A/N: Okay. I'm on the bus to go to Boston with the Honor Choir. It's the town choir and we're going to Boston to work with the conductor Nick Page. He's like God in the choir world. To conductors anyway. To us choristers, he's some freak who arranged the crappy songs we have to sing. Still, I love the choir so, here I am. Since I'm on the bus for the next couple hours and have nothing else to do but listen to the girls in front of me gossip, I thought I'd write for y'all. So, once again, here I am.

I've been reading over the chapters I have saved on my computer (again) and I realized I packed so much drama into this story! Something bad happens in almost every chapter. And I've completely forgotten the magic (as pointed out to me by the anonymous reviewer Wiggle. Love your name, by the way.) So I'm going to let you guys have some fun and happy times before things go wrong again. Well, Ella won't be happy (sorry, but your relationship is to perfect. That needs to stop.) But that's okay.

Also, the words to the lullaby in this chapter are from the song we're singing in Honor Choir, Thula S'Thandwa. It's an African lullaby, so just the English lyrics are here. Just letting y'all know that so I don't get hit with any copyright crap that I'm not aware of.

Right. We're moving, so I'm going to stop rambling, put in my rehearsal CD (yes, I know. I'm a choir junkie) and I'm going to actually start writing!

Disclaimer: IT'S NOT MINE! STOP ASKING ALREADY!

Chapter 8: A Nightmare

"Hush,

Don't cry.

Hush,

Your mother's coming.

Hush,

The day is done

Oh little baby."

Lily stood in a dimly lit room, softly singing as she stoked her pregnant belly. Lovingly, her voice lulled the unborn baby to sleep. He stopped kicking her kidney, much to her relief. She had decided it was a boy, for reasons incomprehensible to others. A mother just knew. Lily smiled as a strong baritone voice joined her light alto. A tanned callused hand reached from behind her to rest on the pale fingers she had on her stomach.

"Hush. Loooo-loo-loo-loooo,

Hush. Loooo-loo-loo-loo,

Hush. Loooo-loo-loo-loo-loo-loooo-loo-loo-loooo."

The man behind her was wildly off key, as always. He had never quite got the hang of singing. It was something Lily absolutely loved about him. It seemed to be the one thing her husband couldn't do. He rested his chin on her shoulder, the scruff on his cheek scratching the side of her neck. She needed to remind him to shave. Lily turned to gaze her husband, and was met by sparkling hazel eyes. Messy coal black hair fell across his face. A warm smile spread across his lips. James looked perfectly happy.

"Rock-a-by baby.

Rock-a-by baby.

Rock-a-by baby.

Rock-a-by baby."

His soft eyes glittered behind his spectacles. Lily hoped their son would get his eyes. They always seemed to glitter in the light; a quality had often caused girls to stare in his school days. James continued to stroke her stomach, still softly humming. He kissed her cheek, his gentle lips sweet and loving.

Lily's eyes snapped open, her heart racing. What the hell was that? She thought desperately. Why was I pregnant and why was I married to James James and baby were two things that never should be in the same thought together. She tried to put her hand to her stomach, just to check, but couldn't. She couldn't move her arms. At first she didn't know where she was. Unfamiliar red silk sheets covered her and she was warmer than usual. Then she saw why. Someone was lying next to her. She swiftly glanced up, praying that she would not see a head of black hair.

She sighed with relief. Remus slept beside to her, his strong arms holding her protectively. She smiled. He was so cute when he was sleeping, his brow clear of any worry wrinkles, his lips curved into a gentle smile. When he was asleep, he actually looked… happy. She snuggled closer, his soft breathing like music, like a lullaby. She could hear his heart beat, like a steady drum in his chest. She listened, her head pressed close, letting that steady reliable beat calm her own heart. It was funny, how safe she felt when she was with Remus, the werewolf. Ironic even. She remembered the night before: the wolf, the fear, the treat of death and then Remus and the sense of relief the sight of him gave her. She had so many questions that needed answers, so many things she needed to say. Lily glanced once more at Remus. His soft angel's hair had fallen into his eyes again. With some difficulty, she wiggled an arm free and reached up to sweep it away from his face. Her hand strayed to his face, stroking dark circles under his eyes. Her questions could wait until he awoke. For now she would just enjoy the feeling of warmth, a feeling she knew was more than just body heat.

A while later, Remus woke to find a brilliant red head buried in his chest. Lily seemed to be asleep, her breathing even. He looked up and saw sparkling sunshine pouring into the Room. Unfortunately, it was time to get up. Remus bent down and softly brushed his lips against Lily's. Her eyelids fluttered and opened, revealing dazzling celery colored eyes. Remus knew they would darken to a jade color by lunch.

"Morning," he whispered. She smiled and rolled onto her back. "Morning, Sweetheart."

