So I did it! I actually managed to update without making you wait practically an eternity.

Remember, I don't own Harry Potter characters, but think about how cool it would be if I did. I could make the men fight constantly in mud or oil rings for my own amusement while letting the girls throw out dollar bills!

Now without further ado, my thanks.

Lionella- yeah, I figured I would give a little twist to Peter's character. I mean, I know he's a slime ball but there had to be some reason James and them still hung with the kid.

Lady Knight Keladry- Thanks, I hope this chapter brings you just as much excitement while answering some questions in the process

AnitaPotter- Thank you very much, I'm glad you enjoy

35words- thank you

Love is the key to the world- thank you, and don't worry, I will make time for this story

LilyJames addict- don't worry, I won't be dropping this story

Angel-Miko- I know, my last update was too too long, I hope this was quick enough though.

1BigRomantic- Thank you

buttonbit- lol, I tried to make this update very quick

Isolde Eris- Thank you

WhiteCamellia- thank you

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So now for what I know you all have been waiting for, Chapter 11

Lily glared at the mirror before her as she looked over her appearance. Visiting Hagrid as her real self had reminded her how much she missed the feel of looking like her own self again. As she looked herself over now dressed in her soldiers training uniform all she could do was scowl. Her hair had grown a few inches since she originally hacked most of it off, she was forced to start tying it back in a low ponytail in the back. Her eyes seemed to of lost some sparkle to it, something Jack used to love about them. Her brown tunic and loose pants now felt odd compared to the feel of the cotton fabric from the dress she had worn just the night before. She tried to ignore the guilty feeling of doing something she shouldn't have as she straitened her shirt. Going anywhere dressed as her true self had been a horrible idea. She justified the thought by telling herself that Hagrid deserved to know the truth, but the consequences of her actions could have been more severe then that visit was worth. She shook her head as she thought of the night before, visiting Hagrid had been worth it. She knew if given the choice she would have done it all over again.

She glanced around at all the empty beds around her. She woke up not really in the mood for breakfast, choosing an extra fifteen minutes of sleep instead. This also allowed her the time to get ready without worrying about prying eyes. She needed to be more careful now; it was bad enough her commanding officer knew the truth already. She needed to be Jack and remain that way from now on. With new determination she looked herself over one last time before taking a step away from the mirror.

"I must say, you look too glum considering your now the hero who saved their King's life." Lily turned to find Weasley standing in the doorway of the barracks.

"I'm just tired…long night." Lily scolded herself mentally, her lame excuse sounded like a lie even to her own ears. Weasley flashed a boyish grin before making his way towards her.

"Out late celebrating at the local brothel with many of our other young soldiers I see." Lily tried to hide the blush that immediately rose to her cheeks. Could he really think her capable of going to such a place? It was then she reminded herself that it wasn't a she Weasley was talking to, but the "he" Lily had become.

"No…I was just visiting an old friend, ended up out much later then originally intended." Weasley immediately mistook the rosy blush on her cheeks to be some hint of a lie. He could only offer a boyish grin before stepping deeper into the barracks.

Nothing to be ashamed of there, we've all been there. Hell, even Lord Black has his own private room and everything." Lily glanced up quickly, the shock clearly evident on her face.

"His own room?" The very thought of a Lord having his own room at a local brothel just seemed outrageous. Men like Lord Black had a name and reputation to keep up; surely they couldn't throw it all down the drain for a few good rides.

"Well what can I say, our Lord does love the ladies, and surly this can not come as that big of a surprise." Lily forced a laugh before quickly shaking her head no. She was not ready to accept quite a rumor just yet. Still, she didn't want to see weird by denying such rumor to begin with. She had an image to keep up with, who was she to start going against the wave just yet due to her own womanly views of the world. Weasley kept walking towards her until he was centered in front of the small rectangular mirror. He couldn't help but start straitening his hair as he looked over his messy attire.

"Well I guess we should hurry, that is if we plan to actually be on time for training." Lily glanced over, her eyes questioning his very statement.

"But my training doesn't start for another couple of hours. Surely I have some time to relax before hand." Weasley shook his head no in response, the same boyish grin plastered on his face.

"That was why I came to fetch you myself. Lord Black has decided it's time to start training you with the big boys now. Of course it means longer hours and harsher opponents but if Lord Black sees you capable then I'm sure you'll do just fine. Your sleeping arrangements have also been changed of course so I would suggest getting everything packed before the banquet. No sense in trying to get it all done to late at night."

