIUS! HOW COULD YOU?" Peter bellowed mournfully, and Sirius growled. Sirius raised his wand when
BANG
There was an explosion behind him. And where Peter was standing, a finger, left on the floor, and Sirius caught a glimpse of a rat, missing a toe, scurrying down the drain.
Clever Peter.
Sirius started to laugh. Manic laughter. The street was a mess, Peter was gone, Ministry officials were grabbing every part of him, James was dead, Lily was dead, and Harry was gone. All he could do was laugh. He had lost everything. He laughed the laugh, of a man, who had lost…everything.
"HOW COULD YOU?" he turned quickly in his Azkaban cell to see Hestia standing there, tears streaming down her face, and Remus, standing next to her, a look of shock clouding his features, "HOW DARE YOU! I TRUSTED YOU! I THOUGHT I KNEW YOU! I LOVED YOU GODDAMNIT!" Hestia screamed. Sirius stood up quickly and walked over to the bars of the prison but Hestia stepped back, "GET AWAY FROM ME!" she screeched, "LILY AND JAMES? AND NOW PETER?" she screeched, "I LOVED YOU SIRIUS BLACK!" she screamed, "I HOPE YOU ROT HERE!" she screeched, before throwing him one last look, and sprinting out of the jail.
"Remus," Sirius choked, but Remus shook his head, taking a step back
"We were friends," Remus said quietly, "You were Harry's godfather, godfather. And you betrayed them. You joined Voldemort. You caused James and Lily's deaths. And now you've killed Peter," Remus said, tears falling down his cheek, "I thought I knew you," he whispered.
"You do! Remus listen to me, I didn't do it," Sirius begged, desperately wanting to cling on to the last person he had in the world, "Moony"
"Don't!" Remus bellowed, holding up his hand, "You know what, I only have one thing ot say to you," he said nastily, "You've definitely made your mother proud," he said, and spat at the floor, before following Hestia out of the prison.
17 years later.
Harry looked around at the ghosts walking towards him. His mother. His father. Sirius. Remus.
Lily was looking at her son with all the love that she had felt all those years ago, having been built up from being separated from him. He was so tall. So like James.
James grinned at his son and felt his chest well up with pride.
Lily and James lived happily up in heaven, along with all their loved ones who'd lost their lives, watching over their son; as he defeated Voldemort, got married, got a job, started a family, lived happily ever after.
"Hey Lils?" James whispered, and Lily looked at him, "We did good," he said, and Lily nodded, leaning into kiss him lightly
"I love you James Potter," she said.
"And I, you, Lily,"
Hey guys. That's the end to the epic series.
Hope you loved it as much as I loved writing it
You have all been so amazing.
Words cannot sum up how I'm feeling right now
I'm going to miss this story.
But I 'm going to miss your reviews more
Keep reading
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Over and out.