He was raised one eyebrow. "Sweetheart?" Lily's grin widened. "Yeah. I'm trying out pet names. Would you rather Shnuggums?"

"No, no. Sweetheart is fine!" he said quickly. Sirius would never let him live down a name like Shnuggums.

"So, how did you sleep?" Remus asked conversationally.

"Well, I had a weird dream, a nightmare really, but other than that fine. You?"

"To tell you the truth, I think that was the best night's sleep I've ever had," He answered.

Suddenly, Lily sat up and folded her hands in her lap. Her face was serious.

"Remus, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, anything."

"Do you remember anything from last night? From when you were a wolf?" He nodded.

"Bits and pieces."

"Do you remember when you first saw me in the woods? You were coming toward me and then suddenly you started shaking and jerking about, like you were fighting with yourself, like you couldn't decide whether to attack me or not." She finally asked her question. "Why didn't you? Attack me, that is."

Remus took a moment to formulate his answer. He had been thinking about this last night and he had a theory. "I'm not sure, but I think, even though I was a wolf, I still recognized you. My human heart didn't want to hurt you, but at the same time, my wolf instincts wanted me to…" He didn't finish the sentence. Lily gave an involuntary shudder.

"Lily," Remus started. He looked nervous. "Last night, you said you were scared for me, for us." He chewed his lip. "What are you scared of?"

"Lots of things. I don't like that you have to go through something like this. You're so kind and wonderful. It's not fair. I'm scared you're going to get hurt." Her voice broke slightly. "I'm scared that people will find out and make you leave. I'm scared that James will do something stupid. I'm just… scared." Her eyes glistened. Admitting all her fears just made them worse. To stop herself from crying, she changed course. "But, it's okay, because it doesn't matter. I have you and that's all that counts, right?" She looked at him hopefully. Remus put an arm around her and hugged her close. "Of course," he whispered. When they parted, Lily gave a small smile and rolled out of bed, still in her clothes from last night. Taking her wand from the night stand where she had placed it the night before, she conjured new clothes and new robes. "Dress me," she whispered. Instantly the clothes she was wearing were replaced by the new ones. She turned and said, "I've got early potions today, so I've gotta run. Catch you later, alright?" He nodded and she leaned over the bed to give him one last kiss. "Love you," she whispered and left, leaving behind a beaming Remus.

The first half of the day was interesting. Remus didn't have any morning classes with Lily, so he spent his time staring dreamily out the window, thinking of her. Only Sirius noticed his odd behavior. Everyone else was busy with Peter.

Peter Pettigrew was back from an extended vacation. His family had taken him to Transylvania for the winter holidays and they had managed to get lost in the woods and get captured by a band of vegetarian vampires. After learning the forest they were in had some kind of anti-Apparation charm cast upon it, they had to escape the vampires (who were extremely lonely and wanted pets), then wander around the countryside trying to find a place not inhabited by superstitious muggles (who were terrified of the people in odd colored cloaks and tended to chase them away) or less friendly vampires than their friends from the woods. Needless to say, that took a few weeks. Eventually they managed to find a payphone and the magical authorities helped them get home. Peter had mountains of homework to make up and spent the entire Charms class beginning one of his friends to lend him the work so he could copy it.

Just as he was about to lobby his friends again in History of Magic for the right to use any and all study materials gathered between the three of them, a pretty brunette with a pleasantly round face sat down right in front of him. Peter stopped mid-sentence and stared, his gesturing finger falling limp by his side. The girl, bent low over unfinished homework, a quill in her hand, scribbled hurried. An errant lock of chocolaty hair fell across her face. She raised a hand to sweep it behind her ear, but it kept falling. Finally, frustrated, she slammed her quill down and swept her hair back in a messy bun. Peter seemed fascinated by this.

The other Marauders, who had been ignoring poor Peter for the last ten minutes, realized there was no more incessant squeaking in their ears. They turned to see what could possibly have shut Peter up and saw a string of drool fall from the corner of his thin lips to the worn desk. Following his gaze, the same smirk came upon all of their faces. Peter had adored Casey Minella for years. She was about the only girl in their year that wasn't taller than him. Peter was kind of her stalker. He had a collection of candy wrappers she had handled. He had a stash of secret pictures of her taken while she wasn't looking. They displayed a happy girl with a big smile of perfectly straight, white teeth. A beauty mark lay just below her left eye. And oh, her eyes! Peter could stare into those eyes forever. They were hazel eyes that changed with Casey's mood. Currently they were a stressed out murky green. Peter just could not stop staring.

But then, of course, Casey's boyfriend John, whom everyone called Slightly, showed up and gave the girl a quick peck on the cheek. Peter's jaw snapped shut. He wiped his glistening chin on his sleeve as sat glaring at the back of the other boy's head.