"But to where?" Weasley wrapped a brotherly arm around her shoulder before leading her towards the outside.

"That is where you are in luck. There is Burke and myself, two people you already have met of course. Then there is a bloke named Moody. Now he may seem a bit scary at first, but don't let that demeanor or fake eye of his harsh eyes scare you. Deep down the crazy fool is nothing more then a cuddly old teddy bear. Then there will be you of course, so no more of sharing a room with thirty other men nonsense. You're moving on up in the world." Lily nodded in shock. She really wasn't sure of what all she should say right now. She opted for silence as Weasley began explaining the difference that would now occur in her daily routine. Her change in rank would now mean longer training hours, more frequent duty sections, and a large amount of women that would now be willing to flock to the man Lily had made herself out to be. It all seemed like a dream as she listened to Weasley go on. It felt like her world was moving all too fast, and yet still she didn't dare wish to object. If this was the wish Sirius wished to put her through then so be it, she was not going to back down now.

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"You don't think that you might be pushing the kid too fast?" Remus asked in disbelief. Sirius glanced down causally towards the boy in question from the balcony the two stood lazily in watch,

"Woods can handle it."

"Listen, I know he and yourself both went through some shit while being held in captivity, but that doesn't take away from the fact that he's barely even a man yet."

"And he can handle it." Remus shook his head almost in pity for the boy.

"I hope you know what you're doing." Sirius' gaze never left the boy as he watched him go blow for blow with a man twice his own weight. With weight aside, his opponent had also been under Sirius' command for a couple of years now making him more then a capable fighter. It was times like this when Sirius found it hard to look at the boy and see him for what he really was, not a young soldier, but a woman very scorned by the war's events.

"Have faith in the kid my friend, I think you will find him more then capable." Remus could only shake his head. He could never deny that Sirius was almost always right about his judgment, leaving him to be stuck on faith and faith alone. Still he could not stop himself from looking at the boy sadly. He glanced towards Sirius who looked in no mood to change his mind. Remus wanted to laugh, Sirius and James could both be too stubborn for their own good. Still, there was nothing to do now but quickly change the subject, trying to get his point across would do no good and both men knew it.

"So have you decided on the lucky lady who will partner you with tonight's events?"

"I was thinking of just taking tonight solo…I'm sure I'll find someone more then willing once I get there." Again Remus found himself in shock by his friend's decision.

"What? No bubbling blonde to guarantee a welcoming dessert and warm bed?" Sirius smirked as both he and Remus' minds drifted to the very blonde who had shared his bed that morning. She had been fun, but nothing special enough to invite out in public eye.

"Actually I was thinking that James might like the solo support for once." Remus nodded in understanding.

"He has not been handling this marriage thing too well."

"And why should he?" Remus shook his head in pity for how true that statement was in both men's eyes.

"I only wish the council saw things that way." Sirius glanced over towards Remus who had always been much more a brother then a friend.

"And you?" Remus gazed up questionably.

"And me what?"

"Well will you be inviting Lady Tonks or what?" Remus smiled in thought of the only woman to ever make him think romantically.

"I am afraid she is ill, though I do plan on making a trip after tonight's festivities. I do however worry that it will seem to forward for me to just show up." Sirius could only laugh before clapping Remus on the back.

"My dear Remus, I'm still curious of how you have not managed to just fuck her yet. Surly the opportunity has come about a time or two." Remus' face immediately reddened in thought.

"Sirius! You don't just…you know, bed a girl like Lady Tonks…she's not that type of girl!"

"Well are you going to marry her or something?" All Remus could do was scoff at the very thought.

"As if she would ever have me." Sirius tsk'd softly, the grin still plastered on his face.

"You must have faith my friend, even a blind man could see the way she looks at you. Speaking of which, did you hear about what the blind man said to his deaf wife?" A loud laugh escaped Remus' lips as he began heading back inside the castle.

"Alright Sirius, I shall see you tonight, try not to push young Woods too hard while I am away." Sirius smirked as he waved goodbye to his long time friend.

"See you tonight." The smile vanished as soon as Remus left leaving Sirius to contemplate the young man below known as Jack Woods. Sirius knew the kid was capable, he only hoped he was making the right decision letting a woman fight in this war at all.

