Marauding Ever After

by MariKenobi

Chapter 25: Flashing Forward

I don't own anything. And I don't have anything.

Remus paced in the cheery waiting room; raising an eyebrow Colin's way every once in a while. Colin simply worked on his lesson plans, might as well make good use of the time.

"He's a very busy man, Remus. I would think you of all people would understand and wait calmly."

"I know Colin, but the longer this takes…" He ran his fingers through his hair. "Dora is going to be really upset."

"Quite I suppose. I shall clearly avoid her for the time being."

"Could you at least show me the rest of the party documents? I need to keep myself busy while we wait."

Colin handed some papers over. "Sheesh, you'd think you didn't want to do this."

"I do. I do, but you have to remember that I was in the middle of something very important."

Colin began giggling. Remus was about to reply but at that moment the door finally opened and both men were ushered into the office.

James let go of his wife. "I asked for permission –and it was granted of course – to show you Snape one last time."

"Forever?"

He shook his head. "No. Not forever, but it will be for a long time. And don't ask how long either. I don't know. However long it takes."

"So… are you taking me someplace to see him?" Her eyes opened hugely.

"No." He smiled at her. "I don't have that much influence over Death. I'm allowed to show you where he is."

She nodded.

"Here we go." James sat down next to her and a window opened up in front of them showing them Snape, who was sitting down with his eyes closed.

"Is that it?" Lily sounded surprised.

"It's what he's doing right now. Let's wait and see."

Colin was quite giddy as he exited alongside Remus. "That was so cool. I can't believe I was talking to Merlin!"

Remus didn't look up from all the papers he was glancing over as he walked. "Yes."

"Yes what? You should be more excited! That was Merlin! Also you got what you wanted."

"I'm delighted by the news, but it means more work." Remus gave Colin a few documents. "It has to be next week… or in 10 months, and I really don't want to wait that long."

"Oh I agree. The longer we wait; she could do something to me. I'm sure she's planning something."

Remus inclined his head. "Colin, I'm sure my wife has better things to do than plan something horrible to do to you."

Lily touched the window and slowly wept.

"I often wished I could pinpoint the moment it all changed. Was there a moment? Were you rotten all along and I didn't see it?

No.

There was good in you. I know that. If not, we would have never become friends. Had we been the only two in the world it would have been great.

But of course it wasn't meant to be. You couldn't take the pressure. I know you cared for me, but it wasn't enough. You said you loved me, and you might have. The problem was that it didn't go beyond that. You hated all that my life stood for.

Silly me always thought you might change, maybe you'd grow out of it. My life went on and I was happy, however a part of me was dead because of you.

Never would have imagined that you – my childhood best friend – had a part to do with my death.

Oh I know that you never meant for me to die, just my husband and child. I was to be your prize. That's how little you really knew me… thinking that I wouldn't die as well, even if I had lived. They were my life.

Of course you didn't get what you wanted. I died and Harry lived.

You might have joined the good side but you were never brave enough to be the better person. You might have kept my son alive, but at what cost? Your hatred for the man I love transferred to his son – my son. You could have guided him, you could have told him about me, you could have been honest, but all you did was treat him horribly. How different everything would have been if you had treated him like a man and shared with him what he needed to know.

I will always have fond memories of our friendship… I can even forgive you for your part in my death… I don't think I can forgive you for what you did to my son.

At least not now.

I really hope you find the inner peace that you need. Good bye Severus…

…until we meet again."

Lily stood up, walked over to her husband, and hugged him. "I think I need to lay down for a bit." James kissed her forehead and stood still as she entered the house making her way to the bedroom.

He waited a moment and turned to the window. He knew Snape was fighting back tears. This was the part he couldn't tell Lily. It was a special window. Snape heard everything. He could have chosen to speak, but clearly he had his reasons. "I told you it would be difficult."

"Thank you, James." Dumbledore entered the frame. "I truly believe that Severus is up to the challenge."

James nodded and the window closed. He ran a hand through his hair and sat down.

"Oh Harry. Show me that everything will turn out well for you." And just like that a new window popped open.

Harry sat on the floor, a small child next to him. They were putting the finishing touches on a baby crib.

"Why did I insist on doing this by myself? I could have just bought one already assembled."

The child smiled. "Grammy offered you my old one too!"

"Don't remind me, Teddy."

"I heard Ron and George say that Ginny has betwitched you to do her bidding? Or something like that. What's that mean?"

Harry smiled. "Bewitched. It means that she gets me to do whatever she wants."

"She does. All the time. Because you looooooooooooooove her." Teddy teased him.

"Yes. Good thing she loves me back."

"Is that why you are having a baby? Are you happy?"

Harry smiled. "Yes."

James smiled. A grandchild! And with Ginny too. Redheads for the win.

"Are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely Colin." Remus and Colin were walking up the path to Potterland.

"Sirius is going to be upset."

"He'll get over it. Plus I can always find something for him to do."

"If you say so. I just don't want any more Black family members upset at me." Colin smiled nervously at his friend.

"She'll get over it as well."

"Lupin!" Moody growled. "Why did you want me to meet you here?"

"Follow us inside and I will tell you."

A while later, they were all settled in the Potter's living room. They had noticed that Lily was a bit sad, but they knew her well enough not to comment. Regulus had just joined them and immediately wanted to share his news. "Dobby has arranged a tournament featuring many sports, including Quidditch. He's gathering as many athletes as possible, and of course, the students will be front and center. Death is quite excited over it."

"Excellent." James squealed. "I'm playing of course."

"Great idea, Colin." Lily said.

"Thank you," Colin beamed.

"He's a phenomenal assistant at school and our little project is happening partly because of him. I couldn't do it without him."

"Which is why she's going to hurt me." Colin grimaced.

"Oh silly boy," Lily tapped him lightly on his shoulder, "she's going to be so happy that she'll forget any pain she might wish upon you."

"Wouldn't be so sure about that…" Moody muttered pretending he didn't want to be there.

"So?" Remus glanced at all of them, "May I count on all of you?"

Later on Lily lay back on her bed. It felt lonely without James. She didn't know how but somehow he had gotten over his issues with Severus. Something had happened and she wasn't privy to it. She was still so angry at Severus. She had expected better from him. As if something or someone knew she needed it, a window opened up by her bed.

"What do you think Ginny?" Harry held his very pregnant wife's hand.

"I will admit, not my first choice, but I know it means a lot to you. Besides Al is not a bad name for him." She snuggled up him.

"Albus Severus Potter. The name does have a nice ring to it. Plus it fits with James Sirius."

"A lot better than Dobby Hedwig; I was a bit afraid of that one."

"Oh," Harry kissed her forehead, "that will be for our 3rd boy."

"The next one better be a girl."

Lily wiped her tears away. Harry had grown into the most wonderful man. If he could forgive Severus, why couldn't she?