Hello everyone! Here's a new chappie.
Special thanks to my darling reviewers: gothic antagonist and brbfidingemo.
HP and all its characters belong to JKRowling.
Trust.
It was a charming baby, although a bit small. Which wasn't surprising, seeing it had been premature. Born on July 31st and therefore condemned by a prophecy made before his own mother knew that she was pregnant.
Harry James Potter was a light of hope. And because of that, a curse too.
Remus smiled, when he noticed the baby had fallen asleep. He enjoyed helping Lily; the poor girl needed much more rest than most mothers did. So, at least once a week, he would visit her. Soon they would be protected by the Fidelio Charm but until then…
"Hello, Remus"
"Sirius" he greeted the newcomer with a brief head movement, before placing Harry in his little cradle "How are you doing?"
"Not very well. They're following us like crazy, you know?"
Yes, Remus knew. Wherever he was, he had the impression that someone was following him. It was obvious that the Death Eaters, tired of no finding Lily and James had decided to follow their best friends around, trying to find some track that would lead them to the Potters. But obviously, they were just as careful as the couple.
"I believe you should hurry up with the Fidelio Charm" the lycanthrope commented "Otherwise, it's just a matter of time before they find them"
Sirius nodded, his whole attention focused on the now peacefully asleep baby. He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated, as if something was troubling him "Sirius? Is everything alright?"
"Huh? Oh, sure. Just dandy"
"Are you sure? You look…"
The front door opened and both of them turned around, taking their wands out. Although they were at the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix (now that Harry was born, Albus had considered it would be safer if the Potters and the Longbottoms moved into the place) the chance of an attack wasn't excluded.
"Ah… it's you, Snivellus" said Sirius, with a scornful smile. Remus rolled his eyes, but Snape didn't seem to care. He simply continued walking until he took a seat in one of the chairs in front of them.
"Good afternoon, Black. Lupin"
"Oh, feeling cocky, huh Snape? Just because Albus trusts you it doesn't mean…"
"Sirius, for God's sake, leave it already!" argued the brunette, placing a hand over his friend's arm "As Albus said, we shouldn't fight among ourselves"
Sirius grunted something intelligible and sent a sad look in Remus direction, before leaving the room, undoubtedly looking for his best friend.
"They don't trust you, you know?"
Severus wasn't sure where did that assertion come from, but he knew it was true. There was something in the rest of the Marauders' behavior that showed the suspicions they had about Remus "I know" he replied, staring at the floor "But it was expected. Because of my… condition"
The dark haired teen let out a dry chuckle "Which just proves how little they know you. Or how little they appreciate you. If they did, they would know they could leave their lives in your hands"
"These are bad times, Severus" the other protested, turning his attention back to Harry's cradle, if only to avoid eye contact with his ex boyfriend "You wouldn't trust me either"
"That's where you are wrong, Lupin" protested the ex Slytherin, standing up and getting closer to him "I could never doubt you" he whispered against his ear, sending shivers down the other boy's back "I know you too well for that"
Remus closed his eyes and tried to concentrate in just enjoying his companion proximity. Severus' presence was so comforting and yet… "How are your friends doing? the Malfoys I mean. I've heard Narcissa has also had a baby, right?"
"Indeed, a boy. They've named him Draco" although he couldn't see him, Remus knew that the other was smiling "They're absolutely delighted. Though I would say Narcissa is as worried for her child as Lily. I guess… I guess that Lily is luckier"
"Luckier? Why?"
"Because her husband chose the right side" Remus turned around to face him and saw the humorless smirk "the problem with being on the Dark Lord's side is that you might lose your life not only in your enemies' hands… but also in your comrades"
"I'm very sorry" Remus whispered, remorse finally getting the best of him. Severus arched his eyebrows, confused "I shouldn't… I mean… that is… I'm sorry if… umm… if I had any influence in your decision to become a Death Eater"
"Oh, don't flatter yourself, Lupin" argued the older, crossing his arms over his chest, still smirking "You had nothing to do with it"
Without stopping to think, Remus took the other by his tunic's neck and pulled him close, before kissing him firmly on the lips. For a second, Severus remained motionless. Then, he returned the kiss for a couple of seconds before pushing him away "It's not a good idea, Lupin"
"Remus" protested the brunette "please Severus… at least when we're alone…"
"I'll rather not" he said, taking a step back "Calling you by your first name invites me down the memory lane and that's a dangerous path, Lupin. Now more than ever"
"I still love you"
A sigh and a sad nod. They heard someone going down the stairs and Remus was sure he wouldn't receive and answer. However, Severus pulled a chain out of his tunic's neck and showed it to him. Remus recognized the ring hanging on it and smiled, immediately pulling out his own ring with a similar motion.