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James could only sigh heavily at the reflection before him. He had long since stopped at trying to control the unruly black hair before him choosing to instead let it be as it stuck out every which way. Even though his black suit was made from the finest fabrics around the world it still felt wrong, like he was dressed and prepared to arrive at a funeral. It was an odd reflection, to stare blankly at a man who should be looking for a bride but instead looked prepared for death. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself at such a thought. This banquet almost did feel like a funeral.

"Well there you are, the guests have all arrived and are awaiting your arrival." Peter said as he opened the double doors to James' chambers. When the young general got no response he decided to walk further into the room. "Hey mate…you doing ok there?"

"How did you know she was the one?"

"I'm sorry?" Peter asked in confusion. The question just seemed so out of the blue, even for the unpredictable King before him.

"When you got married…how did you know…that she was it? That Maria was forever going to be the one and only one…till death do you part?" Peter couldn't help but smile at the mention of Maria who was now currently waiting for him along with the many other guests down below.

"I don't know…I just did." James turned so he could now face Peter fully.

"I'm afraid that I won't ever get that privilege." Peter offered a weak smile before stepping closer.

"Just because you are King does not mean you cannot find love." A bitter laugh escaped James' lips before the young Prince could stop it.

"But isn't that what I am being forced into? A loveless marriage with a woman I will most likely grow to despise."

"You have a year James."

"Yes! Only one single year to meet the woman I will be destined to spend the rest of my life with. What with the war, fighting to gather cooperation from other lands, all while trying to keep my own people from getting killed needlessly, where in the world can I find the time?" Peter immediately felt horrible for thinking of no words to comfort his friend. He had lucked out with Maria…how could he help to predict that James could do the same? James used the silence as a chance to turn back around and give himself one last look over.

"James…" Peter could only sigh; this all just didn't seem fair.

"Let's just go Peter…my guests are waiting." James could not help the bitterness that laced his voice, or the way Peter's face fell slightly from being able to offer no words of comfort. All Peter could do was nod before leading the way out of his King's chambers so James could follow.

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"Oh Vernon! Isn't this all just too splendid!" Petunia exclaimed as her eyes lingered on all the expensive paintings lining the walls of the Grand Hall of their King's palace.

"But of course my dear, only the best is to be expected from our King." Petunia smiled as she watched her husband nod in recognition to fellow members of high society. She couldn't help but feel pride in the man before her. Her mind thought back to her foolish sister who had obviously always had it wrong. Truly this was the only way to live. She continued to walk further in the room noting how people did nothing but stand and chat politely while they waited for their King. Everyone dressed lavishly, for a noble's appearance should always be up to date with whatever styles had been set. Petunia beamed as she glanced down at her own light blue dress. How she had become so lucky was beyond her, but she knew somehow that she deserved this life. She quickly waved to a fellow Lady in the court, her grin becoming brighter. She was going to make the most of this life, and with Vernon by her side it seemed all the more possible.

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"Well there you are Woods, Sirius and I were just wondering where you were." Remus called out as Lily made her way into the Hall. She hadn't meant to take so long getting ready, she just honestly couldn't think of anything to wear. It felt like such a womanly thing to fret over, but she couldn't help the nervousness concerning this evening. She had never before dined with the King's court before, this had always been more her sister's style. In the end she opted for her simple Soldier's uniform, it just seemed right.

"I must say Woods…you do make that uniform look stylish." Sirius commented with a lazy smirk followed by a wink Lily hoped only she had noticed.

"Why thank you Lord Black." She tried to sound as manly as possible, not like the nervous wreck she really felt like.

"Oh Sirius, do be nice to the poor boy." Remus responded immediately, though Lily couldn't help but notice that hint of a smile forcing itself one Remus' face as well. Sirius shrugged his shoulders in an unapologetic fashion before fixing his gaze around the room. Lily noted the few Ladies of the court giggling softly as Sirius glanced their way. "Well now, since it seems most of the guests have arrived I say we go up and take our seats. I'm sure the King won't mind if we go ahead and just start feeding ourselves." Remus remarked cheerfully. Sirius slung an arm around Lily's shoulder as the two trailed behind a very fast moving Remus.

"Well don't mind him; he's just in a hurry to get tonight over with." Lily glanced up, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"Does Lord Lupin not enjoy such festivities?" Sirius let out a loud snort catching not only Remus' attention, but the attention of many guests around as well.