Most people believed that John Costello's nickname originated from his slight build and lanky appearance. For some reason, his sparkling brown eyes and messy coffee colored hair made him seem harmless. In fact, his name came from his skill with sleight hand. He loved to play cards and never went anywhere without a deck of them somewhere on his person. Casey was the only one who could win against him, matching each friendly deception with a trick of her own.

"You know, mate, Casey and Slightly have been going out for some time now and they seem pretty happy to me. Maybe you should give up," Padfoot suggested. He pitied his mousy friend. Peter's short stature, nervous nail-biting habit and strange front teeth kept him from popularity with the ladies. You couldn't pay a girl to go out with little old Wormtail. It was sad, tragic and pathetic, but true. Peter chose to ignore this comment and persisted in his glaring.

Professor Binns continued to drone on and on about the International Convention for the Rights of Pixies. Most of the class had fallen asleep. In fact, it seemed only Remus was taking notes. Sirius glanced around the room and noticed a girl staring at him. It was not his girlfriend. She was sitting to his right, writing furiously in a thick notebook. This girl had long chestnut hair and bright brown eyes. Those eyes were trained unblinkingly at Sirius. Her heart shaped face was resting on her hand as she smiled. Pearly white teeth shone in the afternoon light. Sirius nervously smiled back, unsure as to why the girl continued to stare. Did he have something on his face? She raised her free hand and gave a little wave. Her perfect nails were painted a light pink. She was close enough for him to see the tiny bumblebees magically raced around on them, playing tag above the tiny flowers. Sirius was mesmerized by the miniscule creatures. He was easily distracted.

Now it was Ella's turn to glance up, looking for inspiration to continue her writings. She was writing story and she was stuck. As she glanced toward Sirius, she saw him looking wide eyed and open mouthed at a girl across the room. Following her gaze she discovered who it was. Ella's eyes narrowed. Sophia Allocco. Why was she staring at Sirius? And why was he staring back! Then Ella saw the other girl's nails. She had seen those in the window of the most expensive nails salon in Diagon Alley. They were enchanted to captivate the wearers intended target. Knowing Sirius, those tine bees and flowers were very distracting. He was like a dog. Anything shiny or moving and he was absolutely mesmerized. She rolled her eyes and whacked the boy on the head with her notebook.

"Ow!" he exclaimed. Professor Binns ignored the outburst. "What was that for!" he whispered furiously. Ella refused to answer. She gave our oblivious Padfoot a searing look and returned to her story.

The bell rang and half the class jumped four feet in the air and came crashing down to the floor. The Marauders (except Sirius, who was still rubbing his sore head) laughed as they stepped over their dazed class mates on the way to the library. They all had a free period before lunch.

As James, Sirius and Peter all settled down at a table, Remus hurried off to the rows and rows of books, claiming he needed a special tome for a DADA essay. Though, none of the other Marauders remembered being assigned this essay, they figured they'd let Remus find that out on his own. The boys pooled their resources and helped each other decipher their Ancient Runes homework, as well as name all the ingredients in a Babbling Beverage for Potions and managed to each add five inches to their Divination essays by rambling on and on about all the possible effects different types of tea leaves could have on the reading. It was only after they were well into their attempts at Transfiguration that Sirius realized Remus was still missing. He excused himself to go look for the lost lycanthrope. Knowing Remus tended to get caught up in the section containing the heavy, hard to read, leather bound volumes, he headed straight to that area of the library. Quietly whispering Remus's name lest the librarian should hear, he passed row after row of books. When he finally found Remus, he stood staring in surprise.

He had his arms wrapped around a girl. And not just any girl. He was snogging Lily Evans. Sirius broke out of his reverie and smirked. "Well done, Moony!" He whispered rather loudly. The couple sprang apart, startled, and Padfoot grinned. Both Lily and Remus were blushing furiously. Both were breathing a little heavily. "So, you two are…" Sirius trailed off, allowing the couple to think of the proper term they wished to use.

Lily jumped in. "Together? Yes, we are." Moony gave a small grin and nodded agreement.

"Good. Now, I hate to break up this wonderful love fest, but could you come back and help us with Transfiguration?" He said, gesturing to Remus. "You're the only one that can turn that damned quill into a bird."

Though reluctant to leave his girlfriend, Remus nodded and gave Lily a quick good-bye kiss. Then he turned and followed Sirius through the shelves of dusty books.

"So," Sirius started. "You and Lily."

"Yep"

"What are you gonna tell James?"

"Don't know," was the answer. "I figured I'd cross that bridge when I came to it."

Sirius nodded and mulled over what would happen when someone stepped on that rickety bridge. He cringed inwardly as he saw the bridge collapse. We'll figure something out, he thought, resigned. When the boys reached the table, Peter and James looked up.

"You find your book, Remus?" James asked.