Both keep their promise, even if they did it in secret.
And that was enough.
Sitting next to the window, Lily half heard the conversation between her husband and his best friend. She knew that Remus was downstairs, taking care of her only child and it hurt her deeply to know that both James and Sirius didn't trust him.
She did trust him. In all truthiness, it was impossible for her to imagine Remus doing something as stupid as joining the Death Eaters. Especially not now that Severus had decided to switch sides. Granted, the girl knew he had been the one who told Voldemort about the prophecy, but she had already forgiven him. Of course, it was a secret she would carry till her death, because if someone else was to know… no, better not even think about it.
She stared at her husband. He didn't even notice, his focus on the conversation with Sirius. She sighed and that was when she got the boys attention.
"Is there something wrong, Lils?"
She rolled her eyes. Clearly something was wrong. What sort of silly question was that? Sometimes she truly wondered what in the world had she been thinking when she said 'yes, I do' "It's nothing" she replied, avoiding eye contact and wasn't surprised when the guys went back to their discussion, as if nothing had happened.
Few people could see through that lie. Most didn't because it was much more comfortable ignoring the truth.
"What do you think, love?" asked James a little later, while the girl had kept gazing out the window.
"About what?"
James sighed and sat next to her "Sirius suggests that we don't make him our Guardian. And I think he's right; it's too obvious. So perhaps we should ask Peter…"
"What?!" she exclaimed, standing up looking at them with utter surprise "No. It's not that I don't like Peter, it's just… he's… well…"
"The Death Eaters will never suspect him, Lils. It's fool's proof" explained Sirius calmly. The girl frowned.
"I would be more comfortable if we asked Remus, then"
"Lily…" James' tone was firm and inflexible "We've already discussed this and we agreed…"
"You know what?!" she shouted, watching them angrily "Do whatever you want! I don't care!" and with that being said, she stormed out the room and went downstairs, deciding to check on her son.
She was as worried as James about Harry. But she simply couldn't doubt Remus.
Lily ran downstairs, in the verge of tears. She did love her husband, but sometimes she hated the way he behaved. Occasionally she wondered if they were too different and if maybe it would be better if…
"Oh. I'm not interrupting, right?" she blushed slightly, seeing the scene taking place at the living room. Remus rolled his eyes and smiled kindly. Severus huffed.
"There is nothing to interrupt, Evans" he alleged dismissively "or should I call you Potter?"
After that, the girl sighed sadly and headed towards her baby's cradle, ignoring the boys. Both watched this, concerned "What's the matter, Lils?"
"It's nothing, Remus" she replied calmly, leaning to brush a bang away from Harry's face.
"Ah… so you've finally exploded. I was starting to wonder if I had miscalculated" Severus tone was sarcastic and the lycanthrope eyed him, confused "You're not like them, Evans. Your nature is much more compassionate, comprehensive and trusting"
"I guess that's a compliment?"
"Of course, my dear" replied the dark haired teen, sarcastically.
"Lils" Remus whispered, moving closer to her and taking her hands between his "Thank you for your trust and concern, but I'm fine. Seriously"
And it was the truth. All in all, the brunette only needed two people to believe in him: Severus Snape and Lily Evans-Potter.
"The enchantment will be ready tomorrow" Remus announced a couple of days later, during one of Severus' visits. Said boy arched an eyebrow "I don't think that Potter would be pleased to find out that you're sharing that information with me, Lupin"
"It doesn't matter to me" argued the brunette, shrugging "I know I said it didn't bother me that they didn't trust me. However, I've recently noticed that I do mind"
"Naturally" replied the ex Death Eaters, smiling "I always said that those friends of yours were no good at all"
"Well, yours are not exactly perfect either. Look in what lovely mess they've gotten you"
Severus let out a dry, full of sarcasm chuckle "You think that, Lupin? I'm the only one who could handle such a dangerous mission. One way or another, I was condemned to end up with the Death Eaters"
"Severus..."
"The problem with you and all your friends is that you keep your heart on your sleeve, making yourself vulnerable and predictable. I, on the other hand, know how to behave and avoid being discovered. In addition, I'm the one with all the contacts inside the Death Eaters circle, huh?"
"Ah … well, I guess you're right. Perhaps it would be wiser to be a little more reserved..."
"Nonsense" protested the former Slytherin "I can't imagine you being otherwise. And if you were, I don't think we…"
Harry's sudden cry interrupted them and the ex Gryffindor rushed to his side. He picked him up and began rocking him, while his ex boyfriend watched him "I can't understand how can Potter doubt you" he stated, out of nowhere "Not after seeing this"
Remus laughed slightly "It's normal that his worries don't let him think straight" he moved closer to the dark haired male and offered him the baby "Wanna carry him?"