"No, our dear Remus here just happens to have a date with a very dear lady friend tonight. Isn't that right Remy boy." Remus could only roll his eyes earning himself a small chuckle from both Sirius and Lily.

"I have you know I just happen to be very hungry." Sirius nodded casually, a devilish smirk plastered on his face.

"But of course you are, if by hungry you mean thirsting for such perfect breasts and curvy figure of one Lady Tonks." Remus opened his mouth as if to retort but was forced to shut it quickly as Peter quickly strolled into the Hall followed closely by James Potter himself. "I must say," Sirius began muttering softly, "I honestly believed for a moment the bloke wouldn't show." Remus smirked in a way that led Lily to believe she was missing out on a very funny joke.

"Why would our Lord not wish to show up to his own banquet?" Lily asked curiously. Remus and Sirius both glanced to each other in amusement before facing Lily.

"Do you see the old man in the back corner, the one who almost steps on his ridiculously long beard every time her moves?" Sirius asked before pointing Dumbledore out who appeared to be in deep conversation with someone oddly familiar. Upon closer inspection, and much to Lily's utmost regret she identified the culprit as the very Vernon Dursley, he brother-in-law.

"Yes…but what about him?" Lily tried to hide fear behind her voice as her mind raced over the consequences of him being here. If Vernon was here then surly her sister would be as well. Lily felt stupid for not knowing better.

"Well that old git has just informed our young King that he is to be married within one year. Unfortunately James' has had to of realized that word has gotten out to almost all the unmarried Ladies in the court and it won't take long before they start flocking out young King in hopes of catching his eye." Sirius responded with a hint of bitterness to his voice.

"But if he's King…can't he just…refuse?" Lily asked with surprise, it seemed odd for a King to be forced into everything. Remus glanced over towards James quickly before thinking of an easy way to explain this.

"Unfortunately being King isn't that simple. It is because he is King that this decision has been made for him in such a rush. See…each Kingdom still reports to a higher council meant to keep peace between each nation. However…to go against the council could cause your Kingdom to now be at war with the very council meant to bring peace. In reality though…when you're at war with the council it's not just the council you are going to war against…but with every nation united with it. So I'm sure you can see why James can not simply…walk away from this demand." For the first time in Lily's life she found herself pitying her King.

"You know…I'm betting he leaves after an hour." Remus remarked casually.

"Five gold coins say he doesn't laugh thirty minutes." Sirius challenged with the same casual tone.

"Now Sirius, does our friend's discomfort mean so little to you?" Remus shook his head almost in disappointment. Sirius however was not fooled.

"Right, then I change my bet to twenty gold coins." Remus smirked before sticking out his hand in which Sirius eagerly shook it.

"And I am standing by my decision of one hour. If he lasts anymore then an hour and a half then we shall call it a draw." A barking laugh could be heard clear across the room as Sirius agreed to his friend's last demand to seal the deal. Lily could only shake her head in amusement. From the uncomfortable look on her King's face she found her self almost placing a bet giving him only twenty minutes before quickly thinking better of it.

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"My Lord…the rat has just sent word." Severus exclaimed before kneeling on one knee before his Master. Voldemort looked down at the man with disdain.

"Something more promising then last night's report I should hope." Voldemort replied coldly.

"It is of their General by the name of Remus Lupin."

"Well get on with it." Severus had to stop the wave of fear that immediately hit him just from the impatience found in his Master's voice.

"He will be on his own with only a few foot soldiers for defense my Lord. He will be leaving by carriage to an estate just on the outskirts of the city my Lord."

"And when will this be taking place?"

"Shortly before the banquet ends My Lord." Voldemort smirked coldly as he let a small spark emit from his fingertips. It was time to show these fools just exactly what they were dealing with.

"Severus…I think it's time we sent out the wolves." Severus nodded before standing up.

"It will be done My Lord." Severus began to leave but was stopped at the sound of Voldemort's chilling voice.

"Make sure Fenrir Greyback leads the attack." Again Severus nodded before continuing on before Voldemort had the chance to request anything else.

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Lily watched silently as she watched countless couples rise to dance. Remus had left minutes ago to meet someone who had been too sick to come out this evening and with Sirius off to socialize and flirt it left Lily alone to concentrate on what really mattered to her. She had long since lost track of Vernon and she had yet to spot Petunia. Seeing them she could handle, but not knowing where they stood at all completely disturbed the young woman. How was she to avoid them if she didn't even know where they were?