A confused look passed over the boy's face. Then he remembered. "Oh, um, no. It was checked out." He stuttered, his face turning a light red. "Too bad," James said. "Now, can you please show us how to turn this stupid feather into a bird? All we can get it to turn into a bird shaped feather." Remus glanced at the table. The books were all cleared off and in the center was indeed a bird shaped feather. He sighed. With a swish of his wand, the odd shaped plume became a small, white nightingale. The small creature hopped around on tiny stick legs for a minute, somewhat bewildered by its own sudden existence. Then, it lifted miniature wings and took flight. After zooming around in circles for a while, the creature came to rest on Remus's shoulder.

James cracked a smile. "Brilliant! Can you show us how to do that?"

Remus sat down, prepared to yet again teach is friends the basics. "It's all in the wrist," he said, displaying his own for the purpose of the lesson.

Lunch time: the Marauders' favorite time of the day. James was just getting started on a plate full of delicious food when Sirius grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of the Great Hall, all the way up to the Common Room. When questioned on his actions, Sirius said they needed to talk.

"James, what if, hypothetically of course, someone else was going out with Evans? What would you do?" Sirius asked nervously.

"I'd hex them into oblivion," was the answer. Great, Sirius thought. Well, better he gets angry here than in front of all the teachers. He prepared himself for what he was about to say next. "What if, not so hypothetically, Moony was going out with Evans?"

James turned white. "What?" He whispered. Sirius repeated his words and James turned even whiter.

"But… but they… they can't be together! She… she's mine!" He stuttered, completely forgetting his vow to let the girl decide (A/N: Remember? Back in Ch. 6? I know, guys, it's been a while).

"James, Lily has never been yours," Sirius reminded him gently.

"But I love her!"

"Well, you sure have an interesting way of showing it. If you knew her at all, Prongs, you'd know she's not the type to go for the usual Marauder charm."

"Are you saying I don't love her?" James asked, suddenly angry at Padfoot.

"No, I'm saying you don't know her. You've spent so much time worshipping her, you never really got to know her. What she likes, dislikes, that sort of thing."

"Sirius, I can't just give her up. Even though she hates my guts, I've never felt this way about anyone before, contrary to popular belief. It's just my luck that the one girl I really care about believes me to be an arrogant prick."

"It's your own fault you know. Showing off and being a smartass doesn't work with her."

"I know, it's just that… it's just that I don't know how to be around her! Whenever I try to say the right thing, it comes out all wrong!" He sighed and sat down on the coffee table, head bowed. "I… I just thought that if I gave it enough time, she'd come around. I always get what I want in the end."

"Why should you get everything? Don't you want Moony to be happy?" Sirius questioned, his voice inquiring, not accusing. "Please, James, let Remus have this one girl."

The boy in front of him put his head in his hands and sighed heavily again.

"Just think about it, Prongs," Sirius whispered and he quietly left his friend to his thoughts.

James came down to dinner towards the end of the meal, taking a seat across from Remus and Lily at the Gryffindor table, next to Sirius and Ella. He noticed Sophia staring at the raven-haired boy as he looked decidedly away. Hmmm… wonder what that's about? He wondered. After loading his plate with whatever remains of the meal he could find, James joined in a spirited conversation over the Quidditch stats of the House teams so far. Remus and Lily chose to stay on the down low for the whole meal, exchanging only a few secret smiles and whispers. Moony kept stealing glances at James, wondering when and how they should tell him. Definitely not tonight though, he thought passionately. Not tonight. When finally all of the plates were cleared of any and all food, Lily excused herself, announcing to the Marauders that she had a project that had been left unfinished. She gave a secret look to Remus. He had no idea what it meant. Stepping over the long bench that served as a seat to hungry diners, she grabbed her bag, turned and …

Gave Remus a kiss. In front of James and the rest of the House of Gryffindor. The girl gave his shoulder a quick squeeze for courage and fled. Remus, a horrified look on his face, slowly turned his head to look at James. A calm anger and, strangely, resignation lit the hazel eyes of the other boy. He took a deep breath and gave a definite nod, as if to say It's okay. He had conceded.

Returning to his food, James thought I'll let you go for now, Lily. But I won't give up on you just yet.

A/N: YAY I GOT THE SOLO!

Update on solo: got on stage, completely forgot the words (I had one day to learn it) and just mouthed nonsense. But it's okay because I was singing it as a duet and the guy I was singing with, Matthew, sang it by himself. He did fine. Next chapter contains the happy times I mentioned. And Ella, sorry once again. It had to happen.

Also, my faithful readers, I need your help! This is a Reader Challenge. I have a question for you to answer: What are your favorite pet names for Remus and Lily?

Please answer this question in your reviews. It would help me a lot. Sorry it took me so long to update. I need to work on that.

REVIEW!