A/N—This is the final chapter of Every Exit, I think! I hoped you enjoyed it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, neither do I seek to reap financial benefits from this piece of fiction. I am merely a fan yearning to manipulate Rowling's characters in such a way as to entertain myself and others.

-----the story-----

July 30, 1981. 11:30 pm.

There was a knock at the door; James got up to answer it.

"I'm sorry for being late James. It's just…you know, Dark Lord on the rise and everything. One can't be too careful these days."

James smiled, "Of course not Sirius." The two friends embraced, and moved out of the July night that was still a bit to warm for everyone's liking, and into the coolness of the small cottage James had bought three years ago. "Have you heard from Peter lately?" James asked Sirius, who merely shook his head.

"Nope. Haven't heard anything since the letter he sent to all of us last year, saying that he was going to go over so that he could work from the inside." Sirius gave a little smile trying to imagine Wormtail as a spy for the Order. "Most likely he actually has gone over. I mean, that's what happened last time." The smile dropped from his face just as soon he had said that,

"Sirius?" James always got concerned for his friend when his gaze focused on something in the distant past, or the far future, James wasn't ever sure which was which with Sirius anymore. Gladly he didn't have to worry long.

"How's Lily and the baby?" He asked as he returned to the time of the present, or the past…or the future, however Sirius decided to look at it.

"Oh! They are fantastic. We got Harry a toy broom yesterday, and he loves it! I think I got a Quidditch player on my hands." James cherished his wife and child more than his own being. Years ago when he and the rest of Marauders were still in school, Sirius had an accident…or well—he had the accident fifteen years from now, but it sent him back to when they were all in school. It was all still very confusing to James but he accepted it. At school, Sirius explained to him that if he let Peter be his Secret Keeper, that his family would all die, and that Harry would be raised by Lily's sister. That thought made James shudder. He hated Lily's sister and that entire family.

"I'm positive that Harry will be a great Quidditch player." Sirius smiled at James, knowing what question was next.

"What position?!"

Both men laughed, and as Lily entered with the young boy she too laughed, even though she didn't know why. She was just happy. She was happy that James was happy, happy that Sirius was here, happy that her son was with them, and happy to be alive.

Sirius looked at his watch. July 31, 1981. 12:03 am. "Happy Birthday, Harry."

--

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"This year we would like to introduce our new faculty!" Dumbledore's voice was still as powerful and commanding as he remembered.

"First! A new course, Care of Magical Creatures, is being taught by our very own Hagrid!"

The hall erupted in a small amount of applause. He watched as Hagrid stood and gave a small bow in response.

"Next! Teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, I would like everyone to give a good Hogwarts welcome to an esteemed alumni of this school. Professor Sirius Black!"

There was more applause this time.

He stood and waved at the Gryffindor table, winking at Harry, who's parents had taken him to the train station. Harry Potter, who wouldn't have to face death for a while yet. Harry potter, who was his godson.