"I never did thank you properly." Lily glanced over to see her King sitting where Sirius had sat only minutes ago.

"It was my honor." Lily replied quickly, it felt like a lie even to her own ears. Still, she was in no mood to socialize, she had bigger problems to worry about. James didn't once look at her, his gaze too focused on the guests below him.

"I see Remus has already made his escape." He commented in a bored manner. Lily nodded silently, her eyes continuously scanning the Grand Hall for any sign of trouble. The young boy's silence seemed odd to James causing the King to finally take a look and glance at the boy who had saved his life. He definitely did not look suitable for fighting. He was too scrawny, like he hadn't had a decent meal in years. Still, James was never one to argue again his friend's judgment, he could only trust. After all, hadn't this boy already proven himself capable of something?

"Well…again….thank you." Lily glanced over to reply but James was already making his escape towards the floor where his guests were still dancing.

"So you're the charming young lad who saved our King's life!" Lily winced at the familiarity of the voice.

"No…you have the wrong lad." Lily replied with the manliest voice she had ever managed. She dared not turn around, she wasn't ready to test he luck with Petunia just yet.

"Oh don't sound so modest, of course you are. The whole Kingdom has been talking of you." Lily closed her eyes hoping that silence would by some miracle make her sister leave. A small giggle left Lily quickly realizing this would not happen.

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Across the room Peter waltzed with the most beautiful woman he had ever met. Maria gazed back at him lovingly making Peter feel like the luckiest man in the room. Maria didn't need to hear that to know that's how he felt about her, it was the way he looked at her and held her close that spoke volumes. She felt a small kick that seemed to agree with her thoughts about the man before her. Peter faltered as the smile on Maria's face soon turned to a look of pain that covered her features immediately.

"Maria…what's wrong?" He asked quickly, his arms holding tightly around her as she began to fall to the floor.

"The baby…it's coming." Peter's eyes widened in fear at his wife's words…this would make her two months early.

"James…Sirius! Get over here quick!" He shouted loudly, he was unable to keep the fear out of his eyes. Both the King and his best friend seemed to be by his side instantaneously as his wife gazed back in fear. Sirius looked up to any soldier near by that could assist immediately. His eyes landed on a very uncomfortable looking Jack Woods before calling out for more help.

"Woods! Get over here now!"

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Lily frowned at the persistence of her sister who still babbled on loudly from behind. She only hoped that Petunia would get bored and leave…very soon. Luck seemed to be on her side however when the loud voice of Sirius Black could be heard calling her name.

"Woods! Get over here now!" Sirius called while kneeling before a very pregnant blonde who Lily could only assume was Lord Pettigrew's wife. Lily quickly turned, their eyes meeting for only a moment.

"I apologize, but I must take my leave now." Petunia nodded numbly as she watched the soldier leave, the boy with her sister's same emerald green eyes. She watched him leave with speed Lily didn't even think herself capable as she made her way to the center of the room.

"Woods, help Peter get his wife to the carriage immediately, you will accompany them to the doctor." Lily nodded while glancing to the woman before her.

"What's wrong with her?" Sirius smirked before clapping a hand on Peter's back.

"Petey here is going to be a daddy." He responded as dramatically as possible.

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Remus glanced nervously towards the blonde soldier before him as he felt the carriage stop immediately followed shortly by a loud howl in the distance. The young General cast a quick glance out the window only to be met with a large amount of fog.

"My Lord, stay in the carriage!" A loud voice commanded followed by the sounds of screaming mixed with howlish laugher.

"Come out come out wherever you are." A new voice taunted in the distance. Remus looked quickly towards the soldier across from him.

"We need to get this carriage moving…NOW!"

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Lily watched as Peter nervously paced outside the room his wife was now being held. Sirius and James leaned lazily against the wall closest to the room's door; they had arrived only moments after Peter. No one said a word, only waited. Lily listened as a horse galloped urgently towards the group's location. It was odd to hear anybody out this late.

"Lord Potter! Lord Potter!" A voice called out frantically before letting the door fly open. His tattered uniform was covered with mud and fresh blood gathering the group's fullest attention.

"What is it?" James asked quickly, his calm composure seeming to diminish slightly at the sight of the soldier before him.

"It's Lord Remus…there was an attack."

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Yes I know…I'm going to get some hate for ending this chapter the way I did, but I hope to have the next one out relatively soon.