"Do I look like a nanny or something?"
This time the brunette laughed harder, giving him the child. Severus had no other option that accept him, but ended up carrying the baby as if he was an atomic bomb. However, Harry stopped crying and stared at him "I think he likes you"
"Oh, wonderful" said the other, sarcastic "a Potter who likes me"
"And he would like you even more if you didn't carry him as if he was a bomb" Lily added, suddenly appearing and laughing too, before approaching her friend and taking her son "I think you have lots of father's potential, Sev. Harry seems happy with you. Happier than with Sirius, as the matter of the fact"
"Sure. Next thing you'll be telling me is that I should adopt a baby" said the boy, crossing his arms over his chest "You have the craziest ideas, Evans"
The girl laughed "What do you think, Remy? Wouldn't you like to have a small family?"
The werewolf smiled and eyed his ex boyfriend "It would be wonderful, Lils. With a little luck, maybe someday I will"
Severus merely rolled his eyes.
"Remus says the spell will be done by tomorrow"
"U-hu" there was no joy on her tone and the ex Slytherin could hear a bit of resentment on her response. He arched his eyebrows questioningly and the red-haired girl immediately added "It's nothing, actually. I guess I'm just a little paranoid"
"Evans..."
"It's the true, Sev. Besides, I don't wish you to trouble you anymore. I know you have lots to do for the Order and I wouldn't want…"
"You're no bother, Lily. You know you can count on me"
She smiled and nodded "Will you visit? Whenever you can, of course"
He shook his head "I'm sorry, but it wouldn't be wise. You shouldn't reveal your hiding place to someone who must spend far too much time with Death Eaters"
"Right. Nevertheless, if one day you feel like dropping by… just go and ask Sirius. I'll tell him about it"
The dark haired male laughed "Oh, fancy that! I'd love to see that; it will be a laugh, at the very last"
"Severus! Severus, wait!"
The man turned around, in order to face the person following him. This allowed Narcissa to catch up with him; she had run out of breath, which suggested she had been running after him for a while. He cocked an eyebrow "Cissa?"
"I… I must talk to you" she was finding hard to breath, so Severus waited patiently for her to recover, although he felt slightly concerned "It's about your muggleborn friend"
"Lily? What's the matter with her?"
Narcissa looked around, making sure nobody was around. She stepped closer to him, just in case "I've heard something terrible, Sev. It seems, he has found them"
"What?! That can't be"
"According to Lucius, someone told the Dark Lord about the Potter's hiding place. He's going after them tonight"
"W-what? I need… I have to…"
"I don't wanna know it, Snape!" she screamed, covering her ears "just go. And if someone asks…"
"You have nothing to do with this. I know; thanks Cissa"
Although he wouldn't admit it out loud, it also pained Sirius to distrust Remus. Sadly, there was no other way to explain how well informed Voldemort seemed to be about the Potter's movements. In fact, they had avoided certain death only because Snivellus keep the Order updated and God knew how much Sirius hated owing something to the greasy-git…
"Sirius, could you please sit down for a while?"
He nodded and took a sit next to his friend. To be honest, Sirius had been feeling more anxious lately; he hadn't spoken with his best friend since he and Lily moved to Godric's Hollow and something keep nagging him, although he wasn't sure what it was. Spending most of his free time with Remus eased him a little but…
The two Marauders sat in stiff silence, not really knowing what to say "I'm surprised you're willing to spend so much time in my company, Padfoot" the brunette confessed "After all, I know you guys don't trust me"
The other gazed at him, somewhere between startled and worried. Remus shook his head "I've known for a while. And I learned to deal with it"
"Remus…"
But before the other male could whisper an apology or something like that, someone knocked on the door. Sirius stood up and hurried towards the entrance, leaving Remus alone.
For some reason, the werewolf began to feel very uneasy. Something in the back of his head warned him that things were about to go downhill.
"Snivellus? What are you doing here?"
"There's no time for this, Black. You're the only one I could ask for help!" he took a deep breath and noted his lungs burned from so much running. He could have appeared, of course, but in his distress, he had forgotten about it "He has found them!"
"Who…? What the he…?" and he suddenly understood. Suddenly, everything was as clear as water "Damn it!" the ex Gryffindor exclaimed, before pushing the other boy out of his way and heading towards his garage, where he found his motorbike.
He had made a mistake. A terrible, horrible mistake.
And it was about to cost him his best friend's life.
The last coherent thought before the door exploded that James had, was that they had placed their trust in the wrong person.
The only thing he could do now, was to hope for said person to receive what he deserved.
So, how do you like it? I think it has a fair amount of romance, humor and drama. Lots of drama, actually. LOL
But it's your opinion which counts, so, don't forget to give it to me!